Here are some things I've learned about wedding planning. I'm not an expert. Just a few tips from the trenches.
1. No matter what colors you pick, you won't find bridesmaid dresses or fabric in that color. Pick the dress or fabric first, and work the entire wedding around that. Great advice from a friend... a little too late.
2. When it's time to proof read the wedding invitations before printing -- have at least 20 people help you. Really. Apparently 8 or 9 isn't enough.
3. Something is bound to go wrong (see #2). No amount of excellent planning can prevent it. Good advice from my daughter's future father-in-law. It's ok... we're laughing about it already.
4. Men don't really have any interest in helping plan the wedding... except for the food. They definitely care about the food.
5. You will alternate between feeling totally on top of things one day, and in a hysterical panic the next.
6. What the bride and groom want and will make the most memorable day for them is more important that tradition, what you want, what the magazines say, etc...
7. The only thing that really lasts from the wedding (besides the marriage of course), is the photographs. You can find an excellent photographer for a very reasonable amount (with some detective work), but don't skimp on the quality or quantity of the pictures.
8. Ask everyone you know for referrals for everything. The best resources/people are usually the ones your friends have given rave reviews.
9. A beautiful wedding can be done for relatively very little money. There's no need to scale everything down and do without if you just use some creativity and good prioritizing (although I appreciate her willingness to give up the childhood dream of having doves released at the reception... maybe some things have to give!)
10. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream are TO DIE FOR. I realize that has nothing to do with weddings (unless you want to serve them at one), but I can't stop thinking about them. If you try one, you won't either.
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Heaven on a chip
Pico de gallo, which translates from Spanish as "rooster's beak" is a funny name for a food. But this fresh salsa has become one of my family's favorite snacks this summer. I was looking for something easy, inexpensive, healthy, and yummy for them to eat. I've always enjoyed salsa fresca (fresh salsa) much better than the saucy, tomato based salsa in a jar. Now, they do too!
I start with Roma tomatoes. You don't want the really soft, ripe ones. Firm is better. I make big batches, so I use 12, but you can halve that if you want. Pico de gallo is better when eaten with the first day or two, so just make enough to last that long.
Dice them up. I like to cut them fairly small so a little bit of everything can make it onto the chip.
Next is onions and cilantro. Here's the trick. The tomatoes, onions, and cilantro should all be in equal proportion to each other. The tomatoes don't rule this salsa.
I use yellow onions. Skin it, and cut it in half. If you take a knife and make thin cuts all the way along one side, then......
Turn it the other way and make thin cuts this way, it'll just about be perfect. Less mess, quicker dicing.
I just give it a quick once over to make sure the onions are diced small enough. I don't want any big chunks of anything in this salsa.
See how the onions and tomatoes are pretty equal in quantity? You want a nice 50/50 blend. For 12 Roma's, this comes out to about 1 1/2 to 2 good sized onions.
Next comes cilantro. You tend to either love cilantro or hate it. I LOOVVE it! For this large batch you'll use about 1 1/2 to 2 bunches of cilantro, depending on how big they are. I just scored some giant bunches at the store last night, so they'll go farther today when I make more. Make sure you rinse it, as cilantro tends to be very sandy. Cut off the stems (most of them... don't worry about a little stem in there) and start chopping.
Roll and wad it up into as tight of a bunch as you can, then start chopping. Chop it fairly fine.
One third tomatoes, one third onions, and one third cilantro. It sounds like a lot I know.. but it's sssooooooo good!
Lime and jalapenos. They really give this some amazing flavor.
If you can find a really good sized, juicy lime, one is all you need. Otherwise, maybe 1 1/2. Just mash it around before you cut it to release the juices easier. Then cut in half and use a fork to squeeze the juice out.
You have to be careful with these babies. Wearing gloves is the smartest. I made so much of this, I ran out of gloves, so I learned to be very, very careful. Otherwise that jalapeno heat will stay under your fingernails, and then in your eyeballs for far too long. For this sized batch, 2 smaller peppers is about right. We like a good bit of heat in our salsa. You can always do less... or more.
