A gal can only dream...

Isn't great that people are getting book deals and later movie deals off of their blogs...

I just saw the trailer for a movie adapted from one of my favorite books- Julia & Julia.Great book for anyone that loves to cook or that knows what it is to need more than what life is serving you. Julia was on the verge of turning 30, trapped in a series of unfulfilling temp jobs, and living in a dreadful apartment in Queens, New York. That’s when she decided to break the monotony by attempting to make all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. One year later, Powell had achieved her goal, documented her experiences on one of the most popular blogs on the Internet, and began the award-winning, bestselling book. I laughed out loud on most chapters... I love her blog, her book and hopefully the movie.

Meryl Steep plays Julia Child and a gal that I do not know plays the other Julia (I always imagined that Julia Stiles would play her but the no-name actress works...)
Check out the clip!

Hmm... don't you think Chaos and Chicken would be a good book title... or Shop Girl Speaks? God knows I have the stories...

Dear Spring Form Pan. . .

... I am sorry, your vacation is over!
I am getting ready to make appetizers and desserts for a Luau Inspired graduation party.
Tonight I did a dry run (tough life, huh?) on the Key Lime Cheesecake (adapted from Gourmet) that I will serve as bars. Now, I have a Key Lime Cheesecake recipe but it is low-fat and though delicious, it does not hold up well without refrigeration.

I don't want to give it all away but OH MY GOODNESS... this was decadent and amazingly refreshing. Hello summer, we are here! For the party I will double recipe make in a sheet pan and cut into small squares. I will also add dried coconut to the crust. Stay tuned for more Luau related recipes. I told you, my friends, less chaos and more chicken... or cheesecake. It's May and the cook that you all know and love is back.

Key Lime Cheesecake with Mango Ribbons

Gourmet, May 2002

For crust
1 1/4 cups fine graham cracker crumbs (5 ounces)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

For filling
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup fresh key lime juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs

For topping
2 large firm-ripe mangoes
1 tablespoon fresh Key lime juice (strained) or bottled
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar

Special equipment: a 9- to 9 1/2-inch springform pan; a mandoline or other adjustable-blade slicer

Make crust: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter bottom and side of springform pan.

Stir together crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl with a fork until combined well, then press evenly onto bottom and one-third up side of pan. Bake crust in middle of oven 8 minutes and cool in pan on a rack.

Make filling: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy, then beat in sugar. Add lime juice, sour cream, and vanilla and beat until smooth. Mix in flour and salt at low speed, scraping down side as needed, until just incorporated, then add eggs all at once and mix just until incorporated.

Pour filling into crust and set springform pan in a shallow baking pan. Bake cake in middle of oven until set in center, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool completely in springform pan on rack. (Cake will continue to set as it cools.)

Run a thin knife around edge of cake and remove side of pan. If desired, transfer cake with a large metal spatula to a serving plate.

Make topping: Peel mangoes and, leaving fruit whole, slice very thinly lengthwise (slightly less than 1/8 inch thick) with mandoline (use caution — peeled mango is slippery). Halve wide slices lengthwise. Gently toss mango slices with lime juice. (I instead cut the slices with a flower-shaped cookie cutter, thinking they’d be a little neater for the miniature cakes.)

Beat cream with sugar in a bowl with electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks, then spread over top of cheesecake. Bending and curling mango slices, arrange them decoratively over cream.

Do ahead: Cheesecake (without topping) can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. If desired, bring to room temperature. Add topping just before serving.

*Optional- Sing, "Put a lime in the coconut and shake it all up..." A little lyric makes EVERYTHING more fun.

Watch out Grill... Here I Come!

You know what I love the most about summer?

My patio and grill! Well, and a glass of pinot grigio...

I need a new umbrella, huh? Mr.
Peabody... Mother's Day is coming up!

Last weekend Scott refueled that grill and I am ready to go. Ah... nights of grilled
veggies, fish and maybe a buffalo burger or two. The other night I tried a new salmon
recipe that I think I will make again tonight (you know me, a little OC about new recipes).
It is all about the food processor and a few minutes on the grill... great for summer night!

Salmon Burgers

Ingredients for burger:
Salmon Fillet
2 tablespoons per 4 ounce salmon Cream Cheese
Salt, Pepper, Dill
Capers
Scallions
1 slice of bread (roasted garlic)
Sesame oil

Ingredients for spread:
Garlic
Creme Cheese
Roasted Red Pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste

Place bread in processor until you create crumbs. Then add salmon (remove skin), cream cheese, seasoning, capers, scallions. Pulse until mixed. Form into patties and brush with
sesame oil. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes each side.

(Create spread in food processor).

I served open face on greens with avocado and cucumbers. So yummy and taste goods with a crisp Pinot! And full of Omega-3s. Omega-3s cross out the wine, right?

Which comes 1st? Chaos or Chicken?

Well, so far this month it is the chaos.

You throw some change in a life and you are sure to have chaos. 20 days into the month I realize that I have stopped cooking... or baking. Yikes! My body has been craving steamed veggies, fruit smoothies and salads, raw nuts and grains. Oh, and coffee. Lots of coffee.I guess it is better to deal with chaos with nutrition, not chicken. I promise... promise- More chicken is on it's way.

Next on My Brunch Menu. . .

So remember I told you my mom was in the hospital. Well, while hanging out there we watch the Food Network all day where I saw Ina Garden make the below treat. We all love cinnamon rolls, right? But who has time for the dough to rise (okay, I have time but not patience). She made them with Puff Pastry in muffin tins. That woman is GENIUS!

