Friday, August 31, 2012

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Tailgate Sandwich Ring







Enjoy this recipe from Harvest Kitchen Cookbook (M784).


Ingredients


  • 2 11-oz. tubes refrigerated French bread dough
  • 1/2 lb. bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
  • 3/4 c. mayonnaise
  • 1 T. green onion, chopped
  • 1/2 lb. deli sliced turkey
  • 1/2 lb. deli sliced ham
  • 1/2 lb. sliced provolone cheese
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 c. lettuce, chopped


Directions

Spray a Bundt pan with non-stick vegetable spray. Place both tubes of dough into pan, seam-side up, joining ends together to form one large ring. Pinch edges to seal tightly. Lightly spray top of dough with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden. Carefully turn out; cool completely. Combine bacon, mayonnaise and onion; mix well. Slice bread horizontally. Spread half the bacon mixture over bottom half of bread. Top with turkey, ham and provolone. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts. Top with tomatoes and lettuce. Spread remaining bacon mixture on top half; place over lettuce. Slice into wedges. Serves 8.





Continue reading Tailgate Sandwich Ring
, , ,

Candy Bar Brownies






Ingredients

18-1/ 4 oz. pkg. German chocolate cake mix
3/ 4 c. butter, melted
2/ 3 c. sweetened condensed milk
5 2-oz. chocolate-covered caramel nougat candy bars, thinly sliced


Directions

In a bowl, combine dry cake mix, butter and condensed milk. Press half of batter into a greased 13" x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven; arrange candy bar slices Press remaining batter over candy bar layer. Return to oven; bake an additional 20 minutes. Cool; cut into squares. Makes 16 to 20.






Patch, Gooseberry (2012-05-07). Circle of Friends Cookbook 25 Brownie & Bar Recipes (Kindle Locations 41-42). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.


Continue reading Candy Bar Brownies
,

Honey Lemon Carrots







Ingredients

1 lb carrots, peeled, thinly sliced into coins
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, grated
2 Tablespoons butter


Directions

Place carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover saucepan and steam 7-8 min or until carrots are tender. Transfer carrots to a bowl. Toss with remaining ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste.




Servings: 4
Prep Time: 3 min
Cook Time: 8 min


http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/honey_lemon_carrots/

Continue reading Honey Lemon Carrots

Thursday, August 30, 2012

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Margarita Cupcakes

Margarita Cupcakes Recipe from Betty Crocker:










Cupcakes


  • 1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® lemon cake mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup gold tequila or water
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 box (4-serving size) lime-flavored gelatin



Frosting


  • 2 containers (12 oz each) Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
  • 1 teaspoon electric green gel food color



Decoration


  • 1/4 cup coarse white sugar or white decorator sugar crystals
  • 24 thin lime slices (about 3 limes)
  • 24 cocktail umbrellas




Directions


1.Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

2.In large bowl, beat all cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

3.Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 Minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely.

4.In medium bowl, mix frosting and food color until blended. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle sugar on small plate; roll edges of cupcakes in sugar. Cut small slit in lime slices; twist and place on cupcakes. Poke 1 umbrella into each cupcake. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.






http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/margarita-cupcakes/5d5a63ff-87ce-4444-9f48-c7d3ef4f1f40?nicam4=SocialMedia&nichn4=Facebook&niseg4=BettyCrocker&creativeID4=Post

Continue reading Margarita Cupcakes
, ,

Strawberries and Cream Cake






PREP TIME
15 Min

TOTAL TIME
1 Hr 35 Min

SERVINGS
15

Ingredients

  • 1box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup strawberry syrup
  • 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 cups fresh whole strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Lime peel twists



Directions 


1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour.

2. In large bowl, beat cake mix, half-and-half, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes. Poke cake every inch with tines of meat fork or a table knife. Pour syrup slowly over cake, allowing syrup to fill holes in cake. Cool completely, about 35 minutes longer.

