Save Room for Dessert…Nutella Swirl Blondies

I’ve made quite a few rich, gooey, and decadent desserts in the past year, but this bar, courtesy of Mark Bittman, may take honors in the rich, gooey, and decadent category.  It’s sweet and bursting with delicious butterscotch flavor just by itself, but in my quest to create a dessert for a little competition, I took it over the top with a few dollops of Nutella.  The pan size is only a 9×9, but don’t be fooled into thinking this dessert won’t satisfy a group, as you must cut this into small squares, and one square will satiate your desire for something sweet. 
Nutella Swirl Blondies
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Nutella
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter and line with parchment or foil a 9×9 or 8×8 pan; set aside.
  • Beat melted butter and brown sugar together until well mixed.
  • Add egg and vanilla, and continue to beat until mixed.
  • Stir in salt and flour.
  • Remove 1 cup of the batter and set aside; pour remaining batter into prepared pan.
  • Stir reserved batter and Nutella until well mixed; dollop onto batter and swirl with a butter knife.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
  • Allow to cool before lifting bars from pan; cut into small squares to serve.
Recipe adapted from Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD

BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD
I originally got this recipe from my cousin Jenn, and it quickly became our family favorite. This recipe is really good warm, but also just as good cold. It also works as a wonderful custard to fill cakes too.
2 large cans crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
2 cups pineapple juice
2 eggs beaten
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 package blackberries, rinsed and chopped
1 cup sugar
mini marshmallows (OPTIONAL)
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Place pineapple in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan.
  • Sprinkle blackberries over pineapple.
  • In a sauce pan whisk together the pineapple juice, eggs, sugar and cornstarch.
  • Cook until thick.
  • Pour over the pineapple and bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with marshmallows and return to oven until golden.

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD

BAKED PINEAPPLE BLACKBERRY CUSTARD
I originally got this recipe from my cousin Jenn, and it quickly became our family favorite. This recipe is really good warm, but also just as good cold. It also works as a wonderful custard to fill cakes too.
2 large cans crushed pineapple (drain & save juice)
2 cups pineapple juice
2 eggs beaten
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 package blackberries, rinsed and chopped
1 cup sugar
mini marshmallows (OPTIONAL)
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Place pineapple in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan.
  • Sprinkle blackberries over pineapple.
  • In a sauce pan whisk together the pineapple juice, eggs, sugar and cornstarch.
  • Cook until thick.
  • Pour over the pineapple and bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with marshmallows and return to oven until golden.

CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ TORTILLA ROLL UPS ~Perfect for upcoming Superbowl parties

TORTILLA ROLL-UPS
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/3 pound ham, chopped fine
7 ounce can roasted chiles, drained well
1 small can chopped olives
flour tortillas

  • In a small food processor blend all ingredients together until smooth.
  • Spread 4 tablespoons on each tortilla leaving 1/2 inch along one edge.
  • Roll up each tortill ending on the dry edge.
  • Lay side by side on a plate.
  • Cover loosely with saran.
  • Chill overnight.
  • Slice into 1/2 inch rounds just before serving.

This recipe is linked to:
Recipe Swap
Recipe Swap Thursday
Fun with Food Friday
Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try 

    STOVE TOP HERBED CHICKEN

    I was having a very hard time trying to come up with something for dinner tonight.  I looked for recipes and racked my brain.  Finally, I just decided to “wing” it.  I had these beautiful herbs that I did not want to go bad so I knew that I had to incorporate all of them.

    Stovetop Herbed Chicken
    3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    1 bunch fresh parsley
    2-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
    2-4 sprigs fresh thyme
    2 green onions or scallions
    olive oil

    Directions:  Mince all herbs.  Sprinkle (or press) herbs onto both sides of chicken breasts.  Pour olive oil in a large pan.  Cook chicken 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat; turn and cook on the other side.  (Chicken will get a crust on the outside with the herbs).  Cook until chicken juices run clear.

    Here’s what you’ll start with:  (Pay no attention to my sink and to the soap on its side-LOL)
    Mince the herbs.
    Coat both sides of chicken breasts with herbs.
    Place chicken in pan and cook until juices run clear.
     Here’s what you’ll end up with:  (Yummy!!)
    Of course, dried herbs can be used instead but fresh is best!  I served these with Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary.

