Life As I Know It

Butter Pecan Granola

2018-02-20T21:33:00.001+01:00

Butter Pecan Granola

2 1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 cup toasted coconut chips

1/4 cup salted butter

1/2 cup 100% maple syrup

1/4 tsp fine sea salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, pecans, toasted coconut chips and almonds.
In a small sauce pan, melt the butter.
Remove from heat, stir in the maple syrup, salt, vanilla extract and brown sugar.
Add to the oats bowl.
Stir everything together until well covered by the butter mixture and pour out evenly onto a cookie sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes, stirring the granola every 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let completely cool before storing it in a Mason Jar or other air tight container.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2015-09-07T06:09:00.002+02:00

Homemade Vanilla Extract

All purpose Vanilla Extract
1- 8 oz. glass jar, with a lid
7 oz. Light Rum
4 Vanilla Beans

Sanitize the jar, by boiling in water for 15 minutes, or placing in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Slice the Vanilla Beans down the center lengthwise and place into sanitized jar. Pour Rum over the beans and close up with lid. Turn the jar over once or twice to mix the ingredients.
Store in a cool, dark space and let the Vanilla infuse the Rum for at least 4 weeks. Lightly shake the jar every once in a while.
Replace used Vanilla Extract by adding more Rum and or Vanilla beans as needed.

Vanilla Extract for recipes with Chocolate
1- 8 oz. glass jar, with a lid
7 oz. Dark Rum
4 Vanilla Beans

Sanitize the jar, by boiling in water for 15 minutes, or placing in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Slice the Vanilla Beans down the center lengthwise and place into sanitized jar. Pour Rum over the beans and close up with lid. Turn the jar over once or twice to mix the ingredients.
Store in a cool, dark space and let the Vanilla infuse the Rum for at least 4 weeks. Lightly shake the jar every once in a while.
Replace used Vanilla Extract by adding more Rum and or Vanilla beans as needed.

Summer Fruit Salad

2015-08-22T18:50:00.000+02:00

Summer Fruit Salad

1 Plum, Sliced
1 White Peach, Sliced
1 Cup Blackberries
1 Cup Raspberries
1 6 Fresh Figs, Quartered
1/2 Cup Red Table Grapes
1 Nectarine
Zest of 1 Lime

Wash, Cut and mix all of the fruit gently.
Sprinkle with lime zest!
Enjoy.

Gramma's Pasties

2015-08-02T23:03:00.003+02:00

Making these with my Gramma is a memory I will never forget and always Cherish.

2 Cups Flour

12 TBSP Crisco

1 tsp. Salt

1/4 Cup Cold Water

1/2 lb. Ground Beef

1/2 Cup Chopped Onions

2 Potatoes Shaved

Cut Crisco into flour until mixed. Add salt and water. Form into 2- 3 balls and Refrigerate 30 minutes. Roll dough out onto floured surface. Cut into Circles the size of a Pie Tin. Return Circles to Refrigerator. Cut onions and slice potatoes.

Fill Circle with 1 cup of potatoes, 1/2 lb Hamburger in each. and 2 TBSP. Onion. Fold in half and pinch middle all the way across the top. Will look like a football. Place onto a cookie sheet and Bake @ 400 degrees for one hour. Turning the cookie sheet at 1/2 hour mark.

Serve with Ketchup.

Inspired By : Maria Teckley

Eggs Benedict

2015-08-02T23:00:00.001+02:00

You need time and patience to make this dish, but makes for a lovely breakfast or Brunch.

1 English Muffin

2 Eggs

2 Slices Canadian Bacon

Hollandaise Sauce:

3 Eggs Yolks Whisked

2 TBSP Water

1 TBSP Lemon Juice

Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Pinch of Salt

1/2 Cup Butter, cut into thirds

In a medium Pot, Simmer water & Poach the 2 Eggs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB3sUY0gZr4

Slice the English Muffin in half and Toast till golden brown.

Cook the Canadian Bacon in a skillet. Slightly Browning each side.

In a Double Boiler, once the water is boiling, Add 3 Eggs Yolks, 2 TBSP Water, 1 TBSP Lemon Juice, salt and Cayenne. Whisk lightly. Once warm, add the 3 chunks of butter one at a time, whisking till melted and thick. (Be cautious not to over whisk, or over heat the sauce. It will become to thick to pour over the eggs.)

