Category: RECIPES

RUM RAISIN PUMPKIN PIE ~ BLOG 365.328

For us, traditional pumpkin pie has become kind of boring and don’t even try and serve one of those from a big box store, they’re so boring and cardboard like. When I found this recipe I just knew this would become our new favorite! I embellished it a bit with changing up the rum to an apple rum we love. I’m also increasing the amount of raisins next time.

RUM RAISIN PUMPKIN PIE

1/2-1 cup golden raisins**(see notes)
1/4 cup apple rum
1/4 cup boiling water
2 LARGE eggs
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon AP flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
15 ounce can pumpkin
8 ounces evaporated milk**(see notes)
Crust for a single crust pie – your choice, homemade or store bought

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Roll dough into a 1/8 inch thick circle and transfer to a 9 inch pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 inch beyond the plate rim and flute edge. Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with the rum and boiling water. Let them sit 5 minutes. **(see notes)
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs, brown sugar, flour, salt and spices.
  • Stir in the pumpkin and raisin mixture.
  • Gradually blend in milk.
  • Pour into crust.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. **(see notes)
  • Cool on wire rack.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers if there are some.

NOTE:

  • I like to use golden raisins which are naturally plumper and juicier than regular raisins. When I use golden raisins I use all rum and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
  • Use the rest of your evaporated milk in your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.
  • Cover edges with foil last 15-20 minutes if edges are browning too quickly.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHEESE ~ RUBY CHOCOLATE ~ BLOG 365.325B

I’m sure you’ve heard of it on your favorite cooking show, even if you have no idea what it really is. I know I had and even though it was explained, it just wouldn’t register and stay in my brain.

I’m entering a charcuterie board contest on New Year’s Even and chose the desert category. I’ve been looking for not only tried and true recipe ideas, but some new and unusual ones too. I ran across a recipe for chocolate covered cheese. YEP, you read that right, chocolate covered cheese!

I decided to try it three ways, milk, dark and ruby covered with a flake salt. I skipped white as I’m just not a fan – worst discovery of 1930 in my book! I also decided to try it with multiple flavored cheeses. I’m using Jack, sharp white cheddar and a champagnes Havarti. These are the pre-event taste tests> 😀

I figured I should do the research to really understand what Ruby chocolate it. I didn’t believe the cotton colored hue of the chocolate could be natural, but for the most part I was seriously wrong!

Ruby chocolate magically appeared in 2017 after a 13 year development process in Switzerland by the Barry Callebaut company. I say magically because the details of how it is produced are kept closely guarded, but they have noted that the color and unique flavor are products of the bean’s fermentation process.

Nestle released a limited edition KitKat overseas and another version again in 2019 in the UK leaving many companies scrambling to develop their own version.

Ruby chocolate is made from Ruby Cacao Beans which are found in South America; Ecuador and Brazil as well as the Ivory Coast (West African coast). Like specific grapes grown for specific wines, the ruby cacao beans are directly influenced by their growing environment so are cultivated in very specific climates.

So far in my taste testing I’m finding that far more women appreciate the flavor than men do. MEH seems to be the overwhelming consensus of the men I know and even many women can take it or leave it. BUT, it will still be a stunning addition to my charcuterie board 😀

There are NO added berries, flavor or dyes, yet ruby chocolate tastes berry like. The fruity flavor has hints of strawberry and raspberry and is quite smooth in texture, but not milky. While it’s NOT bitter, it does have a slightly tart after effect taste. I did find this image on the company’s website that may explain it better.

 

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHEESE

8 ounces aged cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Flake sea salt

  • Cut cheese into 1/2-in. cubes.
  • In a microwave, melt chocolate in 30 second increments; stirring until smooth.
  • Dip cheese cubes in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Place on waxed paper.
  • Sprinkle with a few grains of salt.
  • Let stand until set.

CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD ~ BLOG 365.318

CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD

1/2 cup DUKE’S mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup cranberries
1/2 cup FINELY chopped celery
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken pieces
thin sliced baby Swiss cheese

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise and paprika.
  • Fold in the celery, cranberries, green onions and chicken pieces.
  • Season to taste.
  • Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Serve on croissants with the Swiss cheese.

VERTICAL SCALLOPED AU GRATIN POTATOES ~ COOKING THURSDAY~ BLOG 365.313

It’s been a while since I’ve done a cooking Thursday, but I’m excited to be back among the regular blogging crowd and having the time to sit down and write 😀

This technique is just pure genius – I wish I’d thought of it first. All the yummy gooey cheese mix seeps in between each and EVERY layer adding to the scrumptious outcome.

