Uncategorized

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Gingerbread cookies are a staple of the holidays this version, is soft, sweet and delicious. The Maple Glaze makes it extra sweet. You will also enjoy these delicious cookies without the icing as well. Feel free to decorate for the season/holidays. My granddaughters enjoyed adding their special sprinkles to their cookies.

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

INGREDIENTS:

Gingerbread Cookies

  • 3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10.75 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • granulated sugar for rolling

Maple Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3/4 to 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • pinch of salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses; mix until incorporated.
  3. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and ginger. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Scoop into small balls (a little smaller than the size of a golf ball) and roll in sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes; remove from pan so the cookies can sink / flatten slightly as they cool. 
  5. Allow the cookies to cool fully. Whisk maple glaze ingredients together until smooth. Dip one side of the cooled cookies into the maple glaze, set on a piece of wax paper, and add a few festive sprinkles before the glaze sets! So fun

Recipe from PinchofYum

Soups and Stews

Turkey & Wild Rice Soup — Trader Joe’s Style

cathysmahaLeave a comment

What’s better on a cold night that soup! This Turkey & Wild Rice Soup is very good and easy to make. I must admit, I didn’t use all Trader Joe’s ingredients, but the Holiday Vegetable Hash is such an easy, wonderful addition. If you have a TJ’s near you, I’d highly recommend it!

Turkey & Wild Rice Soup — Trader Joe’s Style

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 tablespoons TJ’s Olive Oil
  • 1 package TJ’s Holiday Vegetable Hash (seasonal)
  • TJ’s Sea Salt & Pepper
  • 1 package TJ’s Sliced Cremini Mushrooms
  • 2 packages TJ’s Turkey Stock (seasonal) OR Chicken Stock (2 boxes)
  • 1 cup TJ’s Wild Rice (I have also used their Harvest Blend)
  • 2 cups cooked leftover TJ’s Turkey (or Chicken)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  2. When oil is hot, add hash and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté until onions are translucent, 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add mushrooms and sauté another 5 minutes.
  4. Add stock and rice to pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Remove lid, add turkey and continue to simmer another 15-20 minutes, until rice is cooked through.
  6. Season to taste with sea salt & pepper. Ladle soup into large bowls and enjoy! 

Recipe from Trader Joe’s

Breads

Cranberry Brie Sheet Pan Biscuits

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Marrying two of my favorite fall flavors, Brie and Cranberry, into a biscuit was too good to skip. The fresh herbs and the drizzle of honey makes these savory biscuits a must for a special fall meal or Thanksgiving dinner. They are especially good warm from the oven. Even my grandsons liked them…but who doesn’t love a biscuit with honey!

Cranberry Brie Sheetpan Biscuits

INGREDIENTS:
  • Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook’s Note)
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
  • 2 1/2 sticks (20 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus
  • more for serving
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, plus more for brushing
  • 8 ounces Brie, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup honey
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray an 18-by-13-inch half sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and 2 teaspoons of the salt in a large bowl. Rub 4 tablespoons of the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until completely absorbed. Work the remaining 16 tablespoons butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized bits of butter remain. Use a fork to stir in the buttermilk until the mixture comes together into a shaggy dough. (Don’t overmix the dough.)
  3. Add the Brie, parsley, cranberries, chives and thyme to the bowl and gently mix with lightly floured hands, folding the dough over itself (this is where the flaky layers will form) until the ingredients are just combined.
  4. Turn the dough out onto the prepared sheet pan and use lightly floured hands to evenly distribute the dough into the prepared pan. Using a paring knife, gently score 24 squares on top of the dough, making sure the knife does not cut through to the bottom of the biscuit. (If baking the biscuits the following day, cover gently with plastic wrap at this point and refrigerate up to 24 hours.)
  5. Brush the top of the dough with more buttermilk. Bake until the biscuit top is lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then use a paring knife to follow the score marks to cut through the biscuits.
  6. Meanwhile, mix the honey with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Drizzle the honey over the warm biscuits. Serve the biscuits warm or at room temperature with more butter, if desired.

