tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48163715147025509942024-03-13T09:29:29.912-07:00Delight's BitesThese are some of my favorite recipes! I will only post recipes that have been tested in my kitchen and found to be tried and true. Because I have my degree in nutrition and I am a Registered Dietitian, you will find that some of my recipes have been altered to healthier versions (as long as they have passed the taste test). However, some foods are meant to be eaten in all their glory -no matter the calories ;) I hope you have as much fun in the kitchen with these recipes as I have had!Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-20918142044141295552012-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:002012-12-15T17:17:27.201-08:00All Natural Homemade Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1kDyvoAaEIecgrVJOxsvbbaZWWaVgJR406i1KE093LOxZNAcaNDhkujYQE6waoHNPxBmoA03oMwSUMybchh7St124iWX8DIq_cILlp6QQzbZXbFl4niSDgqOAoSCsZ1qplFeA8-bik-y/s1600/DSC06637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1kDyvoAaEIecgrVJOxsvbbaZWWaVgJR406i1KE093LOxZNAcaNDhkujYQE6waoHNPxBmoA03oMwSUMybchh7St124iWX8DIq_cILlp6QQzbZXbFl4niSDgqOAoSCsZ1qplFeA8-bik-y/s400/DSC06637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This granola is SO YUMMY AND SO EASY TO MAKE! It has become an absolute staple in our house. Pete just dominates a bowl of greek yogurt if I top it with some of this crunchy granola. In fact, I don't think I could ever even get him to eat a plain bowl of nonfat, unsweetened, greek yogurt <i>at all</i> if it weren't for this granola.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This recipe makes enough to fill 3 large mason jars. The first time I made it, I thought 'Oh my this is way too much, I need to give away a jar or <i>two</i>. We will never finish all of this.' But we wound up going through all 3 of them in just a month!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It <i>is</i> super nutritious- packed full of fiber, vitamins, and protein ...and <u>flavor</u>! Flavor is an important part of nutritious food too -if it doesn't taste good, people won't eat it; if people won't eat it, what good is it! This granola shows that nuts, seeds, and whole grains are not just bird food anymore :) They're definitely nutrition worth eating.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I originally got this recipe from one of my dear friends- and college roommate- Dana. She got the recipe from her neighbor, but Dana tweaked it a bit to make it her own. Now that I've been making it for awhile, I've tweaked it a bit. That's the best kind of recipe; one that's been passed around and versatile enough to be tweaked to your own liking. Feel free to make changes to this granola to make it your own. Share any changes with me...I would have fun with your ideas to mix it up a bit next time I make it :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is ironic timing to share the recipe because I first tried this granola when Dana gave me a big mason jar full of this yummy granola for Christmas a few years ago. I think I just might fill a few jars to give away this Christmas as well. Tie a ribbon around the lid with a little handwritten tag and it makes a great gift for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, ...even a possible stocking stuffer?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">RECIPE (about 12 cups or fills 3 Large Mason Jars plus a little extra) :</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 cups Rolled Oats</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups Shredded Coconut</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup Ground Flaxseed (or Wheat Germ)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup Sunflower Seeds, shelled</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 cups Cashews, halved</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Canola Oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Honey</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/3 