CHOPPED@HOME

Dessert - Poor Man's Coffee Cake!

2012-12-15T14:27:00.005-07:00

Poor Man's Coffeecake

My favorite meal is and has always been dessert. Some days I am just too busy, too tired, to even care. I know that sounds for incredibly sad. During the holidays I am simply so busy with decorating, family, and a full time job that I tend to let a few things slide by the wayside. Luckily I am well equipped with quite a few easy simple recipes like this delicious one. I hope that this recipe makes your life as easy as mine.

Growing up, every year Christmas breakfast was a simple affair. The 'real good stuff' always came later. Christmas dinner was like a second thanksgiving at my house. My mom's favorite thing to make us for breakfast was what she called her "Poor Man's Coffeecake". This recipe is simple and easy. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

What do you need for the cake?
1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark, firmly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 cup of sour cream or any type of yogurt.
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp vanilla extract. This can be easily substituted with other flavorings such as almond.

What do you need for the topping?
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or unsalted pecans
3/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, light or dark.
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional: 1 cup of chips (cinnamon, butterscotch, chocolate, etc), 1/2 cup of apple sauce

What now?

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. (OR refrigerate the prepared cake until morning). Combine cake ingredients - butter, cinnamon, extract, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Beat everything together with a mixer until it has combined smoothly.

Step 2: Slowly add the two eggs, one at a time, be sure to beat them well into the mixture.
Repeat this same step with the 1 cup of sour cream and the two cups of flour. Do not add all of the cups at the same time. Add parts slowly to allow it to incorporate with the rest of the mixture.

Step 3: Grease a 9 x 13 pan and move the mixture to the pan. The mixture will be very thick. This is normal. Be sure to spread it evenly throughout the pan as it is a thick mix and will not spread by itself.

Step 4: Combine all of the ingredients for the topping. Distribute the mixture evenly over top of the cake.

Step 5: Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the cake is golden. This may take longer if the cake is stored in the fridge overnight. The cake is ready when a butter knife inserted into the cake comes out cleanly.

Enjoy!

Christmas Decorations - Outdoor - Christmas Balls

2012-12-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

Holiday Decorating - Outdoors

The most festive way to greet your guests (and neighbors) this holiday season is through festive outside decorations. Sure you can go to the store and buy lights and pre-made decorations, but some people truly go that extra mile. I'm not going to post something boring everyone has seen before. Oh no. This post is about creating personalized outside decorations. In this kid friendly, simple tutorial, beautiful decorations are a few steps away. My new favorite decoration is colored Christmas Balls. What is this you ask? I'm so glad you did. You will be too.

Create beautiful outdoor decorations easily using the cold weather nature has already provided! (Sorry if you live in Florida, this post will not be very helpful to you. :))

What you will need:

1 bag of balloons. *The size will dictate the size and shape of your Christmas Balls*
1 set of food coloring drops.
1 outside hose.

Optional additions: Glitter

Step one: Bring all of your tools outside. Food coloring can stain indoor surfaces so it is best to do this outside where a mistake will not cause a disaster. I recommend you wear old clothes, just in case a balloon bursts.

Step two: Fill Balloons with food coloring and water. (If you are adding glitter, now is the time!) Tie off the balloons. Be careful not to overfill the balloons. You will want them to be full, but still portable.

Step three: Place the balloons somewhere nice and cold. Freezing actually. Allow them to freeze, this may take hours or overnight. Cut the balloons away and voila! Beautiful Christmas Balls in any color. Even blue.

Note: Please be aware that as temperatures heat up outside the balls will melt. This may leave food coloring marks on your yard. You can simplify this by placing a garbage bag beneath the balls and covering it with snow. My recommendation is that if you are very picky about your yard, throw them away as they begin to melt.

My sister-in-law and her kids are working today to make their Christmas balls. The plan?
She is making smaller balls, and will be setting up a display with glitter christmas balls, and some very wide ribbon along the border of the walk leading up to her front porch. Her goal is to make them look like Christmas ornaments. I will try to have her send me a picture. So glad I can be an inspiration.

What would you add to your Christmas balls?

Holiday Cooking!

