Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Apple Spice Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple Spice Cake. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Cakes

Cakes always seem to be a favorite dessert for celebrations. Today's six cake recipes include Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake and Dense and Delicious Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!

CHERRY-COLA DUMP CAKE

This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Super easy to prepare: Just mix devil's food cake mix with cola and pour over cherries. Bake for one hour and voila!"

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 9

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries with juice (without stems)

1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil’s food cake mix

1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, “dump” cherries with cherry juice.

In medium bowl, mix cake mix and carbonated beverage. “Dump” mixture over cherries.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes before cutting and serving cake.

Expert Tips

Serve with whipped cream and additional cherries.

You could substitute cherry pie filling in place of the maraschino cherries and juice.

TOMATO SOUP CAKE

This came from Carroll Pellegrinelli on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Tomato Soup Cake you say? Yuk. That’s what I thought about this cake. It’s not like that at all. First of all, you can’t even taste or smell any tomatoes. Secondly, if you enjoy spice cakes, you’ll enjoy this one too. The cream cheese frosting makes it taste even better.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: 24 pieces (24 servings)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon*

1/2 teaspoon cloves*

1 1/2 teaspoon allspice*

1 10 ounce can tomato soup

1/2 cup butter (melted or vegetable oil)

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk (or water)

For the Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese (room temperature)

1/2 cup/4 ounces butter (room temperature)

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

Directions

Gather the ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. (325 degrees F. for a dark or glass pan). Grease an 13 x 9 baking pan. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground all spice in a large bowl with a wire whisk. Set the bowl aside. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato soup, melted butter, eggs and milk. Mix completely. Add the soup mixture to the flour mixture and mix until completely combined. Carefully, pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake the cake for at least 40 minutes or until it is tested done. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.

Once the cake is completely cool, make the frosting. Beat the cream cheese until it’s fluffy. Add the butter until the mixture is even fluffier. Slowly add the milk. Be sure to mix each time the milk is added. Add the vanilla and continue to mix the frosting. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Continue to add the sugar until all of it is used. If the frosting seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time. Frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting. If you don’t want that much frosting, the excess can be frozen for a later use.

*Feel free to substitute nutmeg for one of the spices you don't happen to have.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB DUMP CAKE

This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Made with only six ingredients and the help of Betty Crocker™ cake mix, this dump dessert is weeknight- and crowd-friendly!"

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 12

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

6 cups sliced strawberries

2 cups sliced rhubarb

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix

10 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

In large bowl, toss strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and cornstarch; spread evenly in baking dish. Top with cake mix, and pour melted butter over top, making sure to cover top with butter as much as you can.

Bake about 1 hour or until bubbly and topping is browned. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Expert Tips

May use fresh or frozen fruit. If using frozen, do not thaw before using.

Make sure to spread out cake mix so there are no large mounds on top of cake.

DENSE AND DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CAKE

This is from the October 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 31), and begins, “Wow the chocolate lovers in your life with this fudgy creation that’s as easy to whip up as a cake mix.” Makes 10 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 large egg

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Fudge Glaze

2 Tbs. low-fat buttermilk

2 Tbs. cocoa powder

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400F. Coat 9-inch round springform pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, sugar, and baking soda in bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla in separate bowl.

Combine espresso and cocoa in large saucepan. Add butter, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in dry ingredients. Add buttermilk mixture, and whisk until smooth.

Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until top looks dry but toothpick inserted in center comes out moist.

Meanwhile, make Fudge Glaze: Combine buttermilk, cocoa powder, and butter in medium saucepan, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar and vanilla.

Pierce holes all over cake with skewer or fork. Spread glaze over cake with spatula. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding, and serve.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Slow Cooker Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Spicy Chili Trinity. Enjoy!

ONE-POT CHICKEN LO MEIN

This is from tbls. (Tablespoon), and begins, “Just when you thought chicken lo mein couldn’t get any better, we went and figured out a way to make it easier using just one pot. Now there’s basically no excuse not to make it at home whenever the mood strikes.”

