We love Squash Casseroles in Texas. So here's another very appealing recipe.
This one is adapted from The Homesick Texan........ so, it has to be incredible!
Squash and Hatch Chile Casserole
Here's what you'll need:
1 - 10" Cast Iron Skillet
Vegetable Cooking Spray
4-Seeded and Chopped Hatch Chiles.
2 TBS Butter
1 Onion, diced
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 pounds of Summer Squash, roughly chopped
1/2 C chopped, Fresh Cilantro
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/4 tsp Cumin
3 TBS Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
4 C shredded Pepper Jack Cheese or Hatch Jack Cheese. (about 1 pound)
4 Eggs
1/2 C Heavy Cream
3/4 C crushed Ritz Crackers
In the Cast Iron Skillet on medium - low heat:
Melt Butter.
Add Onions for 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add Squash , stirring, cook 5 - 7 minutes.
Fold in:
Cilantro
Salt
Pepper
Cumin
Turn off the heat.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add:
Chiles
Flour
Baking Powder
Mix well.
Add Cheese and stir until well combined.
Wipe out the Cast Iron Skillet with a paper towel and spray lightly with vegetable cooking spray.
Sprinkle half of the Ritz Crackers in the bottom of the skillet.
Pour in the Squash and top with the remaining Crackers.
Bake uncovered for 30 - 35 minutes.
Serve warm.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Friday, September 5, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Spiced Nuts from Sur la Table
I posted a collection of my favorite spicy, sweet and salty nuts all in one post. You can search them on the Blog.
I just discovered these two new ones.
Spiced Mixed Nuts from Sur la Table:
4 C Mixed Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Cashews, Pistachios)
3/4 C Granulated Sugar
1 TBS Chile Powder
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp All Spice
2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Large Egg White
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
A rimmed Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper.
In a small bowl:
Sugar
Salt
Spices
Whisk well.
In a large bowl:
Whisk Egg White until frothy and dry.
Add Nuts and Spiced Sugar Mix.
Toss well.
Spread in a single layer.
Bake , stirring with a wooden spoon 1/2 way through 40 minutes.
They should be light brown.
Remove the pan to a rack , cool completely.
Stir occasionally.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen.
Chipotle Chile Candied Pecans:
8 TBS (1 stick) Butter
1 tsp Chipotle Chile Powder
1 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Large Egg White, room temperature.
3/4 tsp Sea Salt
1 pound of Large, Jumbo Pecan halves.
This recipe can easily be doubled.
Use 2 sheet pans with 8 TBS of Butter on each pan and make a double batch of the meringue, in a Stand Mixer.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Preferably non-stick for easy clean up.
In the oven:
Melt Butter in the sheet pan.
Remove and set aside.
In a mixing bowl:
Chile Powder
Brown Sugar
Whisk well.
Pour the Vanilla over this mixture, do not stir.
Set aside.
In a Stand Mixer with a Whisk attachment:
Egg Whites on medium speed, until foamy.
Add 1/4 tsp Salt and continue to beat until soft peak.
Add the Sugar Mixture, 2 TBS at a time, beating on high to get a shiny thick meringue.
Remove the bowl and fold in the Pecans gently by hand, until well coated.
Tip the Sheet Pan to swirl the Butter to coat the pan.
Spread the Pecans over the Butter in a single layer.
Bake 20 minutes.
Remove the pan, stir the Pecans.
Bake an additional 15 minutes.
Stir again.
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp of Sea Salt.
Continue baking and stirring every 15 minutes for 45- minutes to 1- hour.
Line the counter with a long sheet of Foil, spread out the Pecans and cool completely.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
I just discovered these two new ones.
Spiced Mixed Nuts from Sur la Table:
4 C Mixed Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Cashews, Pistachios)
3/4 C Granulated Sugar
1 TBS Chile Powder
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp All Spice
2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Large Egg White
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
A rimmed Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper.
In a small bowl:
Sugar
Salt
Spices
Whisk well.
In a large bowl:
Whisk Egg White until frothy and dry.
Add Nuts and Spiced Sugar Mix.
Toss well.
Spread in a single layer.
Bake , stirring with a wooden spoon 1/2 way through 40 minutes.
They should be light brown.
Remove the pan to a rack , cool completely.