2012-12-13T16:52:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Chopped @ Home Holiday Celebration!!

This is the best time of the year. There are delicious foods, delicious smells, happy children, lovely decorations.. oh yeah. and relatives. Some of them are actually delightful to be around. So wonderful :)

Here at Chopped@Home we can think of NO better way to celebrate the lives of the wonderful people in your life and show your love, than by feeding them.

Stay tuned over the next twelve days as we are going to be spending the days leading up to Christmas posting Holiday cooking ideas as well as tips on new tricks to decorate your beautiful home. Thank you for being an important part of CHOPPED.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

SAUCELESS Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

2012-12-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

Last week Brian and I ordered Dominos Artisan Spinach Pizza. Boy was that delicious. We were being lazy and had an incredible 50% off coupon that made it too good to resist. Pizza for 3.99? Sign me up!

That inspired this recipe.

What you need:

5 oz bag of chopped fresh Spinach - I purchased a 10oz bag and will use the rest this week.
15 oz can of chopped canned artichoke. Plain or marinated work equally as deliciously.
15oz of Ricotta.
1 egg
1/2 bottle of grated Parmesan cheese.
15oz of Chicken or Vegetable Broth
9 Lasagna Noodles
Olive Oil
4 cloves of fresh garlic
Basil
1 jar of Basil Pesto (any kind you like)
a few table spoons of chopped onion - more if you like more, we don't care for it too much.
1 - 9x13 pan.

What next?
First thing - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Start that water boiling on the stove! You will need a large pot full of water to boil your lasagna noodles. Set the pot on the oven at high temperature so it will begin boiling nicely. I always add in a few tablespoons of olive oil to help keep the lasagna from sticking. Follow the cooking instructions for the lasagna.

Second - Chop the fresh garlic into as many small pieces as possible. If you are unsure how to prepare garlic, please read my garlic tutorial. Place a few table spoons of olive oil in a pan on the stove. Set the temperature for this pan to medium high. Place the chopped onion and garlic into the pan. Allow it to choop for five minutes stirring as you feel necessary. Do not allow the onion to burn.

Third - Check your lasagna noodles. They should be slightly firm. Drain them in the sink and put them aside. Add the 15oz of broth to your garlic/onion pan and increase your pan's temperature to medium-high. The broth should begin boiling. Add the chopped artichoke and spinach. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium. We're going to let this simmer for a while. Check and stir this every few minutes to be sure it does not overflow.

Fourth - Arrange your first three lasagna noodles beside each other in the bottom of the 9x13. Rub pesto over the lasagna noodles and flip them over, so that the pesto side is facing the bottom of the dish. Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl and mix in the one egg, parmesan, and three tablespoons of basil. By now your mixture should have cooked on the stove top long enough. (about 8 minutes). Remove the cover. Is the mixture watery like soup? Allow it to continue to cook for about five minutes without the lid. Using a slotted spoon move the artichoke spinach mixture from the pan and into the ricotta, losing as much liquid as possible. Mix the ricotta.

Fifth - Layer your ricotta in a thin layer over the first three noodles. Add the next layer of 3 noodles directly on top. Add a layer of pesto. Add another layer of ricotta. Add the third layer of noodles, add a layer of pesto. Be sure to cover the top layer completely in either the pesto or the pesto oil as this will prevent the noodles from getting hard.

Six - Cover your 9 x 13 with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Set a timer for 40 minutes so you won't forget the deliciousness in the oven. After 40 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and place back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Remove and enjoy. This lasagna was an instant hit. An entire 9 x 13 and only two people to eat it. There were no leftovers!

Suggested sides: Garlic bread
Possible add ons- You could easily add any sauce, mushrooms, tomato, or cooked chicken to this recipe.

Downy Unstoppables!! Vocalpoint promotion

2011-07-18T16:17:00.000-06:00

I am a member of Vocalpoint.com. As one of their bloggers I get to try out new products FIRST. Its pretty sweet. A week and a half ago they sent me a shoebox sized box. (Quite unexpectedly I might add) I like getting presents!! I opened it up to find a full size of Downy Unstoppables washing machine scent booster.