Prep Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 6

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 oz white mushrooms, thinly sliced

6 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias, whites and greens separated

1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup coarsely shredded carrots

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1/4 cup oyster sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon ground ginger

8 oz uncooked spaghetti (from 16-oz package), broken in half

Directions

In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and salt; cook 5 to 7 minutes without moving, until browned on first side. Stir; cook 2 to 4 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Using slotted spoon, transfer to medium bowl; set aside.

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet, then stir in mushrooms and green onion whites. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Stir in broth, carrots, cabbage, oyster sauce, soy sauce and ginger. Heat to boiling over high heat. Stir in chicken and spaghetti; return to simmering, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 14 to 16 minutes, stirring frequently, until spaghetti is cooked through and sauce is thickened.

Top with green onion greens.

Expert Tips

For best results, pat chicken dry before adding to hot oil.

Short on time? Use purchased preshredded carrots and red cabbage.

SPICY CHILI TRINITY

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef, 7% fat

1 lb hot Italian sausage

3 links smoked sausage (7–10 oz)

1 (8-oz) package prediced yellow onions

1 tablespoon roasted minced garlic

1 (1.25-oz) package chili seasoning

1 jar chunky pasta sauce (20–24 oz)

1 (15-oz) can black beans, undrained

1 cup fire-roasted corn

Directions

Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Mix beef and Italian sausage until blended. Chop smoked sausage coarsely.

Add beef mixture to pan; cook 5–6 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, and until no pink remains. Drain and discard grease from beef mixture.

Place cooked beef mixture into slow cooker. Add chopped sausage, onions, garlic, seasoning, pasta sauce, beans, and corn. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours (or LOW for 3–4 hours), or until thick and beef is 160°F. Serve with favorite chili toppings.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN IN CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO SAUCE

This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Mediterranean flavors such as sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, artichoke hearts, white wine and tomatoes simmer together to flavor chicken breasts in this mouthwatering slow-cooker dish.”

Serves: 8 servings; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 420 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup

1 cup Chablis or other dry white wine

1/4 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata or oil-cured olive

2 tablespoons drained capers

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) artichoke heart, drained and chopped

1 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped

8 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 2 pounds)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)

2 cups regular long-grain white rice, cooked according to package directions (about 6 cups)

Directions

Stir the soup, wine, olives, capers, garlic, artichokes and tomatoes in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken and turn to coat.

Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with the basil, if desired. Serve with the rice.

Easy Substitution: You can substitute Swanson® Chicken Broth for the wine, if desired.

Easy Substitution: This recipe is also delicious served over hot cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, instead of rice.

Time-Saving: Or you may cook this recipe on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.

ZUPPA DE FARRO

This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Farro is a delicious alternative to rice or pasta in this Tuscan-inspired soup, made with chicken broth, pancetta and tomatoes, and seasoned with garlic, basil and thyme. It's easy to make, and it's absolutely delicious!”

Serves: 6 servings (about 1 3/4 cups each); Prep Time: 100 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes

View this online here.

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons uncooked whole cereal farro grain or pearl barley (about 8 ounces)

4 ounces pancetta or deli ham, chopped

1 small onion, sliced (about 1/4 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)

2 medium plum tomato, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Place the farro in a large bowl. Add water to cover and let soak for 1 hour. Drain the farro in a strainer.

Place the farro and 8 cups of water in a 6-quart saucepot and heat over medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Add the pancetta, onion, garlic and thyme to the saucepot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the pancetta is well browned. Add the farro, broth, tomatoes, basil and black pepper and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. Serve with the cheese, if desired.

LAYERED FIESTA CASSEROLE

This is from Kraft, and begins, “Say hola to your new favorite Mexican-inspired fiesta casserole. This Layered Fiesta Casserole has ground beef, salsa, tortillas & melted cheddar cheese.”

Prep Time: 25 min.; Total Time: 55 min.; Servings: 6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 each green and red pepper, chopped

1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® Thick & Chunky Salsa

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn

12 gluten-free corn tortillas (6 inch)

1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F.

Brown meat with peppers in large skillet; drain. Return to skillet. Stir in salsa, tomatoes and corn.

