Recipes

Chocoholic Waffles

~ lk529 ~ 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day is this weekend (Sunday to be exact) and I have the perfect brunch to share with your loved ones – unless they don’t like chocolate. Every component of this recipe involves chocolate! There’s chocolate waffles, which are quite good on their own but it’s Valentine’s Day people, step it up. Then there’s a white chocolate custard, and to top that off there’s a mocha whipped cream! All three components compliment each other beautifully.

I am an admittedly lazy cook and seriously thought about not making the custard. But I couldn’t. Because, Bobby Flay. Yep, surprise! Yet another brunch recipe from one of our favorite celebrity chefs! This particular recipe is one we watched on Cooking Channel last year. It comes from the Brunch at Bobby’s episode titled Chocoholic Brunch.

Chocolate Waffles

Ingredients:

  • 2 C flour
  • 1/2 C cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 1/4 C brown sugar
  • 2 C buttermilk
  • 1/4 C canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Whisk the egg yolks with the brown sugar until smooth. Add in the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
  3. Combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix in the butter and the chocolate.
  4. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the waffles batter.
  5. Into a hot greased waffle iron, drop 1/3 C of batter and cook until browned.
  6. Assemble waffles with custard, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.

White Chocolate Custard

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 vanilla bean, halved
  • 1 1/2 C half-and-half
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 oz white chocolate, chopped

Steps:

  1. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean. Put the seeds and the pod in a small saucepan with the half-and-half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, remove from the heat, and let cool.
  2. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow. Slowly add some of the half-and-half until smooth. Whisking, add to the pot of remaining half-and-half and return to the stove. Cook over medium heat without allowing it to boil, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the spoon.
  3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the white chocolate until melted.
  4. Strain and refrigerate.

Mocha Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 C heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp dark chocolate covered cacao nibs (I used Pacari)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp espresso powder

Steps:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring heavy cream and cacao nibs to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place in a glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge overnight.
  2. Strain the cold cream and discard the nibs.
  3. Using a hand mixer, beat the cream until thickened. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder. Beat until firm peaks form.

*These recipes are adapted from Bobby Flay at http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/bobby-flay/dark-chocolate-waffles-with-white-chocolate-custard-sauce-and-chocolate-espresso-whipped-cream.html*

chocoholic waffles chocolate waffles, white chocolate custard, mocha whipped cream Sew You Think You Can Cook

Blogger CLUE: Veggie Chili

~ lk529 ~ 16 Comments

blogger CLUE

Even though the groundhog has declared it spring, it’s still relatively cold and definitely grey out so the Blogger CLUE crew and I have been scouring our assignments to bring you a wonderful collection of soups or stews.

When I saw my assignment was Azmina of Lawyer Loves Lunch I got very excited! I always love reading her posts and recalled her professing her love of soups, so what could be more perfect for yours truly who doesn’t consider soup a favorite. I did find a couple good contenders though, leek and potato soup or turkey and wild rice soup were quite tempting, and I know my husband would have loved for me to try making pho, but I ended up going with her veggie chili.

I can officially say that I am now a fan of chili. For the longest time it was something I wouldn’t even consider. Then I created my own recipe for chili and professed that “I only like my chili.” Within the past year I’ve ventured out to trying other recipes and have always been happily surprised, so why not give a meat-free version a try? It is Ash Wednesday after all, and that means the Lenten season has begun and the search for meatless recipes is in full force. This vegetarian main course is a perfect fit, especially when the weather is less than ideal.

I did have to make a slight change to the original recipe: instead of a can of crushed tomatoes I used whole tomatoes because the grocery store was out of crushed tomatoes! (Who knew that was a thing.) My substitution actually worked in my favor because I do like some chunk to my chili. Instead of pureeing the veggies before adding the tomatoes and stock, I added the can of whole tomatoes to the veggies and used my immersion blender to crush them along with the veggies. If you like a smoother chili place the cooked veggies in a blender and puree until smooth before adding crushed tomatoes and the remaining ingredients. Additionally, because I left my veggies a little chunky I only used 3 cans of beans instead of 4, using varieties I had in my pantry.