The seeds and white veins are what gives the pepper it's heat. It's best to remove the seeds. I leave a little of the veins in because I want some heat. If you want the flavor without so much heat, take all the seeds and veins out, and just use one smaller pepper.
Dice these up finely too. That way the flavor and heat are evenly distributed and there won't be that one mouthful with a big chunk of pepper that clears your sinuses out.
Ok. Done. That's it. Well, you can add salt to taste, keeping in mind that most tortilla chips are already salty. No oil. No vinegar. Just these few fresh, healthy, inexpensive ingredients. It'll be heaven on a chip, I promise. Of course you can use it on omelets, tacos, or just about anything. We have kept the tortilla chip makers in business this summer! But at least they were eating vegetables, right?
Ok, so here's the recipe, family sized:
12 Roma tomatoes
2 large yellow onions
2 bunches of cilantro
1-2 limes
1-2 jalapenos
salt to taste
I start with Roma tomatoes. You don't want the really soft, ripe ones. Firm is better. I make big batches, so I use 12, but you can halve that if you want. Pico de gallo is better when eaten with the first day or two, so just make enough to last that long.
Dice them up. I like to cut them fairly small so a little bit of everything can make it onto the chip.
Next is onions and cilantro. Here's the trick. The tomatoes, onions, and cilantro should all be in equal proportion to each other. The tomatoes don't rule this salsa.
I use yellow onions. Skin it, and cut it in half. If you take a knife and make thin cuts all the way along one side, then......
Turn it the other way and make thin cuts this way, it'll just about be perfect. Less mess, quicker dicing.
I just give it a quick once over to make sure the onions are diced small enough. I don't want any big chunks of anything in this salsa.
See how the onions and tomatoes are pretty equal in quantity? You want a nice 50/50 blend. For 12 Roma's, this comes out to about 1 1/2 to 2 good sized onions.
Next comes cilantro. You tend to either love cilantro or hate it. I LOOVVE it! For this large batch you'll use about 1 1/2 to 2 bunches of cilantro, depending on how big they are. I just scored some giant bunches at the store last night, so they'll go farther today when I make more. Make sure you rinse it, as cilantro tends to be very sandy. Cut off the stems (most of them... don't worry about a little stem in there) and start chopping.
Roll and wad it up into as tight of a bunch as you can, then start chopping. Chop it fairly fine.
One third tomatoes, one third onions, and one third cilantro. It sounds like a lot I know.. but it's sssooooooo good!
Lime and jalapenos. They really give this some amazing flavor.
If you can find a really good sized, juicy lime, one is all you need. Otherwise, maybe 1 1/2. Just mash it around before you cut it to release the juices easier. Then cut in half and use a fork to squeeze the juice out.
You have to be careful with these babies. Wearing gloves is the smartest. I made so much of this, I ran out of gloves, so I learned to be very, very careful. Otherwise that jalapeno heat will stay under your fingernails, and then in your eyeballs for far too long. For this sized batch, 2 smaller peppers is about right. We like a good bit of heat in our salsa. You can always do less... or more.
The seeds and white veins are what gives the pepper it's heat. It's best to remove the seeds. I leave a little of the veins in because I want some heat. If you want the flavor without so much heat, take all the seeds and veins out, and just use one smaller pepper.
Dice these up finely too. That way the flavor and heat are evenly distributed and there won't be that one mouthful with a big chunk of pepper that clears your sinuses out.
Ok. Done. That's it. Well, you can add salt to taste, keeping in mind that most tortilla chips are already salty. No oil. No vinegar. Just these few fresh, healthy, inexpensive ingredients. It'll be heaven on a chip, I promise. Of course you can use it on omelets, tacos, or just about anything. We have kept the tortilla chip makers in business this summer! But at least they were eating vegetables, right?