Spread 1 cup meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with 6 tortillas, overlapping as necessary. Cover with layers of half each of the remaining meat mixture and cheese; top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture. Cover.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining cheese; let stand, uncovered, 5 min. or until melted.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Friday Recipes

It's Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole and Apple Spice Cake. Enjoy!

ONE-POT CHICKEN LO MEIN

This is from tbls. (Tablespoon), and begins, “Just when you thought chicken lo mein couldn’t get any better, we went and figured out a way to make it easier using just one pot. Now there’s basically no excuse not to make it at home whenever the mood strikes.”

Prep Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 6

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 oz white mushrooms, thinly sliced

6 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias, whites and greens separated

1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup coarsely shredded carrots

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1/4 cup oyster sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon ground ginger

8 oz uncooked spaghetti (from 16-oz package), broken in half

Directions

In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and salt; cook 5 to 7 minutes without moving, until browned on first side. Stir; cook 2 to 4 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Using slotted spoon, transfer to medium bowl; set aside.

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet, then stir in mushrooms and green onion whites. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Stir in broth, carrots, cabbage, oyster sauce, soy sauce and ginger. Heat to boiling over high heat. Stir in chicken and spaghetti; return to simmering, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 14 to 16 minutes, stirring frequently, until spaghetti is cooked through and sauce is thickened.

Top with green onion greens.

Expert Tips

For best results, pat chicken dry before adding to hot oil.

Short on time? Use purchased preshredded carrots and red cabbage.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

TEX-MEX BEEF & RICE CASSEROLE

This is from Kraft, and begins, “Serve a deliciously flavorful rice casserole dish at dinnertime tonight! The whole family will love trying this cheesy Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole.”

Prep Time: 20 min.; Total Time: 50 min.; Servings: 8 servings, about 1-1/4 cups each

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread

1 pkt. (1 oz.) TACO BELL® Taco Seasoning Mix

2 Tbsp. milk

1 can (14 oz.) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (11 oz.) corn with red and green bell peppers, undrained

1/2 cup chopped onions

3 cups cooked long-grain white rice

1 cup KRAFT Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese Expertly Paired for Mac ‘n Cheese & Casseroles, divided

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat oven to 350ºF.

Brown meat in large nonstick skillet. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese spread, seasoning mix and milk until blended.

Drain meat; return to skillet. Add cream cheese mixture, tomatoes, corn and onions; mix well.

Combine rice and 1/2 cup shredded cheese in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; spread to cover bottom of dish. Top with meat mixture and remaining shredded cheese; cover.

Bake 30 min. or until heated through. Top with crushed chips and cilantro.

POT ROAST

This is from Brett Anderson in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “At Spoon and Stable, his Minneapolis restaurant, Gavin Kaysen cooks a version of his grandmother Dorothy’s pot roast using paleron (or flat iron roast), the shoulder cut of beef commonly used in pot au feu, as well as housemade sugo finto, a vegetarian version of meat sauce made with puréed tomatoes and minced carrot, celery, onions and herbs. This recipe uses a chuck roast and tomato paste, both easier to find and still delicious.”

Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 3 hours.

This was featured in“Coming Home To Pot Roast”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 pound boneless beef chuck roast

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

3 tablespoons canola oil

4 tablespoons butter

2 medium red onions, cut into quarters

4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 12 to 16 pieces, about a pound

8 cremini mushrooms, halved

2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 head garlic, top cut off to expose cloves

3/4 cup tomato paste

2 bay leaves

3 sprigs rosemary

1 1/2 cups red wine, preferably cabernet

4 cups beef broth

Preparation

Preheat oven to 340 degrees. Season meat generously with salt and pepper. On the stove top, heat oil in a large Dutch oven, or other heavy roasting pan with a lid, over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until a dark crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove meat to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Melt the butter and add the whole head of garlic and vegetables, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables start to color, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Add bay leaves, rosemary and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a thick gravy consistency, 5 to 7 minutes.

Return meat to the pot. Add broth, then cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours 20 minutes.

Let roast sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Remove meat to a cutting board to slice. Discard bay leaves and rosemary stems. Squeeze any garlic cloves remaining in their skins into the stew and discard the skins. Serve slices of meat in shallow bowls along with the vegetables and a generous amount of cooking liquid ladled over top.