I absolutely loved this chili recipe and it will definitely be in my chili rotation. I find that chili tastes better as leftovers, not something I say about most foods, and it made for a perfect lunch throughout the week; I would place some tortilla chips in the bottom of a bowl, ladle the chili, and top with shredded cheese before popping the bowl in the microwave. The chips get a little soft and provide a subtle corn flavor along with some additional texture.

Veggie Chili

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced – I used orange
  • 3 jalapenos, deseeded and minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) whole (or crushed) tomatoes
  • 3 C vegetable stock
  • 3 cans (15 oz) beans, drained and rinsed – I used dark red kidney beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne

Steps:

  1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Add onions, carrots, peppers, and jalapenos. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
  2. If using whole tomatoes, add them to the veggies and crush using an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached. If using crushed tomatoes, place veggies in a blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached then return the veggies to the pot before adding the tomatoes.
  3. Add the stock, beans, and spices. Bring chili to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes, or until desired thickness is reached. If chili gets too thick add additional stock or water. Add salt to taste.
  4. Serve with your favorite chili toppings: cheese, chips, sour cream, chives, etc.

*This recipe is adapted from Azmina at http://www.lawyerloveslunch.com/2012/03/chili-and-cornbread.html*

Veggi chili for Blogger CLUE from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Here’s a list of the other players of Blogger CLUE this month:

#FreshTastyValentines: Apple Salsa

~ lk529 ~ 4 Comments

LogoIt’s the final day of #FreshTastyValentines, a blogging event headed up by Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla, and it’s also Mexican Monday!

I enjoy making salsas with fruit and have done so using strawberries and pineapple, so when Envy Apples signed up to be a #FreshTastyValentines sponsor I knew exactly how I’d want to highlight their produce; with a little heat and a little sweet.

We love trying new apples. Whenever there’s a variety at the grocery store we’ve not heard of we always pick up a couple to try. In my opinion, the perfect apple is all about texture as sweet vs tart simply depends on my mood. An apple must be both firm and crisp, and the Envy apples are just that; a perfect texture with the bonus of having a flesh resistant to browning, which would make these apples an excellent choice for kids’ lunchboxes or a party cheese plate.

12512546_10103496705705601_8103054962216754607_nWhen I opened up my beautiful box of Envy apples I was pleasantly surprised to be hit with an incredible aroma of fresh apple scent. The intoxicating smell let me know that these apple would have a strong, sweet flavor. I was not disappointed! (P.S. – I had chili on the stove bubbling away making my kitchen smell amazing in itself when I caught a whiff of the sweet apple aroma.) One apple was immediately “sacrificed” when my toddler grabbed it and took a bite, one apple was turned into salsa, and the last happily enjoyed alongside a bacon grilled cheese for lunch.

I pulled together the salsa in about ten minutes, but I probably spent twenty trying to get decent photographs. And then it was time to rush to Pure Barre, but not before first trying a bite of the salsa on a homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chip. When I returned home from class there was only a bite and a half of the salsa left! My husband had completely devoured it. This recipe is one that I will make again, and I’ll be on constant alert for Envy apples.

Apple Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 Envy apple, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded and minced
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Steps:

  1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and jalapenos and saute until tender. Add the cinnamon and cook another 30 seconds. Stir in the honey and lime juice and cook until honey is reduced slightly, about 2 minutes.
  2. Serve with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips (brush whole wheat tortillas with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake at 375degF for 10min).

*This recipe is adapted from https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/recipes/sweet-and-spicy-apple-salsa-recipe.html*

apple salsa for #FoodieExtravaganza from Sew You Think You Can Cook

It’s the last day to enter our giveaway and be sure to check out the other bloggers who posted more Valentine’s recipes today:

Thank you to #FreshTastyValentines sponsors for providing bloggers with samples and products to use for #FreshTastyValentines recipe development without additional compensation. All opinions stated are those of the bloggers.

