Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake and Color Obsessions

I currently have a color obsession that is taking over my life.  I tend to gravitate heavily to colors every year.  I love color!  I have never been one to be of the sterile, whites, or neutrals...I must have color around me...

Last year it was "Dark Taupe", specifically Sally Hansen's "Commander In Chic".  The year before that it was "Millennial Pink".  I have the purses, cardigans, and nail polishes to prove this!  It's becoming a serious problem.

This brings me to present day's obsession...this little leaf showed up in my fall tablecloth (which I also have a problem with...buying table linens...a lot of table linens).

Anyway I have been drawn to this color.  The problem is, what color is it?  Is it blue, steel gray, dark periwinkle?  I just had a manicure with it...polish name is "Denim Patch".  Is it a denim color?  It's driving me nuts...what Pantone color is this?

Of course, I innocently even stumbled on placemats in this color at my local thrift store...and then I see this duster cardigan sweater on Pinterest...that I must have but cannot find anywhere! 

Well, while I figure out (A) what color this is, and (B) how to score this duster cardigan...I bake. 

One of my daughters showed up this weekend with one mission:  Fall Baking!  My kitchen looked like Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship by the time she left back for college.  I was exhausted!  

If you ever visit your local farmer's market in the fall and have one of their Apple Cider Doughnuts...this cake is the epitome of fall.  Oh my goodness!  

In addition to our first round of November's Suzie's Pumpkin Bread, we also made 2 of these cakes...one for my husband's office, (which didn't make it through the day) and we divided the other one up between our home and daughter's home for her roommates.

Happy Fall to you all and this season, add a little color to your life!

Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

2 Tbl unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for pan

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1-3/4 cups natural cane sugar

1 cup apple cider
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.  In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  In another bowl, whisk together 1-1/2 cups sugar, cider, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs.  Add egg mixture to flour mixture; whisk until combined.  Transfer batter to prepared pan.

Bake rotating pan halfway through, until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.  Transfer pan to a wire rack  set over a rimmed baking sheet; let cool 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix together remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Invert warm cake onto rack.  Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar.  Let cool completely before serving.  Cake can be stored, covered at room temperature up to 2 days.

One Year Ago: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Pumpkin Pie Crunch

Four Years Ago: Savory Roasted Peppers

Five Years Ago: Two Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

Six Year Ago: Churchill Downs Signature BBQ Shrimp

Braciole

Now that the holidays are rapidly approaching, you may be looking for a new recipe to add into your entertaining repertoire...and here it is!

This dish is relatively easy, if you plan accordingly...in other words, you don't want to rush this one. Your guests will be amazed and think you spent all day in the kitchen (which you actually will not need to).

Prepared correctly, this flank steak literally melts in your mouth..  Your home will smell phenomenal as your guests arrive to be greeted by you, ever so relaxed because you've got this whole holiday entertaining thing down!   Enjoy!

Braciole

Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

1/2 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs

1 garlic clove, minced

2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano

1/3 cup grated provolone

2 Tbl chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

4 Tbl olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 (1-1/2 pound) flank steak

1 cup dry white wine

3 1/4 cups Simple Tomato Sauce, store-bought marinara sauce (or your own recipe)

Stir the first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl to blend.  Stir in 2 tablespoons of the oil. 

 Season mixture with salt and pepper and set aside.

Lay the flank steak flat on the work surface.  

Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the steak to cover the top evenly.  

Starting at 1 short end, roll up the steak as for a jelly roll to enclose the filling completely. 

 Using butcher's twine, tie the steak roll to secure.  Sprinkle the braciole with salt and pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.  Add the braciole and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.  

Add the wine to the pan and bring to a boil.  Stir in in the marinara sauce.  

Cover partially with foil and bake until the meat is almost tender, turning the braciole and basting with the sauce every 30 minutes.  After 1 hour, uncover and continue baking until the meat is tender, about 30 minutes longer.  The total cooking time should be about 1-1/2 hours.

Remove the braciole from the sauce.  Using a large sharp knife, cut the braciole crosswise and diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices. 

 Transfer the slices to plates.  

Spoon the sauce over and serve.

One Year Ago:  Maple and Rosemary Chicken

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Surprise Quiche

Four Years Ago: Cioppino

Five Years Ago: Sweet Shrimp and Spicy Sausage Skewers

Six Years Ago: Pear Tart

My secret ingredient...Pasta Jay's Marinara Sauce!
I stock up my pantry with all this beautiful goodness...now available to order online, which I highly recommend, it's amazing! 