Also, she does a whole segment on Brunch on ABC- http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/story?id=6425883

Easy Sticky Buns (Script and Recipe from Segment)

We used to make really delicious sticky buns at Barefoot Contessa, but they took two days to make because the yeast dough needed to rise overnight in the refrigerator. I was dying to find a way to make them easier, so I decided to try baking them with Pepperidge Farm puff pastry dough, instead. OMG are they good ... and they're really easy to make! Light, flaky dough filled with brown sugar, toasted pecans, and sweet raisins -- my friends go crazy when I make these.

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup pecans, chopped in very large pieces
1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted for the filling
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup raisins

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the 12 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the mixture in each of the 12 muffin cups. Distribute the pecans evenly among the 12 muffin cups on top of the butter and sugar mixture.

Lightly flour a wooden board or stone surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry with the folds going left to right. Brush the whole sheet with half of the melted butter. Leaving a 1-inch border on the puff pastry, sprinkle each sheet with 1/3 cup of the brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of the raisins. Starting with the end nearest you, roll the pastry up snugly like a jelly roll around the filling, finishing the roll with the seam side down.

Trim the ends of the roll about 1/2 inch and discard. Slice the roll in 6 equal pieces, each about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place each piece, spiral side up, in 6 of the muffin cups. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry to make 12 sticky buns.

Bake for 30 minutes, until the sticky buns are golden to dark brown on top and firm to the touch. Allow to cool for 5 minutes only, invert the buns onto the parchment paper (ease the filling and pecans out onto the buns with a spoon), and cool completely.

Asparagus Tart

This weekend was the Encore Reunion Brunch and the food was GREAT. If it is one thing a bunch of Shop Gals can do it is COOK... well, and shop! It was so nice to catch up and to sample everyone's recipes.

Menu (all homemade... no kits here, folks)
Popovers with homemade blueberry jam
Sticky Buns
Handmade Bagels with Salmon, Dill Cream Cheese Whip, Capers and Olives
Asparagus Potato Tart
Cheese Tray
Coconut Cake
Mimosas

I made my famous Calorie filled Coconut Cake and a new recipe... Asparagus Potato Tart.
This was great. Hearty, yet springy... an interesting texture. Would be a great addition to Easter or Mother's Day Brunch.

Asparagus Potato Tart

1pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chunk
Sea salt
1 pound asparagus spears, woody ends removed
1 sheet puff pastry
3 eggs
pinch of nutmeg
black pepper
1/2 cup cream (I used half and half)
1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic

Boil potatoes until tender. Mash. Add cream, salt and pepper, garlic and cheese. Whip until smooth. Add three eggs.
Steam asparagus for 4 minutes.
Roll puff pastry to fit 9*13 casserole dish. Place pastry over dish and dust with nutmeg. Add mixture. Cover with asparagus, placed top to bottom to cover width of dish.

Bob Wisdom...

So, thanks to my mom's hospital visit (she is okay) I was in Martinsville last weekend. My dad said two things to me that stuck-

1- In regards to my job search: "Even when the worms are scarce, the birds keep on scratching"
2- In regards to my recent increase in baking (and cookie consumption): "You better be working out more."

A wise man... I am continuing to scratch and have walked a total of 15 miles this week (it's Wednesday)!

Wise and adorable, huh?

Food+Wine+Richmond= A New Attitude and New Jeans?

This weekend I escaped to Richmond, VA for a little F & S--- some people travel for R & R, I go for the food and the shopping. When I checked my bank account you would think that I went on a shopping spree but no... all food... and wine. I did come back rejuvenated (many thanks to Esra, Jess and Katie) and a little heavier (thank you CanCan, Mezzanine, Sensi, Maggiannos and Verbena)... but it was totally worth it.

Culinary Highlights:
Mezzanine
This restaurant is owned by a friend of mine from high school...
Located in Carytown, they have many, many more small plate options.
It is small and was packed... we sat at the bar and it cozy!

Ahi Tuna and Sweet Potato Fritters
(also a yummy wine tasting--thanks to Todd and Randy!)


CanCan Brasserie
My favorite resteraunt in Richmond, I had to have food there twice. It has a great
atmosphere with Old World French charm. Oh, and amazing food.
Dinner- Braised Lamb with Pear and Celery Root Puree and Root Vegetables
Brunch- Beignets, Braised Pork and Gouda Omelet, Peach Bellini

Maggiannos
A chain but a yummy one... while shopping I had to help my self to Gnocchi in Vodka Sauce and
Fried Calamari

Sensi
A little bit of a let down BUT still inspired by the Lime Basil Risotto with Seared Scallops

Verbena
Locate two blocks away from Esra's was my favorite new fine. Quaint, artsy and sophisticated. The menu is the same... Went there after Sensi so just enjoyed wine and great conversation. Loved the upscale/unstuffy bar located upstairs. Wish we had someplace like this in the NRV... next time I will have to try the lamb!

until next time, Richmond... you will see me again soon!

Say Thanks with Caffeine!

This weekend I am heading to Richmond and will stay at Esra's, one of my best friends or cat sister as I call her. She and her husband are out of town and I want them to know just how much I appreciate my fee-free stay at the Calvert Inn...they really do have a nice home. I am making a basket of E's favorite things including Espresso Brownies. We are both coffee lovers so I thought
these would be appropriate.
This is a new recipe that is in the oven as we speak... the batter tasted great!