    We’re HUGE football fans!  Football season seems like it just started! (where does the time go?) And yet the playoffs are here and almost over. And that means  – it’s time for tailgating again, serious football food and game day buffets.

    Bring over your best appetizers and your biggest appetite and oh don’t forget the Brewskis to go with it all.  
    Tailgating Time will be posted every Sunday at noon and open all week for you to add your football favorites. We’ll play each and every week until Superbowl Sunday and then have a big party. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be bringing!  We’ll host a big Superbowl party here at OUR KrAzY kitchen.
    It’s Tailgating Time!
    HOSTED BY: 
    Martha at Seaside Simplicity
    Tamy at 3 sides of Crazy 
    Lyndsey at Tiny Skillet 
    Would you like to be a host of Tailgating Time too? 
    Leave a comment here with your email, at OUR KrAzY kitchen or with Martha over at Seaside Simplicity so we can send you the code and add you to the host list – more exposure, more links, more football food and more fun!!

    ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

    We’re HUGE football fans!  Football season seems like it just started! (where does the time go?) And yet the playoffs are here and almost over. And that means  – it’s time for tailgating again, serious football food and game day buffets.



    Bring over your best appetizers and your biggest appetite and oh don’t forget the Brewskis to go with it all.  


    Tailgating Time will be posted every Sunday at noon and open all week for you to add your football favorites. We’ll play each and every week until Superbowl Sunday and then have a big party. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be bringing!  We’ll host a big Superbowl party here at OUR KrAzY kitchen.
    It’s Tailgating Time!
    HOSTED BY: 
    Martha at Seaside Simplicity
    Tamy at 3 sides of Crazy 
    Lyndsey at Tiny Skillet 
    Would you like to be a host of Tailgating Time too? 
    Leave a comment here with your email, at OUR KrAzY kitchen or with Martha over at Seaside Simplicity so we can send you the code and add you to the host list – more exposure, more links, more football food and more fun!!

    IDIOMS~NO RHYME OR REASON

    If there is no rhyme or reason why something happens, there is no obvious explanation for it without any reasonable explanation or purpose.
    Here at THE Motivation Station we are all striving to find the motivation to get our lives, families, jobs, clutter, homes, etc… under control. One of the things I am learning personally, is that despite our best intentions, life sometimes creeps up on us and hits over the head no matter how prepared and in control we think we are, just to show us that we are NOT in complete control!

    While I’m not ready to delve into it publicly yet, I do want to leave you with this thought by Erma Bombeck.  Please remember to enjoy your life, your family and all you have – the power of positive thought can work.  By taking care of you, you can be there for your family and friends. 

     IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
    (Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)
    I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

    I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

    I would have talked less and listened more.

    I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

    I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

    I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

    I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

    I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

    I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

    I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

    I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

    Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

    When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ – More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

    But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it.  Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!

    Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.  Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

    CLASSIC GOOD EATS ~ OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

    OVEN BBQ CHICKEN
    Whole chicken pieces cut up, washed and dried
    BBQ Marinade (recipe below)
    BBQ Seasoning (recipe below)
    BBQ Sauce (recipe below)

    • Rinse Chicken well and pat dry.
    • Loosely layer chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour BBQ marinade over and sprinkling BBQ seasoning over each layer.
    • Refrigerate overnight.
    • Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to put it in the oven. 
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Spray a jelly roll pan with PURE.
    • Place chicken pieces on pan.
    • Generously brush with BBQ sauce.
    • Bake 45 minutes or until cooked through and crisp.
    • Brush with more BBQ sauce.

    BBQ MARINADE
    2 cloves roasted garlic, crushed
    1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, crushed
    1/2 teaspoon oregano
    1/2 teaspoon basil
    1/2 teaspoon white pepper
    1 teaspoon sea salt
    1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
    1 tablespoon sugar
    2-3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
    1/3 cup Champagne vinegar
    1 cup vegetable oil (I prefer Canola)

    • Whisk all the dry ingredients together until well blended.
    • Add oil, whisking until dry ingredients are well incorporated.

    BBQ SEASONING
    1 1/2 cups paprika
    3/4 cup sugar
    3 tablespoons onion powder
    1 tablespoon garlic powder

    • Blend ingredients together well.
    • Store in an airtight container.