Crostini

2015-08-02T22:58:00.001+02:00

1 Baguette (Recipe Above)

1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Bulb Garlic

Cookie Sheet

Foil

Peel the Garlic Cloves and Mince them all. In a small bowl, stir the Garlic and Olive Oil and allow to infuse for 30 minutes.

Turn Oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit, on the Broiler Setting.

Slice the Baguette into 1/4 inch slices. Use a Pastry Brush to cover each slice with the infused Oil.

Cover the cookie sheet with foil and place as many slices as you can onto it.

Broil for 4 minutes, then turn the Cookie sheet around and Broil for another 3 minutes.

the bread should be golden brown and crunchy in the middle.

Enjoy with a variety of dips, accompany with parmesan cheese, or top with fresh bruschetta. (recipe featured in "appetizers")

Kyle's Favorite Banana Nut Bread

2015-08-02T22:47:00.001+02:00

I love surprising him with it!

5 Soft but not ruined Bananas

2 Cups Flour

1 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 Small bag of Walnuts

Mix Flour, Baking powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon and nutmeg well in a medium bowl. One mixed make a well in the center of it.

Mash Bananas and add to Whisked Eggs. Add Sugar.

Pour into the Flour Well and Mix only till moistened. Fold Walnuts in.

Pour into a greased Bread Pan and Bake @ 350 till knife comes out clean.

Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Lime Sauce

2015-08-02T22:44:00.001+02:00

1 Bag of Sweet Potato Fries or 3 Fresh Sweet Potatoes

3/4 Lime, Juice

1/2 Cup Mayonaise

1/4 tsp. Red Cayenne Pepper

2 TBSP. Olive Oil

2 1/2 tsp. Cornstarch

Salt

Black Pepper

In a Small bowl, Mix the Lime Juice, Mayo and Cayenne Pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

If using store bought fries, follow the manufacturers cooking Instructions and Enjoy with the Chipotle Lime Sauce.

For Homemade Fries:

Wash the Potatoes and Slice them into thin fries using a Mandoline or knife.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a Medium bowl, toss the fries into the Olive Oil, just enough to lightly coat them. Season with a little salt, pepper. And Sprinkle with the Cornstarch. Cost all of the fries well.

Arrange the fries evenly onto a non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the fries over so that they are evenly crispy. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Enjoy!

Cream Cheese & Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

2015-08-02T18:42:00.003+02:00

Serves 4:

4 Slices of Ciabatta Bread

5 Eggs

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Almond Extract (or Vanilla Extract)

Butter

1 Package Cream Cheese

1 TBSP. Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar)

1/2 pint Fresh Blueberries

Beat the Cream Cheese and Powdered sugar until smooth.

Scramble the Eggs along with the cinnamon & extract in a small bowl, then pour out onto a plate or pie tin.

On medium heat, In a medium Skillet Melt enough Butter to cover the bottom.

Dip one slice of Bread into the Egg Batter on each side and allow the excess Egg to drip off. Place onto the hot skillet and cook about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place onto a paper towel to blot the grease. Continue cooking the remaining slices of bread.

Cut all of the slices of Bread in half. Use two slices per person. Spread the Cream Cheese on one half of the bread, cover with Blueberries and top with the matching slice of bread. Dust with Powdered sugar & Indulge!

Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2015-08-02T18:42:00.001+02:00

Serves 2

4 Slices of Ciabatta Bread

4 TBSP Soft Butter

1 TBSP Fresh Minced Garlic

1 Tomato Sliced

A Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves (or Pesto, if you'd like)

4 Slices of Mozzarella Cheese

In a small bowl, Mix the minced Garlic and Butter together. Spread on one side of each slice of bread. In a medium skillet (on medium heat) Place a slice of bread butter side down topped with 2 slices of Mozzarella Cheese. Then top with another slice of Bread, butter side up. Cook until the cheese has melted. Open the sandwich and add 2 slices of tomato. Cook until the bread is Golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet. Open the sandwich and Place fresh basil leaves inside. Cut in Half and indulge!

