Halloween Cookies!

These Halloween sugar cookies are so much fun to make....and eat :)  To frost the cookies I find it best to pipe around the edges of the cookie first and allow to dry.  From there I add a little extra water to the remaining frosting to make it easier to spread, then frost the cookie!

Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 confectionery sugar
2 sticks butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt

In large mixing bowl cream together sugar and butter.  Add in egg and vanilla and almond extracts.  In another bowl mix together remaining ingredients.  Add to wet ingredients and mix together.  Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Divide dough in half and roll out onto a floured surface.  Cut into desired shapes and bake for 8-10 minutes.  Allow to cool completely before frosting.


Royal Icing

4 cups confectionery sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
6 tablespoons water

In mixing bowl combine all ingredients.  Mix on low for about 5 minutes.  Frosting will be stiff, add water by the teaspoon until desired consistency is met.  Color with gel food coloring!

Perfect Parmesan Pork!

I love parmesan pork chops!  I have tried a handful of different recipes and they just don't pack the punch I look for.  So the other night I decided to just wing it on my own...and tada!!  A perfect parmesan pork chop!!  I was really excited :)  On the side I made a basic risotto and yummy parmesan garlic broccoli.  It was a great weeknight dinner- most of the prep can be done earlier in the day!  I hope you enjoy :)

Parmesan Pork Chops

4 thick cut pork chops (I like to buy a center cut loin and slice my own chops)
4-6 eggs
1-2 cups freshly grated parmesan
panko bread crumbs
flour
salt and pepper
butter
olive oil


Trim pork chops of any excess fat and pound out until about 3/4-1 inch thick.  Set out 4 shallow dishes (or paper plates for quick clean up).  In one dish mix 1 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, mix.  Next dish crack and lightly beat 4 eggs.  Place 1-2 cups breadcrumbs in another dish and grated parmesan in the next.  When coating the chops you may need to add in more ingredients so keep them handy!

Coat chop with flour.  Dip chop in the egg, coat on both sides.  Next, coat with parmesan cheese.  Place chop back into the egg and coat, then coat with bread crumbs. 

Set chop aside on plate.  Repeat all steps until chops are completed, separate on plate with wax paper.  Set chops in fridge for at least 1 hour. 

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  In large fry pan heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.  Place chop into pan and cook about 2 minutes on each side, chops should be golden brown on each side.  Set on paper towels.  Continue with all chops.

Place chops on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 3-5 minutes until cooked through!



Parmesan Garlic Broccoli

3 large broccoli crowns, cut
1 cup freshly grated parmesan
2 minced garlic cloves
olive oil
kosher salt and pepper

Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Place broccoli onto baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Toss to coat.  Roast for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally. 

Meanwhile, in serving dish mix together garlic and cheese, season with salt and pepper.  Mix in broccoli and serve.




   

   

Steaks with Burgundy Pepper Sauce

I saw this dish on an ad for a restaurant in the area and it looked delightful!  I tried to recreate it as best I could and it came out great. 

Steaks with Burgundy Pepper Sauce

4 delmonico steaks

4 slices prosciutto

8 slices provolone cheese

2 red peppers, sliced into medium strips
2 green peppers, sliced into medium strips
1 large sweet onion, sliced
2 cups burgundy wine
1 cup tomato sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
olive oil
butter
coarse salt and pepper
1 pound pasta, cook according to box

Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper, set aside.
 

In large frying pan heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter with 3 cloves minced garlic.  Saute for about 1 minute.  Add in pepper and onions.  Saute until soft appx. 10 minutes.  Remove peppers and onions from pan, leave drippings in pan.  Increase heat to high and add in wine.  Boil until wine in pan thickens, appx 3-5 minutes.  Add in tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper.  Add in onions and peppers, reduce heat to low and simmer.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper.  Place steaks on hot grill.  Cook 3-4 minutes on each side and remove from grill.  Place steaks on jelly roll pan and top each with one slice prosciutto and 2 slices provolone cheese.  Place in oven until cheese is melted, appx. 2-3 minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with pepper mixture.  Serve with pasta on the side!

Cookie Cutters!

Shortbread Cookies

1lb unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

In large mixing bowl beat butter over medium speed until creamy.  Add in sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beat thoroughly.  Mix in vanilla.

In medium bowl mix together flour, corn starch and salt.  Gradually add to butter mixture over low speed.  Dough will be thick.

Pour dough onto parchment papered surface.  Form into a ball and cut into four pieces, this makes it easier to roll out.  