Ok, so here's the recipe, family sized:
12 Roma tomatoes
2 large yellow onions
2 bunches of cilantro
1-2 limes
1-2 jalapenos
salt to taste
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Favorite Websites
I thought I'd post some of my most favorite websites. Some are blogs, some have products for sale, some are just great information or resources. But I LOVE them and wanted to tell you.
Thrift Books is awesome. I have a passion for books (and unfortunately not enough bookshelves... ), but I also don't like parting with my money. Buying used books has been great for our family. We save so much money and often times you can't tell the used from new. There are plenty of used book sites out there like Amazon. But they all charge shipping. Up to $4 per book. Thrift Books charges no shipping and in most cases is significantly cheaper than other sites. They may not have what I need, but it's always where I go first.
Every Day Minerals is one of my newest favorites. I like makeup. It covers my blotchy, rosacea tainted skin. And I love pretty colors! But most makeup doesn't cover my flaws very well, or irritates my skin. About a year ago I started using mineral powder foundation. LOVE IT! However, the store brands have so many fillers that I often found my skin itchy. Some other high end brands are.. well... pricey. Every Day Minerals is awesome. So many choices for any skin undertone. I found it very effective, non-irritating, and magically covering. Her eye shadows have real lasting power and a rainbow of colors. And her prices? Wonderfully affordable. You even get a discount of 20% if you purchase 5 full sized products, which I just did. Don't know which color foundation to choose? She offers free sample kits of 5 shades to try. You only pay $3 shipping.
The Lettered Cottage. My home is horribly "un-designed". It's what you'd call... umm.... we're too poor and busy raising 7 kids to have a definite style. Or time to decorate. Or money to do it. Or the creativity to make it happen... well you get the idea. I know what I like when I see it. I want my home to feel peaceful, simple, clean, inviting and not overly formal. THIS is how I want my house to be. They have stunning before and after photos that give me hope! And while I haven't gotten to all the site content yet, they claim they do this all on little or no budget. Amen. Someday, my house will echo their work. Sigh. Just click on before and after on the menu bar.
The Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond is my hero. She writes better than me, cooks better than me, does photography better than me, and probably home schools her kids better than me. She's witty, talented, gracious, generous, and frankly honest. Her frequent give aways are fun. I subscribe and get her daily digest in my email in box. When I grow up I want to be Ree Drummond. If you want information on life, children, homeschooling, cooking, design, or a host of other topics, her blogs/website is the place to go.
All Recipes. I'm a cookbook freak. I collect cookbooks like some people collect coins, or shoes. Yet for all the cookbooks I have, there are days I can't find what I need. Or, more to the point, can't remember which cookbook that recipe is in. It's hard getting old. But, All Recipes is a very searchable site with lots of variations to make anyone happy. Recipes can be scaled smaller or bigger, and you can even print off the recipes index card sized and ready to file. Or, you can register for free and file your recipes in your virtual box. Some days, it's a lifesaver (or dinner saver).
Teach With Movies. A friend sent me this link. I don't know about you, but along with entertainment, sometimes I want my kids to actually learn something from the movies we watch... without showing those boring documentaries we saw in school. You know, the ones that for decades seemed to always be narrated by the SAME man. (how is that even possible?). Anyways, you can search for movies by topic. And for a very low yearly rate you can subscribe which opens resources like lesson plans and learning guides for over 300 movies! It's genius.
I hesitate to mention the next one. For a few reasons. One, it's kind of blatant self promotion (not that a blog isn't I guess, right?). Second, it's not like that many people read my blog that it would really benefit me in any way. Third, my mentioning this tends to scare people away as if I will hunt you down and trap you like some stereo-typed version of a used care salesman. Which puzzles me really. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not like that. A lot of people I know don't even know this about me (like I'm a secret agent or something), but I have a telecom and energy services business. Few people know, because I clearly have a lot to learn about being in business! I assure you it's legit. Above board. A lot of fun actually. And my saving grace to not have to go back to work full time (because although I don't begrudge that choice to anyone... it's not one I want to make).