I have NEVER used washing machine scent booster. I do use dryer sheets (usually Arm & Hammer) My boyfriend's nephew lives with us for weeks on end at times. He just turned 6 so things are usually covered in dirt when they go in the washing machine. After using Downy Unstoppables for a week I am excited to tell you that even his stinky clothes retain that yumm smell after he is done with them! I am even MORE excited to tell you that I washed all of our clothes before our weekend camping trip and THEY even retained their smell. (Even though we definitely didn't) I definitely recommend this product to anyone with kids, who hates sweat smell, or gets dirty in any fashion.

Get your own sample here.

How do you use it? Its simple!!

First, make sure you like the smell. You can squeeze it to get a glimmer of it.

Turn on the washing machine and drop them in!! Now wash some clothes!!!

House Dressing!

2011-06-30T10:17:00.002-06:00

Out of Salad dressing? It doesn't have to mean you need to run to the store.

The trick to any dressing is the consistency and the type. Do you want it to be creamy or oily?

Play around with just a small sampling of the ingredients you have around, that way if you need to throw it away it won't be so bad.

Do you like french dressing? Did you know that it often has Ketchup in it?
Do you have any dip lying around the house? French Onion and Mayo work wonders! They're the main ingredients in "Simply Salad" mixes.

The other night I mixed:

Ketchup, Horseradish, Pepper Olive Oil Mayo, Pepper, Olive Oil, Grated cheese. And Bam I had easy salad dressing. Make your own, and tell me what you used!

Kraft First Taste - Oscar Meyer

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-06:00

I am a member of Kraft First Taste. Kraftfirsttaste.com

They are constantly promoting new products. If you sign up for a free membership, you can check in perodically and get a free coupon for a free full size product. They also mail you additional coupons. The last products I tried were Oscar Meyer Deli Fresh Cold Cut Combos - There is more than one type of cold cut in the pack. I also got a coupon for a free Oscar Meyer Sandwich Combo. Kind of like a grownup Lunchable. I haven't been able to find any of these at my local stores tho'. Kind of disappointing. Definitely check it out. Like I said, it is free and you get free stuff!

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets HouseParty!!!

2011-06-15T11:52:00.004-06:00

I am a member of HouseParty.com . For those of you who do not know what this is, it is a promotional program that markets products using HouseParties. They provide you with information about the program, you apply, and upon being accepted as a host they provide you with invitations, a list of what they will provide you, and confirmation of shipping.

This is my second HouseParty!

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets HouseParty

I received:

1 - $5 Walmart Gift Card
1 - Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Ultimate Cheeseburger Mac Dinner Kit
1 - Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Chicken and Broccoli Dinner Kit
1 - Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Nacho Supreme Dinner Kit
1 - Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Zesty BBQ Chicken Dinner Kit
16 - $1 off coupons for Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Dinner Kits
16 - Memo Boards
16 - Golden Velveeta tote bags

Online on their website they provide you with

Easy E-Invitations
Family-Fun Games & Activities
Downloadable/Printable Velveeta Party Favors

As you can see, they make it very easy! All you need to provide are the people!

Stay tuned for more!

Yoplaits Yogurt Promotional Offer

2011-06-14T15:10:00.001-06:00

If you go here and fill it out with your information Yoplaits will send you a coupon redeemable for a free cup of yogurt.

https://www.yoplait.com/products/original/millioncupgiveaway/getyourfreecup_fb.aspx

Check this out today, it won't last long.

Coconut Macaroons

2011-06-13T11:21:00.004-06:00

Coconut Macaroons!

Whatcha need:

1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 egg white, whipped
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 14 ounce package flaked coconut

Now what?

Preheat oven 325 degrees F. Line baking sheets with foil; grease and flour foil. Set aside.
In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg white, extracts and coconut; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets; slightly flatten each mound with a spoon.
Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Immediately remove from baking sheets (macaroons will stick if allowed to cool); cool on wire racks. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

These are my Mom, grandma, and I's favorite dessert.

Suggestion - Press a Hershey kiss into the top of a macaroon to make a Maracroon kiss!

Free SunMaid Recipe Book!

