Lemon Angel Cake Bars

It is in the 90's all week (and our continuing evening thunder, lightning, and rain).  I'm not complaining because I know before long we (my husband, that is), will be shoveling snow again in the blink of an eye.

My husband has been working very hard in our yards doing everything in the landscaping world you could possibly imagine and through all the heat nonetheless!

I wanted to make him a cool dessert to enjoy as a special treat.  He has an incurable sweet tooth every night that has my daughter and I scrambling for new ideas and recipes.  I have to make sure we have some type of ice cream, cookie, pie, or bar at the ready.  It's the least we can do given how much he is doing to beautify our home outside.

I love a good bar dessert.  I thought I loved the Starbuck's Copy Cat Cranberry Bliss Bars that I make every Christmas...but now I most definitely have a new favorite!

I was a little hesitant to add a pie filling to angel food cake mix (like I would do with a Dump Cake), but this turned out so amazing!  I could not believe how easy it was to put together with not many ingredients.  It would be the perfect dessert to bring for a bridal or baby shower, Sunday brunch, or family reunion picnic!

Lemon Angel Cake Bars
Courtesy of Taste of Home

1 package (16 ounces) angel food cake mix
1 can (15-3/4 ounces) lemon pie filling
1 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut (optional)

Frosting:
1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups powder sugar
3 tsp graded lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pie filling and (optional) shredded coconut until blended;  spread into a greased 15x10x1 baking pan.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.   Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually beat in powder sugar.  Spread over cooled bars; sprinkle with lemon zest.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours.  Cut into bars or triangles.

One Year Ago: No Post
Two Years Ago:Raspberry Crumb Muffins
Three Years Ago:Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Almonds
Four Years Ago:Spaghetti Squash Fritters and White Sangria Sparkler
Five Years Ago:Turkey Chili

Banana Muffins

When one of my daughters moved back home for the summer in between school, I knew that she would want to cook and bake like she loves to do.

However, I didn't expect her to go full chef on me!  She is finding so many new recipes for us to try every week.  I think I am going to gain 20 pounds while she is home this summer...and I wouldn't change it for a minute!

These banana muffins are so easy and amazing!  We make a couple batches each time.  They are perfect to have on a relaxing weekend morning (although I have no idea what that is like), or you can carry them along during your morning commute to work or school.  LOVE these muffins!!  

Banana Muffins
Courtesy of Spend With Pennies

1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a muffin pan with paper liners (or spray muffin tin cups with non-stick spray).

Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine bananas, brown sugar, white sugar, beaten egg, vanilla and melted butter.

Make a well in the flour mixture and add the wet ingredients.  Mix just until moistened.  (Do not overmix).

Divide batter evenly over 12 muffin wells.

Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!

One Year Ago: No Post
Two Years Ago:Raspberry Crumb Muffins
Three Years Ago:Chicken, Spinach & Goat Cheese Pizza and The Frederico
Four Years Ago:Spaghetti Squash Fritters and White Sangria Sparkler
Five Years Ago:Grilled Vegetable Salad

Crock-Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

I don't know if it is the upper 90 degree heat we have been having or my new favorite Tommy Bahama Home Signature candle I have been burning...but I am really missing Hawaii right about now.  Maybe it's that I am running in every direction, as of late and desperately need a vacation.

Given that week night dinners are still challenging me, I was so very happy to find this crock pot super easy and tasty dinner.  It brought me right back to our family making dinners at our place in Kona a few years ago.

The best part of the recipe, it came together in the crock pot, before my coffee maker was even done preparing it's first pot! 

Crock-Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

6 frozen boneless chicken breasts
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (we are partial to Stubs)
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

Spray the bottom and sides of crock pot with nonstick spray.

Place the frozen chicken in the crock pot.

Add the entire bottle of BBQ sauce, covering the chicken.

Add drained can of pineapple chunks on top.

Cover and cook 8- 10 hours on low.

Enjoy with your favorite side dish.

One Year Ago:  No Post
Two Years Ago: Raspberry Crumb Muffins
Three Years Ago:Chicken, Spinach & Goat Cheese Pizza and The Frederico
Four Years Ago:Artichoke Gratin
Five Years Ago:Grilled Vegetable Salad

In the midst of all our summer record breaking heat (and much like Hawaii), we have been getting these tropical torrential downpours every evening...with hail nonetheless!  Since my daughter's furniture is still in our garage, no room to park...however, I had to get creative when the golf ball size hail came last night and save my windows!

Grilled Steak Burrito Bowls with Fajita Veggies

Perhaps it was over indulgence from the 4th of July feast we attended...(or maybe too much boozy frosting from the Beer Pong Cupcakes), I wanted to make something fresh and healthy for dinner this weekend.

