tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74792922519925197102024-03-13T07:08:55.352-07:00The kitchen Chronicles Of A HousewifeMikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-73204910784925823102012-06-25T08:45:00.001-07:002012-06-25T08:45:30.223-07:00Costa RicaHello friends, <br />
Sorry it's been so long. I knew it had been a while but I didn't realize how long. Yikes! <br />
<br />
So, on to the food! I am currently in manuel antonio, CR, for a short 3 remaining days of our 12 day trip with the fam! And I have to say, as far as food goes, our favorite place so far is mexican.. Go figure. Everything in this part of town is geared towards tourists and is way over priced and not very authentic :( but despite that we've manger to enjoy a few spots here or there and making our own food. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
FYI.. I love yucca root and plantains!! <br />
<br />
But one thing I can share with you is the sour cream. Its freshly made! It easily made at home and I promise you won't regret trying your hand at it. <br />
<br />
Sour Cream <br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
1C. Heavy whipping cream ( not ultra pasteurized) <br />
1/4 C. Buttermilk <br />
<br />
Directions: <br />
Heat cream to 180 degrees F. Let cool pour into Tupperware container, add buttermilk, stir. Cover loosely with lid or a cheese cloth. Let sit out on counter for 8+ hours, till cream curdles and thickens. You'll know it's done when it smells like sour cream. Stir. <br />
Cover tightly with lid and refrigerate l. Lasts about 7-10days, or more. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-niMBA1KD6b8/T-iHiZdtmjI/AAAAAAAAAVY/GnOx_2XWRYk/s640/blogger-image-1391155569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-niMBA1KD6b8/T-iHiZdtmjI/AAAAAAAAAVY/GnOx_2XWRYk/s640/blogger-image-1391155569.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOTLfcffSh4/T-iHkipIVsI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5OfNC-mI_MY/s640/blogger-image--1406110446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOTLfcffSh4/T-iHkipIVsI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5OfNC-mI_MY/s640/blogger-image--1406110446.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0a871SW8k2E/T-iHmJrXYQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/KQi6r-mH4lE/s640/blogger-image--592884895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0a871SW8k2E/T-iHmJrXYQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/KQi6r-mH4lE/s640/blogger-image--592884895.jpg" /></a></div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-38083970462432570532012-03-29T15:31:00.000-07:002012-03-29T15:31:35.189-07:00Dulce De Leche Cereal Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlsrt85hq48/T2Eltref2-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/_iOwRbi2GDc/s1600/Food+Blog+159+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlsrt85hq48/T2Eltref2-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/_iOwRbi2GDc/s320/Food+Blog+159+picnick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Want a quick and delicious breakfast? try these delicious and easy to make cereal bars. You can use pretty much any cereal you like; i decided to try cheerios new dulce de leche flavor. Turned out pretty well, especially if you like sweet.<br />
<br />
As soon as i saw these beauties i knew i had to try them! I'm always looking for new breakfast recipes, especially easy, "to go" yummie's for my busy husband who never has time to sit down and eat. If you like the store bought cereal milk bars..you'll love these! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3tCzR2Xs24/T2ElyQJymAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/CZXrbaPYBkc/s1600/Food+Blog+161+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3tCzR2Xs24/T2ElyQJymAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/CZXrbaPYBkc/s320/Food+Blog+161+picnick.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Dulce De Leche Cereal Bars<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/marshmallowy-cereal-bars/">Simply Scratch on Tasty Kitchen</a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
12 Oz Dulce De Leche Cheerios* <br />
1/4 C. Almonds, sliced<br />
7 Oz, Mini marshmallows or 12 large marshmallows<br />
1/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
2 Tbs Salted Butter<br />
<br />
* If you like, get a little creative with the kind of cereal, honey nut cheerios or golden grahams would work great. Whatever sounds good to you.<br />
<br />
Directions: <br />
Mix together cereal and almonds in a large bowl, set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium-low heat, stir in marshmallows until melted and combined. Add in the vanilla and stir.<br />
Pour over cereal and stir.<br />
Pour into a greased 8x8 baking dish, press down and let cool.<br />
Once cool cut up into bars and serve.<br />
Enjoy!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_254735794"></span><span id="goog_254735795"></span>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-11585092111934919282012-03-26T13:50:00.001-07:002012-03-26T13:50:43.205-07:00Green Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2k_SayQbSKw/T29j4wOSj7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/ZAApUYkFMl8/s1600/Food+Blog+162+picknic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2k_SayQbSKw/T29j4wOSj7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/ZAApUYkFMl8/s400/Food+Blog+162+picknic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The green smoothie. Something i never thought i would enjoy but has
recently swept the "fit" world. So, i thought, why not try it. It has
now become my favorite breakfast or post work out sip. I know what your
thinking...you're not sure about that bright green color, can you taste
the veggies you ask?<br />
<br />
I get it, cause those we're the
exact questions i asked myself. But let me reassure you, the spinach in
this yummy smoothie is, though visibly vibrant and noticeable, is
practically invisible when it comes to taste. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qobusSyd3U/T29j_rqz1UI/AAAAAAAAAVM/zwqbWJKzLlQ/s1600/Food+Blog+164+picknic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qobusSyd3U/T29j_rqz1UI/AAAAAAAAAVM/zwqbWJKzLlQ/s320/Food+Blog+164+picknic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The
spinach (or green veggie of choice) adds a great dose of nutrients the
the already healthy and sweet fruits. I usually add a little honey, but
if you wanted just the fruit alone would make it sweet and satisfying.<br />
<br />
Go on. Give it a try...you won't regret it!<br />
<br />
Green Smoothie<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://lindawagner.net/blog/2011/03/green-smoothie-for-weight-loss/">Nutrition to Invigorate Mind, Body and Spirit</a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 small handfuls of Spinach (or green leafy vegetable of choice)<br />
1/2 C. Frozen Peaches *<br />
1/2 C. Frozen Mango *<br />
1 Banana<br />
1/4 C. or more of Almond Milk or Water<br />
1 Tbs Honey , to taste (if needed). <br />
<br />
<br />
*You can use any light colored fruit instead of peaches or mango if you prefer, such as kiwi, pineapple, apple or pear. <br />
<br />
Directions: <br />
Rinse spinach, measure out ingredients, and place in blender. Blend together until smooth and enjoy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-69264373463731145732012-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:05:07.346-08:00Tri Color Scramble and Home Fries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWDUZbIkAaQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
When i first saw this video, it had me laughing out loud. This is exactly what happens every time i try to make an omelet and i thought it was the perfect intro to this delicious and healthful omelet turned scramble with a side of home fries. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XwImIIILcE/T1DvZj3K_kI/AAAAAAAAAUM/7XXwTbuu68k/s1600/Picnik+collage+picnik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XwImIIILcE/T1DvZj3K_kI/AAAAAAAAAUM/7XXwTbuu68k/s400/Picnik+collage+picnik1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I made this meal a couple weeks ago as a way to use up some of the fresh veggies sitting in our crisper. It turned out to be quite tasty.<br />
<br />
I love breakfast for dinner, on occasion; and mostly because of how simple it is to make. Despite the fact that my veggie omelet turned into a veggie scramble i was happy with <br />
<br />
The end result...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7olrS_OtAH0/T1DxrsAytyI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ImU3br-UJ3s/s1600/Food+Blog+149+picinik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7olrS_OtAH0/T1DxrsAytyI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ImU3br-UJ3s/s320/Food+Blog+149+picinik.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tri Color Scramble and Home Fries: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tbs. Olive Oil </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2C. Chopped Kale </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4C. Red Pepper </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4C. Red Onion</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5 Eggs, beaten </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salt and Pepper </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Handful of Parmesan </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2C. Multi-color potatoes, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4C. Yellow onion, chopped </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Handful of Chopped Parsley </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Prep the veggies and potatoes. Heat 2 frying pans with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in each. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beat eggs in small bowl. Mix in dash of salt and pepper. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place potatoes, parsley and yellow onion in one of the pans, salt and pepper to taste, fry for 2-5 minutes. Add small amt of water and cover. cooking for 8 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until water is completely gone and potatoes are crisp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile fry up the veggies in the other pan for 1-2 minutes until soft. Add eggs and cook, gently stirring until done. Scramble should be soft and fluffy but not runny. Taste, and sprinkle with salt and pepper if needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dish up and sprinkle with a little Parmesan for the eggs, potatoes or both, your choice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-38226990874211499322012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-22T07:00:08.346-08:00Roasted Winter Vegetable Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HntutIhbaUQ/T0RebewGRjI/AAAAAAAAAUE/gNABGEYUQIo/s1600/Food+Blog+144+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HntutIhbaUQ/T0RebewGRjI/AAAAAAAAAUE/gNABGEYUQIo/s400/Food+Blog+144+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of those last minute, what am i going to put on the table? meals. This veggie pasta dish was absolutely delightful and i can't wait to make it again!! The combination of garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan with sweet potato and brussel sprouts served over pasta created a combination of rich and light flavors. It was something I could enjoy eating and at the same time not feel guilty about it.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago Alex was feeling poorly and we decided to shut ourselves in and spend the day watching Lord Of The Rings 1, 2 and 3, Followed by a slew of chick flicks. Somewhere in between watching Frodo save middle earth and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fall in love over email, i had to figure something out for dinner.<br />