cup Water (or 1/3 cup Maple Syrup)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoon Salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons Vanilla</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup dried fruit (I like to use craisins. Dana used orange scented golden raisins from Sprouts Market and they were super awesome in this granola)</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This makes A LOT, so before you start making this, make sure you have two jelly roll pans, OR a HUGE baking dish with like 5 inch tall walls like the one I have pictured here. I actually think two pans would be better because it will toast more evenly. I have to stir my granola often in the deep dish pan that I use. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a bowl, mix together the oil, honey, water, salt, and vanilla. (The original recipe from Dana's neighbor gave the option of 1/3 cup water OR 1/3 cup maple syrup. I opt for the water in order to cut down on the sugar, but you can try it either way and see which you like best)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">**Helpful tip: warm the honey slightly and it will combine easier with the other ingredients. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOa5dY0LKWX2S4q1oHAqc2md1pQeyF8rDQ7Lix4wGqo1n5P1dsMoj6FF0SuwPQp_gelRgS0hsqbYZIBsmmSJ7tccUL6B8u__g0FzW6aRiGumdfOHb12i-IeQ0xPjcQfLpnF7UFU09kj_E/s1600/DSC06609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOa5dY0LKWX2S4q1oHAqc2md1pQeyF8rDQ7Lix4wGqo1n5P1dsMoj6FF0SuwPQp_gelRgS0hsqbYZIBsmmSJ7tccUL6B8u__g0FzW6aRiGumdfOHb12i-IeQ0xPjcQfLpnF7UFU09kj_E/s400/DSC06609.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, into your honey mixture dump the: oats, coconut, flaxseed (or wheat germ), sunflower seeds, and cashews. Stir well and make sure it is all mixed together and coated completely with the liquid/honey mixture. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spread your raw granola mixture evenly in your baking pan/pans, and bake for about 40 minutes or so (stirring every 10 minutes) until it is all golden brown. It will not be all crisp and crunchy until you pull it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. So don't worry if it's golden brown but feels slightly soft -you can continue to bake it longer if you want, but as soon as it turns toasty brown colored just pull it and let it cool to a crisp.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx-eo0iaYB4BXEqxA4WNyMW6z6akEQMbQSHy156alS-Vi1yA9lLGJeYBlxQ61hOWE3rihN3nm7LwCgKyZTustqCqVio-yEr2bEhUQ26tdSOnZY-9JkZgJCXOxhFini0gYNheQ4oGSn7Yv/s1600/DSC06617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx-eo0iaYB4BXEqxA4WNyMW6z6akEQMbQSHy156alS-Vi1yA9lLGJeYBlxQ61hOWE3rihN3nm7LwCgKyZTustqCqVio-yEr2bEhUQ26tdSOnZY-9JkZgJCXOxhFini0gYNheQ4oGSn7Yv/s400/DSC06617.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, BEFORE it cools, add in the one cup of dried fruit. Stir into the hot granola.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesf8yzpNkVSpK7-MIILyGuW4BhAsz0kSPisX2DNE-8ouggVnJUa2HQXS4t6_MOLCaphfAnSi3U382kToydSNLm5SRCuVdTBtX6LGT9IvjVOwo9BdwQ7mt3pk_sG_6gruq6ASTFlplk2nu/s1600/DSC06621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesf8yzpNkVSpK7-MIILyGuW4BhAsz0kSPisX2DNE-8ouggVnJUa2HQXS4t6_MOLCaphfAnSi3U382kToydSNLm5SRCuVdTBtX6LGT9IvjVOwo9BdwQ7mt3pk_sG_6gruq6ASTFlplk2nu/s400/DSC06621.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow to cool, and store in an <u><i>airtight</i></u> container. I love using the old fashioned mason jars.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1kDyvoAaEIecgrVJOxsvbbaZWWaVgJR406i1KE093LOxZNAcaNDhkujYQE6waoHNPxBmoA03oMwSUMybchh7St124iWX8DIq_cILlp6QQzbZXbFl4niSDgqOAoSCsZ1qplFeA8-bik-y/s1600/DSC06637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1kDyvoAaEIecgrVJOxsvbbaZWWaVgJR406i1KE093LOxZNAcaNDhkujYQE6waoHNPxBmoA03oMwSUMybchh7St124iWX8DIq_cILlp6QQzbZXbFl4niSDgqOAoSCsZ1qplFeA8-bik-y/s400/DSC06637.