Nectarine Tart

This is a super simple, delicate and delicious tart. You can use any stone fruit.

Nectarine Tart
Makes one 12-inch tart

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter
1½ pounds ripe nectarines, sliced into ¼-inch-thick wedges
2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, depending on the sweetness of the fruit

1. Fill a cup with cold water and place it in the freezer.
2. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Use a sharp knife to cut the butter into thin slices, then toss the slices into the bowl with the flour mixture. Using your fingers or two knives, rub the butter and flour together until there are no butter pieces larger than the size of a pea, about 10 to 15 seconds.
Remove the cup of water from the freezer. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of water over the butter-and-flour mixture. Give it a few strong squeezes to see if the dough will clump together. If not, pour in another tablespoon of water. Quickly shape the dough into a flattened disk, wrap it in plastic, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
4. On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a 1/8-inch-thick circle — place in a tart pan. Trim the excess off the edge. Bake in the oven for about 5-8 mins til slightly firm. Remove and cool slightly.
5. Reduce oven temp to 375 F.
6. Arrange the nectarine wedges on the dough in overlapping concentric circles, Sprinkle the tart evenly with the granulated sugar. Bake it until the fruit juices bubble and the crust turns golden brown about 45 mins. Give or take several minutes. 
7. Let the tart cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges. Serve each wedge with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

source: kcet.org

Sweet Potato Souffle

This is a family recipe that we bake every year for Thanksgiving. It is so delicious! This tastes like a pecan pie on top of sweet potatoes. How can that be wrong? Happy Thanksgiving!

Soufflé:
3 cups of sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
*I use a big can of sweet potatoes and drain the syrup.
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all of these until smooth. Pour into a greased baking dish and set aside. I used a 9×13 sized baking dish.

Topping:
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup coconut
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix all of these topping ingredients together a  sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes.
*The secret to this, is to double the topping recipe! 

Samoa Fudge

I didn’t appreciate the wonderful flavor and textures of the Samoas Girl Scout Cookies until I was an adult (I stuck with the boring shortbread to be safe).  And yes, I know they are now called Caramel Delites.  But to me they will always be Samoas.  This fudge recipe was a fun way to recreate some of that yumminess.  Hope you like it.

Ingredients:
1 cup shredded coconut
2 cups wrapped caramels
1 tsp. heavy cream
¾ cup butter
¾ cup heavy cream
1½ cups sugar
1 pinch kosher salt
1 (3-ounce) package coconut cream Instant JELL-O pudding mix
1 (11-ounce) package white chocolate morsels
1 (7-oz) jar marshmallow creme
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1.  Place coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown in a 425 degree oven.  Set aside.
2.  Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the 1 tsp. of heavy cream.  Microwave this for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until smooth.  Set aside.
3.  Line a 9″x13″ pan with parchment paper, allowing enough length on each end for “handles” later.  Set aside.
4.  In a large saucepan, heat the butter, the 3/4 up cream, sugar, and salt over medium-high heat.  Bring this to a boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.
5.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, white chocolate, and marshmallow creme.  Pour the mixture from the hot saucepan into the mixing bowl.  Mix and stir until smooth.  Pour this into the prepared pan.
6.  Pour the caramel over the top.  It will thick so use a knife to spread it to the edges.  Use the knife to then swirl the caramel down into the fudge.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the fudge is set.
7.  Melt the chocolate morsels in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate stirs smooth.  Spread the chocolate over the fudge.  Sprinkle with the toasted coconut.  Chill  until chocolate is set.
8.  Lift the fudge by the parchment paper “handles” and cut into squares.  Store in the fridge.

Source:  Key Ingredient

Gratitude Is A Virtue

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles has a said,

“Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable.
 
“You might be surprised to know that gratitude is a commandment of the Father. “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things” (D&C 59:7), the Lord has commanded in these latter days. Even further, He has admonished that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21).”
 
“In the Book of Mormon we learn that we should “live in thanksgiving daily” (Alma 34:38). Isn’t that a wonderful thought to live in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if you lived in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if others did the same? Do you think the world would be a happier place? less stressful? less angry? more spiritual?”
 