Espresso Brownies

Makes 12 or 16 brownies

8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons butter, cut into 12 pieces
1/3 cup plus 6 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line an 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick foil, then coat with cooking spray.
Put chocolate and butter in a heat bath and stir just until chocolate is smooth;
be careful not to over heat. Set aside to cool slightly.Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and whisk thoroughly. Set aside. In a cup mix 2 tablespoons espresso powder with 3 tablespoons boiling water (I used the hot water from double broiler). Let steep. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla with an electric
mixer on high speed until thick and light-colored, about 2 minutes. Whisk
in the chocolate. Add espresso mixture and remaining 1 tablespoon espresso. Gently fold in the flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Oranga Gonna Come Over?

Jill is coming over for Coffee Catch Up tomorrow so of course, I use it as a chance to try out a recipe. As kids we both enjoyed orange rolls so I thought I would add some memories to our java...

I got this recipe out of Southern Living... definitely richer than the ones I had as a kid but so good. So easy especially since it is semi-homemade...

Orange Cream Cheese Rolls

Prep: 15 min., Bake: 30 min. Your family will definitely want to rise, shine, and dine when they smell these baking in the oven.

1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated French bread dough
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice

Preheat oven to 375°. Beat cream cheese, light brown sugar, and orange zest at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Unroll French bread dough onto a lightly floured surface. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Gently roll up dough, starting at 1 long side. Cut into 11 (1 1/4-inch) slices. Place slices in a lightly greased 8-inch round cake pan. Brush top of dough with melted butter. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Stir together powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over hot rolls. Serve immediately.

For testing purposes only, we used Pillsbury Crusty French Loaf.

Southern Living, DECEMBER 2008

Thai Tonight?

Okay... I just ate WAY TOO MUCH of a new dish that I am in LOVE with.
Again, I made up the recipe but based on something I saw Rachel Ray make this week.

Thai Chicken
1 lb chicken, cubed and marinated in coconut milk, salted and peppered
2 tablespoons curry paste
3 scallions, chopped
15 shitake mushrooms, chopped
1 can roasted red pepper
5 asparagus spears, cut at angle
2 inch grated ginger
2 garlic cloves grated
1 cup quinoa
pinch salt
pinch pepper
1/2 can coconut milk

Saute chicken in 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Add garlic and ginger. Brown and add veggies and curry paste. Add milk and quinoa. Cook for 20 minutes on medium.

So yummy!

My Quest for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

My favorite dessert is BY FAR a cookie. Scott calls me a COOKIE MONSTER. I believe my love of the cookie came from the Famous Amos Cookies when I was a wee one... I am sure it dates back further than that and maybe and encounter in my mother's womb. As a child I never had real homemade cookies (sorry Mom). Now don't get me wrong... I do love a cookie from a roll but I want to know exactly what goes in my food these days... even if it is white flour and butter.

It amazes me that something so simple--- flour, sugar, chocolate and eggs can vary so much from recipe to recipe. With more time on my hands I will take on the challenge of finding the BEST CC Cookie recipe... ever. I probably should not admit it, but when I make cookies I can consume 4 to 5 in one sitting. They are my weakness. My quest and this fun culinary adventure starts today with...

Crispy, Chewy Chocolaty, Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from AllRecipes.com

So these are RICH and Dark CHOCOLATY-- more so than Jill's recipe or the other recipe I have on here. So yummy... I make them small since they pack such a punch.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 bag of bittersweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.

3. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time (for giant cookies) or a tablespoon at a time (for smaller cookies) onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart. I sprinkle with a little salt before baking!

5. Bake larger cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes for smaller ones (check your cookies before they’re done; depending on your scoop size, your baking time will vary) in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Burgers

I just noticed that my past two out of three entries have been with Quinoa... I told you it was my favorite new SUPERFOOD! Today, with all my new time, I pre-made dinner before I went to class (I teach until 8 p.m. It turned out so yummy that I had to share. Sorry no picture :(

Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Burger
1 can of chickpeas
1\4 onion
1/4 jar roasted red pepper
Teaspoon + cumin, red pepper, curry, salt, pepper
1 cup homemade bread crumbs (3 slices fiber flax seed bread)
1 egg
1 cup cooked quinoa

Put in food processor and then form into patties. Refrigerate for 2 plus hours. Brush with evoo and bake for 10 minutes each side at 350...

Garlic Avocado Sauce
1 avocado
1 minced clove of garlic
3 tablespoons greek yogurt
juice of lemon
pinch salt and pepper
Process til smooth

I served in romaine boats. And PS- Made 11 burgers so froze some. I will let you know how they are reheated.

They call them Oatmeal Cookies--- I call them comfort!

You know you are a baker when you can't keep food down and you want to try a new recipe.
Last week I felt horrible and I saw this recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies and I had to try them. With one bite, I immediately felt better (oatmeal is healthy, right?)

PS- the trick to getting a really thick, chewy cookie is to chill the dough before you bake it. You can scoop it and then chill it, or, if you’re like us, scoop it, freeze them and store them in a freezer bag so you can bake them as you wish. I find they’re always thicker when baked from the cold — only a couple extra minutes baking is needed.

PPS- This is a half recipe. It makes a couple dozen standard-size cookies.

Chewy, Thick Oatmeal Comfort Cookies

1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, softened
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (I often use a half teaspoon, but I like more salt in my baked goods)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together. Stir this into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins and walnuts, if using them.

At this point you can either chill the dough for a bit in the fridge and then scoop it, or scoop the cookies onto a sheet and then chill the whole tray before baking them. You could also bake them right away, if you’re impatient, but I do find that they end up slighly less thick.

Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes (your baking time will vary, depending on your oven and how cold the cookies were going in), taking them out when golden at the edges but still a little undercooked-looking on top. Let them sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool.

