tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038158069701666622024-03-12T19:02:20.185-05:00Love Thy KitchenIdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-12367444743725323572013-10-12T17:32:00.000-05:002013-10-12T17:32:36.638-05:00Sweet Cinnamon Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a huge fan of butter. I typically don't spread it on rolls or toast - I just don't ever think to use it. But with this butter in my fridge, I find myself planning my meals strategically to include butter spread on something... anything.<br />
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<u><i>You'll Need:</i></u><br />
<i>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter</i><br />
<i>1 tsp cinnamon</i><br />
<i>2 tsp honey</i><br />
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I like to make this in a mason jar for easy storage. Put a stick of butter in a jar and nuke it just a bit to soften it up - about 15-20 seconds. You don't want it completely melted, just soft enough to stir. Add honey and cinnamon and mash together with a fork.<br />
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Done! Super easy.<br />
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Tastes great on sweet potato rolls...<br />
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Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-11068261337901157202013-05-06T21:54:00.000-05:002013-05-22T19:28:37.206-05:00Whipped Cream Swirls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE coffee. I'm not a five-cups-a-day coffee drinker, but I absolutely need a cup in the morning to start my day. A friend shared with me this little trick to give a cup of coffee a quick (and pretty) dollop of cream! Takes a little prep work, but it's quick in the morning!<br />
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<i><u>You'll need</u>:</i><br />
<i>1 pint heavy whipping cream</i><br />
<i>3 Tbsp. powderd sugar (more or less to taste)</i><br />
<i>1 tsp. vanilla</i><br />
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Just blend all the ingredients together in a large bowl until soft peaks begin to form. I like to place the bowl in the sink while I blend so the cream doesn't splash everywhere.<br />
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Spoon the whipped cream into a pastry bag and pipe into little swirls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheets in the freezer for at least an hour.<br />
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Once the swirls are frozen, you can layer them in a container to take up less space in the freezer.<br />
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Just place one in your cup of coffee in the morning!<br />
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Or two...<br />
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And I like to sprinkle on some cinnamon-sugar, too.<br />
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Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-71897272831186435482012-12-19T21:18:00.000-06:002013-05-22T19:27:47.720-05:00Perfect Carrot Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been a huge carrot cake fan. And then I found <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/sigrids-carrot-cake-perfect-for-easter/" target="_blank">this amazing recipe from The Pioneer Woman</a>, and I was changed forever!</div>
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You'll need...</div>
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<i><u>For the cake:</u></i></div>
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<i>2 cups sugar</i></div>
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<i>1 cup vegetable oil</i></div>
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<i>4 eggs</i></div>
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<i>2 cups flour</i></div>
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<i>1/2 teaspoon salt</i></div>
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<i>1 teaspoon baking soda</i></div>
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<i>1 teaspoon baking powder</i></div>
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<i>1 teaspoon cinnamon</i></div>
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<i>2 cups grated carrots</i></div>
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<i><u>For the icing:</u></i></div>
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<i>8 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened</i></div>
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<i>8 oz. cream cheese, softened</i></div>
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<i>1 pound powdered sugar</i></div>
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<i>2 teaspoons vanilla</i></div>
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<i>1 cup pecans, finely chopped</i></div>
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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Blend together sugar, oil, and eggs.</div>
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Sift all your dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon) into the mixture - yup, just add it all in there.<br />
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Mix the dry and wet ingredients together until just blended. Then add carrots, and mix for about a minute.<br />
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Pour into a sheet pan that's been greased with Baker's Joy, and use a rubber spatula to make sure the batter is distributed evenly.<br />
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Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.<br />
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Let the cake cool at least 30 minutes before spreading with icing. Chop your pecans... or buy the pre-chopped bag of pecans - no judgment.<br />
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Blend together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Then add powdered sugar about a cup at a time, blending well in between each addition. Blend in vanilla. Then use a rubber spatula to mix in the pecans.<br />
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Spread icing over cooled cake.<br />
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This got eaten FAST, so the pictures aren't great... but I can't wait to make it again!<br />
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Enjoy!!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-37967743561851937622012-08-14T09:14:00.000-05:002012-08-14T09:14:20.201-05:00White Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can't believe I let July pass by without a blog update! Here's a fun dessert... I made these for a friend's birthday by putting a twist to <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/07/fluffy-vanilla-cake-with-whipped-vanilla-bean-frosting/" target="_blank">this cake recipe by Sweetapolita</a>.<div>
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<i>You'll need...</i></div>
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<i><u>For the cake</u>:</i></div>
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<i>5 large egg whites</i></div>
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<i>3/4 cup milk, divided</i></div>
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<i>2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract</i></div>
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<i>2 3/4 cups cake flour</i></div>
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<i>1 3/4 cups sugar</i></div>
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<i>1 Tbsp. and 1 teaspoon baking powder</i></div>
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<i>1 teaspoon salt</i></div>
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<i>12 Tbsp. unsalted butter</i></div>
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<i><u>For the icing</u>:</i></div>
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<i>8 oz. cream cheese</i></div>
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<i>8 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick)</i></div>
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<i>1 tsp. vanilla</i></div>
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<i>1 lb. of sugar</i></div>
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Let eggs sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to bring them to room temperature. Move butter to a plate and cut into cubes. Let this soften for about half an hour as well. </div>
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 2 cupcake pans by lining each tin with paper liners and spraying each with a shot of Baker's Joy.</div>
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In a measuring cup or small bowl, use a fork to whisk together the egg whites, vanilla, and 1/4 cup of the milk. Set this aside for later.</div>
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Sift together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) into a large mixing bowl, and stir gently with a whisk until just combined.<br />
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Add remaining 1/2 cup of milk to the flour.<br />
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Then toss in the butter.<br />
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Use an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds until the mixture moistens up. Then crank the speed to medium-high until the batter is well combined - about 90 seconds.<br />
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Scrape the sides of the bowl, and add one-third of the egg mixture at a time, mixing well between each addition.<br />
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Voila! Now use a scooper to evenly fill the cupcakes tins.<br />
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Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden on top. </div>
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Blend together icing ingredients until creamy, and spread or pipe onto the cupcakes once they've cooled. This icing is SO sweet, so I didn't pipe the edges, but there's enough to smother them if that's your thing. :) Top with sprinkles or other fun treats! I used strawberry halves and mini Oreos.<br />
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Enjoy!!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-4904909493802324842012-06-24T23:50:00.002-05:002013-05-22T19:29:05.099-05:00Whole Wheat Walnut & Chocolate Chip Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These were supposed to be Whole Wheat Walnut Pancakes.... The row of pancakes on the right above are with walnuts only, but somehow chocolate chips found their way into the rest of the batter! Delicious!!<br />
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Let me preface by saying that pancakes are usually a flop for me. I try a different recipe every time, hoping to find one worth repeating. This one's a keeper!!! Next time I'm throwing in blueberries instead of walnuts/chocolate!<br />
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<i>*Recipe makes 8 pancakes!</i><br />
