australian desserts

Broccoli Salad and Chipotle Mac & Cheese - success and failure

Well... I had both success and failure in the day's cooking adventures. The Broccoli Salad is fantastic - but I knew it would be. It's a recipe from my Mom, and she's an absolutely fabulous cook so I had no doubts.

But the Chipotle Mac & Cheese was from one of the foodie blogs I frequent, so one can't be sure until one tries the recipe oneself. It was waaaaaayyyyyy too spicy - and I LOVE heat in my food, and I STILL think it was waaaaayyyy too spicy! Mark's comment when he tasted it: "I love you honey, but your experiment is a failure." He actually started referring to it as "the barely edible mac & cheese." He's not one to mince words - and I love that about him. Just tell it like it is. I appreciate that. I don't even think the Mac & Cheese is worth re-working to tone it down. Think I just have to accept defeat on that one.

So, here's the recipe for my Mom's Broccoli Salad. It was the succes of the day!

Donna's Broccoli Salad
Source: My Mom

Ingredients
Salad:
1 bunch broccoli, broken into small flowerets
1/2 c red onion, chopped
1 c celery, chopped
8 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
1/2 c hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 c golden raisins or craisins

Dressing:
3/4 c mayonnaise
1/4 c sugar or Splenda
2 T apple cider

Directions
Combine salad ingredients in large bowl. Combine dressing ingredients; pour over salad and toss. Serve chilled. (NOTE: I used turkey bacon, and it worked just great.)

Enjoy!

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Butter Pecan Cake - the 1st of my "50 Recipes for 2011"

Woo hoo! I completed the first recipe from my list of "50 Recipes for 2011" - Butter Pecan Cake. The original title is Butter Pecan Pound Cake, but it's texture isn't really that of a pound cake to me ... it's much "fluffier" ... so I'm just going to call it Butter Pecan Cake. I don't think anyone will mind.

I'm generally a "from scratch" baker, but this cake doctors up a store-bought cake mix and store-bought frosting. I'm not opposed to giving a doctored up mix a try! Brought the cake to school for the birthday of one of my friends, and it got great reviews. So, here's the recipe. It's SUPER easy!! And don't we all love tasty recipes that are SUPER easy? Oh - sorry, no picture of this one. We ate it up so fast I didn't even get around to taking a picture!

Butter Pecan Cake
Source: A Family Friend

Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix
1 can Coconut Pecan frosting
1/2 c. oil
1 c. water
4 eggs

Directions
Mix all ingredients (including the frosting ... yep, put it IN the batter) in one bowl. Beat about 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan (I used a tube pan). Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. (I had to bake mine 60 minutes.)

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"50 Recipes for 2011" Project - I better get cooking!

I collect recipes. It's an addiction. I have more recipes than I could possibly prepare in my lifetime, yet I continue to collect them - from new cookbooks, from friends, cooking magazines, cooking blogs, make up my own - you name it. I read cookbooks like most people read novels. But despite this huge collection of recipes, I still tend to cook the same ol' stuff over and over and over and over. Sound familiar? Or am I the only one who gets stuck in this cooking rut??

So, I decided to create a list of 50 new-to-me recipes I want to make by the end of the year. That's about one per week - definitely doable, I think. Most of these come from the family cookbook I published this year. I figure I should work on cooking my way through "my own" cookbook as a first goal! Out of the 534 recipes in it, I've cooked 282 of them myself - leaving me 252 still to do. That's a lot. Should keep me going for a while!

Our Family Cookbook

Well ... here are my "50 Recipes for 2011." I would have loved for all 50 of them to be wonderfully ooey-gooey chocolatey desserts, but I don't think my waistline can take that! I've tried to show just a teeeeeeeny-tiiiiiny bit of restraint by making them a good mix of stuff. I'll post some of the good ones so you can try them, too, if you're interested. Happy cooking!

As I try these, I'll post updates in red.

