Monday, September 21, 2009

Memories

I was thinking the other day about how much I love to cook. When did that love begin? Then I remembered how my mom would teach me how to bake. Each Sunday we would make a dessert. It was always something wonderful and yummy. Desserts during the week didn't really happen, that was special, saved for Sunday. I pulled out my very first cookbook. Here it is...

It's falling apart but I love to look through it and remember the fun recipes I tried. I was 10 years old when it was given to me as a gift, probably my birthday or something. When I was 11, my parents divorced. My new stepfather went into my precious cookbook and changed my last name to his. This is his actual handwriting. This did not sit well with me as you can imagine. When I look at it, the memories it conjures up are still so vivid. But, I'm so grateful that I have kept this wonderful memento from my childhood.







Amazing Lemon Bars

The pictures say it all, these are so delicious. I got the recipe a few years ago in the Standard Examiner. Recipe to follow later today.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

I've been on a gourmet cupcake bake-fest lately. Some have turned out, others have not. So far, my favorites have been these amazing chocolate infused cupcakes laced with cherry flavoring. Soooo yummy. At least that's what my family and some of my co workers at Macey's said. The guys in the meat department think I walk on water now :)
Try them out

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. cherry extract

Mix together and pour into cupcake papers. Bake at 35 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Frost with follow frosting:

Buttercream Chocolate Cherry Frosting

1 cube butter, softened
1 lb. powdered sugar
approx. 1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. cherry extract
1/2 c. cocoa

Mix with mixer until smooth and creamy. Add more milk or powdered sugar to get the desired consistency. Pipe frosting on in a coil pattern on the cupcakes and top with marishino cherry!



Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Peach Cobbler Time!



Oh my holy goodness! It's peach time in Utah. Is there nothing better than a sun warmed peach picked off the tree, washed then eaten whole as the sweet juices drip down your hand, then your arm until it falls off at your elbow! And yes, I know you can get peaches at other times of the year, but seriously, it just isn't the same.


So, in honor of peach days, I decided it was time to make my families all time favorite Peach Cobbler! And since they are always calling me for the recipe, here it is for all to enjoy! I believe it was my grandmother's, if not, at least I'm pretty sure I got it from my mom!
Enjoy
Essie's Peach Cobbler

1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp Butter
2 c. sugar, divided
3/4 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
3/4 c milk
2 c sliced peaches

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 2 quart dish in oven. Combine 1 c sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Add milk and stir until mixed. Pour batter over butter in baking dish but DO NOT STIR. Combine peaches and remaining 1 c of sugar. Spoon over the batter but DO NOT STIR. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
If canned peaches are used, do not drain, use 1/2 c sugar in peaches and 1/2 c sugar in batter.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Slacker!

Sooooooo.....obviously, I've been too busy to post recipes to my blog. Got a new job as the Florist Supervisor at Macey's and it's been a really busy summer. So, just hang in there with me. I have a bunch of recipes I want to post just as soon as things settle down!

Monday, April 6, 2009

General Conference Breakfast!

So this weekend was General Conference and traditionally I cook a nice big, yummy breakfast for all of us. I usually do cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, juice etc...but, this time I decided I wanted to try something different. So, I went online and found some amazing recipes. They were all a huge hit and may become new family favorites! Enjoy

Granola (this recipe is soooo wonderful)

4 1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats
1 c whole raw almonds
1 c raw sunflower seeds
1 c raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 tbsp. wheat germ (opt)
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
3/4 c apple sauce
2 Tbsp canola
1/4 c honey
1/3 c karo
3/4 c light brown sugar
1-2 c dried fruits (I used craisins)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and place the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, two baking sheets.
In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon and salt.
in another bowl, stir together the apple sauce, oil, honey, karo, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the liquid. Divide the granola evenly between the baking sheets and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly. The browner the granola gets without burning, the crunchier the granola will be. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. You will notice that the granola may still be sticky when it is removed from the oven but it will become crisp and dry as it cools. Make sure to break up any large clumps of granola while the mixture is still warm. Once it has completely cooled, add the dried fruit and store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator, it will keep for several weeks. Serve plain or with milk, yogurt or fresh fruit.
P.S. I added in cashews, coconut and pecans as well and it was to die for.

Buttermilk Berry Muffins

2 1/2 c all purpose flour
3/4 c granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
zest of one orange
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 c buttermilk
2/3 c canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c fresh or frozen berries (I used Gib Wallaces frozen raspberries he gave us for Christmas)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Position rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with a non stick cooking spray 12 muffin cup pan.

In a large measuring cup or bowl whisk together the egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla.
In another large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange zest. Gently fold in the berries. With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix the batter or tough muffins will result.
Fill each muffin cup almost full of batter. Bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Transfer to wire rack and let cool about 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve!






Sausage Casserole

1 lb ground sausage
3 c shredded potatoes, drained and pressed
1/4 c butter, melted
12 ozs mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c onion, shredded
1 (16 oz) container small curd cottage cheese
6 jumbo eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13 inch square baking pan. Place sausage in a large deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly browned. Drain, crumble and set aside.
In the prepared baking dish, stir together the shredded potatoes and butter. Line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with the mixture. In a bowl, mix the sausage, cheddar cheese, onion, cottage cheese, and eggs. pour over the potato mixture.
Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

Oh my goodness, I made THE best muffins this morning to take to work for a meeting. Here they are and you may want to double the recipe because they will be gone quickly!

2 c. pumpkin
1 c brown sugar
1/2 c canola or vegetable oil
1/2 c water
4 eggs
2 c flour
1 c oatmeal
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves

Mix everything together and pour into muffin pan. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes

TIp: I added semi sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecans and toasted coconut and oh man, were they good!!!!!