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<u><i>You'll need:</i></u><br />
<i>1 cup + 3 Tbsp milk</i><br />
<i>1 egg</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp canola oil</i><br />
<i>1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour</i><br />
<i>3 Tbsp baking powder</i><br />
<i>1 Tbsp sugar</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp salt </i><br />
<i>1/3 cup chopped walnuts</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup chocolate chips</i><br />
<i>butter and/or olive oil spray for greasing pan</i><br />
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Start by setting your griddle or pan to medium-low heat.<br />
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Whisk together milk, whole egg, and oil in a medium bowl until combined. (I used 1% milk.)<br />
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In a smaller bowl, combined the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. (If you're not a fan of the whole wheat, just use all-purpose flour instead.) Add to wet ingredients and fold together a few times.<br />
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Add walnuts and chocolate chips. Don't over-mix! The flour shouldn't be too visible, but lumps are good!<br />
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My chocolate chips were a little late to this party. You'll see them soon.<br />
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Put a little butter on your griddle and spread it around as it melts. I used a mixture of butter and olive oil. (Be sure to grease the pan between each round of pancakes.)<br />
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Use a 1/4 cup measuring spoon to scoop batter onto the griddle.<br />
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Usually pancakes will start to form tiny bubbles on top when they're ready to flip. Mine weren't as obvious. Just keep an eye on the bottoms and flip when they start to brown - about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on your heat setting.<br />
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Drizzle with syrup, and serve!</div>
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Yum. :)</div>
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IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-14666452742775837872012-06-09T09:40:00.000-05:002012-06-10T11:02:42.403-05:00Chicken, Mushroom, & Spinach Quesadilla<br />
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Here's my latest fave!</div>
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<i><u>You'll need</u>:</i></div>
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<i>Tortillas</i></div>
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<i>Chicken, cooked and shredded</i></div>
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<i>Sliced mushrooms</i></div>
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<i>Spinach</i></div>
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<i>Shredded cheese (I used Monterey Jack!)</i></div>
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<i>Olive Oil Cooking Spray</i></div>
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Begin by heating a small skillet on medium-low heat. Spray with olive oil cooking spray.</div>
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Build your quesadilla by layering cheese, chicken, veggies, and more cheese. The cheese on both sides helps to hold the quesadilla together.</div>
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Place in skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. I like to place a small plate on top as a weight to flatten everything together. </div>
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Flip over when golden brown, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.</div>
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Move to cutting board to cut in quarters, and serve!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-91076730946814280292012-04-18T08:01:00.000-05:002012-04-18T08:01:38.851-05:00THE BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wd4PXuO7w/T4s95TvYldI/AAAAAAAABYI/sje6qffoHME/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wd4PXuO7w/T4s95TvYldI/AAAAAAAABYI/sje6qffoHME/s400/IMG_1796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These are THE BEST chocolate chip cookies in the world. In the WORLD. And I've made A LOT of cookies. I got this recipe from another food blog (<a href="http://kelseysappleaday.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-ever-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Apple A Day</a>).<br />
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<u>You'll need:</u><br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 cups flour<br />
2 tsp cornstarch<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 cup chocolate chips (OR 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 peanut butter chips)<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Start with butter and sugar - the way all good things start. Blend together the softened butter with both sugars until creamy.<br />
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Mix in an egg and vanilla, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3jqCT8T67Q/T4s8mzeClaI/AAAAAAAABWQ/ma46b2hk1DA/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3jqCT8T67Q/T4s8mzeClaI/AAAAAAAABWQ/ma46b2hk1DA/s320/IMG_1776.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
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In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.<br />
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Gradually add flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, just until blended.<br />
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The trick is not over mixing, so stop blending before the flour disappears completely. Folding in the chocolate chips will take care of the lingering flour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KRcTAh_MuY/T4s9GEwQgLI/AAAAAAAABXA/FqDSt48pn2A/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KRcTAh_MuY/T4s9GEwQgLI/AAAAAAAABXA/FqDSt48pn2A/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Use a mini-scooper to drop globs of cookie dough on parchment paper, and slightly flatten the tops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5v2yo2rmw/T4s9LXFV26I/AAAAAAAABXI/6IrwmjrdhZw/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5v2yo2rmw/T4s9LXFV26I/AAAAAAAABXI/6IrwmjrdhZw/s320/IMG_1783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, and no longer than that! These cookies don't really turn brown on top, so it is sometimes hard to tell when they're done, but 10 minutes is plenty!<br />
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After I put in the first tray, I had the urge to throw in a handful of peanut butter chips to the remaining cookie dough. Good choice.<br />
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When you take them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for about 10 minutes before removing.<br />
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Gorgeous. Enjoy these - they get eaten fast!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDHINlVQqqY/T4s-Gg6dIeI/AAAAAAAABYY/3vR1rn0mn9s/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDHINlVQqqY/T4s-Gg6dIeI/AAAAAAAABYY/3vR1rn0mn9s/s320/IMG_1798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-679761778877928232012-02-11T00:37:00.000-06:002012-02-11T00:37:17.255-06:00Baked Rigatoni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdmUC_LkcFk/TzBxrSK554I/AAAAAAAABV4/IDSRZKoDj-4/s1600/PB041143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdmUC_LkcFk/TzBxrSK554I/AAAAAAAABV4/IDSRZKoDj-4/s400/PB041143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was in college, this was a consistent request from friends. It's the best comfort food and makes great leftovers. :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>You'll need:</i></u></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 (1 lb.) package rigatoni</i><br />
<i>1 lb. lean ground beef</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QovUERDJeyg/TyqSSjJ_bOI/AAAAAAAABSQ/CMrJ5zJsYKU/s1600/PB041115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QovUERDJeyg/TyqSSjJ_bOI/AAAAAAAABSQ/CMrJ5zJsYKU/s320/PB041115.JPG" width="320" /></i></a><i>1 jar spaghetti sauce (I used Newman's Own Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic)</i></div><i>1/2 a medium onion, diced</i><br />
<i>1-2 cloves garlic</i><br />
<i>1 tsp. Italian season</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp. dried oregano</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp. dried basil (or a few leaves of the fresh stuff)</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes</i><br />
<i>Salt and Pepper to taste</i><br />
<i>8 oz. container sour cream</i><br />
<i>8 oz. ricotta cheese</i><br />
<i>8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded</i><br />
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Dice your half onion.<br />
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Saute for about 10 minutes on medium heat.<br />
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Add diced garlic and saute for another couple minutes before adding your ground beef. Brown the meat, breaking it up into tiny pieces.<br />
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Add the whole jar of spaghetti sauce.<br />
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Add some fresh basil if you have some on hand. Otherwise, the dried stuff will do the trick. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.<br />
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Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.<br />
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While that's simmering, start cooking your pasta.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1gw6LpGuzw/TyqSbSHuThI/AAAAAAAABSo/fqmdr9aP4ZI/s1600/PB041121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1gw6LpGuzw/TyqSbSHuThI/AAAAAAAABSo/fqmdr9aP4ZI/s320/PB041121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is also a good time to mix the sour cream and ricotta in a small bowl.<br />
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Cook the pasta according the package instructions and drain.<br />
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Return pasta to its original pot and add the meat sauce. Stir that up!<br />
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Add half of the pasta mixture to a 9x11 glass dish that's been sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.<br />
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Top with the sour cream/ricotta mixture.<br />
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Layer that with the rest of the pasta/meat mixture.<br />
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Top with mozzarella cheese.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mryLKtMWY1s/TyqTEH-IpQI/AAAAAAAABUQ/0RquO-hs_0k/s1600/PB041137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mryLKtMWY1s/TyqTEH-IpQI/AAAAAAAABUQ/0RquO-hs_0k/s320/PB041137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.<br />