Chicken Cotoletta

As I have previously mentioned, I have been on a chicken overload as of late.  We are trying to do less red meat...seafood just gets too expensive every week....and also trying to cut back on the pasta as an entire meal...so there you have it, as they say, "winner, winner, chicken dinner!"

This one is actually so great!  Super simple to knock out on a weeknight after work and oh so yummy!  That squeeze of lemon at the end when you pull them right out of the skillet, just takes this dish to a different level.  I know what you're thinking..."easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!"  Yes, you are absolutely correct!  Enjoy.

Chicken Cotoletta

Courtesy of Anna O'Halloran and Tasty.com

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

2 cups bread crumbs

2 Tbl fresh, flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbl milk

kosher salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbl unsalted butter

olive oil, for frying

lemon wedges, for serving

Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.  Using the rigid side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken until 1/4-inch thick.

Add the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs to 3 separate, shallow bowls.

To the dish with eggs, add the parsley, garlic, and milk.  Season with salt and pepper.  Mix with a fork to combine.

Add the Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs and stir to combine.

Working 1 piece at a time, coat the chicken cutlets in the flour, shaking off any excess, then the egg mixture, then the bread crumbs.  Set the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add enough olive oil to come 1/4 inch up the side of the pan.  Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.  Add more oil as needed for subsequent batches.  Drain the chicken on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.  Season with a pinch of salt.

Serve the chicken with lemon wedges.  Paired this dish with grilled zucchini slices.

One Year Ago: Cowboy Beans

Two Years Ago: No Post 

Three Years Ago: Surprise Quiche

Four Years Ago: Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake

Five Years Ago: Cherry-Cheese Galette

Six Years Ago: Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Sonia's Stuffed Mushrooms and Making Friends with Food

My husband and I were having one of our debriefing nights last week after work.  I was reliving memories of a friend that I learned just passed away the night before...way too young.

Sonia was one of the first friends I made when I moved to the Palm Springs area after college.  We were co-workers and became good friends, then a couple years later roommates.  Sonia had impeccable taste and a true perfectionist.  She was a very talented designer and a kind, caring soul.

One vivid memory I have of Sonia during my college internship was her taking me to El Pollo Loco during our lunch hour.  Since I was from Alaska, I had no idea what this restaurant was...but I loved it! We spent these lunches getting to know each other and where we had both come from.  We laughed about our college experiences (as we both went to the same design school).  We talked about our dreams and plans for the future.

Sonia taught me the correct way to eat their 2 piece chicken platter.  First, you definitely must upgrade to the all chicken breast only plate...totally worth it.  Second, slather their frozen butter all over the flour tortilla before you fill it with the chicken, rice and beans.  Delicioso!!

Sonia was also an incredible cook.  She was famous for her turkey tacos and taught me this unbelievably, easy oven halibut that is amazing!  I also have her recipe for the best oven baked artichoke dip that I could just eat by the spoonful.

I also remembered these stuffed mushrooms that Sonia would make for every company potluck, baby shower, and "friendsgiving".  They are such a delectable treat.  I try to make them every year for either Christmas or New Years parties...or even just Friday nosh night at home.

Sonia will be very missed by all her loving friends and family.  I am still in shock, but pray and know that she is in a kinder, better place now.  I will definitely keep making her recipes and remembering her forever.

In honor of Sonia, I made her mushrooms this weekend.  I am so happy that she gave me her family recipe 25+ years ago.  As you can see from the photo of her original recipe she gave me, this has been well used...and yes that is melted butter stains all over it.  You know it's a good recipe when it is covered in its ingredients... wouldn't you agree?  More than that though, I truly am blessed that she was brought into my life.

Sonia's Stuffed Mushrooms

1-1/2 pounds large mushrooms (some small & large)

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1-1/2 tsp salt

1 cup seasoned stuffing mix (crushed with rolling pin)

1 cup Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded

1 cup minced fresh onion

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 Tbl minced parsley

1/4 tsp Oregano

Pull stems and chop up mushrooms, wash and soak in water the rest.  When caps are clean, lay out on towel and dry well.

While mushroom caps are drying, cook chopped stems with butter, onion, salt, parsley, oregano, and garlic for 5 minutes.

Stir in stuffing crumbs and cheese.

Take off stove and spoon in mushroom caps.

Put oven rack at lowest level.  Broil for approximately 8 minutes, watching them carefully so as to not burn.

The secret ingredient to this...Stove Top Savory Herbs Stuffing!

