Sunday, December 8, 2013

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipes

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipes

 

 

  1. Whisk together melted butter and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Stir in flour and chopped pecans. Pour batter into a greased and floured 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
  3. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven; top warm cake evenly with marshmallows.
  4. Return to oven, and bake 5 minutes.
  5. Drizzle Chocolate Frosting over warm cake. Cool completely.
  6. 2 packages brownie mix, prepared according to package directions, may be substituted for first 7 ingredients.
  7. Stir in chopped pecans. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Proceed with marshmallows and frosting as directed.

Basic Cheese Pizza

Basic Cheese Pizza



 

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 ounce dry yeast
  • 1 cup water, lukewarm
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup tomato puree
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Dough:.

  1. In a glass or plastic bowl, combine yeast, water, and sugar (the water can just be water from the tap, make sure it's below 100°F).
  2. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let the yeast "bloom" for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1 cup flour, add salt, and then stir in another cup of flour (the remaining cup of flour will be your "bench" flour and added flour).
  4. Dump mixture onto kneading board and work in last cup of flour, kneading until dough is soft and elastic, but not sticky. Form dough into a ball.
  5. In another bowl, pour in the 1 tbsp olive oil and spread around.
  6. Coat ball of dough with oil and cover bowl with a damp towel and let dough rise for 40 minutes.
  7. Punch down dough and knead on board about 2 minutes. Dough is now ready to spread in the pan.
  8. To avoid sticking of crust, lightly spray pizza pan with olive oil or vegetable oil spray and then work dough to pan (or use free form pan) - this dough is enough for 1 14-in pizza with a thin bottom crust and enough dough around the edge to munch.

Sauce:.

  1. Combine pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, and basil.
  2. Spread onto prepared pizza dough.
  3. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese and bake at 500°F for 11-13 minutes.


Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/basic-cheese-pizza-194593

Easy Key Lime Pie

Easy Key Lime Pie



 


makes 1 - 9 inch pie
Ingredients:

  • 5 egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Combine the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk and lime juice. Mix well. Pour into unbaked graham cracker shell.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Top with whipped topping and garnish with lime slices if desired.


Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-key-lime-pie-i/detail.aspx

Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken Casserole



  makes 4 to 5 servings
Ingredients:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 32 buttery round crackers
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Boil chicken until cooked through (no longer pink inside), about 20-30 minutes. Chop into bite size pieces and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Combine soup, sour cream, onion (optional) and mushrooms (optional). Pour mixture over chicken and top with crumbled crackers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes (or freeze for baking at another time).


Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Chicken-Casserole/Detail.aspx

Easy Cheesy Breadsticks

Easy Cheesy Breadsticks





Ingredients:

  • 1 (10 ounce) can prepared pizza crust
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 425.
  2. Unroll pizza dough onto a greased cookie sheet and brush with butter.
  3. Sprinkle cheeses and spices evenly over the dough.
  4. With a pizza cutter, cut dough lengthwise into 12 long strips. Then cut those in half to make 24 strips.
  5. Do not seperate strips.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown.
  7. Recut along each strip and remove from cooking sheet.
  8. Serve sticks warm with marinara sauce.

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-cheesy-breadsticks-149066

Easy Lemon Bars

Easy Lemon Bars

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix with pudding
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Add the egg and oil; mix until well blended. Mixture will be slightly dry. Reserve one cup for the topping, and pat the rest into an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the reserved cake mix mixture over the top.
  4. Bake for an additional 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until filling is set and the topping is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

original recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-lemon-bars/detail.aspx

Wendy's Frosty

Wendy's Frosty

 

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 gallon chocolate milk

Instructions:

  1. Pour condensed milk and Cool Whip in an ice cream freezer.
  2. Fill to"fill line" with chocolate milk.
  3. Stir all ingredients, then turn on machine and let it freeze!


Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/wendys-frosty-67566

Hershey's Special Dark Truffle Brownie Cheesecake

Hershey's Special Dark Truffle Brownie Cheesecake



 

Ingredients:
Brownie Layer:

  • 6 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
  • 1-1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup Hershey's cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Truffle Cheesecake Layer:

  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (12 ounce package) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch springform pan.

2. For Brownie Layer, stir together melted butter, 1-1/4 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add 2 eggs; stir until blended. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt; blend well. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brownie layer pulls away from sides of pan.

3. Meanwhile for Truffle Cheesecake Layer, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar with electric mixer on medium speed in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in 4 eggs, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well blended.

4. Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at Medium (50%) 1-1/2 minutes or until chips are melted and smooth when stirred. Gradually blend melted chocolate into cheesecake batter.

5. Remove Brownie Layer from oven and immediately spoon cheesecake mixture over brownie. Return to oven; continue baking 45 to 50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, loosen cake from side of pan. Cool to room temperature. Remove side of pan.

6. Place remaining 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at Medium 30 seconds or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Drizzle over top of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold. Garnish as desired. Cover and refrigerate leftover cheesecake.

original recipe: http://recipe-easy.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/hersheys-special-dark-truffle-brownie.html

Mrs.Field’s Super Fudge Brownies

Mrs.Field’s Super Fudge Brownies



 

Yield: 16 brownies (2 inch squares)

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 300F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
  2. Combine unsweetened baking chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until pieces are almost melted. Remove from heat and stir until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat eggs until light yellow in color- about 5 minutes. Add sugar and blend on low until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add vanilla and melted chocolate to the egg and sugar mixture. Blend on low speed until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add flour and pinch salt. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Pour batter into greased pan. Smooth surface with a spatula and spirnkle uniformly with chocolate chips. Bake on the center rack of oven for 45-55 minutes. The batter should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
  6. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. To cut brownies, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry. Use warm knife to slice brownies. Serve chilled.


Source: http://frankiesfoods.blogspot.com/2011/02/mrsfields-superfudgebrownies-and.html

Lunch Lady Brownies

Lunch Lady Brownies





Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Butter (I use unsalted)
  • 1/2 cup of Cocoa
  • 2 cups of All Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups of Sugar
  • 4 Eggs
  • 4 teaspoons of Vanilla
  • 1 cup of Chopped Nuts (optional)

Instructions:

I melt the Butter in the microwave and put into my mixing bowl, then I add cocoa and mix together until smooth.

Add flour, and sugar. Beat together and then add eggs, vanilla, and nuts. Mix until combined. Do not over stir.

Pour into greased, floured  9x13 baking pan*.

( * An additional part of this recipe said that if you want to double the recipe, use a large baking sheet. )

Additional Note * This batter will not be runny like a cake mix. You might have to spread it out over your pan with a rubber spatula.

Bake 20-25 minutes @350 F or until done. I would check at it at 20 minutes.

Wait only about 10 minutes to frost brownies.
Frost them while they are warm (not hot).


The Chocolate Icing Recipe:

To make while the brownies bake


  • 1/4 cup of softened Butter
  • 1/4 cup of canned Milk (regular milk is fine)
  • 1/4 cup of Cocoa
  • 3 cups of Powdered Sugar
  • Dash of Salt
Mix all together and frost as desired.




Source: http://saltboxhouse.blogspot.com/2008/12/have-brownie.html

Boyfriend Brownies

Boyfriend Brownies




 

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Grease and flour a 9x9-inch baking dish.

Combine the sugar, water, and butter in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in one bag of chocolate chips and the vanilla extract until the chocolate has melted. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl, and beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Fold in the flour mixture until incorporated, then fold in the remaining bag of chocolate chips along with the walnuts. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges have started to pull away from the sides of the pan, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Boyfriend-Brownies/Detail.aspx

Best Brownies

Best Brownies

 



Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.

In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.

To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.


Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-brownies/detail.aspx

Whole-Wheat Brownies

Whole-Wheat Brownies

 

Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish; line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, applesauce, and egg. Place butter and 6 ounces chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pot of simmering water; stir until melted. Stir chocolate mixture into sugar mixture. Stir in flour mixture. Pour into pan and top with 2 ounces chocolate.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 40 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Use parchment to lift cake from pan and cut into 16 squares.



Cook's Note:

Store in an airtight container, up to 5 days.


Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/333982/whole-wheat-brownies

Flour-less Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze

Flour-less Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze





For devoted chocolate lovers' only! The ultimate chocolate indulgence, this moist and dense chocolate cake is topped with a smooth, rich dark chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream and raspberries for a delightful and elegant desert.

Ingredients:

Cake:

  • ¾ cup Hain® Organic Sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 18 oz SunSpire™ chocolate baking chips, either semi-sweet or bittersweet
  • 6 large eggs

Ganache :

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz SunSpire™ Organic Fair Trade 65% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Chips
  • Sweetened and lightly whipped cream

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 350 ˚F. Line a 10-inch spring-form pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water over low heat. Stir until sugar has melted, simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add chocolate and stir until smooth; then add in sugar mixture. Let mixture cool slightly, add in eggs and whisk until well blended.
  4. Pour batter into prepared spring-form pan. Set spring-form pan inside a roasting pan and then add enough hot water to the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Put the roasting pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until cake no longer moves in the center when lightly shaken. Remove the spring-from pan from the water bath and transfer it to a rack to allow the cake to cool completely.
  5. Bring the cream to a simmer over medium-high heat. As soon as cream begins to simmer, remove the pan from the heat, stir in chocolate and whisk until smooth.
  6. Pour ganache over the top of the cooled cake, gently rotating and turning the cake pan to distribute it evenly. Refrigerate the cake for about two 2 hours.
  7. This can be made two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.



Source: http://www.sunspire.com/recipe/flourless-chocolate-cake-chocolate-glaze

Very Moist Chocolate Layer Cake

Very Moist Chocolate Layer Cake






Ingredients:

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE ICING:

  • 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • 8 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. For the cake: Bring milk to a boil in a 1-qt. saucepan. Remove from heat, add chocolate, and cover; set aside for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9" cake pans; set aside. Whisk together flour and salt in large bowl; set aside. Dissolve baking soda in ⅓ cup hot water; set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat both sugars and shortening until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, until smooth. Add flour and chocolate mixtures alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture, and beat until smooth. Beat in soda water and vanilla. Divide batter evenly among pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. For the icing: Heat chocolate, sugar, milk, corn syrup, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat; attach a candy thermometer to side of pan, and cook until mixture thickens and reaches 220° on thermometer.

4. Pour icing into a mixing bowl; beat on medium speed of a hand mixer until slightly cooled. Add vanilla, increase speed to high, and beat until consistency of frosting. Working quickly, place 1 cake on a cake stand; spread about ½ cup icing on top. Cover with second cake; spread with ½ cup icing. Cover with last cake, and spread icing over top and sides of cakes. Let cool to set icing before cutting and serving.

Source: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Very-Moist-Chocolate-Layer-Cake

Easy Sugar Cookies

Easy Sugar Cookies



 

makes 4 dozen

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.


Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-sugar-cookies/detail.aspx

Grandma's Peanut Butter Cookies


Grandma's Peanut Butter Cookies




 
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup carnation powdered milk
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:


  1. Cream butter and peanut together in a large bowl.
  2. Add sugars and eggs, mix well.
  3. Sift together dry milk, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir into butter mixture.
  4. Let dough stand 15 minutes.
  5. Roll into balls, about the size of a walnut and place on a slightly greased baking sheet.
  6. Flatten with a fork, dipped in flour, criss-cross fashion.
  7. Bake at 375 degress for 10-12 minutes.
  8. Watch closely and remove when tops just start to brown.
  9. Wait about 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet. Cool on racks.


http://www.food.com/recipe/grandmas-peanut-butter-cookies-333572

Haunted Hooting Owl Pretzels

Haunted Hooting Owl Pretzels




Whoo-oo dare eat this menacing owl? Everyone! Though they look especially spooky, these chocolate-dipped pretzels are a hoot to make.