2011-06-13T11:08:00.002-06:00

Sun-Maid is currently giving out free recipe books. You might want to check this out, as they definitely won't last long.
Sun-maid are the retailers of those delicious raisin packages I enjoyed as a child. They're a key ingredient to many delicious recipes I make now, including my oatmeal raisin cookies.

You can download one here:
http://www.sunmaid.com/fruitsunshine/intro.html

You can have them mail you one here:
http://www.rebate-zone.com/sunmaid/recipes/

Budgetting : The Money Crunch

2011-06-12T18:49:00.004-06:00

Sometimes it feels like we never have enough money. Where does it go? It goes to rent, clothes, gasoline, and food. Occasionally we even have enough to do something else!! haha

Budgetting can be difficult. Especially when you do not know what to make!! This week we will be posting family friendly meals on a budget. I will break down how much the meal costs to prepare, and give you easy ways to make it, so you don't have to budget your time next!!

Stay tuned tomorrow for our family meal ideas and grocery list for a week under $75.

To better help you, please tell us how many people you feed and how much you spend a week!

SuperFood of the Week - Coconuts

2011-06-11T20:38:00.003-06:00

Coconuts -

Coconuts are one of the highest sources of electrolytes in nature. Electrolytes are ionized salts in our cells, that transport energy throughout the body. Coconut water is a much better alternative to sports drinks laden with artificial sugars and colors. The molecular structure of coconut water is identical to human blood plasma, which means that it is immediately recognized by the body and put to good use. Drinking the juice from a young coconut is like giving your body an instant blood transfusion. In fact this was common practice during World War II in the Pacific, where both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water, siphoned directly from the coconut, to give emergency transfusions to wounded soldiers. Studies have shown that coconuts lower cholesterol levels.

Lactose-Free Coconut Bread Pudding

2011-06-10T15:27:00.003-06:00

Lactose-Free Coconut Bread Pudding
Makes 10 Servings

3 cups Silk Pure Coconut Vanilla coconutmilk
4 eggs (or equivalent in egg substitute)
¾ cup brown sugar or raw cane sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon coconut extract
¼ cup coconut or dark rum, optional
2 cups flaked coconut (sweetened or unsweetened), divided
1 (1-pound) loaf whole grain bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, Pure Coconut, eggs, (or egg substitute), spices, salt, coconut extract and rum, if using. Stir in 1 ½ cups flaked coconut. Gently stir in bread cubes until evenly coated.
3. Spoon mixture into prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Place pan on a cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup flaked coconut then bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until center springs back.

Manfood Weekend: Grilled Potato Salad

2011-06-09T19:30:00.004-06:00

Manfood weekend presents:
Grilled Potato Salad

Whatcha need:

1lb mixed red an yellow baby potatoes, scrubbed
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp drained capers
1 tsp Garlic paste
1/2 tsp each Kosher salt and ground pepper
2 cups torn frisee lettuce
6 radishes, sliced
2 tbsp sniped fresh Chives

Now what?

Cover potatoes with water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until just barely tender 10 minutes. Drain potatoes, cool, and cut in half. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, capers, garlic paste, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl until combined. Add Frisee, radishes, and chives but do not toss.
Thread potatoes onto skewers, coat with olive oil cooking spray, Place potatoes, cut side down on a grill with a hot fire and grill until light golden brown, 8 minutes, turning once. Remove potatoes from skewers, place in bowl with the greens and dressing, and gently toss to combine.

All done

Manfood Weekend: Ultimate Bison Burgers

2011-06-09T19:13:00.009-06:00

Manfood Weekend Presents:

Ultimate Burgers

Makes 4 burgers
Prep: 20 minutes
Cooking: 16 minutes

Whatchu need:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2/3 cup finely CHOPPED onion
1 1/2 lb ground bison or 1lb bison mixed with 1/2lb ground beef
(you can substitute ground beef if you'd like)
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground pepper
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
4 slices of Cheddar Cheese
4 curly green-leaf lettuce leaves
1 medium tomato, cut into four thin slices
4 slices red onion
8 strips cooked bacon
3 tbsp each light mayo and ketchup, mixed