VERTICAL SCALLOPED AU GRATIN POTATOES Serves 4-6
adapted from https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/au-gratin-potatoes/

4-5 medium yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced into 1/8th inch rounds
1-2 large shallots, cut into thin slices
2 tablespoons salted butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat the oven 375°.
  • Spray a 1 quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Toss potato slices in melted butter and sprinkle with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

  • Arrange sliced potatoes in semi-tight slanted vertical rows. Don’t make them too tight, leaving enough space to add in the shallot slices randomly between the rows and on top of potatoes wherever you can fit them.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons salted butter
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup FINELY shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Add butter and place over medium heat in small saucepan.
  • Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour until golden.
  • Slowly add in milk, vigorously whisking away any lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  • Turn heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
  • Pour the sauce evenly over the potatoes and onions to cover them.
  • Cover the pan with foil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.

TOPPING
1/3 cup gruyere cheese
1/8 – 1/4 cup grated parmesan
FRESH chopped parsle

  • After 45 minutes, remove foil, sprinkle with Gruyere and Parmesan.
  • Return to the oven and bake for 30-45 more minutes or until potatoes are tended and golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  • Enjoy!

FRUIT (BLACKBERRY) PIE BARS ~ BLOG 365.307

We live in blackberry country and have a blackberry festival every year. You can find recipes for all things blackberry abound this time of year. A neighbor shared these bars and recipe with me and I instantly fell in love.

FRUIT (BLACKBERRY) PIE BARS

CRUST & TOPPING

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup EXTRA FINE sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  • Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.
  • Cut butter in with a pastry blender until the butter is evenly distributed and mixture is crumbly.
  • Reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping.
  • Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake 12 minutes.
  • Cool 10-15 minutes.

FILLING

4 LARGE eggs
2 cups EXTRA FINE sugar
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup flour
pinch salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon PURE almond extract
32 ounces FRESH or frozen blackberries, thawed and drained well

  • Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Add sugar, sour cream, flour, salt, lemon zest and almond extract, mixing until well blended.
  • Gently fold in berries and spoon the mixture evenly over the crust.
  • Crumble remaining crust mixture evenly over the berry layer.
  • Bake 45-55 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

NOTES:

  • These are VERY thick bars and baking time may vary depending on the fruit you use.
  • These bars work wonderfully with all flavors of fruit. Cherry and peach are excellent! Cranberry is wonderful at this time of year also. I like to mix a few blueberries and strawberries into the cranberries for a little extra sweetness.
  • I HIGHLY recommend non-seeded fruits.
  • If you like THICK crusts, double your crust and topping ingredients – just sayin’ 😀

GREEN & WHITE CHICKEN CHILI ~ BLOG 365.293

GREEN & WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, FINELY chopped
2 cans BUSH Great Northern or Navy beans, drained
1 LARGE (4 ounces) can chopped green chiles
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon celery salt
FRESH ground black pepper
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 can green chile verde enchilada sauce
2 cups HOMEMADE chicken bone broth
1 cup sour cream
1-2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped Jalapenos, OPTIONAL but hubby likes them on his 😀

  • Melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions sautéing until transparent.
  • Sprinkle with the flour, stirring until blended and golden.
  • Add green chiles, cumin, celery salt, FRESH ground black pepper, enchilada sauce and broth. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until begins to thicken.
  • Alternately add sour cream and cheese, stirring to blend.
  • Fold in chicken pieces.

NOTE:

  • You can substitute canned chicken or prepare your chicken breast on the grill and then shred.
  • Cooks well in a slow cooker and can be left on warm for several hours.

ANTIPASTO SQUARES ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.292

Antipasto salad at its best – as a hand held snack sandwich. Perfect for tailgating, pot lucks, baby showers, game nights, family get togethers…

ANTIPASTO SQUARES

non-stick cooking spray
2 (8 ounce) tubes crescent dough (non-perforated if you can find them)
1/2 pound thin sliced tavern ham
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni
1/4 pound slice salami
1/2 pound sliced provolone
1/4 pound sliced mozzarella
1 cup WELL drained sliced pepperoncinis and/or banana peppers
1/2 cup WELL drained and chopped marinated artichokes
4 ounce can WELL drained sliced olives
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons FRESH grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon FRESH chopped oregano
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Roll out one can of crescents on prepared baking sheet, gently stretching into a rectangle.
  • Layer in the following order ~ pepperoni, provolone, salami, mozzarella, ham, olives, artichokes and pepperoncinis.
  • Sprinkle with half of the FRESH chopped herbs followed by the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
  • Unroll remaining tube of crescent dough and place on top.
  • Pinch together seams to seal.
  • Whisk together the oil and remaining herbs.
  • Brush oil mixture all over top of crescent dough, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
  • Bake until dough is golden and cooked through, about 35 minutes. (If dough is browning too quickly, cover with foil.)
  • Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

NOTE: Keep in mind that draining everything exceptionally well and HOW you layer this recipe makes a difference in the outcome. If there is too much moisture the squares can be too soggy.