4. Spread whipped topping over cake. In medium bowl, gently mix strawberries, jam and sugar. Top each serving with strawberry mixture; garnish with lime peel twist. Store covered cake and strawberry mixture separately in refrigerator.



http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/strawberries-n-cream-cake/1f5684ab-7bf4-42f7-9db5-0d94f170218b?sc=Birthday%20Cake%20Recipes&term=Birthday-Cakes&itemId=aad376c0-d7d5-44a6-b393-8669b73a3c37


Continue reading Strawberries and Cream Cake
, ,

Apple Brownies




Gooseberry Patch

Patch, Gooseberry (2012-05-07). Circle of Friends Cookbook 25 Brownie & Bar Recipes (Kindle Locations 21-24). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition. 




Ingredients:

  • 1/ 2 c. butter, softened 
  • 1 c. sugar 
  • 1 t. vanilla extract 
  • 1 egg, beaten 
  • 1-1/ 2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/ 2 t. baking soda
  • 1/ 2 t. baking powder 
  • 1/ 2 t. nutmeg 
  • 1 c. apples, peeled, cored and chopped 
  • 1/ 2 c. chopped nuts 



In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy; stir in vanilla and egg. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking baking powder and nutmeg. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix thoroughly. Fold in apples and nuts. Spread batter in a greased 9" x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Makes one dozen.


This is a free download on Kindle

Continue reading Apple Brownies

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

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Mississippi Mud Brownies










Ingredients



  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1 (4-oz.) unsweetened chocolate baking bar, chopped
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows


Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar and eggs until well blended. Stir in flour. Spread batter into a greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Sprinkle warm brownies with toasted pecans and marshmallows.
4. Prepare Chocolate Frosting. Pour over pecans and marshmallows; spread to edges. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Cut into squares.


FROSTING



Ingredients



  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup milk 
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Cook first 3 ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan, stirring constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until butter melts. Remove from heat, and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.




http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mississippi-mud-brownies-50400000111522/

Continue reading Mississippi Mud Brownies

Monday, August 27, 2012

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Breakfast Casserole







Makes: 12-18 servings

Ingredients:


  • 1/2 – 1 pound sausage
  • 1 package crescent rolls
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 Tsp oregano or rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper



Directions:


  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Break up the sausage as it cooks, letting it brown completely.
  3. Unroll the crescent rolls and spread them out in the bottom of a 9×13 pan, pressing the seams together to make one large sheet of dough.
  4. Spread the sausage over the dough.
  5. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sausage.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, oregano or rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the eggs are set.





http://www.branappetit.com/2011/11/16/breakfast-casserole-blog-for-a-cause/
Continue reading Breakfast Casserole
,

Pig Pickin' Cake








Cake:

18 oz. yellow cake mix
11 oz. can mandarin oranges with juice
4 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans. In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, mandarin oranges with juice, eggs and oil. Beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer. Pour into pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Turn out of pans and finish cooling on racks.


Topping:

9 oz carton Cool Whip, thawed
8 oz can crushed pineapple with juice
3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained for garnish

In a mixing bowl fold together Cool Whip, pineapple with juice and vanilla pudding. Fill and frost cake.




http://goddessesofgourmet.blogspot.com/2009/06/pig-pickin-cake.html
Continue reading Pig Pickin' Cake

Saturday, August 25, 2012

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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake







Ingredients

1/4 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
9 slices pineapple in juice (from 14-oz can), drained
9 maraschino cherries without stems, if desired
1 1/3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 egg


Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. In 9-inch square pan, melt butter in oven. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter. Arrange pineapple slices over brown sugar. Place cherry in center of each pineapple slice.

In medium bowl, beat remaining ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour batter over pineapple and cherries.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake a few minutes so brown sugar mixture can drizzle over cake; remove pan. Serve warm. Store cake loosely covered.


http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pineapple-upside-down-cake/a1c9a639-0748-4f2c-89f5-fd33cf138986

Continue reading Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
, ,

Lemon Champagne Celebration Cupcakes





Cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dry champagne
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel


Filling

1/4 cup lemon curd (from 10-oz jar)
1 tablespoon sour cream


Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil. Spray with cooking spray.