This salad/burrito bowl is unbelievably good!  Now it is not something that you are going to knock out on a weeknight after work (unless you have most of it prepared ahead of time), but it is so worth the time for preparation. I could eat this every week!

Grilled Steak Burrito Bowls

Courtesy of Cuisine At Home Magazine

Puree:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (or flat leaf parsley) leaves

3 Tbl olive oil

2 Tbl white wine vinegar

4 tsp (each) fresh lime juice and orange juice

1 Tbl (each) minced fresh garlic and jalapeno, and Dijon mustard

1-1/2 tsp (each) minced lime zest and honey

salt and black pepper to taste

Season:

1 flatiron or flank steak

chipotle chile powder

1 ear corn, shucked

2 slices red onion

6 ounce sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

1 red bell pepper

Meanwhile, Heat:

1 cup canned black beans, drained

1/4 tsp (each) ground cumin, and chipotle chile powder

1 Tbl fresh lime juice

Divide:

3 cups chopped romaine

3/4 cup cooked brown rice

1/2 avocado, sliced

Preheat grill to medium-high.  Brush grill grate with oil.

Puree cilantro or parsley, vinegar, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeno, mustard, zest, and honey in a mini food processor for the vinaigrette; season with salt and black pepper.  Set aside.

Season steak with salt, black pepper, and chile powder.  Coat corn, onion slices, and sweet potato slices with nonstick spray; season with salt and black pepper.

Grill steak, covered until a thermometer inserted into the thickets part registers 130-135 degrees.  Cook on both sides until your desired doneness.  Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Grill corn, covered, turning often until kernels begin to char, about 10 minutes; when cool, cut kernels off cob.

Grill bell pepper, covered until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes; when cool, peel, seed and cut into strips.

Grill onion slices until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes, turning once; cut into strips.

Grill sweet potato slices until charred and fork-tender, about 5 minutes, turning once; cut into bite-sized pieces.

Meanwhile, heat beans, cumin and 1/4 tsp chile powder in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, 3 minutes; stir in 1 Tbl lime juice.

Divide romaine, rice, avocado, steak, corn, onion, sweet potato, bell pepper, and black beans between 4 bowls; drizzle with vinaigrette.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago:High School Graduation Party and Chronicles

Three Years Ago:Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies

Four Years Ago:Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up

Five Years Ago:Quick Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad

I have packed up all the ingredients (along with some leftover chicken) 

for an awesome work lunch too!

Beer Pong Cupcakes

 What do you make for someone who turns 21 years old on the 4th of July...Beer Pong Cupcakes of course!

Tomorrow my daughters' friend turns 21.  How cool that must be to have fireworks for your birthday every year!

In one of my internet rabbit holes, I saw these beer pong cupcakes.  Since he is going to have a party at his place with all his friends, this is a must that we have to make for him! I just couldn't resist...are these the cutest and fun cupcakes that you have ever seen!

Beer Pong Cupcakes

Courtesy of delish.com

1 box chocolate cake mix

2 (12-ounce) cans Coca-Cola, divided

1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened

4 cups powder sugar

pinch of kosher salt

1 cup white rum divided

juice of 1/2 lime

mini red solo cups

mini ping pong balls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two muffin tins with 20 liners.  In a large bowl, combine cake mix and one can of Coca-Cola and mix until smooth.

Divide batter between prepared cupcake liners.  Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make buttercream: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until fluffy.  Add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time)  and salt and beat until combined, then add 1/4 cup of rum (1 Tablespoon at a time) until fully incorporated.  Transfer buttercream to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag.  

In a medium measuring cup, combine remaining can of coke, remaining 3/4 cup of rum, and lime juice.  Use mixture to fill 20 solo shot cups halfway.

Pipe frosting in a circle around the edge of each cupcake, then place filled solo cups in the center.  Play ball! 

(please be responsible...don't drink and drive!)

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago:High School Graduation Party and Chronicles

Three Years Ago:Lemon Bundt Cake

Four Years Ago:Traeger BBQ Beef Ribs

Five Years Ago:4th of July Apple Pie Cake

* Cooks warning...I taste tested the boozy frosting a little too much and took a 2 hour nap that afternoon!

Ultimate Pizzette

During my recent trip to Oregon visiting my grandma, I had a few hours where I would also be with my mom.  She arrived in the morning and I was scheduled to leave later that afternoon.

I planned a lovely lunch for us at one of Medford's beautiful winery gardens.  I looked up the website to find out what time they opened on Wednesdays...CLOSED. 

