Monday, November 9, 2009
hey everyone its been a while
hello, i know it has been a while but i wanted to update you on my life. so far the past few months have been great i have been busy in the kitchen working on some recipes i think you would all love i will start posting soon . as for my friends i have made many b-day cakes and one wedding cake since the last time i have been on ..... once i get the pictures i will post them till then i leave you with a happy smile and a lots of love.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
hey everyone
hey everyone, I know this is not about food but I went skydiving for my b-day and wanted to share the experiance, it was the most amazing thrill. the wind in your face and then a nice glide down to the ground it was amazing the view was great. as for the rest of my day I finished it at kings island which after skydiving left a lot to be desired. anyway thanks to evryone who called me and wished me a happy b-day I love you all xoxoxoxo
Thursday, May 21, 2009
straight from the earth
Another summer favorite of mine is hummus. It is so good on some pita bread with cucumber, it gives you tons of energy and fills you up nicely with out the calories.
I found a nice recipe online for a red pepper hummus, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingrediance
1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 tablespoon tahini
1 fresh lime, juiced
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
DIRECTIONS
In a food processor or blender, mix the garbanzo beans, olive oil, red bell pepper, tahini, lime juice, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.
I found a nice recipe online for a red pepper hummus, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingrediance
1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 tablespoon tahini
1 fresh lime, juiced
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
DIRECTIONS
In a food processor or blender, mix the garbanzo beans, olive oil, red bell pepper, tahini, lime juice, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.
Sweet summer
A nice summer favorite for me is strawberry jam, whether it is on toast in the morning or with a PB&J for dinner.... It screams sweet summer goodness. Here is a recipe for strawberry jam I found from Emeril that is amazing.... it really hits the spot.
Ingreadiance:
4 pints strawberry
1 C water
5 C sugar
juice of one lemone
Directions:
In a 8 quart stock pot, add the fruit and water and simmer until the fruit is very soft. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve and bring up to a boil. Maintain at a full rolling boil until the jell point is reached. (*Also a skin will form on the surface as it cools) Remove from the heat. Skim off any impurities and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Using a funnel, pour the fruit into hot sterilized jars. Fill the jars and wipe the rims.. Seal the jars, leaving 1-inch from the top for headroom. Label the jars and store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Spread the jam between biscuits and place on a platter.
Ingreadiance:
4 pints strawberry
1 C water
5 C sugar
juice of one lemone
Directions:
In a 8 quart stock pot, add the fruit and water and simmer until the fruit is very soft. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve and bring up to a boil. Maintain at a full rolling boil until the jell point is reached. (*Also a skin will form on the surface as it cools) Remove from the heat. Skim off any impurities and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Using a funnel, pour the fruit into hot sterilized jars. Fill the jars and wipe the rims.. Seal the jars, leaving 1-inch from the top for headroom. Label the jars and store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Spread the jam between biscuits and place on a platter.
Friday, May 15, 2009
First Bus Ever
These are not the best pictures in the world but this was my first try at making a vw bus.I personally think its pretty good for my first try. I hope you like them.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Update
I have decided to make a VW bus cake for one of my friends who is taking a trip across the USA in one. I am going to send them off with a cake replicated from there bus. I hope it all works out. once I finish I will post pictures. be looking for them I hope to have this cake done by the end of the week.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
All in One
One of the easiest cookies to make is the no-bake cookie. It definitely hits the spot for many cravings.Whether it is oatmeal, peanut butter, or chocolate, you have the best of every cookie in this one.This is definitely a classic in my household. I have been making these since I was a kid, which wasn't too long ago. I hope you enjoy them.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter and oats. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter and oats. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Easy Dinner
This is probably the simplest main dish ever. Anyone can make this for dinner, it is one of my favorite ways to jazz up a meal.