APPLESAUCE PANCAKES

This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, “Enjoy these delicious pancakes flavored with applesauce and made with Bisquick® mix. Perfect when you want your breakfast to be ready in 15 minutes.”

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 5

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix

1 cup sweetened applesauce

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 eggs

Directions

In medium bowl, stir all ingredients with wire whisk or fork until blended.

Brush griddle or skillet with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray; heat griddle to 375°F or heat skillet over medium heat.

For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook other sides until golden brown.

DARK CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE

This is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD on VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “No need to deprive yourself if you're following a blood pressure-friendly diet. Whether you need something sweet after dinner or you are asked to bring ​a dessert to a party, this dark chocolate avocado mousse is the perfect healthy yet decadent dessert.

“It uses avocados instead of heavy cream to give it a rich, creamy texture. Avocados are naturally high in potassium and magnesium, which help to lower your blood pressure. Avocados are also loaded with tons of vitamins, including folate, vitamin K, and vitamin E. They provide healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied with just a small portion. Cocoa powder also contains fiber and blood pressure lowering flavonols.

“This mousse couldn’t be easier to make. Just blend everything in a blender until smooth and chill for just a little bit. Nobody will ever know that it’s healthier or that it is made with avocados!”

Total Time: 10 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Servings: 4 (1/2 cup each)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 small ripe avocados

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

1/2 cup milk of choice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Cut avocados in half and remove seeds. Scoop from shells into a blender or food processor.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Add melted chocolate and remaining ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into 4 serving dishes and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

For dairy-free and vegan, use dairy-free milk of choice and dairy-free chocolate chips.

For vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, too.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Add more milk by the tablespoon, if needed, until you reach the desired consistency.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Desserts!

I want something snacky.

Who hasn't heard, said, or thought that before? I think we all could use something a little snacky.

Here are six yummy desserts to help us through the day, including Chocolate Peppermint Bars and Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN FLAN WITH MAPLE CARAMEL

This yumminess comes from The Barefoot Contessa (otherwise known as Ina Garten). Serves 8 - 10; level: beginner

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

for the caramel:

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup pure Grade A maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel

for the pumpkin flan:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

1/2 cup (4 ounces) Italian mascarpone

4 extra-large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure maple extract, such as Boyajian

2 teaspoons grated orange zest (2 oranges)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

For the caramel, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and 1/3 cup water in a small, deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil, swirling the pan (don’t stir!) to dissolve the sugar. Cook at a low boil without stirring for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture turns a golden brown and registers 230 degrees on a candy thermometer. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn! Off the heat, swirl in the fleur de sel, and immediately pour into an 8 × 2-inch round cake pan (not a springform!). Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, and mascarpone in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium-low speed until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, maple extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently pour the pumpkin mixture into the pan with the caramel so they don’t combine.

Place the pan in a roasting pan large enough to hold the cake pan flat and fill the roasting pan with enough of the hottest tap water to come halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake in the center of the oven for 70 to 75 minutes, until the custard is just set. It will be firm but still jiggle slightly in the middle; a knife inserted into the center of the flan will come out clean. Remove the flan from the water bath, place on a cooling rack, and cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Don’t tilt the pan or the caramel will run out!

Run a small knife around the edge of the flan. Turn a flat serving plate with a slight lip over the cake pan and flip them, turning the flan out onto the plate. The caramel should run out over the flan. Cut into wedges and serve with the caramel spooned over each slice.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARS

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “A little-known fact: Creamy chocolate-covered peppermint patties are not hard to make at home. Here, the minty filling and chocolate coating are layered onto a cocoa-imbued shortbread base, which adds a cookie crunch to each bite. These keep well, so you can make them a week ahead; store airtight at room temperature. They also freeze well. The coconut oil makes the chocolate coating slightly shinier and a little more brittle in a good way, so use it if you have it. But if you don't have it on hand, you can omit it.”

Yield: 36 squares; Time: 1 hour 10 minutes, plus chilling.