To make, follow these steps:

  1. Dip large pretzels in melted confectioner's coating. Place the pretzels on wax paper.
  2. As the coating sets, sprinkle with coarse black decorating sugar. Press a black jelly bean to the twist of each pretzel for the nose and small pieces of licorice candy onto the base of the pretzels for the talons.
  3. Separate a sandwich cookie and press the halves onto the pretzel for eyes.
  4. Ice white candy pieces and press onto each cookie eye, then add chocolate chips to them for pupils.
  5. Use black licorice twists as eyebrows.

Vegan Cupcakes

Vegan Cupcakes


 

makes 18 cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 18 paper baking cups.
  2. Measure the apple cider vinegar into a 2 cup measuring cup. Fill with almond milk to make 1 1/2 cups. Let stand until curdled, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk mixture, coconut oil and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter. Frost with desired frosting.


Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Vegan-Cupcakes/Detail.aspx

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

 

original recipe: http://homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com/2010/09/apple-cinnamon-roll-cupcakes.html

Ingredients:

Dough:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 cups finely chopped apples (I used Golden Delicious apples)

Instructions:


In a small saucepan, heat milk to about 110 degrees.  Add yeast and sugar to bowl of a stand mixer and pour in the milk, stir to dissolve.  Add salt and two cups of flour and beat for two minutes.  Beat in eggs and butter.  Stir in the remaining flour half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition.  Switch to dough hook and knead about five minutes, until smooth and elastic.  Spray a large deep bowl with cooking spray, shape dough into a ball, put it in the bowl, turn once to coat and cover it with a clean towel.  Set in a warm place and allow to rise for about 40 minutes or until doubled in volume.

Meanwhile make the filling by combining the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and apples in a small bowl.  Melt remaining butter in a small dish. 

Dust counter top with flour and roll out dough into a long rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.  Brush with about half of the melted butter.  Top with the apple mixture, sprinkle evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch empty on all sides.
Line cupcake pans with 24 liners.  Roll dough into a log beginning on the long side of the rectangle.  Trim off both ends to remove the uneven part that doesn't have any filling.  Slice the log into approximately 24 even pieces.  Place each piece in a cupcake liner, folding the ends together to make a “C” shape. The pieces should come to about the top of the liners.  Cover the cupcake tins with a clean towel and set in a warm place to rise for another 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Brush the tops of the cupcakes with remaining melted butter.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden.

Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • About 2 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until combined.  Start with one tablespoon of milk and add more as necessary until you have a glaze that is thick but runs easily off the spoon.  Drizzle over warm cupcakes and serve.  Store in an airtight container and reheat leftover cupcakes in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dream Bars

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dream Bars



 
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar (I used Dark brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/4 cups Quick Cooking oatmeal (NOT instant)
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2  cup peanut butter (I used creamy)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 King size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy bars, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips

Instructions:


Preheat oven to 350.

Line a 9×13 pan with tin foil and spray lighlty with PAM.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, soda, oatmeal, flour & salt until it’s crumbly.

Set aside about 1 cup or a little more.
Press the rest of the crust into prepared pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes. May 118
While crust is cooking, in a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk.
Once crust has baked, evenly pour and spread peanut butter filling over the baked crust.Be gentle so you don’t pull up the warm crust while you spread the filling. 
Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top of the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle the chopped candy bars and chocolate chips evenly over the top. Return to oven to bake for another 5-10 minutes or until topping is light golden brown and candy bars/chips are melting.
Allow to cool to make cutting and serving easier. 