Recipe from Food Network

Holidays · Salads · Sauces

Cranberry Orange Sauce

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Cranberry Orange Sauce is a Thanksgiving staple and now that the grandkids have discovered it, I have to make a double batch. While the Sauce is delectable with the Turkey and sides on Thanksgiving day, a turkey sandwich with the sauce is heavenly. I always hope that the turkey and the cranberry sauce run out at the same time.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, from two oranges
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (do not use dried)
  • Zest of one orange, about 2 teaspoons
  • Pinch salt
DIRECTIONS:
  1. In a medium sauce pan over high heat, bring the orange juice, water and sugar to a boil. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and salt and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and boil gently for 10 to 12 minutes, until most of cranberries have burst open. (You may need to mash them a bit with a spoon.)
  2. Transfer sauce to a serving bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  3. Make-Ahead/Freezing Instructions: Cranberry sauce will keep for 10 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Recipe from Onceuponachef

Family Favorites · Holidays · Vegetables

Broccoli with Garlic Egg Sauce

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Broccoli with Garlic Egg Sauce is a family favorite and served with holiday meals or gatherings. Now I know it sounds somewhat disgusting, but, trust me, it’s delicious. I came across this recipe several years ago in the cookbook from popular Denver restaurants. The cookbook is long gone but the memory of the recipe is still with me. If anyone knows of the origin of the recipe at a Denver establishment, please comment.

Broccoli with Garlic Egg Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 pound fresh broccoli, washed and cut into flowerettes
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, shelled and diced
  • 3-4 T. olive oil
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • bread crumbs, about 1/2-1 cup
  • salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Steam the broccoli until tender.
  2. Heat olive oil in pan. Add minced garlic and saute. Add chopped eggs, salt and pepper. Stir in bread crumbs.
  3. Place broccoli in a serving dish and top with the garlic egg sauce.

Attribution

Fish · Pastas · Uncategorized

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Shrimp Scampi is a favorite for our family and daughter, Sarah, made this delicious dish. It was so yummy and the kids devoured it, too. Definitely worth a place in the recipe box (or in today’s term, digital file).

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1-2 lbs fresh shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • Angel Hair Pasta
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 6-8 whole cloves of garlic
  • 1 diced shallot
  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh basil
  • Parsley

For the Shrimp:

  • Milk
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS:
  • Pour enough olive oil in a large sauce pan to cover the bottom, turn to medium high heat. This is the only pot you’ll need for the sauce so it should be big.
  • Soak the shrimp in milk and combine the dry ingredients (flour, cheese, salt, pepper). Coat the shrimp with the dry ingredients and let them fry in the olive oil, About 2 minutes per side until golden brown. The flour that falls off the shrimp will add great flavor and consistency to the sauce. Add more oil as necessary, between batches of shrimp. Dab the shrimp with a paper towel and put aside.
  • Add the garlic to the oil, stir for a few minutes, then turn the heat to medium low.Taste the food and spice accordingly, you’ll definitely need some salt. Now add the wine and bring it to a boil. Then turn the heat to low and cover, let the wine reduce, about 10-15 minutes.
  • COOK ANGEL HAIR PASTA in a separate pot.
  • Add the cream, and bring it back to a boil, turn heat to low and simmer for 10 more minutes. Now add the fried shrimp, Basil, diced tomato, and parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  • To plate pour some sauce on a arange the shrimp around the bottom (10 or so), then take a ball of the pasta and plate that above the shrimp. garnish with a little parsley.

Recipe from Food.com

Appetizers · Vegetables

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites with Creamy Onion Dip

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are absolutely delicious. This recipe is easy to prepare and great as an appetizer or as a side dish. I haven’t tried this with my grandkids buy I think they would eat it, too. I do love a roasted vegetable, and this one is over the top!

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites with Creamy Onion Dip

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 small head cauliflower, cut into thinly sliced florets (about 1/2″ thick)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 1/2 to 3 tbps unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (I used dried parsley)
  • For the dip:
    • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (I used dried parsley)
    • 2 tbsp chopped chives
    • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • pinch of black pepper
  • Toppings (optional): fresh chopped parsley
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat over to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Add the butter to a large casserole dish or cookie sheet and place in the oven while it preheats to melt.
  3. Add the parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper to a small bowl. Mix to combine. Set aside.
  4. Add the cauliflower to a large bowl, then add the olive oil, remaining salt and pepper, and parsley. Toss to combine.
  5. Remove the casserole dish from the oven, add the parmesan cheese mixture to the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
  6. Place the cauliflower florets into the dish, flat down. Sprinkle any of the remaining parsley or cauliflower bits over the top, then sprinkle a little bit more parmesan cheese.
  7. Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the parmesan on the bottom has browned. Remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  8. While the cauliflower roasts, make the dip. Add the sour cream or yogurt to a small dish, then add salt, onion powder, parsley, chives and pepper. Mix to combine.
  9. Place the cauliflower on a plate, top with parsley and serve with the dip.