 

#FreshTastyValentines: Peruvian Purple Potato Soup

~ lk529 ~ 4 Comments

LogoCamilla’s (of Culinary Adventures with Camilla) #FreshTastyValentines continues!

I am not showcasing any of our amazing sponsors with today’s post because this soup is what I made last year for Valentine’s Day! (That being said, Gourmet Garden products would work beautifully in this soup.) I’m sharing it during this event because it falls beautifully under the theme of #FreshTastyValentines! It’s a fresh take on potato soup by using purple potatoes, it’s tasty (and spicy!), and it’s quite healthy with only 1 gram of fat, 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 150 Calories per serving.

Because Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday last year and my MIL was visiting I wanted to pull out all the stops and make a three course meal. Soup, entree, and fondue for dessert.

For the entree my husband and I had picked up some Cornish hens to try out. We bought them too far in advance and hadn’t put them in the freezer. When we cut the packaging open we were bombarded with the smell of “don’t you dare try to eat me.” We were so disappointed! I don’t even remember what our Plan B was, probably pork tenderloin, but I do remember that we didn’t even make Plan B! Our decadent breakfast (which I’ll be sharing next week) kept our tummies happy all day.

But I did still make this soup, which ended up being our main course. I was once again disappointed by my menu, but only by appearance. I was expecting a purple soup, perfect for Valentine’s Day, but instead this soup was the color of chocolate. Which, I suppose, is still appropriate for the holiday. Squeezing lime right over the soup did create a fun purple swirl though! And this soup packs a kick, so that lime was necessary.

This soup makes 6 servings.

Peruvian Purple Potato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 jalapenos, deseeded and diced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 4 C vegetable stock
  • 2 lb purple potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 C fresh cilantro
  • lime juice

Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot (I used my Dutch oven). Saute the onion, jalapenos, and bay leaves until onion is tender and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the stock and potatoes. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup. (If you don’t have an immersion blender very carefully transfer to a traditional blender. Leave a gap in the lid and cover with a towel to prevent burns.)
  4. Add the cilantro and lime juice. Adjust salt if needed. Serve with an extra spritz of lime juice.

*This recipe is adapted from Isa at http://foodreference.com/html/purple-potato-soup1008.html*

Peruvian Purple Potato Soup for #FreshTastyValentines from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway and be sure to check out the other bloggers who posted more Valentine’s recipes today:

 

Thank you to #FreshTastyValentines sponsors for providing bloggers with samples and products to use for #FreshTastyValentines recipe development without additional compensation. All opinions stated are those of the bloggers.

#FreshTastyValentines: Tangerine Hatch Chile Sherbet

~ lk529 ~ 12 Comments

LogoIt’s the fifth day of #FreshTastyValentines, a blogging event headed up by Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla.

This event is the third opportunity I’ve had to work with Not Ketchup. I have enjoyed each product of theirs I’ve tried to date. I have used Blueberry White Pepper Not Ketchup in a chicken salad and the Cherry Chipotle flavor in slow cooker baked beans (which is my husband’s all time favorite recipe I’ve created). When they announced their newest flavor I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Just as I expected, it was sweet, tart, and smoky. And bonus – there isn’t any added sugar!

64b31-not2bketchupHonestly, I was going to turn it into a barbecue sauce for some baby back ribs, but when I posted my “thank you” on Instagram Erika (mastermind behind Not Ketchup) said, “your recipes are always delicious can’t wait to see what you come up with!” I felt the pressure to think outside of the box. And so I did.