Stir occasionally.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen.
Chipotle Chile Candied Pecans:
8 TBS (1 stick) Butter
1 tsp Chipotle Chile Powder
1 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Large Egg White, room temperature.
3/4 tsp Sea Salt
1 pound of Large, Jumbo Pecan halves.
This recipe can easily be doubled.
Use 2 sheet pans with 8 TBS of Butter on each pan and make a double batch of the meringue, in a Stand Mixer.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Preferably non-stick for easy clean up.
In the oven:
Melt Butter in the sheet pan.
Remove and set aside.
In a mixing bowl:
Chile Powder
Brown Sugar
Whisk well.
Pour the Vanilla over this mixture, do not stir.
Set aside.
In a Stand Mixer with a Whisk attachment:
Egg Whites on medium speed, until foamy.
Add 1/4 tsp Salt and continue to beat until soft peak.
Add the Sugar Mixture, 2 TBS at a time, beating on high to get a shiny thick meringue.
Remove the bowl and fold in the Pecans gently by hand, until well coated.
Tip the Sheet Pan to swirl the Butter to coat the pan.
Spread the Pecans over the Butter in a single layer.
Bake 20 minutes.
Remove the pan, stir the Pecans.
Bake an additional 15 minutes.
Stir again.
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp of Sea Salt.
Continue baking and stirring every 15 minutes for 45- minutes to 1- hour.
Line the counter with a long sheet of Foil, spread out the Pecans and cool completely.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Christmas Morning Apple Coffee Cake
This is perfect for early Christmas morning. Served with a strong coffee or homemade Hot Cocoa. The kids will love it too.
Christmas Morning Apple Coffee Cake:
Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
1 - 9" square baking pan sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
It can also be made in a Springform Pan and looks really nice! I brush it well with Pan Release Mix.
The Topping:
2/3 C Bisquick Mix (I attached a recipe at the end for homemade Bisquick Mix for my friends that don't have access to Original Bisquick.)
2/3 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
4 TBS Butter, cold and cubed
The Batter:
2 C Bisquick Mix
2/3 C Whole Milk
3 TBS Granulated Sugar
1 Egg
2 Apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced. ( I use Jonagold Apples)
2 TBS chopped Pecans
The Icing:
1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar
2 - 3 TBS Whole Milk
The Topping Directions:
In a small bowl:
2/3 C Bisquick Mix
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Whisk well.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks....... or use your hands. (I use my hands)
Create a crumble and set aside.
The Batter instructions:
In another medium bowl:
2 C Bisquick Mix
2/3 C Whole Milk
Granulated Sugar
Egg
Beat well with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds.
Spread half of the batter into the pan.
Arrange the Apple slices on top of the batter.
Sprinkled evenly with half of the topping.
Pour remaining batter the over the topping.
Sprinkle with remaining topping.
Sprinkle the nuts evenly on the top.
Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Remove to a rack and cool for 20 minutes.
Make the Icing.
In a small bowl:
Confectioner's Sugar
Whole Milk
Stir by hand until blended and smooth.
Drizzle over the entire Coffee Cake.
I decided to add this recipe as a separate post for friends that don't have access to the All American Iconic Bisquick Mix!
Homemade Bisquick Mix:
10 C flour
1/3 C baking powder
1/4 C sugar
4 tsp salt
2 C shortening ( Crisco) or any non refrigerated shortening
In a large bowl:
flour
baking powder
sugar
salt
Mix Well
Work the shortening into the mixture using a pastry blender or 2 forks until it forms a coarse crumble mixture.
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months, unrefrigerated.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Christmas Morning Apple Coffee Cake:
Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
1 - 9" square baking pan sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
It can also be made in a Springform Pan and looks really nice! I brush it well with Pan Release Mix.
The Topping:
2/3 C Bisquick Mix (I attached a recipe at the end for homemade Bisquick Mix for my friends that don't have access to Original Bisquick.)
2/3 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
4 TBS Butter, cold and cubed
The Batter:
2 C Bisquick Mix
2/3 C Whole Milk
3 TBS Granulated Sugar
1 Egg
2 Apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced. ( I use Jonagold Apples)
2 TBS chopped Pecans
The Icing:
1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar
2 - 3 TBS Whole Milk
The Topping Directions:
In a small bowl:
2/3 C Bisquick Mix
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Whisk well.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks....... or use your hands. (I use my hands)
Create a crumble and set aside.