“President Joseph F. Smith proclaimed: “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 263).”

I have seen in my own life the blessings that come from practicing Gratitude. If I find myself completely down in the dumps, and it happens, I have found that counting my blessings lifts my spirits! Simply thinking of my many, many blessings can change my outlook on my life. I am so grateful for this testimony.

My blessings are too numerous to count. I see that my Heavenly Father is mindful of me and makes things happen in my life that lead me to him. All that I have comes from my Heavenly Father. May you too remember to count your blessings and be grateful. Practice an “attitude of Gratitude.”

Banana Bread

I am back…I have been so sick but am finally feeling better.  It feels good to cook again.  This is my favorite Banana Bread recipe.  It is moist, cuts without crumbling, and has the yummiest crust (as shown in the picture).  Enjoy!

6 ripe mashed bananas
3 1/2 c. sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 c. oil
1/2 c. sour cream
2 t. vanilla

Mix above ingredients together well.  In another bowl mix together the following ingredients:

4 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt
2 1/2 t. soda

Mix together the dry and wet ingredients and pour into 3 greased regular size loaf pans.  Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Source: Katie Palmer

Chef Todd’s White Chili

My post is a tad late today, but it will be worth the wait.  I promise!  I saw this recipe being demonstrated on the website for Thrive.  Check it out if you are interested in a good food storage product.  Anyway, this recipe looked really yummy and it uses quite a few items from my food storage pantry.  I hope you enjoy the end results as much as I just did.  That’s right.  I dared to post a recipe that I only just made this morning!  Livin’ on the edge!

Ingredients (I am noting the brand name if I actually used THRIVE products):
1 cup small white Navy beans, uncooked
4 T. butter
5 T. white flour
1 T. butter
1 T. garlic
1 cup THRIVE Green Chili Peppers
1/2 cup THRIVE Red Bell Peppers
1/2 cup THRIVE Sweet Corn
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup THRIVE Celery
1 cup THRIVE Seasoned Chicken Slices
3 cups water
1 T. THRIVE Chicken Bouillon
2 cups THRIVE Instant Milk, reconstituted
2 cups heavy cream
1 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
1 t. season salt
1 T. Cholula Hot Sauce
1 T. fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Here is what the freeze-dried foods look like before…


1.  Place the beans in a small saucepan with 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon salt and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until just tender.  In a a small glass bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave.  Add the flour and mix well.  Reserve this roux mixture for later.

2.  In a 3-quart sauce or stock pot, melt the 1 tablespoon butter and add the garlic.  Sweat for a few minutes on low heat.  Add all the vegetables and the chicken to the pot; stir a few times and add the water and bouillon.  Bring to a simmer and add the milk and the cream.  Add all seasonings except cilantro and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add the roux to thicken the soup and cook at low simmer for another 5 minutes.  Drain the beans and add them to the soup.  Add the cilantro and stir well before serving. (You don’t see the cilantro in the picture because girlfriend thought she had some in the freezer and did not.  I will get some on the way home from work and have with my chili later.)

Source:  Chef Todd, ThriveLife.com.

Taco Soup

    I know many of you may already have a recipe for this. There are many variations, but this one is our favorite. It is super easy, quick, delicious, healthy, and economical. What more could you ask for in a recipe? My kids love it and it is even better as a leftover. I love soup season!

Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained.
1 quart jar canned tomatoes or 48 oz. stewed tomatoes, blended
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can great northern beans
1 can ranch style beans
1 can kidney beans
1-2 cups corn (canned or frozen)
1 packet taco seasoning

Sour cream, cheese, avocado, and chips for garnish.

Directions:

Brown beef in a large stock pot. Drain. To beef, add all other ingredients. Simmer 20 minutes or until ready to serve. Garnish as desired. (I told you it was easy!)

Source: Aubrey Adams

Pumpkin Lust Cake

Ingredients:

1 stick butter, melted
1 c. flour
1 c. chopped pecans
2 T. sugar
8 oz pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
16 oz container cool whip
2 pkg (3.4 oz) jello instant pumpkin spice pudding
3 c. cold milk
nutmeg for sprinkling

Directions:

1.  For the crust:  Combine butter, flour, chopped pecans and sugar and press into a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.  Let cool completely.