Make cake batter as directed on box, using cake mix, water, champagne, oil and eggs. Stir 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel into batter. Pour into pan.

Bake 17 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not remove cake from pan. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Place pan of cake in freezer. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

In small bowl, mix lemon curd and sour cream until well blended. Set aside.

To assemble cupcakes, remove cake from freezer; using foil, lift cake from pan. Using 2 1/4-inch round biscuit cutter, cut 24 rounds from cake. Place 12 rounds top side down. Spread each with about 1 teaspoon lemon curd filling. Top with remaining cake rounds, top side up.

In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, melted butter and lemon juice until well blended. Spoon about 1 tablespoon icing over each cake, allowing icing to run down sides of cake.

To serve, place each cake in decorative cupcake liner, and garnish with lemon peel curls, if desired.



http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/lemon-champagne-celebration-cupcakes/b31ccfd3-f47a-439f-bc25-33ebdeabbeb5
Continue reading Lemon Champagne Celebration Cupcakes

Friday, August 24, 2012

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Spiced Pumpkin Bars








Enjoy this recipe from Recipes for Warming Hearts (M216).

3 eggs, beaten
15-oz. can pumpkin
1 c. sugar
12-oz. can evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. ground cloves
18-1/4 oz. pkg. spice cake mix
3/4 c. butter, thinly sliced
1 c. chopped pecans
Optional: 16-oz. can cream cheese frosting


In a large bowl, beat eggs and pumpkin together. Blend in sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla and spices. Pour into a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over top of batter. Dot with butter slices, making sure to place some in corners of pan. Sprinkle pecans over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Cool; frost, if desired, and cut into bars. Makes 12 to 16 servings.



Continue reading Spiced Pumpkin Bars
,

Candy Apple Pie

Candy Apple Pie



Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1 cup chopped pecans



Apple Filling:

5 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced very thin)
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Topping:
8 oz. cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
Topping:
3/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup chopped pecans



1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, cinnamon and melted butter. Mix well and press into a 10-inch pie plate and up the sides. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until golden in color. Remove pie shell from oven and cool completely. Pour caramel into pie shell and sprinkle with 1 cup of chopped pecans. Refrigerate pie shell while making apple filling.

3. In a large (12-inch) skilet over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir with a wooden spoon. Add apples and stir. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes until apples are softened and tender. Let cool for 10 minutes and pour into pie shell. Reduce oven to 350 degrees F.

4. In a medium bowl, using a hand-held mixer on low speed, combine cream cheese and sugar for about 1 minute until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla and beat for 1 minute or until fully blended. Pour over apple filling in pie shell. Bake for 30 minutes until an inserted knife comes out clean. Remove pie from oven and let cool. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Let stand outside the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Top with whipped cream, caramel and pecans, and swirl with a knife. Slice and serve.



http://www.thekitchn.com/-best-pie-bakeoff-2008-entry-1-10-69632
Continue reading Candy Apple Pie

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes








Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes
Enjoy this recipe from Comfort Foods (M819).




2 T. all-purpose flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
4 c. potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2/3 c. sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 T. butter, sliced
1-1/2 c. milk
Garnish: paprika


Mix together flour, salt and pepper; set aside. In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, layer half each of potatoes, onion, flour mixture and butter. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onion, flour mixture and butter. Set aside. Heat milk just to boiling and pour over top; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Serves 8.


Continue reading Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes
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Warm Apple Cake and Caramel Sauce










Warm Apple Cake & Caramel Sauce
Enjoy this recipe from Comfort Foods (M819)




1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 egg, beaten
2 c. apples, cored, peeled, and shredded
1/4 c. chopped walnuts


Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Mix together egg and apples; add to flour mixture. Stir in walnuts. Spread in a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm, drizzled with Caramel Sauce. Makes 9 servings.