One Year Ago: Cowboy Beans

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Surprise Quiche

Four Years Ago: Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake

Five Years Ago: Creamy Artichoke Bruschetta

Six Years Ago: Linguine with Lemon, Prosciutto, and Cream

Care Packages For My Pumpkins

Tomorrow is Halloween, or as we have now called it, "Kyloween", after our black lab. 

I LOVE making and sending care packages to our grandchildren...my little pumpkins.  Honestly, I just love sending care packages to everyone!

I have been spending too much time on Pinterest (shocking) while I am on the bus, or have some down time at night.  So many fun, fun, fun ideas for kids.

I had extras of everything, so I also sent some off to both daughters and their roommates.  Even 20 years olds (especially 20 year olds) love goodies too!

We will of course be enjoying our annual-traditional crockpot of Tamale Casserole, which I think is now in its 25th year of being served for Halloween!

One Year Ago: Sammy's Shark Bite

Two Years Ago: No Post 

Three Years Ago: Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Four Years Ago: Shortbread S'Mores Cups

Five Years Ago: Little Bear, Monsters Boo, and TyKU

Six Years Ago: Tamale Casserole

Apple Pie and Fall Nights

"I am really wanting an apple pie."  This mantra kept getting repeated from my husband...over and over and over. 

There is a lot that I can (and do) cook and bake...but I don't do pies.  (I also don't wash windows, but that's a whole other discussion)...I don't know why I don't bake pies, I just don't do them.

I said, "Sorry, I'm not baking an apple pie".  He replied, "Fine, I'll bake one myself". 

(Then my little voice inside thinks...oh, this should be good to see play out.)

Not only did I eat his apple pie...I had to eat my words too.  His apple pie was awesome!  I'm not just saying that in case he reads this post.  It really was one of the best pies I've tasted!

We took advantage of a beautiful sunset and goregous fall night with dinner on our deck, before our next upcoming blizzard hits.  Candles, 19 Crimes Pinot Noir, our famous family salad, my Pot Roast, and finished it off with his apple pie.

His top crust may not be Pinterest photo worthy, but it definitely made up for it with flavor!

Apple Pie

Courtesy of Taste of Home

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 Tbl all-purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (we used Granny Smith)

1 Tbl lemon juice

Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches) (like Pillsbury refrigerated prepared pie crusts)

1 Tbl butter

1 large egg white

Additional (Sugar In The Raw)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine the sugars, flour and spices; set aside.  In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice.  Add sugar mixture; toss to coat.

Line a 9 inch pie plate with bottom crust; trim even with edge.  Fill with apple mixture; dot with butter.  Roll remaining crust to fit top of pie; place over filling.  Trim, seal and flute edges.  Cut slits in crust.

Beat egg white until foamy; brush over crust.  Sprinkle with Sugar In The Raw.  Cover edges loosely with foil.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.  Remove foil and bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 20-25 minutes longer.  Cool on wire rack.

One Year Ago: Honey Soy Salmon

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Baked Spaghetti and Spiking Cancer

Four Years Ago: Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Five Years Ago: Greek Shrimp Saganaki

Six Years Ago: Chicken Tortilla Soup

After we enjoyed our pie on the deck husband said, "I even learned how to do an egg bath."  It took me a minute...I said, "Do you mean an egg wash?"

One Pot Chicken and Sage Dumplings and The First Snow

They predicted and saw the snow coming on every radar.  We had plenty of warning, and yet we didn't.  My husband and I came home from work Wednesday night to gale force winds.

We were running around like a tornado out of control, trying to pull in the umbrella, patio furniture, pillows...all the pretty summer things that were soon to be no more.

We got everything in just in time.  An hour later it sounded like our roof was being shot at...hail...and lots of it.  My husband opened the front door and there was a mix of lightning, thunder, torrential rain and hail.   I did not want to see any of it.  I am just not ready for winter.  I turned on our fireplace and enjoyed my wine, in complete denial of what was about to come.

We woke up to snow and a fair amount of it.  The worst part was all the rain the night before turned into sheets of very slick glass that is never fun to drive on.   My daughter sent me this photo of her walk to school this morning.  It is actually quite beautiful some days.

I am fortunate to work from home when needed, so I took that option...and made Chicken and Dumplings.  Warm comfort that made the house smell so wonderful and cozy.

One Pot Chicken and Sage Dumplings
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

2 bone in skin on chicken breasts

kosher salt and black pepper

2 Tbl extra virgin olive oil

2 shallots, thinly sliced

2 ribs of celery, chopped

6 carrots, chopped

2 Tbl fresh thyme leaves

2 quarts low sodium chicken broth

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbl chopped fresh sage, plus fresh sage leaves for serving

1 cup buttermilk

2 ounces grated Parmesan or crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

1 Tbl chopped fresh chives, for serving

Season the chicken all over the salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.  When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.  Toss in the shallots and cook another 3-5 minutes.  Add the celery, carrots, and thyme.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook another 5 minutes.  