You can’t have Valentine’s day without dessert. But instead of chocolate, I have something out of the box for you. A sherbet made with Tangerine Hatch Chile Not Ketchup! By happy coincidence, I’m currently watching Unique Sweets on Cooking Channel and the episode is about savory desserts. Aiko Pops in Denver is featured for creating popcicles by combine fruits and veggies. I have a feeling my recipe just might be trendy, people! My frozen treat gets brightness from tangerine juice, smoothness from milk, and some smokiness from the Not Ketchup. It’s a dessert that borders on the edge of savory. That’s why I paired it with a different kind of smokey sweet flavor – cookies made with honey and oats.

Tangerine Hatch Chile Sherbet

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 C tangerine juice
  • 1/2 C sugar
  • 1/2 C Tangerine Hatch Chile Not Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 C cold milk

Steps:

  1. Place tangerine juice, sugar, Not Ketchup, lemon juice, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and whisk in the cold milk.
  2. Place sherbet base in the refrigerator until it reaches 40 degrees F, at least an hour.
  3. Pour sherbet base into an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.

*This recipe is modified from Alton Brown at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/orange-sherbet-recipe.html*

Low-fat Tangerine Oaties

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 C honey
  • 1/2 C tangerine juice
  • 1 C old fashioned oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1 C flour
  • 1/2 C loosely packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Steps:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey and juice over medium heat. Cook until mixture is thicken and syrupy, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, and sugar.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the baking soda into 1 tbsp boiling water. Add to the dry ingredients. Add the honey mixture to the dough and mix with a wooden spoon until combined.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving 2″ between each cookie as they will spread.
  6. Bake cookies for 11 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through. Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheets. Note: Cookies will be sticky. Store them in an air tight container with wax paper between the layers.

*This recipe is modified from Cookies*

Tangerine Hatch Chile Sherbet for #FreshTastyValentines from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway and be sure to check out the other bloggers who posted more Valentine’s recipes today:

Thank you to #FreshTastyValentines sponsors for providing bloggers with samples and products to use for #FreshTastyValentines recipe development without additional compensation. All opinions stated are those of the bloggers.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

#FoodieExtravaganza: American Pie

~ lk529 ~ 22 Comments

foodieextravaganza-300

It’s the first Wednesday of February and I’m taking a quick break from the #FreshTastyValentines event to celebrate “American Pies” with the #FoodieExtravaganza crew. My blogging friend Wendy over at A Day in the Life on the Farm is hosting today.

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t even look at what an “American” pie would be. All that comes to mind is apple, or maybe cherry. Pies aren’t my favorite dessert. I have an issue with warm fruit. My number one pie is Key Lime – cool and tart! Instead, I decided to go the savory route today and make a side dish that could work nicely with a brunch spread.

Yet another confession: I wasn’t happy with the photography. I struggle immensely with photographing cheese. AND the recipe actually called for gruyere, not cheddar. I accidentally deleted gruyere from my grocery list (it was part of this shopping fiasco) so I had to use what I had – cheddar. Which worked quite well, (Hey, cheddar is more American so maybe my dish does qualify after all!) but provided that yellow/orange tint. I was going to “give up” and try a different pie. But that was an even bigger fail! The only pie dish I have wasn’t large enough for the recipe I was making and everything had to be tossed into a dutch oven instead – delicious, but not pretty, and definitely not a pie. (Because it was a huge hit with Firecracker and myself, I will be trying it again with either a new pie dish or simply halving the recipe so it fits, so stay tuned for that one!)

So here I am sharing a fantastic recipe with mediocre pictures.

Cheddar Leek Potato Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 bunch leeks, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Russet potato, thinly sliced (I used a mandoline)
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 C half-and-half
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 C shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a pie dish with the thawed puff pastry. Trim and patch as needed to fit.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the leeks until cooked.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together the egg and half-and-half.
  4. In another small bowl whisk together the thyme, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
  5. Evenly layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes in the pie crust, top with 1/3 of the leeks, 1/3 of the spice blend, and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat. For the final layer: place potatoes, leeks, and spices, pour the half-and-half over top of the pie, and top with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake 60-70 minutes, or until golden, bubbly, and a knife can cut smoothly through the potatoes.