AUTUMN CASSOULET ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.285

Is it a soup or is it a stew? The French call it a casserole. Whatever you call it, it is a hearty warm dish for a cool fall evening!

AUTUMN CASSOULET

3 tablespoons butter or avocado oil
1 pound beef kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 pound stew meat (or pork pieces, or chicken – it’s up to you)
1 small red onion, diced
2 medium carrots, small diced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed

  • Melt butter in saute pan.
  • Add onions and carrots. Simmer 3-5 minutes.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and add garlic.
  • Add stew meat and kielbasa pieces, stirring well and simmering another 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
  • Add chicken broth, beans and tomatoes with juice. Simmer 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or as a soupy stew.

NOTE: If you prefer a thicker stew like consistency, use a 3rd can of beans, but drain them well and run them through a food processor with a 1/4 cup of the broth making a paste. Add this paste along with the beans and tomatoes.

TIMELESS CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES ~ BLOG 365.278

TIMELESS CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES
4 cups sifted flour (sift first, measure second)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened
1 1/2 cups extra fine sugar
2 LARGE eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons PURE vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly grease baking sheets.
  • Sift together the pre-sfited flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla, beating well.
  • Stir in one third of the flour mixture until incorporated and repeat two more times until you have a smooth stiff dough.
  • Dust wax paper with powdered sugar.
  • Roll out a portion of dough until 1/4 inch thick.
  • Cut out cookies as desired and place on baking sheet.
  • Bake 10 minutes until cookies are firm and golden brown.
  • Allow to cool COMPLETELY before icing or decorating.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD ~ BLOG 365.265

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
1/3-1/2 cup FINELY chopped red onion
1/4 cup drained chopped green chiles
1/4 cup coleslaw dressing (bottled or homemade – you choose)
Juice of 1 lime
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Green Giant Mexicorn niblets, drained WELL
3 cups chopped greens (I like a mixture of iceberg and romaine)
2 small red and/or orange mini peppers, chopped
1 cup drained and rinsed black beans
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup French’s crispy onions

  • Whisk together the coleslaw dressing and lime juice.
  • Fold in the red onion and green chiles, shake well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Grill chicken until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes and then slice into desired size pieces.
  • Wash and drain lettuce.
  • In a large bowl toss together the lettuce greens, peppers, black beans, corn and cheese.
  • Arrange chicken pieces on top.
  • Drizzle with dressing and top with crispy onions.

DRUNKEN EAGLES aka PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP RAISIN COOKIES BLOG 365.264

DRUNKEN EAGLES aka PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP RAISIN COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 LARGE eggs
1 cup JIF or SKIPPY creamy peanut butter
6 teaspoons PURE vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups old fashioned oats
2 cups QUALITY semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup spiced rum
1 cup golden raisins

Up to 48 hours before you plan to make the cookies pour rum over raisins, cover and let raisins absorb the rum.

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Drain any remaining rum off raisins.
  • Cream together the butter and both sugars until smooth.
  • Add eggs, peanut butter and vanilla, mixing again until smooth.
  • Sift in flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Mix in old fashioned oats and chocolate chips until well blended.
  • Fold in raisins.
  • Using a large scoop arrange cookies on cookie sheets. (Cookies will not flatten very much.)
  • Bake 11-15 minutes until edges are golden.
  • Allow cookies to rest 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.

NOTE: I make a gluten-free version substituting almond flour 1:1 and gluten-free oats 1:1 that is actually tastier to me 😀

BEEF TIPS IN ONION WINE SAUCE ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.257

This is an easy, go to fall favorite at our house when the mornings AND the evenings have that cool crisp feel that out last the 2-3 hours of warmth in the midday afternoons.

BEEF TIPS IN ONION WINE SAUCE
3-4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
16 ounce package baby carrots
1 cup rough chopped Vidalia onion
2 stalks celery, minced
2 cans Campbell’s Golden Mushroom soup
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup Marsala wine
1 (1 ounce) package Lipton onion soup

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Spray a dutch oven with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Generously season the beef chunks with the FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
  • Place beef in dutch oven, cover with carrots and onions.
  • Whisk together the golden mushroom soup, Lipton soup mix and Marsala wine until well combined.
  • Pour over meat and veggies.
  • Bake completely undisturbed for 3 hours until meat is tender.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.