This was featured in“Peppermint Patties Worthy Of Dessert” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Shortbread:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cupgranulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)

For the Peppermint Filling and Chocolate Top:

3 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 1/4 teaspoons/10 milliliters peppermint extract, or to taste

9 ounces bittersweet chocolate (at least 60 percent cocoa solids), chopped

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)

Preparation

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing 2 inches of paper to hang over the sides.

Make the shortbread: In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Add butter and process until a smooth dough forms. Press dough evenly into the bottom of prepared baking pan. Bake until firm to the touch, and sides of the crust are beginning to pull away from the pan, about 25 minutes. Cool completely.

Make the filling: In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, cream and peppermint extract. Beat until mixture forms a thick, smooth paste. Press filling evenly over shortbread. Chill to set the filling for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

Use parchment paper overhang to lift the shortbread and peppermint out of the baking pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares (there should be 36 squares). Place squares on a rack placed over a parchment-lined sheet tray, and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.

In the top of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt 7 ounces chocolate, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat, add remaining 2 ounces chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.

Add coconut oil, if using, and stir the chocolate until smooth. Spoon 1 teaspoon chocolate on top of a cut peppermint square, using the back of the spoon to spread chocolate to the edges. Be sure to fully cover the top of the square with chocolate. (Leave the sides exposed, though it's O.K. if some of the chocolate drips down.) Repeat with remaining squares.

Let squares sit at room temperature until chocolate is set, at least 1 hour.

DOUBLE APPLE PIE

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This recipe is a keeper. Gently spiced with cinnamon, tinged with brown sugar and loaded with apple butter, it’s as deeply flavored as an apple pie can be, all covered with a buttery wide-lattice top crust. Although it’s at its most ethereal when baked on the same day you serve it, it’s still wonderful made a day ahead. (Don't let making your own pie crust intimidate you: our pie guide has everything you need to know.)”

Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 1/2 hours, plus at least 3 1/2 hours' chilling and cooling.

This was featured in The United States Of Thanksgiving and can viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 1/2 sticks/20 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

4 tablespoons vodka (optional)

1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling

3 pounds apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced crosswise (1/8-inch)

1/2 cup granulated sugar, more as needed

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons apple butter

Heavy cream or milk, as needed

Whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving

Preparation

Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse together flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add butter and pulse until mixture forms 3/4-inch pieces. Mix vodka with 4 tablespoons ice water (or use 1/2 cup ice water). Add half the ice water mixture to dough, pulse a few times, then continue adding liquid a tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together (you might not use all the liquid). Dough should be moist, but not wet, and hold together when pinched. If there are visible pieces of butter in the dough, all the better.

On a lightly floured surface, gather dough into a ball. Remove a third of the dough and form into a disk. Form remaining dough into a disk. Cover both tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger disk to a 12-inch circle. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Fold over any excess dough, then crimp edges. Prick crust all over with a fork, then chill crust for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

While dough chills, heat oven to 400 degrees. Line chilled crust with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes; remove foil and weights and bake until pale golden, 5 minutes more. Cool on rack until needed. (You can bake the crust up to 24 hours in advance.)

Toss apples with sugars, tapioca, spices, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the lemon juice. Fold in apple butter. Transfer apples to crust and press gently to make sure fruit is tightly packed.

Roll out remaining dough disk to a 10-inch round. Use a knife to cut strips 1 3/4 inches wide. Arrange strips over the filling in a lattice pattern. Brush top of crust with heavy cream or milk. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Bake 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling thickly, about 1 hour 15 minutes more. Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before cutting. Serve with whipped cream, sour cream or crème fraîche.

DARK CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE

This is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD on VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “No need to deprive yourself if you're following a blood pressure-friendly diet. Whether you need something sweet after dinner or you are asked to bring ​a dessert to a party, this dark chocolate avocado mousse is the perfect healthy yet decadent dessert.

“It uses avocados instead of heavy cream to give it a rich, creamy texture. Avocados are naturally high in potassium and magnesium, which help to lower your blood pressure. Avocados are also loaded with tons of vitamins, including folate, vitamin K, and vitamin E. They provide healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied with just a small portion. Cocoa powder also contains fiber and blood pressure lowering flavonols.

