Spinach Artichoke Dips / Artichoke Dips, Spinach Dips....... etc. A collection of my favorites!

I've tried every Spinach Artichoke recipe I can find. I haven't found the perfect one yet. I have a favorite one that I've posted on the blog, but it was adapted from a recipe.
This another adapted recipe. I like the convenience of the Crock Pot and the fact that it will stay warm during an entire party.
I've posted additional favorites at the end of this recipe.


I'll begin with a Poem!

Ode to the Artichoke, Terry Mosher!

I gave a dinner party, and I served some artichokes!
The guests began to laugh and make rude remarks and jokes.
They said, " these things could stick us" and they threw them on the floor.
I turned around, I walked away and thought I'd just ignore!

Then, I jumped up on the table and I began to say:
"what would you expect from a vegetarian, a meat filled, appetizer tray"?
Yes, artichokes are prickly, but I promise they won't hurt.
If you pick them up and eat them, I will serve a nice dessert!

The guests looked quite embarrassed and they said " we have to go",
leaving artichokes all over, on the table and below!
So, I picked them up and placed them in the fridge, upon a shelf.
And everyday, for breakfast, I enjoy one by myself!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip:

1 (10 oz.) bag of Baby Spinach Leaves, roughly chopped
1 (14oz.) can of Artichoke Hearts
1/2 C Sour Cream
1/2 C Mayonnaise
1/2 C Onion, roughly chopped1/4 C grated Parmesan Cheese
1 C Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/4 C Heavy Cream
1 (8oz.) package of Cream Cheese, cubed
1 tsp Adobo Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste

Spray a Crock Pot with a Vegetable Cooking Spray.

Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Pour into the Crock Pot.
Cook on High for 2 hours.
Stir well, reduce heat and keep warm to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Baked Artichoke - Jalapeño Parmesan Dip / Ellise Pierce

I was checking out some of my favorite blogs this morning and I love to keep in touch with a fellow Texan, fellow Francophile and friend, Ellise Pierce. She is the author of Cowgirl Chef, Texas Cooking with a French Accent. If you haven't gotten a copy of her cookbook, I highly recommend it. I refer to Ellise as my "friend". Actually, I've only met her once. Have you ever met someone for the first time and you feel a kindred spirit? That's how I felt when I first met her. I took a cooking class from Ellise and immediately felt that I had known her all my life. We share our Texas roots and our love of France. I love everything she cooks and I like the way she teaches cooking! We keep in touch and she has published one of my recipes in her column. Ellise, Merci pour tout ce que tu fait dans la cuisine!
A la prochaine classe!


I love this recipe!
Ellise talks about her love for rustic and vintage cookware. You know, those vintage bowls and bakeware that your grandmother and great grandmother mixed recipes in and baked in? Those well used pieces of bakeware that you find in French Flea Markets? Well, I have the same passion. My latest is baking in a Bram and I will bake this recipe in my Bram.

Baked Artichoke-Jalapeno Parmesan Dip
INGREDIENTS

1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained
4 cloves garlic
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup plain or Greek yogurt
10-12 sliced jalapenos (pickled)
10 sundried tomatoes
¼ teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a food processor, puree the garlic until finely chopped. Add sun dried tomatoes and pulse until finely chopped. Add artichoke hearts and jalapeno peppers and pulse one or two times, making sure not to puree the artichoke hearts or peppers. You want this to be chunky.

In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.

 Fold the artichoke-pepper mixture into the bowl, mix well and pour into a baking dish. 

Sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top.

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until heated through and cheese on top starts to brown.

Serve with toasted pita chips, or crispy bread – and champagne!

this is my Bram, it's one of my favorite baking dishes

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Aunt Faye's Artichoke Spinach Dip

2 (8oz.) cans of artichoke hearts or bottoms, drained

1 (10oz.) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and patted dry with paper towels.

1/4 C chopped fresh parsley

3 TBS minced shallot or green onion

1 large clove of garlic, mashed

2 TBS fresh lemon juice

2 tsp fresh dill

1 C mayonnaise

2 C sour cream

1 TBS Dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Roughly chop artichokes in a food processor or they can be pureed!

Add all ingredients, by hand, in a large bowl until well combined.

It can be thinned with Buttermilk to create a Salad Dressing. Serve with Crackers or Crudite.

If serving with Tortilla Chips, the dip can be heated! ( Aunt Faye did not mention this, but that's what Texans would do)!

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Hatch Chile Artichoke Dip

It's Hatch Chile time at Central Market in Texas.
That means that there is an abundance of Green Chiles available for making all kinds of recipes using Hatch Green Chiles.
It only takes place once a year.
I stock up on the Chiles, freeze them and use them through out the year.
I have a collections of recipes using the Hatch, New Mexico Green Chile.

Here's a Dip using Hatch Chiles:
This is simply an adaptation of a very popular Artichoke Dip.

1 can (14oz.) artichokes, drained and chopped
1 C finely diced Roasted Hatch Chiles, your choice of Mild or Hot
1 C mayonnaise
1 1/2 C grated parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients together in a 2 qt. baking dish
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes

Serve with crackers or....... here in Texas, we serve with Tortilla Chips!

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



Baked Artichoke Bruschetta:

This is an appetizer on the menu at a New York City Cafe.
After I made this, I made some notes with the photographs below. I really need to re write the recipe.
I've adapted it slightly, not changing the integrity of the original recipe.
I love recipes from Cafes, Bistros and Bars.
I recently discovered recipes from Brooklyn's Flatbush Farm & Bar (N).
They use fresh and organic products.
I also posted their recipe for Rhubarb Rice Pudding.

2 large jalapenos, small dice
4 (9oz.) boxes of frozen artichokes, thawed, drained, finely chopped.
After making this I realized that the artichokes need to be well chopped. The pieces were too large to enjoy as a spread. I ended up pulsing them in a food processor. You won't have to do this if you chop them well in the beginning. I also felt that the taste was a bit bland. I would add more spice in some way. I tasted a lot of lemon. I may increase the Tabasco the next time and maybe try adding some Adobo Seasoning and a can of Diced Green Chiles. After all, I live in Texas!

