Twisted Flavor

Barb's Best Ever Cheese Cake!

2013-12-12T21:50:00.001-08:00

Barb's Best Ever Cheesecake

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

16 oz Cream Cheese
16 oz Mascarpone Cheese
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
4 eggs
1 Tbsp Vanilla

1 package of Graham Crackers
2 Tbsp Sugar
4 Tbsp Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Smash package of Graham crackers. Add sugar and melted Butter. Combine and press into a 9" spring form pan. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before adding the Cheese mixture.

It is important to have both cheese and eggs at room temperature. Separate the egg whites and yolks. In a bowl beat egg whites until they are stiff peaks. In a large bowl combine cream cheese and mascarpone. Beat until fluffy. Add egg yokes one at a time and then the sugar and vanilla. Fold in the egg white to the cheese mixture a little at a time. Be careful to not deflate the whites. Once combined pour over graham cracker crust. Bake at 350 in a water bath for 1 hour. When the time is up, leave the Cheesecake in the oven with the door open. You may need to prop the door open with a wooden spoon. Let it completely cool in the pan, in the oven.

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While Mark and I were in Florida we ate at an Italian restaurant called "Pastability's".

I know cheesy right. But, I loved it. So anyways we were eating with his baseball team mates and they order Cheesecake. I am not really a fan of Cheesecake, but everyone insisted that I try it. It was divine! It was the lightest creamiest cheesecake I have ever had. So I set out to replicate this cheesecake for Mark.

I took Grandma's Cheesecake recipe and started working. I began with just adding Mascarpone Cheese. But I didn't achieve the texture I wanted until it beat the egg whites and folded them in and played with the sugar. Eureka! I had created it. I tried it out on some of my toughest critics, my husbands family and My sister Janis. Everyone loved it. In fact at Thanksgiving it was the first dessert completely gone. Can I just say I had baked Blackberry, Apple, Pumpkin and Lemon pies.

I like to start by placing the Graham Crackers in a gallon Ziploc bag. Use a rolling pin to smash the cracker. if you roll it over the crackers it will smash without breaking the bag. I throw the sugar and butter into the Ziploc bag and mix. Pour into the 9" Spring form pan and bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

While the crust is cooling, Mix the Cheesecake batter.
It is important to have both cheese and eggs at room temperature. Separate the egg whites and yolks. In a large bowl combine cream cheese and mascarpone. Beat until fluffy. Add egg yokes one at a time and then the sugar and vanilla.

In a Separate bowl beat egg whites until stiff peaks. You will know you have stiff peaks when turning the beaters over the peaks will stand up. Fold in the egg white to the cheese mixture a little at a time. Be careful to not deflate the whites.

After the crust has cooled for 10 minutes pour the cheese mixture is over graham cracker crust.

* get 2 sheets of alumni foil and wrap the bottom of the Spring form pan. This will prevent the water from leaking. In a roasting pan or large pan, Add enough water to go half way up the side of the spring form pan.

Bake at 350 in a water bath for 1 hour. When the time is up, leave the Cheesecake in the oven with the door open. You may need to prop the door open with a wooden spoon. Let it completely cool in the pan, in the oven.

Enjoy!

Love Barbara

Hands Down BEST Rolls

2013-12-11T12:45:00.001-08:00

Hands Down Best Roll

1/2 cup Water

1 Tbs Yeast

3/4 Cup (- 2tbs sugar for yeast)

3 Eggs (slightly beaten)

1 tea Salt

2 Cups Milk

1 Cube butter

5 Cups flour

Add hot water to bowl. Add yeast and 2 tbs sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes to activate yeast. While that is sitting add milk and butter in a microwave safe bowl and cook about 2 1/2 minutes until butter is melted. Add remaining sugar to milk mixture. When cooled add to yeast. Add your eggs, salt and flour and mix for about 10 minutes. Let rise until doubled in size. Shape into desired shape and let rise again. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes
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Ok I have tried and tried to make rolls that I love. I've made really good rolls (and some terrible ones) but I haven't loved any of them. Don't get me wrong I'm not prejudice against homemade bread. I'll eat it if it's there, but I wanted to find something really worth the calories. This is hands down the best recipe I have found

Ok the one thing I hate about bread is I hate getting out a thermometer and making sure my water is the right temp. Call me lazy but that added step kills my mood... So what works for me is I turn my tap on as hot as it gets add my yeast and 2 TBS of sugar and call it a day. And my yeast activates so that's all I care about.

In my glass measuring cup I add my milk and butter and stick it in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes or until the butter has melted. Then I add the sugar to try to cool the temperature down enough to add to the yeast. Also don't judge the amount of sugar. You wanted the best roll recipe that's why you're reading this. I didn't say it was healthy!!

Once the mixture cools down I add my eggs and milk mixture to the yeast. Then I add my flour and let my kitchen aid mix for 10 minutes. Your dough should be a little sticky....as it turns out I don't speak geek so computer stuff...well there's a reason this picture below is off to the right and also wouldn't upload the rotated picture. Just cock your head to the side!!