I simply broker services through arrangements with companies like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Dishnet, ADT security and other highly well known and reputable companies. It won't cost you a penny more than you already pay for stuff you already use. It makes my desire to stay home with my children a reality. Check out what I have. If you or someone you know is looking to switch or just renew services, PLEASE ask me first or send them my way. I will love you forever and ever. You may even find me at your door with a plate of warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies as a thank you! Think about that. Verizon never did that for you, huh?
Well, these are just a few of my favorite sites and I hope you find something useful on them. Don't hesitate to shout out one of your favorites. It might become one of mine!
Thrift Books is awesome. I have a passion for books (and unfortunately not enough bookshelves... ), but I also don't like parting with my money. Buying used books has been great for our family. We save so much money and often times you can't tell the used from new. There are plenty of used book sites out there like Amazon. But they all charge shipping. Up to $4 per book. Thrift Books charges no shipping and in most cases is significantly cheaper than other sites. They may not have what I need, but it's always where I go first.
Every Day Minerals is one of my newest favorites. I like makeup. It covers my blotchy, rosacea tainted skin. And I love pretty colors! But most makeup doesn't cover my flaws very well, or irritates my skin. About a year ago I started using mineral powder foundation. LOVE IT! However, the store brands have so many fillers that I often found my skin itchy. Some other high end brands are.. well... pricey. Every Day Minerals is awesome. So many choices for any skin undertone. I found it very effective, non-irritating, and magically covering. Her eye shadows have real lasting power and a rainbow of colors. And her prices? Wonderfully affordable. You even get a discount of 20% if you purchase 5 full sized products, which I just did. Don't know which color foundation to choose? She offers free sample kits of 5 shades to try. You only pay $3 shipping.
The Lettered Cottage. My home is horribly "un-designed". It's what you'd call... umm.... we're too poor and busy raising 7 kids to have a definite style. Or time to decorate. Or money to do it. Or the creativity to make it happen... well you get the idea. I know what I like when I see it. I want my home to feel peaceful, simple, clean, inviting and not overly formal. THIS is how I want my house to be. They have stunning before and after photos that give me hope! And while I haven't gotten to all the site content yet, they claim they do this all on little or no budget. Amen. Someday, my house will echo their work. Sigh. Just click on before and after on the menu bar.
The Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond is my hero. She writes better than me, cooks better than me, does photography better than me, and probably home schools her kids better than me. She's witty, talented, gracious, generous, and frankly honest. Her frequent give aways are fun. I subscribe and get her daily digest in my email in box. When I grow up I want to be Ree Drummond. If you want information on life, children, homeschooling, cooking, design, or a host of other topics, her blogs/website is the place to go.
All Recipes. I'm a cookbook freak. I collect cookbooks like some people collect coins, or shoes. Yet for all the cookbooks I have, there are days I can't find what I need. Or, more to the point, can't remember which cookbook that recipe is in. It's hard getting old. But, All Recipes is a very searchable site with lots of variations to make anyone happy. Recipes can be scaled smaller or bigger, and you can even print off the recipes index card sized and ready to file. Or, you can register for free and file your recipes in your virtual box. Some days, it's a lifesaver (or dinner saver).
Teach With Movies. A friend sent me this link. I don't know about you, but along with entertainment, sometimes I want my kids to actually learn something from the movies we watch... without showing those boring documentaries we saw in school. You know, the ones that for decades seemed to always be narrated by the SAME man. (how is that even possible?). Anyways, you can search for movies by topic. And for a very low yearly rate you can subscribe which opens resources like lesson plans and learning guides for over 300 movies! It's genius.
