The Secret Ingredient

Pineapple Upside-down Cake

2011-03-01T14:49:00.003-06:00

When the new year started, I planned the usual: lose weight, develop better exercise habits, eat my veggies. I also planned to post healthy recipes so you all could do the same. But my gosh, who am I trying to fool?! I love dessert! Best! And I do hereby declare, that until I'm either: 1) diagnosed diabetic, or 2) morbidly obese, I'm not going to stop making delicious treats for my friends and family and of course, me.

A couple of years ago, some friends brought a Pineapple Upside Down Cake to my dinner party. I had never had this particular dessert before, and it looked so thin and simple. Oh, but when I tasted it, it did that thing to me. That "I need a moment...BECAUSE I'M IN ANOTHER DIMENSION" thing. They then explained to me how their neighbor developed her special way of making it and I listened as if my life depended on it. Then I didn't make it for about 2 years. Typical for me because when something is as incredible as this cake is, I don't make it because I will eat it. ALL of it, while the family is at school and work. Then they'll get mad cuz it's all gone and I'll get mad cuz I'm gonna gain weight and then everyone's unhappy!

Anyway, a few months ago when I finally decided to make it, I really had to reach back in my memory. I did manage to remember bits and pieces of the recipe. I've added a few things to it, and also made it a layer cake, so it now looks almost as grand as it tastes. Here is what I've come up with. Please try it, it's a winner.
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Coconut Cake (revised)

2011-03-01T12:38:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I adjusted my original recipe so that the cake and frosting were more stable for easier assembly and serving. My first version is amazing, but it'so light and fluffy it just doesn't hold together very well.

While adjusting the recipe, the cakes came out of the oven and the bottoms looked a little brown and a bit crisp so I thought they would be too dry. When I adjusted the frosting by adding butter, the texture looked almost grainy, so I thought that was a "fail" as well.

Everything tasted good though, so I put it together anyway and stuck it in the refrigerator to chill and planned to serve it after dinner. I sufficiently warned my family that it wasn't going to be as good as the last two coconut cakes, so none of us expected much. I WAS WRONG. This cake is incredible and does indeed hold together much better. Of course I increased the calorie content as usual, but when have I been known to care about calories?
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Healthy Muffins

2011-01-27T12:36:00.000-06:00

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Apparently, it kick-starts your metabolism, so you burn calories more efficiently all day. Mornings, however, seem to be the most hectic time of day in most households, so having some "grab and go" muffins ready can really make all the difference in your day. Muffins are super easy to make, and you can pack them with all kinds of grains, fruits, and vegetables. This recipe is loaded with all kinds of nutrients: cinnamon, apples, carrots, coconut, almonds, raisins, eggs, and milk. And they're delicious!

Create a Spritzer bar for your next party

2011-01-25T10:06:00.002-06:00

If you have fruit juice and a carbonated beverage, you can make yourself a Spritzer! What a festive and healthy beverage to serve to guests as well. For a party, simply buy an assortment of fruit juices and nectars, and something like 7up, Sprite, or Sierra Mist for carbonation, and set up a beverage bar so each guest can mix up their own. Provide tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, and Champagne and you've pretty much got the adult beverages covered!

Superbowl Party Recipes

2011-01-20T20:34:00.005-06:00

My husband Joe and I have 4 sons. Three of them are fully grown and one is well on his way. I know how to feed a bunch of hungry men, so cooking for a Superbowl Party is about the same as a Wednesday night for me. The recipes you're about to see are a bit labor intensive, but so worth the effort. Trust me, make any or all of these and you'll feel the love!
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Great Kitchen Tools

2011-01-18T19:57:00.003-06:00

If you're anything like me, most advertisements don't mean much to you anymore. Alot of them grossly exaggerate the product's capabilities, and some just flat out lie. There are a few products that I've purchased lately, however, that exceeded my expectations and actually made my life easier in the kitchen. I'm posting my endorsements here, and I encourage you to post yours in the comment section below. We can save each other money and hassle if we share our knowledge of what actually works. So here are the kitchen products I'm currently in love with!

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Amazing Creme Brulee

2011-01-13T09:29:00.001-06:00

This gourmet custard is really the most decadent of all pudding-like desserts. It is pronounced “krem-broolay,” and if you’ve never tried it, do so the next chance you get! Crème Brulee’s custard base is made with cream, egg yolks, sugar, and usually a flavoring of one kind or another. Vanilla is the most common flavor, but it can be flavored in many ways~maple, almond, amaretto, or even pumpkin. The custards are baked in a water-bath in small separate containers called ramekins. (A water-bath is created by placing the custard filled ramekins in a large pan, then pouring hot water around them to create a gentler heat in the oven.) The custards are then baked and chilled. Prior to serving, a crust is formed on each one by placing a thin layer of sugar on top and caramelizing it, either by placing it under a broiler until browned, or using a blow-torch to carefully cook the sugar. The ‘Crème’ is the custard, and the‘Brulee’ is the crispy, caramelized sugar on top. Brulee actually means ‘burn’ in French, but you don’t want to burn the sugar, you just want it to turn a nice golden brown color. It then becomes a crispy top layer that you crack into with your spoon. It’s sensational!

Meatballs

2011-01-13T09:16:00.001-06:00

Healthy comfort food. It sounds like an oxymoron, but you can have a healthy meatball sub by simply making a few substitutions. Choose whole wheat spaghetti or cut down your portion size of regular pasta, and you can have Spaghetti and Meatballs, also guilt-free. Either way you serve them, meatballs are very filling, so pair them with a small salad and you're good to go!