<br />
After raiding my pantry, this meal is what i came up with. It took all of 40 minutes and was a great ending to a wonderful day!<br />
<br />
Roasted Winter Vegetable Pasta<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 Large Sweet Potato, peeled and chopped into small pieces.<br />
1/2 Lb Cleaned and halved Brussel Sprouts<br />
1 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
3 Tbs Butter<br />
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced, divided.<br />
1 Lb Spaghetti<br />
1/2 C. Pine nuts, toasted<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash, peel and chop vegetables.<br />
Spread out the veggies onto a rimmed cookie sheet or shallow baking dish. Drizzle olive oil, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 Tbs. of butter. Roast in oven for 25 minutes; stirring occasionally.<br />
Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in pan over medium heat (no butter needed) for about 5 min. Watch carefully as they burn easy.<br />
Boil water and cook pasta according to package. Drain pasta then place back in pot. Mix in the remaining 1 Tbs of butter and 1 clove of minced garlic.<br />
Once Vegetables are nicely roasted remove from oven, mix in the pine nuts, season with salt and serve over pasta with a sprinkling of Parmesan, or not, whichever you prefer and Enjoy!!<br />
Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-81887151456377405442012-02-15T16:48:00.000-08:002012-02-15T17:09:40.659-08:00Swirled Creamy Fudge Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XscxyUetSI/TzXF11A36yI/AAAAAAAAATA/VSWiOIXs1yc/s1600/Food+Blog+142+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XscxyUetSI/TzXF11A36yI/AAAAAAAAATA/VSWiOIXs1yc/s400/Food+Blog+142+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I love making the usual favorite desserts in this household, one of those being <a href="http://islandeat.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/hot-fudge-pie-what-would-jessie-dish-week-six/">Hot Fudge Pie</a>, but every now and then i like to experiment, change things up. <br />
<br />
Get creative. <br />
<br />
For this particular dessert i took the hot fudge pie, and decided to add a cream cheese base and swirl to get the look you see here. I was immediately pleased with the look of the pie, but a little nervous about the taste.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKhNtnNrgKI/TzxRR4xZ0UI/AAAAAAAAAT4/ImvPsI0hA9U/s1600/Food+Blog+145+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKhNtnNrgKI/TzxRR4xZ0UI/AAAAAAAAAT4/ImvPsI0hA9U/s400/Food+Blog+145+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Despite the fact that it was my first time swirling, and there's always things to improve on first tries, i felt this pie was a great addition to my dessert file and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy the creamy, fudgey flavor of the filling with the crisp, buttery and flaky pie crust.<br />
<br />
Swirled Creamy Fudge Pie<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://islandeat.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/hot-fudge-pie-what-would-jessie-dish-week-six/">Island Eat </a>, first seen on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/52987733085303771/">Pinterest </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
For the Pie:<br />
1 Pie crust <br />
4 oz Cream Cheese<br />
1 C. Granulated Sugar<br />
2 Eggs, Beaten<br />
1 Tsp Vanilla<br />
1/3 C. Flour, scant<br />
2 Tbs Milk <br />
<br />
For the Chocolate Swirl:<br />
4 oz Unsalted Butter, Melted<br />
1 1/2 oz Unsweetened chocolate, chopped<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 350. Grease pie dish and roll out pie crust.<br />
Beat the cream cheese, and sugar together with a mixer. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix.<br />
Add the vanilla and mix.<br />
Add in half the flour and mix, followed by the milk then the rest of the flour.<br />
Melt the butter, add in the chocolate and stir. Microwave for 10-20 seconds or until chocolate is melted.<br />
Pour cream cheese mixture into pie crust followed by the chocolate. Swirl gently using a small spatula until you get the desired look.<br />
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif" /></a></div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-85746034463665672842012-02-14T17:11:00.000-08:002012-02-15T17:13:24.840-08:00Chocolate Ice Cubes for Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EVmyJGJjdc/TzqlaWfVSyI/AAAAAAAAATY/mSKtfzRQnj8/s1600/Food+Blog+151+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EVmyJGJjdc/TzqlaWfVSyI/AAAAAAAAATY/mSKtfzRQnj8/s320/Food+Blog+151+picnick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy Valentines Day!! Hope you all are enjoying the day with your loved ones. Just a quick little treat to share with you. Some chocolate Ice Cubes to liven up that glass of milk with a little chocolaty goodness! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc9sO1w3vTQ/Tzqka-q5EtI/AAAAAAAAATI/qjjoz5gULKE/s1600/Food+Blog+150+picknick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc9sO1w3vTQ/Tzqka-q5EtI/AAAAAAAAATI/qjjoz5gULKE/s400/Food+Blog+150+picknick.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a> The taste was like a fudgesicle and mixed well with a glass of whole milk, though I'm sure would be just as yummy in a glass of skim or 2%. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecEgOzsr2zA/Tzr9_dRywHI/AAAAAAAAATw/M2886Hvo160/s1600/Food+Blog+153+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecEgOzsr2zA/Tzr9_dRywHI/AAAAAAAAATw/M2886Hvo160/s400/Food+Blog+153+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Make them in any shape, hearts, cause they're just so cute, or cubes for any day or Christmas trees...use your imagination, have fun with it! Any type of candy mold would work as an ice cube tray, so the sky is the limit, well as long as the stores make them, it is. <br />
<br />
<br />
Chocolate Ice Cubes<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsandrakavital.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fchocolat-det-frais-et-gourmand.html&langpair=fr%7Cen">The Kitchn </a>and <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsandrakavital.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fchocolat-det-frais-et-gourmand.html&langpair=fr%7Cen">The Mixer, with Google Translate</a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
200 ml Milk<br />
50 ml Water <br />
1 Tsp Granulated Sugar<br />
85g Dark Chocolate, Chopped<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Chop the chocolate into very small pieces and place in heat proof bowl.<br />
Add milk, water, and sugar into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. After the liquids come to a boil remove from heat.<br />
Pour the milk mixture over the chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes or until melted. Stir with a wooden spoon until nice and creamy. Let cool for about 15 minutes and then pour into ice cube trays or candy mold.<br />
Leave a little space in the mold for expansion. I filled the molds slightly more than 3/4 of the way full.<br />
Freeze on a flat surface in your freezer until solid. Usually several hours.<br />
<br />
Serve with milk or if you like you can follow the recipe on the mixer for the Vanilla Milk. Enjoy!! <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif" /></a></center>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-73074854276874285302012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T07:00:08.125-08:00Chicken Noodle Soup witth Kale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbjPCjuJNqg/Tyr1kgNAkYI/AAAAAAAAASw/ztVYWGO-DrI/s1600/Food+Blog+143+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbjPCjuJNqg/Tyr1kgNAkYI/AAAAAAAAASw/ztVYWGO-DrI/s400/Food+Blog+143+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The hubby and I have been sick for the past two weeks. First Alex, then me.. Sort of.<br />
<br />
I've been riding the fence between sick and healthy. Not quite sick but just off!<br />
<br />
C'est La Vie.<br />
<br />
So it was off to the kitchen with me to make some chicken noodle soup. I found a basic recipe on one of my faves, <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/01/05/chicken-noodle-soup-recipe/">Brown Eyed Baker </a>and made some additions to add a few more vitamins! Some kale which is high in vitamin C, calcium, and potassium; Garlic which has selenium to help detox the liver, zinc, which is supposed to help reduce the duration of a cold and (of course) more vitamin C. I then added some diced green onion for color and purely because Alex asked for it. <br />
<br />
The soup turned out tasty if a little under seasoned. I think this will be my go to recipe for a warm comforting meal when I'm under the weather! It's the perfect combination of two of my new favorites...Kale and Soup! It lasts for about 3 days for 2 people and freezes well.<br />
<br />
Chicken Noodle Soup with Kale:<br />
Recipe Adapted from <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/01/05/chicken-noodle-soup-recipe/">Brown Eyed Baker </a><br />
<br />
2-3 Leaves of Kale, Chopped or approx. 1 1/2 C. pre-chopped kale<br />
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced<br />
2 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
1 Medium Onion, Chopped<br />
1 Large Carrot, Sliced to about 1/4 in. thick<br />
1 Stalk of Celery, Sliced a 1/4 inch thick<br />
12 C. or 3 Quarts of Chicken Stock<br />
3 Chicken breasts Grilled and shredded or cut up into small pieces<br />
2 C. of Fusilli pasta<br />
1/4 C. Minced fresh Parsley<br />
3 Green Onions, thinly sliced <br />