The best my rolls have ever turned out is when I made the dough up the night before I wanted to use it and let it rise in the fridge over night. Then I rolled out my rolls in the morning and let them rise.

This is the most ingenious part (I learned it from a lady in my church teaching a bread class...and no I am not Amish!!) Instead of adding more flour to your surface to roll out your dough spray non-stick spray to your counter, roller and hands. It's genius!!

You can add butter before you roll up the dough. I roll my rolls out and cut them into rectangles. Then I start at one end and roll them up into a crescent like shape. Place them on the pan seam side down.

Let rise and bake at 350 for about 13-15 minutes

xoxo Janis!!

Make your own Vanilla!

2013-11-25T11:23:00.001-08:00

How to make Vanilla

My In-Laws had taken all of their Married children and spouses to Tahiti after they sold their home. We had a wonderful time. When it came time to come home. One of my sister in laws had put Tahitian Vanilla Beans,

that she had purchased in the open market,

in her bra to smuggle them home!

I wondered what in the world
would make her do that......

She was making Vanilla.

I am not going to out her completely, So
She who will not be named
taught me how to make Vanilla.

I have been making it ever since.

This makes a wonderful gift. I find pretty bottles to put my vanilla in and everyone comes to my house for refills. I don't think any member of my family has bought any vanilla in years!

I order my Madagascar Vanilla Beans off the internet. Love the internet for those things. There are several sights our there selling grade A vanilla beans. Make sure they are fresh. If they snap and break when you fold them. They are too old to use. They should be plump, slightly oily and
smell like a little slice of heaven.

When I started this post I was still using Vodka that is 80 proof.. This year I tried Rum, also 80 proof. I was told it makes a wonderful vanilla and
They were right!

Remove any strainer from the bottle. Be sure to save it and replace it or the lid will not fit properly.

I like to use about 8-10 beans per bottle.

Cut them in half length wide and
scrape the goodie out with a knife.

Place the vanilla bean scrapings in the bottle.

Cut up the bean into pieces and put into the Vodka or Rum.

Replace the strainer in the bottle and replace cap.

Now.... shake, shake, shake,

shake, shake, shake

shake your Vodka!

Shake everyday for 1 month for a couple of minutes.

I shake once a week after that.

Store the Vodka on its side in a cool dark location. This is so the the beans will have more surface area exposed to the beans.

In 6 months the Vanilla will be ready for use.

Now is where the Fun begins!
Most people will tell you to strain your vanilla.
I don't mind the little seeds and bits. Get a coffee filter and strain the vanilla or not.

Find pretty bottles and fill.
It makes wonderful gifts.

Blackberry Cobbler

2012-04-09T16:11:00.002-07:00

The Local Farmers Market had Blackberries on sale this week and My daughter in law has been asking for a cobbler. If you twist my arm, I will comply.
(It doesn't take much arm twisting anyways)
We do enjoy cobblers. They are much quicker than a pie and very tasty.

Mix together berries, flour, sugar and cinnamon. Smash with a potato masher.
Pour in a 9x13 baking pan.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt.

Add butter and milk. Mix together

Spoon batter over the berry mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the cobbler.

Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes

Blackberry Cobbler

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

6 cups Fresh Blackberries

2/3 to 1 cup sugar (depending on tartness of berries)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp flour

Batter

2 cups flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter

1 cup milk

In a bowl combine berries, sugar, cinnamon and flour. Smash berries with a potato masher. Pour in a 9 x 13 baking pan. In a separate bowl combine Flour, baking powder and salt. Add butter and milk. Once combined, drop spoonfuls into Berrie mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake at 425 for 30 minutes. Serve with Vanilla Ice cream

Enjoy

Love,

Barbara

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Chocolate Cadburry Cookies

2012-04-03T18:40:00.001-07:00

Ok Easter is my favorite time because I love me some Cadbury eggs!! Side note-Sorry about the infrequent posts I stepped on a scale and was in shock....needless to say I started fat camp so my baking is few and far between. I will start posting healthy recipes as I lose the same 20lb I lose OVER and OVER again!! Back to the cookies. I made these cookies for our game night we do each weekend. They were gone so fast. I was walking through target and I grabbed a bag of the cadbury eggs that were right by the check out stand. I had every intention of opening the bag and eating them in the car ride home but I decided to make cookies out of them instead.

Cream Sugars, butter, VANILLA and egg. I decided that there weren't enough cadbury eggs in the bag to satisfy me so I added a box of instant chocolate pudding to the mix to add more flavor to the cookies.

Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and pudding. Mix until combined. Add Cadburry eggs. The mixing process helps break them up.

Roll into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Remember you have the right amount of flour when your dough will hold its shape and doesn't leave cookie dough on your hands. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes

xoxo Janis!!!

Chocolate Cadburry Cookies

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Butter

1 tbs Vanilla!!