3/4 C mayonnaise
3/4 C fresh grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp Tabasco Sauce
1 C shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Slices of Toasted French Baguette

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl:
Artichokes
Jalapeno
Mayonnaise
3/4 C Parmesan Cheese
Garlic
Lemon Juice
Lemon Zest
Salt
Tabasco Sauce
Mix Well

Pour into a 1 quart Gratin Dish
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
1C White Cheddar Cheese and broil for 2 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Serve on toasted slices of French Baguette Bread.

This is before it's baked, I'll post a picture of the final dish when I finish it.
We served this and then I realized that it needed something different, based on texture and taste.
The bottom photograph is the final appetizer after I re did it.

This is after I re made it. I pulsed it in a food processor, re baked it.
I added more Cheese to the top and broiled it again.
When I'm ready to serve this dip, I will fold in a can of Diced Green Chiles.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Hot Spinach /  Artichoke Dip:

Just another Spinach artichoke dip, and a very good one!

1 - (10oz.) package of frozen chopped spinach
2 - (13 3/4 oz.) cans of Artichoke hearts
1/2 C mayonnaise
1/2 C sour cream
1 C grated parmesan
1 C grated pepper jack cheese

Spray a 2quart casserole dish with a vegetable cooking spray.


Microwave the spinach 5 minutes and squeeze dry.
Drain artichokes and chop coarsely in a food processor.

Combine all ingredients , except the cheese, in a large bowl, Stir well.
Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

These are three of my favorite original Spinach Dip Recipes.
In Texas, we love spicy food. We also love Dips. We eat a lot of Chile con Queso or, Cheese Dip. It can be white or yellow or ..........Spinach, Hot or Cold, your choice! Dip #1 is served cold and Dip#2 is served hot! I added the classic All American Knorr Spinach Dip at the end of this post with a story.

Texas Spinach Dip #1

1/2 C Mayonnaise
1/2 C Sour Cream
2 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 C Chopped Pecans
1/4 C diced Onion
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Coriander
1/2 tsp Chile Powder
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Salt to taste
2- 10oz packages of Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.

In a skillet:
Heat Olive Oil.
Add Onion and Pecans.
Saute 5 minutes.

Add all spices including Salt to taste.

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve cold with Tortilla Chips.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



Texas Spinach Dip #2

8 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
4 oz. Queso Quesadilla Cheese, grated
1 4.5 oz. can of Diced Green Chiles
1/4 C diced Onion
1 Roma Tomato, seeded and diced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp Coriander
1/2 tsp Chile Powder
2 - 10 oz. packages of Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.

Fold all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Pour into a 2 quart Casserole Dish.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.
Serve Hot with Tortilla Chips.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Well, this is certainly a very well known recipe in every kitchen in America.

It's definitely a "Classic".

I'm posting this for my European friends and for those of you that live in other parts of the world and are interested in our Classic Recipes.

I grew up with this recipe at every New Year's Eve Party, every Picnic, every occasion when some sort of dip was required. It's served on slices of Baguette Bread, on Crackers,  or as a dip for Vegetables. Some have been known to create a sandwich with it and others will simply eat it with a spoon! You know who you are!

It was originally published by the Knorr Soup Company and can be found on the back of the Knorr Vegetable Soup package.

1 10oz. package of Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 1/2 C Sour Cream

1 C Mayonnaise

1 4oz. package of Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix

1 8oz. can of Water Chestnuts, finely chopped

3 Green Onions, finely chopped

In a medium size bowl, stir together :

Spinach

Sour Cream

Soup Mix

Mix well

Add Chestnuts and Onions.

Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

We have coffee every afternoon. It's a habit that we got into while staying with friends in France.  We go to a couple of our favorite coffee shops. Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Gingerbread Lattes are out now and they're really good. They're really expensive too.

This afternoon I made this recipe and it's delicious. So we can start saving money and make our own Fall Coffee drinks every afternoon. Tomorrow I'll make the Gingerbread Spice mixture.  Follow the instructions exactly and you'll have a delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

I have other Latte recipes on the blot and one of them that we make every year during the Holidays is made in a Crock Pot. It makes 14 cups.

I double the recipe for two of us.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte:

1 C Whole Milk
2 TBS Pumpkin Puree
1 TBS Granulated Sugar
1/4 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice + additional for garnish.
1/4 tsp Vanilla
1/4 C Hot Espresso Coffee ( I use instant Medaglia d'Oro Espresso Coffee if I'm too lazy to use the Espresso Machine)

In a glass bowl or measuring cup:
Milk
Pumpkin
Sugar
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Vanilla
Whisk well.
Heat in  a microwave safe bowl covered with plastic wrap and vent with a small hole.
Heat 1 - 2 minutes.
Whisk vigorously until the milk is foamy, 30 seconds.
Add Espresso Coffee to a Coffee Mug, add foamed milk, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Texas Pecan Bourbon Bundt Cake, Merry Christmas Y'all!

Here's a decadent Texas Cake to celebrate the Holidays. This cake is saturated in Bourbon and left for  several days to soak up all of the Bourbon flavor!
Can I get a Yee Haw for this one?

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 10 to 12 C Bundt Pan, your choice of design, brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.

2 C chopped Pecans
1 C Bourbon, divided
3 1/2 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
8 Eggs
1 pound (2 sticks) Butter, room temperature
2 C Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla


In a small bowl:
Pecans
1/2 C Bourbon
Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together:
Flower
Baking Powder
Salt
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Clove
Set aside.

In a small bowl with a hand mixer:
Eggs
Beat until thick and light.

In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Butter
Sugar
Beat for 5 minutes.

Add:
Vanilla
Eggs
Beat on low speed to incorporate then on high speed until thick and fluffy.
Gradually add Flour mixture just until combined.
Fold in the Bourbon soaked Pecans, by hand.
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt Pan.
Smooth out the top so the batter is slightly higher on the outside and around the tube.
Cover the pan with a 12" square piece of Brown Parchment Paper.

Bake for 55 - 60 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack to cool for 15 minutes
Invert the cake onto a Parchment Paper covered rack to cool completely.

Soak an 18" piece of Cheesecloth in 1/2 C of Bourbon.
Wrap the cake completely in the Cheesecloth and then wrap it tightly in foil.
Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for several days.
Place the cake onto a serving platter and dust with Confectioner's Sugar just before serving.

