CHERRY PINEAPPLE BUNDT CAKE

CHERRY PINEAPPLE BUNDT CAKE adapted from Sweet Peas Kitchen

This Cherry Almond Bundt Cake is a refreshing dessert cake full of flavor that lends its beauty to any backyard BBQ or church social, but is also great for holiday buffet tables with the perfect slices of bundt style cake.

CAKE
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups sugar
5 LARGE eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons QUALITY PURE pineapple extract
1 cup COMSTOCK cherries (save the rest of the can for garnish at the end)

  • Preheat the oven to 325°.
  • Generously grease and flour bundt pan proper.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Pour the cherries into a strainer to drain the glaze from the cherries into a large bowl. Keep the glaze. The glaze will be thick and take some time to drain. Shake the colander periodically or move the cherries around with a large spoon to separate them from the glaze.

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer cream the butter until smooth.
  • Add the sugar and continue beating it until it’s light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond extract, mixing until incorporated.
  • Add the eggs ONE AT A TIME making sure each one is mixed before adding the next egg.
  • Gradually alternate dry ingredients and milk, beating until incorporated after each addition.
  • Pour 1/2 of your batter into the prepared bundt pan.
  • Add 3/4 cup of the cherries to the batter and swirl them into the batter.
  • Spread a VERY THIN layer of the glaze on top.
  • Add the remaining batter followed by the remaining cherries and another VERY THIN layer of glaze.
  • Cover the bundt pan with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 65-70 minutes. The sides of the cake should be slightly pulling away from the pan and a cake tester should come out clean.
  • Remove from oven and cool at least 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. The pan should be lukewarm, but cool to the touch.
  • Invert bundt pan and tap on several sides with a table knife to release the cake onto the wire rack. Let cool completely before glazing.

GLAZE
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
6 teaspoons heavy whipping cream or milk
¼ teaspoon QUALITY almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Place the cream cheese in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, to soften.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, add the cream cheese, and powdered sugar, stir to combine.
  • Add the heavy cream, almond extract and salt and continue to stir until it thickens.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cake.
  • Garnish with sliced almonds

GARNISH

  • Use remaining Comstock sherries around the edge of the bundt cake before serving. To make it even more decadent you can add a fudge drizzle over the cherries or the whole cake!

Store in an airtight container for up to a week. This cake freezes exceptionally well IF it is frozen soon after baking. Be sure to wrap it at least twice and place in a large ziplock bag to prevent it from drying out or freezer burn. If you wrap it well, it will taste just like a fresh cake after thawing.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

  • Pineapple – Make it with crushed canned pineapple instead. It is an entirely different flavor that is scrumptious.
  • COMSTOCK – just about any pie filling flavor lends itself to this cake, but I especially like the Berry medley, peaches or sour cherries.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
CHICKEN
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 slices
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 LARGE shallot, sliced thin
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme
5 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup flour
1 cup half and half, at room temperature
2 tablespoons cream sherry
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Melt butter and oil in a large skillet.
  • Generously season chicken with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear chicken pieces on each side.
  • Transfer chicken to slow cooker.
  • Arrange carrots, celery, shallots and garlic over chicken breasts.
  • Pour chicken broth over everything.
  • Cook on low 3 hours.
  • Remove chicken pieces and shred with 2 forks.
  • In a medium bowl combine the flour with the half and half.
  • Stir half and half mixture into the crockpot.
  • Recover and increase heat to high.
  • Return chicken to slow cooker.
  • Stir in sherry and thyme.
  • Recover and cook 15-20 minutes while preparing the dumplings.

DUMPLINGS
1 1/8 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
3 tablespoons butter, melted, but cooled
1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 tablespoons FRESH minced parsley

  • Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder and black pepper.
  • Stir in melted butter, buttermilk and parsley.
  • Season with salt as necessary.
  • Drop dumplings rustically by tablespoons in a ring around the slow cooker.
  • Recover and cook on high another 20-30 minutes or until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through.
  • Break apart dumplings gently and stir chicken before serving.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER week 41 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I’ll make this quick as we’re back on the road in a bit to our next stop… I hope you’ve all had a great weekend and are ready for this first full week of October.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING We still don’t have any specific answers to why we made this trip to begin with, but are hoping to yet this week. In the meantime we are taking a little side trip to see family before they move cross country in a few weeks.