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We enjoy this granola in a yummy yogurt parfait with fresh strawberries during the summer. I use plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, with NO sweetener. All you need is the natural sweetness from the fruit and the granola and you'd never know that it's plain yogurt!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good strawberries are hard to find at this time of year, so you can use any fruit that's in season, OR don't forget about frozen fruit! Just because it's frozen doesn't mean it's any less good for you... just make sure you choose frozen fruit with no sugar added.</span><br />
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-71879757893566183122012-12-08T14:55:00.003-08:002013-06-06T07:22:47.658-07:00Holiday Treats!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas season is in full swing -that means parties, and parties mean FOOD! We are in the heart of potlucks and parties with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church groups, etc. If you need some quick ideas for holiday treats and desserts... or especially if you are invited to a cookie exchange... here are some quick ideas: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Sweet 'n Salty, Nutty 'n Chewy...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/12/chocolate-caramel-turtles.html">Chocolate Caramel Turtles</a>:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nana's <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/12/nanas-peanut-butterscotch-clusters.html">Peanut-Butter-Scotch Clusters</a>:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQLEYJHsHk/TvN-s5-gjsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jJhZnEj0nXQ/s1600/DSC05403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQLEYJHsHk/TvN-s5-gjsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jJhZnEj0nXQ/s400/DSC05403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rich, Chewy <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/10/chewy-molasses-cookies.html">Molasses Cookies</a>:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsoB8hbmmHSM5JRrFv6bmhwSLa5qpxwwkbxhjoimV4V53q1ydhPgGUU0NrMYV2r7dCxOnrOrbZMYbz9ivKV-ejcZOrJe2p85iq-thQiJ0jfsRZSQvb2Zlb5Z9u3qHhmk9aw-dtvq9xagF/s1600/DSC04243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsoB8hbmmHSM5JRrFv6bmhwSLa5qpxwwkbxhjoimV4V53q1ydhPgGUU0NrMYV2r7dCxOnrOrbZMYbz9ivKV-ejcZOrJe2p85iq-thQiJ0jfsRZSQvb2Zlb5Z9u3qHhmk9aw-dtvq9xagF/s400/DSC04243.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Santa's request at our house every Christmas Eve...drumroll... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2012/03/cranberry-white-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Delightfully addicting, Christmas snowy, <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/12/muddy-buddies.html">MUDDY BUDDIES</a>:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">World's BEST Cinnamon-Sugary <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/09/snickerdoodles.html">Snickerdoodles</a>:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nutty, Chocolately, Buttery, Coconut <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-cookie-bars.html">MAGIC COOKIE BARS</a>: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfect <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/11/lemon-squares.html">Lemon Squares</a>: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/05/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>:</span></div>