Garlic Powder, Salt and Black Pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Heat a Soup pot or large stock pot. Add the onion, carrots, kale, celery and minced garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes.<br />
Season vegetables lightly with salt and pepper then add in chicken stock and chicken meat.<br />
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let it continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes.<br />
Stir in the Fusilli pasta, and let cook for 10-12 minutes until Al Dente.<br />
Stir in the parsley and green onion.<br />
Taste and then season with salt and pepper if needed.<br />
<br />
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes so the flavors can meld. Serve and Enjoy!!Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-13963862439292140712012-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:32:32.224-08:00Cranberry Almond Biscotti with White Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LoE-9Y1hWs/TyHq11LJqmI/AAAAAAAAASg/H11QJKSmne8/s1600/Food+Blog+140+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LoE-9Y1hWs/TyHq11LJqmI/AAAAAAAAASg/H11QJKSmne8/s400/Food+Blog+140+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My girlfriends and I have started adding a once a month craft night to our regular "girls nights" of which we will each take a turn hosting. The first (official) of these nights was hosted by Oksana who served us a spread of cheese and crackers, chips and salsa and some lovely biscotti! one day i hope to be as good a hostess as she. <br />
<br />
The biscotti was so delicious i had to run home and make it; Okay well maybe the very next day; and a different recipe, but either way i couldn't wait to get started! <br />
<br />
I was without oranges in my fruit bowl so i wasn't able to add the lovely orange zest that was suggested but overall i would say this recipe still turned out delicious! Biscotti is the classic cookie to enjoy with a cup of tea; <br />
<br />
and i did, many times ;)<br />
<br />
and hope you will too! <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LJdWmtliqE/TyHrAzgzoCI/AAAAAAAAASo/tdLhSb-p3jM/s1600/Food+Blog+141+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LJdWmtliqE/TyHrAzgzoCI/AAAAAAAAASo/tdLhSb-p3jM/s400/Food+Blog+141+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've always had this misconception that making biscotti was incredibly difficult, and since i didn't really care for it, or so i thought until trying a home made one, it didn't really matter. But i was completely wrong! and here i had been missing out for years!<br />
<br />
there are a few steps involved but even so i found that the extra steps we're totally worth it and quite simple!! These cookies were slightly sweet and had the perfect crunch! i will definitely be making more biscotti and i can't wait to try more flavors and possibly even some gluten-free ones!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Cranberry Almond Biscotti with White Chocolate <br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/spring-biscotti/">my baking addiction </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/4 C. Butter<br />
3/4 C. Granulated sugar<br />
1/2 Tsp Vanilla extract<br />2 Eggs<br />1 Egg white<br />2 C. All-purpose flour<br />1 1/2 Tsp Baking powder<br />1/4 Tsp Salt<br />
2 oz White chocolate, chopped<br />1/2 C. Dried cranberries<br />
1/2 C. Sliced Almonds<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until light and fluffy.<br />
Mix in eggs, one at a time, followed by the egg whites. Beating until combined.<br />
In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.<br />
Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet using a wooden spoon or spatula. <br />
Using the same spoon mix in the dried cranberries, almonds and white chocolate. Cover and chill until no longer sticky; approximately 30 minutes.<br />
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.<br />
Once dough is chilled, place onto lightly floured surface and form into 2 flat logs, about 12 by 3 inches and 1 inch in depth (i eye balled it) each.<br />
Place the logs onto the baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake for 30 minutes or until a light golden color. Allow to cool until they are cool enough to touch. Cut across the logs at an angle in 1 inch pieces.<br />
<br />
Lay out slices of biscotti back onto the cookie sheet about 1 inch apart and bake for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
if you wish you can leave it there and remove from oven and cool. For my part i wanted both sides to be a golden color so i flipped them over and baked them for another 10 minutes. I think next time i will try flipping them after 10 minutes of baking and bake for another 10 for a total of 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
as you see, there are lots of variations on baking times once the biscotti is sliced, so it is all up to your personal preference for a more crispy biscotti or chewy.Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-20984554523892559202012-01-23T17:18:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:18:59.991-08:00Herb Roasted Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Wo8uJfH9A/Tx2vRyc64QI/AAAAAAAAASQ/a8l0_AtoPAM/s1600/Food+Blog+136+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Wo8uJfH9A/Tx2vRyc64QI/AAAAAAAAASQ/a8l0_AtoPAM/s400/Food+Blog+136+picnik.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
There's always those days when you just can't seem to accomplish what you set out to do, or things that you would like to do that you just never get around to. There are a few recipes, meals, etc.. on my list that fit into that category. Roast chicken, is one of those recipes I have wanted to try for a while, but just kept putting it on the back burner. I have wanted to attempt roasting a chicken for a while now, at least since Alex and i got married, maybe longer; And I'm happy to say I've finally accomplished it. <br />
<br />
One of the things that i was told to put on my wedding registry list, and personally thought was a must have (just in case i ever host a holiday dinner and needed to make a turkey) was a roasting pan. But when it came time to use it i chickened out; no pun intended. I decided to go with a recipe that used a cast iron skillet and I'm glad i did. It was easy and the chicken came out tender and juicy. A basic and semi-healthy recipe, this roast chicken makes for a great family meal. <br />
<br />
Herb Roasted Chicken<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.lanascooking.com/2011/08/16/butter-roasted-chicken/">Never Enough Time </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 Whole Chicken (approx. 4 Lbs)<br />
1 Lemon, Quartered<br />
1/2 Large white onion, quartered <br />
2 Tbs Fresh Herbs- Thyme and rosemary or any combination you like <br />
1/4 C. Butter<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat Oven to 400 degrees. Clean chicken and remove giblets. Pat dry thoroughly.<br />
Salt and pepper chicken on the inside and out. Cut up Lemon and onion. <br />
Stuff the chicken with herbs, lemon and onion. Truss (tie up legs and wings with baking twine) if you like.<br />
Place chicken in large cast iron skillet and put stick of butter on top of chicken.<br />
Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with butter from bottom of skillet. Turn onto side.<br />
Cook for another 15 minutes, baste and flip to other side.<br />
Cook for 15 minutes. Baste and flip to breast side down.<br />
Cook for another 15 minutes, baste and flip back to breast side up. Continue cooking until the chicken's juices run clear; Approximately 30 minutes.<br />
Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carve up and serve with potatoes, salad and whatever else fits your fancy.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!! <br />
<br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-8160468535718687462012-01-18T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-18T15:35:22.815-08:00Gluten-free Buckwheat Pancake Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68Ju0vgmKng/TxdRZuLvIkI/AAAAAAAAASI/Af16PBR_Wmw/s1600/Food+Blog+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68Ju0vgmKng/TxdRZuLvIkI/AAAAAAAAASI/Af16PBR_Wmw/s400/Food+Blog+picnik.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
How akward is it when the safeway grocery delivery guy shows up and you're in the middle of making breakfast, though at this point (noon) it's now lunch, the house is a mess and your in sweats? <br />
<br />
...Pretty Akward, I'd say, okay, a lot!<br />
<br />
I was a complete and utter slug this morning, everything is taking twice as long; As you could probably tell from the fact that i was still in my sweats and making breakfast at noon. Oh well! After putting the groceries away, quickly snapping a photo of these delicious pancakes and gobbling them down in between grocery bags emptied, i finally have the chance to tell you all about a delicious, gluten-free pancake mix that is going to get me through a couple weeks worth of mornings.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dygvUxQ7y2I/Txc8a1nZ-rI/AAAAAAAAARg/SXriXgzK_tY/s1600/Food+Blog+138+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dygvUxQ7y2I/Txc8a1nZ-rI/AAAAAAAAARg/SXriXgzK_tY/s400/Food+Blog+138+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As a part of my new diet i decided to limit my gluten intake. After some brainstorming for some gluten free options i discovered Buckwheat flour and then i remembered how much i love buckwheat pancakes! They we're a childhood favorite that i used to enjoy at sleepovers with my best friend Haley. Her mom would make them for us in the morning and i must admit, i miss them. So it was an easy addition to my menu.<br />
<br />
There are so many options out there for a pancake mix, but i had to stick with my favorite basic recipe from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/09/oatmeal-pancake-mix.html">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a>. After making a few changes and halving the recipe i have to say they turned out delicious! Nutty, slightly sweet and moist, a wonderfully filling breakfast and a nice break from the regular cold cereal. Having the mix at hand makes it much easier to make these bad boys quickly and with little mess to clean up.<br />
<br />
Gluten- Free Buckwheat Pancake Mix<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/">Mel's Kitchen Cafe </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 C. Buckwheat Flour<br />
1 1/2 Tbs. Baking Powder <br />
1/2 Tbs. Baking Soda<br />
1/2 Tbs. Salt<br />
1 1/2 Tbs. Molasses<br />
1 Tbs Honey<br />