1 Egg

1 lrg pk instant Chocolate pudding

2 Cups Flour

1 tea Baking Soda

1 Tea Baking Powder

Cream Sugars, butter, egg and Vanilla!! Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and pudding. Mix until combined. Add Cadburry eggs. Roll into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes
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Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

2012-03-27T22:29:00.002-07:00

My Family really enjoys Chicken tenders. I on the other hand don't enjoy the fact that they are deep fried. I have been looking for a recipe that I can bake, that are crunchy and flavorful. I think I have come up with just that. I made these last night and my family were fighting over who got to take the left overs for lunch the next day.

I think that says it all right there.

There are very few ingredients, which is something that I love. Yet they are still full of flavor.

Combine the Buttermilk, Salt and Pepper in a bowl and add the chicken tenders. Soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

In a pie plate combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken in the crumb mixture. Press down gentle to get the crumb mixture to adhere. Preheat the over to 450 degrees.

I use a Sil pad, so no oil is needed. If you are using a baking dish, lightly brush with Olive Oil.

Line the tenders on the baking pan.

No addition oil is required.

My original recipe I drizzled with oil.

The chicken tenders came out oily.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy

Love,

Barbara

Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/4 lb chicken tenders (about 14)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 1/4 cup bread crumbs

1 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Combine the Buttermilk, Salt and Pepper in a bowl and add the chicken tenders. Soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

In a pie plate combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken in the crumb mixture. Press down gentle to get the crumbs to adhere. Either use a Sil pad or brush a baking pan with olive oil. Preheat the over to 450 degrees and Bake for 20-25 minutes.

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Since you have buttermilk, why not make

Buttermilk Pancakes

Strawberry Pavlova

2012-03-20T08:57:00.001-07:00

My friend made me this dessert when she had us over for dinner. She told me it was guilt free because it was so low in calories. I immediately got nervous. I want my desserts to taste like I am having a decadent dessert. I hate light desserts where you feel like you could eat 10 more and you don't feel satisfied. I was so surprised at how delicious this was. Yesterday my nephew texted me telling me he hasn't had any of my desserts in a long time....I kept thinking about what I could make him. He's more of a fruity dessert person than a chocolate ( I don't know how we are related!!) so I decided to make Pavlova and see how he liked it. It turned out they all LOVED it and wanted seconds. The best part about this dessert is it's gluten free and the pavlova is only 150 calories (not including strawberries and whipped cream)

Heat oven to 350 degrees and separate egg whites into a mixing bowl. Beat egg whites with sugar, vanilla and vinegar. Don't be nervous by the fact that its like making a meringue. I hate any pie with meringue. This is more like a toasted marshmallow.

On a greased cookie sheet drop egg mixture and use your spoon to make a nest. These double in size when you bake up

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool and top with Fresh Strawberries and whipped cream.

you will thank me for this xoxo Janis!!

Pavlova

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

6 Egg Whites

1 Cup sugar

2 tea Vanilla!!

1/2 tea Vinegar

Strawberries

whipped cream

Heat oven to 350 degrees and separate egg whites into a mixing bowl. Beat egg whites with sugar, vanilla and vinegar. On a greased cookie sheet drop egg mixture and use your spoon to make a nest. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Top with Strawberries and whipped cream

Blackberry Pie

2012-03-15T11:25:00.003-07:00

My family loves pie. Once again, I find myself dreaming of Summer. For my daughters 16th birthday she wanted to take a group of friends to Santa Cruz and spend a couple of day, berry picking and playing in the ocean. We love the Summer when all the fruit is in season and we can jam and make cobblers and pies. We froze a bunch of berries for use during the winter. When we run out we use the frozen ones from the grocery store.

Here is what you need.

Start by using Grandma's Pie crust. Combine Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon and berries in a large bowl

Vent the bottom of the crust with a fork.

Roll out a top crust and cover the pie filling

Add water between the two crust and trim off excess crust. Crimp with your fingers to seal the two crusts together

Vent the top crust. I like to make smiley faces on my pies. Pies need to be happy!

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust are done and not doughy looking. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and let cool. I like to let them sit for several hours. Don't forget to use the cinnamon!
It is what makes a wonderful pie.

Enjoy
Love,
Barbara

Black Berry Pie

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

4 Cups Berries Fresh 2 Bags of Frozen

2/3-1 Cup Sugar (for tart berries go to 1 cup)

¼ Cup Flour (If using frozen berries ½ Cup Flour)

½ tsp Cinnamon

Line a 9 inch pie plate with bottom crust. Vent bottom crust with a fork. Combine sugar, flour and spices. Mix lightly with berries. Heap into pie shell add top crust. Vent top crust

Bake for 35-40 Minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle the top of pie with Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon Sugar

1/4 Cup Sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

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Homemade German Chocolate Cake

2012-03-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

For some reason the Birthday Cake of choice among my sisters is a German Chocolate cake. Barbara posted German Chocolate Cupcakes but she used a cake mix and as you know I am a cake snob. I just think a homemade cake is more moist and has over all better flavor. I made this for my sister Gina's birthday. I use the recipe found on the bar of German Chocolate which you find next to the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. The frosting recipe is also on it. It's so good I don't have to change anything about it.