Don't this sound dang good?

All I can say is......... can I get a Yee Haw in the Kitchen?

Groovy Holiday Recipes from the 60's!

Here are 3 Retro Recipes from 1960. Far Out Man!

For the Holidays I brought back these 3 recipes.

Retro 60's Cranberry Crunch
Cinnamon Crisps
Mistletoe Dip


Cranberry Crunch:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Brush a 9"X 9" pan with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.

1 C Quick Oats
1/3 C Butter, cold and cubed
3/4 C Brown Sugar
1 can of Whole Cranberry Sauce
1/2 C Flour
1/2 C Coconut
1 TBS Lemon Juice

In a large mixing bowl:
Oats
Sugar
Flour
Coconut
Mix well.
Cut in Butter with your hands to create a crumble.
Place 1/2 the Crumble in the pan.

In a small bowl:
Cranberry Sauce
Lemon Juice
Mix well.
Pour over the first layer of Crumble.
Sprinkle the remaining Crumble evenly over the Cranberries.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 10 minutes.
Serve warm with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Mistletoe Dip:

1 Envelope of Onion Soup Mix
1 Pint of Sour Cream
1 Tomato, diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1/4 tsp Dill Weed

In a medium bowl:
Soup Mix
Sour Cream
Whisk well.
Add:
Tomato
Bell Pepper
Dill Weed
Blend well and refrigerate covered for 1 hour.
Serve as a Dip with your favorite Crackers or Chips.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Cinnamon Crisps in Holiday Shapes:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper,

16 TBS (2 sticks) Butter, room temperature
1 C Granulated Sugar
1 Egg
3 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder

In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Butter
Sugar
Beat for 3 minutes.
Add:
Egg and beat until incorporated.

In a small bowl, sift together:
Flour
Cinnamon
Salt
Baking Powder
Whisk well.
Gradually add to the mixer.
Beat until combined.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll dough onto a floured surface , 1/8" thick.
Cut out cookies with Holiday Cookie Cutters.
Bake for 11 - 12 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove pan to a rack to cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer cookies to the rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze

I love baked doughnuts. I've gotten away from fried doughnuts since I discovered some great recipes for baked doughnuts. I have several recipes on the blog for baked doughnuts. You can search them.

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Brush the wells of a full sized Doughnut Pan with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of eau, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.

1/2 C Vegetable Oil
3 Large Eggs
1 1/2 C Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 C 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

In a large mixing bowl:
Mix all ingredients together with a hand mixer.
Beat until smooth.
Add:
1 3/4 C + 2 TBS Flour.
Beat until smooth.

Fill the well os the prepared pan 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 - 18 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer the doughnuts to the rack and cool completely.

Chocolate Glaze.

1/2 C butter  (1 stick)
1/4 C whole milk
1 TBS light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 C confectioner's sugar

In a saucepan, over medium heat:
butter
milk
syrup
vanilla
Whisk Well

Add chocolate and whisk until chocolate has completely melted

Turn off heat and whisk in sugar until smooth. Glaze the doughnuts immediately
To keep the glaze liquid, place the glaze over a pan of warm water while glazing the doughnuts

Allow Glaze to set 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds

This is another amazing recipe from Food52. It's perfect for the Fall Season.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
1 - 9" round Cake Pan, brushed with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.



Cake:

1 2/3 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 TBS + 1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1 C + 2 TBS 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 C Vegetable Oil
1 1/3 C Granulated Sugar
3/4 tsp Salt
3 Large Eggs room temperature, separated.

Cream Cheese Icing and Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds:

9 TBS Butter, room temperature, divided.
8 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature.
2 1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar
A Pinch of Cinnamon
1 TBS Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Cake directions.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together:
Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Clove
Whisk well and set aside.

In a Stand Mixer with a Whisk attachment on low speed:
Pumpkin
Oil
Sugar
Salt
Whisk well.
Increase speed to medium and add:
Egg Yolks, one at a time.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.

Reduce speed to low and gradually add:
Flour mixture, just until incorporated.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

In a medium mixing bowl:
Egg Whites
Whisk until frothy.
Fold into the batter with a rubber spatula until well combined.
Don't over mix the batter.
Pour into the cake pan.
Bake for 40 - 45 minutes.
A toothpick in the center should come out clean.
The cake will continue to set as it cools in the pan.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 20 minutes.
Invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely. I invert it twice so it's right side up.



Icing directions:
In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
8 TBS Butter
Cream Cheese
Beat until creamy smooth.
Add:
Confectioner's Sugar, gradually until the icing is smooth with no traces of dry sugar.
Add a pinch of Cinnamon and continue beating until incorporated.

Caramelized Toasted Pumpkin Seeds.

In a saucepan on medium heat:
1 TBS of Granulated Sugar
Heat until it begins to caramelize and become reddish - brown.
Once the sugar is dark, add the last TBS of Butter until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Add Pumpkin Seeds and stir constantly until well coated.
Transfer Seeds to a plate lined with parchment paper and allow to cool completely.

When the cake is completely cooled, frost the top only. (see NOTE below). Break up the Pumpkin Seeds and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the cake.

NOTE:
When the cake is released from the pan, I immediately wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to Ice it. At this point, transfer the cake to a serving plate and Frost it.
It's a tip that I learned when I was a cake decorator. It guarantees that the cake will remain moist and the refrigerated cakes are easier to Frost.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

1. .

Fully Loaded Smashed Cauliflower from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen

Another incredible recipe from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. I simply posted a link to the recipe with a photograph. It looks amazing.
Again, thank you Melissa for allowing me to post another one of your great recipes.

http://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/2014/03/fully-loaded-smashed-cauliflower.html

Cranberry and Roasted Red Pepper Salsa and other favorite Salsas, Sauces and Relishes made with Cranberries!

This is a condiment to serve along with your main course at Thanksgiving. Its more of an accompaniment rather than a side dish.
It would be a nice spread for a leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich too.
I've previously posted a Tex - Mex Cranberry Sauce that i make at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'll post it at the end of this recipe.
Make this a few days ahead of serving it, it only gets better as it sits.