Caramel Sauce:
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/8 t. salt
1 c. water
1 T. butter
1/4 t. vanilla extract

Combine brown sugar, flour and salt in a small saucepan. Gradually add water; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for one to 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.







Continue reading Warm Apple Cake and Caramel Sauce

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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BLT Wraps









Ingredients:


  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 16 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper



Directions:


Combine mayonnaise and tomatoes in a small bowl. Spread evenly over 1 side of each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Layer lettuce, onions, and bacon evenly over tortillas; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roll up tortillas; cut in half diagonally, and secure with wooden pick.




Continue reading BLT Wraps
,

Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup







Ingredients:


  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, washed but NOT peeled. Diced into 1/2 inch(ish) cubes
  • 1 medium/large yellow onion, diced
  • 10 cloves of garlic, minced (if you use jarred, it's a 5 teaspoon equivalent)
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) chicken stock or broth
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (I use low fat)
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (I use Aunt Cora's Soulful Seasoning)
  • optional garnishes: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, green onions




Directions:


  1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, and chicken stock to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours.
  3. Add the softened cream cheese and puree soup with an immersion blender until the cheese is incorporated and about half the soup is blended. (Alternately you could remove half the soup and the cream cheese to an upright blender, then re-incorporate).
  4. Stir well, top with your choice of garnishes & enjoy!


Yields about 10-12 servings.






For more great recipe ideas:






Continue reading Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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Pizza Casserole




Ingredients:

1 bag of Egg Noodles
1 extra large can of Ragu sauce {or any tamato sauce you prefer}
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese {or more depending on how much you ♥ cheese!}
1 1/2 lbs hamburger meat
1 package pepperonis

Brown the meat, & drain 

And boil noodles until soft. Drain.

Don't forget to preheat the oven @ 350

Now the layering starts!

You need a 9x13 baking dish

  1.  layer quarter of the sauce
  2.  layer, half of the noodles
  3.  layer half of the meat
  4.  layer half the sauce
  5.  layer rest of the noodles
  6.  layer half of the cheese
  7.  layer rest of the meat
  8.  layer rest of the sauce
  9.  layer rest of the cheese
  10.  Top with pepperonis 

Now cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook an additional 15 min.
Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

You can also add any other ingredient that you may like.




Continue reading Pizza Casserole

Sunday, August 19, 2012

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Lavender Shortbread Cookies






Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lavender
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon zest. Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt; mix into the batter until well blended. Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap and flatten to about 1inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, about 1hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Cookie stamps will work well on these too. Place on cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, just until cookies begin to brown at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Amount Per Serving Calories: 186 | Total Fat: 11.6g | Cholesterol: 31mg



Original Recipe Here
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lavender-shortbread-cookies/detail.aspx

Continue reading Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Fluffiest Pancakes Ever—in 8 Easy Steps

Fluffiest Pancakes Ever—in 8 Easy Steps | Back To School - Yahoo! Shine:

'via Blog this'


Soufflé Pancakes (adapted from Clayton Miller)

Makes 6-8 substantial pancakes

5 ½ cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 whole eggs
2 eggs yolks
3 egg whites


Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.

Combine milk, whole eggs, and egg yolks and whisk together in medium mixing bowl. Slowly stir into dry ingredients to prevent lumps. Do not over mix (this makes the pancakes tough).

Whisk egg whites to medium peak. Fold gently into batter. Do not over mix.

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a six-inch non-stick frying pan on medium. Swirl to coat sides. Butter should be golden and bubbling, but not brown or smoking. Pour one cup of batter into pan. You can add more or less depending on how thick you want the pancake. It will puff up so don't fill pan more than ¾ of the way up the sides. Cook on the stovetop for one minute then place in the oven for 3 minutes. Flip pancake and place back into oven for approximately two more minutes or until cooked through. Add more butter as necessary to coat pan and repeat. Serve with maple syrup, sliced fruit, whipped cream and syrup or caramel banana sauce.