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-84353596526510160592012-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:002012-08-29T12:50:47.247-07:00Oven-Roasted Parmesan Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22wXrJOLeoCW92E8oZ-DqbjGugVO8rRQjmwCkgn9aWDwiLldm5AiHI2vz0pGGgSjLdE5Fp8sFrz10j6NRfji4-T2scbw4slQR-PZXCuQZ1nSNhtQzqdm7W9e_sOn4t9h8bUs2WWRZQr8_/s1600/DSC08257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22wXrJOLeoCW92E8oZ-DqbjGugVO8rRQjmwCkgn9aWDwiLldm5AiHI2vz0pGGgSjLdE5Fp8sFrz10j6NRfji4-T2scbw4slQR-PZXCuQZ1nSNhtQzqdm7W9e_sOn4t9h8bUs2WWRZQr8_/s400/DSC08257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVkzRsMMl5vAZtPZjfNF7qsSMtSp1jhqUKhQ1lfAHLx7Fx0pML0Vc1zUIzQlAens5uqFcUCkOabttje9nN7AUAAhigBi36FACnWMSrRHsNTTq-bCfz4wy0f8fTUqJWNpjCrV1D1qoVqTP/s1600/DSC08284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVkzRsMMl5vAZtPZjfNF7qsSMtSp1jhqUKhQ1lfAHLx7Fx0pML0Vc1zUIzQlAens5uqFcUCkOabttje9nN7AUAAhigBi36FACnWMSrRHsNTTq-bCfz4wy0f8fTUqJWNpjCrV1D1qoVqTP/s400/DSC08284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I needed a veggie side to go with our parmesan tilapia dinner, and I had some extra tomatoes in the fridge, so these delicious little treats were born :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are roast-y on the outside and juicy on the inside. They have a delicious golden parmesan crust and a little sprinkle of basil adds a big complimentary punch of flavor. Absolutely beautiful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tomatoes are even better for you when they are cooked anyway! A lot of people are worried about losing nutrients when they cook their fruits and veggies, but tomatoes are actually more powerful for you when they are cooked. That's why it's commonly recommended to include red pasta sauce into your weekly menu rotation, or canned tomatoes, tomato soup, ...any form of cooked tomatoe... like these warm little roasted tomatoes! :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the great nutritional components of tomatoes is 'lycopene', and it is lycopene that is activated when heated/processed/cooked. In fact, the lycopene in a tomato is roughly 4 times more bioavailable when it is cooked (i.e. pasta sauce) rather than when eaten raw (i.e. in a salad). Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and is believed to possibly help prevent cancer -especially prostate cancer. It is found in several fruits and veggies (mostly red-orange colored ones) but is most well known in tomatoes since they contain such high levels of lycopene. Lycopene is also fat-soluble, which means the more olive oil you eat with it, the better it is absorbed into your body :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">So let's start oilin' and cookin' our tomatoes!...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredient List:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tomatoes (I used Romas, but I suppose you can use any firm ones that you like or that you already have on hand)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Basil (I used crushed dried Basil, but you could use fresh as well)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Parmesan Cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Black Pepper</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slice the tomatoes into about 1 inch slices. (To use the ends, slice just a tiny tip off each end of the tomato to give them a footprint to stand on and the open slice on top; see picture below)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YDVfLtTRAoQySVwlwQFQMuQMX0yEwovUUaf3ks67xesQRUCoPyHdzctMWszOCZoJWwCK82QYBsq2o9P_jy8i2pmyQB_YPwdgx73zsMD3D9xFHLTx3c1iyGu83lSSIWwmrKQeEOLB9mlv/s1600/DSC08202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YDVfLtTRAoQySVwlwQFQMuQMX0yEwovUUaf3ks67xesQRUCoPyHdzctMWszOCZoJWwCK82QYBsq2o9P_jy8i2pmyQB_YPwdgx73zsMD3D9xFHLTx3c1iyGu83lSSIWwmrKQeEOLB9mlv/s400/DSC08202.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with olive oil. Lay the tomato slices on the olive oil, and drizzle the tops of the tomato slices with olive oil as well, and a good sprinkling of basil.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ5KrBU-y3sb-UETS6Rh3WCYgjrqPbZfel9VTxdU9Ur3RVDLWkl3R8qJ3wXVP7-Jp2XKm4UZ1on3_AmVxUfxIKiwui5x1z57bArUrjJ0IHG4YrTAEnTri_zgUARdnyqQGxKZzwlKoZRfG/s1600/DSC08205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ5KrBU-y3sb-UETS6Rh3WCYgjrqPbZfel9VTxdU9Ur3RVDLWkl3R8qJ3wXVP7-Jp2XKm4UZ1on3_AmVxUfxIKiwui5x1z57bArUrjJ0IHG4YrTAEnTri_zgUARdnyqQGxKZzwlKoZRfG/s400/DSC08205.