1 C Fresh Cranberries
Juice of 1/2 Orange
1/3 C Granulated Sugar
1 (12oz.) jar of Roasted Red Peppers, diced
3 TBS Chopped Fresh Cilantro
3 TBS Chopped Pecans
Zest of 1/2 Lime
Zest of 1/2 Orange
Salt to taste........ just a pinch!

In a Food Processor:
Cranberries
Orange Juice
Sugar
Pulse for about 30 seconds.

Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Fold in, by hand:
Red Peppers
Cilantro
Pecans
Lime Zest
Orange Zest
Salt
Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Transfer to a serving bowl.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


I believe Texas has it's own special take on most recipes and I'm convinced that I can turn any recipe into a Texas or Tex-Mex version.
This one happens to be my current favorite Cranberry Sauce recipe!
Make it at least a week before serving, it just gets better!
Put it in a canning jar and refrigerate until needed.

I created it in 2003 and I should post a photograph of the page in my hand written book where I created it. It's a mess!
It's somewhat difficult to make sense of the recipe so I'm glad I have the opportunity to publish it in a form that I can read clearly!

Terry's Original Texas Cranberry Sauce:

1 pound (about 4 C) of Fresh Cranberries. I suppose you can just thaw some frozen ones if that's all
you can get.
1 1/2 C Sugar
1 Jalapeno, finely diced ( seeded ) If you want a kick of heat then keep the seeds!
1 C Water
2 TBS Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped
1 Whole Lime, finely chopped, including the peel
3/4 C Crushed Pineapple, drained
1/2 C chopped Pecans ( you know I believe that Pecans will make any recipe Texan)!
2 Green Onions, (the entire onion) chopped

Wash the Cranberries and set them aside
Bring Sugar and Water to a boil
Add the Cranberries and Lime
Simmer, stirring often until the berries pop
Add the PIneapple
Cool this mixture
When completely cooled ( you can refrigerate it)
Fold in the Cilantro, Onion, Jalapeno and Pecans.
Chill again before serving

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

This is how I work..... nothing fancy about it.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Another favorite Cranberry recipe!

Cranberry Salsa:

This may seem unusual but it's really one of my Best of the Best recipes.
In my notes , I wrote that I doubled this recipe.
This can be served as a side dish or served with tortilla chips.( after all it is a Salsa and I live in Texas).

I'm always researching and testing new recipes. When I can't find exactly what I'm looking for, I begin taking from one and adding something from another until I create what I believe is the Best of the Best!

I created this one a few years ago and it was served at Thanksgiving, there were no leftovers!

I refer to blanching in this recipe. Blanching is simply bringing water to a boil and adding something to it and then remove the contents and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking.

2 C whole fresh or frozen cranberries. Blanch the berries. Boil enough water to cover the berries. Pour boiling water over the berries,  then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking.
1 small jalapeno pepper,minced
2 TBS chopped red onion
2 TBS chopped green bell pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
2 TBS chopped cilantro

Sauce:
1/4 C Canned Cherry Pie Filling from 1 - 21oz. can.( remove the cherries, divide them in half and save until later)
1 tsp cider vinegar
1 TBS sugar
1/2 TBS corn starch

Preparation:
In a saucepan, mix the sauce ingredients together and cook just until heated and combined well.
Cool the mixture, add all of the other ingredients listed above and combine well.

Process the mixture by pulsing it in a food processor.

Remove half of the mixture from the processor to a bowl and stir in half of the cherries from the filling.

Add the remaining  half of the cherries to the processor and pulse again.

Combine both mixtures and gently stir them together.
Chill before serving.



Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


This comes from my collection of the Best of the Best recipes. 2008
The note I have at the bottom of the page in the book says, "don't even make another kind, this is incredible."
I know that everyone has their favorite cranberry relish recipe and I would have to say, this is mine.
I make it a week ahead.

Cranberry Relish:

1- 12 0z. bag of fresh Cranberries
1 large Apple, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1C Golden Raisins
3/4 C Sugar
1/2 C Orange Juice
1/2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 C chopped Pecans (added when cooled)

Place all ingredients except vinegar and pecans in a saucepan and stir to combine well.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Lower heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes
Remove from heat, add vinegar.
Place in a heatproof container, cover and cool to room temperature.
Add Pecans when completely cooled.
Refrigerate covered.
It will keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Pumpkin Pie Cake, A Best of the Best Recipe!

This is one of our family's favorite Pumpkin Cakes.
It's simple and it's delicious. It's a great combination of a Cake and a Pie. It's the filling that makes this Cake special.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Here's what you'll need:
1 - 9"x13" baking dish, greased with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.


1- Boxed Yellow Cake Mix
8 TBS Butter, room temperature
4 Eggs, divided.
2- 15 oz. cans 100% Pure Pumpkin
1- 5 oz. can Evaporated milk
1/2 C Brown sugar
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
2 TBS Cinnamon

Topping:
2TBS Cinnamon
4 TBS chilled Butter, cut into pieces
1/4 C GranulatedSugar
1C chopped Pecans


Measure 1C of the cake mix and set aside for the topping.

In a medium Mixing Bowl:
Remaining Cake Mix
8 TBS Butter
1 Egg
Mix on low speed just until combined, about 1 minute.
Use your fingers and press evenly over the bottom of the pan.


Filling:
In the same mixing bowl ( no need to clean it):
Pumpkin
Evaporated Milk
1/2 C Brown Sugar
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
 3 eggs
 Cinnamon
 Mix on low speed for 30 seconds,
 Increase speed to medium and mix until it lightens in color and texture, 1-2 minutes more.
 Pour filling over the crust, spread evenly.

Topping:
In a medium bowl:
Cinnamon
Chilled Butter
1/4 C Sugar
Reserved Cake Mix
Work with your fingers to create a crumble.
Add pecans by hand and work the dough to incorporate the nuts.
Distribute evenly over the filling.
Bake 70 minutes until the middle no longer jiggles when the pan is shaken and the Pecans begin
to brown.
Cool before cutting into squares.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Recipe Exchange!

I received an invitation to participate in an online recipe exchange. I decided that I would post the recipes that I received. I have no idea how many people will participate and how many recipes I'll have. I'll continue to post them as I receive them.
Thanks to all that agreed to participate and thank you all for the amazing recipes.