Quinoa Blackbean Casserole

You know I love a super food... and a new protein source.
Quinoa is my new favorite:

Quinoa, (pronounced KEEN-WAH), is a grain that can be used as a side dish or a main meal. Dried quinoa looks like tiny white pearls, and is sometimes referred to as vegetable caviar. When cooked, it opens slightly and has a texture similar to hearty brown rice.

Quinoa is a great source of iron and fiber. It’s great in a cold summer salad like tabouli, mixed up with some stir-fried veggies, or plain, cooked in water or broth.

This week I tried a dish I call Quinoa Blackbean Casserole.

2 cans blackbeans
1 small can green chilis
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, grated
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons flaxseed
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons curry
2 teaspoons red pepper
salt and pepper to taste

In food processor, pulse 1 can or beans, chilis, breadcrumbs, carrots, onion and oil. Add eggs.
In bowl sift other ingredients, add mixture and remaining beans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Healthy Preacher Cookies

My friend and business partner brought me a comfort food staple a week ago---
Preacher Cookies. These devilish delights are laced with lots of sugar and butter
but are so easy and so good that I decided to attempt a health friendly version:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 c. splenda (or to taste)
1/2 c. plain yogurt
3 lg. tbsp. crunchy peanut butter
3 lg. tbsp. milled flaxseed
1/4 c. dark chocolate cocoa
1/4 c. chopped nuts
1/4 c. chopped dried plums
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. oatmeal

On stovetop, mix and heat for 3 minutes (butter, . Remove from heat and add rest of ingredients. Place on waxed paper by the spoonful. Let cool and ready to eat.

People in the south call these Preacher Cookies because they are fast to cook in case the Preacher drops by unexpectedly... Not sure I have a "Preacher" to stop by but definitely
aids my sweet tooth!

Sunday Cooking...

So, as a child I remember my mom cooking from the time she got up til the time we went to bed on Sunday. This was her day off and she did what she loved... COOK. Now, I do leave my house on Sundays but I often find myself demonstrating those familiar habits.

Yesterday I started out with a Strata, went to Barnes and Noble, made a soup for the week, did some work, baked cookies, took a nap and then created a crock pot meal for the week. I guess some things are inherent.

Stacey (Ericka) Strata

6 eggs beaten
2 cups of half & half
salt, pepper, garlic, red
nutmeg- pinch
worshire sauce- shake
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
3 piece of wheat bread cubed
2 cups cooked sausage (I choose lean and homemade)

Layer sausage (sprinkle with red pepper) , cheese (most) , cubed bread, the pour the egg/milk/spic mixture on top and cover with remaining cheese. Refrigerate over night and bake for 45 minutes at 350.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Navy beans (2 cups cooked)
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup water
1 boulion cube
salt and pepper to taste
fresh oregano
1 cup celery
1 cup carrots
1 cup onion
6 garlic cloves chopped
1 16 ounce can italian stewed tomatoes
1/2 bag spinach

Saute veggies (no spinach) and garlic with olive oil. Add beans, tomatoes, stock and water.
Simmer 1 hour. Add spinach and oregano. Great with crusty bread.

Jill's Salty Sweet Chocolate Chip Cookie

(great for hormonal cravings)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
2 and 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1.5 cups chocolate chips

Beat butter (room temp), sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Mix flour, salt and baking soda and set aside. Add dry ingredients slowly. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cover with foil and allow to cook 5 minutes after you take out of stove. Eat many!

Slow Cookin for Sassy Girls- Merlot Mushroom Roast

Okay before I give out the recipe let me tell you about the CP story.
Two years ago Scott got me a Cuisinart Stainless Steel Slow Cooker. He gifted me with it after he heard how much my friend liked hers. He knew a traditional floral Crock Pot would not fly in our house... too southern, too retro, too non-creative. To get me to use it he know went every where to find a cool piece and paid too much for a Crock Pot that did not say Crock Pot. SO- We refer to it as CP or slowcooker... there will be no Crock Pot! Now, I love it. You can be creative when you cook low and slow... I even do it with a Pot Roast (which I refer to asa Merlot Mushroom Roast... you know, it is all about the PR.)

1 London Broil or Bottom Round
salt, pepper, onion powder
1 cup merlot
1/4 cup marsala wine
12 garlic cloves
2 cups mushrooms whole
1 onion quartered
red potatoes

Heat olive oil and 6 garlic cloves in a castiron skillet until roasted. Add meat and sear each side.
Add to CP. Lift juices from pan with a marsala. Pour over roast. Add cup of merlot, 6 more garlic cloves, onion and potatoes. Slow cook for up to 8 hours. Serve with crusty bread and wine.

One day, three recipes--- You cannot say I don't keep you updated!

My Holiday Culinary Adventure

Two days, four meals and a GAZILLION calories! Ah Christmas!

As most of you can agree, my family uses holidays as an excuse to eat. We headed out on the 24th and the first thing my mother did when I
entered the door was to have me taste her chicken casserole. She then
led me to the dining room where the table was adorned with chocolate bars,
butterscotch bars, fudge, peanut butter pinwheels and her famous cheese ball.

For the evening's activities we headed to my Aunt & Uncles where we had
ham, turkey, homemade macaroni and cheese, baked beans, broccoli casserole
and a whole array of desserts including my sister-in-law's AMAZING pound cake,
coconut pie, chocolate pie and lemon chess bars.

Stuffed we headed home to my parents where I let my dad open his sausage grinder ( I am telling you, it is all about the food family wide). Here we are, can barely keep our eyes opened talking about all the yummy goodness he will create with his new toy. Instead of visions of sugar plums, I must say, I dreamed of chicken sausage and black beans!