It’s finally cooled down to normal here where we are leaving and the smoke is dissipating, but we’re traveling farther south and won’t be able to enjoy it 🙁 Where we’re headed is having an unseasonable high and will be in the mid to high 80’s 🙁

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • While we were at SIL’s we watched a lot of what she had on tape – CANNONBALL, WIPEOUT and several movies; INHERITANCE, DESCENDANTS, MIB, THE STATION AGENT, ANOTHER WORLD, CONTAGION

I’M READING

  • TIN GOD a Delta Crossroads series by Stacey Green

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA The hazy smoke from the GLASS fire was so bad I didn’t get many pictures. The few I got are on IG. I did get this picture of a picture that I fell in love with 😀

INSPIRATIONAL There is SOOOOO SOOOOO much going on in the world around us that needs our ongoing and daily prayer, but I’m trying to approach it all from a positive stance:

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
??
??
??
??
??
??
??
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • CHERRY PINEAPPLE BUNDT CAKE
  • SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS

GREEN BEANS IN BACON CHEESE SAUCE

GREEN BEANS IN BACON CHEESE SAUCE
16 ounce frozen green beans
1 can Campbell’s condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/3 cup chopped red onion
6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounce jar diced pimientos
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a 3 quart slow cooker whisk together the soup, cheese, pimientos, bacon pieces, salt and pepper.
  • Fold in green beans. It will be thick, but don’t worry, it will be perfect when they’re done! 😀
  • Cook on low 2-3 hours or until beans are tender.

CHEESY STUFFED CHICKEN

CHEESY STUFFED CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 slices Provolone cheese
1/3 cup drained roasted red peppers, diced
1 slice crisp bacon per chicken breast, broken in half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4-6 tablespoons of shredded Mozzarella cheese

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Coat baking sheet with foil and non-stick cooking spray.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket about 2-2 1/2 inches in the side of each chicken breast.
  • Fill the pocket with a slice of cheese, bacon pieces and peppers.
  • Secure the pocket with toothpicks, kitchen twine or silicone bands.
  • Sprinkle each breast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge each breast in Wondra flour.
  • Dip each breast in the egg and then the Panko crumbs.
  • Place breasts on baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with melted butter.
  • Sprinkle each breast with a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake 20 minutes until browned and chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove toothpicks, twine or silicone bands before serving.

WILTED GREENS with HOT BACON DRESSING ~ BLOG 366.277

This recipe has changed for us A LOT over the years so I’m going to give you both my original recipe AND my revised versions! BUT, this top revision is my favorite and final version!!!!!!!

WILTED GREENS with HOT BACON DRESSING serves 4 (3rd & FINAL REVISION)
8 cups torn lettuce and/or spinach of choice
3 stalks celery, halved and sliced
1/2 cup sliced and chopped red onion
1 cucumber, halved and sliced thick
4 slices bacon, diced
1 SMALL egg
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1 hard boiled egg per person

  • Toss lettuce, chopped red onion and celery pieces in a large salad bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until JUST crisp.
  • Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon to drain on paper toweling. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg until well blended. Whisk into bacon drippings.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Add to the drippings also, whisking to blend.
  • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Pour over salad.
  • Add half of the bacon pieces and toss well.
  • Top with red onion slices, sliced hard boiled egg and crumbled bacon.
  • Serve immediately.

HOT WILTED GREENS (original)
1 head green leaf lettuce, washed and shredded
1 large bunch green onion, sliced thin, tops too
1/2 pound bacon, browned and crumbled (save 1/2 cup bacon grease)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

  • Toss together the shredded lettuce, green onion slices and crumbled bacon in a large salad bowl and set aside.
  • In a saucepan bring the remaining ingredients to a boil.
  • Just before serving pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
  • Serve immediately.

HOT WILTED GREENS (REVISED)

3 cups torn green leaf lettuce, washed
3 cups FRESH spinach, washed and trimmed
1/2 cup chopped red onions
1 large bunch green onions, sliced thin, tops too
2 stalks celery, washed, halved and sliced thin
4 slices bacon, browned and crumbled (save 3 tablespoons bacon grease)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 cup chopped Plum tomatoes, garnish
Hard boiled egg, garnish

  • Toss together the shredded lettuce, spinach, chopped red onions, celery, green onion slices and crumbled bacon in a large salad bowl and set aside.
  • In a saucepan bring the remaining ingredients to a boil.
  • Just before serving pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
  • Garnish with tomatoes and eggs.
  • Serve immediately.

WILTED GREENS with BACON DRESSING serves 4 (SECOND REVISED VERSION)
6 cups torn lettuce and/or spinach of choice
2 stalks celery, halved and sliced
1/3 cup minced red onion
3 slices bacon, diced
1 SMALL egg
1/3 cup water
SCANT 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Toss lettuce, red onion and celery pieces in a large salad bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until JUST crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon to drain on paper toweling. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg until well blended. Whisk into bacon drippings.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Add to the drippings also, whisking to blend. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Pour over salad.
  • Add bacon pieces and toss well.
  • Serve immediately.