I hesitate to mention the next one. For a few reasons. One, it's kind of blatant self promotion (not that a blog isn't I guess, right?). Second, it's not like that many people read my blog that it would really benefit me in any way. Third, my mentioning this tends to scare people away as if I will hunt you down and trap you like some stereo-typed version of a used care salesman. Which puzzles me really. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not like that. A lot of people I know don't even know this about me (like I'm a secret agent or something), but I have a telecom and energy services business. Few people know, because I clearly have a lot to learn about being in business! I assure you it's legit. Above board. A lot of fun actually. And my saving grace to not have to go back to work full time (because although I don't begrudge that choice to anyone... it's not one I want to make).
I simply broker services through arrangements with companies like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Dishnet, ADT security and other highly well known and reputable companies. It won't cost you a penny more than you already pay for stuff you already use. It makes my desire to stay home with my children a reality. Check out what I have. If you or someone you know is looking to switch or just renew services, PLEASE ask me first or send them my way. I will love you forever and ever. You may even find me at your door with a plate of warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies as a thank you! Think about that. Verizon never did that for you, huh?
Well, these are just a few of my favorite sites and I hope you find something useful on them. Don't hesitate to shout out one of your favorites. It might become one of mine!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Cleaning -- Green and Thrifty
As far as the environmental war goes, I'm somewhere in the middle (think of me as Switzerland). I'm not in a panic over global warming (or even convinced there IS global warming... I can hear the anguished cries already), nor do I feel it right to be wasteful or polluting of the resources God has given us. Raising a large family has meant putting thriftiness into action. I've done this is countless ways over the years.
I got this book a couple of years ago as a freebie with something else. I didn't find it preachy at all, but a great resource for having a cleaner and healthier home and family. When Ken lost his job earlier this year, expenses were cut to the bare minimum. As any mom knows, you can spend a good deal of money on cleaning products for your home! I immediately pulled this off the shelf. It's got great tips for cleaning in general.
What I like about it the most is that in the case of home care, green = cheaper. Who doesn't like that? If cheaper doesn't excite you, think about less toxic. I have been using several of her formulas for a while with great results. Then recently, I decided maybe our floors needed "real" cleaner. So I got some. I forgot how much regular cleaning products irritate me. Literally. Coughing. Choking. Unpleasant fumes up my nose. How good can that be? Have you read the warning labels on some of the commercial stuff? If you have anyone at home with asthma, allergies, sensitive skin, etc.... give green a try.
Here's a list of inexpensive and readily available products that will be a great help.
liquid soap... I like Dr. Bronner's liquid Castile soap. You can buy it at a local health food store, and some grocery stores carry it as well. It even comes in some various scented varieties... scented with essential oils, not perfumes.
baking soda... SO many uses. Make a little paste with this and liquid soap and it's a great cleanser.
washing soda... hadn't heard of this before. It's more caustic than baking soda, and makes a good abrasive cleaner and laundry booster.
white vinegar... it's a mild acid so it disinfects and is great on glass.
oxygen bleach... I haven't used this much but it's a great alternative to chlorine bleach and
more environmentally friendly. Find one without all the added colors and stuff though.
essential oils... I keep these on hand for soap making and medicinal purposes, and some make great disinfectants while others can make your cleaners small lovely without harsh perfumes.
I'll share a few "recipes" for cleaners that I've adapted from Green Up Your Clean Up.
All purpose spray
16 oz hot water
1 Tbs borax powder
1/4 tsp liquid Castile soap
I use a lavendar Castile, so it's automatically scented. Put this in a spray bottle and you're good to go. The borax adds some disinfecting properties. I use this in kitchens and bathrooms.
Large job cleaner
For washing floors, cars, or other large areas you can mix this in a 1 gallon bucket
1 Tbs baking soda
2 Tbs Castile or detergent
hot water
You can add 1 Tbs of washing soda for heavy grease, or 1 Tbs borax to disinfect.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup each water and white vinegar. I like to add 1/2 tsp of Castile. You can also add 3-10 drops of essential oils to help with the vinegar smell. Peppermint and lavender work well.