1/2 C. Grape seed Oil<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle in honey, molasses and oil. Mix together with wooden spoon, followed by your hands until crumbly and holds together. Test a clump with your hands, pressing it together, if it stays together it's done, if it's still too crumbly add a little more oil. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge or freezer indefinitely. <br />
<br />
To make the pancakes mix equal amounts of pancake mix with equal amounts Keefer (i used peach Keefer and it gave them a nice subtle peach flavor). 1/2 cup mix to 1/2 cup milk made about 4 small pancakes. For a larger batch, mix 1 cup of buttermilk to1 cup of mix with 1 egg. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto hot cast iron skillet or a griddle and cook until bubbles form and edges are set, flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Serve with a little bit of butter and honey or maple syrup. A nice berry syrup would be great too!<br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif" /></a></center>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-69574404148338579822012-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:002012-01-12T06:30:01.364-08:00Creamy Lemon Olive Oil Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1fmeYVwY0w/Tw3LU5wd3nI/AAAAAAAAARY/AXk-iL01AXY/s1600/Food+Blog+017+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1fmeYVwY0w/Tw3LU5wd3nI/AAAAAAAAARY/AXk-iL01AXY/s400/Food+Blog+017+picnick.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lemon bars have always been a favorite of mine but for some reason i never like making them. It just seems like something you get at a nice coffee shop or bakery. But as i was browsing the web the other day for a "healthy" dessert to serve our friends that evening, i came a across these beauties from cooking on the side, a <a href="http://cookingontheside.com/creamy-lemon-lime-bars/">creamy lemon lime bar</a>. In order to make myself feel better about consuming the calories i decided to add some whole grains by using whole wheat flour and olive oil to make a Creamy Lemon Olive Oil Bar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the six of us enjoyed trying out a new Vietnamese restaurant in Oakland, Mama's Vietnamese; where we had the best hot and sour noodle soup (I'm now officially obsessed), it was back to the house for dessert and coffee. Despite my worries of whether or not the changes i made would result in a tasty dessert, these bars we're a refreshing treat and we're enjoyed by all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Creamy Olive Oil Lemon Bars </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adapted From <a href="http://cookingontheside.com/">Cooking on the side </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the crust: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 Tbs Olive Oil (the better the quality the better flavor) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tbs Butter, Melted </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C. Whole Wheat Flour </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Tbs. Granulated Sugar </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pinch of Salt </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the Filling: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2/3 C. Lemon Juice </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 (14oz) Sweetened condensed milk </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt; add oil, and butter and mix together until crumbly. Press down into bottom of greased or foil lined 8x8 baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven. While the crust is baking, prepare filling. Mix together lemon juice, eggs and milk until combined and smooth. Pour into crust and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set. Cut into squares and Enjoy!! </div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-87463947303254154542012-01-10T13:30:00.000-08:002012-01-11T15:32:41.420-08:00Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL4e_ip4ZR4/Twyd7iR7IrI/AAAAAAAAARQ/4sRIAe-qXRw/s1600/Food+Blog+016+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL4e_ip4ZR4/Twyd7iR7IrI/AAAAAAAAARQ/4sRIAe-qXRw/s400/Food+Blog+016+picnick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In the days following the start of the new year i have started implementing a few changes to my diet and lifestyle.I thought about this for a while, but it wasn't until i reached the overweight category that i was finally motivated to change.I started a running regiment, and though i have never found it enjoyable in the past, i have to say, this time around I'm loving it! Second change is to eat healthier foods. Don't get me wrong i will still be including sweets but my goal is to eat smaller portions more often and a variety of foods, including lots of veggies! This particular dish was inspired from the pioneer woman and from The New American Plate cook book. It was the star of the meal. The balsamic glaze was the perfect blend of sweet and savory and the use of honey as a sweetener made this dish healthier without taking away from the flavor.<br />
<br />
Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts <br />
Adapted From Pioneer Woman Cooks and The New American Plate<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
4-8 oz Brussel Sprouts<br />
2 Tbs Olive Oil, divided <br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
1/4 C. Balsamic Vinegar<br />
3 Cloves Of Garlic, Minced<br />
1 1/2 Tbs Honey<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Clean, trim and cut in half the brussel sprouts. Rinse and Dry off. Drizzle 1 Tbs of olive oil over the sprouts and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread out on rimmed cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don't burn. Meanwhile place the remaining 1 tbs of olive oil in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Add in honey and vinegar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until syrupy and smooth. When brussel sprouts are tender but not soft remove from oven, place in a serving dish or bowl and pour glaze over them, mix gently, serve and Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Went well with plain pasta and Parmesan, the glaze spilled over into the pasta and it was scrumptious!<br />
<br />
This Recipe was a part of a link party, see other scrumptious recipes at What's cooking Wednesdays link party, Just click on the button below: <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif" /></a></center>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-25124314730613353742012-01-06T15:54:00.000-08:002012-01-06T16:03:52.813-08:00Fried Pickles and Mozzarella sticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2byQQ1qMs8/TweLE1lcO-I/AAAAAAAAARI/S7Se-ecXaCE/s1600/Food+Blog+013+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2byQQ1qMs8/TweLE1lcO-I/AAAAAAAAARI/S7Se-ecXaCE/s400/Food+Blog+013+picnick.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
Hey Ya'll! It's Official i Love Fried Pickles! Frying them seems to make the flavor a little milder and adds an extra crunch, Delish! so when visiting my family i decided to give these a go for our "civil war" game day get together. That is the day when the Oregon Beavers play the Oregon Ducks (As you can tell from the pictures, there are fans on both sides).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJvqrocHm9g/TweA-QZ0VsI/AAAAAAAAARA/iE3Wz0_dUx0/s1600/Food+Blog+015+picnick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJvqrocHm9g/TweA-QZ0VsI/AAAAAAAAARA/iE3Wz0_dUx0/s640/Food+Blog+015+picnick.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
Since i was already set up for deep frying i added in a few mozzarella
sticks. I made them again for our new years celebration and i have to
admit i ate about half the plate myself (oops). I hope you will enjoy
them as much as i did.<br />
<br />
Fried Pickle Chips<br />
as seen on <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2011/08/18/fried-pickles-for-josies-virtual-baby-shower/">Annies-Eats </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
1 Jar of your favorite sliced pickles, cut in smaller pieces (or pickle chips)<br />
1-2 C. Flour <br />
1-2 C. Bread Crumbs<br />
3 Eggs, beaten<br />
1 C. Buttermilk<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
Seasoning/herbs of your choice (Lawry's salt or cayenne pepper and onion powder work great)<br />
Vegetable or Canola oil<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Set up your dredging station in 4 separate shallow dishes for the Buttermilk, Flour, Eggs and Bread Crumbs with seasoning (in that order). Slice up your pickles if not in chip form to about 1/2 inch in size. Fill a deep frying pan with about 1-2 cups of oil or until it comes up to about 1 1/2 inches (enough to cover the pickles). Heat over med-high heat until nice and hot. Meanwhile, dredge your pickles in the milk, flour, eggs and finally seasoned bread crumbs. When oil is ready, test with one pickle it should cook in about 1 minute but not burn. Adjust heat accordingly to get a golden crisp shell. Fry as many pickles as will fit comfortably in your pan without overcrowding, at a time. Remove with Slotted spoon or spatula and let rest on paper towel covered plate. Can be kept warm in 200 degree oven for about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Serve with Thousand island dressing or dip of your choice. Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
* For the Mozzarella sticks, just substitute halved string cheese for the pickles and follow the above steps. Though the oil might need to be a little cooler than for the pickles to keep the cheese from melting out of the breading. But even if they do, they still taste delicious!!Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-89622922305081287162011-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:002011-12-30T12:08:40.052-08:00Highlights of 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Christmas is over and another year comes to an end. How quickly each year seams to pass and what a great reminder it is to be thankful for the time we are given and to make the best of it. This year has been full of ups and downs but what i will remember the most this year are the great times I've had with friends, the starting of this blog, the refinancing of our mortgage, the weddings, and the celebration of my 4 year wedding anniversary.<br />
In celebration of this year and the food that was made and shared i decided to share with you all some of your favorites as well as some of mine.In chronological order: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZogw6rnxWg/Tgoka6phGJI/AAAAAAAAAIA/LAzKfHHfNCQ/s1600/misc+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZogw6rnxWg/Tgoka6phGJI/AAAAAAAAAIA/LAzKfHHfNCQ/s400/misc+172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/06/somewhere-starting-around-christmas-of.html">Funfetti cake balls</a>.