Microwave 1/2 cup water for 2 minutes. Pour hot water over the German chocolate. Stir until melted

Separate eggs. Beat egg yolks, sugar and butter. Stir in chocolate, vanilla!! buttermilk, baking soda and flour

Beat Egg Whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into cake batter.

Line the bottom of 3 (9 inch) cake rounds with parchment paper. This is an important step. I didn't do it the first time because I was lazy and didn't feel like cutting out circles. When my cake came out it stuck to the pan and I ended up having to remake the cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

While Cake is cooling make the frosting. I always double the frosting recipe because I never feel like there is enough.

Microwave nuts for about 2-3 minutes to bring out the roasted flavor in the pecans. Set aside

In a Sauce pan add milk, butter,sugar egg yolks and vanilla and cook on medium heat for about 12 minutes. Whisk constantly to keep the eggs from cooking and scrambling. By the time 12 minutes is up the mixture should be at a full rolling boil. Make sure to stir constantly the entire time.

Remove from heat and add coconut and pecans. When frosting has cooled frost the cake and serve

xoxo-Janis

German Chocolate Cake

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

4oz German Chocolate

1/2 Cup Hot Water

1 Cup Butter

2 Cups Sugar

4 eggs separated

2 tea Vanilla!!

1 Cup Buttermilk

2 Cups Flour

1 Tea Baking Soda

Microwave 1/2 cup water for 2 minutes. Pour hot water over the German chocolate. Stir until melted

Separate eggs. Beat egg yolks, sugar and butter. Stir in chocolate, vanilla!! buttermilk, baking soda and flour Beat Egg Whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into cake batter.Line the bottom of 3 (9 inch) cake rounds with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

German Chocolate Frosting

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 Can Evaporated Milk

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

3/4 Cup Butter

4 Egg Yolks

2 tea Vanilla

2 2/3 Cup Angel Flake Coconut

1 1/2 Cups Chopped Pecans

Microwave nuts for about 2-3 minutes to bring out the roasted flavor in the pecans. Set aside

Oatmeal Muffins

2012-03-09T14:42:00.002-08:00

I enjoy a good muffin. This a simple muffin that I love to eat with a little bit of Strawberry Jam. I will be posting my Jam recipe latter on this Summer when the Strawberries are in season.

These are moist, freezable and make about

30 muffins.

These remind me a little of a coffee cake. I do like to make this with a strudel. The recipe is at the bottom of the post. Add strudel to the top of batter before baking. Leaving off the strudel of course saves a few calories. I am trying to diet again....

Combine the oats, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, vanilla and brown sugar. Mix well.

Measure out the flour. I like to add the baking powder, baking soda and salt into the measuring cup and mix a little with a fork. Add to the wet ingredients.

Mix batter well.

Add batter to paper lined muffin pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees

Cool and serve

Love,

Barbara

Oatmeal Muffins

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

2 cups Rolled oats

2 cups Sour Cream

2/3 cup melted butter

4 eggs beaten

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp Vanilla

Combine oats, sour cream, butter, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Measure out the flour and add the baking powder, baking soda and salt to measuring cup. Mix with a fork and add to the wet ingredients. Add batter to paper lined muffin pans. Fill batter 3/4 of the way full. Makes about 30 muffins. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool and serve warm.

Strudel

Strudel(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

Melt butter and add the flour and sugar. Combine well and sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking

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Chimichurri Sauce

2012-03-06T21:06:00.002-08:00

Get ready to throw out your A-1 sauce because after tasting this sauce you will never go back. This is the perfect sauce to serve with grilled meats. It originated in Argentina and I got the recipe from a cute little Argentinian man....however I'm not a huge parsley fan which is what the original recipe calls for. So I do what I always do... I completed changed it. I made this for my girls on our Girls weekend in Tahoe and they loved it and requested the recipe so this post is for them!!

It's really easy. In a food processor or blender add olive oil, lemon juice, basil, cilantro, garlic, salt, carrots and nuts and blend until all combined.

Serve with a your favorite grilled meat. I also added this sauce on my asparagus and my salad the next day as a salad dressing...really I could probably drink the sauce it's sooo good!!!

xoxo Janis

Chimichurri Sauce

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

1 lemon (juiced)

1 garlic clove

3/4 tea Salt

1 bunch fresh basil

1/2 cup Cilantro

1 Carrot (peeled and cut up)

2 tbs nuts (walnut or pecans)

Peel carrots and cut. Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend

Pineapple Upside down Cake

2012-03-05T17:34:00.001-08:00

Once again, I find myself in the Aloha mood. I really need a vacation. I like to make this a little different then the traditional method. I use crushed pineapple instead of pineapple rings.

Pineapple tidbits also work well.

I like to get pineapple in every bite.

This is a really easy dessert and we quite enjoy it.

