Mincemeat Cake

 I love Mincemeat and I found a Vegetarian Mincemeat at our local British Emporium Shop. It's delicious. I also use Monk Fruit Sugar Substitute.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 350 degrees.

1- 8" Cake Pan with a piece of Parchment Paper cut to fit the Bottom of the Pan.

Grease the sides and Bottom with Pan Release Mix.

I spent some time as a Cake Decorator in the 80's. I was looking for a part time job and the opportunity came available. I learned from my mentor, Elizabeth. She had worked in the industry for over 20 years and she was incredible at making cakes and decorating them. She taught me so much and I took advantage of the knowledge that she had. I came away with the best icing recipe, the best decorating techniques, and this recipe for the perfect Pan Release. I also took some Cake Decorating Classes and this was the recipe used in the Class. I use it in all of my Cake Pans, including the most intricate Bunt Pan designs. This is absolutely a Best of the Best Recipe. 

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.

Brush the Pans generously with the Mix.

3/4 C Flour

1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 C Granulated Sugar or Monk Fruit Sugar Substitute.

8 TBS Butter (softened)

1/2 C Milk

3/4 C Mincemeat

2 Large Eggs

Zest of 1 Orange

In a Large Mixing Bowl:

Flour

Spice

Sugar

Butter

Milk

Mincemeat

Eggs

Orange Zest

Mix well with a Wooden Spoon until thoroughly combined.

Spoon Batter into the Pan.

Bake for 50 - 60 Minutes until ti has Risen and the Top is Golden Brown.

Remove from the Oven to a Rack to Cool for 30 minutes.

Invert onto a Plate and remove the Parchment Paper.

Completely Cool again before slicing. (to keep it from Falling Apart and Crumbling) 

Serve Topped with Whipped Cream. (my recipe to follow)

This is my favorite recipe for homemade Whipped Cream.

Homemade Whipped Cream:

1 C Heavy Cream
1 tsp Vanilla
1 TBS Confectioner's Sugar.
Whip the Cream in a Stand Mixer with a Whisk Attachment.
Beat to Soft Peak.
Add:
Vanilla
Confectioner's Sugar
Beat to Stiff Peak.
Transfer to a Serving Bowl to serve.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Brussels Sprouts

 I really like Brussels Sprouts and after cooking them in so many different ways, these are my favorites. We usually serve them at Christmas.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper.

1 1/2 lbs. of Brussels Sprouts (Cut in Half Lengthwise)

3 TBS Olive Oil

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/4 tsp Pepper

2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar

2 TBS Maple Syrup

In a Large Mixing Bowl:

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Mix well.

Add Sprouts and Toss to Coat Evenly.

Transfer them to the Sheet Pan, cut side down.

Roast for 25 Minutes. (Don't Stir)

While they're Roasting Mix the following in a small bowl:

Vinegar

Syrup

Whisk well.

When the Sprouts are done, remove from the Oven and transfer to a Serving Bowl.

Pour Mixture over the Sprouts and Toss to Combine Well.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Lemony Artichokes au Gratin/Rebecca Rather

 She's one of my favorite Chefs. I have all 3 of her Cookbooks and many of the recipes are favorites!

Here's one that I really like:

Lemony Artichokes au Gratin.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 350 degrees.

A Large Gratin Dish.Brush the Bottom with a bit of the Melted Butter.

1 C (2 Sticks of Butter0 Melted. 

4 Cans of Quartered Artichoke Hearts, drained. (about 6 C)

1 C Thinly Sliced Green Onions. White part only. About 2 Large Bunches.

1 tsp Cajun Seasoning

1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 C Lemon Juice (if Fresh, about 2 Large Lemons)

A Dash of Tabasco Sauce

3 C Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese

1 C Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

1 1/2 C Bread Crumbs

Spread the Artichokes evenly in the Gratin Dish.

Sprinkle evenly with Green Onions.

In a Bowl:

Remaining Melted Butter

Cajun Seasoning

Red Pepper Flakes

Black Pepper

Lemon Juice

Tabasco

Mix well.

Add:

Parmesan Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

Bread Crumbs

Mix well.

Spoon the Mixture evenly over the Artichokes.

Bake 20 - 30 Minutes or until the Top is Golden Brown.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!