What a versatile dessert, great for kids parties, family gatherings,
baking boxes and even camping. Best of all they're fantastically easy
but impress non-the-less. So whatever your function these beauties are
sure to please! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TztHw7asa0/TgySPAggdPI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Klg9pE3stzg/s1600/Food+Blog+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TztHw7asa0/TgySPAggdPI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Klg9pE3stzg/s400/Food+Blog+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Looking at this cupcake makes me feel like homer...mmm cupcakes!! the perfect combination of coffee and buttery cake with a caramel filling takes this dessert to a whole new level. Though it does have several steps it is worth the effort. A favorite among readers as well as one of mine is <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/search/label/Cupcakes">Caramel Frappucino cupcakes</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NxbyciFVSc/TivQbPLVWJI/AAAAAAAAAJs/z7q47XFoTgU/s1600/Food+Blog+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NxbyciFVSc/TivQbPLVWJI/AAAAAAAAAJs/z7q47XFoTgU/s400/Food+Blog+065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
When i first heard of basil as a dessert ingredient i was a little uneasy but this <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/07/raspberry-basil-creme-brulee.html">Raspberry Basil Creme Brulee </a>definitely eased my fears. Creamy, rich and the flavor combination was delicious. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygNtY3fHoOA/TjLRnN57Q5I/AAAAAAAAAKU/9t3zfF2JWhI/s1600/CrackerCrunch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygNtY3fHoOA/TjLRnN57Q5I/AAAAAAAAAKU/9t3zfF2JWhI/s400/CrackerCrunch1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Absolutely one of my favorite candy's and the most requested by the hubby. whenever i ask him what dessert to make for someone he always replies, <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/cracker-crunch.html">Cracker crunch</a>. The perfect combination of salty and sweet it makes for a great gift or as dessert in a packed lunch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErpCA5XhSdA/Tjo7Fe-kX0I/AAAAAAAAAKc/N5zlK2Xzam0/s1600/Potato+Gnochi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErpCA5XhSdA/Tjo7Fe-kX0I/AAAAAAAAAKc/N5zlK2Xzam0/s400/Potato+Gnochi1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A healthy and fairly easy dish to make when you feel like Italian, <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-potato-and-spinach-gnocchi.html">Sweet Potato Gnocchi</a>
is not only fun to say but also to eat. It has quickly become one of my
go to recipes and though low on the calorie scale, it's very high on
the taste scale, Yum! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7G5IXEWX9CQ/TkQj9yjAxgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hC0pLK8hYmw/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7G5IXEWX9CQ/TkQj9yjAxgI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hC0pLK8hYmw/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/buttermilk-pie-and-oatmeal-pancake-mix.html">Buttermilk pie</a>, Custard like texture, warm slightly sweet flavor. A great last minute dessert for unexpected guests. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OortoODj33g/TlLzfYwFuqI/AAAAAAAAALY/C28-mYd1Lwo/s1600/Food+Blog+085+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OortoODj33g/TlLzfYwFuqI/AAAAAAAAALY/C28-mYd1Lwo/s400/Food+Blog+085+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
An American classic made at home. These delicious <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/homemade-oreos.html">Homemade Oreo's</a> are a chewy chocolate-y and creamy version of the store bought kind. Delicious and better for you than their counterpart, a great after school snack and wonderful with a glass of milk. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SVgBSpZjAc/TlQarHnOHsI/AAAAAAAAAL4/rmbuNLRV2j0/s1600/Food+Blog+094+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SVgBSpZjAc/TlQarHnOHsI/AAAAAAAAAL4/rmbuNLRV2j0/s400/Food+Blog+094+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Everyone should have a go to recipe for<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/fabulous-fish-tacos.html"> Fabulous Fish Taco's</a>, this one is mine. I've searched the world over, well at least the world wide web for a great fish taco recipe and i found it in these. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside the fish is delicious, mango relish, cabbage and limes complete the dish for a flavorful fish dish that even non-fish lovers (myself included) will love!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKUBLmCKGos/Tl1VbLVJ-aI/AAAAAAAAAL8/_ICiCFScBU8/s1600/Food+Blog+042+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKUBLmCKGos/Tl1VbLVJ-aI/AAAAAAAAAL8/_ICiCFScBU8/s400/Food+Blog+042+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/08/avacado-shake.html">Avacado Shake</a>. Never would have thought this would be a part of the highlights for 2011 but you, my dear readers have seemed to love it as much as i did. The nutty flavor of Avocado lends itself perfectly to the sweet flavors in a milk shake. Just thinking about it makes me want one now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxhcdum5drA/TmB2BMtAXgI/AAAAAAAAAME/C3dicxtNje8/s1600/Food+Blog+090+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxhcdum5drA/TmB2BMtAXgI/AAAAAAAAAME/C3dicxtNje8/s400/Food+Blog+090+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A personal favorite of mine since childhood is a good <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/09/peppermint-patties.html">Peppermint Patty</a>; so you can imagine my excitement when i found a recipe for them. This recipe was fantastic! They tasted exactly like the York peppermint patties i grew up eating. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OCb6HqhJEs/Tm_MC_xDcAI/AAAAAAAAAMw/vqyJMSr7Ubc/s1600/Food+Blog+103+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OCb6HqhJEs/Tm_MC_xDcAI/AAAAAAAAAMw/vqyJMSr7Ubc/s320/Food+Blog+103+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/09/pasta-davinci-cheescake-factory-replica.html">Pasta Da Vinci </a>(a cheesecake factory replica). One of my favorite dishes when we eat out and a flavorful home cooked meal. The Madeira wine sauce is sweet and when combined with tender mushrooms, chicken, parsley and Parmesan you get a rich pasta dish that you'll want to eat over and over again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuVoG9rfXw0/Tn4jGgDI-mI/AAAAAAAAANA/JafBTTUTa68/s1600/Food+Blog+102+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuVoG9rfXw0/Tn4jGgDI-mI/AAAAAAAAANA/JafBTTUTa68/s320/Food+Blog+102+picnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/09/carnitas-tacos.html">Carnitas Taco's</a>. Absolutely worth the work you put into them and most definitely for special occasions. The meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, pulls apart easily and pairs perfectly with the guacamole, pico de gallo and pretty much any topping you desire. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smDQ1koXJx0/ToYHuGBnRRI/AAAAAAAAANE/Dy_5Eq6LNbo/s1600/Food+Blog+107+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smDQ1koXJx0/ToYHuGBnRRI/AAAAAAAAANE/Dy_5Eq6LNbo/s400/Food+Blog+107+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A great fall beverage for the pumpkin lovers out there, <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-spice-latte.html">A Pumpkin Spice Latte</a>. A delicious home made version of the Starbucks fall drink that can now be made year round if you like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzaPJZpkgI/TpDyJ_JPdGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NIiQZ1XGZ9w/s1600/Food+Blog+114+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzaPJZpkgI/TpDyJ_JPdGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NIiQZ1XGZ9w/s400/Food+Blog+114+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This delicious ice cream was made in celebration of our refinance loan going through, what a joyous day and what a wonderful way to celebrate. A chocolate-y, creamy ice cream with rich fudge brownies throughout it is definitely a favorite around here; <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/chocolate-brownie-ice-cream-with-sea.html">Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream with Sea Salt</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB2NNfaGyVo/TpD3Q4YoWnI/AAAAAAAAAP0/rWy8hCTQZDs/s1600/Food+Blog+117+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB2NNfaGyVo/TpD3Q4YoWnI/AAAAAAAAAP0/rWy8hCTQZDs/s400/Food+Blog+117+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-pie-empenadas.html">Pumpkin Pie Empanada's</a> or if you like, hand held pumpkin pies. These particular ones are made in the shape of Halloween characters for a fall gathering but could be made into any shape or just kept in the normal empanada half circle. A reader favorite and one of the most popular posts, it's a sure fire winner. Featured in the Holiday Sweet Swap at <a href="http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2011/09/holiday-sweet-swap-link-party-is-open.html">pressed down shaken together</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhsJ-9c_6Ao/Tqhxghdki5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/lL3ftbr5OPE/s1600/Food+Blog+125+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhsJ-9c_6Ao/Tqhxghdki5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/lL3ftbr5OPE/s400/Food+Blog+125+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/chocolate-covered-sweet-potato-twinkie.html">Chocolate Covered Sweet Potato Twinkie Cakes</a> we're not only a hit here, at kitchen chronicles of a housewife, but they we're a hit at my nieces birthday party as well. Moist and sweet with a very tender cake that has a mild sweet potato flavor. These beauties are tasty with or without the chocolate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3epJArt16mw/TrAudKMORTI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wE2pu4-YS0E/s1600/Food+Blog+119+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3epJArt16mw/TrAudKMORTI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wE2pu4-YS0E/s400/Food+Blog+119+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A revamp of the classic,<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/macaroni-and-cheese.html"> Macaroni and Cheese</a>, this recipe is easy and delicious and will satisfy both the homemade lovers (me) and the kraft Lovers (Alex). Rich, Creamy and full of cheesy flavor!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI3h45R9Dg8/TtbSwo7UCNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qwOyUwYC330/s1600/Food+Blog+007+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI3h45R9Dg8/TtbSwo7UCNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qwOyUwYC330/s400/Food+Blog+007+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/cinnamon-pie.html">Cinnamon Pie</a> was an inspiration from a TV show episode..who knew it would become a family favorite. Great addition to thanksgiving dinner or an easy mid-weak meal. Delicious cinnamon flavor, flaky crust, and lovely texture. Serve with vanilla ice cream and it's heaven.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ06z3m1R_w/TuIHywTew_I/AAAAAAAAAQU/uB9J4bTRhuI/s1600/Food+Blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ06z3m1R_w/TuIHywTew_I/AAAAAAAAAQU/uB9J4bTRhuI/s400/Food+Blog+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Last but not least, <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/almond-joy-granola.html">Almond Joy Granola</a>; My new favorite breakfast. Easy to make and stores for a while this home made granola is better than any store bought version I've had. Delicious, Nutty and full of vanilla flavor, i call it Scrumdidilyumptious!!<br />