Plan B:  Then I found another place that looked wonderful for the three of us....Open at 4pm.

Time was running out, I had to finish packing and make a decision.  I had to finally just surrender (not an easy task for me, let me tell you) and give up on our outdoor special ladies lunch for us. 

Plan C:  So in the end, we found ourselves at Olive Garden with the famous "never ending salad bowl"...and it was a lovely lunch with our three generations.  At least I found a "garden" for us!

In my search for a restaurant, I stumbled on Downtown Market Company  Such a charming place to shop and enjoy an artisan meal.  I was so sorry I couldn't get there, but I will definitely try it out during my next visit to Medford.

Their menu had a pizzette that caught my eye and I couldn't get it out of my mind.  When I returned home, I tried to create my own version for my husband and I on Friday stay home date night. 

Oh my goodness was this awesome!!!  I made two for us, but honestly next time I will make one for us to share as it was rich, many different textures, sweet, savory, and everything in between.

Ultimate Pizzette

Adapted from Downtown Market Company

Prosciutto, thin slices

Fig Jam

Heirloom Tomatoes, sliced

Basil Pesto

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Balsamic Syrup (I added a little honey to mine)

Parmesan

Arugula

Stonefire Naan, Original Flavor

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Place 2 Naan on cookie sheet next to each other.

Spread a layer of the basil pesto all over the naan.  Tear prosciutto into bite size pieces and place over pesto.  Add heirloom tomato slices over prosciutto.

Melt a few tablespoons of the fig jam, just enough to make it able to pour.  Drizzle the melted fig jam all over the pizzette.  Sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles.

Bake pizzette for approximately 10-12 minutes (or until the blue cheese just starts to melt and edge of naan turns light golden brown).

Remove pizzette from oven, top with torn arugula pieces and drizzle lightly the balsamic syrup.

Enjoy with a chilled Rose wine.

One Year Ago: Rosemary-Parmesan-Garlic Popcorn

Two Years Ago: Italian Sausage Surprise

Three Years Ago: Grilled Cobb Salad

Four Years Ago: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Five Years Ago: Pork Wellington

GGMa's Wintery Day Bean Soup

This week I am in Medford, Oregon for a change of scenery and some much needed visiting time with my 92 year amazing Grandma.  I have bragged about my Grandma in many of posts, especially her famous, fair bake-off winning Snickerdoodles!

The other day while coming through her garage, I stumbled on one of her recipe books (and yes, it has her famous Snickerdoodles recipe hidden in it).  I sat up that night and looked through every single recipe in her time and true book...some of them I remembered from growing up, and others were brand new to me.  More than anything though, I just loved looking at it, seeing her handwriting and reading her "cook's notes".

My first night for dinner there, as we were setting the table, she pulled out a tiny plate and set some frozen Belgian mini cream puffs.  She placed them with our dinner, in the middle of the table.  Right then, I went way back in time.  I had completely forgotten that when we had dinner with her growing up, Grandma always put some type of little dessert for us to enjoy after dinner.  It could have been a jello dish, fruit salad, cookies, her angel food cake...something always sweet was waiting for us when we finished our meals and I just love that!  Such a special memory.

Before I arrived, my Aunt was so nice to make up a batch of soup for us.  I found the recipe in Grandma's book.  It was so, so good.  Perfect meal for a rainy, Oregon night.  I made some cornbread to go with it that evening.  The next day, I cut it up and baked homemade croutons for the first time!  Yummy!!

Wintery Day Bean Soup
Courtesy of GGMa

2 cups mixed dried beans (at least 7 varieties)
2 Tbl salt
2 quarts water
2 cups diced smoked sausage, kielbasa or ham
1 large onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (or more if desired)
1 Tsp chili powder
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbl lemon juice.

Rinse beans and place in large kettle.  Cover with water and salt and soak overnight.

The next day, drain water from beans.  Add 2 quarts water and sausage or ham.  Simmer for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.  Add onion, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes, and lemon juice.  Simmer for another 45 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

One Year Ago: Rosemary-Parmesan Garlic Popcorn
Two Years Ago: Italian Sausage Surprise
Three Years Ago: 2020 and Time Out
Four Years Ago: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Five Years Ago: Pork Wellington

The next day for our dessert at dinner, I made a batch of lemon bars for us and cut them up in perfect little bite sized presents...they were perfect to end our meal together.

Beautiful pear orchard that I walked by during my outing one afternoon with "Bandit".  

The hillside looks like scenery right out of Tuscany.