At 5 a.m. my mother was up cooking a country styled breakfast that has long been a tradition in our home. I tossed and turned feeling part guilty that I was not helping and then that she was crazy... people were not coming til 9 a.m. Guilt gave in and I got up to enjoy a cup of java and help. On the menu: ham, homemade biscuits, eggs (two different ways) and gravy.

Our family is so big that there are three different shifts of breakfast. After all are fed, we move to the den where we open gifts the include cookbooks, cookie pans and panini grills (again, it's all about the food).

It should come as no surprise that after we open gifts my mother is filling the dining room with cookies, bars, cheese balls and my sister-in-law's new Coconut Cake. I had to snag a slice before we headed to Scott's Aunts

Aunt E has declared that this was her last holiday gathering. She must spend week's preparing her spread... casseroles, turkeys, hams, unique salads and DESSERTS. She is by far the best dessert maker I have ever met. She downsized the dessert menu this year to ONLY four cheesecakes, three pies and four cakes. My favorite was her Amaretto Cheesecake. I hope I am lucky enough to share the recipe with you soon. Another plate of food, one dessert, spiked hot cider and eggnog. . . it is 4 p.m. and we are on our way to Scott's Mom's house for DINNER.

Me and Scott at Scott's Family's--- Betty Allen made us
all wearantlers. We had a no gift Christmas... it was nice!

Betty Allen (Scott's mother) is another great cook. Each Christmas it is something different; Prime Rib, Braised Ribs, Ham. This year we had Beef Tenderloin with a horseradish spread that was cooked to perfection on the outside grill. To accompany she had my favorite, Asparagus Casserole and also: Spinach Salad, Pinapple Cheese Bake, Brocolli Cornbread and an array of sweet treats. With several glasses of red wine and lots of food I am ready to hibrinate for the night.

The next day we were on the road again, in route to Radford, with a tummy full of my mom's Cherry Yum-Yum, a trunk full of leftovers and a weekend full of culinary memories that we all call tradition.

Two new cookies that I adore

One... have I told you lately how much I love to bake. Especially for
the holidays but I have to tell you that after a weekend of non-stop
gift making I have a bit of bakers burnout.

For our staff Cookie Exchange I tried two new cookie recipes from
my favorite cooking blog--- Smitten Kitchen (www.smittenkitchen.com)
and yet again I found two of the best tasting recipes. Please note that the
chocolate toffee cookie has 1 lb of chocolate.

Chocolate Toffee Cookies

Adapted from Bon Appetit

(Makes almost 8 dozen small cookies)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups (packed) brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 1.4-ounce chocolate-covered English toffee bars (such as Heath),

coarsely chopped*
1 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl; whisk to blend. Stir
chocolate and butter in top of double boiler set over simmering water
until melted and smooth. Remove from over water. Cool mixture to lukewarm.
Using electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs in bowl until thick, about 5
minutes. Beat in chocolate mixture and vanilla.
Stir in flour mixture, then toffee and nuts. Roll into small logs.  I got

four out of my batter.  Chill batter until firm, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or waxed
paper. Drop cut batter into ¼ inch slices, spacing two inches apart.
Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, if you’re using it. Bake just
until tops are dry and cracked but cookies are still soft to touch, about
12 to 15 minutes. Cool on sheets. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store
airtight at room temperature.)

Chocolate Espresso Shortbread

Makes 32 cookies
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 tablespoon boiling water
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, or 3/4 cup store-bought
mini chocolate chips
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
1. Dissolve the espresso in the boiling water, and set aside to cool to
tepid.
2. Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment,
or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’
sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is
very smooth. Beat in the vanilla and espresso, then reduce the mixer speed
to low and add the flour, mixing only until it disappears into the dough.
Don’t work the dough much once the flour is incorporated. Fold in the
chopped chocolate with a sturdy rubber spatula.
3. Using the spatula, transfer the soft, sticky dough to a gallon-size
zipper-lock plastic bag. Put the bag on a flat surface, leaving the top
open, and roll the dough into a 9 x 10 1/2 inch rectangle that’s 1/4 inch
thick. As you roll, turn the bag occasionally and lift the plastic from
the dough so it doesn’t cause creases. When you get the right size and
thickness, seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and
refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or for up to 2 days.
4. Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven
to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
5. Put the plastic bag on a cutting board and slit it open. Turn the firm
dough out onto the board (discard the bag) and, using a ruler as a guide
and a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch squares. Transfer the
squares to the baking sheets and carefully prick each one twice with a
fork, gently pushing the tines through the cookies until they hit the
sheet.
6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom and
front to back at the midway point. The shortbreads will be very pale–they
shouldn’t take on much color. Transfer the cookies to a rack.
7. If you’d like, dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while they
are still hot. Cool the cookies to room temperature before serving.

Chocolate and Bourbon... yes, it is true!

My good friend John sent me this recipe that I have in turn gifted to 20 close friends and family.
All I can say is YUM!