Ingredients:
1 1/2C Italian bread crumbs
1/4C Parmesan cheese
1/2C heavy cream
2-3 thick cut boneless pork chops
Directions:
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Then, put the heavy cream in a separate medium bowl. Proceed to dip the pork chops in the heavy cream covering every inch of meat with cream. Then, dip the pork chop into the bread crumb mixture. Place pork chops on a metal cooling rack then place that rack on a cookie sheet. Now stick the pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20-30 min or until meat juice runs clear. Then enjoy with your favorite side dishes.Enjoy
Ingredients:
1 1/2C Italian bread crumbs
1/4C Parmesan cheese
1/2C heavy cream
2-3 thick cut boneless pork chops
Directions:
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Then, put the heavy cream in a separate medium bowl. Proceed to dip the pork chops in the heavy cream covering every inch of meat with cream. Then, dip the pork chop into the bread crumb mixture. Place pork chops on a metal cooling rack then place that rack on a cookie sheet. Now stick the pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20-30 min or until meat juice runs clear. Then enjoy with your favorite side dishes.Enjoy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Sweet Comfort
Sweet Comfort :)
This is a sweet twist to the basic homemade biscuit. I have made these at home and they are so good. Please try this recipe and let me know what you think. One more thing, this is a Paula Dean recipe. She is my northern star for southern cooking.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 heaping tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (depending on the moisture of the potatoes)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate, large bowl, mix the cooked sweet potatoes and butter. Add the flour mixture to the potato mixture and mix to make a soft dough. Then add milk, a tablespoon at a time, to the mixture and continue to cut in. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and toss lightly until the outside of the dough looks smooth. Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter (about 1-2 inch around) . Place the biscuits on a greased pan and coat there tops with melted butter. Bake for about 15 minutes. (Watch your oven: If the biscuits are browning too fast, lower the temperature.)
This is a sweet twist to the basic homemade biscuit. I have made these at home and they are so good. Please try this recipe and let me know what you think. One more thing, this is a Paula Dean recipe. She is my northern star for southern cooking.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 heaping tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (depending on the moisture of the potatoes)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate, large bowl, mix the cooked sweet potatoes and butter. Add the flour mixture to the potato mixture and mix to make a soft dough. Then add milk, a tablespoon at a time, to the mixture and continue to cut in. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and toss lightly until the outside of the dough looks smooth. Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter (about 1-2 inch around) . Place the biscuits on a greased pan and coat there tops with melted butter. Bake for about 15 minutes. (Watch your oven: If the biscuits are browning too fast, lower the temperature.)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Warm Happiness
Baklava
This is one of my favorite traditional Greek deserts. It is a sticky sweet bite of pure happiness. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingredients:
2 cups finely chopped pecans
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup cinnamon
3 cups melted butter(may need a little more)
1 pkg. filo dough
1 container honey
Directions:
Put nuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a large zip-lock bag and shake till well blended.
In a 9x13 baking pan, or glass one, greased with butter "not melted,"layer filo dough in pan 7 to 8 layers, brushing each layer well with melted butter as you go. Sprinkle nut mixture on top until covered well. Repeat this two more times. Then, end with 7 or 8 layers of the dough, still brushing each one with the melted butter as you go. Bake at 300 degrees until the filo dough on top is golden and crispy. Remove from oven, while still hot, cut through carefully in diagonal lines across pan. Pour the honey liberally all over the top. Lay paper towels over the pan and let cool COMPLETELY.
This is one of my favorite traditional Greek deserts. It is a sticky sweet bite of pure happiness. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingredients:
2 cups finely chopped pecans
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup cinnamon
3 cups melted butter(may need a little more)
1 pkg. filo dough
1 container honey
Directions:
Put nuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a large zip-lock bag and shake till well blended.
In a 9x13 baking pan, or glass one, greased with butter "not melted,"layer filo dough in pan 7 to 8 layers, brushing each layer well with melted butter as you go. Sprinkle nut mixture on top until covered well. Repeat this two more times. Then, end with 7 or 8 layers of the dough, still brushing each one with the melted butter as you go. Bake at 300 degrees until the filo dough on top is golden and crispy. Remove from oven, while still hot, cut through carefully in diagonal lines across pan. Pour the honey liberally all over the top. Lay paper towels over the pan and let cool COMPLETELY.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Simple Decadence
This is a truffle recipe that is so good.
It is a very easy crowd pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62% cacao or higher), well chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
1.In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (this may take a while, be sure to stir and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every few minutes).
2.Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate slowly, add the vanilla, and allow to stand for a few minutes then stir until smooth
3.Allow the mixture to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and with a teaspoon roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight
4.Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.
It is a very easy crowd pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62% cacao or higher), well chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
1.In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (this may take a while, be sure to stir and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every few minutes).
2.Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate slowly, add the vanilla, and allow to stand for a few minutes then stir until smooth
3.Allow the mixture to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and with a teaspoon roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight
4.Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sisterly Love'n
This is a recipe that my sister made for me, when I was visiting her home in Baltimore. I hope you don't mind me using this one sister, :) it is a good way to get your family to eat vegetables.
Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients:
3 strips of bacon (may sub 1 1/2 Tbs olive oil)
10 brussel sprouts (cut in half)
1/4 cup nuts (slightly crushed). I like pecans. My sister used pine nuts
2 tsp garlic (dry)
Directions:
Rake the the bacon and cook it thoroughly. Take the bacon out of pan and add the garlic and brussel sprouts to the left over bacon grease. Let them cook until the sprouts are fork tender and a little brown. About five minutes before the sprouts are done add the nuts, then serve warm.
I know some people are going to make a face and say "eww brussel sprouts," but truly you don't even know your eating vegetables. This is such a good recipe. Thanks sister, I love you.
Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients:
3 strips of bacon (may sub 1 1/2 Tbs olive oil)
10 brussel sprouts (cut in half)
1/4 cup nuts (slightly crushed). I like pecans. My sister used pine nuts
2 tsp garlic (dry)
Directions:
Rake the the bacon and cook it thoroughly. Take the bacon out of pan and add the garlic and brussel sprouts to the left over bacon grease. Let them cook until the sprouts are fork tender and a little brown. About five minutes before the sprouts are done add the nuts, then serve warm.
I know some people are going to make a face and say "eww brussel sprouts," but truly you don't even know your eating vegetables. This is such a good recipe. Thanks sister, I love you.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wedding Cake
News update.... I just got a job offer from one of my friends to do her sisters wedding cake..... I am so excited, though I have only done one wedding cake in my entire life, I am still so excited about this. I am totally going to rock it out, oh yea. I cant wait, the wedding is July 25th, so I don't have much time to come up with a concept and practice it once before the actual day. However, I know I can pull this off..... I guess that is all for the update I hope you are all just as excited as i am talk to you all soon.....
An Oldie - but a goody
CHOCOLATE GRAVY AND BISCUITS... A SOUTHERN FAVORITE
Ok, so this is one recipe that my late grandma used to make for us grand kids all the time when we would visit. My grandmother was an amazing southern style, old- school cook. She could definitely draw a crowd around the table with her food. Though I know it sounds weird, please try it before you knock it. I hope you enjoy this southern favorite of mine.
Chocolate Gravy:
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (we prefer Hershey's)
Directions:
Mix all the dry ingredients in a heavy saucepan with a whisk. Stir in the milk.
Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat when the mixture is thick like pudding.
Add the butter. Stir in until the butter is completely melted. Serve over warm biscuits with a teaspoon of butter dolloped on top.
Biscuits:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons lard or shortening
1 cup milk
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together; cut in lard or shortening with a fork (until it looks like course cornmeal. Slowly blend in milk, just until dry ingredients are moistened. Roll out on floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick. (Do not roll too thin - about 1/2 inch thick). Cut with biscuit cutter or glass cup. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 350° about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Ok, so this is one recipe that my late grandma used to make for us grand kids all the time when we would visit. My grandmother was an amazing southern style, old- school cook. She could definitely draw a crowd around the table with her food. Though I know it sounds weird, please try it before you knock it. I hope you enjoy this southern favorite of mine.
Chocolate Gravy:
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (we prefer Hershey's)
Directions:
Mix all the dry ingredients in a heavy saucepan with a whisk. Stir in the milk.
Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat when the mixture is thick like pudding.
Add the butter. Stir in until the butter is completely melted. Serve over warm biscuits with a teaspoon of butter dolloped on top.
Biscuits:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons lard or shortening
1 cup milk
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together; cut in lard or shortening with a fork (until it looks like course cornmeal. Slowly blend in milk, just until dry ingredients are moistened. Roll out on floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick. (Do not roll too thin - about 1/2 inch thick). Cut with biscuit cutter or glass cup. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 350° about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Sweet Season Desserts
So, to start off, I am going to tell you a little about this blog. First, this blog is going to be about food. Mainly about desserts, but I will throw a few recipes into the mix when I feel I have found a good one. Second, this is going to be an open forum for people, mainly family, to share recipes and the memories behind them. Third, I have a real passion for food in general, so this will also be a knowledge blog. If you should have any questions about food or how to make something, I am here to help to the best of my ability. Other than that, I hope you will enjoy reading and following my daily recipes and opinions on them. To all of my family, I love you, and hope that you will help me explore new realms of flavor's and experiences.
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