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat.  Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Meanwhile, make the dumplings.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sage, and a pinch of each of salt and pepper.  Add the buttermilk and cheese and mix until just combined.

Remove the chicken from the soup and shred using 2 forks, discard the bones and skin.  Set aside.

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.  Drop a heaping tablespoon of the dough into the soup, adding about 6 dumplings to the soup at a time.  Cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and puffy.

Carefully move the dumplings aside and slide the shredded chicken into the soup.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide the soup and dumplings between bowls and serve.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago: Honey-Soy Salmon

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Coconut Chicken with Mango Sauce

Four Years Ago: Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Five Years Ago: German Chocolate Bundt Cake

Six Years Ago: Greek Salsa Chicken

Three Cheese Italian Sausage Rosa Pasta Bake and Terrible Pups

Whenever our girls happen to come back home at the same time, whether it's just for family dinner night, or a weekend, we have a saying..."the band is back together again"!

Our dogs are particularly ecstatic when they come home, because their people (pack) is complete once again!

The problem is, that when the band breaks up (the girls go back home to their campuses/apartments), the pups get very sad and extra, extra bad.

Exhibit A:  When I get into the shower I come out of my bathroom to this...the pups feel the need to have a Kong fest and shred my bed in 3.5 seconds flat!

If my morning wasn't frustrating enough, when I am on the bus coming home, my husband texts me a photo of my home office.  I wanted to cry, but I was on the bus, so I couldn't cry.  I am not a fan of my Labradors this week.  They are making it their personal mission to be on a search and destroy mission!

Since I am still trying to figure out (and not very successfully) how to cook for 2 people, I end up making large dishes and dividing them into 2 and giving to girls for their kitchens and roommates.

This pasta dish was the perfect thing to divide up...one pan for the "band members", and one pan for me and my husband.  

The original recipe calls for cooked, shredded chicken breast, but I have been experimenting so much with chicken as of late, I changed it up to Italian sausage...and it was awesome!

Three Cheese Italian Sausage Rosa Pasta Bake

Adapted from Plain Chicken's "Three Cheese Chicken Rosa Pasta Bake"

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta

1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground Italian sausage

2 (15 ounce) jars Bertolli Four Cheese Rosa Sauce

1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.

While pasta is boiling, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet on medium-high heat, until cooked through.  Drain any grease/oil.

In a very large bowl, stir together the cooked sausage, Four Cheese Rosa sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, garlic, eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.  Add the cooked pasta and mix well.

Pour pasta mixture into prepared pan.  Top with remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly.

One Year Ago: Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Pluot Crostada Galette

Four Years Ago: Ribdemption and BLT Macaroni Salad

Five Years Ago: Spaetzle with Gruyere and Carmelized Onions

Six Years Ago: Greek Salsa Chicken

Spinach-Artichoke Dip and Spoopy Season

As I thought we would be "eas'n into the season"...Fall is definitely here.  We are even expecting our first snow fall this coming week.  Our mornings are super chilly and the afternoons are full of warm sunshine and beautiful sunsets!  This is without a doubt my favorite time of year!

My home's current condition clearly shows that I have spent way too many hours on Pinterest over the last ten years!...

....and too much $$$ at Kirklands and Hobby Lobby!

I think it goes without saying that I love decorating for fall.

My daughters call it "Spoopy" time...and now they've got me saying it.

I think it means to decorate a little bit spooky with a little bit of sparkle.

I also need to satisfy my husband's sweet tooth with some fall treats as well.

Well, okay...I do love my Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter too...pour that beautiful goodness over a brick of cream cheese, open a box of Original Wheat Thins and call it good!

I also love these Fall Leaf Chips that Trader Joe's releases every year.  So good!!!

They paired beautifully (for the photos and my taste buds) with this Spinach-Artichoke Dip.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Best Foods Olive Oil mayonnaise

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1-1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out

pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, add sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, drained spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, salt and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.  Combine until smooth.

Spray an 8x8 glass baking dish with nonstick spray.  Pour dip mixture in dish and spread evenly.

Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers or toasted baguette slices.

One Year Ago: Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

Four Years Ago: Ribdemption and BLT Macaroni Salad

Five Years Ago: Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

Six Years Ago: Apple of My Eye Dumplings