I start by draining off the juice into a measuring cup. I use a small can of Pineapple juice to measure out 1 cup of liquid. Follow the directions on the box mix. But instead of using water, use the pineapple juice! It will give the cake an added pineapple flavor.

I use 2 Tablespoons of butter. Lightly butter the sides of the cake pan and the remainder of the butter on the bottom.

Sprinkle the bottom with Brown Sugar.

Spread the crushed pineapple

on the top of the sugar.

Follow directions on the cake box, with the exception of using the juice instead of water.

Bake as directed. Use a toothpick in the center to test to see if the cake is done.

Enjoy

Love,

Barbara

Pineapple Upside Down Cake
(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 Yellow Cake Mix

Substitute Pineapple Juice for water

3/4 Cups brown Sugar

2 Tbsp Butter

1 Can crushed Pineapple or Tidbits

Follow directions on the box to make batter. Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice. Substituting the Pineapple juice for the water in the cake mix. I add pineapple juice from individual 6 oz serving juice cans. Lightly butter the sides of a 9 x13 cake pan. Heavily butter the bottom. Spread the Brown sugar over the butter. Spread the drained pineapple on top of the sugar. Add batter to the top and bake as directed on the box. Cool and turn over onto a cookie sheet. Scrape off any remaining pineapple goodie from the bottom of the cake pan and fill any wholes missing pineapple.

Cool, cut and serve!

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Beef Stew

2012-02-29T13:20:00.002-08:00

My mother in law calls this Primary Stew because she used to make this on Wednesday nights when church primary was during the week. It's raining and cold out and just seems like a warm beef stew kind of a day!!

Throw all your ingredients into a crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Can it be any easier? Don't forget the lemon pepper it makes the soup

Beef Stew

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

2 Large Cans Tomato Soup (largest can + 1 can water)

2-3 Potatoes

1-2 lb Stew Meat

1 Chopped Onion

2 Carrots

2 Tbs Tapioca (to thicken)

2 Tbs Lemon Pepper

Sorry my measurements are not totally accurate. It depends on the size of your crock pot. Add Tomato Soup, onion, potatoes, meat, carrots, tapioca and lemon pepper. Cook on low for 7-8 hours

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread

2012-02-28T21:11:00.002-08:00

I have been in a Hawaii mood. I have been feeling the pull to travel to warmer weather. On our last trip to Hawaii. I had a loaf of wonderful Coconut Pineapple Macadamia nut Bread. I have been trying to replicate it ever since. This is pretty close but not quite there. I forgot to buy the

Macadamia Nuts.... Oops!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease

2 ~ 9 x 5 bread pans

In a mixing bowl, combine the oil, sugar eggs and vanilla

Stir in the smashed banana's, coconut milk, pineapple and shredded coconut.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet a little at a time.

Pour batter into baking pans and top with a little sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 75 minutes, let cool completely.

*To check if the loafs are completely cooked. Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean it is completely cooked.

Aloha!

Barbara

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

2 eggs beaten

2 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup mashed over ripe banana

1 cup chopped macadamia nuts (Optional)

1 cup light coconut milk

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup crushed pineapple

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 2 ~ 9 x 5 bread pans. In a mixing bowl combine oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add smashed bananas, drained pineapple, shredded coconut and coconut milk.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Combine the wet and dry ingredients a little at a time.

Pour batter into baking pans and top with a little sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 75 minutes, let cool completely.

*To check if the Loaves are completely cooked. Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean it is completely cooked.

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Mom's Best Ever Fast Rising Rolls

2012-02-24T20:11:00.002-08:00

This recipe comes from my Friend Lisa. It was her Mother's rolls and they are truly quick and easy.

These are a sweet roll. They are very good.

Combine the Sugar, Yeast and warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.

In a microwavable bowl, combine milk and butter flavored shortening. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. You just want the milk very warm and the shortening soft.

In a large bowl combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour.

Pour into the well the milk mixture and the yeast mixture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gently beat the eggs and add to the dough.

Mix it all really well by hand and put in a warm spot to rise until it doubles.

This should take about an hour. Turn out onto a floured board or mat. Knead it for about a minute.

Roll out and cut rolls with a biscuit cutter.

Place on a buttered cookie sheet. Allow to rise about 30 minutes in a warm spot. Bake until lightly golden brown at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Love,
Barbara

Mom's Best Ever Fast Rising Rolls

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

6 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tbsp yeast

1/2 cup warm water

2 cups warm milk

1/2 cup melted butter flavored shortening

Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a hole in the middle to pour in the wet ingredients. In a microwavable bowl, microwave the milk and butter shortening for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. You just want the milk very warm and the shortening soft. In a separate bowl mix together the sugar, yeast and warm water. This process will dissolve the sugar and activate the yeast. Pour it all into the hole in the middle of the flour mixture. Beat up those eggs and pour them in with your other wet ingredients. Now mix it all really well by hand and put it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles. It will take about an hour. Turn onto floured board. knead it for about a minute. Roll out and cut rolls with a biscuit cutter. Place on a lightly floured cookie sheet. Allow to rise about 30 minutes in a warm spot. Bake until lightly golden brown at 350 degrees.