    BBQ SAUCE
    2 cups Heinz ketchup
    1 cup apple juice
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    5 packed tablespoons light brown sugar
    2 cloves garlic, smashed
    2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
    2 teaspoons onion powder
    Juice of 1 lemon
    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    • In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients, stirring to blend.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for an hour, stirring frequently.

    This recipe is linked to:
    Recipe Swap
    Prairie Story’s Recipe Swap Thursday
    Fun with Food Friday
    Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try  

      TAILGATING TIME 2.0

      IT’S OFFICIAL – FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!
      We have decided to make a change this year in the way Tailgating Time will work. Instead of a new linky for each week we will be using the same linky to keep all the great recipes in one place. This will provide easy access to the recipes and create one big awesome recipe index collection. There is no limit to how many you add – of course we hope you will add a new recipe each and every week! Tailgating Time will generally be posted each week on Sundays at noon.

      It doesn’t matter if you are a football fan or not, great party food is always a good thing. Bring over your grilled goods, chips and dips, appetizers, chili and chowders, cocktails, or any recipes that would be great for the football party buffet!

      If any of you would like to host along with us you can click –> get the InLinkz code to add the linky to your blog too. You can post it once in awhile or every week during football season, that’s up to you. The only thing we ask is that you leave a comment here to let us know you are co-hosting, and that you visit and comment on as many of the participants as you can. 
       
       We can’t wait to see what you will bring to the party. Let the games begin. Whoo-hoo!

      REALITY CHECK

      A few years ago I was a girl scout leader and became quite fond of many of the girls.  During the course of the program we found that many of the girls were using the “MY SPACE” site without permission from their parents and misrepresenting themselves on that site.  We discussed the jeopardy of this type of behavior (loss of scholarships, jobs, employers and even disapproving family and friends) MANY times with the girls. We did get through to many of the girls, but unfortunately a few continued with their behavior and it has even slid over onto facebook now. 
      When I received the following email post from Dear ABBY, I knew I needed to reach out at least one more time as many of the girls still read my blog.  HEED THIS ADVICE GIRLS! It’s your future – make it bright!
      NAUGHTY PAST POSTED ONLINE JEOPARDIZES STUDENT’S FUTURE
      DEAR ABBY:       A former student asked me to write a character reference to help her land a teaching job abroad. I agreed, since I thought highly of her potential as a teacher and scholar, and her level of character. However, after she was placed in the classroom, the ministry of education of the nation where she was to teach discovered some inappropriate posting on her social networking site.

      Because I had written the recommendation, they contacted me asking if they had a problem and provided me with copies of what they had found. Her posting detailed a history of forging fake IDs to buy alcohol while underage, numerous episodes of binge drinking in high school and college, her marijuana use and several exhibitionistic stunts and sexual activities that I won’t mention. I was shocked. None of this matched the person I thought I knew.

      When I tried to contact her to let her know she had been discovered, she rebuffed my inquiries and cut off all contact! Her parents’ response was denial and to “kill the messenger.” I have been left with the problem of how to respond to the ministry’s questions.

      Ordinarily I would not want my signature associated with someone with those behaviors and attitudes, but this young woman is in legal jeopardy abroad. I still don’t know if what she wrote is true, but I find it highly problematic that she would portray herself as she did.

      This situation has so shaken my trust in the character and judgment of the 20-something crowd that I’m now reluctant to write recommendations for any of my students. What do you think I should have done? I’m concerned that too many of these young people, however intelligent, lack integrity, character, judgment and common sense. — HEARTBROKEN TEACHER, OAKLAND, CALIF.

      DEAR HEARTBROKEN: You responded appropriately by trying to contact your former student and her parents. If the information on that social networking site is an accurate reflection of her behavior, she could get herself in real trouble if the country she’s in is one with conservative social views.

      It is intelligent of you to think twice about giving references to students in the future. It’s important that you be careful because there could be liability for you if you knew anything about her antics when you wrote her recommendation. If you are wondering how to respond to the ministry of education, what you need to convey is that you had no knowledge of any social networking sites or postings related to her, and that you were basing your recommendations on your personal interactions with her.

      Let this be a lesson to all young people who are using social networking sites. Employers are doing background checks and you will be discovered. Any past communications you have on the Internet are there to stay.

      This has been a hot topic in the media. But I’m interested to know what you, my readers, both young and old, think about this. You teach me more than I teach you, and this subject is one of great importance.

      Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.