Tea tree and lavender oils have antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, so adding some to plain water and spraying on shower and bath surfaces is great and smells SO much better than regular bathroom cleaners.
Buying that floor cleaner reminded me that this isn't just about saving money. I find I've lost my tolerance for expensive and/or harsh cleaners. These make me happier, and my house is just as clean.
I got this book a couple of years ago as a freebie with something else. I didn't find it preachy at all, but a great resource for having a cleaner and healthier home and family. When Ken lost his job earlier this year, expenses were cut to the bare minimum. As any mom knows, you can spend a good deal of money on cleaning products for your home! I immediately pulled this off the shelf. It's got great tips for cleaning in general.
What I like about it the most is that in the case of home care, green = cheaper. Who doesn't like that? If cheaper doesn't excite you, think about less toxic. I have been using several of her formulas for a while with great results. Then recently, I decided maybe our floors needed "real" cleaner. So I got some. I forgot how much regular cleaning products irritate me. Literally. Coughing. Choking. Unpleasant fumes up my nose. How good can that be? Have you read the warning labels on some of the commercial stuff? If you have anyone at home with asthma, allergies, sensitive skin, etc.... give green a try.
Here's a list of inexpensive and readily available products that will be a great help.
liquid soap... I like Dr. Bronner's liquid Castile soap. You can buy it at a local health food store, and some grocery stores carry it as well. It even comes in some various scented varieties... scented with essential oils, not perfumes.
baking soda... SO many uses. Make a little paste with this and liquid soap and it's a great cleanser.
washing soda... hadn't heard of this before. It's more caustic than baking soda, and makes a good abrasive cleaner and laundry booster.
white vinegar... it's a mild acid so it disinfects and is great on glass.
oxygen bleach... I haven't used this much but it's a great alternative to chlorine bleach and
more environmentally friendly. Find one without all the added colors and stuff though.
essential oils... I keep these on hand for soap making and medicinal purposes, and some make great disinfectants while others can make your cleaners small lovely without harsh perfumes.
I'll share a few "recipes" for cleaners that I've adapted from Green Up Your Clean Up.
All purpose spray
16 oz hot water
1 Tbs borax powder
1/4 tsp liquid Castile soap
I use a lavendar Castile, so it's automatically scented. Put this in a spray bottle and you're good to go. The borax adds some disinfecting properties. I use this in kitchens and bathrooms.
Large job cleaner
For washing floors, cars, or other large areas you can mix this in a 1 gallon bucket
1 Tbs baking soda
2 Tbs Castile or detergent
hot water
You can add 1 Tbs of washing soda for heavy grease, or 1 Tbs borax to disinfect.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup each water and white vinegar. I like to add 1/2 tsp of Castile. You can also add 3-10 drops of essential oils to help with the vinegar smell. Peppermint and lavender work well.
Tea tree and lavender oils have antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, so adding some to plain water and spraying on shower and bath surfaces is great and smells SO much better than regular bathroom cleaners.
Buying that floor cleaner reminded me that this isn't just about saving money. I find I've lost my tolerance for expensive and/or harsh cleaners. These make me happier, and my house is just as clean.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish
I love cranberries, but I'm not a big fan of the canned, jellied cranberry sauces. They're ok. They have their place (I guess). And I know some of you really really like it. But you have to try fresh cranberry orange relish! Only half my family will touch a cranberry sauce/relish of any kind... and this is what they prefer. It's super easy to make, good for you, and yummy! Cranberries have anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties... you can't say that for much of the food on our Thanksgiving tables, so eat up!
You'll need 1 lb of fresh or frozen whole cranberries, sugar, canned mandarin oranges (or fresh orange sections if you prefer), and a bit of cinnamon.
Use a blender or food processor to chop the cranberries. You don't want a fine puree. If a few berries make it through practically whole, no problem.