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Invite friends over to share, and serve while hot!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMbSPhAcOAQ/TyqTJ6whtgI/AAAAAAAABUg/DVWSYt1Cl1Q/s1600/PB041143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oMbSPhAcOAQ/TyqTJ6whtgI/AAAAAAAABUg/DVWSYt1Cl1Q/s320/PB041143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNPdYyUABRM/TyqTMqikqzI/AAAAAAAABUo/KQgkCq7-dvw/s1600/PB041145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNPdYyUABRM/TyqTMqikqzI/AAAAAAAABUo/KQgkCq7-dvw/s320/PB041145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-79783049844254337002012-02-05T17:07:00.000-06:002012-02-05T17:07:31.499-06:00Super Bowl recipesI love watching football, but if Baylor isn't playing, I tend to care more about the food than the game. Here are some quick and crowd-friendly recipes for your Super Bowl party!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers.html">Jalape<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">ñ</span>o Poppers</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoLkPQF-Wik/Ty79w1RCdmI/AAAAAAAABUw/lkAULA-PvXk/s1600/PA151503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoLkPQF-Wik/Ty79w1RCdmI/AAAAAAAABUw/lkAULA-PvXk/s400/PA151503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/nutella-rice-krispy-treats.html">Nutella Rice Krispy Treats</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwayrY5M-BQ/Ty7-DqCV6wI/AAAAAAAABU4/v0mw9DH1ib0/s1600/P9141492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwayrY5M-BQ/Ty7-DqCV6wI/AAAAAAAABU4/v0mw9DH1ib0/s400/P9141492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2012/01/nutella-puppy-chow.html">Nutella Puppy Chow</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAdmEUDrdo/Ty7-s4DO9JI/AAAAAAAABVQ/FdXrenGAV9E/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAdmEUDrdo/Ty7-s4DO9JI/AAAAAAAABVQ/FdXrenGAV9E/s400/IMG_1546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/pizza-scrolls.html">Pizza Scrolls</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhxPQfo0ptA/Ty7_ax8swnI/AAAAAAAABVY/g0El3kwuCBw/s1600/P1181204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhxPQfo0ptA/Ty7_ax8swnI/AAAAAAAABVY/g0El3kwuCBw/s400/P1181204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/03/chicken-black-bean-nachos.html">Chicken Nachos</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0b2VxNmgPw/Ty7_xcsBMLI/AAAAAAAABVg/azL4ZZvWrwc/s1600/P3021225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0b2VxNmgPw/Ty7_xcsBMLI/AAAAAAAABVg/azL4ZZvWrwc/s400/P3021225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Love football and love football-friendly snacks! Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-88540752700809435702012-01-28T12:36:00.000-06:002012-01-28T12:36:33.614-06:00Nutella Puppy Chow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzUObU5qDe8/Tu0ThzKJ7jI/AAAAAAAABPs/KT0Iad_eeeI/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzUObU5qDe8/Tu0ThzKJ7jI/AAAAAAAABPs/KT0Iad_eeeI/s400/IMG_1546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's an easy crowd-pleaser! Just make sure you have lots of people around when you conjure this up because it makes way too much for one person to handle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>You'll need:</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 cup butter</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 cup Nutella</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup peanut butter</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp vanilla</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>9 cups Chex (I used Rice Chex.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 1/2 cups powdered sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melt together the butter, Nutella, and peanut butter in a medium-sized saucepan on medium-low heat until smooth and creamy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjESCdDt64/Tu0TJwW_jSI/AAAAAAAABPM/LOcY_2XtgV4/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjESCdDt64/Tu0TJwW_jSI/AAAAAAAABPM/LOcY_2XtgV4/s320/IMG_1538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pour half the cereal into a bowl, top with the hot nutella mixture, and then add the rest of the cereal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHKU8vFVv5M/Tu0TQa4OptI/AAAAAAAABPU/Y4qIgrdplzY/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHKU8vFVv5M/Tu0TQa4OptI/AAAAAAAABPU/Y4qIgrdplzY/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Stir together gently.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnnrZbj32H8/Tu0TWJ_E2lI/AAAAAAAABPc/kt61Rl8UV9Y/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnnrZbj32H8/Tu0TWJ_E2lI/AAAAAAAABPc/kt61Rl8UV9Y/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag filled with the powdered sugar, and shake!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0CuO4kQOOc/Tu0Tbl6NUVI/AAAAAAAABPk/biJUUlEG9qM/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0CuO4kQOOc/Tu0Tbl6NUVI/AAAAAAAABPk/biJUUlEG9qM/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-50913376675769874042011-12-17T15:30:00.000-06:002011-12-17T15:30:53.886-06:00Gingerbread Cupcakes w/ Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keW7ijJPmd4/TumD5h5QT5I/AAAAAAAABO0/5ygt5sGxkWg/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keW7ijJPmd4/TumD5h5QT5I/AAAAAAAABO0/5ygt5sGxkWg/s400/IMG_1544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are fun for Christmas parties - bite-sized and delicious! I got this recipe from another food blog that I follow. Check out the original recipe <a href="http://www.sweetgirlconfections.com/2010/10/11/gingerbread-cupcakes/">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>You'll need:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>For the cupcakes:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup molasses</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 eggs</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 cups flour</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 tsp. baking soda</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp. salt</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp. cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp. allspice</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>3/4 cup water</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>For the frosting:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 cup butter, softened</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 tsp lemon zest</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 tsp. cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 tsp vanilla extract</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 cups powdered sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 tsp. milk</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cream together sugar and softened butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcmaGF_hkp8/TumB9eZy8eI/AAAAAAAABMU/VhRKYjf2HSk/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcmaGF_hkp8/TumB9eZy8eI/AAAAAAAABMU/VhRKYjf2HSk/s320/IMG_1510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cb7ThJzgAmg/TumCBx1z_tI/AAAAAAAABMc/UsOc8BW2Ltc/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cb7ThJzgAmg/TumCBx1z_tI/AAAAAAAABMc/UsOc8BW2Ltc/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add molasses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rPnC-aljoA/TumCZe5X3kI/AAAAAAAABNE/h4vxiR-HgjM/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rPnC-aljoA/TumCZe5X3kI/AAAAAAAABNE/h4vxiR-HgjM/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJcdDx05G2U/TumChmHOm2I/AAAAAAAABNM/LBsSdobo0E4/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJcdDx05G2U/TumChmHOm2I/AAAAAAAABNM/LBsSdobo0E4/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Beat in eggs one at a time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9Fd9YTh0Q/TumCoNyZj5I/AAAAAAAABNU/bNjCvZGNWdY/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9Fd9YTh0Q/TumCoNyZj5I/AAAAAAAABNU/bNjCvZGNWdY/s320/IMG_1518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-th4wuTJmSAE/TumCwqS_tDI/AAAAAAAABNc/kSm1LhdVzj4/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-th4wuTJmSAE/TumCwqS_tDI/AAAAAAAABNc/kSm1LhdVzj4/s320/IMG_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56XWbFzUuRQ/TumC4HYiByI/AAAAAAAABNk/VyYxvkUhxeE/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56XWbFzUuRQ/TumC4HYiByI/AAAAAAAABNk/VyYxvkUhxeE/s320/IMG_1520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Stir in water. The mixture will look a little like dough.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LR4iq2sS4sk/Tu0Cl7YMQvI/AAAAAAAABO8/79QpZD5nHFM/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LR4iq2sS4sk/Tu0Cl7YMQvI/AAAAAAAABO8/79QpZD5nHFM/s320/IMG_1521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, one cup at a time, until all the clumps are gone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XkmLdfn1XI/Tu0CrT2-2xI/AAAAAAAABPE/-Dq6uOtdZFY/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XkmLdfn1XI/Tu0CrT2-2xI/AAAAAAAABPE/-Dq6uOtdZFY/s320/IMG_1522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTR2-W9j1ys/TumDJq87BPI/AAAAAAAABN8/7JgF7xp8Pl0/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTR2-W9j1ys/TumDJq87BPI/AAAAAAAABN8/7JgF7xp8Pl0/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Line cupcake pan with paper liners, and fill 2/3 full with batter. I used a mini-cupcake pan for this batch, and baked them about 12-14 minutes. If you make regular-sized cupcakes, bake for 16-18 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCkg6hOR_Qc/TumDOyc3XwI/AAAAAAAABOE/pPYGv4C6o2E/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCkg6hOR_Qc/TumDOyc3XwI/AAAAAAAABOE/pPYGv4C6o2E/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykSwZ66h7uU/TumDVgoiITI/AAAAAAAABOM/InPbmI2wv9g/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykSwZ66h7uU/TumDVgoiITI/AAAAAAAABOM/InPbmI2wv9g/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NluAIMFNzT0/TumDdLuDZPI/AAAAAAAABOU/6vbe0fGcwls/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NluAIMFNzT0/TumDdLuDZPI/AAAAAAAABOU/6vbe0fGcwls/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now time for frosting!<br />