Banana Pudding Cake from Cathey:

1 (10oz.) box of Yellow Cake Mix + Eggs, Oil and Water needed to make the cake according to the directions on the box for a 9" X 13" pan.

2 (3.4oz.) packages of Instant Banana Pudding Mix
4 C Whole Milk
1 (8oz.) container of Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed.
20 Vanilla Wafers, crushed with a rolling pin in a Zip Lock Bag + additional for Garnish.

Prepare and Bake the cake according to package directions.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for at least 5 minutes.
Poke holes in the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon. (the holes need to be large enough to allow the pudding to soak in.)
Poke the holes to the bottom of the cake.

In a large mixing bowl:
Instant Pudding Mix
Milk
Whisk well until all of the lumps are gone and it's creamy smooth.
Allow to sit for 2 minutes. It should set , but still be pourable.
Pour evenly over the entire cake.
Spread with a spatula and gently press pudding into the holes.
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Frost the cake with the Whipped Topping.
Sprinkle the crushed Wafers evenly over the entire cake
Cut into squares to serve and garnish each piece with a Vanilla Wafer.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Here's a copy of the letter I received for the exchange.

Hi everyone,We're participating in a collective and hopefully tasty experiment.  As such, you've been invited to be part of a recipe exchange.  We hope you'll participate. We've picked those who we think will make this fun. Please send a recipe to the person whose name is in position 1 below (even if you don't know him/her). The recipe should be something quick, easy and without rare ingredients.  Actually, the best recipe is the one that you know off the top of your head and can type right now.  Don't agonize over it, it's one that you make when you are short on time - anything, an old favorite, or a new one. 

After you send the recipe to the person in position 1 (and only that person), copy this letter into a new email, move my name into position 1 and put your name in position 2. Only our names should show when you send your email. Send to 20 friends.  If you can't do this within 5 days, let me know so that it will be fair to those participating.

You should receive 36 recipes and it's fun to see where they come from. Seldom does anyone drop out because it's so easy and we all need new ideas.  Turnaround is fast because there are only 2 names on the list and you only have to send one recipe to one person.  Hope you'll participate.

Christmas Mint and Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe comes from Betty Crocker. It's a great cookie to take to a Holiday Cookie Exchange.
They're green for Christmas!

Christmas Mint and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper

1 pouch (1lb. 1.5oz) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
1/2 C Butter, softened
1/2 tsp Mint Extract
6 - 8 drops of Green Food Coloring
1 Egg
1 C Creme de Menthe Baking Chips
1 C Semisweet Chocolate Chunks

In a large mixing bowl:
Cookie Mix
Butter
Mint Extract
Food Coloring
Egg
Stir to create a soft dough.
Fold in Creme de Menthe Chips and Chocolate Chips, by hand.
Use a 1 1/2 " Cookie Scoop and drop the dough 2" apart onto the sheet pan.
Bake 8 - 10 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to the rack and cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Jalapeño Cornbread and Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing

There's a story here that needs to be shared. This recipe is from Beth at Local Milk. It's a recipe that is handed down from one generation to another and served at Thanksgiving. Those are the best recipes to make and the best recipes to share. Family tradition is strong when it comes to making great food during the Holidays. Our family has our favorite traditional recipes, the ones that always make it to the table for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. I know that every family has one or two recipes that they absolutely have to make, and is expected to be on the table, for your Holiday dinner. Ours are numerous and I'd like to add this one for future generations to add to that list.
There are so many aspects of this recipe that I love, Jalapeños, Biscuits and Stuffing.......... I think that says it all! It may appear to be complicated, but I believe the steps are all necessary to create this recipe. Don't cheat and use anything but Homemade Cornbread and Buttermilk Biscuits here!

I'll start this recipe by saying:
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

I've adapted the recipe without changing the integrity of the original one.

This is just the Skillet of Jalapeño Cornbread,
ready for the oven!

Baked and ready for the Stuffing!

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9"X13" baking dish, sprayed with a non stick cooking spray.
1 - prepared recipe of Jalapeño Cornbread (recipe below)
1 - prepared recipe of Buttermilk Biscuits (recipe below)

Jalapeño Cornbread and Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing:

7 C Crumbled Jalapeño Cornbread (prepared ahead of time)
4 C  Cubed Buttermilk Biscuits (prepared ahead of time)
3 Hard Boiled Eggs, chopped
8 TBS (1 stick) Butter
2 X Finely Chopped Shallots (about 8)
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 1/2 C Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper
1 Large, Fresh Jalapeño, seeded and Finely Minced
1 C Finely Chopped Celery
1/2 C Buttermilk
Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Granulated Sugar
3 Eggs, beaten
1/2 to 1C Vegetarian Chicken Broth, just enough to moisten the stuffing mixture.

Instructions:

In a large bowl:
Cornbread
Biscuits
Hard Boiled Egg
Gently toss, just to combine well.
Set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat:
Melt Butter
Add:
Onion
Garlic
Saute until soft.
Add:
Green Pepper
Celery
Cook for 3 minutes.
Season to taste with Salt and Pepper.
Allow to cool.
Add:
Buttermilk
Vinegar
Sugar
Stir to combine.
Add this to the Cornbread Bowl.
Gently stir to combine.
Add:
Beaten Eggs and just enough broth to moisten the stuffing. (start with 1/2 C and gradually add more until the stuffing is moist and not wet and soggy)
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.
Place the dish in a large roasting pan and add boiling water, half way up the baking dish.
Bake 40 minutes.


Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits:

2 C Flour
1 TBS Baking Powder
1 tsp Sea Salt
4 TBS (1/2 stick) Butter, Cold and Cubed.
1 C Buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Baking Powder
Salt
Whisk well.
Cut in the Butter with a Pastry Cutter or your fingers until no pieces larger that a Pea remain. DOn't over work the Flour and Butter.
Gently stir in the Buttermilk with a wooden spoon, just to combine.
Drop the dough by the spoonful onto a sheet pan sprayed with a non stick cooking spray.
Bake 15 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool completely.
If you have more Biscuits than the recipe requires....... slather them with butter and eat them immediately!


Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread:
Here's what you'll need:
1 - 9" or 10" Cast Iron Skillet
3 TBS Butter

1 1/4 C Cornmeal
3 TBS Flour
1 C Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 C Pickled Jalapeños, roughly chopped.
1 tsp Sea Salt
3/4 tsp Baking Powder
3 TBS Butter, melted
2 Eggs, beaten
1 C Buttermilk
1/4 tsp Baking Soda dissolved in a bit of water.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Grease the Skillet with the 3 TBS of Butter and place it in the oven as it preheats.

In a medium mixing bowl:
Cornmeal
Flour
Salt
Baking
Powder
Whisk well.
Gradually add the melted butter with your hands and create a sandy texture.
Fold in the Cheese and Bell Peppers by hand.

In a small bowl:
Eggs
Buttermilk
Whisk well.
Gradually add this to the dry ingredients.
Stir by hand with a wooden spoon.
Add the Baking Soda and stir just to combine.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Transfer the Skillet to the stovetop to cool, just enough to handle.
Invert the Cornbread onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Granola Harvest Cake with Espresso Coffee Glaze

Here's a favorite Holiday Bundt Cake. I thought it was perfect for The Hippy in the Kitchen Blog.
It's served with a decadent Espresso Coffee Glaze.
I hope you take time to make and enjoy this cake. I know that I'll be baking it for Christmas.

Granola Harvest Cake with Espresso Coffee Glaze:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
1 - 10 - 12 C Bundt Pan, your choice of design, brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.



Cake Ingredients:
1 3/4 C Boiling Water
1 C Granola (your choice)
1C of Raisins
1 C Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Brown Sugar
1 C Crisco Shortening
3 Eggs
2 1/2 C Sifted Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Cinnamon

In a medium bowl:
Pour the boiling water over the granola and raisins.
Cool to Lukewarm.

In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Crisco
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Beat for 3 minutes, until creamy smooth.
Add Eggs, one at a time.

In a medium bowl, sift together:
Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Whisk well.

While the mixer is on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients.
Mix until just incorporated.
Fold in the Granola/Raisin mixture by hand.
Pour batter into the pan and Bake for 40 - 50 minutes.
A toothpick in the center of the cake should come out clean.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 15 minutes.
Invert the cake onto the rack, place it right side up and cool completely. (invert it twice)
Transfer the cake to a serving platter,
Drizzle with Espresso Coffee Glaze before serving.

Coffee Glaze:
1 tsp Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee.
3 TBS Hot Milk
2 C sifted Confectioner's Sugar
1 TBS Butter, softened

Dissolve Coffee in the Milk.

In a small bowl, whisk together:
Sugar
Butter
Whisk well.

Gradually add the Milk mixture just until desired consistency.
Whisk until creamy smooth.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Chocolate - Whiskey Bundt Cake from Epicurious Magazine

This recipe is part of  Epicurious magazine's, America's Best Recipes.
"Most of the alcohol in this cake cooks off, but - thankfully - a whiskey flavor remains."
I've adapted parts of the recipe while keeping the integrity of the original one.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
1 - 10" Bundt Pan, your choice of design, brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs. Once you try this in a Bundt Pan, you'll never use any other for of greasing a pan.


1 C unsweetened Cocoa Powder (not Dutch Process) + 3 TBS for dusting the pan.( See picture and note at the end of the recipe.) I only use Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder.
1 1/2 C Brewed Coffee
1/2 C Good Irish Whiskey
2 sticks of Butter (16 TBS) , cut into 1" pieces.
2 C Granulated Sugar
2 C Flour
1 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
Confectioner's Sugar

After you brush the pan with Pan Release Mix, dust it with the 3 TBS of Cocoa Powder. Tap the pan to knock off the excess.

In a 3 quart, heavy saucepan, on medium high heat:
Coffee
Whiskey
Butter
1 C  of remaining Cocoa Powder
Heat until the Butter is melted.
Remove from heat.
Add:
Sugar
Whisk by hand for 1 minute.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

In a medium bowl:
Flour
Baking Soda
Salt
Whisk well.

In a small mixing bowl:
Eggs
Vanilla
Whisk well.
Add to cooled Chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined.
Add Flour mixture and whisk just until combined.
Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake for 40 - 50 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 2 hours.

Loosen the cake and place a cooling rack onto the pan, release the cake right side up onto the cooling rack. Place the rack on a sheet pan and dust the cake with Confectioner's sugar.

NOTE:
The cake improves with flavor if made at least 1 day ahead and kept in a cake keeper or wrapped in plastic wrap, at a cool room temperature.
It can be made up to 5 days ahead and refrigerated.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Dust again with Confectioner's Sugar just before serving.

This is the only Cocoa Powder that I use in all
recipes that call for a Cocoa Powder.
I used to use Dutch Process until I researched it
and discovered that it's not really the best Cocoa Powder.
I recommend that you research it before making
any decisions about the product.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Cranberry Crumb Cake

I love any recipe made with Cranberries. I have many recipes on the blog. This would make a good Thanksgiving or Christmas morning cake.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" round cake pan, brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each , mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.

The Cake ingredients.
6 TBS Butter, room temperature.
3/4 C Granulated Sugar
2 large Eggs, room temperature.
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Orange Zest
2/3 C Sour Cream
1 1/4 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 C Fresh Cranberries
Confectioner's Sugar for dusting each serving.

Crumb Topping ingredients.
1/4 C Granulated Sugar
1/3 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
8 TBS (1stick) Butter, melted
1 1/3 C Flour

Cake directions.
In a Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment:
Butter
Sugar
Beat on high for 5 minutes.
Reduce speed to Low.
Add:
Eggs, one at a time.
Add:
Vanilla
Orange Zest
Sour Cream
Beat just to combine.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together:
Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
Gradually add this to the mixer on Low Speed.
Beat just to combine.
Spoon batter into the Cake Pan.

Crumb Topping directions.

In a medium bowl:
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Whisk well.
Stir in the Butter.
Add Flour and mix with your hands to create a Crumble.
Sprinkle evenly over the Batter.
Bake for 40 - 45 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Remove pan to a rack and cool completely.

To serve, dust each piece with Confectioner's Sugar.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Crock Pot Pumpkin / Cranberry Bread

Sometimes I like to get out the Slow Cooker / Crock Pot and let it do all of the work Here's a great recipe to start with for the Fall Season.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin / Cranberry Bread

1 - 4 quart Slow Cooker / Crock Pot, sprayed with a non stick cooking spray.