Cut into desired shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Cover with saran wrap and place in fridge for 2 hours.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Sprinkle with sugar (optional), and bake for 20-25 minutes!  Makes about 3 dozen cookies, with a med-large cookie cutter!

Colored Sugar

1/4 cup sugar
various colors of food coloring

Measure sugar into small lidded container.  Add in 2 drops of food coloring.  Place lid on container and shake vigorously.  Remove lid and with a fork separate out any clumps that may have formed and shake again.  Add in more coloring if needed and repeat steps until desired color is reached!

Sunday Brunch!

Bacon Swiss Egg Cups

12 medium eggs
12 slices of bacon
12 slices of white or wheat bread

1-2 cups swiss cheese
12 tablespoons cream
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease 12 cup muffin tin.  Line a microwave safe plate with paper towels.  Place bacon on lined plate and cover with another paper towel.  Cook in microwave for 2-3 minutes.  Bacon should be only slightly cooked. 

Using a round cookie cutter cut out bread into circles that will fit into the bottom of each muffin cup.  Place circles into muffin tin and toast in oven for 5 minutes or until toasty!

Allow tin to cool before next step!! 

Take bacon slices and line each muffin tin with one slice.  Repeat until all are lined.  Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of swiss cheese into each cup onto bread round.  Top the cheese with one egg, repeat with all cups.  Top each egg with one tablespoon of cream.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, depening on the preference of egg consistency.

*This is a great brunch or breakfast treat and can be made in any amount!*


Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Cake

1 stick butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar 

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Topping

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablecoons melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a tube center springform pan. 

Cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream.  In another bowl sift together four, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add into wet mixture and mix until just combined. 

In small bowl combine all topping ingredients and mix together with fork until combined and somewhat crumbly. 

Spread half of cake batter into pan and sprinkle with half of the topping mixture.  Pour in remaining batter and sprinkle with topping. 

Bake for 45 minutes. 


Sweet Potato Home Fries

3-4 large sweet potates, cut into 1-2 inch cubes

1/4 cup maple syrup
1 large sweet onion, sliced thinly
5 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper
olive oil

Fill large pot with cold water.  Place cubed sweet potates in water and bring to a boil.  Boil until potatoes are tender but still firm.  Drain and rinse with cold water immediately.  Set aside.

In medium fry pan over medium-low melt 2 tablespoons butter.  Place sliced onions in pan, cover and let cook for 7 minutes.  Remove cover and stir onions.  Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar and add in remaining 2 tablespoons butter.  Season with salt and pepper.  Turn heat to medium and cook onions striing occasionally until carmelized.

In large frypan heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Fry sweet potaotes in batches in browned on sides.  Set each batch on paper towels between frying and sprinkle with coarse salt. 

When all potaotes are fried return to pan.  Add onions and syrup and mix together.  Cook until heated through.

Family Weekend!

I love when my whole family is together!  This past long weekend my sister and her fiance came to visit and we had a great time!  We also got to spend time with his cousins, great to meet new family :)  I spent a lot of time cooking and baking, which I love, but by the end of the weekend a Chinese food menu was replacing a recipe....I was all cooked out :)

Beef Bourguignon

3lbs. cubed stew beef

8 ounces bacon, chopped

2 carrots, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1lb. mushrooms

3 cups Chianti

3 cups beef stock

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 garlic cloves, smashes
1 bay leaf

3 tablespoons flour
olive oil

unsalted butter
salt and pepper

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

In large dutch oven or covered casserole heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.  Place in chopped bacon and cook stirring until browned.  Remove bacon from pan and set aside leaving all grease in pan.

Make sure that stew meat is dry- pat with paper towels.  Still over medium heat, brown beef on all sides and place with bacon.  Repeat until all meat is browned. 

Using same pan brown carrots and onions, appx. 5 minutes.  Set aside with beef and bacon.  If there is any remaining grease in pan, pour it out.  Return bacon, beef and vegetables to pan and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper.  Stir to coat.  Cover pan and place in oven for 5 minutes, stir, and leave in for another 5 minutes.  Remove from oven and return to stove top.

Reduce oven temp to 300 degrees.  On stove turn burner to med-low.  Add in Chianti and bring to a boil.  Add in beef stock, tomato paste, garlic and bay leaf.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Cover and place in oven for 2 1/2-3 hours.  Meat should be tender and sauce will thicken.  Remove from oven.

In saucepan melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Add in mushrooms and saute until tender and browned, appx. 7 minutes.  Add to beef and serve!