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Blend together the cream cheese, butter, lemon zest, cinnamon, and vanilla.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-053CnYGiH7k/TumDpXOreJI/AAAAAAAABOc/nlVY6xlRC4M/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-053CnYGiH7k/TumDpXOreJI/AAAAAAAABOc/nlVY6xlRC4M/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time. When you're done adding the sugar, blend in the couple teaspoons of milk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2IGB1_zWlw/TumDuYF9vdI/AAAAAAAABOk/ltREnR0yZMM/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2IGB1_zWlw/TumDuYF9vdI/AAAAAAAABOk/ltREnR0yZMM/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Be sure to cool the cupcakes completely before frosting. Piping frosting makes me happy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txTWhOw6LuQ/TumDz_6JRnI/AAAAAAAABOs/-3wolD0Jcko/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txTWhOw6LuQ/TumDz_6JRnI/AAAAAAAABOs/-3wolD0Jcko/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So do sprinkles...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keW7ijJPmd4/TumD5h5QT5I/AAAAAAAABO0/5ygt5sGxkWg/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keW7ijJPmd4/TumD5h5QT5I/AAAAAAAABO0/5ygt5sGxkWg/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-77017682804218793632011-12-15T17:05:00.001-06:002011-12-15T17:07:13.638-06:00Christmas Pretzel Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unTXziKU3uw/Tul4uL-vc9I/AAAAAAAABMM/ryLQWSDkFww/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unTXziKU3uw/Tul4uL-vc9I/AAAAAAAABMM/ryLQWSDkFww/s400/IMG_1549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are so easy to make! And the sweet/salty pairing is delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>You'll need:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Hugs Hershey Kisses (and/or Rolos)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Pretzel Snaps (I call these waffle pretzels.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Red/Green M&Ms</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Center each Kiss on a pretzel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_2FfkHXfGg/Tul4TI5XOoI/AAAAAAAABLs/Ob7CSpArbhg/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_2FfkHXfGg/Tul4TI5XOoI/AAAAAAAABLs/Ob7CSpArbhg/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Bake on 200 degrees for 3-4 minutes. Remove from oven, and gently press an M&M in the center of each Kiss.<br />
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Let these cool for a few minutes and then carefully place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Both the Rolos and Hugs were delicious!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sending you lots of love and Christmas spirit from my kitchen! :)</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-79122904147530104802011-12-14T22:00:00.000-06:002011-12-14T22:00:41.404-06:00Sweet Potato Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVElk1N-wCE/Ts9GC4XfwHI/AAAAAAAABLk/MFgeSlbyQgM/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVElk1N-wCE/Ts9GC4XfwHI/AAAAAAAABLk/MFgeSlbyQgM/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My roommate got this recipe from a friend and made it for a dinner party last week. It was so delicious, I knew I had to add it to the menu for my family's Thanksgiving dinner a few weeks ago, with a few minor tweaks. It was a hit!! Pretty sure we'll be seeing it again this Christmas!<br />
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<i>You'll need:</i><br />
<i><u><br />
</u></i><br />
<i><u>Casserole</u></i><br />
<i>4 cups sweet potato</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup white sugar</i><br />
<i>2 eggs, beaten</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp vanilla</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp salt</i><br />
<i>4 Tbsp. butter, softened</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup milk</i><br />
<i><u><br />
</u></i><br />
<i><u>Topping</u></i><br />
<i>1/2 cup packed brown sugar</i><br />
<i>1/3 cup flour</i><br />
<i>3 Tbsp. butter, softened</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Wash potatoes and wrap in foil. Bake the potatoes at 300 degrees for about 2 hours or until a knife easily slides through them. The cooking time will depend on how big the potatoes are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Unwrap potatoes and slice in half when done. Let them hang out about 10 minutes or until they're cool enough to handle</div><br />
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Scoop out the potato filling, and whisk along with all casserole ingredients until blended and creamy.<br />
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Transfer the mixture into a glass dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.<br />
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Combine brown sugar and flour with butter.<br />
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Use a fork to cut up the butter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aeNI39k_Qg/Ts9EO9_7BXI/AAAAAAAABKs/B3sM7lxE5co/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aeNI39k_Qg/Ts9EO9_7BXI/AAAAAAAABKs/B3sM7lxE5co/s320/IMG_1421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add chopped walnuts.<br />
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Sprinkle topping evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake this for 20-25 minutes on 350 degrees.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjjWbvJijLs/Ts9FED6WVxI/AAAAAAAABLE/IvCq6cK6-PY/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjjWbvJijLs/Ts9FED6WVxI/AAAAAAAABLE/IvCq6cK6-PY/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Crispy, crunchy top. Sweet, creamy center. Yum!<br />
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Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-26554387375372026352011-11-25T01:07:00.000-06:002011-11-25T01:07:21.140-06:00Nutella Hot Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8d59AiNmNo/Ts81jj4Zb9I/AAAAAAAABJk/UIBHDom9j74/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8d59AiNmNo/Ts81jj4Zb9I/AAAAAAAABJk/UIBHDom9j74/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With all of my Nutella recipes, I'm sure I look a little obsessed at this point, but these recipes keep finding me! I adapted this from a recipe a friend sent me on Pinterest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this for my brothers on Thanksgiving night when they wanted a sweet, post-pie treat. I snuck a sip, and trust me, this stuff is gooood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>You'll need:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 cups milk</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 Tbsp. Nutella</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><i>1/2 tsp. vanilla</i></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><i>1 Tbsp. cocoa powder (optional)</i></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>*Makes 2 servings</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Optional Toppings:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Whipped Cream</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Marshmallows</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Combine milk, Nutella, cinnamon, and vanilla in small pot or saucepan on medium heat. (For a richer, more chocolaty taste, add cocoa powder, too. I was out, so I skipped it this time.) Just whisk gently until all the Nutella has melted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVtV2EH4Q3A/Ts8ss7ba-NI/AAAAAAAABI0/isW_dufZf_8/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVtV2EH4Q3A/Ts8ss7ba-NI/AAAAAAAABI0/isW_dufZf_8/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Turn heat down to medium-low, and let the mixture get hot - about 3 minutes or until it's at your desired temperature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TBc1kx6Jhk/Ts80lPro--I/AAAAAAAABI8/uTFkDwp8BVU/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TBc1kx6Jhk/Ts80lPro--I/AAAAAAAABI8/uTFkDwp8BVU/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My brothers like to put their marshmallows in first...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Cha8IYMvo/Ts848wtClnI/AAAAAAAABJs/kBoDOc39fh0/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Cha8IYMvo/Ts848wtClnI/AAAAAAAABJs/kBoDOc39fh0/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I added a dollop of whipped cream to each mug. (Mix 1/2 cup heavy cream with 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.. you'll have some leftover... Or just use Cool Whip!).<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-15557294844427150002011-10-31T23:16:00.001-05:002011-11-01T00:02:44.436-05:00Chocolate Sheet Cake - Happy Birthday, Blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaLKsNHdmSw/Tq9j4A6AQsI/AAAAAAAABE8/HYg2Y7sTRzU/s1600/PA301163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaLKsNHdmSw/Tq9j4A6AQsI/AAAAAAAABE8/HYg2Y7sTRzU/s400/PA301163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today marks exactly ONE YEAR of food blogging! Has it really been that long?! I started this blog to share recipes with a few friends, and now 60 recipes and a few thousand page views later, here we are! I felt the need to celebrate (with food obviously), so I want to share this delicious sheet cake with you! But first, let's do a quick recap of some of my (and your) favorite recipes of the last year - just for fun. :)<br />
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<a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/nutella-swirl-cupcakes.html">Nutella Swirl Cupcakes</a> - It's no surprise that this post has gotten more hits than any others on LTK! I even TRIED to give it some competition with other Nutella recipes (<a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/nutella-rice-krispy-treats.html">Nutella Rice Krispy Treats</a>, <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/peanut-butter-nutella-brownies.html">Peanut Butter Nutella Brownies</a>, <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/nutella-french-toast.html">Nutella French Toast</a>) but you guys kept going back to these cupcakes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wofsqkGIcOA/TqyDD7VD9nI/AAAAAAAAA78/oEQSCfgZrV0/s1600/IMG_9797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wofsqkGIcOA/TqyDD7VD9nI/AAAAAAAAA78/oEQSCfgZrV0/s320/IMG_9797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/balsamic-chicken-tortellini-salad.html">Balsamic Chicken & Tortellini Salad</a> - This was your second-favorite dish! The first time I made this was for a baby shower, and it was so fresh and flavorful that I kept making it over and over again. It's even better on Day 2 after it's had time to sit in the refrigerator and marinate. YUM!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-R6fCA1LDc/TqyJzKFYkvI/AAAAAAAAA8E/n_mIMXlRIxI/s1600/P5121256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-R6fCA1LDc/TqyJzKFYkvI/AAAAAAAAA8E/n_mIMXlRIxI/s320/P5121256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/blackberry-shortbread-bars.html">Blackberry Shortbread Bars</a> - These yummy bars haven't gotten as many hits as they deserve, but this is one of my favorites recipes, so I couldn't resist giving these little guys a spotlight. They will change your life!!<br />
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<a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-spice-muffins-w-cream-cheese.html">Pumpkin Spice Muffins</a> - I JUST made these a couple weeks ago, but I have a feeling they'll be popping up in my kitchen several more times this season. They're moist and delicious, and the sweet swirl of cream cheese frosting on top doesn't hurt.<br />
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Okay, enough of that - on to this gorgeous sheet cake! This recipe comes straight from Pioneer Woman's blog. Check it out <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/the_best_chocol/">HERE</a>!<br />