Chocolate Bourbon Cake Recipe
adapted from New York Times
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, more for greasing pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, more for dusting pan
5 ounces high quality, unsweetened dark chocolate
1/4 cup instant espresso (can use instant coffee)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup bourbon whiskey (can use 1/2 cup), more for sprinkling
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), for sprinkling

Method
1 . Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a large bundt pan  (10 cup
capacity), or two 8- or 9-inch loaf pans. Melt chocolate in a microwave
oven or in a double boiler over simmering water. Let cool.
2 Put instant espresso and cocoa powder in a 2-cup (or larger) glass
measuring cup. Add enough boiling water to come up to the 1 cup measuring
line. Mix until powders dissolve. Stir in whiskey and salt; let cool.
3 Beat softened butter until fluffy (2-3 minutes on high). Add sugar and
beat until well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well
between each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract, baking soda and melted
chocolate, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.
4 With the mixer on low speed, beat in a third of the whiskey espresso
cocoa mixture. When liquid is absorbed, beat in 1 cup flour. Repeat
additions, ending with whiskey mixture. Scrape batter into prepared pan
and smooth top. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center of cake
comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes for Bundt pan (loaf pans will
take less time, start checking them after 55 minutes).
5 Transfer cake to a rack. Unmold after 15 minutes and sprinkle warm cake
with more whiskey. Let cool. Sprinkle powdered sugar through a mesh sieve
over the cake before serving.

Okay ladies... here are the appy recipes!

Thanks for co-hosting the Encore party, Jessica!

Cheese Baked Olives
Two shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
36 pimento-stuffed green olives

DIRECTIONS
Mix Cheddar cheese and flour together in a bowl. Stir in butter, cover,
and refrigerate 1 hour, or more.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Form chilled dough into small balls, pressing a deep hole in the center
using your thumb. Stuff each ball with an olive, and seal completely.
Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, watching
carefully and turning as needed to prevent bottoms from burning.

Southern Sushi

Adapted from Food Network
1/4 cup gorgonzola cream sauce (cheese and cream mixture)
2 tablespoons crumbled gorgonzola
4 leftover stalks grilled asparagus, cut into thirds
6 ounces grilled flank steak, cut into 12 1/2-inch-wide slices
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Roll Steak with gorgonzola and asparagus.  Serve with gorgonzola sauce.

Last night was the Encore Cookie Exchange and we tested out lots of new
recipes. My favorite was the breaded olive... cheesy and salty.  YUM!
A special thanks to Jess and Linda for offering their "Christmas House".


Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball

8 oz Cream cheese at room temperature
1/4 c Grated havarti cheese
1/2 ts Horseradish
1 Quick shake worcestershire
1 t Lemon juice
6 1/2 oz smoked salmon ( I used filets)
1 teaspoon crushed peppercorn
1/2 c Ground pecans

Mix all ingredients together and roll into a ball.
Roll in either chopped nuts or chives.

My Sister Jacey (to be read-- Seester ) Says. . .

. . . .make these.YUM! I think she is secretly researching in the middle of the night to find the best options for our cookie exchange. Can you blame her? I am up for a bake-off if they include these. After all, it's all sisterly (read- Seesterly) love!

Hazelnut Cocoa Coins
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts (filberts)*
6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon shortening

Directions
1. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and cocoa powder until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour and the hazelnuts.
2. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion of dough into an 11-inch-long roll. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill for 1 to 2 hours or until firm enough to slice.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or just until tops are firm to the touch. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.
4. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate and shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Generously drizzle melted chocolate over cookies. Let stand until chocolate sets. Makes about 60 cookies.
5. *Test Kitchen Tip: To toast hazelnuts (filberts), preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring once. Place the warm nuts on a clean kitchen towel. Rub the nuts with the towel to remove the loose skins.
6. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

. . . I know, Enough with the Soups!

I must admit, in the Fall I turn into a Soup Addict. Tonight I made up my version
of White Bean Chicken Chili... a little healthier. So good, I could not wait to share.
(Since it is less bean-y and more broth-y, Scott asked me to call it Southwestern Chicken Soup.

Southwestern Chicken Soup

1/2 lb of chicken cooked and cubed ( I cheated and got rotisserie)

2 cans of cannoloni beans

1 cup of tomatoes

1 can of green chilis

1 celery stalk chopped

1 carrot chopped

1 small red onion chopped

2 garlic cloves, bruised and chopped

2 cups chicken stock (I made out of the rotisserie)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 cup of greek yogurt or sourcream

Saute onion, celery, carrot and tomato. Add to pot with stock and other ingredients (except sour cream/yogurt. Cook on low for 1 hour. Add yogurt/sourcream to soup and stir. Serve!

New Soup for You!

One of my favorite meals in the fall is soup... soup and salad, soup and bread, soup and grilled cheese sammy! Here is a new one that I checked out. So yummy!

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Artichoke Soup

1 head cauliflower
extra virgin olive oil
1 C. artichoke hearts (I cooked my own but you’re welcome to try canned)2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced
4 C. vegetable stock (or substitute chicken broth or plain water)
1 C. light cream (or half and half, whole milk, or even heavy cream)
zest of one lemon
leaves from a few sprigs of fresh thyme, crushed
salt
fresh ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Wash cauliflower then cut into flowerets.
3. In a large bowl toss cauliflower with enough olive oil to lightly coat all the pieces then spread them out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Place cauliflower in a preheated 425 degree oven and roast, turning pieces occasionally until almost tender (between 20-30 minutes)
5. Remove cauliflower pieces to a bowl with tongs; set aside. There should be some olive oil left on the baking sheet. Very carefully pour the leftover oil into a soup pot or dutch oven.
6. Add minced garlic to the oil in the pot and saute over medium heat until just golden.
7. Add cauliflower, artichoke hearts and vegetable stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat way down and simmer for a few minutes until cauliflower is fully tender (check with fork).
8. Remove pot from heat and let cool slightly. Puree the soup until smooth using a food processor, blender, or immersion blender. Return to pot.
9. Gently reheat soup then add one cup of light cream, zest of one lemon (not juice), crushed thyme, and lots of salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Soup can be thinned with extra broth or water if desired. Remove from heat when soup is heated through again.
10. Enjoy!

All Chaos... No Chicken!