<br />
And there you have it folks! thanks for all your suggestions, comments and support this year as i continue to learn what it means to blog, i hope you will join me in the new year for lots more adventures in the kitchen. My first resolution of the year, Blog more savory dishes. How about you, what's your new years resolution? or do you do them at all? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-69647322655904550552011-12-14T22:13:00.000-08:002011-12-14T22:13:51.767-08:00Quesabeanas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TufNxx5ejuQ/TulvyblpCcI/AAAAAAAAAQs/sY0HQLC15B0/s1600/Food+Blog+008+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TufNxx5ejuQ/TulvyblpCcI/AAAAAAAAAQs/sY0HQLC15B0/s400/Food+Blog+008+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
These easy and delicious quesadilla's filled to the brim or as we call them "quesabeana's" are sure to be a new favorite week night meal. It's hard to even qualify this as a recipe since all the ingredients are ever changing and often times whatever is on hand, but to make it easy, we'll go ahead and say that it is. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>As a child i was blessed to have a father who loved to cook... Still does! so we we're privy to many types of foods, but out of them all there we're a few that stood out as our Favorites, Buttermilk pancakes from scratch (i still don't know how to make them the same way he does, probably never will), Pot roast and Yorkshire pudding and of course these Quesabeana's. I find this to be one of those sentimental foods that actually lives up to the hype of your child hood memory. Even now i look forward to a tasty lunch or dinner of cheesy, beany goodness!!<br />
<br />
Quesabeana's<br />
Adapted from Michael Fleming<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Flour tortillas (10-16 inches) whatever you prefer.<br />
1 can of re-fried beans <br />
Cheese- i use cheddar or Mexican blend, approximately 1-2 cups, shredded. <br />
Green onions<br />
2-3 Tomatoes, Diced <br />
1 Can of Black olives, chopped<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Chop, dice and shred the ingredients, as instructed above. Heat up beans until warm. Set out ingredients, making your own assembly station. Assemble quesabeana's, filling tortillas (either 1 folded over or 2 sandwiched for a larger size) with an even amount of ingredients Heat either a griddle or frying pan on medium heat with butter or vegetable oil. Fry quesabeanas until cheese is melted and golden brown on both sides (careful not to burn them like i did on a couple), about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Slice up and Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
Serve with salsa or sour cream. Serves approx. 4 people and up to 20 (adjust recipe accordingly). Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-54079501926910890682011-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:35:01.083-08:00Almond Joy Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ06z3m1R_w/TuIHywTew_I/AAAAAAAAAQU/uB9J4bTRhuI/s1600/Food+Blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ06z3m1R_w/TuIHywTew_I/AAAAAAAAAQU/uB9J4bTRhuI/s400/Food+Blog+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
First of let me just say how often mason jars come in handy. i am very happy to have a bunch in my house now. I didn't ever think of them as useful except for making jam, or canning; which i can't do in my current location. But these things have innumerable uses from crafting to storing goodies like this delicious granola.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmDgyvck_a0/TuIQY2WjQQI/AAAAAAAAAQk/Uz7euS6rkV4/s1600/Food+Blog+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmDgyvck_a0/TuIQY2WjQQI/AAAAAAAAAQk/Uz7euS6rkV4/s400/Food+Blog+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's been a while since originally trying this recipe and several alternates later. But when i want a good bowl of granola, this is the one i return to. I never knew i would love granola so much as I've never been a huge fan of store bought kinds, home made is a whole other story and easy to make! a great staple to keep around the house and fairly cheap to make.<br />
<br />
Almond Joy Granola adapted from <a href="http://www.sophistimom.com/vanilla-almond-granola/">Sophistimom</a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
3 C. Oats<br />
1/2 C. Sliced Almonds<br />
1/2 C.Coconut (optional) * <br />
1/2 C. Almond meal <br />
1/2 C. Flax meal<br />
1/2 C. Canola Oil<br />
1 C. Honey<br />
1/2 C. Brown Sugar<br />
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
1/2 Tsp Almond Extract <br />
<br />
*Though the coconut flavor was not very strong, if you prefer you can leave it out and still have a very tasty granola.<br />
<br />
Directiions:<br />
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl. Spread out onto parchment or silpat lined rimmed cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Bake for 15 miinutes then stir with spatula. Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on sheet. If you want more clusters clump the granola in the midddle of the sheet while still warm. After cooled break up into pieces and store in air tight container at room temp. It can last up to 2 weeks or more (not really sure when it goes stale, since it never makes it past 1 week in our house).<br />
<br />
Enjoy in yogurt, with milk or by the handful!Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-79833756147335012332011-11-30T17:08:00.001-08:002011-11-30T19:11:38.531-08:00Cinnamon Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI3h45R9Dg8/TtbSwo7UCNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qwOyUwYC330/s1600/Food+Blog+007+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI3h45R9Dg8/TtbSwo7UCNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qwOyUwYC330/s400/Food+Blog+007+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't tell you how great it is to be back! i apologize for the absence. My virus protection program decided that the sign in page of blogger was unsafe for a while. But it's officially safe again and I'm back in business!! <br />
The perfect recipe to start off my Winter baking and Christmas preparation is this cinnamon pie. I originally saw it on a show called psych and immediately decided i would have to recreate it. So after searching for recipes i decided to combine the recipe for buttermilk pie with a cinnamon pie recipe on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cinnamon-pie/detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a>. The result was a delicious warm dessert full of cinnamon flavor, or as my sister Gretchen called it, Cinnamon toast. So for those of you who are a fan of the cereal you should definitely give this a try!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving! there is so much to be thankful for and i am glad that i was able to spend this holiday with my family in Oregon. Where, as usual we had a huge feast including four pumpkin pies, one apple, 2 cheese cakes, and my cinnamon pie for dessert. I could definitely see this pie being a new tradition! Unfortunately not everyone, well, pretty much no one, got to try it since it was very undercooked; which we discovered after cutting into it. The two main reasons for this, i believe, we're the fact that i used margarine instead of butter and the altitude. I forgot to adjust the time and temperature...whoops! though it was definitely not a perfect result i did manage to save it by sticking it back in the oven. Next time i will stick to the recipe and test it with a toothpick before serving.<br />
<br />
Cinnamon Pie<br />
Adapted from Vintage victuals and Sharon miller on allrecipes.com<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 single, pie crust (store bought works fine, but home made preferred)<br />
1 1/2 C. Sugar, granulated<br />
3/4 C. Buttermilk<br />
1/2 C. Pancake mix<br />
1/2 C. Butter, melted and cooled.<br />
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
2 Eggs<br />
Pinch of Salt<br />
2 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Pre-bake pie crust at 450 degrees for 5-10 minutes or until it no longer looks doughy but isn't browned.<br />
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in an electric mixer until combined. Pour into pie shell.<br />
Reduce oven temperature to 400 and bake pie for 15 minutes. Reduce the temp. to 350 degrees and continue baking for 45 minutes more or until pie is set and golden. if unsure test with a toothpick, it should come out with a few crumbs.<br />
<br />
Serve with a warm cup of coffee or some vanilla ice cream, and Enjoy!! <br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-69589669504431131802011-11-12T17:24:00.001-08:002011-11-17T11:38:32.762-08:00Cajun Shrimp Taco's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjaklMIA7Wc/Tr8cRkBZBHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/3KWpkC-1jSk/s1600/Food+Blog+121+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjaklMIA7Wc/Tr8cRkBZBHI/AAAAAAAAAPY/3KWpkC-1jSk/s400/Food+Blog+121+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I have another reader and friend inspired recipe for you all. This tasty dish came from a friend who gave me this recipe with the preface of "it's for the blog" so in honor of that i am sharing it with you all. I have never been a huge fan of shrimp, something about the texture, but i had heard about this recipe for Cajun shrimp for so long and from many people who enjoyed it i decided it was worth a try. Especially after Carolyn told me that she had made them into taco's, because you all know i am a huge fan of the taco. <br />