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<i>You'll need:</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<u><i>Cake</i></u><br />
<i>2 cups flour</i><br />
<i>2 cups sugar</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp salt</i><br />
<i>4 heaping Tbsp. Cocoa</i><br />
<i>2 sticks butter</i><br />
<i>1 cup boiling water</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup buttermilk</i><br />
<i>2 beaten eggs</i><br />
<i>1 tsp baking soda</i><br />
<i>1 tsp vanilla</i><br />
<i>Bakers Joy for spraying pan</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<u><i>Frosting</i></u><br />
<i>1 3/4 stick butter</i><br />
<i>4 heaping Tbsp cocoa</i><br />
<i>6 Tbsp milk</i><br />
<i>1 tsp vanilla</i><br />
<i>1 pound (minus 1/2 cup) powdered sugar</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup chopped pecans</i><br />
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Start by whisking together flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.<br />
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Melt 2 sticks of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.<br />
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While that's breaking down, whisk together buttermilk, beaten eggs, vanilla, and baking soda.<br />
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Once the butter is melted, sift in cocoa while whisking gradually.<br />
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Add boiling water.<br />
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Now pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients you set aside. Careful, it's hot!<br />
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Stir that a little so that the ingredients begin binding together.<br />
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Add in the buttermilk mixture.<br />
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Whisk until fully incorporated, and pour the batter into a pan sprayed with Baker's Joy (a mixture of flour and olive oil.) My sheet cake pan is 12x17 inches and about 1 inch deep. If you use anything smaller and deeper, you may have to adjust the baking time.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2K7EJ4IVTg/Tq9ixHpav4I/AAAAAAAABCE/W8jk6btT9pY/s1600/PA301139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2K7EJ4IVTg/Tq9ixHpav4I/AAAAAAAABCE/W8jk6btT9pY/s320/PA301139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Use a rubber spatula to even out the batter.<br />
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Bake this at 350 degrees for just 20 minutes. While that's in the oven, it's time to make the frosting!<br />
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This is going to start similar to the cake. Melt butter and sift in cocoa powder, stirring together gradually.<br />
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Stir in milk and vanilla.<br />
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Remove from heat, and gently stir in the powdered sugar about a cup at a time.<br />
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This is what happens when you're not gentle... oops... too excited.<br />
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Keep whisking until smooth and creamy.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now finely chop and add the pecans.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNoQp8-GusI/Tq9i_yIs5gI/AAAAAAAABCs/krd1zzRX778/s1600/PA301144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNoQp8-GusI/Tq9i_yIs5gI/AAAAAAAABCs/krd1zzRX778/s320/PA301144.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klWlbR2F-g4/Tq9jCrL52zI/AAAAAAAABC0/nLH7PC1oYds/s1600/PA301146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klWlbR2F-g4/Tq9jCrL52zI/AAAAAAAABC0/nLH7PC1oYds/s320/PA301146.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Stir those into the frosting.<br />
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Pour the icing over the cake.<br />
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Spread evenly with rubber spatula.<br />
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Yum...<br />
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Eat up, and share. This makes a lot of cake!<br />
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Sending you a whole year's worth of love from my kitchen! Hoping I can stay committed through Year 2. :)IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-68193683441076221932011-10-29T23:59:00.000-05:002011-10-29T23:59:22.284-05:00Wrapped & Stuffed Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UV_dinWJn8I/TqyVgdDxwoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Y7vG62yV51M/s1600/PA221544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UV_dinWJn8I/TqyVgdDxwoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Y7vG62yV51M/s400/PA221544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I rarely eat bacon, but I had a few slices leftover from wrapping jalepenos for <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers.html">THIS RECIPE</a>, so I thought I might as well wrap some chicken, too. I also had some fresh herbs and cheese in the fridge, and voila... Wrapped and stuffed chicken!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>You'll need:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 bacon slices (2 strips per chicken breast)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Fresh herbs to taste (I used basil and oregano.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Salt & Pepper to taste</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 cup chicken broth</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 tsp. olive oil (for drizzling)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>*Makes 2 servings!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, clean your chicken breasts by trimming off the fat and giving them a good rinse. Pat dry, and lay on your cutting board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pn6Y67m8L0A/TqyUlE7gUgI/AAAAAAAAA88/d3p77vfBSdg/s1600/PA221509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pn6Y67m8L0A/TqyUlE7gUgI/AAAAAAAAA88/d3p77vfBSdg/s320/PA221509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As far as I know, there are two ways to stuff a chicken breast. You can either grab a sharp knife and cut a horizontal slit through the chicken - not all the way, just enough so you have room to cram in the stuffing. Or, you can do it this way...<br />
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Place a chicken breast between parchment paper<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBnK_ASGa7M/TqyUr8VmdjI/AAAAAAAAA9M/qQl1nTdMMuY/s1600/PA221511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBnK_ASGa7M/TqyUr8VmdjI/AAAAAAAAA9M/qQl1nTdMMuY/s320/PA221511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Smack it with a hard, smooth surface. If you're fancy and have a meat mallet, use that. I used a can of tomato soup. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTpHY0SSCdM/TqyUuhlzEII/AAAAAAAAA9U/B1_doWsz7ps/s1600/PA221512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fTpHY0SSCdM/TqyUuhlzEII/AAAAAAAAA9U/B1_doWsz7ps/s320/PA221512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I flattened my chicken to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Try to get both pieces to about the same thickness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2i3b3dwxys/TqyUy3zvZgI/AAAAAAAAA9c/ytHAFdn61ZA/s1600/PA221513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2i3b3dwxys/TqyUy3zvZgI/AAAAAAAAA9c/ytHAFdn61ZA/s320/PA221513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Season both sides of the flattened chicken breast with salt and pepper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggs_Y0GojEA/TqyU4HVppuI/AAAAAAAAA9k/bg5eVOHBRfw/s1600/PA221514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggs_Y0GojEA/TqyU4HVppuI/AAAAAAAAA9k/bg5eVOHBRfw/s320/PA221514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This basil and oregano came from my mom's garden. (Thanks, Mom!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKTETnWcFyw/TqyU69Cf0lI/AAAAAAAAA9s/X6fP03kg8e4/s1600/PA221515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKTETnWcFyw/TqyU69Cf0lI/AAAAAAAAA9s/X6fP03kg8e4/s320/PA221515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Just sprinkle the herbs onto one half of the chicken.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cv2NoRXHbwI/TqyU9qrKcEI/AAAAAAAAA90/RQq8YhGpNmc/s1600/PA221516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cv2NoRXHbwI/TqyU9qrKcEI/AAAAAAAAA90/RQq8YhGpNmc/s320/PA221516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And pile the shredded cheese on top of that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pxgAA5Jrmk/TqyVAiLa-VI/AAAAAAAAA98/ux3omyp10F4/s1600/PA221517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pxgAA5Jrmk/TqyVAiLa-VI/AAAAAAAAA98/ux3omyp10F4/s320/PA221517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fold the chicken in half so that the herbs and cheese are enclosed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khFNhB8qyRs/TqyVDjIYFoI/AAAAAAAAA-E/4quNyKEAkwo/s1600/PA221520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khFNhB8qyRs/TqyVDjIYFoI/AAAAAAAAA-E/4quNyKEAkwo/s320/PA221520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Wrap with bacon, securing everything with a toothpick or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUHN8nonq68/TqyVG_Fur5I/AAAAAAAAA-M/9PU6YoAoeZQ/s1600/PA221521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUHN8nonq68/TqyVG_Fur5I/AAAAAAAAA-M/9PU6YoAoeZQ/s320/PA221521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Place in a pan, and drizzle with olive oil. I like to pour some chicken broth or dry, white wine (like Chardonnay) in the dish to keep everything juicy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i1pEbnY6bo/TqyVKH-HdBI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ipRoQKgjZFQ/s1600/PA221522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i1pEbnY6bo/TqyVKH-HdBI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ipRoQKgjZFQ/s320/PA221522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Bake for 25-30 minutes on 350 degrees or until the center of the chicken is no longer pink. The bacon will be crispy on top, but the chicken is perfectly moist underneath.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhPt7noH4Lo/TqyVSS337UI/AAAAAAAAA-s/-P2QWjzvWlg/s1600/PA221539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhPt7noH4Lo/TqyVSS337UI/AAAAAAAAA-s/-P2QWjzvWlg/s320/PA221539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Okay, I'll let you check out the inside!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QIybcR_lyI/TqyVV0D7AdI/AAAAAAAAA-0/fFsUcfjKeAE/s1600/PA221540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QIybcR_lyI/TqyVV0D7AdI/AAAAAAAAA-0/fFsUcfjKeAE/s320/PA221540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All the cheese comes oozing out when you slice open the chicken breast. Delish! Soon I'll post the recipe for those creamy mashed potatoes in the picture above. Yum!!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-75417849848564268462011-10-25T22:56:00.000-05:002011-10-25T22:56:44.178-05:00Halloween Trail Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0kYDr2Bk0/TqeAU8Hn8VI/AAAAAAAAA7U/mWKEScXhXVU/s1600/PA251112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0kYDr2Bk0/TqeAU8Hn8VI/AAAAAAAAA7U/mWKEScXhXVU/s400/PA251112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My wonderful roommate, Mary Alice, made this festive little mix today, so this her "cooking" debut on my blog! She was pretty excited when I told her she'd be getting credit for this post. :) Mary Alice's mom always whips this up around this time of year, so MA recreated it for us, and let me tell you - it's addicting. Sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy - all mixed into one snack.<br />