Blueberry Salsa (I'm intrigued by this --- could be great ... could be terrible!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Redneck Caviar (a.k.a. Texas Caviar ... but I think the name Redneck Caviar is way funnier!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Spinach Cheese Swirls
Sweet Potato Chips FAILURE (click here to view post)
Apricot-Almond Coffee Cake
Chocolate Chip "Puffins" (Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins - get where the "Puffins" comes from??)
Maple-Cardamom Sweet Potato Biscuits Needs to be waaayy re-worked... so I'll say FAILURE
Pumpkin Bread
Sourdough Bread (This one scares me! But I'm up for the challenge.)
Chocolate Fudge (Can you believe I've never made fudge? Homemade marshmallows, yes - fudge, no. Crazy.) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Honey Rum Marshmallows (I've mastered regular, so time to move on to flavors!)
Oreo Truffles SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pops (Like cake pops, but with cookie dough ... gotta do it, just gotta do it.) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Fig Nut Bars
S'more Nut Bars
S'more Whoopie Pies (I'm a bit obssessed with S'mores.)
Whoopie Pies (A family classic, but I've never made them myself.)
Neopolitan Cupcakes
Persimmon Cupcakes & Persimmon Frosting
Pomegranate Chocolate Cupcakes FAILURE
Blueberry Crisp SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blueberry Gingerbread SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blueberry Pie
Butter Pecan Pound Cake SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Loaf Cake SUCCESS!
Coconut Pie
Fig and Almond Cheesecake
Fig Tart
German Chocolate Cake
Honey Whole Wheat Pound Cake
Pie Crust (Nope, never made my own pie crust - always cheated with pre-made. Please don't be disappointed with me.) I did it ... but it wasn't great. I need to try again.
Shoo Fly Pie (Southern classic!)
Welta's Pound Cake (Another southern classic. Welta is my mother-in-law. Not sure I can live up to hers!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chipotle Mac & Cheese (Mmmmmmm ... chipotle.) FAILURE (click here to view post)
Crab, Shrimp, & Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Hamburger Stroganoff
Easy Scalloped Salmon
Roasted Grapes & Pasta SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Broccoli Salad SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blue Cheese Dressing (Have eaten it a lot, but never made my own!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Pea Salad SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Brussels Sprout Soup SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chesapeake House Fish Stew Not as good as I remember my mom making ... have to say FAILURE
Mushroom Gouda Chowder
Baked Squash
Dill Pickles (canned) (I've never canned! This one scares me a bit, too.)
Mashed Squash Casserole
Sauteed Cabbage
Sherried Fruit Bake (How can you go wrong with sherry?)

Our Family Cookbook

Blueberry Salsa (I'm intrigued by this --- could be great ... could be terrible!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Redneck Caviar (a.k.a. Texas Caviar ... but I think the name Redneck Caviar is way funnier!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Spinach Cheese Swirls
Sweet Potato Chips FAILURE (click here to view post)
Apricot-Almond Coffee Cake
Chocolate Chip "Puffins" (Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins - get where the "Puffins" comes from??)
Maple-Cardamom Sweet Potato Biscuits Needs to be waaayy re-worked... so I'll say FAILURE
Pumpkin Bread
Sourdough Bread (This one scares me! But I'm up for the challenge.)
Chocolate Fudge (Can you believe I've never made fudge? Homemade marshmallows, yes - fudge, no. Crazy.) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Honey Rum Marshmallows (I've mastered regular, so time to move on to flavors!)
Oreo Truffles SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pops (Like cake pops, but with cookie dough ... gotta do it, just gotta do it.) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Fig Nut Bars
S'more Nut Bars
S'more Whoopie Pies (I'm a bit obssessed with S'mores.)
Whoopie Pies (A family classic, but I've never made them myself.)
Neopolitan Cupcakes
Persimmon Cupcakes & Persimmon Frosting
Pomegranate Chocolate Cupcakes FAILURE
Blueberry Crisp SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blueberry Gingerbread SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blueberry Pie
Butter Pecan Pound Cake SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chocolate Loaf Cake SUCCESS!
Coconut Pie
Fig and Almond Cheesecake
Fig Tart
German Chocolate Cake
Honey Whole Wheat Pound Cake
Pie Crust (Nope, never made my own pie crust - always cheated with pre-made. Please don't be disappointed with me.) I did it ... but it wasn't great. I need to try again.
Shoo Fly Pie (Southern classic!)
Welta's Pound Cake (Another southern classic. Welta is my mother-in-law. Not sure I can live up to hers!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chipotle Mac & Cheese (Mmmmmmm ... chipotle.) FAILURE (click here to view post)
Crab, Shrimp, & Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Hamburger Stroganoff
Easy Scalloped Salmon
Roasted Grapes & Pasta SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Broccoli Salad SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Blue Cheese Dressing (Have eaten it a lot, but never made my own!) SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Pea Salad SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Brussels Sprout Soup SUCCESS! (click here to view post)
Chesapeake House Fish Stew Not as good as I remember my mom making ... have to say FAILURE
Mushroom Gouda Chowder
Baked Squash
Dill Pickles (canned) (I've never canned! This one scares me a bit, too.)
Mashed Squash Casserole
Sauteed Cabbage
Sherried Fruit Bake (How can you go wrong with sherry?)