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German Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Pecan Frosting

2012-02-21T21:06:00.002-08:00

I love German Chocolate Cake!

It is my All time favorite. I love to make German Chocolate Cupcakes for portion control......

Other wise I could eat the whole cake myself.

As I have mentioned before I love cake mixes. Canned frosting.... Not so much.

Follow the directions on the cake mix. While the cupcakes cooling, Lets start the Yummy Frosting!


This frosting is fairly easy to make and well worth the time! Combine sugar, evaporated milk, egg yokes, butter and vanilla in a sauce pan. Cook and stir constantly over low heat for about 10 minutes or until sauce thickens. Do not boil! remove from heat and add coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Don't throw those egg whites away. Why not beat them until they are fluffy and fold them into Buttermilk Pancakes. Coconut Pecan Frosting (recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com) 1 cup sugar 1 cup evaporated milk 3 egg yokes 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups coconut flakes 1 cup chopped pecans Cook and stir constantly over low heat. Cook for about 10 minutes or until mixture thickens. Do not boil. remove from heat and add Coconut and chopped pecans. When frosting has cooked. Frost cupcakes and Enjoy! Love, Barbara

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

2012-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

I made the most AMAZING cupcakes today!! I could eat the cake part by itself without frosting. Today we are celebrating my friend's birthday. It's a Mexican themed potluck...I kept wondering what I should bring. I thought about making Churros but I ruled that out because it would be too much work (not saying you aren't worth the work Marlene!!) So then I thought well I could make snickerdoodles since they have the same flavor profile and then I thought about cupcakes and making a snickerdoodle cupcake. I googled recipes and combined a couple together. I seriously can't believe how yummy these turned out!!

Cream together butter, sugars, sour cream, vanilla, eggs and spices. Add Baking Powder and flour and mix until combined

Pour batter in cupcake papers and bake for 22 minutes at 350 degrees. Set cupcakes on a paper towel to cool

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting and sprinkle with cinnamon & sugar

xoxo Janis!!

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 Cup Butter

1 Cup White Sugar

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 tbs Vanilla!!

1 Cup Sour Cream

3 Tea Cinnamon

1 Tea Ginger

1/2 tea Nutmeg

2 tea Baking Powder

2 Cups Flour

Cream together butter, sugars, sour cream, vanilla, eggs and spices. Add Baking Powder and flour and mix until combined. Pour batter in cupcake papers and bake for 22 minutes at 350 degrees

Grandma's Stuffed Chicken Breasts

2012-02-17T07:33:00.002-08:00

This is one of my Husband's favorite things his mother makes.
I believe it is because of the Cheese. His Motto is
"You can never have too much cheese!"

This is a great thing to make if you have some bread that is getting stale! I will also just dry out some bread to make this.

Cut or tear up the bread. I use 1 piece per breast. Add Chopped onion, spices and cheese.

Combine all of the ingredients and mix well

Divide the stuffing evenly and mound up in a baking pan and place the breast over the stuffing. My Mother in law makes this with breast on the bone and fills the stuffing in the opening (where the Breast bone used to be). You can also cut the breast in half to create a pocket and fill with stuffing.

Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees.
These are yummy!

Grandma's Stuffed Chicken Breast
(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)
4 chicken Breast
4 slices of Bread
1/4 c chopped parsley (2 Tbsp for dried)
2-4 Tbsp grated Cheddar Cheese
2-4 Tbsp grated Swiss Cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix together, pack in chicken and brush with oil. Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Print Recipe

Enjoy!

Love
Barbara

Pizza Chicken

2012-02-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

So this was a recipe in a I found in Cooking Light Magazine while at the dentist. I was interested in it because I had all the ingredients and it sounded like something my kids would love. They did love it but not as much as my husband!! You will love it because it is so easy

Cook Chicken in a skillet. About 9 minutes per side

In a sauce pan combine marinara sauce, basil, garlic and pepperoni. To make this more healthy I use the turkey pepperoni. Cook for about 3-4 minutes

When Chicken is fully cooked pour sauce over chicken and top with Mozzarella cheese

xoxo Janis!!!

Grocery tip: you have all the ingredients to make a pizza one night this week

Pizza Chicken

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

1 1/2 Cups Marinara Sauce

2 Tbs Fresh Basil

1 tea chopped garlic

Pepperoni (add what you like)

optional: Sun dried tomatoes

Top with Mozzarella Cheese

Cook Chicken in a skillet. About 9 minutes per side. In a sauce pan combine marinara sauce, basil, garlic and pepperoni. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken and top with Mozzarella cheese

Buttermilk Pancakes

2012-02-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

Growing up my mom always made pancakes from scratch. I never appreciated them. I loved going over to my friends houses and eating the crappy bisquick pancakes. My friends however loved her pancakes. Whenever they would spend the night they would request her pancakes I was always like...really? You WANT those? It wasn't until I went out to eat in Hawaii and I ordered pancakes that I appreciated how good these were. I could taste the bisquick. They were flavorless and tasted like cardboard and I was mad I was paying $10 for something that I make better. Never again will I order cardboard pancakes.