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<i><u>You'll need:</u></i><br />
<i>Peanuts (salted)</i><br />
<i>Candy Corn</i><br />
<i>M&Ms (If you can find orange and black M&Ms, use those!)</i><br />
<i>Marshmallows</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
There are no rules here... Just make up your own proportions and combine together!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGeSkKuyi9I/TqeAXpb-ytI/AAAAAAAAA7c/ACm8lVNj8y0/s1600/PA251113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGeSkKuyi9I/TqeAXpb-ytI/AAAAAAAAA7c/ACm8lVNj8y0/s320/PA251113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sending you love from my kitchen - just in time for Halloween!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-54461820749678471882011-10-22T20:48:00.001-05:002011-11-07T19:41:37.581-06:00Pumpkin Spice Muffins w/ Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00e2Gz7jjfk/TqNmC4lVMuI/AAAAAAAAA7M/aVgz44v7GwQ/s1600/PA181507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00e2Gz7jjfk/TqNmC4lVMuI/AAAAAAAAA7M/aVgz44v7GwQ/s400/PA181507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A cold front came in last week, and it actually feels like fall outside now. And these little muffins <i>taste</i> like fall! My first pumpkin recipe of the season - I'm sure there will be more to come! Recipe is courtesy of The Pioneer Woman - amazing. Check it out <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>You'll need:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Muffins</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 cup flour</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 tsp baking powder</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1.5 tsp cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 tsp ground ginger</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp nutmeg</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp salt</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 Tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces and put in freezer for 30 minutes</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 cup canned pumpkin</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup evaporated milk</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 egg</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 tsp vanilla</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Topping</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>2 Tbsp. sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1 tsp. cinnamon</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 tsp nutmeg</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Frosting</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/4 cup butter, softened</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 oz. cream cheese (1/2 an 8 oz. block)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 pound powdered sugar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp vanilla</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sift all the dry muffin ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StlbyZ2OuKA/TqNkGpFsCmI/AAAAAAAAA2U/LcRcJUISBbc/s1600/PA181468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StlbyZ2OuKA/TqNkGpFsCmI/AAAAAAAAA2U/LcRcJUISBbc/s320/PA181468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ak0JkJYTyg/TqNkTHRvGaI/AAAAAAAAA20/pdIY8tduUJU/s1600/PA181472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ak0JkJYTyg/TqNkTHRvGaI/AAAAAAAAA20/pdIY8tduUJU/s320/PA181472.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take out the butter that you cut up and froze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgQOMBUNQjo/TqNkWGVOHuI/AAAAAAAAA28/s1PHK9tM8wQ/s1600/PA181473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgQOMBUNQjo/TqNkWGVOHuI/AAAAAAAAA28/s1PHK9tM8wQ/s320/PA181473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Add it to the flour mixture, and use a pastry blender (or two knives) to break down the butter.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghzK0ZzX08w/TqNkZF-BYvI/AAAAAAAAA3E/LLP2QLTBjqA/s1600/PA181474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghzK0ZzX08w/TqNkZF-BYvI/AAAAAAAAA3E/LLP2QLTBjqA/s320/PA181474.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The butter will still be visible but combined well within the dry ingredients.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6AT_yy5W2M/TqNkewbGFmI/AAAAAAAAA3U/XP8FY4T0aVQ/s1600/PA181476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6AT_yy5W2M/TqNkewbGFmI/AAAAAAAAA3U/XP8FY4T0aVQ/s320/PA181476.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg, and vanilla<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCEn3b2FGKc/TqNkMLlTCwI/AAAAAAAAA2k/74CEqWSf6tw/s1600/PA181470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCEn3b2FGKc/TqNkMLlTCwI/AAAAAAAAA2k/74CEqWSf6tw/s320/PA181470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b59X_uKMMc/TqNkrduFG7I/AAAAAAAAA30/HiC3BnK3kP0/s1600/PA181480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b59X_uKMMc/TqNkrduFG7I/AAAAAAAAA30/HiC3BnK3kP0/s320/PA181480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs_-RgnZIKI/TqNkuAEpIHI/AAAAAAAAA38/p5hQQRXHRf4/s1600/PA181481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs_-RgnZIKI/TqNkuAEpIHI/AAAAAAAAA38/p5hQQRXHRf4/s320/PA181481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VojcbaL56Ng/TqNkzlyTJsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/OOAV-_HS_Zc/s1600/PA181483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VojcbaL56Ng/TqNkzlyTJsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/OOAV-_HS_Zc/s320/PA181483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fold together until JUST combined. Some of the dry ingredients should still be visible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzaa42-cjHs/TqNk2ojKLpI/AAAAAAAAA4U/5dmIlr-rtoc/s1600/PA181484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzaa42-cjHs/TqNk2ojKLpI/AAAAAAAAA4U/5dmIlr-rtoc/s320/PA181484.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
Now make the topping by combining the cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE7eCT93pcY/TqNlA5UmYcI/AAAAAAAAA4s/WXW04Wa9NVI/s1600/PA181487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE7eCT93pcY/TqNlA5UmYcI/AAAAAAAAA4s/WXW04Wa9NVI/s320/PA181487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups (that were just greased with Baker's Joy - mixture of flour and oil) and sprinkle with topping. I still had about half my topping leftover, so next time I'll cut those ingredients in half before combining.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkEoYoBAPzc/TqNlEy9QGII/AAAAAAAAA40/G0dG5cKq_gM/s1600/PA181488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkEoYoBAPzc/TqNlEy9QGII/AAAAAAAAA40/G0dG5cKq_gM/s320/PA181488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPWp75s0pJ8/TqNlI0giEwI/AAAAAAAAA48/J_NUy1l6ac4/s1600/PA181489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPWp75s0pJ8/TqNlI0giEwI/AAAAAAAAA48/J_NUy1l6ac4/s320/PA181489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Bake for 25 minutes on 400 degrees. Don't mind by worn cupcake pan - it's been through a lot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsMf8v082is/TqNlbZbU8tI/AAAAAAAAA5k/EgLCKp_bX7M/s1600/PA181494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsMf8v082is/TqNlbZbU8tI/AAAAAAAAA5k/EgLCKp_bX7M/s320/PA181494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Let the muffins cool at least 10 minutes before transferring.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OCMtNcpzhs/TqNll7hEUbI/AAAAAAAAA58/PBaBBcLmDkI/s1600/PA181497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OCMtNcpzhs/TqNll7hEUbI/AAAAAAAAA58/PBaBBcLmDkI/s320/PA181497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When they've cooled completely, you can start the frosting. First blend together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Then add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, blending after each addition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvOJBjzHeuc/TqNlsKoLCTI/AAAAAAAAA6M/utIpYN_LfEQ/s1600/PA181499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvOJBjzHeuc/TqNlsKoLCTI/AAAAAAAAA6M/utIpYN_LfEQ/s320/PA181499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I transferred my icing to a 12-inch disposable decorating bag and used a star tip to swirl it on. Does adding frosting turn a muffin into a cupcake? Oh well...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3W3xOi-jaM/TqNlu8xJx9I/AAAAAAAAA6U/DJSVgGF7c8A/s1600/PA181500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3W3xOi-jaM/TqNlu8xJx9I/AAAAAAAAA6U/DJSVgGF7c8A/s320/PA181500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you're feeling extra crafty (a rare feeling for me), sprinkle on more cinnamon. I put 1/2 tsp of cinnamon in a sifter and gently tapped it to get the "dusted" look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00e2Gz7jjfk/TqNmC4lVMuI/AAAAAAAAA7M/aVgz44v7GwQ/s1600/PA181507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00e2Gz7jjfk/TqNmC4lVMuI/AAAAAAAAA7M/aVgz44v7GwQ/s320/PA181507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-47093819903226929462011-10-20T22:49:00.000-05:002011-10-20T22:49:39.731-05:00Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwteJADiYJw/TqDjblS-VCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/BmX5IV8vfEU/s1600/PA151505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwteJADiYJw/TqDjblS-VCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/BmX5IV8vfEU/s400/PA151505.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What's the next best thing to going to a Baylor football game? Going to a Baylor football watch party with yummy football snacks!! Here's my new favorite game day appetizer. These little guys encompass all that is wonderful about football season... bacon, cheese, spiciness... and don't forget the ranch for dipping!