*This recipe is adapted from Karen at http://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2015/03/potato-leek-pie.html*

cheddar potato leek pie for #FoodieExtravaganza from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Be sure to check out these other pies:

BLT Pie by Georgina of G’Gina’s Flavors Palatte

Cheeseburger Pie by Kathleen at Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Grapefruit Pie by Rebekah at Making Miracles

Ham and Broccoli Quiche by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm

Homegrown Blackberry Pie by Carlee of Cooking with Carlee

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie by Lauren of From Gate to Plate

Peaches and Cream Pie by Elaine at Cookin and Craftin

Penne Pie by Terri at Our Good Life

Red Velvet Pudding Pie by Teri of The Freshman Cook

Tar Heel Pie by Tara of Tara’s Multicultural Table

The Impossible Coconut Pie by Stacy of Food Lust People Love

Walnut Crumble-Topped Apple Tart by Caroline at Caroline’s Cooking

#FreshTastyValentines: Frittata with Jalapeno Pesto

~ lk529 ~ 11 Comments

LogoWelcome the second day of #FreshTastyValentines, a blogging event headed up by Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla.

Valentine’s Day this year is on a Sunday which makes it the perfect excuse to start the celebration in the morning with brunch.

And can you guess that my recipe {sort of} comes from Bobby Flay’s newest cookbook, Brunch at Bobby’s?! (Yes, we’re obsessed with it.) Bobby’s recipe is for a Spanish Tortilla… we… made more of a frittata. Frittata for #FreshTastyValentines from Sew You Think You Can CookThe main difference: a tortilla is essentially a thick omelet with potatoes and is flipped to be cooked on both sides whereas a frittata is started on the stove and finished in the oven to cook all the way through. There wasn’t any way on this green earth that we were going to be able to flip the eggs in a clean manner, so we ran to the oven to cook the eggs all the way through. The result was still an amazing combination of flavors that even this egg-hating girl enjoyed! The key was the jalapeno pesto that really tied everything together.

To make the jalapeno pesto, I used Gourmet Garden’s Stir-in Cilantro Paste. I absolutely love Gourmet Garden and their products. For this family full of black thumbs they’re an affordable and practical way to use fresh herbs. The stir-in pastes are great for amping up sauces, marinades, or pestos and the lightly dried herbs are incredible for adding to soups, salads, or garnishing plates.

While I did use fresh parsley in the frittata, Gourmet Garden Stir-in Paste could easily be substituted and the Lightly Dried Parsley perfect for garnishing the plate. A move I will be making when we do trial two!

Frittata with Jalapeno Pesto

Ingredients for the Frittata:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 small red potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lb Mexican chorizo, casings removed
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 1/4 C heavy cream
  • 6 jarred red sweet peppers, diced
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh parsley

Ingredients for the Pesto:

Steps:

  1. Make the pesto: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss jalapenos in a little canola oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast 15 minutes, or until the skin is blistered. Place jalapenos in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside for 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle remove the stems and seeds.
  2. Place in food processor with cilantro, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until coarsely chopped. While the motor is running, pour in the olive oil until smooth. Add the Parmesan and season to taste with S+P. Adjust oil if needed to achieve a smooth texture. Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. Preheat broiler on low.
  4. Make the frittata: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat. Add the chorizo and cook 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
  5. Add remaining tbsp of oil to the skillet if needed. Cook the potatoes until golden on both sides.
  6. In a large bowl beat the eggs with the cream until light and fluffy. Fold in the chorizo, peppers, goat cheese, parsley, S+P. Add to the skillet with the potatoes. Be sure to get the eggs underneath the potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and set, stirring occasionally.
  7. (At this point, if you’re brave flip the eggs and cook the other side another 3 minutes.) Place skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the top is golden and frittata is fully cooked.
  8. Slide the frittata out of the pan and cut into wedges. Serve with the jalapeno pesto.