The Batter instructions:
In another medium bowl:
2 C Bisquick Mix
2/3 C Whole Milk
Granulated Sugar
Egg
Beat well with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds.
Spread half of the batter into the pan.
Arrange the Apple slices on top of the batter.
Sprinkled evenly with half of the topping.
Pour remaining batter the over the topping.
Sprinkle with remaining topping.
Sprinkle the nuts evenly on the top.
Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Remove to a rack and cool for 20 minutes.
Make the Icing.
In a small bowl:
Confectioner's Sugar
Whole Milk
Stir by hand until blended and smooth.
Drizzle over the entire Coffee Cake.
I decided to add this recipe as a separate post for friends that don't have access to the All American Iconic Bisquick Mix!
Homemade Bisquick Mix:
10 C flour
1/3 C baking powder
1/4 C sugar
4 tsp salt
2 C shortening ( Crisco) or any non refrigerated shortening
In a large bowl:
flour
baking powder
sugar
salt
Mix Well
Work the shortening into the mixture using a pastry blender or 2 forks until it forms a coarse crumble mixture.
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months, unrefrigerated.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Apple Bars
The weather is getting a bit cooler. Actually, I just wish it were. But when it does, I'll buy Apples and make Apple desserts.
I grew up in Michigan and there was an Apple Orchard at the end of our street. We would raid the orchard as often as we could get away with it. I'm sure the owner was completely aware that the kids were eating plenty of his Apples! Apparently we got away with it, because I don't ever remember getting caught!
Here's a great Apple Bar to start the Fall season.
Since I discovered Jonagold Apples, they've become my first choice when it comes to baking with Apples.
Apple Bars:
2 C Flour
16 TBS (2 sticks) Butter
1/2 C Rolled Oats
1 C Brown Sugar
1 C Water
1 C Granulated Sugar
3 TBS Cornstarch
1 TBS Vanilla
3 C peeled, cored and sliced Apples
Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
9" X 13" baking dish brushed with my Pan Release Mix (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well in a jar and refrigerated. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.
In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Butter
Rolled Oats
Brown Sugar
Mix well with a wooden spoon.
Press 3/4 of the mixture into the pan.
In a saucepan on medium heat:
Water
Granulated Sugar
Bring to a boil.
In a small bowl:
2 TBS Water
1 TBS Cornstarch
Stir until combined.
Add this to the saucepan.
Stir well.
Add the remaining Cornstarch ,
Stir until it begins to thicken.
Remove from heat, set aside.
Add:
Vanilla
Apples
Mix well.
Pour evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle evenly with remaining Rolled Oat mixture.
Bake 40 minutes, the top should be golden brown.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool completely.
Cut into squares to serve.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
I grew up in Michigan and there was an Apple Orchard at the end of our street. We would raid the orchard as often as we could get away with it. I'm sure the owner was completely aware that the kids were eating plenty of his Apples! Apparently we got away with it, because I don't ever remember getting caught!
Here's a great Apple Bar to start the Fall season.
Since I discovered Jonagold Apples, they've become my first choice when it comes to baking with Apples.
 |
| Jonagold |
2 C Flour
16 TBS (2 sticks) Butter
1/2 C Rolled Oats
1 C Brown Sugar
1 C Water
1 C Granulated Sugar
3 TBS Cornstarch
1 TBS Vanilla
3 C peeled, cored and sliced Apples
Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
9" X 13" baking dish brushed with my Pan Release Mix (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well in a jar and refrigerated. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.
In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Butter
Rolled Oats
Brown Sugar
Mix well with a wooden spoon.
Press 3/4 of the mixture into the pan.
In a saucepan on medium heat:
Water
Granulated Sugar
Bring to a boil.
In a small bowl:
2 TBS Water
1 TBS Cornstarch
Stir until combined.
Add this to the saucepan.
Stir well.
Add the remaining Cornstarch ,
Stir until it begins to thicken.
Remove from heat, set aside.
Add:
Vanilla
Apples
Mix well.
Pour evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle evenly with remaining Rolled Oat mixture.