Last night I was having dinner with two girl friends and one said she was a little
disappointed that my posts on this blog have not been as consistent... URGH :)
Love her but there are not enough hours in the day!!! Recently I have been so
busy (I know, we all are) and with this I really have been cooking less. So sad.I know,
do you hear the violins? My other girlfriend had a quick rebuttle to the disappointment: Just tell them that your life is serving up a lot of chaos and no chicken! So true... I am sorry if I am letting you down... as soon as I get some chicken I will share it!

Childhood Favorites

In my house, everything is centered around food. I get this honestly... my mom is the same way.
To celebrate, we eat. To mourn, we eat. Almost all of my family memories and traditions are somehow tied to food. This weekend, I went home for a birthday dinner. My sweet Momma worked so hard to make it special by making all of my childhood favorites.

For snack, we had her famous
Pineapple Cheeseball
Ingredients:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
2 teaspoons seasoned salt, or to taste
2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Preparation:
Directions for pineapple cheese ball.Combine cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onion, seasoned salt, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Chill in refrigerator until firm then shape into a ball. Just before serving roll pineapple cheese ball in remaining cup of pecans. Serve pineapple cheese ball with assorted crackers. Pineapple cheese ball makes about 3 cups of cheese spread.

For Entree, Yucky Stuff (Hamburger Casserole that my dad hates, hense the name- Yucky Stuff)
Ingredients
1 lb. hamburger
1 sm. pkg. egg noodles
1 can tomato soup
1 can tomato paste
1/2 bag of shredded cheese
1 Green Pepper
1/2 Onion

Sautee onion, pepper and meat. Cook egg noodles. Add all ingredients to 9*13 casserole dish and bake at 350 until it bubbles.

For dessert, Cherry Yum Yum!
1 carton Cool Whip
1 1/2 c. graham crackers
1 can cherry pie filling
3/8 c. sugar
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
Mix crumbs and butter and 1/8 cup sugar in 8x8 inch pan. Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar. Add Cool Whip and mix well. Pour cherries over crumb mixture. Pour cream cheese mixture over cherries. Sprinkle with leftover crumbs. Chill before serving.

Next on my list....

Obviously, I am in a Fall/Halloween/ orange and black cooking mood. If it has pumpkin or sweet potato then I am into it. I saw this recipe on my other favorite blog, www.smittenkitchen.com and think, if I have time, I will try these tonight!

Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 to 3/4 cups sugar (the original recipe calls for the larger amount; I think it could be dialed down a bit)
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or other nuts (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan or dish. Cut a length of parchment that will cover the bottom and two sides (makes it much easier to remove), and line the pan with it. Butter the lining as well. (Deb note: I used an 8-inch square, because it was what I had. It works, too, but the brownies are crazy thick and take much longer to bake, just to give you a heads-up.)

2. Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering
water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until fluffy and well combined, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in flour mixture.
4. Pour half of batter (about two cups) into a separate bowl and stir chocolate mixture into it. If you find that it is a little thick (as mine was) add a little more batter (a few tablespoons or so) until it is more pourable. This is important because mine was quite thick, and the pumpkin half was quite thin, so I had trouble swirling the two together.

5. In other bowl, stir in the pumpkin, oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer half of chocolate batter to prepared pan smoothing top with a rubber spatula. Top with half of pumpkin batter. Repeat to make one more chocolate layer and one more pumpkin layer. Work quickly so batters don’t set.

6. With a small spatula or a table knife, gently swirl the two batters to create a marbled effect. Be sure to get your knife all the way to the bottom of the pan–I didn’t, and ended up with a chocolate base, not that it is such a bad thing. Sprinkle with nuts, if using.

7. Bake until set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares.

I am NUTS for Nutty Sweet Potato Soup!

Ellie Kreiger is my favorite Food Network gal (Sorry Rache- you are still my second favorite). Ellie cooks always with nutrician in mind and her recipes are easy, fresh and very tasty. I missed Saturdays episode because they changed the time (now is on at 8:30 a.m Saturday NOT 1:30 p.m. ) but Jess told me that she made a Sweet Potato Soup with PEANUT BUTTER. I had to look it up.

After making it I have two suggestions--- increase Sweet Potato and reduce Peanut Butter.
It is very good and screams FALL! Enjoy!

Nutty Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients:
tablespoon canola oil
1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (2 cups)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes, with their juices
2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup chopped scallion greens (about 3 scallions)

Directions
Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper and carrots and cook, stirring until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cayenne, black pepper, garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the sweet potato, broth, and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.*Puree the soup in the pot using an immersion blender or in a regular blender in 2 batches and return the soup to the pot. Add the peanut butter and honey and stir, over low heat, until the peanut butter melts. Serve warm, garnished with the scallions.*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.Servings: 6Number of Servings: 6

1 lb of chocolate... this is my kind of dessert!

Scott say this is the best dessert he has ever had... now, let's keep in mind that
he is a little biased but I do agree that it was AMAZINGLY rich and decadent.
If you are into this type of dessert I recommend making it... If you do not love
chocolate then stay away.

Double Chocolate Torte
adapted from Bon Appetit, December 2000
Makes 10 servings
Cake 8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all purpose flour

Mousse
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs, separated
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

For cake: Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 10-inch-diameter springform pan; dust with sugar. Melt chocolate and butter in heavy large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Cool to lukewarm. Whisk in sugar. Whisk in eggs 1 at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and salt, then flour. Pour batter into pan. Bake until cake just rises in center (tester inserted into center will not come out clean), about 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. Cover; chill while making mousse.