In a bowl combine all ingredients. If you don't have buttermilk you can use milk and add 1-2 tbs of vinegar to the milk. Let sit and curdle for about 5 minutes. This method will work but I never feel like it tastes the same.

Pour batter on a hot griddle or pan. When you see bubbles forming all over the pancake it's ready to flip

Serve with syrup or my favorite buttermilk syrup! It tastes like caramel and it's sooooo good!!

xoxo Janis!!

Grocery tip: Since you now have buttermilk sitting around make red velvet cupcakes for dessert tonight. You're family will thank you

Buttermilk Pancakes
(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com/)
2 Cups Buttermilk
2 Cups Flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tea vanilla!!
1/4 cup Sugar
1 Tbs Vinegar
1 tea Baking Soda
1 tea Baking powder
1 Egg

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Pour on a hot pan. When bubbles form all over pancake it's ready to flip

Buttermilk SyrupRECIPE CHANGE

2012-02-14T09:40:00.001-08:00

Buttermilk syrup sounds so disgusting I know. Trust me it's like heaven. It tastes like caramel goodness all over your pancakes. I was playing games with some friends when my friend Marlene starts talking about her favorite syrup buttermilk syrup...of course I was intrigued and I went home and googled recipes. What I want to know is how someone decides one day to say "I know what will be good I'll make syrup out of this buttermilk" never would those thoughts cross my mind but it totally worked and I think you will be hooked when you try it.

In a saucepan add sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup and baking soda. The original recipe calls for white sugar. I wanted mine to have more of a caramel flavor so I used half brown sugar and half white. Make sure to use a large pot because of the baking soda this bubbles up like a volcano. **Here is my change. There is always something a little off putting about the syrup. The first bite is delicious but the after taste not a fan..I cut my baking soda down to 1/4 tea and it was fantastic with no off putting tastes

Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 8 minutes. This is the worst part I know but it will be worth it

Remove from heat and add vanilla!! This is also good on ice cream!!

xoxo Janis!!

Buttermilk Syrup
(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com/)

3/4 Cups White Sugar
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

3/4 Cup Buttermilk

1 Cube BUTTER

2 Tbs Corn Syrup

**1/4 tea Baking Soda

1 Tbs Vanilla!!

In a saucepan add sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup and baking soda. Make sure to use a large pot because of the baking soda this bubbles up like a volcano. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla

Red Velvet Waffles

2012-02-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

Janis and I are sisters I was the second of 6 and Janis second from the end. Our Mother was in different stages of life with each of us. I had "Mother Earth", meaning she canned, grew vegetables, had goats and chickens and made made 100 percent whole wheat bread. As a child I would go to school with a PB&J sandwich that was 2 inches thick, that my mother had lovingly prepared.
The other kids would ask.

"Where did you get that bread?"
They had never seen homemade whole wheat bread. I on the other hand would look longingly at their wonder bread sandwich and
that was all I wanted.

Janis, had a mother that was going to school to get her bachelors and then nursing school. She had grown up with hot pockets and corn dogs in the freezer. I tell this because Janis hates cake mixes. To me they are the wonder bread sandwiches I always wanted. I love them!
Either way you fall. Use a cake mix or Janis's
Red Velvet Cupcake.

These are amazing!

Let's get started

Cream together the cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla, powdered sugar and milk.

Whisk together until icing is smooth.

Mix as directed on the Red Velvet Cake mix.

Heat the Waffle Iron. Don't over fill! I did with my first one and I had red batter everywhere.

My Waffle Iron has a timer on it and I cooked the Cake Batter for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The time may vary for different Irons.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Drizzle cream cheese icing and chocolate syrup over the whole thing. Garnish with Whipped Cream and a cherry.

1 Red Velvet Cake Mix.
For scratch Janis's Red Velvet Cupcake

Cream Cheese Icing
(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)
1 oz softened cream cheese
2 Tbsp soft butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
1/8 cup milk

Whisk together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla, milk and powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth. I used the whisk to drizzle the icing over the warm waffle.

Print Recipe

Happy Valentines Day!

Enjoy

Love,
Barbara

Cheesecake

2012-02-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am a cheesecake snob. I will admit it. I'm rarely happy with homemade cheesecakes. I love Cheesecake factory cheesecake but I don't love their crust. Sunday was my birthday and my husband wanted to buy me a cheesecake but I insisted on making my own. Why pay $50 when my recipe is just as good?!?!?