Easy Caramel Banana Sauce (adapted from Clayton Miller)

Enough for 2-4 pancakes

1 banana, mashed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Slowly brown the butter on a low heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Continue reading Fluffiest Pancakes Ever—in 8 Easy Steps

Thursday, August 16, 2012

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Brisket Quesadillas with Mango Barbecue Sauce


Tacos or quesadillas loaded with sliced brisket, brie, monterrey Jack, and topped with a mango barbecue sauce.

Ingredients


Brisket

3 lb brisket
Salt
Ground black pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz Dublin Dr. Pepper (made with real sugar)



Mango Barbecue Sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 3/4 – 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp Creole (spicy brown) mustard
Salt
Pepper
1/4 cup mango chutney (1/4 cup homemade or purchased)



Quesadillas

8 8-in flour tortillas
8 oz brie, thinly sliced
1 cup monterrey jack, 
shredded
olive oil or cooking spray, 
to brush tortillas
cilantro, 
for garnish (optional)
Instructions



To make the brisket: 

Rub the meat with salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic.
Place brisket in the crockpot and pour the Dr. Pepper over the top.
Cook on low for 8 hours.
Remove from the crockpot and let rest for 15 minutes.
Slice against the grain (1/8-1/4 inch thick).



To make the barbecue sauce: 

Heat olive oil in a 2-qt sauce pan.
Saute onions for 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a blender or food processor and run until smooth.



To assemble the quesadillas:

Heat a griddle or large pan over medium-high.
Lay out the tortillas. 
Divide the meat, brie, and monterrey jack between the tortillas, placing the meat and cheese on half of the tortilla.
Top with a spoonful or two of barbecue sauce and fold the other half over.
Place on the heated grill (brushing the tortilla with oil or cooking spray will prevent sticking).
Cook until the bottom is crisp and flip over.
Remove from heat and cut into 2-3 wedges. 
Serve with extra barbecue sauce.


Yields: 8 servings
Continue reading Brisket Quesadillas with Mango Barbecue Sauce
,

Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches in the Crock Pot




Ingredients:

Servings: 4-6

1 -2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (18 ounce) jar of your favorite barbecue sauce (I love K.C. Masterpiece!)
1 medium sweet onion,
 sliced 4 -6 hamburger buns

Directions: 

1. Remove all visible fat from the chicken and toss it in the crock pot.
2. Place the onion slices on top of the chicken.
3. Pour the barbecue sauce over top.
4. You may not need the entire jar, just enough to cover the chicken.
5. Cook it on LOW for 8 hours or until the chicken is nice and tender.
6. Shred the chicken with a fork and knife; scoop the mixture onto the bottom buns and top it with the top buns.
7. Or, if you're like my dad, you might prefer leaving the breasts whole and eating it that way.
8. Voila!
9. An easy weeknight meal that doesn't heat up your kitchen in the summertime!
10. I love this with potato chips and a carrot and raisin salad.

Found this recipe on www.food.com




Continue reading Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches in the Crock Pot

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Crockpot Chicken Tacos




Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Serves: ~12 people

1 envelope Taco Seasoning (I use Old El Paso Reduced Sodium)
6 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 16-ounce jar Salsa (I switch between brands, but Newman's Own is my favorite)

Dump everything into a crock pot and give it a little stir to blend the seasoning with the salsa. You do not need to add any water to the taco seasoning. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. When done, the chicken should shred easily when stirred with a fork.

For tacos, serve the chicken with soft flour tortillas, guacamole, lettuce, shredded cheese and/or sour cream. This is very versatile and can be used for enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, quesadillas, etc.
Continue reading Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

SMART SCHOOL TIME RECIPES: The Breakfast, Snack, and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults




Free Today for Kindle!


This e-cookbook was created to encourage whole foods living for families, while offering ample alternatives to prepackaged meals and snacks.