*This recipe is modified from Brunch at Bobby’s*

Jalapeno Pesto for #FreshTastyValentines from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway and be sure to check out the other bloggers who posted more Valentine’s recipes today:

Thank you to #FreshTastyValentines sponsors for providing bloggers with samples and products to use for #FreshTastyValentines recipe development without additional compensation. All opinions stated are those of the bloggers.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

 

#FreshTastyValentines: Roshambo

~ lk529 ~ 24 Comments

LogoWelcome to day one of #FreshTastyValentines, a blogging event headed up by Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla. To kick off the week I’ve made a cocktail perfect for your Valentine’s Day brunch (and a bonus recipe for pancakes).

When UncommonGoods signed on as one of our event sponsors I knew I wanted to make a cocktail because they have an incredible selection of gifts to keep any home bar and kitchen uniquely equipped (here). UncommonGoods (www.uncommongoods.com) is a web-based marketplace offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. One of the incredible prizes to win during this week’s event is a $150 gift certificate at their site. With your shopping spree you can find incredible glassware in which to enjoy my Roshambo cocktail or your favorite bottle of wine (here) or discover ways keep your drinks cool without watering them down (here).

Because we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this week I limited my cocktail recipe search to red or pink beverages. With a big move approaching in the Spring I also added another restriction so as to not buy any new liquor. The discovery of the Roshambo couldn’t have been more perfect. It is a sparkling wine based cocktail which fits in beautifully with Valentine’s Day. This cocktail is a beautiful accompaniment to your Valentine’s breakfast.

This recipe makes two servings.

Roshambo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 C sugar
  • 1/2 C water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 C apple juice
  • 1/2 C cranberry juice
  • prosecco or champagne

Steps:

  1. Place sugar, water, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow simple syrup to cool completely. Remove cinnamon stick.
  2. In a small pitcher combine 1/4 C cinnamon simply syrup with the juices. Keep cold until ready to serve.
  3. Pour juice mixture into glasses and top with prosecco.

*This recipe is adapted from Eva at http://1bigbite.com/2013/11/roshambo/*

Roshambo for #FreshTastyValentines from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway and be sure to check out the other bloggers who posted more Valentine’s recipes today:

Thank you to #FreshTastyValentines sponsors for providing bloggers with samples and products to use for #FreshTastyValentines recipe development without additional compensation. All opinions stated are those of the bloggers.

This blog post also comes with a bonus recipe for pancakes!

Cinnamon Sour Cream Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 C whole wheat flour
  • 1 C all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1 C milk
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted

Steps:

  1. In a large bowl whisk together the flours, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, and melted butter.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry.
  4. On a hot buttered griddle drop 1/2 C of batter into pancakes. Flip pancakes when batter starts to set and bubble form in the center of the pancake. Cook until both sides are golden brown.

*This recipe is modified from Kelley at http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2015/11/creme-fraiche-pancakes/*

 

#SundaySupper: Big Game Day Recipes

~ lk529 ~ 18 Comments

Are you ready for the big game next weekend? I am! As an Auburn graduate I am a huge Cam Newton fan. Seriously, love that man (and his smile)! Not only is he an incredible athlete but he is a man making a difference in his community and in the lives of children. Even though he did leave Auburn to go to the NFL after taking us to a National Championship victory, he returned to Auburn in the off season to finish his degree. War Eagle, Cam!

But I digress.

If your team didn’t make it (my main team allegiance is the Chicago Bears) that doesn’t mean you can’t gather with friends and watch history in the making. Besides, there are always commercials and the half-time show if you don’t care about the game itself. And if none of that appeals to you, just show up for some good food! The Sunday Supper crew has a wonderful variety of recipes to create the perfect game watching menu. Thank you to T.R. Crumbley of Gluten Free Crumbley for assembling the team!