Bake 40 minutes, the top should be golden brown.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool completely.
Cut into squares to serve.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Pecan Pie Muffins and Pecan Pie Bars, an alternative to the Iconic All American Pecan Pie.
 |
| The All American Iconic Pecan Pie! |
Here are two more Holiday Best of the Best recipes:
Alternatives to the All American Iconic Pecan Pie and just as Yummy!
These are truly two of our favorite recipes!
You may want to make a few batches of the muffins.
If you need to make something to take to a Thanksgiving dinner or to share with
coworkers, this is it!
They are easy and they taste incredible!
The Bars are equally impressive.
Just two variations on the Iconic All American Pecan Pie!
Pecan Pie Muffins:
1C chopped pecans
1C packed brown sugar
1/2 C all purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 C melted butter
Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center
In a separate bowl:
Beat eggs.
Stir in the melted butter and add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
Stir until moist.
Spoon the batter into paper lined muffin tins, filling 2/3 full.
(I brush the cups with my Pan Release Mix, equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour. I start with 1C of each and keep it refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.)
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.
Remove Pan to a Rack and immediately top each Muffin with a Pecan Half.
Cool Completely.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Pecan Pie Bars:
Here's what you'll need:
1 - 9" X 13" baking pan, brushed well with my Pan Release Mix. ( Equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Shortening and Flour.) I start with 1C of each and keep it in a jar in the refrigerator for all of my baking needs.
1 1/2C Flour
1/2 C (1stick) Butter, softened.
1/4 C Brown Sugar
Filling:
3 large Eggs
3/4 C Corn Syrup
3/4 C Sugar
2 TBS Butter, melted
1 tsp Vanilla
2 C Chocolate Chips
2 C chopped Pecans
To make the Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl with a hand mixer:
Flour
Butter
Brown Sugar
Mix until it forms a crumble.
Press evenly into the pan. I use the bottom of a stainless steel measuring cup.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes.
Remove from oven to a cooling rack and prepare the filling.
To make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl:
Eggs
Corn Syrup
Sugar
Butter
Vanilla
Whisk well by hand.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans by hand.
Pour evenly over the baked Crust.
Bake an additional 25 - 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cut into squares to serve.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Pecan Pie Cake
This is a decadent cake to serve at Thanksgiving. Your guests will be impressed with the presentation and the taste. We eat with our eyes first and that's why this cake is amazing. I will certainly make this one for Thanksgiving this year.
Pecan Pie Cake:
Southern Living Recipe.
Here's what you'll need:
3 - 9" round cake pans generously brushed with my Pan Release Mix (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. I always keep some available for all of my baking needs.
A variety of 3" leaf shaped cookie cutters for garnish.
1 Sheet Pan
Aluminum Foil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3 C finely chopped pecans + 2 dozen that have not been toasted, for garnish. ( toast the pecans in the oven before chopping, recipe at the end)
1/2 C butter, room temperature
1/2 C Crisco
2 C granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 TBS vanilla
2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 C buttermilk
3/4 C dark corn syrup
1 recipe of Pecan Pie Filling , recipe to follow
1 recipe of Pastry Garnish, recipe to follow.
Evenly distribute 2 C of the chopped pecans among the 3 cake pans.
In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Butter
Crisco
Beat until creamy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating until incorporated.
Add egg yolks 1 at a time beating well after each one.
Add vanilla.
Add:
Flour
Baking Soda
Alternate with the Buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
Beat on slow speed after each addition until mixed well.
Add remaining 1C of chopped pecans.
Transfer batter to a large mixing bowl.
Clean the bowl of the Stand Mixer and prepare a meringue:
Add the egg whites to the bowl of the mixer and beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
Fold 1/3 of the Meringue, by hand, into the batter until combined.
Fold in the remaining meringue just until incorporated ( do not over mix).
Divide the batter evenly among the 3 pans.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the pans on cooling racks for 10 minutes.
Cover cooling racks with waxed paper and invert the cakes onto the racks.
Brush the top and sides of the cakes with the corn syrup.
Cool the cakes completely.
Filling:
1/2 C firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 C dark corn syrup
1/3 C cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 C Half & Half
1/8 tsp salt
3 TBS butter
1 tsp vanilla
In a Saucepan over medium heat:
The first 6 ingredients
Whisk together well.