3/4 C of canned Pumpkin
1/2 C Half & Half
2 TBS Brown Sugar
2 C Flour + 1 TBS Flour, divided
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp Salt
4 TBS Cold Butter, cubed + 2 TBS Butter, melted, divided
3/4 C Dried Cranberries
1/2 C Maple Syrup
1/2 C Chopped Pecans

In a medium mixing bowl:
Pumpkin
Half & Half
Brown Sugar
Whisk well, set aside.

In a large mixing bowl:
2 C Flour
Baking Powder
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Salt
Whisk well.
Cut in the cold Butter with a Pastry Blender or 2 Forks, until pieces are Pea sized.
Add Pumpkin mixture to the Flour mixture, mix just until combined.

In a small mixing bowl:
Cranberries
1 TBS Flour
Toss until well coated.
Fold into the dough by hand.
Transfer the dough to the Slow Cooker.
Drizzle the Maple Syrup and Melted Butter over the dough.
Sprinkle with Pecans.

Cook on High, covered, for 2 - 2 1/2 hours.
Turn off the Slow Cooker.
Remove the lid and wipe off the condensation.
Cover the opening of the pot with paper towels and replace the lid.
Cool, covered for 45 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Quick Crescent Pecan Bars from Pillsbury

This is one of Pillsbury's best Holiday desserts.
It's easy, quick and delicious.
Pillsbury now makes a seamless Crescent Dough.

Quick Crescent Pecan Bars

I've adapted it slightly.

Here's what you'll need.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9"X13" baking pan. un greased.

1- (8oz.) package of Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations. (Refrigerated Seamless Dough Sheet).
1 C Chopped Pecans
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Corn Syrup
1 TBS Butter, melted
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 Egg, beaten

Unroll the dough and cut it into 2 long rectangles.
Place them in the pan.
Press into the bottom and 1/2" up the sides to form the crust.
Bake for 18 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl:
Pecans
Sugar
Corn Syrup
Butter
Vanilla
Egg
Whisk well and pour over the crust.
Bake an additional 18 - 22 minutes.
It should be Golden Brown.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool 1 hour.
Cut into squares to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Palets de Dames, Lille Style. A preview recipe from the upcoming book by Dorie Greenspan," Baking Chez Moi"

Dorie Greenspan is one of my favorite bakers. I recently pre-ordered her new cookbook, "Baking Chez Moi". If you haven't heard about it, and you have a passion for baking, I highly recommend it. I have other books by Dorie and I also share a passion for France like she does. Here is one of the recipes from her upcoming cookbook. Enjoy!

Palets de Dames, Lille Style
Makes about 40 cookies
The word palet means “puck,” and you find it used most often by chocolatiers, who make pucks of ganache and enrobe them in chocolate. But the only thing puckish about these cookies is their adorableness. With wide, flat uppers iced in white, and rounded bottoms, they look like toy tops or open parasols. I saw these cookies in all sizes in every pâtisserie I visited in Lille, the northern French city that borders Belgium. Then I saw them finished with melted rose pralines, the red candies that are the sweet symbol of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of the Rhône- Alpes region. And everywhere I saw them, I bought them—the combination of cakeish cookie and sweet icing is irresistible.
While a plain icing made with confectioners’ sugar is the tradition in Lille, there’s no reason not to have a little fun with these. Think about adding food coloring to the icing or dividing the icing and creating a few tints. And to make these already festive cookies even more so, you can speckle the still-wet glaze with sanding sugar.

For the cookies
9 tablespoons (41⁄2 ounces;128 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2/3 cup (132 grams) sugar
Pinch of fine sea salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1⁄4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11⁄4 cups (170 grams) all-purpose flour
For the icing
1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted About 11⁄2 tablespoons whole milk
A few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice
To make the cookies:
~ Working in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and salt and beat for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is again smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each egg goes in. Don’t be discouraged if the mixture curdles; it will be fine as soon as you add the flour.

~ Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour in 3 additions, mixing only until it disappears after each addition. You’ll have a very soft dough that might look more like a cake batter than a cookie dough.

~ Scrape the dough into a bowl, press a piece of plastic film against the surface to create an airtight seal and chill the dough for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm. (The dough can be wrapped airtight and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.)

~ When you’re ready to bake: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

~ You need about 2 teaspoons of dough for each cookie. You can use a small (2- teaspoon capacity) cookie scoop—my favorite tool for this job—or you can use a spoon to scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of dough, in which case it’s best to roll the dough gently between your palms to form balls. Place the scoops or balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

~ Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just slightly brown around the edges. Carefully transfer the cookies to a rack and allow them to cool to room temperature. Repeat with the remaining dough, cooling the baking sheet between batches.

~ To make the icing: Put the confectioners’ sugar in a wide bowl and add 1 tablespoon milk and the lemon juice. Using a small whisk or a fork, stir until you have a smooth icing that forms a ribbon when the whisk or fork is lifted. If the icing is too thick to flow smoothly, add more milk; you might need even more than 11⁄2 tablespoons milk total, in which case it’s best to add the additional milk in nano-droplets.

~ One by one, pick up the cookies and dip one side into the icing, then lift the cookie up and give it a little twirl, so that the excess icing falls back into the bowl. Put the cookie icing side up on a rack and let the icing dry and firm at room temperature.

Serving: A cup of coffee, a palet de dames and la vie est belle.
Storing: Once the icing is dry, the cookies can be put in a covered container; they’ll keep for up to 3 days at room temperature. Because of the icing, the finished cookies can’t be frozen. However, if you’d like, you can pack the undipped cookies airtight and freeze them for up to 2 months; defrost and then ice them.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen! 

Pumpkin Cornmeal Cake in a Cast Iron Skillet

One of my favorite Cast Iron Skillet desserts is my Blueberry/Blackberry Cornmeal Cake.  I make it in the Summer when the berries are in season.You can search it on the blog.
Here's another great Cast Iron Skillet Cake recipe for Fall.

Pumpkin Cornmeal Cake in a Cast Iron Skillet.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" Cast Iron Skillet brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil, Flour) I start with 1 C of each, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.