Heat Oil in skillet over medium0-high heat: add chopped onion and saute 5 min or until lightly golden and translucent. Transfer onions to a large bowl and let cool.
Add bison to bowl with onions; sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper over meat. Mix very lightly with a fork, just to combine, and shape into four 3 3/4 inch - round patties, about 1 inch thick. Be careful not to compress meat. Refrigerate patties. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill with a medium high fire or heat a grill pan over medium heat.
Toast buns on grill for 2 minutes; remove. Grill burgers, 6 to 7 minutes for medium rare, or 8-9 minutes for medium-well, turning every 2 minutes. Lay cheese slices on top of burgers during the last minute of grilling.
Put a lettuce leaf on each bun button and top with tomato, burger, onion slice, bacon, mayo mixture, and top of bun.

Additional topping ideas: Onion Straws, Poached Egg, Mushrooms
Interesting note: Bison meat has less cholesterol and fat an fewer calories than a skinless chicken breast! Its the toppings you have to watch out for. To cut fat in this recipe, use low-fat cheese and mayo, and nix the bacon.

Great sides:
Grilled Potato Salad, Potato Salad, Potato Chips, Fries, Roasted Potatoes, Pasta Salad

Daily Discussion: Tomatoes

2011-06-09T13:54:00.003-06:00

Tomatoes

Do you like them?
Do you love them?
Why?
How do you like them?
What is your favorite recipe to use them in?
Do you have a favorite type of tomato?
Do you grow your own tomatoes? Buy them at the grocery store? at the farmer's market?

We want to know!!!

Poached Eggs & Asparagus

2011-06-09T13:21:00.005-06:00

Poached Eggs & Asparagus

4 servings

Whatcha need:

1 pound asaparagus, trimmed and peeled
4-6 large eggs
Extra-virgin Olive oil, for drizzling
1 ounce Parmesan Cheese, thinly shaved.
Fine seal salt and freshly ground pepper

Now what?

1. Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and insert a steamer basket. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus and steam until tender 2-5 minutes.
2. Fill a large saucepan with 4 inches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. When water is barely simmering, break 1 egg into a small heatproof bowl. Gently tip bowl, sliding the egg carefully into the water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook until whites are set but yolks are soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels, and drain briefly. Do not leave on the towel too long as they may stick.
3. Divide asparagus among 4 plates, and top each with an egg or two. drizzle with oil, sprinkle with Parmesan,, and season with salt and pepper.

Serving Ideas -
Serve with toast or english muffins. Add prosciutto, ham, or bacon. Garnish with butter or pesto. Add ricotta and sauteed mushrooms. Add sauteed spinach and sliced garlic. Serve with tomato and cream cheese.

Korean BBQ Chicken

2011-06-09T11:19:00.001-06:00

Dak Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken)

Ingredients:
1 pound Chicken Breast (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup gochujang
5 cloves garlic (grated)
1 inch ginger (grated)
1 small onion (grated)
1 Asian pear (grated)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 green onions (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted and crushed)

Directions:
1. Mix everything in a freezer bag and marinate for at least an hour.
2. Cook the meat on a barbecue or in a pan on the stove.

(COPYRIGHT http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/02/dak-bulgogi-korean-bbq-chicken.html )
This guy's recipes are amazing. I just wanted to share this

Onion Cilantro Relish

2011-06-09T11:18:00.000-06:00

Onion and Cilantro Relish

(makes 4+ servings)

Ingredients:
1 sweet onion (chopped)
1 bunch green onions (sliced, optional)
1 handful cilantro (chopped)
1/2 lime (juice)

Directions:
1. Mix everything.

Delicious Made from Scratch Cinnamon Rolls

2011-06-09T00:04:00.006-06:00

Cinnamon Rolls

What you need:

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons softened butter
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup raisins (optional)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Bread Machine Directions

In saucepan, heat 1/2 cup milk, water, and 2 tablespoons butter until very warm. Place milk mixture, salt, flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs in the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select the Dough cycle. Press Start.
Once Dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and punch down. On a floured surface, roll into a large rectangle. Smear with the softened butter. Combine the cinnamon and 1/3 cup sugar. Sprinkle over the rectangle. Generously sprinkle the raisins and/or chopped nuts over the top.
Roll the dough up into a log starting at the long side. Cut into 12 slices. Place the rolls cut side down in o a 9x13-inch greased baking pan. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine the confectioners' sugar, 1.5 tablespoons melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1.5 tablespoons milk into a thick frosting; set aside.
Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool 10 minutes. Spread frosting over baked rolls and enjoy.