Serves 6 people.

*This recipe can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge, reheat on stove top*


Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

One Head Garlic

4 pounds Idaho potatoes

1 stick butter

1/2-1 cup half and half or light cream

salt and pepper
olive oil

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Cut off top of garlic head leaving cloves exposed.  You will be cutting about 1/4 of the way into the head of garlic.  Rub top of garlic with about 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Place on piece of tin foil and create a "nest" around the garlic.  Place in oven for 40 minutes.  Garlic should be fragrant and golden brown in color.

Meanwhile peel and quarter potatoes and place in large pot of cold water with 1 teaspoon salt.  Bring to boil and cook until tender.  Pour out water, leave potatoes in pot, set aside.
Remove garlic from oven and allow to cool slightly.  Remove cloves from head and place in small bowl food processor.  Add in 2-3 tablespoons soft butter.  Process until combined. 

With potato masher mash potatoes in pot until only a few lumps remain.  Add in garlic butter, remaining butter and 1/2 cup cream.  With hand mixer whip together.  Add more cream as needed and salt and pepper to taste. 

Personal Pizzas

Dough

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 oz. yeast

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons coarse salt
3-4 cups flour

In a large bowl place 1 1/2 cups warm water.  Dissolve 1/2oz. yeast in water (appx. 5 minutes).  Mix in sugar, salt and oil until just combined.  Stir in 3 cups of flour and add more as needed.  Form dough into a ball (ball should be sticky).   Grease another large bowl with oil and place dough in bowl, lightly oil the dough.  Place in proofing oven or warm area for 90 minutes to allow dough to rise.  Dough can be used immediately, placed in fridge or frozen.  If you place in fridge it will expand so wrap loosely in saran wrap!

Topping Suggestions


Sauce
Cheese (Mozzarella and Parmesan)
Onions
Peppers
Pepperoni
Olives
Sausage
Sun Dried Tomatoes
Mushrooms



Pumpkin Pie Bars

Crust

18 1/4oz. package yellow cake mix

1 egg

1 stick melted butter

Filling

8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

15oz. canned pumpkin

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick melted butter
16oz. powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In medium bowl combine cake mix, egg and butter.  Mix until moistened and press into a greased 9x13 pan.  In large mixing bowl mix together cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth.  Add in eggs, vanilla and melted butter.  Mix to combine.  Add in powdered sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg slowly until combined.  Pour filling into pan over crust.  Bake for 40 minutes.  Allow to cool slightly and cut into squares! 

Caramel
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Place butter, cream and sugar in saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.  Add in salt.  Boil for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Caramel with thicken when cooled! 

*This is a great dipping sauce for apples!*

Weekends Away

After going away for the weekend, it is always hard to get back into "real life mode."  No more maid service, no more twin lobsters, no more Italian pastries.  But coming home to our little man is by far the best treat of all :) 

I figure a good way to jump start myself would be to figure out whats for dinner!  This pasta dish is easy and delightful.  I have made it many times and it never disappoints!    For dessert, time to use up the apples we picked over the weekend!  This apple crisp is quick and delicious!

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

4 tablespoons butter

1 pound boneless chicken breast cut into 1-2 inch cubes
14 ounces canned artichoke hearts, cut into fours
6 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons flour
1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (optional)
1/2-1 pound bow tie pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with one tablespoon of salt added.  Add in pasta and cook for appx. 6 minutes.  Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.  Meanwhile, in large fry pan melt one tablespoon of butter over med-high heat.  Add chicken in a single layer and brown on all sides and cook until no longer pink.  Place in bowl, and repeat until all chicken is cooked.

Using same pan over low heat add in another tablespoon of butter and artichokes. Cook until lightly browned.  Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, appx. 1-2 minutes.  Stir in flour and cook for another minute. 

Pour in chicken broth and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, raise heat to med-high and bring to a simmer.  Simmer until thickened.  Return chicken to pan with accumulated juices.  Add in remaining cheese, lemon juice and parsley.  Add in reserved cooking liquid until desired consistency is reached.  Stir and cook until chicken is heated through. 

Return drained pasta to pasta pot and add in chicken mixture.  Stir and serve!


Apple Crisp

4 cups peeled and sliced apples, about 4 apples
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup oats
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a medium size casserole dish.  Place chopped apples into dish. Mix together oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over apples and bake for 30 minutes or until apples are soft!  Serve with whipped cream and/or vanilla ice cream!