<a name='more'></a>The shrimp themselves are fairly easy to make and are full of that tangy flavor that Worcestershire sauce lends with a little bit of spice. If you prefer you can serve them over rice with a vegetable and salad; or as tacos. I decided to fry up some onions with a little seasonings and Worcestershire and serve them with the shrimp in warm corn tortillas with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream. Some other toppings you might like to try are cilantro, pico de gallo, cabbage or whatever fits your fancy. However you choose to make them I'm sure they'll be a big hit with shrimp lovers and not so fond of shrimp people alike! <br />
<br />
Cajun Shrimp Taco's<br />
Recipe contributed by Carolyn Millen adapted from Paul Prudohmme <br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 Lb Shrimp 3-4 inch (without tails or heads), i used frozen and they worked fine.<br />
1/8 tsp Cayenne<br />
1/2 Tsp Black pepper<br />
1/2 Tsp Salt<br />
1/2 Tsp Red Chile pepper flakes<br />
3/4 Tsp Thyme<br />
1/2 Tsp Rosemary<br />
1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder<br />
1/8 Tsp Oregano<br />
3 Tbs Butter<br />
1 1/2 Tsp Garlic, minced.<br />
1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce<br />
1/2 C. Beer, room temperature. ( a dark or amber would add more flavor but it's your choice).<br />
<br />
For taco's:<br />
1/2 Onion sliced<br />
1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce <br />
2 Tbs Butter<br />
Pinch of Cayenne <br />
Guacamole (store bought works fine)<br />
Sour Cream<br />
Corn tortillas, warmed<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
De-vein shrimp. mix all spices in a small bowl, grind (i used a spoon and pressed them against the side, if you have a mortar and pestle, even better) and set aside. Slice onions for toppings and set aside.<br />
Heat a medium frying pan over high heat, melt butter, add garlic, Worcestershire and spices. stir for 30 seconds or until sauce is bubbly, add shrimp and stir. Cook for 2 minutes then add beer and cook for another 3 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked. Remove shrimp (keeping warm) and continue to heat the sauce until it's reduced. <br />
While shrimp is cooking you should have the onions over medium heat in a skillet combined with butter, Worcestershire and cayenne. stir occasionally til onions are soft but not caramelized.<br />
Assemble taco's with toppings, onions, and shrimp. spoon some sauce over the shrimp for a little extra flavor. or serve over rice with sauce. Enjoy!! <br />
<br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-71457521180355066662011-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:002011-11-12T18:41:49.736-08:00Apple Crisp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFVpE0twe8c/TrmykMqxeeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/cNLbwGPNIiM/s1600/Food+Blog+126+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFVpE0twe8c/TrmykMqxeeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/cNLbwGPNIiM/s320/Food+Blog+126+picnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Christmas is in full swing in my household. The fall decorations are still up and i have no intention of skipping thanksgiving but when your a part of a family of twenty plus (including extended) you have to plan ahead or it doesn't get done. So here it is, the middle of November and i am starting my Christmas preparations. This year i decided to give "making Christmas" (as my mother calls it) a try and do a bunch of crafty things as gifts. I have to say it is much more fun, though could quickly turn into a nightmare if i don't stay on top of it.<br />
<a name='more'></a>So in the short breaks between these fury's of crafting i get in some baking. One of these breaks i decided to make Apple Crisp; one of my personal favorite fall desserts. I found<a href="http://megseverydayindulgence.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/apple-crisp/"> this</a> recipe while searching the links for the <a href="http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2011/09/holiday-sweet-swap-link-party-is-open.html">Holiday Sweet Swap</a>. It was simple and looked delicious so i gave it a try, with a few modifications to make it "healthy." It was quite yummy, though next time i make it i will be taking my hubby's suggestion and adding a pinch of salt to cut down on the super sweet flavor. Plus salt just seems to bring out the best flavor in every dish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pg4D5k-A6w/Trmy8MSWJDI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/TK3hJ1Z0i0U/s1600/Food+Blog+127+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pg4D5k-A6w/Trmy8MSWJDI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/TK3hJ1Z0i0U/s320/Food+Blog+127+picnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Apple Crisp<br />
Adapted From <a href="http://megseverydayindulgence.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/apple-crisp/">Megs everyday indulgence </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
6-8 Apples, Peeled, cored and sliced thinly (your choice of apple)<br />
1/8 C. Granulated Sugar<br />
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1 C. All-purpose flour<br />
1/2 C. Whole wheat flour<br />
1 1/4 C. Brown sugar<br />
1 C. Butter, softened<br />
2 C. Oats<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
prep apples. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place apples into 9 x 13 pan. Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over apples, set aside. Mix together flours, brown sugar, oats, and softened butter until dough forms a crumb like texture, (i used a pastry blender but you can probably do this in a mixer). Sprinkle crumbles over apples and bake for 40-60 minutes, depending on how your oven cooks (mine only took 45 minutes). The Crisp should be golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm with ice cream, or however you like it and Enjoy!!Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-60496930536038028142011-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:002011-11-03T14:59:16.215-07:00Macaroni and Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpHodeWxVrs/TrAvADguOcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/Q7HB-ZY-XAI/s1600/Food+Blog+118+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpHodeWxVrs/TrAvADguOcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/Q7HB-ZY-XAI/s400/Food+Blog+118+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I first learned about this recipe shortly after Alex and i we're married. It was shared with me by Julie, a dear friend after a discussion on the mac n cheese "debate". Boxed versus home made. I personally love home made mac n cheese but the hubby has never liked it, says it's gritty. So when Julie recommended this recipe, i was willing to give it a try. Though in all honesty i was a little nervous when i saw Velveeta in the ingredients list.<br />
<a name='more'></a>No need to be nervous, this dish is super creamy and full of flavor. It is now one of my favorite dishes to make and Alex's to eat. Though i wouldn't recommend making it every day, for health reasons, it makes a great addition to the fall menu. A warm and comforting meal that will have everyone saying Mmmm!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3epJArt16mw/TrAudKMORTI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wE2pu4-YS0E/s1600/Food+Blog+119+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3epJArt16mw/TrAudKMORTI/AAAAAAAAAO4/wE2pu4-YS0E/s400/Food+Blog+119+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Creamy Macaroni N Cheese<br />
Shared by Julie Hammond<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
<br />
3 Tbs Butter<br />
2 Tbs Flour<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
2 C. Milk <br />
8oz Velveeta cheese (the generic kind works great too), Cubed<br />
1/4- 1/2 C. Onion, finely chopped<br />
1 1/2 C. Dried elbow macaroni<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.<br />
Melt butter in large saucepan, whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk and cook until thick and bubbly.<br />
Add onion and Velveeta and stir until melted. Mix cheese sauce and macaroni into casserole or Pyrex dish, 1 1/2 to 2 quart. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!! <br />
<br />
<br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-62953949513174351762011-10-31T15:17:00.000-07:002011-10-31T15:19:24.630-07:00Halloween party and Yummy Mummies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pojltmxvaU4/Tq8R_kYb6oI/AAAAAAAAAOg/bBnZhNmb2rQ/s1600/Food+Blog+130+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pojltmxvaU4/Tq8R_kYb6oI/AAAAAAAAAOg/bBnZhNmb2rQ/s400/Food+Blog+130+picnic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of the best things about a party is the details, from the decor to the food menu and this year i was able to plan and host a costume party with my good friend Carolyn.We went with a fun harvest themed party with a touch of spooky fun. For the food we had the guests bring a pizza per family and we provided the dessert, salad and drinks. The Costumes we're fun too! we had a lumberjack, a couple tourists, a 50's housewife, and many others. My Husband and i went as Mary Poppins and Bert.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqw7-cOif60/Tq8dyjwGNqI/AAAAAAAAAOw/kP3cRxhe3wo/s1600/Food+Blog+131+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqw7-cOif60/Tq8dyjwGNqI/AAAAAAAAAOw/kP3cRxhe3wo/s400/Food+Blog+131+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a>The sweet spread consisted of caramel apples, cake pops, strawberries
and chocolate dipped pretzels, or what we called Yummy Mummies! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOCmHAnkHhc/Tq8TrzIxniI/AAAAAAAAAOo/GO_rwX-GgRA/s1600/Food+Blog+128+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOCmHAnkHhc/Tq8TrzIxniI/AAAAAAAAAOo/GO_rwX-GgRA/s320/Food+Blog+128+picnik.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div>
These fun treats combine two of my favorite flavors; sweet and salty, Yum! not to mention they are super easy and a great Halloween sweet for kids. They would make a great addition to any party (as they can be decorated in a wide variety of ways) or can be enjoyed as a special holiday treat. I hope you enjoy these cuties as much as we did! <br />
<br />
Yummy Mummies<br />
inspired by <a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/sweet-spooky-treats-for-halloween/">Inside Nana Breads Head </a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
25 Salted Pretzel Rods<br />
1 bag of White Candy Melts<br />