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

2015-08-02T18:08:00.001+02:00

1/2 Stick Butter, Softened

3/4 Cup White Sugar

1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

Zest of 2 Lemons
1 2/3 Cups Flour
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Baking Powder
3 1/2 TBSP Poppy Seeds
1 Loaf Pan, Lightly Greased

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

In a medium bowl, Beat the Butter and Sugar into a Cream. Add the Oil, Yogurt, Lemon Zest and Eggs. Beat until smooth. Sift the Flour, Salt and Baking Powder into a small bowl then add the Poppy Seeds. Using a Spatula, Slowly mix the Flour mixture into the Medium bowl mixing till all ingredients are combined. Pour the Batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a knife/toothpick comes out clean.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

2015-08-02T18:06:00.001+02:00

Serves 4

4 Fresh Green Bell Peppers

1/2 Cups White Rice, Cooked

1 Lb Ground Beef

1 Small Can Tomato Sauce

1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 tsp Garlic Powder

In a large Pot, Bring Water to a boil. Place the whole Green Peppers in the water and flash boil. (5 minutes)

Pre Heat Oven to 400

In a Medium Skillet, Brown the Hamburger. Once cooked, add 1/2 the tomato sauce, Rice and Spices.

Cut the tops off of the Peppers. Place in a bottom covered with water, 9x9 Baking Dish. Fill each one with meat and rice mixture.

Top with extra sauce and cheese. Bake until Cheese is melted.

Shrimp Scampi

2015-08-02T18:04:00.001+02:00

1 Lb. Pasta, Fusilli or Angel Hair

1 TBSP Sea Salt

1 Lb Shrimp, Uncooked, Peeled and deveined

3 TBSP Butter

1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1/2 Small White Onion, Diced

5 Cloves Garlic, Minced

1/8 tsp. Red Chili Flakes

1/4 Cup Dry White Wine, (Chardonnay or Vermouth)

4 TBSP Italian Parsley, Finely Chopped

Juice of 1 Lemon

1/4 Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

In a large pot, Boil Water and add Sea Salt. Cook pasta according to box instructions.

In a large skillet, Heat the Butter and Olive Oil. Add the diced onions. Saute till the onions become translucent. Add Garlic and Red Chili Flakes, Saute for 3 minutes. Add the shrimp. Cook for 1 minute, turn and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the Skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the White Wine & Lemon Juice. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add Parsley and Black Pepper.
Strain Pasta and Dress it with Sauce. Place Shrimp onto the Pasta and Garnish with Parmesan Cheese.

Homemade Butter

2015-08-02T18:03:00.001+02:00

(To Accompany your Homemade Breads)

2 Cups Heavy Cream

1 Pinch of Salt

Pour the Cream and Salt into a Large Bowl. Use an electric mixer on High (or food processor) to whip the Cream for 6-10 minutes. At first the cream will have soft peaks like whipped cream. A few moments after, it will start to curdle and become thick. Whip until it's the texture you desire.

Oriental Slaw

2015-08-02T18:01:00.001+02:00

1 Bag Cole Slaw

1 Cup Shaved Almonds

5 Green Onions, Diced

4 TBSP Sesame Seeds

1/2 Red Onion, Diced

1 Bag Ramen Noodles

1/2 Cup Sunflower Seeds

Dressing:

1/4 Cup Soy Sauce (Reduced Sodium)

1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

2 TBSP. Fresh Ginger

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar

1 TBSP White Sugar

1 TBSP Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Sesame Oil

1 tsp. Sea Salt

3 tsp. Black Pepper

Blend all ingredients together for the dressing and set aside. In a Large bowl, Combine the Cole Slaw, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Red and Green Onions and Sesame Seeds. Crush the Ramen Noodles well and add to the Slaw. Refrigerate till ready to serve. Toss the Slaw in dressing till completely covered.

Quinoa Walnut Cranberry Salad

2015-08-02T18:00:00.001+02:00

1 Cup Red Quinoa

2 Cups Water

1/2 Bunch Green Onions, finely sliced

3/4 Cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

3 TBSP Sherry Vinegar

1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

In a Medium Sauce pan, bring water to a boil. Add Quinoa and cook on medium heat till all of the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. In the serving dish, combine all dry ingredients and spices, then slowly add the Quinoa. When Ready to serve, combine the Sherry Vinegar and Olive Oil to make a dressing that can be added as desired.

French Onion Soup

2015-08-02T17:59:00.001+02:00

Serves: 4

2 TBSP Butter

2 Large Onions, Sliced Thin

5 cups Beef Stock

1/4 Cup Romano Cheese, Grated

Black Pepper to Taste

4 Slices Mozzarella Cheese

4 Slices Swiss Cheese

Artisan Bread Slices, Toasted (Recipe Below)

In a large pot or Dutch Oven, Melt the Butter.