Carne Asada Tacos

Our family are big fans of taco Tuesday, or honestly, really any day is a good day for Tacos, wouldn't you agree?!?!  My daughters have become addicts of a local hangout "Jefe's".  They have these "lunch nachos" with a cheese sauce that is out of this world.  I really must try to make a copycat version of it.  1.  Because I don't want to drive that far from our new home for plate of nachos (although very worth it), and 2.  Because I will not drink their awesome margaritas and drive. 

So, we try to keep our Mexican menus at home, and while we were graced with some sunshine on Cinco De Mayo, we also made these Carne Asada Tacos.  These make me very happy since I love to grill outside in the sunshine and take on some good tacos!

Plan ahead for these and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. 

Carne Asada Tacos

Courtesy of Traeger Grills

2 Tbl white vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 Tbl kosher salt

1 Tbl black pepper

1 tsp sugar

2 pounds, beef flank steak

8-16 tortillas, warmed

For Lime Crema:

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp lime zest, finely grated

2 tsp lime juice

Plan ahead!  This recipe requires overnight prep time.

In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, lime juice, oil, salt, pepper and sugar; whisk until salt and sugar are dissolved.  Add flank steak and turn to coat well.  Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours, turning meat occasionally.

Set your grill, or bbq to high temperature (450 degrees) and preheat.

Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade.  Place meat directly on the grill grate.  Grill covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.

Transfer steak to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil; (leave grill on high to warm tortillas later) let stand for 10 minutes.  Cut steak against the grain into thin strips; cut strips into 2 inch pieces.

Transfer steak pieces to a bowl and toss with any juices left on the cutting board.

To prepare Crema, combine finely grated lime zest, lime juice, and sour cream.

To assemble:  Warm the tortillas on the grill (or oven/muffin tin method).  Add a layer of salsa, sliced, Carne Asada, lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses, guacamole, and Lime Crema.

Serve with pinto beans and Mexican rice.

One Year Ago: Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn

Two Years Ago: Italian Sausage Surprise

Three Years Ago: Chicken Piccata

Four Years Ago: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Five Years Ago: Loaded Hasselback Potatoes

Sparkling Chianti Sangria and Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all women this weekend.  Every woman, mom or not, plays a very special role in someone's life and should be celebrated this weekend.

Including our special bird momma who I am happy to report had her baby birds this week!  They are very chatty and we love listening to them through our front door when momma comes around and feeds them....so cute! 

I'm fairly certain however, that I will need to purchase a new front door wreath...bit of a disaster up there. :(

Now that we had actual sunshine today, I am really enjoying our deck time and this new summer beverage that I am confident will be making future appearances.  Cheers!

Sparkling Chianti Sangria

1 bottle Chianti wine

1 bottle Prosecco

1 orange, sliced and quartered

1 pear, sliced and quartered

1 cup blackberries

1 apple, sliced and quartered

1 lemon, sliced and quartered

In a tall pitcher, layer all the fruits and add the bottle of Chianti.  Mix well and chill in refrigerator at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Pour 3/4 cup sangria mixture into each wine glass, dividing fruit equally.  Top each glass with 1/4 cup Prosecco.  Serve immediately.

One Year Ago: Rosemary-Parmesan-Garlic Popcorn and Childhood Memories

Two Yearss Ago: Italian Sausage Surprise

Three Years Ago: One Pan Chicken Piccata

Four Years Ago: Pan-Fried Goat Cheese and Balsamic Strawberry Salad

Five Years Ago: Mother's Day Brunch with German Pancakes

Croissant French Dip

I like to think of myself as somewhat of a French Dip connoisseur.  No really, I absolutely love a great French Dip Sandwich and I have had them everywhere all over the country.  Whenever we travel that is always my go-to during road trip lunch breaks, if it is available.

This new version is so good and just takes it to a whole new level.  Since we are yet still dealing with rain, wind and snow this week, I wanted something easy, warm and comforting.  

Croissant French Dip

1 can Pillsbury GRANDS Croissants (8 count)

8 slices deli prime rib, or roast beef

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

Preheat oven according to croissant package directions.

Lay out one croissant triangle on a flat surface.  Add 1 slice of roast beef and 1 cheese stick.

Starting at the wider end of the triangle, roll up tight and press the corner in at the end of the roll.

Lightly sprinkle the finished roll with Lawry's garlic seasoning salt.

Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Bake according to croissant package directions.

Serve with a hot cup of au jus and it will literally just melt in your mouth.

One Year Ago: Rosemary-Parmesan-Garlic Popcorn

Two Years Ago: Lemon-Blueberry Buckle

Three Years Ago: One Pan Sour Cream Enchilada Skillet

Four Years Ago: Lemon Pound Cake with Citrus Glaze

Five Years Ago:  Mother's Day Brunch with German Pancakes