“This mousse couldn’t be easier to make. Just blend everything in a blender until smooth and chill for just a little bit. Nobody will ever know that it’s healthier or that it is made with avocados!”

Total Time: 10 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Servings: 4 (1/2 cup each)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 small ripe avocados

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

1/2 cup milk of choice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Cut avocados in half and remove seeds. Scoop from shells into a blender or food processor.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Add melted chocolate and remaining ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into 4 serving dishes and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

For dairy-free and vegan, use dairy-free milk of choice and dairy-free chocolate chips.

For vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, too.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Add more milk by the tablespoon, if needed, until you reach the desired consistency.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cake!

Is there any yummier or, occasionally, more elegant dessert than cake? Maybe not. Here are six yummy cake recipes to try, including Naked Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake and Nutella Mug Cake. Enjoy!

CELEBRATION CAKE

This comes from Seattle’s own Macrina Bakery. I’m on their mailing list (they send out the yummiest recipes!), and I highly recommend signing up.

If I’m ever out in Seattle, I fully intend to pay a visit to any of their bakeries…

According to Macrina’s Leslie Mackie, “This is one of my favorite birthday or special occasion cakes. The natural sweet flavor of toasted coconut layered with fresh summer berries and lemon cream makes for a light yet decadent summer treat.”

To view this online, click here.

INGREDIENTS: COCONUT CAKE

1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut 1 cup coconut milk

5 egg whites

1 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups cake flour

1-3/4 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp.

2 pints fresh raspberries (for assembly)

LEMON CREAM

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup whipping cream

WHITE CHOCOLATE FROSTING

12 ounces white chocolate chips

8 ounces unsalted butter, room temp. 1 pound cream cheese, room temp.

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS: COCONUT CAKE

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 3 minutes. Toss with tongs to toast evenly and return to the oven for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the coconut milk, egg whites, and almond and vanilla extracts. Mix with a whisk and set aside.

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the toasted coconut and mix on low speed using the paddle attachment for 30 seconds. Cut butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until it is coarse and crumbly with no visible pieces of butter, approximately 4 minutes. Add half the wet ingredients and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and add the remaining wet ingredients, mixing for another 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl again to ensure it is well incorporated.

Prepare a 12" x 18" baking sheet pan with 1/2" rim by brushing it with oil and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. When cool, run a knife around the edge of the cake and invert onto another sheet pan. Gently remove parchment paper and then cut three 7" circles of cake. You will have excess cake scraps, which make great trifle with fresh berries and whipped cream. Cover cake circles until ready to assemble layer cake.

LEMON CREAM

Combine egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice in a medium stainless steel bowl and mix well with a whisk. Place the bowl on top of a saucepan filled with 2" of simmering water. Whisking constantly, slowly cook for about 10 minutes. You don’t want to cook this too fast or the egg will scramble. As it thickens you will see ribbons form in the custard. Add the butter and continue whisking until it is dissolved. Remove bowl from the saucepan and whisk to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap, allowing it to rest on the surface of the lemon curd.

Cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Whip the heavy cream to medium stiff peaks and fold into the chilled lemon curd. Set aside in the refrigerator.

WHITE CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Place the white chocolate into a medium stainless steel bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan filled with 2" of simmering water. Stir with a rubber spatula until it is completely melted. Remove bowl from the saucepan and cool to room temperature.

Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth, approximately 3-6 minutes. Add the lemon juice and then the melted white chocolate. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If it is too soft (this can happen if your room temperature is warm) chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before using.

ASSEMBLY

Begin layering the cake using a single cut layer at the base. Top with a 1/2" thick layer of lemon cream and a single layer of raspberries. Keep a 1" border at the edge of cake so when the additional layers are added it doesn’t push the filling out. Repeat with the second layer and top with the final layer. Place the cake into the refrigerator or freezer to chill for 20 minutes.

To add a crumb coat (a base coat of frosting that allows for a perfect finish), spread the sides and top with a thin layer of frosting. Chill for 30 minutes.