For mousse: Melt butter in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk yolks, 1/4 cup cream and vanilla in small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk yolk mixture into bowl with melted butter. Whisk constantly over simmering water until thermometer registers 150°F, about 6 minutes (mixture may appear broken). Remove from over water; add chocolate and stir to melt. Set aside.

Beat egg whites and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl to medium-stiff peaks. Whisk 1/4 of beaten egg white mixture into warm chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining egg white mixture. Pour mousse over cake in pan; smooth top. Chill torte until mousse is set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.

Run sharp knife around edge of pan to loosen torte. Release pan sides. Transfer torte to platter. Using electric mixer, beat 3/4 cup cream in medium bowl until peaks form. Spread whipped cream over torte.

Halloween Soup

For Kate's birthday lastweek I made Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup.
AMAZING! So rich, savory and a combination of some of my favorite flavors.
A highly recommended choice for a Fall Feast.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup
adapted from Gourmet, November 1996
Three 15 1/2 ounce cans black beans (about 4 1/2 cups cooked dry- my preference)
1 cup drained canned tomatoes
1 1/4 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup minced shallot
4 garlic cloves minced
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons ground curry
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons ground tumeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups stock (I used chicken)

Saute onion, shallot, garlic. Add to cooked beans. Add tomatoes, stock, spices and sweet potato. When sweet potatoes are soft (not mushy) remove and in a food processor coarsely puree 1/2 of mixture and add to remaining mixture.
Season soup with salt and pepper.
Serve soup garnished with sour cream.

Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

My love language is food and tomorrow is Jill's prelims for PhD. so I am baking away so she willhave lots of yummy goodness to get her through her stressful 24 hours. I made my lasagna rolls so she will not have to worry about dinner for she and Mark and then two desserts. The Chipotle Brownies from last week and a new recipe. . .

Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!!

Recipe from www.smittenkitchen.blogspot.com
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.
Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/8 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Scones... for people who don't normally love scones

The scones are much lighter, softer, moister (and tastier) and significantly less sweet than those that you’d get in your average coffee shop.


Adapted from the North Fork Table & Inn’s website and Smitten Kitchen (my new favorite cooking blog) .

Super Moist Peach and Blueberry Scones

Makes 12 to 16, depending on how you cut them
2 3/4 cup pastry flour (all-purpose is also fine)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda6 ounces of butter, in 1/2-inch cubes
1.5 cup fresh fruit of your choice, chopped (I chose peach an blueberries and probably did close to 2 cups)
3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk or greek yogurt milk mix
Turbinado or sanding sugar for sprinkling (optional, not in the original recipe)

Preheat oven to 375°.
Place cubed butter in freezer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, measure other ingredients (except buttermilk and fruit) and mix in the bowl of a food processor. Add butter to processor bowl and mix until the butter and flour mixture are the texture of coarse cornmeal. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a mixer and add buttermilk and fruit, mixing on the lowest speed until the dough just comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a couple times. Roll dough out to approximately one-inch thickness (I skipped the rolling pin and just patted it out with floured hands) and cut into squares or (cut cicles with your cup). Cut those squares again on the diagonal, creating triangles. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if you’re using it.
Bake on an ungreased baking sheet 20 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned.

I am not alone...

People are CRAZY about blogging about food. Just found a comprehensive list of
sites for you to check out:
http://www.kiplog.com/food/foodlinks.htm

Next on Grocery list- Lope!

When I was in highschool I always packed lunch and then some treats for my friends (I guess some habits I never grow out of :) ) One of Michelle's Stone's favorites was "Lope", just a simple chopped Canteloupe that my mom always had fresh on hand. Wonder if Chell would like this recipe?

Thai Cantaloupe Salad with Chile

Serves 8
1 large ripe, fragrant cantaloupe, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 diced jalapeno or (for more heat)
Thai red chile, seeded or not
1/3 cup thinly sliced basil leaves or cilantro
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon fish sauce, or to taste
Generous pinch sugar
Course salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
In a large serving bowl, gently combine all the ingredients. Taste and add more lime juice, fish sauce, sugar or seasoning to taste. You can serve this with long bamboo skewers so people can spear chunks of cantaloupe from the bowl.

Look at what I just found!!!

So, how is excited are you to make these? Not half as excited as Scott is to eat them :)

Taken from one of favorite food blogs, A Mingling of Tastes, this recipe is a little less

healthy than my peaches but looks DELIGHTFUL!

Cinnamon Chipotle Brownies

Adapted from Pure Dessert by Alice Medrich

I used the 70% cocoa bars by Lindt. Use any good-quality chocolate you like, but I would recommend staying over 60% cocoa. Whether you grind the chipotle chiles yourself or use a powder, heat levels vary. Taste your chile powder and use more or less depending on your preference. If you use flaky sea salt or other coarse salt for baking, use the higher amount.

Makes 12 or 16 brownies

8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons butter, cut into 12 pieces
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with nonstick "release" foil or parchment paper (or use regular foil, then coat with cooking spray), letting at least 6 inches hang over two of the sides like handles.Put chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium-low power 45 seconds. Stir and continue to microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring each time, just until chocolate is smooth; be careful not to over heat. You can do this in a double boiler if you prefer. Set aside to cool slightly.Combine the flour, cinnamon, chile and salt in a bowl and whisk thoroughly. Set aside.In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed until thick and light-colored, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the chocolate. Gently fold in the flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30 to 35 minutes (mine took exactly 32) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with little or no chocolate; toothpick should come out clean when inserted near the edge.Cool completely on a rack. To serve, use the foil handles to lift brownies out of pan. Cut into 12 or 16 pieces. Brownies freeze well.

I will let you know how they turn out!