Rolling the Rolls Tutorial!

Nothing's better than waking up to the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

These simple roll-forming techniques work for anything from apple and walnut rolls to classic pecan sticky buns.

1. Prepare the yeast dough. Once the dough has risen once, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten the dough with the palms of your hands and gently stretch and/or roll it into a rectangle.

2. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into a larger rectangle, approximately 12 inches wide by 20 inches long. The dough might be sticky, so flour the work surface and the rolling pin, checking to be sure the dough isn't stuck to the work surface and adding more flour as necessary.

3. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch strip along the long edge of the rectangle furthest away from you completely dry. (Other recipes call for egg wash instead of butter; if you're using egg wash, brush the entire surface.)

4. Generously sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over the butter, spreading the mixture evenly across the whole sheet of dough. Other spices, such as nutmeg and cardamom, also work well. Adding a pinch of ground cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture enhances the cinnamon flavor. Leave the 1-inch border free of sugar.

5. Add any other fillings desired--raisins, nuts, shredded coconut, orange zest--taking care to distribute them evenly.

6. Start at the left-hand corner of the edge closest to you. Working from left to right, tug the lip of the dough up and over the filling, keeping it tight. Roll up the dough, tightening the log as you go.

7. When you reach the far edge of the dough, moisten the bare edge with egg wash or water and pinch to seal the seam.

8. Use a serrated knife, pastry cutter, or length of unwaxed dental floss to cut the dough into even-sized pieces. You might want to discard the very ends of the roll since they often contain little filling.

9. Place the cut rolls on a greased or parchment-lined pan or cookie sheet. (For sticky buns, prepare the pan with the cinnamon smear and chopped pecans before arranging the rolls.) For pull-apart rolls, use a baking pan and arrange the rolls about an inch apart. To make individual rolls, space them two to three inches apart on a cookie sheet. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise until they nearly double in size, about 45 minutes to an hour. The rolls can also be covered with plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator. The next morning, let the rolls rise at room temperature until doubled, then bake as directed. (The dough can also be frozen for two weeks to one month. Thaw, still wrapped, at room temperature. Proof and bake as directed.)

10. When the rolls have doubled in size, bake them in the preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven. Cinnamon rolls are generally baked at a lower temperature than other breads--if the rolls are close together, the tops will begin to brown before the edges and centers are done. If the rolls begin browning too soon, cover pan with foil.

11. After approximately 30 minutes, test for doneness. Use a paring knife or fork to pull up the center-most roll; if the dough is still sticky and raw-looking, return the pan to the oven for about ten more minutes. The rolls should be golden to dark brown on top, and fully baked in the center of the coil.

12. Cool the pan on a rack about 10 to 15 minutes before glazing. You can use a confectioners' sugar-and-milk glaze, or cream cheese icing thinned with enough milk to reach spreading consistency.

Crockpot Dessert! - Cherry Cobbler

2011-06-08T11:07:00.007-06:00

Crockpot Cherry Cobbler

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Prep- Minimal

Whatcha need ?

1 can cherry pie filling
Chopped Fresh Cherries (optional)
1 cup reduced-fat biscuit baking mix
2 Tbsp sugar or substitute
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup skim milk

Topping -

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal - or instant!
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons chopped pecans

Now what?

Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray, or lightly grease with butter. Spoon cherry pie filling into crockpot and cook on high for half an hour. Whisk together dry ingredients, stir in milk until well combined. Spoon over cherry filling in crockpot and cook on low for an additional 2 to 3 hours.

Topping - Mix ingredients until crumbly; sprinkle over cherry cobbler 10 minutes before eating.

Then it is time to eat! :D

Health note - As with all things Healthy or not moderation is key!

Ingredient: Garlic

2011-06-08T09:31:00.004-06:00

The Garlic.