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"T" is for Ooey Gooey Taffy Tart Squares

These have to be one of the messiest bars I have ever made. And one of the most delicious. Even without chocolate, they're pretty irresistible.

We didn't actually get to deliver them to our Alphabet Service Project recipients this week. Right after Annika and I had made them, I gave our friends a call to set up the time to bring them and was informed they had just been called out of town for a relative's medical situation. They're not back yet, so I just froze the bars to give to them later.

On to the Taffy Tart Bars. They truly are Ooey and Gooey, no doubt about it. A simple shortbread crust, topped with an incredibly rich combination including brown sugar, eggs, butter, and pecans, the flavor reminded me of some wonderful pecan bread my mom got a secret recipe for many years ago, but in a drippier bar form.
As I note in the actual recipe, even though you shouldn't over-bake these.....they're not supposed to be really firm......I think I under-baked them a little too much. It didn't affect the taste, I'm sure, but I would prefer them a little less messy.

Recipe: (from Sweetapolita)

Base:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter

Topping:
6 T. melted butter
6 eggs, lightly beaten
3 c. packed brown sugar
6 T. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 t. baking powder
2 t. vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1-1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°.
Butter a 13 x 9" pan and line with parchment paper or foil. Make sure there is an overhang of paper to allow for removing from pan after baked.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar, cutting in butter with pastry blender until crumbly. Press into pan and bake for 15 minutes or until very light golden brown on edges.

In a bowl, mix melted butter and eggs. Blend in brown sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans and pour over base.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. It should not feel "firm", if you overbake, they won't be "ooey gooey". (Note: I cooked mine to this stage, and they never firmed up at all, even in the fridge.....they were a bit too messy, although incredibly delicious. Next time I'll bake a few minutes longer)

Let cool on rack, then cover and refrigerate until very firm. Using the paper overhang, remove from baking pan and place on cutting board. Cut into squares. Keep refrigerated until you need them. They can also be frozen.

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Lentil Chili

We tried out this chili a few weeks ago and it was such a hit that I made it again less than two weeks later. That's pretty good around here! I love that it uses lentils, because they're so high in iron and are so nutritious. I did add a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) the second time because Grant wanted the texture of bigger beans too, but it's really good without them. It makes a pretty big batch, enough to feed our family for two dinners plus a little leftover. Can't complain about that! We like it served with shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.

Recipe: from Raising Olives

1-1.5 lbs. ground turkey or beef (I use turkey)

1 onion, chopped

1 lb. dry lentils

10 c. water

1 t. cumin

1 t. chili powder

2 t. salt

2 c. salsa (I use medium)

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Brown ground turkey with the onion; drain if necessary. Add lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.