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You'll need:</span></u></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6 large j<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">alapeños</span></span></i></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Characters>1</o:Characters> <o:Company>Baylor University</o:Company> <o:Lines>1</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6 oz. cream cheese (about 3/4 of an 8 oz. block)</span></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">12 slices of bacon</span></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Olive oil cooking spray</span></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ranch, for dipping</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZg9qNUPGr8/TqDXUcusRtI/AAAAAAAAA18/ywdj-URrCTM/s1600/PA151486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZg9qNUPGr8/TqDXUcusRtI/AAAAAAAAA18/ywdj-URrCTM/s320/PA151486.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wash the peppers, and start preparing them by cutting off the stems and slicing them lengthwise.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAn0G-v6_GE/TpzUSumDH6I/AAAAAAAAAzs/oX_PDAbLYBw/s1600/PA151489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAn0G-v6_GE/TpzUSumDH6I/AAAAAAAAAzs/oX_PDAbLYBw/s320/PA151489.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Scrape out the seeds, veins, and all that junk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqpLym8QEFs/TpzUV_aCesI/AAAAAAAAAz0/x2Asobx6lyw/s1600/PA151490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqpLym8QEFs/TpzUV_aCesI/AAAAAAAAAz0/x2Asobx6lyw/s320/PA151490.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cut each half in half again so that each jalapeño creates 4 mini boats.</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Characters>1</o:Characters> <o:Company>Baylor University</o:Company> <o:Lines>1</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJcBOBedas/TpzUZFAD2CI/AAAAAAAAAz8/QIgAa7-F6s4/s1600/PA151491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJcBOBedas/TpzUZFAD2CI/AAAAAAAAAz8/QIgAa7-F6s4/s320/PA151491.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Continue until you have 24 lovely little poppers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha778Wglam8/TpzUbwKlIDI/AAAAAAAAA0E/amrgBM1B9Wc/s1600/PA151492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha778Wglam8/TpzUbwKlIDI/AAAAAAAAA0E/amrgBM1B9Wc/s320/PA151492.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Slice the cream cheese into tiny rectangles that will fit the jalapeño quarters.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQXBUYKYZms/TpzUkIiac9I/AAAAAAAAA0c/zUzXxGZ4jTQ/s1600/PA151495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQXBUYKYZms/TpzUkIiac9I/AAAAAAAAA0c/zUzXxGZ4jTQ/s320/PA151495.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcXqcLG2myY/TpzUm0bQ5QI/AAAAAAAAA0k/QLUoJF7IsyE/s1600/PA151496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcXqcLG2myY/TpzUm0bQ5QI/AAAAAAAAA0k/QLUoJF7IsyE/s320/PA151496.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cut the 12 slices of bacon in half, and wrap each half-slice around a mini-popper.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2_M2qWcQPY/TpzUqGBmBUI/AAAAAAAAA0s/NOkHI9XNbAI/s1600/PA151497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2_M2qWcQPY/TpzUqGBmBUI/AAAAAAAAA0s/NOkHI9XNbAI/s320/PA151497.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, and line with poppers.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQFHeeawXvI/TpzUwDzpDPI/AAAAAAAAA08/n90_EOzmKIg/s1600/PA151499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQFHeeawXvI/TpzUwDzpDPI/AAAAAAAAA08/n90_EOzmKIg/s320/PA151499.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes and transfer to serving dish. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lft-BbATxo/TpzU5ns6GMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/SMvo9ypL8q4/s1600/PA151502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lft-BbATxo/TpzU5ns6GMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/SMvo9ypL8q4/s320/PA151502.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Let them cool a bit before diving in.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7YyRNedKdw/TpzU8m9_eXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/ke2wUcsixyM/s1600/PA151503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7YyRNedKdw/TpzU8m9_eXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/ke2wUcsixyM/s320/PA151503.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Crsipy bacon, spicy jalape</span>ñ<span class="Apple-style-span">o, and creamy cheese... almost ready for football!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jLYJIlGKp4/TpzVCdK8_uI/AAAAAAAAA1s/cLoYT91av60/s1600/PA151505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jLYJIlGKp4/TpzVCdK8_uI/AAAAAAAAA1s/cLoYT91av60/s320/PA151505.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bacon-flavored ranch for dipping. Okay, now I'm ready.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdMx89rodRU/TpzVFDQP8_I/AAAAAAAAA10/6JCGJS5Iz1w/s1600/PA151506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdMx89rodRU/TpzVFDQP8_I/AAAAAAAAA10/6JCGJS5Iz1w/s320/PA151506.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy and Sic 'Em.</span></div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-24523181322365343632011-10-16T11:23:00.000-05:002011-10-16T11:23:04.442-05:00Strawberry Salad with Saffron Chicken + Citrus Mint Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZfqk8bpvTw/TopSXVCfZjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/t2-JgonlOvQ/s1600/PA011535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZfqk8bpvTw/TopSXVCfZjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/t2-JgonlOvQ/s400/PA011535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
After all those Nutella recipes, I think we need a healthy one.<br />
<br />
</div><div><i>You'll need:</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><u><i>Salad:</i></u></div><div><i>Spring mix</i><br />
<i>Alfalfa sprouts</i><br />
<i>Cucumber slices</i><br />
<i>Strawberries</i><br />
<i>Goat cheese crumbles (or feta if that's your thing)</i><br />
<i>3 Tbsp. olive oil</i><br />
<i>Shredded chicken - I used rotisserie chicken.</i><br />
<i>PINCH of saffron</i><br />
<i>Salt & Pepper to taste</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><u><i>Dressing:</i></u><br />
<i>Juice of 1 lemon</i><br />
<i>1 Tbsp. olive oil</i><br />
<i>1/8 tsp. dried mint</i><br />
<i>*Makes 2 servings... </i><i>I've made this dressing before for <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/pear-pecan-spinach-salad-w-salmon.html">THIS AMAZING SALAD</a>.</i></div><div><br />
Here's my secret to quick, no-fuss chicken. When I go grocery shopping - usually on Sunday - I buy an already-cooked rotisserie chicken. Then I tear it apart, shred all the meat, and store it in a tupperware container in the fridge. It's good for the rest of the week for sandwiches, salads, chicken nachos, casseroles, just about anything! One day I'll make my own rotisserie chicken, and it'll be more delicious. But not today.<br />
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Drizzle the olive oil in a small sauté pan on medium-low heat.<br />
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Add chicken, and sprinkle with pinch of saffron. Toss well to coat the chicken in the saffron. If you're not using pre-seasoned rotisserie chicken like me, add some salt and pepper, too. (If you want the chicken to be really moist, add a few tablespoons of a dry white wine or chicken broth.) Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is hot and begins to turn a golden color.<br />
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While that's sautéing, start building your salad... spring mix, sprouts, cucumbers, strawberries, goat cheese, salt & pepper, and really anything else you're in the mood for. I like to prepare my salad in a big bowl so there's plenty of room for tossing.<br />
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For the dressing, juice the lemons, using a strainer to catch the seeds.<br />
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Add dried mint. (Sometimes I'll add salt & pepper to the dressing, but this time I added that to my salad instead.)<br />
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Whisk in 2 Tbsp. olive oil.<br />
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Pour over the salad, toss, and plate!<br />
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Top with chicken.<br />
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I like to add a little more cheese right before serving.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Enjoy!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-25052091803753375822011-10-03T23:50:00.001-05:002011-10-03T23:52:16.705-05:00Nutella French Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rir8VLfD4yI/TopiNIt7aqI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dnfDZ8WJEnQ/s1600/P9301510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rir8VLfD4yI/TopiNIt7aqI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dnfDZ8WJEnQ/s400/P9301510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Continuing with the Nutella recipes! Are you obsessed yet?<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><u><i>You'll need:</i></u></div><div><i>1 Tbsp. butter</i><br />
<i>2 slices bread</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp. Nutella</i><br />
<i>1 egg</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp. cinnamon</i><br />
<i>1 tsp. honey</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup milk</i><br />
<i>1/8 tsp. vanilla</i><br />
<i>*French toast batter makes enough for 2 servings!</i><br />
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Melt the butter in a small sauté pan on medium heat.</div><div><br />
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While the butter is melting, spread a thick layer of Nutella on a slice of bread.<br />
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Mix the rest of the ingredients (egg, cinnamon, honey, milk, and vanilla) with a fork until well combined.<br />
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Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl because that honey is sticky.<br />
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Dip each side of the bread in the bowl only for about 3 seconds. You don't want it to get too soggy.<br />
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Place in the hot pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.<br />
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Keep an eye on it, and when it's a pretty golden brown (like this), flip it!<br />
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Once both sides are cooked to your liking, break out the good stuff...<br />
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But don't add too much, just a drizzle... Remember, you already added honey to the french toast batter. I couldn't resist adding some dollops of Nutella on the side. And the raspberries are just to make me feel healthier.<br />
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Dig in!<br />
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And clean your plate.<br />