Unless you are using already crushed garlic you need to follow a few steps with the fresh garlic.

I do NOT recommend buying elephant garlic. It is huge, yes, but it has a different flavor than 'regular' garlic. Choose heads that are firm to the touch, with no nicks or soft cloves. If you notice dark, powdery patches under the skin, pass it up since it is an indication of a common mold which will eventually spoil the flesh. Fresh garlic is more difficult to peel. As garlic ages, it shrivels inside the skin, making it easier to peel.

Next do NOT eat the skin of the garlic. It is not an onion. Peel the papery stuff away until the gloves of the garlic separate. Make sure you remove all the skin - it will be pink or purple. You will see the actual garlic clove. It is yellowish - about the same color as the dried garlic in your spice rack.

The finer you chop the garlic the more flavor you will release. For this I recommend using a food processor or a chopping knife. If you do not have one, buy one. They are made for this purpose. Once you have all of the cloves you would like to use, chop them to your taste. I dice mine, then dice them again, then i use the flat side of the chopping knife to crush the garlic to release the most flavor.

Storage: Store unpeeled garlic in an open container in a cool, dry place away from other foods. Do not refrigerate or freeze unpeeled garlic. Peeled garlic cloves may be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It is imperative that garlic in oil be stored under refrigeration to avoid potentially-deadly bacteria growth. Garlic powder should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.

Creamy Spinach Pesto Penne!

2011-06-08T09:18:00.005-06:00

Whatchu need :

1 box Penne Pasta (14.5 oz)
grilled Chicken (optional)
4 cloves Garlic (Tutorial)
3 wedges your choice of cheese - you could substitute for CHOPPED or shredded
8 oz Fresh Spinach Leaves (baby spinach or remove the stems)
1/4 cup milk (optional)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Crushed Red Pepper or CHOPPED 1/2 Red Pepper (optional)
Crushed Black Pepper (optional)
Olives (optional)

Now what?

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

While it cooks, drop the garlic cloves into the food processor (if you have them) while the blade is spinning to chop them. PLEASE read our Garlic tutorial if you've never worked with fresh garlic before. Add the milk, cheese and the spinach leaves. Pulse until combined and creamy.

When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it well with cool water. Put the drained pasta into a serving dish and pour the mixture over it. Add more milk (or water) until you have the sauce consistency you want. Add the grilled chicken on top and season to taste with red pepper, salt & freshly ground black pepper.

Delicious :)

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole!

2011-06-08T08:59:00.004-06:00

Crockpot cooking is the best and easiest cooking of all. If you don't own one, buy one. Its a great way to come home from work and feel like someone slaved over dinner all day. Or in this case BREAKFAST! :)
Toss stuff in, stir and leave it over night. Open it up in the morning, and you’ve got breakfast. This is a great option if you’ve got plenty of hungry mouths to feed — we’re not talking about breakfast for me and my dog here.

Whatcha need:
8 large uncooked eggs
1/2 pound uncooked breakfast sausage
1 sm can green chilis
1 medium onion, CHOPPED
1 green pepper, CHOPPED
1 cup CHOPPED or grated Pepper Jack cheese
1 teaspoon butter
1/2c Chicken broth (Optional, see below)

Now what?

Grease or spray the crockpot with the butter. Layer meat, veggies and cheese, repeating until you’ve used all the ingredients — your last layer should be cheese. Beat the eggs and pour over the mixture. Cover the crockpot and turn on low. Cook for 7-8 hours on low. Serve alone or in Tortillas with salsa, sour cream, bacon, or CHOPPED tomatoes.

Time & Expense: Quick to serve up, Not a long prep time. This is a very flexible recipe! Use whatever you've got lying around..

Things that I would add or substitute:
Carrots - Olives - Cheddar Cheese - Hamburger - Rice - Jalapenos - Potatoes - Broccoli - Chicken - ....

Important Note: If you plan on cooking this for less than 7 hours PLEASE cook the sausage first. If your crockpot has a timer, you can set it to 'keep warm' after 6 hours. If you may not be checking it timely, we recommend adding additional liquid. Ex. 1/2 cup Chicken Broth.

(Green-SUPERFOODS)

What would you add?