2.  For the cream cheese layer:  Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 c. cool whip until smooth.

3.  For the pumpkin layer:  Mix pudding mixes with cold milk, whisking for several minutes.  Set it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to let it thicken.  Spread over the cream cheese layer.  Top with remaining container of cool whip.  Sprinkle with nutmeg.

4.  Cut into squares and serve.  Keep refrigerated.

Source:  Just a pinch recipes

3 Layer Ice Cream Cake

This is the most awesome ice cream cake, and it’s so easy to make! You have to try this!

Ingredients:
1 pack of Oreos
3 quarts of your favorite ice cream
1 box ice cream sandwiches – keep in freezer until ready to use
Cool Whip

Instructions:
1. You will need a springform pan. Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Cut strips of wax paper to line the pan. The spray will help the wax paper stick to the pan.

2.. Put about half of the Oreos in a blender and blend to make fine crumbs, or small chunks, whichever you prefer. (You can also put the Oreos in a bowl or zip lock bag and crush with a wooden mallet. Sometimes I use the bottom of a drinking glass and gently tap to break the cookies into small pieces.) Save a tablespoon of crumbs or chunks to sprinkle on top of the final layer. Add a little water to your crushed Oreos so that they stick together a bit and you can press them into the bottom of your springform pan. I used a little too much water by accident and made almost an Oreo brownie. : )  It was good, but I prefer the bottom more crumbly instead of gooey.


3. Cut several ice cream sandwiches into 4ths like the picture shows. You will need enough to line the whole pan. That will depend on the size of your springform pan. I used about 8 ice cream sandwiches for mine. I personally like the WalMart brand better than some of the name brands I have tried.They have a good shape and texture for this. It’s a messy job, so be prepared to ruin a few and eat them.

4. Line the pan with the pieces of ice cream sandwich. Make sure the outside rounded edge of the icecream sandwich is facing up and against the pan. This will be what everyone sees when you take off the springform pan, so try to make it pretty.

5. Scoop out about 3/4 of the ice cream for your first layer and put into a bowl. The whole quart would be too much. If you have a smaller springform pan, then maybe half of it would do…I have bought the fancy pints of ice cream for making these in a smaller springform pan. Stir the ice cream until soft and smooth. We have been known to add chunks of brownie, nuts, huge Oreo chunks, or whatever we are craving in each layer! Yum! Pour into pan. You may want to put it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes or so to let that layer get firm. if you don’t, your layers will not be straight.


6. Repeat step 5 for the 2nd layer.

7. Repeat step 5 for the 3rd layer. 

8. Spread Cool Whip over the top. Try to make it look pretty. I make little peaks on mine by using the back of the spoon. I can’t explain that…just try to make it look pretty. : )

 9. Sprinkle some Oreo crumbs on the top. This is as creative as I get, but I’m sure you could add some special touches to make it look really pretty. 

10. Put it in the freezer and let it freeze hard for 24 hours. Every time I have made it in the morning and tried to serve it that night, it was not frozen enough and it was more of a blob than beautiful layers. Take out of freezer and remove the outside of the springform pan and the wax paper. Cut and serve! Everyone will love it! : )

Notes: 

1. I did not freeze each layer before I added the next because I was trying to hurry, and I ended up with waves of color and not exact layers. (See picture below.) No one cared though and we ate every last bite of this! 

2. My favorite one I have made had pink, white and green layers. The colors were beautiful with the Oreo bottom and the Cool Whip topping. I used a strawberry ice cream, but the ice cream was white, so we added a drop or two of red food coloring to make it pink. Then we used a vanilla bean vanilla ice cream for the middle. For the 3rd layer, we used a mint chocolate chip ice cream, but the ice cream was white, so we added a few drops of green food coloring. It was stunning and the flavors were amazing!

3. Feel free to add cookie pieces, brownie chunks, nuts, mini marshmallows, or whatever you like in your ice cream!