Saute the Onions until Golden Brown. Stir often to avoid burning. Add the Beef Stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with a little Black Pepper and whisk in the Romano Cheese.

Heat the Broiler on the top of the oven to high heat or 400 degrees fahrenheit.

Pour the soup into the bowls or crocks and place a slice of Toast on top. Cover the toast with 1 slice of Mozzarella and 1 Slice of Swiss cheese. Place under the broiler until Cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Savory Hor'd Oeuvres

2015-08-02T17:54:00.001+02:00

Goat Cheese and Toasted Pecan Puff Pastry

1 Package of Puff Pastry Dough (2 sheets)

1 cup of Goat Cheese

2 Tbsp Sour Cream

1/2 Cup Pecan Halves

Dried Red Chili Flakes

Organic Honey

Salt

Sugar

Butter

Mini Muffin Pan

Mix Goat Cheese, Sour Cream and a few dashes of salt together.

Cut the Pastry into squares big enough to overflow the mini muffin cups.

Fill Pastry with Cheese mixture.

Bake @ 375 degrees as long as possible, until pastry becomes golden brown.

While these are baking, Saute' Pecan halves in butter. Once a little soft, add a few TBS of Sugar.

Once the Pastries are finished baking, sprinkle each one with a little red chili flakes, drizzle with Honey and top with 1 or 2 Pecans.

-Inspired by Jennifer Logan Parker

Buttermilk Pancakes

2015-08-02T17:51:00.003+02:00

Kyle and I decided to make homemade Pancakes one morning with Buttermilk. Seriously the BEST we've Ever had!

2 cups all-purpose Flour

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda

3 TBS. Sugar

2 Eggs, Lightly Beaten

3 Cups Buttermilk

4 TBS. Butter, Melted, plus 1/2 tsp for Griddle

Heat Griddle to 375 degrees F. Whisk together flour Baking Soda, Baking Powder and Sugar in a Medium Bowl. Add Eggs, Buttermilk & 4 TBS. Butter. Whisk to combine. Batter should have lumps. Heat Oven to 175 degrees F. Use a pastry brush to spread Butter onto Griddle.Using a 4 oz. Ladle (1/2 cup) Pour pancake batter into pools 2 inches away from one another. Cook about 2 1/2 minutes on the first side then 1 more minute on the other. Keep pancakes in the oven until ready to serve.

Homemade Chili

2015-08-02T17:51:00.001+02:00

Perfect for a cold rainy day.

1 Lb. Ground Beef

1 can Kidney Beans

1 Small White Onion Chopped

1 Small Can of Tomato Sauce

1 Tomato Chopped

2 Garlic cloves finely Chopped

1 Jalapeno seeded and chopped

1/2 TBS. Cumin

2 1/2 TBS. Chili Powder

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1 tsp. Paprika

1/2 tsp Sugar

Dash of Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Cheddar Cheese Shredded

Green Onion Chopped

Sour Cream

Brown the Ground Beef in a Large Pot along with the Garlic, Jalapeno and White onion. Drain grease. With heat on High Add Tomato Sauce, 2 Cups of Water & Seasonings. Bring to a Boil. Reduce heat to medium and Simmer for 30 minutes. Add Kidney Beans, during the last 5 minutes.

Ladle into Bowls and Garnish with Cheese, Tomato, Green Onion and Sour Cream.

Rustic Apple Pie

2015-08-02T17:50:00.001+02:00

1 Pie Crust, prepared in a Pie Dish (unbaked)

6 Gala Apples

12 TBSP Butter

2 TBSP Flour

3/4 Cup Sugar in the Raw

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 tsp. Vanilla

1/4 Cup Water

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 TBSP Lemon Juice

Prepare the pie crust. Save the extra dough to create a Lattice Crust. (Criss Cross)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Core the Apples, Slice and place in a bowl with Lemon juice.

In a medium saucepan, Melt the Butter. Add the flour to make a roux. Add Sugars, Vanilla, and Water bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and gently stir in the Cinnamon. Fill the Pie Crust with Apples and pour 3/4 of the Sugar mixture over them. Cover the pie with the Lattice and Brush the top with the rest of the Sugar mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until the apples are tender. To prevent the crust from burning, add tin foil to the edges of the crust as needed during the baking process.