Black Frosting<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Melt candy melts in a tall microwavable mug in 30 second intervals at half power until melted. While the candy is melting set out a couple cookie sheets lined with wax paper or a silpat. Set up your dipping station, Pretzels, melted candy, and cookie sheets. Dip one pretzel at a time into mug until it reaches the bottom or the desired height on the pretzel (be sure to leave room for holding them), and gently lay onto cookie sheet. After dipping all of the pretzels fill a plastic bag with one corner snipped or decorating bag with the remaining melted candy and drizzle over the pretzels to create mummy wraps. Let set for 10 minutes and then decorate with eyes and mouths using black frosting (the spray canned kind is fine). Let set a little while longer and Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
Store at room temperature in an airtight container. <br />
<br />Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-78017852820743326112011-10-26T14:55:00.000-07:002011-10-27T08:03:16.875-07:00Chocolate Covered Sweet Potato Twinkie Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVj8fQAg9HA/TqhtClwTTpI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/c9sDqTICFJ4/s1600/Food+Blog+124+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVj8fQAg9HA/TqhtClwTTpI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/c9sDqTICFJ4/s400/Food+Blog+124+picnik.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The month of October to me, is synonymous with Pumpkin, and lots of it!! i don't know about you but i love baking anything and everything pumpkin, so when i saw <a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/chocolate-covered-pumpkin-twinkies.html">these</a>, a pumpkin Twinkies i knew i had to make them.However on our drive down to Disneyland i spent a great deal of time thinking about how to put my own spin on the recipe. Of course, I'll use Sweet potatoes! and make a few slight changes to the filling to make it more, marshmallow filled, cause what goes better with sweet potato than marshmallow? well brown sugar maybe. Anyway, after deciding this, it was a week and a half before i would be able to make them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Thursday we had some friends over for dinner, which let me tell you was a complete disaster! the dinner part not the company. Wow! my first attempt at baked beans was a disaster. Back to the cakes. So i had baked these cakes for our company and ended up bringing them to a dinner for my nieces 4th birthday the next day. The result of this recipe was a very moist, sweet and chocolatey treat! (the hubby like them better with out the chocolate) so if you want to you can skip that step, either way they're delicious!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now you're probably wondering why they are not shaped like your typical Twinkie? well, that's simple. I discovered that you needed a Twinkies baking pan which was way out of my price range so thankfully you could bake them as cupcakes, i decided to go the mini cupcake route. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhsJ-9c_6Ao/Tqhxghdki5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/lL3ftbr5OPE/s1600/Food+Blog+125+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhsJ-9c_6Ao/Tqhxghdki5I/AAAAAAAAAOY/lL3ftbr5OPE/s400/Food+Blog+125+picnik.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now aside from desiring to share with you all a great fall treat and an excuse to have some fun in the kitchen. i have to confess i have another motive, i would like to introduce you to a very fun part of blogging, and that is sharing recipes. I recently joined a link party, the Holiday Sweet Swap hosted by <a href="http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2011/09/holiday-sweet-swap-link-party-is-open.html">Pressed Down Shaken Together</a>. Which posts links for recipes from many different blogs. Check it out for more information and for the co-hosts of this link party as well as all the fun holiday sweets! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<b>Choc. Covered Sweet Potato Twinkie Cakes</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adapted from <a href="http://insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/chocolate-covered-pumpkin-twinkies.html">Inside BruCrew Life</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ingredients:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 box of White Cake mix </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C. Buttermilk </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 Eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 C. Oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 C. Flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
15 oz of pureed Sweet potatoes (i used canned)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/4 Tsp <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-pie-spice.html">Pumpkin pie spice </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chocolate Candy Melts or melting chocolate/bark</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease muffin pan or spray with non-stick spray. Puree sweet potatoes, mix with pumpkin pie mix and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, buttermilk, eggs, oil and flour. Beat for 1 minute on medium. Add in sweet potato mixture. Fill muffin tins with batter, til the halfway point. Bake for 10-12 minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 oz cream cheese, softened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 C. Butter </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 C. Marshmallow Fluff</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/8 Tsp Salt </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Tsp Cinnamon </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix the cream cheese, butter, marshmallow fluff, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
* To Assemble, Fill cooled cakes with frosting. Melt chocolate melts, and dip cupcakes in chocolate. Remove from chocolate with small flat spatula and tap gently to remove excess chocolate. Let dry at room temperature on wax paper or silpat covered cookie sheets. Serve right away or keep refrigerated. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="200" src="http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j392/shakentogether/Blog%20Buttons/cakesweetswapbuttonBLOG.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1947122729"></span><span id="goog_1947122730"></span>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-26994367869151651182011-10-20T14:33:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:40:32.694-07:00Pumpkin Pie Spice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h_fhLjjEl8/TqCLX3Vm7YI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AWzm-ovKIuY/s1600/Food+Blog+123+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h_fhLjjEl8/TqCLX3Vm7YI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AWzm-ovKIuY/s400/Food+Blog+123+picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A simple mixture of spices but a very handy one especially when baking anything pumpkin is the intimidating pumpkin pie spice.Well intimidating for me that is. In my short time working in the kitchen and especially in baking i have found this spice mixture to be one that i could never bring myself to buy...it's so Expensive!! but i didn't think i could make it myself either. So there i was with the problem of not being able to bake anything that required it, Until now. When i came across the <a href="http://thekitchenchroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-pie-empenadas.html">Pumpkin Pie Empenada's</a> recipe, i knew i had to make them and since my desire to try them was greater than my fear of making my own spice mixture, i pushed past that fear and made this mixture. I hope you find it as useful as i have!<br />
<br />
<br />
Pumpkin Pie Spice<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
2 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg<br />
1/2 Tsp Ginger<br />
1/8 Tsp Cloves<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Mix all the spices together with a whisk until combined. store in airtight container (jar, old spice jar, etc..)<br />
Use in many variety of baked goods, follow directions of recipe you are using as to the amount you will need of the mixture.Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479292251992519710.post-36207294404729083592011-10-19T11:05:00.000-07:002011-10-19T11:05:58.274-07:00Peanut Butter Brittle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_99-sCgcUBU/Tp78ceRfXGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/WaBM3pujw6s/s1600/Food+Blog+120+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_99-sCgcUBU/Tp78ceRfXGI/AAAAAAAAAOA/WaBM3pujw6s/s400/Food+Blog+120+picnik.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the process of making treats for our trip (more on that later) i decided to try a new recipe, Peanut Butter Popcorn. Well, as sometimes happens it didn't quite turn out the first time, in fact it was a total disaster! however much this was true the result of that disaster was surprisingly delicious and as i watched the sauce harden (before adding the popcorn, thankfully) i realized it was turning into a brittle. I had accidentally created Peanut Butter Brittle! What a crazy and wonderful thing; One of my favorite things about cooking is the creation of new things out of what seemed to be a disaster. So remember, always taste your disasters before throwing them out (well, sometimes anyway). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut Butter Brittle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adapted (sort of) from <a href="http://acozykitchen.com/peanut-butter-popcorn/">A Cozy Kitchen</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C. Granulated Sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C. Corn Syrup </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 C. Unsweetened Peanut Butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Prepare cookie sheet, line with wax paper or Silpat, set aside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix the corn syrup and sugar over medium heat until combined. Let mixture come to a boil and continue cooking until it starts to turn a golden brown, swirling the pot occasionally to mix ingredients (don't stir). Remove from heat and pour in Peanut butter followed by vanilla extract. Stir together until mixture starts to thicken. Pour out onto cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread with silicone spatula into a square or rectangular shape. Allow to cool completely and break into pieces. Enjoy!! </div>Mikelle @ The Kitchen Chronicles of a House Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13969555213817398463noreply@blogger.com0