Cake:
1 1/2 C Cake Flour
1/2 C Cornmeal
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground Cloves
1/2 C Coconut Oil
1 C Brown Sugar
2 large Eggs
1/2 C Sour Cream
1/2 C  100% Pure Pumpkin Puree (not Pumpkin Pie filling) Photograph to follow.
1/4 C Buttermilk

Topping:
1/4 C Brown Sugar
1/4 C All Purpose Flour
6 TBS Cold Butter, cubed
1/4 tsp Salt
1/3 C Roasted and Salted Pepitas. (see note and photograph below)

Glaze:
2 TBS Buttermilk
3/4 C Confectioner's Sugar

Preparation:

Dry Ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl:
Cake Flour
Cornmeal
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Clove
Whisk well, set aside.

Wet Ingredients.

In a small mixing bowl:
Sour Cream
Pumpkin Puree
Buttermilk
Whisk well, set aside.

In a Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment:
Coconut Oil
Brown Sugar
Beat for 3 minutes on low speed.
Add: (with mixer on low speed)
Eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition.
Add:
Dry ingredients and Wet ingredients to the mixer in 3 addition, starting with Dry and ending with Wet. Beating after each addition, just to combine. Don't over mix the batter.

Pour into the prepared skillet.
Bake 20 minutes.
While the cake is baking, make the Topping.

Topping Preparation.

In a medium bowl:
Brown Sugar
All Purpose Flour
Cinnamon
Butter
Salt
Mix with your hands, or 2 forks, to create a crumble.
Mix in the Pepitas by hand.
Sprinkle evenly over the baked cake and continue baking for an additional 25 - 30 minutes. A toothpick in the center should come out clean.
Remove the skillet to a rack and cool completely.

Make the Glaze.

In a small bowl:
Confectioner's Sugar
Slowly whisk in the Buttermilk by hand, 1/4 C at a time.
Continue whisking until smooth.
Drizzle evenly over the cooled cake.
Serve from the skillet!


NOTE:
Pepita (from Mexican Spanish: pepita de calabaza, "little seed of squash") is a Spanish culinary term for the pumpkin seed , the edible seed of a pumpkin or other cultivar of squash (genus Curcubita). The seeds are typically rather flat and asymmetrically oval, and light green in color inside a white hull. The word can refer either to the hulled kernel or unhulled whole seed, and most commonly refers to the roasted end product.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Chocolate Espresso Layer Cake from Savory Simple

I love the idea of an Espresso Chocolate Cake, so I researched it. This is what I consider to be The Best of the Best. It was too complicated and time consuming to re write the recipe so I simply copied it to the Blog. I know it's an advanced baking recipe and not really for the beginning baker, but I love a baking challenge. I remember being a beginning baker. Believe me, practice really does make perfect when it comes to baking. I hope some of my readers take the time to make this very impressive and delicious cake from Savory Simple!

You need a kitchen scale to measure out this recipe but there are plenty of cheap scales available in stores and online. It's a worthy investment! See below the recipe for a list of all equipment I used for making this cake.

Serves: 1 8-inch triple layer cake

Ingredients

Chocolate Espresso Cake:

• 10½ ounces all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 3 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups half and half (or 50% cream and 50% whole milk)
• ¼ cup espresso vodka, such as Van Gogh
• 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 9 ounces (2¼ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 21 ounces granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature

Chocolate Espresso Italian Meringue Buttercream:

• 13 ounces granulated sugar
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 5 egg whites
• 16 ounces (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1 tablespoon espresso vodka, such as Van Gogh, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, room temperature

Instructions

Prepare the cakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place an oven rack in the middle position. Lightly spray the bottom of 3 8-inch cake pans with baking spray and then cover them with parchment rounds. Set aside.
2. Whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Sift in the cocoa powder and whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly combined. In a separate small bowl, combine the half and half, espresso vodka and vanilla extract.
3. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on low speed for 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, allowing each egg to incorporate before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer still on low speed, swiftly alternate between adding the dry and liquid ingredients over the course of a minute. Scrape down the sides well, making sure to reach the bottom of the bowl. Turn the mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.
4. Distribute the batter evenly between the 3 prepared cake pans, using a spatula to even out the tops.
5. Bake until the a toothpick comes out of the center of each cake clean, approximately 30-35 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pan before removing.

Prepare the frosting

1. Add sugar, water and corn syrup to a medium sized sauce pot. Cover and turn the heat to high. Once the liquid begins to simmer and steam has developed, remove the cover (this helps prevent crystallization). Using a candy thermometer, cook the sugar to the soft boil stage, 235-240 degrees F.
2. While the sugar is cooking, whisk the eggs on high in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment until a soft peak has formed.
3. Turn the mixer speed down to medium low and very slowly pour the syrup down the side of the bowl into the egg whites. Don’t pour the hot syrup directly into the meringue.
4. Once the syrup is completely incorporated, turn the speed to high and allow the meringue to continue to form a stiff peak while cooling down. Mix on high until the meringue has reached room temperature. To speed up this 15-20 minute process, ice packs can be placed around the bowl.
5. Once the meringue is room temperature, slowly begin incorporating the soft butter on medium speed. Once all of the butter has been incorporated, turn the mixer speed up to high and very slowly add the chocolate, espresso and vodka.

Assemble the cake

1. Place the first layer of cake on a revolving cake stand and remove the parchment paper. Placing a cardboard round below the cake is optional but will make transporting the cake easier after it is assembled.
2. Spread approximately one cup of buttercream on the cake and spread it around evenly with an offset spatula. Add more buttercream as needed to reached the desired thickness. Repeat with the second and third layer (don't forget to remove the parchment each time). Use an offset spatula to apply a thin layer of frosting to the side and top of the cake. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set this first layer of buttercream. Cover the entire cake with a final layer of frosting. Grate some unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate on top of the cake for decoration, if desired.
3. Cake is best when served at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Translate the Blog into your own language!

Translate the blog into your language!

I just wanted to take some time and say hello to everyone and thank you all for checking out the blog.

I have many international followers and I want to remind you that you can  TRANSLATE  the blog into any language you speak.

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Bonjour a tous mes amis en France!

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!