REVISED MANY TIMES, BUT THE FINAL REVISION WAS 8-25-2024

CHOCOCHIP RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES

CHOCOCHIP RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES
1/2 cups (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
2 LARGE Eggs
1 teaspoon QUALITY vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
scant 1/2 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick OR old fashioned)
1 1/4 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup raisins or raisins
1/2 cup crushed walnuts

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
  • Add combined flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
  • Add oats and mix well.
  • Add chocolate chips and mix well.
  • Fold in raisins and mix well.
  • Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto foil lined ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown.
  • Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets.
  • Remove to wire rack.
  • Cool completely.
  • Store tightly covered.

VARIATION 

Bar Cookies – 24 bars

  • Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
  • Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown.
  • Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  • Cut into bars.
  • Store tightly covered.

UPDATED HUNTER CHICKEN aka CHASSEUR or CACCIATORE ala SLOW COOKER

Chasseur means “hunter” in French. Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian. So let’s just cut to the chase and call it Hunter chicken.

French hunter’s chicken is prepared using chicken that is pan seared crisp and a chasseur sauce consisting of tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, white wine, brandy and tarragon. Prior to pan searing, the chicken can be dredged in flour (I use a fine WONDRA flour). Tomato ingredients can include diced tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Other ingredients often include shallots, olive oil, chicken stock, vermouth, tarragon, thyme and marjoram. Chasseur sauce is traditionally prepared using a SLOW simmer to reduce the sauce and thicken it. Often parsley and croutons are used as garnishes. This recipe is also better as leftovers when the sauce has sat and the flavors have fully blended.

Italian hunter’s chicken is prepared using chicken pieces that are first lightly fried and then braised in the sauce. Italian cacciatore is sometimes made with rabbit or salami instead of chicken. The sauce is made with olive oil, onions, herbs, canned peeled tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic and wine. Carrots are often used to add sweetness. Garnish for the cacciatore are often olives, croutons and Parmesan cheese. After the vegetable are sautéed and the broth added to create the sauce, the chicken is returned to the pan, the heat reduced to a SLOW simmer, covered and braised for a couple hours.

In this updated version you can get the same flavor using a slow cooker, making it a weeknight possibility instead of an all day chore.

UPDATED HUNTER CHICKEN
4-6 chicken breasts
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon QUALITY tomato paste
1 cup chicken bone broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups baby carrots, halved or quartered depending on size
1 SMALL Vidalia onion, chopped
28 ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and then rustic chopped or crushed
1/4 cup WONDRA flour

  • Whisk together the wine, bone broth, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, garlic, onions, carrots, salt and pepper.
  • Add to slow cooker.
  • Generously season chicken with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken pieces with flour.
  • Nestle chicken pieces into tomatoes.
  • Sprinkle any remaining flour evenly over top.
  • Scatter mushrooms over top.
  • Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.
  • Serve with desired garnishes

GARNISHES
3/4 cup pimiento stuffed green olives
Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread pieces

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 40 of 2020

GOOD MORNING everyone!  I hope you have had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.  Can you believe we’re at the end of September already?  I hate to mention it, but that means Christmas is only 88 days away!  What a surreal year 2020 has been! I’m jumping right in as we are leaving in a few minutes for the all day trek to my favorite SIL’s house! 😀

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING The weather is great here and supposed to be even better as we’re headed back down to SIL’s house for another visit to the lawyer this week so I’m dressed for traveling – comfy jeans, hoodie and favorite pops. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Ice Tea and baby food since we’re on the road

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • TRIP TO SIL’S HOUSE FOR A VISIT WITH THE TRUST LAWYER in hope of having some definitive answers to the multitude of questions that keep multiplying because of younger SIL’S lack of forthcoming information.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
GOOD THING THESE THINGS ARE PORTABLE THESE DAYS 😀
  • NETFLIX – I finished season Hart of Dixie, On season 1 of Cobra Kai
  • PRIME – Eureka season 4
  • HULU – 11-22-63
  • CRACKLE – My Favorite Martian with Bill Bixby and Ray Walston – I remember watching some reruns as a kid 😀
  • IMDb – nothing last week
  • CABLE – NASCAR (trucks, Xfinity and CUP series) – normally it would be ALL football and lots of it, but hubby is fed up with all the political aspects and is just not watching it much. We did see the Chargers and Chiefs as well as the Patriots and Seahawks last night.