To add the finishing coat of frosting, start by covering and smoothing the sides before completing the top. You can add some color by taking a small portion of the white chocolate frosting and mixing a little bit of food coloring into it. Then smooth onto the sides to create color blushes. Don’t be afraid to be creative!

Chill this cake for 1-1/2 hours before serving so that it is completely set. Decorate with fresh garden flowers and raspberries.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

NUTELLA MUG CAKE

This easy yumminess is from TheSpruceEats, and begins, “This gloriously simple mug cake recipe puts you just 60 seconds away from a super indulgent dessert for Nutella lovers looking to satisfy a craving in a hurry. With ingredients you probably already have on hand, this is a perfect sweet treat for one.​“

Total Time: 7 minutes; Prep: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 2 minutes; Yield: 1 Serving.

To view this yumminess online, click here.

Ingredients

1/4 cup whole milk (can also use 2 percent)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup Nutella

Directions

Gather the ingredients.

Add milk, flour, and baking powder in a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug. Whisk until smooth.

Add the Nutella and stir until the batter has no lumps.

Microwave on high for about 45 to 60 seconds.

Continue microwaving slowly in 15-second intervals. Microwaves vary but what you’re looking for is to see the cake look set and dry, the edges will pull away from the side of the mug and the cake will feel springy and fluffy to the touch. It will probably take an additional 30 to 60 seconds in total.

For best results, serve immediately.

POUND CAKE

This comes from MyDailyMoment.com, and begins, “Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too? With this low-sodium pound cake, you'll enjoy a decadent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter, unsalted and softened

5 eggs

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugar and butter in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (2 to 3 minutes). Continue beating, adding eggs one at a time, until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Add sour cream, milk and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce speed to low. Add flour; beat just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased and floured 12-cup bundt or 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

NAKED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE

This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Here’s part of what Audra wrote: “My favorite basic chocolate cake is layered with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy peanut butter frosting. I chose to make a naked cake because I’m so obsessed with the look of them, but many different options would work for this. The cake could be made in a bundt pan with the frosting slathered on and the ganache poured on top. Or, you could frost it more traditionally, frosting it all perfectly smooth and then once again pouring the ganache on top. Whatever you decide, if you are a chocolate/peanut butter lover I know you’ll adore this cake.” Yield: 10-12 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 and 1/4 cups sugar

2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

4 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

12 tablespoons of butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)

1 cup creamy peanut butter

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Ganache:

4.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

peanut butter cups to garnish (optional)

Instructions

For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Grease and flour your cake pans, lining with a circle of parchment paper. (This can be 6, 8 or 9 inch pans, I would use at least 3 pans if doing 6 inch though.)

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Stir in the water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs, continue to stir until batter is smooth.

Divide batter amongst the pans and bake for 25-35 mins, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

For the Ganache:

Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer on the stove-top, and then pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before using. (I pop mine in the fridge or freezer.

For the Frosting:

Cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream until frosting is smooth and fluffy.

To assemble:

Using a serrated knife, level each cake layer, slicing off the "domed" top to make it even. Place the bottom later on a piece of parchment paper on a cake turntable (if you have one.)

Spread a layer of ganache over the first layer of cake, sticking it into the fridge or freezer if needed to firm it up. (I stuck the whole cake into the fridge between each frosting layer.)

Follow with a layer of frosting, then another layer of cake, more ganache, more frosting etc. Add some frosting to the outside of the cake, smoothing with a spatula. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.

Notes:

* Base cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Double-Post Tuesday

If you've followed this blog for a while, you know the routine: Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Layered Fiesta Casserole and Turkey Chili. Enjoy!

INA GARTEN'S MAPLE-ROASTED CARROT SALAD

This recipe, from Cooking for Jeffrey, by Ina Garten, was posted on the Tasting Table.