In a food processor crush 2 packages of graham crackers

Add graham cracker crumbs in a spring form pan. Add sugar, cinnamon and butter and mix until combined

Press mixture into a crust and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes

While crust is baking, mix cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth

Cheesecake needs to be baked in a water bath to prevent cracks. So I took tin foil and taped it together. I formed the tin foil around the pan in order to prevent the water from leaking into the cheesecake

When crust is done, pour cheesecake mixture into the pan. I used one of my large cooking pans to bake my cheesecake in.

Sorry about my terrible picture skills. You can totally see my sink in the back ground. I am not a creative brain. I wish I could make my pictures look amazing. I usually find that a lot of recipes have these beautiful pictures and really make me want to make whatever it is and when I do I'm disappointed because it turns out to look prettier than it tastes. I do know how to blend flavors together and what would taste good so trust that my food is good even if my pictures skills aren't!!

Cheesecake needs to bake at a low temperature for a long period of time. Bake at 300 degrees for 90 minutes. When the timer goes off turn the oven off and crack the door open. Let cheesecake sit in the oven to cool down.

xoxo Janis!!

Cheesecake

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

2 Pkg Graham Crackers

2 tbs sugar

1/4 tea cinnamon

1 cube melted butter

Crush graham crackers and pour in a spring form pan. Add sugar, cinnamon and melted butter. Mix and press down into a crust. bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

4 (8oz) pkg cream cheese (room temp)

1/2 cup sour cream

6 eggs (room temp)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tbs vanilla!!

Cream all ingredients together until smooth. Wrap pan in tin foil and place in a pan filled with water. Pour cream cheese mixture into crust and Bake at 300 degrees for 90 minutes. Turn oven off and crack open the door. Let cheesecake cool down in the oven

Foil Barbecued Potatoes

2012-02-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I usually make these in the Summer. I had a large bag of new potatoes and I thought why not! They are very easy and quick. They are low calorie and healthy way to eat potatoes. They do make foil Barbecue bags. I like to just make my own. It is very easy and I keep foil in my kitchen at all times.

Tear off 4 sheets the same size to make your foil bag.

Take 2 sheets with the dull side down, pour a small amount of Olive Oil on the center of the foil.

Wash the potatoes and cutting off the bad spots.

I quarter the potatoes.

Place the potatoes in the center of the foil and sprinkly Seasoned Salt on top. If you are making a large amount put half the potatoes down and season and then the other half and season. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Place the top 2 sheets of foil on top of the potatoes, with the shiny side facing the potatoes. Start folding (I start lengthwise) the 4 sheets of foil together. Fold over 3 times.

Fold all 4 sides and it is ready for the grill! Barbecue for 30 minutes on low heat. Barbecues varies on temperature and as will the cooking time. I flip the bag over half way through the cooking process. Make sure you use oven mits as

it will be hot!

The bag will puff up with steam.

Cut the end off the foil bag and dump into a serving dish. Some of the members of my family eat the potatoes just like this and others like to add goodie..... Sour cream and butter.

Either way they are yummy.

Foil BBQ Potatoes

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

New Potatoes 2-3 per person

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Seasoned Salt.

Place washed and quartered potatoes in foil bag. Add seasoned salt and olive oil. Barbecue on low heat for about 30 minutes. Serve hot!

Print Recipe

Enjoy

Love,

Barbara

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2012-02-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

My kids school was doing a bake sale and asked parents to bring in baked goods. I had red velvet cake on my mind because my friends and I were talking about a recipe floating around of a red velvet cheesecake...I couldn't stop thinking about it. I searched the internet looking for the perfect recipe. I had a red velvet recipe but it only tasted good smothered in frosting the cake itself needed help. I ended up combining a couple of recipes into one velvety goodness!!

In a bowl combine sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, cocoa, vanilla, baking soda, flour and food coloring. Mix until combined.

I like a full cupcake so I fill my cups up about 2/3 of the way full

Bake for 21 minutes at 350 degrees. The bottoms of the cupcake papers have oil so I always place the cupcakes on a paper towel to cool. I use a ziplock bag and cut the tip off to make make my frosting swirl

xoxo Janis!!

Red Velvet Cupcakes

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com/)

2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cup Oil

3 eggs

1 tbs vinegar

2 tbs cocoa

2 tea vanilla!!!

1-2 TBS red food coloring

1 tea baking soda

3 Cups Flour

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix and fill cupcakes papers about 2/3 of the way full. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting

Twisted Flavor

Barb's Best Ever Cheese Cake!

Barb's Best Ever Cheesecake

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

Hands Down BEST Rolls

Make your own Vanilla!

How to make Vanilla

Blackberry Cobbler

Chocolate Cadburry Cookies

Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Strawberry Pavlova

Blackberry Pie

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

(recipe by http://twistedflavor.blogspot.com)

Oatmeal Muffins

Chimichurri Sauce

Pineapple Upside down Cake

Beef Stew

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread

Mom's Best Ever Fast Rising Rolls

German Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

Grandma's Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Pizza Chicken

Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Syrup**RECIPE CHANGE**

Red Velvet Waffles

Cheesecake

Foil Barbecued Potatoes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Buttermilk SyrupRECIPE CHANGE