Variations: Omit the meat and double the amount of lentils for a vegetarian dish. Serve over rice. Top with cheese and/or sour cream.

Recipe: from Raising Olives

1-1.5 lbs. ground turkey or beef (I use turkey)

1 onion, chopped

1 lb. dry lentils

10 c. water

1 t. cumin

1 t. chili powder

2 t. salt

2 c. salsa (I use medium)

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Brown ground turkey with the onion; drain if necessary. Add lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.

Variations: Omit the meat and double the amount of lentils for a vegetarian dish. Serve over rice. Top with cheese and/or sour cream.

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"S" is for Strawberry Streusel Bars

I've been thinking about "S" week for quite awhile, actually. I had someone in mind to be our recipient but just hadn't mentioned it to her yet. I even had the chance to say something to her about it earlier in the week when I saw her, but something in me just wanted to wait. I just wasn't sure.

I browsed once again through our church directory and a different name seemed to leap off one of the pages to me. A sweet homeschooling mom of seven kids (oldest of which is nearly as old as me, youngest is nine), precious, quiet, humble lady. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of her before. I called her and explained what we were doing and asked if we could bring her a treat to church last night. I could hear her delight in her voice. She almost sounded like she was going to cry at one point. Tears of happiness.

Annika and I got right to work making these bars. They're very easy. The base is just a lovely sugar cookie dough...baked in a bar form. I loved the texture of it....and might sometime just make it by itself! Lots easier than rolling out sugar cookies. I loved the strawberry layer, simple and fruity. The topping, I don't know. Mine did not turn out like Sweet Kat's did....that's for sure. Her's looked crumbly and beautiful....mine stayed flat and refused to get browned at all until I turned on the broiler for a couple of minutes and nearly burnt it.

I think I would prefer a streusel topping with oats and brown sugar, a little flour and softened butter. But maybe that's just me. Anyways, these did turn out yummy and so simple to make.

When we delivered them to our friend, she said that she had been having a rough day and hearing from me just turned it all around for her. She was so blessed. Not to mention glad that her name starts with "S".

It felt really good to make someone so happy by such a small gesture.....never underestimate the power of giving!

Recipe: (from Sweet Kat's Kitchen)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 cups all purpose flour

1 (10 oz) jar strawberry preserves (or desired flavor)

Topping:

1 cup flour

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. butter, cold

Preheat oven to 350°.

With an electric mixer, cream the butter with the sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Gradually stir in flour until well combined.

Press the mixture into a buttered 13 x 9" pan. I found it helped to put a bit of flour on my fingers to press it in; the dough is very sticky.

Put the preserves into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until nearly melted. Spread over base.

For topping, combine ingredients until crumbly using a pastry blender or two forks. Sprinkle evenly over preserves.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 24 bars.

To see the rest of our Alphabet Service Projects, click here!

I think I would prefer a streusel topping with oats and brown sugar, a little flour and softened butter. But maybe that's just me. Anyways, these did turn out yummy and so simple to make.

It felt really good to make someone so happy by such a small gesture.....never underestimate the power of giving!

Recipe: (from Sweet Kat's Kitchen)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 cups all purpose flour

1 (10 oz) jar strawberry preserves (or desired flavor)

Topping:

1 cup flour

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. butter, cold

Preheat oven to 350°.

With an electric mixer, cream the butter with the sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Gradually stir in flour until well combined.

Press the mixture into a buttered 13 x 9" pan. I found it helped to put a bit of flour on my fingers to press it in; the dough is very sticky.

Put the preserves into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until nearly melted. Spread over base.

For topping, combine ingredients until crumbly using a pastry blender or two forks. Sprinkle evenly over preserves.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 24 bars.

To see the rest of our Alphabet Service Projects, click here!

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Conversation with a 3-year Old

Annika: "Mom, I wish I were a grown-up just like you. And I wish I was your mom!"

Me: "Well, God made me to be your mom....but someday you'll have children of your own, the Lord willing."

Annika: "And I"m going to name her Flowy, if my husband agrees."

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