This is how they should look. If you use a blender or small processor, you'll want to do this is 2 or 3 small batches.
Now you can put in 2 small cans of drained, Mandarin oranges, (or about 2 cups of fresh orange segments)
About 1/2 tsp of cinnamon.. again you can adjust to taste. You really can't mess this up.
Give it a stir and let it chill for a couple of hours to mix the flavors and dissolve the sugar. You want the oranges to break into smaller pieces, so don't be too gentle. I love how the cranberries keep their crunch this way, and how some larger bits of cranberry burst in your mouth. Heavenly!
(In the spirit of full disclosure, I'll tell you that this recipe can also be made as a cooked version, but that would be so sad.)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
PUMPKIN RECIPES
I don't love how early it gets dark in November. I don't like the cold wind that can blow right through a person. But I do love the warmth and comfort of fall foods! We especially love pumpkin. First of all, it's a vegetable, so how's that for healthy! 1 cup of pumpkin has 19% of your daily vitamin C, and 245% of your vitamin A! It's loaded with important anti-oxidants. And it's pretty versatile. I thought I'd share several of our favorite pumpkin recipes.... some we use year round, because we like it that much.
I don't have pictures of all of these. That would require me to actually stay home for a few days in a row and cook and bake (which I LOVE) but I haven't been finding the time for... but I'm going to have to! These are too yummy to pass up. Oh, and if you've never discovered the bliss of dark chocolate with pumpkin.... you've been missing out.
I don't have pictures of all of these. That would require me to actually stay home for a few days in a row and cook and bake (which I LOVE) but I haven't been finding the time for... but I'm going to have to! These are too yummy to pass up. Oh, and if you've never discovered the bliss of dark chocolate with pumpkin.... you've been missing out.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
These are light and fluffy and yummy and good for you and a little indulgent too. I quadruple this and freeze the extras for quick breakfasts because I'm just that lazy. They defrost nicely in the microwave.
2 cups flour (I use at least half whole wheat)
2 Tbs packed brown sugar
1 Tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 Tbs oil
1/2 cup or more semi-sweet chocolate chips
Go ahead and preheat a griddle. I prefer cast iron, but whatever you're used to is fine. Then combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Add this to the flour mixture and stir until just moistened. The batter will be fairly thick. Add the chips and stir lightly. The batter is too thin if the chips sink to the bottom. They should be held in suspension.
Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour batter onto the hot seasoned griddle. Cook until the edges appear slightly dry, then flip.
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
We love cheesecake. We love pumpkin pie. So this is the perfect combination.
3 8 oz packages of cream cheese (we use 1 fat free and 2 low fat)
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
dash of cloves
2 cups crushed ginger snaps
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 Tbs butter
Crush the gingersnaps, add the finely chopped pecans, and add the 6 Tbs of butter. This is the crust. Press this into the bottom of a springform pan and 2 inches up the sides.
Beat the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla. Add the eggs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of plain batter, then stir the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, pumpkin, and spices into the batter. Spoon 1/2 the pumpkin batter over the crust. Use 1/2 the plain batter and drop in dollops. Repeat the layers and cut through gently with a knife to swirl.
Bake at 325F for about 55 min, til almost set. Chill for 4 hours.
Pumpkin Bars
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup of white (you could use all whole wheat)
1 Tbs pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
Combine dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugars in a large mixer til creamy. Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Slowly beat in flour mixture. Spread in a greased jelly roll pan. Sprinkle the chips on top and bake at 350F for 18-22 minutes. We get RAVES on these wherever we take them, and they're gone in minutes at home.
Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
This is a super healthy, super tasty breakfast treat. It'll make 2 adult servings and will stretch further if feeding little ones.