To view this online, click here.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds carrots, preferably with leafy tops

Good olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup pure Grade A maple syrup

2/3 cup dried cranberries

2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)

3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane

6 ounces baby arugula

6 ounces goat cheese, such as Montrachet, medium-diced

2/3 cup roasted, salted Marcona almonds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Trim and scrub the carrots. If the carrots are more than 1 inch in diameter, cut them in half lengthwise. Cut the carrots in large diagonal slices 1 inch wide × 2 inches long (they will shrink when they roast) and place in a medium bowl with ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Toss well and transfer to two sheet pans. (If you use just one, they’ll steam instead of roasting.) Roast for 20 minutes, tossing once, until the carrots are tender. Transfer all the carrots to one of the sheet pans, add the maple syrup, toss, and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are caramelized. Watch them carefully! Toss with a metal spatula and set aside for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the cranberries and orange juice in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, then set aside for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the arugula in a large bowl and add the carrots, cranberries (with their liquid), goat cheese, almonds, and the vinaigrette. Toss with large spoons, sprinkle with salt, and serve at room temperature.

APPLE SPICE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling

1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup whipped topping

Directions

Melt butter. Whisk eggs and apple pie filling into butter until blended and apples break into small pieces. Whisk cake mix and pie spice in large bowl until blended, then gently stir in wet ingredients until combined.

Coat bowl of slow cooker with spray, then sprinkle flour on bottom and sides until coated. Pour batter into slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or until center is cooked through.

Let cake stand 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter; drizzle with caramel and serve warm with whipped topping.

CROCKPOT LASAGNA

This is from mydailymoment.com, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”

For 8 people. Ready in 4 1/4 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound(s) lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, smashed

3 1/2 cup(s) tomato sauce

3/4 cup(s) tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano

1 1/2 cup(s) cottage cheese

1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese

12 ounce(s) lasagna pasta, uncooked

16 ounce(s) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

LAYERED FIESTA CASSEROLE

This is from Kraft, and begins, “Say hola to your new favorite Mexican-inspired fiesta casserole. This Layered Fiesta Casserole has ground beef, salsa, tortillas & melted cheddar cheese.”

Prep Time: 25 min.; Total Time: 55 min.; Servings: 6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 each green and red pepper, chopped

1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® Thick & Chunky Salsa

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn

12 gluten-free corn tortillas (6 inch)

1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F.

Brown meat with peppers in large skillet; drain. Return to skillet. Stir in salsa, tomatoes and corn.

Spread 1 cup meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with 6 tortillas, overlapping as necessary. Cover with layers of half each of the remaining meat mixture and cheese; top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture. Cover.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining cheese; let stand, uncovered, 5 min. or until melted.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF

This recipe is from MyDailyMoment.com, and begins, “Get ready to meat your maker. When you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, feast your eyes on this simple solution. Prep for this classic comfort food takes just a matter of minutes. It's sure to be a family favorite.”

For 6 people; Ready in 1 1/2 hour.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

16 ounce(s) ground beef

1 ounce(s) can vegetable soup

2 tablespoon(s) ketchup

1 teaspoon(s) poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon(s) Italian seasoning

1/3 tablespoon(s) milk

1 1/2 cup(s) oatmeal

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf and place in baking pan. Bake for 1 hour.

TURKEY CHILI

This comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “You might not think of chili as an easy weeknight dish, but this turkey version from Pierre Franey will change your mind. It's fabulous, it's healthy and it can be ready in about a half hour. A combination of dark and white meat really adds depth and richness of flavor, so try to find a mix, but all white meat (or a mixture of ground beef and turkey) will yield a stellar batch too.”

Yield: 6 servings or more; Time: 35 minutes.

This was featured in “60-Minute Gourmet”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/7985-turkey-chili.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds ground turkey, white and dark combined

2 cups coarsely chopped onions

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1 large sweet red pepper, cored, deveined and coarsely chopped

1 cup chopped celery

1 jalapeno pepper, cored, deveined and finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tablespoon, dried

2 bay leaves

3 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3 cups canned diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth, fresh or canned

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans, drained

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream (optional)

Sliced lime for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Heat the oil over high heat in a large heavy pot and add the turkey meat. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, chopping down and stirring with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up any lumps.

Add the onions, garlic, sweet pepper, celery, jalapeno pepper, oregano, bay leaves, chili powder and cumin. Stir to blend well. Cook for 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Add the drained beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes longer. Serve in bowls with cheddar cheese, and sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.