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Yum!!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-55911363288930230332011-09-24T21:27:00.000-05:002011-09-24T21:27:02.336-05:00Peanut Butter-Nutella Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DT2ZTI5JduE/Tnq34WWgS2I/AAAAAAAAAws/WFnL3qgA-so/s1600/P9211486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DT2ZTI5JduE/Tnq34WWgS2I/AAAAAAAAAws/WFnL3qgA-so/s400/P9211486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
More Nutella, this time paired with delicious, creamy peanut butter. These aren't your ordinary cake-like, box-mix brownies. These are gooey, fudgey, melt-in-your-mouth, gotta-have-milk brownies, and I'm so excited to share! I swiped this recipe from the official <a href="http://noblepig.com/2009/01/19/not-a-hard-sell.aspx">Noble Pig food blog</a>. Just discovered it, and I'm in love. Check it out.<br />
<br />
I was out of PB, so my roommate let me use her Reduced-Fat PB. (Does that mean I can call these Reduce-Fat Brownies? Sure, that's logical.)<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>You'll need:</i><br />
<u><i><br />
</i></u><br />
<u><i>Brownies</i></u><br />
<i>2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter</i><br />
<i>2 cups sugar</i><br />
<i>2 tsp. vanilla extract</i><br />
<i>4 large eggs, room temperature</i><br />
<i>1 cup flour</i><br />
<i>3/4 cup cocoa</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp. salt</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp. baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup Nutella</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup creamy peanut butter</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<u><i>Topping</i></u><br />
<i>1/2 cup powdered sugar</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp. milk</i><br />
<i>Peanut butter chips</i><br />
<i>Mini chocolate chips</i><br />
<br />
Start by melting two sticks of butter in a large sauté pan on medium-low heat.<br />
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While that's slowly breaking down, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Whisk sugar and vanilla into the melted butter.</div><br />
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Add in eggs, one at a time, whisking well between each one.<br />
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Add dry ingredients and whisk together.<br />
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Whisk, whisk, whisk!<br />
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Then, melt the peanut butter and Nutella in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) for about 30 seconds on High.<br />
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The mixture will be runny, but still use a rubber spatula to get all of it into the batter.<br />
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Keep whisking!<br />
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Spray a 9x13 inch glass pan with Baker's Joy (a mixture of flour and oil - best invention ever), and pour in the batter!<br />
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Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.<br />
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For the icing, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk with a fork.<br />
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When the brownies are cool, drizzle on the icing.<br />
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Or if you're impatient like me and can't wait for the brownies to cool, just know the icing will melt and not look as pretty. I'm okay with that.<br />
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Sprinkle on the peanut butter and chocolate chips.<br />
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Mmm happiness.<br />
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Sending you lots of Nutella/love from my kitchen. Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-73250005821585044442011-09-21T20:59:00.000-05:002011-09-21T20:59:22.014-05:00Pasta in Creamy Wine Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1EU0BH8kEQ/TnqC2x9JXwI/AAAAAAAAAuI/3-gGkJqcdwA/s1600/P9031482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1EU0BH8kEQ/TnqC2x9JXwI/AAAAAAAAAuI/3-gGkJqcdwA/s400/P9031482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is another one of those pasta recipes that I improvised and somehow it turned out great!! Try it out!<br />
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<u><i>You'll need:</i></u><br />
<i>2-3 Tbsp. olive oil</i><br />
<i>1/4 onion, coarsely sliced</i><br />
<i>1/2 red bell pepper, coarsely sliced</i><br />
<i>1/8 cup pine nuts</i><br />
<i>1 clove garlic, minced</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup sliced black olives</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp. butter</i><br />
<i>1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese (plus a little more for topping)</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup half-and-half</i><br />
<i>1/3 pound pasta - I used medium shells.</i><br />
<i>*Serves 2 - Feel free to double or triple the proportions. :)</i><br />
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Sauté onion, pepper, and pine nuts in olive oil in a medium pan for about 5 minutes on medium heat.<br />
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Chop up and add some olives, and sauté for another 5 minutes or so.<br />
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Drizzle on more olive oil as necessary.<br />
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When the veggies are tender and cooked the way you want them, set the pan aside (off the heat) while you make the sauce. I like to buy these mini bottles of Chardonnary because they're great for cooking. Just use what you want and store the rest in the fridge!<br />
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Start melting 2 Tbsp. butter on medium-low heat.<br />
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Whisk in wine and half-and-half.<br />
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Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes as the butter melts and alcohol evaporates out, stirring occasionally.<br />
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Add your cooked pasta to the veggie mixture.<br />
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Pour on sauce, and toss. Top with more parmesan, obviously.<br />
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Enjoy!IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-11591538795980664262011-09-14T22:47:00.000-05:002011-09-14T22:47:18.371-05:00Nutella Rice Krispy Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFrZsnsD3Yk/TnFmQgN8yDI/AAAAAAAAAtM/a_-bWiW4t8A/s1600/P9141501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFrZsnsD3Yk/TnFmQgN8yDI/AAAAAAAAAtM/a_-bWiW4t8A/s400/P9141501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>That's right... two Nutella recipes in a row! Can you handle it?!<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0TWiVrgDAg/TnFlfYEgQlI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/CInRQllpc2c/s1600/P9141473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0TWiVrgDAg/TnFlfYEgQlI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/CInRQllpc2c/s200/P9141473.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><i><u>You'll need:</u></i></div><div><i>1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) butter</i></div><div><i>1 pkg. (10.5 oz) mini marshmallows</i></div><div><i>1 jar (13 oz) Nutella</i></div><div><i>1 pkg. (9 oz) Rice Krispies cereal</i></div><div><br />
</div><div>Melt butter on medium-low heat in a large saucepan.</div><div><br />
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Add marshmallows and fold together.<br />
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When marshmallows and butter are melted together, remove from heat and fold in Nutella!<br />
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Stir until all melted together.<br />
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Fold in cereal.<br />
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Once combined, press the mixture into a 9x13 glass dish that has been sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.<br />
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Cool and cut into squares.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eat up!!</div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403815806970166662.post-36038867211060869632011-09-10T15:04:00.001-05:002011-09-10T20:34:04.607-05:00Nutella Croissants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKAancuHvkc/Tmu-klAPQhI/AAAAAAAAAr8/QfjJGqyi4S4/s1600/P9101493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKAancuHvkc/Tmu-klAPQhI/AAAAAAAAAr8/QfjJGqyi4S4/s400/P9101493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Recently I wandered over to the "Stats" tab on my blog and took a look at which posts have the most hits. The two most popular are the <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/nutella-swirl-cupcakes.html">Nutella Swirl Cupcakes</a> and <a href="http://love-thy-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/oatmeal-nutella-walnut-cookies.html">Oatmeal Nutella & Walnut Cookies</a>. I guess my readers - whoever they are - really like Nutella. And I'm here to make you happy. So I have a few Nutella recipes that I've been playing around with - here's the first. Could not be easier!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8527kOP-EwQ/Tmux68TuaBI/AAAAAAAAArI/MZhW9dR_a1w/s1600/P9101486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8527kOP-EwQ/Tmux68TuaBI/AAAAAAAAArI/MZhW9dR_a1w/s200/P9101486.JPG" width="200" /></a><i><u>You'll need:</u></i><br />
<i>1 can "Big & Flaky" Pillsbury crescent dough (12 oz.)</i><br />
<i>8 Tbsp. Nutella</i><br />
<i>Powdered sugar for sprinkling</i><br />
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One day I will experiment with making my own croissant dough. But not today. Not when Pillsbury makes a can version that's SO easy and delicious.<br />
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Just unroll the dough and place a dollop of Nutella on the wider end of the triangle of dough.<br />
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Roll up the triangle, and gently press together the dough on the sides where the Nutella is peeking out. This will keep it from seeping out while baking.<br />
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Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.<br />
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsluskgHGig/TmuyYwG8NzI/AAAAAAAAArw/uigwllLhnCY/s1600/P9101496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsluskgHGig/TmuyYwG8NzI/AAAAAAAAArw/uigwllLhnCY/s320/P9101496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Mmmm... I might have eaten three of these for breakfast - don't judge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms5ZeRNT-t4/Tmuyef6H2DI/AAAAAAAAAr4/vcJK4krnx2w/s1600/P9101498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms5ZeRNT-t4/Tmuyef6H2DI/AAAAAAAAAr4/vcJK4krnx2w/s320/P9101498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>IdaJamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103085575135314786noreply@blogger.com1