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now top each tomato slice with a hearty pinch of Parmesan, and a little dash of black pepper.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd6lJ7fyxunnRsTmSKLb4yTxh0GLYXbAaTcIhJrdVaR3nOIYaUWY-MZetwja-DcVm6tm0h9jnXNAnVY2aNrAC4oFoq4EiSa6PPNQsDK2VF2u1N5BaJMfzd9hWkSdUiv7NcLK_xXfZtEP3/s1600/DSC08212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd6lJ7fyxunnRsTmSKLb4yTxh0GLYXbAaTcIhJrdVaR3nOIYaUWY-MZetwja-DcVm6tm0h9jnXNAnVY2aNrAC4oFoq4EiSa6PPNQsDK2VF2u1N5BaJMfzd9hWkSdUiv7NcLK_xXfZtEP3/s400/DSC08212.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roast the tomatoes at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes so that the tomatoes get roasty and heated through, and the cheese melts on top. Then finish them off under the broiler for just a few minutes to give the cheese a golden, bubbly crust on top.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are so simple yet so divine! Look at that beautiful roasted skin, the warm juicy inside, and the bubbly basily cheese :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkxjZKL8lnOnr_cZJ9qdZQw1N8NY-2G5S-daqZAFihkzoT3-sM4KvR_tWhkwy54E-wCzbBtcPKKlHgX22uhyphenhyphendYVB3ojrWSbSCqrHE1H58cTLJfgAiNP-Zb8vLp_8Kgm2hW1081KSBxV0N/s1600/DSC08285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkxjZKL8lnOnr_cZJ9qdZQw1N8NY-2G5S-daqZAFihkzoT3-sM4KvR_tWhkwy54E-wCzbBtcPKKlHgX22uhyphenhyphendYVB3ojrWSbSCqrHE1H58cTLJfgAiNP-Zb8vLp_8Kgm2hW1081KSBxV0N/s400/DSC08285.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I served mine alongside parmesan tilapia and creamy risotto:</span><br />
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-34009074491758356072012-08-23T09:44:00.000-07:002012-08-23T10:11:25.812-07:00Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ3GnylX__y6KOA2tUXr64FPUNnT7iU196P9uHrnpmzAU8ExjtWr5sQju0Lg10HmfGR1fIi_cLWkLIO3exxp-7DEVf1YqJjMzO9yPcxC8sst4AgO-MXQSpgQbneDYs8v3FYPTjgUNdPTb/s1600/DSC08268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ3GnylX__y6KOA2tUXr64FPUNnT7iU196P9uHrnpmzAU8ExjtWr5sQju0Lg10HmfGR1fIi_cLWkLIO3exxp-7DEVf1YqJjMzO9yPcxC8sst4AgO-MXQSpgQbneDYs8v3FYPTjgUNdPTb/s400/DSC08268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tilapia is a great fish if you're cooking for a mixed group; it is tender and flakey enough for fish-lovers, yet mild enough that non-fish-lovers definitely enjoy it too. Tilapia is a very mild white fish and doesn't taste 'fishy' at all. It is usually a great one for beginners. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Parmesan cheese has a strong sharp flavor that is perfect for flavoring this mild filet of fish. The paprika and parsley are more for color and visual appeal than for flavor. Interestingly enough though, dried parsley is a surprising nutritious source of lycopene- the antioxidant most well known as one of the great health components of tomatoes. (Which reminds me that I also served these tasty filets with roasted tomatoes -another post where I discuss lycopene in more detail).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I accompanied this tilapia with creamy risotto and roasted tomatoes. If you have all your ingredients ready to go, you can make this entire meal in 30 minutes start to finish. We'll start with the fish...</span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recipe (makes 4 tilapia filets):</span></u><br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Four 4 oz. Tilapia filets</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoons ground Paprika</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoons dried Parsley</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">a couple shakes of ground Black Pepper</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Olive Oil</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil, and drizzle a little olive oil on the foil so that it's ready for the fish.