Remove the pie from oven and place on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour. Serve with French Vanilla ice cream.

Raspberry Chiffon Cake

2015-08-02T16:57:00.000+02:00

1 Cup Raspberries
Bundt Cake Pan, greased

Chiffon Cake
5 Eggs, separated
1 tsp, Cream of Tartar
1 1/2 cups, Raw Sugar
1 1/4 cups, Cake flour (not self rising)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup Almond Milk, unsweetened original
1/2 cup Grape seed oil
1 Vanilla Bean, Split and scrapped

Frosting
1 Cup Butter, Softened
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar + 1 TBSP for dusting
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
Use an electric mixer to whip the Butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract together. Mix for 2-3 minutes so that the frosting becomes fluffy.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit

In a large bowl, whisk the oil eggs yolks and almond milk together. Once combined, add the Flour, 1 Cup Sugar, baking powder and salt together.

In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whisk the egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla. whisk till soft peaks form. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar a little bit at a time till glossy and stiff.

Gently fold the egg white mixture into the batter 1/3 at a time. Once all of the whites have been added and thoroughly combined, pour into the greased bundt cake pan. Bake for one hour.

Let cool upside down for 1 hour, then un-mold.

Fill the bundt cake with Raspberries, then frost the entire top of the cake, covering the hole. Sprinkle the top with several berries and dust with powdered sugar for presentation!

Chicken Chimichangas

2015-08-02T16:39:00.001+02:00

Serves: 4

4 Large Flour Tortillas

2 Chicken Breasts, Cooked & Shredded

1/2 Can Red Enchilada Sauce

2 Cups Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded

1 Tomato, Diced

Sour Cream or Melted Queso

Pickled Jalapeños

1 Lt. Canola Oil

In a Large Skillet, fill with oil and heat.

Fill each Flour Tortilla with 1/4 Cup Shredded Chicken. 2 TBSP Enchilada Sauce, 1/2 Cup Colby Jack Cheese and Roll into a Burrito. To insure the Chimichanga doesn't fall apart during frying, secure with a toothpick. Once the oil is hot (the bottom of a wooden spoon will cause bubbles when pressed against the bottom of the skillet.) Place the Chimichangas in carefully. Fry about 30 seconds on each side. They should be golden brown. Allow to cool on a paper towel and Remove the toothpick. Garnish with Sour Cream (or melted Queso) Tomato & Jalapeno. You can also top with Black Olives, Onions or Green Onions. What ever you prefer.

Artichokes with Garlic Butter

2015-08-02T16:37:00.001+02:00

Whole Artichokes (1 per person)

1 Clove Garlic, Minced

1/2 Lemon

Butter, Melted

In an extra Large pot, Fill 3/4 of the way with Water. Bring to a Boil.

Snip the sharp ends off of the Artichoke leaves with kitchen shears.

Add Straight to the boiling water. Squeeze the juice of the 1/2 lemon into the water and place the lemon in as well.

Boil for 40 Minutes Covered.

Melt the Butter and stir in the minced Garlic.

To Eat: Take the outer leaves off one by one and hold like you would a potato chip. You should be able to see the edible part pretty clearly. It's lighter in color and at the base of the leaf where it was attached to the heart. Dip it into the Butter and gently scrape the tender Part off of the bottom of the leaf by putting the leaf in your mouth, closing your teeth on it and pulling the leaf outwards. Discard the rest of the leaf. Once you get to the Translucent/purple leaves, Remove them. You will come to a hairy looking center. Remove the "choke"/hair with a fork. Then you will have the Heart!

The heart of the artichoke is the most prized portion and often the only part some people eat. Cut in to bite size pieces, dip into the butter and Enjoy.

Strawberry Lemonade

2015-08-02T16:36:00.002+02:00

Just enough Sweet, Just enough Tart. Love this Tasty Drink!

2 Cups Water

1 Cup Sugar

1 TBS Lemon Zest

1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Pint of Strawberries

2 Cups Sparkling Water

Ice, crushed

In a medium saucepan, Bring Water and Sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Add Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice, stir and remove from heat.

Let cool.

In a blender, Put Sugar Lemon Water and Strawberries. Blend until all of the Strawberries are blended. Completely strain and Refrigerate until well chilled.

Add sparkling water just before ready to serve.

Garnish sugar rimmed glass with a Whole Strawberry or Mint Sprig.