I’M READING Ava Miles Merriam’s series book #6 A BREATH OF JASMINE, but am almost finished and have downloaded a couple more for the road.  Up next is GATORS AND GARTERS by Jana Deleon Book #18 in her Miss Fortune series followed by QUINN VALLEY RANCH trilogy by Pamela Kelley.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Well, I did it!  I took the plunge into hope that 2021 is worth planning for!  I bought a 2021 planner! 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SIL’s CHOICE
CSIL’s CHOICE
SIL’s CHOICE
SIL’s CHOICE
SIL’s CHOICE
??
??
DESSERT
 

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

  • BAKED RICOTTA DIP
  • ITALIAN MEATBALLS in RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
  • CREAMY CHICKEN, STUFFING& GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • UPDATED HUNTER CHICKEN
  • GREEN BEANS IN BACON CHEESE SAUCE
  • CHOCOCHIP RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES
  • CHEESY STUFFED CHICKEN

CREAMY CHICKEN, STUFFING & GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE – SLOW COOKER

CREAMY CHICKEN, STUFFING & GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE – SLOW COOKER
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3/4 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
6 ounce box STOVE TOP stuffing mix
10 ounce package frozen green beans

  • Spray the crock insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Generously season chicken pieces on all sides.
  • Lay chicken pieces (in a single layer if possible) in prepared crock.
  • Arrange stuffing mix in an even layer on top of chicken pieces.
  • Whisk together the chicken soup, chicken broth and sour cream together until combined.
  • Pour soup mixture over stuffing evenly.
  • Arrange green beans on top.
  • Cover and cook on low 3-3 1/2 hours. If using tenders check on it around 2 1/2 hours.

ITALIAN MEATBALLS in RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE

ITALIAN MEATBALLS in RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
1/2 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 SMALL onion, FINELY chopped
2 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • In a large bowl mix together ground meats, seasonings, chopped onion and garlic until well blended.
  • Form into golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Sear meatballs, turning often, until browned.
  • Transfer to paper towels to drain.

SLOW ROASTED TOMATOES & RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
SLOW ROASTED TOMATOES
2-3 pounds FRESH Roma or cherry tomatoes, chopped rustic
1/4 cup chopped FRESH flat leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH oregano
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH basil
Avocado oil
1 bulb garlic, sliced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 bunch green onions, sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Cover large baking sheet with foil.
  • Arrange tomatoes, onions and garlic in a single layer.
  • Drizzle with avocado oil.
  • Season well with herbs, salt and pepper.
  • Roast for 3 hours until tomatoes are shriveled and soft.
  • Cool completely.

RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
Pureed Slow Roasted Tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

  • Puree tomato mixture before running through a food mill to remove seeds and large chunks.
  • Heat a large dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add chicken broth and pureed tomatoes.
  • Bring to a SLOW simmer for 40 minutes.
  • Whisk in heavy cream and simmer 5-10 minutes more.

BAKED RICOTTA DIP

Compliments of Martha over at Seaside Simplicity I bring you her Baked Ricotta Dip. I have found A LOT of uses for the leftovers also. And yes, with just two of us there ARE leftovers. 

The first time I used the leftovers as a thin layer in my Ravioli Lasagna between the first layer of ravioli and the meat sauce.  Next time I will make a batch in a large flat baking dish that can be easily transferred to a thin layer in the lasagna.

The second time I added some leftover Cara Mia Artichoke Bruschetta from Star and 8 ounces of tomato sauce. I then served it over some simple pan seared chicken breast for a complete meal.

BAKED RICOTTA DIP
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Mix all ingredients together.
  • Pour into a 8″ greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning and bake about 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Serve with Crostini or sourdough chunks.
VARIATIONS
  • If you don’t like garlic, it can be completely omitted or decreased in amount and you’ll still have a delicious warm cheesy dip.
  • If you love a good strong garlic flavor like we do, mix an additional 4-6 cloves of minced garlic with a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil and pour over the top for the last 10 minutes of baking time.
  • For a slightly sweet version, omit garlic and Italian seasonings and add a tablespoon of a good QUALITY honey, with additional honey to drizzle on top, great for brunch!
CROSTINI
  • Cut French bread in 1/2 inch thick slices.
  • Brush both sides with olive or avocado oil.
  • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning (optional).
  • Bake at 400° for 3 minutes, flip and bake an additional 2-3 minutes. 

NOTES:

I didn’t have any crostini, but did have some good sourdough bread that was beginning to stale so used that and it was great!