Recipe from StarInfiniteFood

Uncategorized

Air Fried Artichoke Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing

cathysmahaLeave a comment

My Air Fryer was calling to me to please try this recipe. I love artichokes, I love salad with parmesan, so what’s to lose! The air fried artichokes were delicious, just to start, but the crunch of the brussel sprouts and celery with the flavorful lemon Parmesan dressing was delicious. I served the dressing separately so I could enjoy the leftovers the next day. It’s a delicious salad that I’ll be making again soon!

Air Fried Artichoke Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cans artichokes in water, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper
  • 6 cups Brussels sprouts
  • 4 stalks of celery, diced
  • 1 can white beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated plus more for topping, if desired
DIRECTIONS:
  1. To make the Air Fryer Artichokes:
  2. Pat drained artichokes well with a tea towel, then transfer to a bowl.
  3. Toss artichokes with minced garlic, one tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
  4. Transfer them to an air fryer basket and air fry for at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
  5. Once they are crispy and browned, let them cool for a couple of minutes, then slice in half. Reserve.
  6. To Make the Dressing and Salad:
  7. In a glass jar or bowl, combine the minced shallot, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  8. Whisk or shake to combine.
  9. Shave the Brussels sprouts thinly on a mandoline, or using a very sharp knife.
  10. Add these to a large serving bowl along with the white beans, celery, artichokes and parsley.
  11. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  12. Top with a little bit more Parmesan, if desired, and serve.

Recipe from Kathleenashmore.com

Breads · Breakfast

Easy 3 Ingredient Bagels

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Who ever heard of such an easy recipe for bagels? I had to try this recipe and I was so surprised at how delicious they were. I ate one fresh from the oven with cream cheese and the next day I toasted one and also served with cream cheese. Delish! I shared with the family and they agreed that they were delicious. I only dipped the egg-washed dough in Everything But the Bagel seasoning but additional salt could be added.

Easy 3 Ingredient Bagels

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 cups All purpose flour
  • 3 cups Greek yogurt
  • 4 1/2 tbs Baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups
  • Everything bagel spice
  • Salt (optional)
  • 1 large Egg
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat over to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Into a bowl pour in flour, greek yogurt, salt, baking powder, and salt. Using a wooden spoon mix together until a shaggy dough forms. Pour out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough with your hands for about 2 minutes. 
  3. Divide the dough into 9-12 equal sized balls. Using your thumb and index finger pinch through the middle to form a hole in the middle of each ball. Gently stretch them and then place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. Brush on egg wash and them gently drop the egg washed side of the bagel into the everything bagel seasoning. Feel free to use any flavouring you like. 
  5. Place the bagels on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Toast and enjoy.

Recipe from East Coast Kitchen

Cookies and Bars

Crave’s Rockstar Cookie Recipe

cathysmaha3 Comments

These cookies are amazing! I’m not familiar with Crave’s cookies, but this recipe was intriguing with the addition of crushed pretzels. I’ve never made cookies this big but follow the recipe for the best results. I baked for the full 15 minutes and would stop at 13 minutes next time. They do continue to book on the sheet and you don’t want them to cook too long and dry out. Make sure you let them rest for the full 20 minutes to set up. Then grab a glass of milk or a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Crave’s Rockstar Cookie Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chunks
  • 3/4 cup crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup toffee bits
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • sea salt for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  2. Measure out the milk chocolate chips, semi sweet chunks, pretzels and toffee bits into a bowl. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth, light in color and fluffy. This will take a few mintues.
  4. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix in the egg add vanilla.
  5. Once completely combined, stop the mixer and add in the flour, baking soda and salt.
  6. Start mixing slowly, once the flour mixture is about half way incorporated into the dough, pour the chocolate chips, pretzels and toffee bits into the mixer and allow everything to mix together.
  7. Stop the mixer as soon as the flour is completely incorporated. Avoid over mixing.
  8. Measure out the dough into generous 1/3 cup portions or weigh out 6 oz of cookie dough for each cookie. Loosely gather the dough together in a tall ‘ball’ leaving the top jagged, for texture. Avoid packing the dough together tightly.
  9. Repeat this with all of the cookie dough.
  10. Bake at 350° for 13-15 minutes, or until the cookie dough has spread and the edges are turning golden brown.
  11. Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, use the back of a metal spoon and push the edges of the cookie towards the center, creating a perfect circle.
  12. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 20 minutes.*
  13. Serve warm.

*The cookies will continue to bake on the hot pan, so it is okay if the center of the cookies still look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Recipe from CookingwithKarli