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mix the parmesan, paprika, parsley, and pepper in a dish.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4kKmgnrg7UKBxbDZCsKVlCZeLfcaCSHaasEz9E3RIunnHteDRaMKYi3d1SpeKxqKSCUP5bMlCEA3FvUrMHRDWvjYf9tLSbYfOfLK0JhlwtAiU6_LqB0Yz79F3IxvyXxY_S-OEUe81lcj/s1600/DSC08220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4kKmgnrg7UKBxbDZCsKVlCZeLfcaCSHaasEz9E3RIunnHteDRaMKYi3d1SpeKxqKSCUP5bMlCEA3FvUrMHRDWvjYf9tLSbYfOfLK0JhlwtAiU6_LqB0Yz79F3IxvyXxY_S-OEUe81lcj/s400/DSC08220.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gently pat the fish filets dry with a paper towel, and drizzle with some olive oil.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh4xkysKsplzXAvtOQxRiku7XFAjBuY1PVsvloBj-crZXJ89v4W_lW0fNQaCdBQvivuPpT-iSSO8_Fx4OqeIb9ZEBZecjmpqMkP-EtWFWRv93jFyX64JQGJIu9sojgX61Lc19gpXmZHGZ/s1600/DSC08244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh4xkysKsplzXAvtOQxRiku7XFAjBuY1PVsvloBj-crZXJ89v4W_lW0fNQaCdBQvivuPpT-iSSO8_Fx4OqeIb9ZEBZecjmpqMkP-EtWFWRv93jFyX64JQGJIu9sojgX61Lc19gpXmZHGZ/s400/DSC08244.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxXL2n6GsAHXkyyxhxncQpr4DFjvFAwhCrtVsHlTuE_QbDleJoX8gKA3tqOGivuiITymGx8iX0hjCeuC6Fbxc74i1cmNdf0bDILNq1AMUuU8QVkFuBBLtDLVd_GqCXadfiTRZwp9AvgKF/s1600/DSC08247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxXL2n6GsAHXkyyxhxncQpr4DFjvFAwhCrtVsHlTuE_QbDleJoX8gKA3tqOGivuiITymGx8iX0hjCeuC6Fbxc74i1cmNdf0bDILNq1AMUuU8QVkFuBBLtDLVd_GqCXadfiTRZwp9AvgKF/s400/DSC08247.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sprinkle the parm-mixture evenly over each of the filets, gently pressing it into the olive oil on each side -especially on the top :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lay the filets on the olive-oiled-foil ...trust me, do not skip the olive oil here! Fish is tender and flakey and it would be terrible if your beautiful filets fell to pieces because they stuck to the foil while trying to get them off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zPdmCxcLAewzsaYcQxKDy_WH8hw-kpEw9D8pI_opGK3DMoVtvPH-c1328Pw5eWFnOAkCSoMjeQ4muWQdf6AfESjlP3zaxpewdbby3FXNzIIDT4s218gQzXprsZFz426AdnqiFDxUICqT/s1600/DSC08251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zPdmCxcLAewzsaYcQxKDy_WH8hw-kpEw9D8pI_opGK3DMoVtvPH-c1328Pw5eWFnOAkCSoMjeQ4muWQdf6AfESjlP3zaxpewdbby3FXNzIIDT4s218gQzXprsZFz426AdnqiFDxUICqT/s400/DSC08251.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes or until the parmesan topping is golden and the fish is cooked through.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy1qZY0XscIcubiRx5KTKihrwtBZROct6viMnB4ChOMFU_1AXifQCpb5sx1Bs5_KHY1NuJsZQQIPo0wC_QHq0EQAY6gH1M-eTZDy1MrS6ACT58trKJCxa0vDNkBzPefd3VzBUMCkxUj8n/s1600/DSC08253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy1qZY0XscIcubiRx5KTKihrwtBZROct6viMnB4ChOMFU_1AXifQCpb5sx1Bs5_KHY1NuJsZQQIPo0wC_QHq0EQAY6gH1M-eTZDy1MrS6ACT58trKJCxa0vDNkBzPefd3VzBUMCkxUj8n/s400/DSC08253.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are GORGEOUS, HEALTHY and DELICIOUS. And SO easy! Who knew!? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO33veSOJIxYGzEQp1TNHgxl7sVvPCqbU9VbXq1LQTFgM1mXB_g-xX1gTZxalf09O_1iLqswDwz7ppA0djoBDwVGTMi8zEKYBXoirnYSFd3JQ_EGO3Cw_dsV9WKev8EQJvLRfZar89_M8C/s1600/DSC08260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO33veSOJIxYGzEQp1TNHgxl7sVvPCqbU9VbXq1LQTFgM1mXB_g-xX1gTZxalf09O_1iLqswDwz7ppA0djoBDwVGTMi8zEKYBXoirnYSFd3JQ_EGO3Cw_dsV9WKev8EQJvLRfZar89_M8C/s400/DSC08260.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is a delicious crust on the fish, and see how beautifully the paprika colored it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just look at how wonderfully flakey it is! No mushy fish here :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0spWO0xIIBkIgqV7Gq7a7egIRMdHOJ-TM717UCM1oPiHtpFu7kTxXis4YajIh4CUXwgyFaLjXx5Ghim_v2_g4troowdRk4OH-ISpiveM5IZE_qtpgINBlQB41Ss75P7fB4hb5Cd_lAQJ/s1600/DSC08278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0spWO0xIIBkIgqV7Gq7a7egIRMdHOJ-TM717UCM1oPiHtpFu7kTxXis4YajIh4CUXwgyFaLjXx5Ghim_v2_g4troowdRk4OH-ISpiveM5IZE_qtpgINBlQB41Ss75P7fB4hb5Cd_lAQJ/s400/DSC08278.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I served my tilapia filets with creamy risotto and roasted tomatoes. You can have this entire healthy, fancy meal on the table in just 30 minutes!</span><br />