Today I’m sharing a recipe for chicken wings. To me, wings are the ultimate football watching food! (Well, that and some sort of dip.) Chicken wings aren’t hard to make at home either. Especially when you can do them in the slow cooker! Whaat? Yes, it’s true! The trick is popping them under the broiler right before serving to get them crispy. These particular wings are cooked in a Thai-inspired peanut sauce. I then garnish them with cilantro, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts. Delicious.

(P.S. Happy Birthday, Mom!)

Slow Cooker Thai Wings

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 C creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 C soy sauce
  • 1/4 C brown sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp chili paste, to taste (I used Gourmet Garden stir-in paste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed (I used 1 tsp Gourmet Garden chunky garlic stir-in paste)
  • 2-4 lb chicken wings, tips removed and wings split
  • cilantro (I used Gourmet Garden lightly dried herbs), for garnish (optional)
  • limes, for garnish (optional)
  • chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  1. Lightly grease the bowl of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili paste, and garlic. Adjust chili paste to taste. Pour into slow cooker.
  3. Add the wings and toss to coat all the wings in the sauce. Cook on LOW 2-4 hours.
  4. Place cooked wings on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet. Broil on HIGH for 3-5 minutes, until crispy.
  5. Garnish with cilantro, lime, and peanuts if desired.

*This recipe is adapted from Rachel at http://followinginmyshoes.com/my-recipes/sweet-n-spicy-slow-cooker-wings*

Slow Cooker Thai Wings for #SundaySupper from Sew You Think You Can Cook

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#MuffinMonday: Nutmeg Banana Muffins

~ lk529 ~ 15 Comments

Muffin Monday

#MuffinMonday is a group of muffin loving bakers who get together once a month to bake muffins to brighten their Mondays. There isn’t a theme to #MuffinMonday posts so anything goes, as long as it’s a muffin!

You can see all our of lovely muffins by following our Pinterest board. Updated links for all of our past events and more information about Muffin Monday can be found on our home page.

For Christmas, my uncle got Firecracker an adorable cook’s outfit complete with chef’s hat, apron, potholder, and oven mitt. It’s a little big (okay, a lot big) but that makes it even cuter! The chef’s hat, on the other hand, is a perfect fit! (My kid has a 90th percentile sized head…) In addition to the attire he gave us a “Cook It in a Cup!” kit. The kit includes a cookbook and 6 silicone cupcake liners.

On a rare occurrence there were two sad looking bananas sitting on my counter and I thought it’d be fun to let my son in the kitchen with me and break out his gifts. He loves to mix and pinch salt. I am amazed at how few of the ingredients ended up on the floor, don’t get me wrong, there was a mess to clean up, but it was well worth it!

Making Nutmeg Banana Muffins | Sew You Think You Can Cook

 

The banana muffins from this book were a big hit. And how could they not be? There was a lot of sugar involved! These were not a snack to be enjoyed by a toddler in the afternoon. We opted to leave the chocolate chips out of the recipe due to the amount of sugar. Now, I know the recipes are written to be completed by children, but mixing softened butter and sugar with a fork would never, ever, become creamy and smooth. I broke out my hand mixer for the job.

Eating Nutmeg Banana Muffins | Sew You Think You Can Cook

This recipe makes 12 muffins.

Nutmeg Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 C flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 C sugar
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or use silicone molds.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the bananas, egg, and vanilla.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Evenly distribute the batter between 12 muffin cups.
  5. Bake 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out cleanly. Allow muffins to cool 5 minutes before removing from the mold to cool completely.

*This recipe is adapted from Cook it in a Cup!*

nutmeg banana muffins for #MuffinMonday from Sew You Think You Can Cook

And don’t forget to check out these other muffin recipes:

Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Chocolate Chip Muffins from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Cinnamon Pear Muffins from Making Miracles

Coconut Lime Mango Muffins from The Spiced Life

Glazed Orange Poppyseed Muffins from Farm Fresh Feasts

Gouda Herb Muffins from Food Lust People Love

Orange Muffins from Passion Kneaded

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.