- 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin, chilled
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash of ground cloves
- 1 ripe banana, sliced and frozen
- Dash of ground cinnamon (optional)
I hope this adds to your autumn enjoyment!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Dark Chocolate Pudding
You'll need milk (I use 1% but you can use whatever you like), water, vanilla, beaten eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and Hershey's special dark cocoa powder (or regular if you don't like it so dark).
You'll want to sift the cocoa powder through a small sieve to help it mix smoother later on.
Start by pouring the milk into a medium sized pan.
Then add the sugar,
and the cornstarch.
Whisk it all together really well and turn the heat on to medium.
Let it simmer, but watch it carefully and whisk it often to make sure it stays well mixed and doesn't stick to the bottom where it can burn. As it gets hot, the mixture will begin to thicken.
Meanwhile, you can add the sifted cocoa powder to the warm water and whisk well.
It's a little resistant to mixing at first, but just keep whisking....
and it'll all come together in a wonderful puddle of dark chocolate goodness.
It's time to add the beaten eggs.... but you can just dump them in or you'll have scrambled eggs, not pudding. The eggs need to be tempered, which just means slowly warmed up. Take about 1/2 a cup of the warm, thickened milk and add to the bowl of eggs.
Whisk it together, then add another 1/2 cup of thickened milk. Now, the eggs are warmed up.
Pour the egg mixture slowly into the pan and whisk well over medium low heat for just a minute or two.
When it starts to bubble, it will thicken even more to a nice, creamy texture.... like pudding. Now add the vanilla, and you have boring vanilla pudding.....
Until you add the cocoa mixture and the magic begins!
Mix it all together until the chocolate is fully incorporated
and it's a delicious pot full of dark chocolate pudding.
It's not done though! I know, I know... the temptation to take a big straw and just suck the hot pudding up like a milkshake is overwhelming..... but it's HOT and I don't want you to burn your mouth. So....
Put your pudding into a glass bowl, and put some plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding. This will keep it from forming an icky looking "skin" on top as it cools.
Put it just like this into the fridge and wait a couple of hours (or as long as you can) for it to cool and thicken even more.
Then grab a dish and a BIG spoon and dig in! There's nothing so comforting on a chilly fall night as a dish of dark chocolate pudding (still a tad warm because you couldn't wait any longer).
Dark Chocolate Pudding
6T sugar
4 cups milk
6T cornstarch
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Hershey's dark cocoa powder
1/2 cup warm water
Sift cocoa powder and set aside. Pour milk, sugar, and cornstarch into a medium saucepan and heat on medium. Stir often with a whisk. Meanwhile, add cocoa powder to the hot water and whisk until smooth and creamy. When the milk is thickened and bubbly, remove from heat. Take 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture and blend into beaten eggs to temper. Add another 1/2 cup of milk mixture and blend well. Slowly pour warmed egg mixture into the pan and stir well. Return to medium low heat and whisk until it bubbles and thickens more. Remove from heat and add vanilla and cocoa and blend well.
Pour pudding into glass bowl and place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding. Let cool in the fridge for until thickened and just slightly warm.
It's not done though! I know, I know... the temptation to take a big straw and just suck the hot pudding up like a milkshake is overwhelming..... but it's HOT and I don't want you to burn your mouth. So....
Dark Chocolate Pudding
6T sugar
4 cups milk
6T cornstarch
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Hershey's dark cocoa powder
1/2 cup warm water
Sift cocoa powder and set aside. Pour milk, sugar, and cornstarch into a medium saucepan and heat on medium. Stir often with a whisk. Meanwhile, add cocoa powder to the hot water and whisk until smooth and creamy. When the milk is thickened and bubbly, remove from heat. Take 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture and blend into beaten eggs to temper. Add another 1/2 cup of milk mixture and blend well. Slowly pour warmed egg mixture into the pan and stir well. Return to medium low heat and whisk until it bubbles and thickens more. Remove from heat and add vanilla and cocoa and blend well.
Pour pudding into glass bowl and place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding. Let cool in the fridge for until thickened and just slightly warm.
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