Source: http://bakingblonde.wordpress.com/2009/05/14/peanut-butter-oatmeal-dream-bars/

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cakes with Caramel Sauce

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cakes with Caramel Sauce



 
SERVINGS: 4
Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed, plus more, room temperature, for ramekins
  • 1/3 cup sugar, plus more for ramekins
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • , for serving Caramel Sauce
  • Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter four 6-ounce ramekins, then coat lightly with sugar, tapping out excess. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate. Microwave until melted, about 1 minute; stir until smooth. (Or melt mixture in a heatproof bowl set over, not in, a pan of simmering water.)

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, yolks, flour, and salt; add chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. Fill each ramekin three-quarters full with batter; place on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate 15 minutes.

Bake until center of a cake is soft but not wet when pressed, 27 to 30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Serve cakes warm, topped with caramel and whipped cream.


Cook's Note:

For the best texture, don't overbake the cakes. Lightly coating the ramekins with sugar helps the cakes rise as they bake and makes them easy to unmold before serving, if you like.



Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/947733/warm-chocolate-pudding-cakes-caramel-sauce

Millionaire's Shortbread

Millionaire's Shortbread

 
Yield: 2 dozen
Ingredients:

Shortbread:

  • 2 sticks butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for preparing pans
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for preparing pans
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer:

  • 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Chocolate Topping:

  • 3/4 pound good-quality milk chocolate

Instructions:


Shortbread:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter 2 (8-inch) square nonstick pans and coat with flour, tapping off excess. Place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse once. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles peas. Press the shortbread mixture into prepared pans and bake until golden brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Caramel Layer:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Continue stirring over the heat until mixture becomes thick and amber in color, about 15 minutes. Pour the caramel over the cooked shortbread and spread evenly using an offset spatula. Cool to room temperature.

Chocolate Topping:

In a glass bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate. Once chocolate has melted, pour it over the cooled caramel layer. Cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and then place in the refrigerator to cool completely, allowing chocolate to slightly harden but not get hard. Cut into 2-inch squares and enjoy, or store in an airtight container, at room temperature, or my favorite - keep in the refrigerator for a yummy sweet and cool treat!



Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 14 fluid ounces sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass dish). In 13" x 9" baking pan, melt butter in oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter; pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Top with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool. Chill if desired. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.

Source: http://www.ghirardelli.com/recipes-tips/recipes/magic-cookie-bars

Cafe Rio Chicken

Cafe Rio Chicken


  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1/2 a small bottle of zesty italian dressing
  • 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 pkt ranch dressing mix (mixed with 1/2 cup of water)
  • 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp. ground cumin
Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on High 5-6 hours OR on Low 8 hours. Shred with fork and serve in salads, burritos, tacos…etc. You can also double or triple this to make extras for freezing. Then simply thaw and reheat for a lickity split meal.

ITALIAN BEEF STEW

ITALIAN BEEF STEW 

 I got this from the Cooking Classy blog.  I like it as a crockpot recipe.  Here is what she has to say about making it in the crock pot: "toss it all in the slow cooker (skip the browning), then walk away and come back to dinner."  I first saw this recipe after a friend pinned it on pinterest.

 

 

  • 4 medium carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch thick pieces (2 cups)
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped into 1/2-inch thick pieces (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 1/2 lbs rump roast, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz cremini mushroom, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving (optional)

  • Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Once hot add carrots, celery and onion and saute until lightly golden, about 5 - 6 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Pour mixture into a heat proof bowl and set aside.
  • Place beef in a large resealable bag, add flour and season lightly with salt and pepper. Seal bag and toss well to evenly coat beef in flour. Return pot to medium-high heat, add remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot add beef and cook stirring occasionally until beef has browned. Add 1 cup broth and red wine vinegar and cook, stirring frequently while scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned bits on bottom, until sauce has thickened. Add remaining 3 cups beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaves, potatoes, mushrooms and sauteed veggie mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover pot and simmer 3 - 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender.
  • Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Serve warm sprinkled with Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired.
  • Recipe Source: Cooking Classy