Within you will discover 125 healthy recipes and over 100 full color photos for quick breakfasts, on-the-go snacks, and portable lunch items. And of course, the recipes are kid-friendly (and adult-friendly!), easy, and delicious. The chapters include:

Morning Muffin Mania
Sensational Smoothies
Easy Freezin’ Waffles, Pancakes, and French Toast
More Smart Starts
Dips, Fillings, and Spreads
Soups and Stews
Salad-Style
More Lunchbox Love
Sweet Snackin’
Craving Cookies
Essential Extras

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Continue reading SMART SCHOOL TIME RECIPES: The Breakfast, Snack, and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults

Monday, August 6, 2012

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Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing




Yield: 4-6 small servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
For the Dressing
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
2 teaspoons finely grated Vidalia onion
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Salad
5 ounces (about 4 cups) baby arugula
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, poppy seeds, onion, vinegars and oil. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. In a medium bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, goat cheese and almonds. Toss with desired amount of dressing to coat and serve immediately.


Notes:
- Refrigerate unused dressing for up to 3 days.
Continue reading Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
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Chocolate Cheesecake Waffle Pie





Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Bake Time: 14 minutes
Yields: 4 waffles (1 Waffle Pie)

Ingredients:

Waffle

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
tbsp coffee grinds
pinch salt
1/2 box yellow cake mix
(or 1/2 your fave YC mix recipe)

Oreo Pie Crust

Whipped Chocolate Icing

2 handfuls semi-sweet chocolate chips
(1/2 chopped)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners sugar
tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder


Directions:
Mix sugar and cream cheese until smooth and creamy
Add eggs one at a time
mix coffee grinds, water, vanilla extract, and salt in a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Use a strainer to remove grinds and add to cream cheese mix
Slowly add in cake mix until mixed well
Add melted chocolate until mixed well
Spray the waffle iron
Fill the waffle iron, close, and let cook for 3 1/2 minutes on medium
Prepare the icing by whipping all ingredients together (with chopped chocolate, save other half for garnish) until you get stiff peaks
Stack the waffles in the oreo cookie pie crust putting a layer of whipped icing in between each waffle.
Spread icing around sides, fill in the gap with more icing, and add a little on top
Let set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving

Continue reading Chocolate Cheesecake Waffle Pie
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Brownie-Bottom Coconut Chocolate Cream Cake




Brownie:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 heaping T cocoa powder
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 cup plus 1 T flour

Coconut Cream Filling:
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 plus 4 t cornstarch
1/4 t salt
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/4 t coconut extract
1/4 t vanilla extract

Chocolate Mousse:
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
2 eggs, separated and at room temperature
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 T vanilla extract
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I used Ghirardelli 60%)
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of corn starch

Whipped Cream:
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 t vanilla

toasted coconut for garnish

For the brownie layer:
Preheat oven to 350. Melt the butter. Add the sugar and eggs and beat together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. Pour the batter into a greased 9 inch spring form pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

For the coconut cream:
While the brownie layer is cooking, combine the half and half, coconut milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a sauce pan. Cook over medium low stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Once the mixture is thickened, remove from the heat and add the vanilla, coconut extract and the untoasted flaked coconut and stir to combine. Pour this over the brownie layer. Place plastic wrap directly on the coconut cream to keep a film from forming and chill in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely cold.


For the chocolate mousse:
Melt the butter in a medium bowl set over a sauce pan of simmering water (do NOT allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water!). In a separate small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cream and vanilla and set aside. Once the butter is melted, slowly whisk in the yolk mixture. Continue whisking over the simmering water until the mixture thickens, like pudding, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Once it is thick remove it from over the water and add the chocolate, stirring to melt. Set aside. In a separate bowl beat together the egg whites, sugar and pinch of cornstarch until stiff peaks form. Whisk 1/4 cup of the stiff egg whites into the chocolate to loosen it up. Now add the rest of the egg whites, folding gently until they are completely blended into the chocolate. Pour this mousse over the cold coconut cream in the spring form pan. Place the whole thing back in the fridge and let it set completely, about 4 hours.

Finishing the cake:
Make your fresh whipped cream by beating together the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks form. Add this to the top of the cold cake and then top with toasted coconut. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the spring form pan to loosen it from the sides. Remove the sides and cut into slices

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