Bring to a boil, whisking constantly for 1 minute. It should begin to thicken.
Remove from heat.
Whisk in butter and vanilla.
Place a piece of waxed paper directly onto the surface to prevent it from forming a film.
Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Make the Pastry Garnish.
Pastry Garnish:
1 (15oz.) package of refrigerated pie crusts
1 large egg
1 TBS water
24 pecan halves (toasted)
Unfold the pie crusts.
Cut 8 - 10 leaves from each crust.( mark leaf veins with a paring knife)
Keep the pastry trimmings.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and the water
Brush each leaf with the egg wash.
Crumple 12 small 1/2" balls from small pieces of the aluminum foil.
Spray each ball with a vegetable cooking spray and place on the Sheet Pan that's been lined with Parchment Paper.
Drape a leaf over each ball and place the remaining leaves onto the Sheet Pan.
Bake at 350 for 6 - 8 minutes.
Remove the pan to a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
Gently remove the foil from leaves.
Pinch off 12 pea sized pieces of the remaining pastry trimmings.
Place a piece between two pecan halves creating a sandwich.
Cut the remaining pastry into 2" squares and wrap a piece around each pecan sandwich, leaving part of the pecan exposed to represent a half shelled pecan.
Brush dough and pecans with egg wash.
Bake all of the pieces on a parchment paper lined sheet pan at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Remove the pan to a cooing rack for 10 minutes.
Transfer the pecans to the cooling rack and cool completely.
Begin assembling the cake.
Transfer 1 layer, pecan side up onto a serving platter and spread with 1/2 of the filling.
Pace the second layer , pecan side up onto the first layer and spread with remaining filling.
Add the third layer onto the top.
Garnish the top and the edges of the platter with the Pastry Leaves and Pastry Pecans.
NOTE:
Toasted Pecans
This recipe is for 6 C of Pecans. I generally roast them and store them refrigerated until I need them.
6 C Pecan Halves
2 sticks (16 TBS) Butter, melted
Pour melted Butter into a large mixing bowl.
Add Pecans and mix to coat well.
Place the nuts on two Sheet Pans in a single layer.
Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use in a recipe.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Pecan Pie Cake:
Southern Living Recipe.
Here's what you'll need:
3 - 9" round cake pans generously brushed with my Pan Release Mix (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. I always keep some available for all of my baking needs.
A variety of 3" leaf shaped cookie cutters for garnish.
1 Sheet Pan
Aluminum Foil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3 C finely chopped pecans + 2 dozen that have not been toasted, for garnish. ( toast the pecans in the oven before chopping, recipe at the end)
1/2 C butter, room temperature
1/2 C Crisco
2 C granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 TBS vanilla
2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 C buttermilk
3/4 C dark corn syrup
1 recipe of Pecan Pie Filling , recipe to follow
1 recipe of Pastry Garnish, recipe to follow.
Evenly distribute 2 C of the chopped pecans among the 3 cake pans.
In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Butter
Crisco
Beat until creamy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating until incorporated.
Add egg yolks 1 at a time beating well after each one.
Add vanilla.
Add:
Flour
Baking Soda
Alternate with the Buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
Beat on slow speed after each addition until mixed well.
Add remaining 1C of chopped pecans.
Transfer batter to a large mixing bowl.
Clean the bowl of the Stand Mixer and prepare a meringue:
Add the egg whites to the bowl of the mixer and beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
Fold 1/3 of the Meringue, by hand, into the batter until combined.
Fold in the remaining meringue just until incorporated ( do not over mix).
Divide the batter evenly among the 3 pans.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the pans on cooling racks for 10 minutes.
Cover cooling racks with waxed paper and invert the cakes onto the racks.
Brush the top and sides of the cakes with the corn syrup.
Cool the cakes completely.
Filling:
1/2 C firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 C dark corn syrup
1/3 C cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 C Half & Half
1/8 tsp salt
3 TBS butter
1 tsp vanilla
In a Saucepan over medium heat:
The first 6 ingredients
Whisk together well.
Bring to a boil, whisking constantly for 1 minute. It should begin to thicken.
Remove from heat.
Whisk in butter and vanilla.
Place a piece of waxed paper directly onto the surface to prevent it from forming a film.
Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Make the Pastry Garnish.
Pastry Garnish:
1 (15oz.) package of refrigerated pie crusts
1 large egg
1 TBS water
24 pecan halves (toasted)
Unfold the pie crusts.
Cut 8 - 10 leaves from each crust.( mark leaf veins with a paring knife)
Keep the pastry trimmings.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and the water
Brush each leaf with the egg wash.
Crumple 12 small 1/2" balls from small pieces of the aluminum foil.
Spray each ball with a vegetable cooking spray and place on the Sheet Pan that's been lined with Parchment Paper.
Drape a leaf over each ball and place the remaining leaves onto the Sheet Pan.
Bake at 350 for 6 - 8 minutes.
Remove the pan to a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
Gently remove the foil from leaves.
Pinch off 12 pea sized pieces of the remaining pastry trimmings.
Place a piece between two pecan halves creating a sandwich.
Cut the remaining pastry into 2" squares and wrap a piece around each pecan sandwich, leaving part of the pecan exposed to represent a half shelled pecan.
Brush dough and pecans with egg wash.
Bake all of the pieces on a parchment paper lined sheet pan at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Remove the pan to a cooing rack for 10 minutes.
Transfer the pecans to the cooling rack and cool completely.
Begin assembling the cake.
Transfer 1 layer, pecan side up onto a serving platter and spread with 1/2 of the filling.
Pace the second layer , pecan side up onto the first layer and spread with remaining filling.
Add the third layer onto the top.
Garnish the top and the edges of the platter with the Pastry Leaves and Pastry Pecans.
NOTE:
Toasted Pecans
This recipe is for 6 C of Pecans. I generally roast them and store them refrigerated until I need them.
6 C Pecan Halves
2 sticks (16 TBS) Butter, melted
Pour melted Butter into a large mixing bowl.
Add Pecans and mix to coat well.
Place the nuts on two Sheet Pans in a single layer.
Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use in a recipe.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
Monday, September 1, 2014
Southern Holiday Tea Cakes
This is an interesting name for a cookie. I didn't want to change the original name. I've had this recipe since 2007. It's in my collection of the Best of the Best recipes.
These cookies are great dipped in Chocolate for the Holidays. (recipe to follow)
They can also be drizzled with a Lemon Glaze. (recipe to follow)
Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Line a Sheet Pan with Parchment Paper.
Waxed Paper
Waxed Paper
4 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Baking Powder
2 C Granulated Sugar
2 Eggs
1/2 C Buttermilk
16 TBS (2 sticks) Butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla , Lemon or Almond Extract
In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Whisk well.
Add:
Sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Butter
Mix well to form the dough.
Roll it out onto a floured surface, 1/4" thick.
Use a 2" round cookie cutter.
Place them 2" apart, on the lined Sheet Pan.
Bake 10 - 12 minutes.
I baked mine 11 1/2 minutes.
Remove and cool the pan on a rack for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to the rack and cool completely.
Chocolate Dip:
1 C Semisweet Chocolate Chips
2 TBS Crisco, (shortening)
In a heat proof glass bowl:
Chocolate Chips
Crisco
Heat in a microwave until melted and smooth, stirring often.
Dip half of each cookie in the chocolate , place on waxed paper until it sets completely.
Lemon Glaze:
2 C Confectioner's Sugar
2 TBS Grated Lemon Zest
1/3 C Fresh Lemon Juice
In a medium bowl, mis all ingredients together and whisk until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cookies on a rack over a sheet pan.
Allow the glaze to set for 1 hour.
Once dried, they can be stacked and stored in an air tight container.
Chocolate Dip:
1 C Semisweet Chocolate Chips
2 TBS Crisco, (shortening)
In a heat proof glass bowl:
Chocolate Chips
Crisco
Heat in a microwave until melted and smooth, stirring often.
Dip half of each cookie in the chocolate , place on waxed paper until it sets completely.
Lemon Glaze:
2 C Confectioner's Sugar
2 TBS Grated Lemon Zest
1/3 C Fresh Lemon Juice
In a medium bowl, mis all ingredients together and whisk until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cookies on a rack over a sheet pan.
Allow the glaze to set for 1 hour.
Once dried, they can be stacked and stored in an air tight container.
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!
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