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-54060278341652502782012-07-27T23:15:00.001-07:002012-07-27T23:15:46.410-07:00Fresh Fruit Tart<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcb1AXHVXOhwzDXG6dRUiddWMJmD0Ygo2FR1dRnZrcDOyykFfGea3EMXqh-MB-1YCr2BjmVptIoAkNZfjo3PsROz0rHrqX1vXftOJmDAXWqVk9SOSSGCyw-pueVAL_-0N_pk65eZ9H4R3/s1600/DSC07808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcb1AXHVXOhwzDXG6dRUiddWMJmD0Ygo2FR1dRnZrcDOyykFfGea3EMXqh-MB-1YCr2BjmVptIoAkNZfjo3PsROz0rHrqX1vXftOJmDAXWqVk9SOSSGCyw-pueVAL_-0N_pk65eZ9H4R3/s400/DSC07808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Peter and I just got back from a trip to Seattle and I just fell in LOVE with the Pikes Place Market!!! All the beautiful, colorful, produce was almost too overwhelming for me- I just <i>wished</i> that we had a kitchen there so that I could have an excuse to carry bags of the gorgeous fresh groceries home with me.</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alas, I had no kitchen to cook in; instead, Peter graciously started each day by taking me for a morning stroll through the market so that I could gawk and soak in the market culture that I loved to feel a part of. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq-Mg3zXfnflraqjD5fuGKd07Kbf_PuIUSsz7s9Vb-hIgem8UXGURxnayfsZZDR3aCvake5K2lBgigJ9w-Rw87kf9AQyiiZ1TSZxd3U5BwxXTiGrAh8M6Ld9-skEx0ov8NIsnC2HqpIx-/s1600/DSC07506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq-Mg3zXfnflraqjD5fuGKd07Kbf_PuIUSsz7s9Vb-hIgem8UXGURxnayfsZZDR3aCvake5K2lBgigJ9w-Rw87kf9AQyiiZ1TSZxd3U5BwxXTiGrAh8M6Ld9-skEx0ov8NIsnC2HqpIx-/s400/DSC07506.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They had these huge, <i>super juicy, </i>sweet yellow peaches that that all the produce vendors called 'OMG' peaches or 'Oh My Goodness' peaches. I had to go visit the peaches everyday just to make sure they were still as sweet as the day before :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtLByK3lNqCfY-9d6db4qcECT7OevfeX53nKwWCEBy95cc07pUnSntNoozBpNHFYoRx2KRWu7A3moehw0zk9BfUPLqiQ3VZUgz1NKDsJT3A7bp-bqB8Cgl9ThaE6bUYON-0zu8qAGjjhC/s1600/DSC07495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtLByK3lNqCfY-9d6db4qcECT7OevfeX53nKwWCEBy95cc07pUnSntNoozBpNHFYoRx2KRWu7A3moehw0zk9BfUPLqiQ3VZUgz1NKDsJT3A7bp-bqB8Cgl9ThaE6bUYON-0zu8qAGjjhC/s400/DSC07495.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we returned home, though I didn't have Pikes Place to go to for my fresh fruit, I <i>did</i> get a Farm-to-Home produce box delivery! What perfect timing! It even included peaches! With so much beautiful fruit in my box, I thought a fruit tart would be perfect to make! I had the fruit, the only problem was that I didn't have a tart pan to make it in. The fruit had already magically showed up for me on my doorstep... and guess what- 1 day later, SO DID THE TART DISH I NEEDED!!! Well, it didn't show up on my doorstep, but I showed up on it's doorstep.. at a garage sale right in my own neighborhood! This was too good to be true; this tart was meant to happen!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Along with the cute white fluted tart dish, I also found a couple other thrifty finds from this 91 year old woman's garage sale:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A gorgeous antique glass vanity box with aged metal edging and claw feet, AND a cool anniversary clock glass dome. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I filled the glass vanity box with turquoise sand from an hour glass that had broke in my living room. Then I nested a pink sea shell from my personal collection inside. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I placed the clock dome over a flat, round, mirrored pillar candle base and displayed a beautiful piece of white coral within. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love repurposing my treasures to create unique beach decor for our little Laguna Beach cottage :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, enough of the nonedibles. Down to the tart business! This fruit tart is beautifully impressive looking, but incredibly easy to make. It is <u>almost</u> a 'no-cook' recipe. It has a shortbread crust (only 3 ingredients -and the only baked component), a cheesecake-ish filling, fresh fruit, and a lemon glaze. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This tart is awesome for all of summertime's bountiful fruit, but you can make it all year round with whatever fruit is in season. It could also be fun to try adding some slivered nuts into the design. </span></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients (makes a 12" tart): </span></u></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shortbread Crust: </span></u></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups AP Flour</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Powdered Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 sticks Salted Butter, chilled and diced</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">(optional: 1 teaspoon Almond Extract)</span></li>
</ul>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheesecake Filling: </span></u></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">8 oz. Cream Cheese (Low fat optional)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Any Fresh Fruit you like (to give you an idea, the design pictured in my post here used 6 strawberries, 1/2 white peach, 1/2 yellow peach, a kiwi, and a handful of blueberries)</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>(Optional Glaze):</u></span><ul><ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup fresh Lemon Juice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon Corn Starch</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place the crust ingredients in a food processor and pulse until for about 1minute until it clumps together enough that when you squeeze it in your hand it will combine to become like playdough.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_A26kcls5tewZkMFVt_hno9b6wJsWL1W_iP-FUzDxbofjCblDSO91MvfMR98J6oRBrxDa6EMUUoaf-qWTzuZ6VoXIl3Cw43NripABD1DqOJmcawZmrPwtB-v_0t-fMdg93SQrtyNhKdh/s1600/DSC07714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_A26kcls5tewZkMFVt_hno9b6wJsWL1W_iP-FUzDxbofjCblDSO91MvfMR98J6oRBrxDa6EMUUoaf-qWTzuZ6VoXIl3Cw43NripABD1DqOJmcawZmrPwtB-v_0t-fMdg93SQrtyNhKdh/s400/DSC07714.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vEwIWIHoiIxQD9LIYrJMsgThUpr6GnklpHDv-TKBSr8EBXJIu9jh9QZsxBbTIqufEJMxk25PNmgs0hmp3BGCanp43KycpwXj4jVgA4RGr8nYjna0d5BCPz1eCrgjuZYt2sTUy1vuf0qG/s1600/DSC07716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vEwIWIHoiIxQD9LIYrJMsgThUpr6GnklpHDv-TKBSr8EBXJIu9jh9QZsxBbTIqufEJMxk25PNmgs0hmp3BGCanp43KycpwXj4jVgA4RGr8nYjna0d5BCPz1eCrgjuZYt2sTUy1vuf0qG/s400/DSC07716.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Press the dough into the tart pan. (You can do this way in advance and chill it covered with plastic wrap in the fridge until you're ready to bake it). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca61W7YK-waVnESWDBx3ApSItcx_fYFP_t3MsJD1cLxW-dbi6_2iAy6dRUXTaGaihYi8ydj8DKcLZMZqgVMbXiyD5v61rGNMj7ga34KGQHmzttv2PtookvnA7tiYO8TD-TU1qnN6PGmcL/s1600/DSC07722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca61W7YK-waVnESWDBx3ApSItcx_fYFP_t3MsJD1cLxW-dbi6_2iAy6dRUXTaGaihYi8ydj8DKcLZMZqgVMbXiyD5v61rGNMj7ga34KGQHmzttv2PtookvnA7tiYO8TD-TU1qnN6PGmcL/s400/DSC07722.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes, or until it just <u>barely</u> begins to golden. Be careful not to over bake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnIVGmmE6qVDsD8aLYmBlRz_mOIt2J38M4Nqyg_qnt0c54lCucR-jaYe9IsAtoYkiyLm_uKIHfNoaEZC6IJQ8mu0Fmrg0-vt07m-lcghR7AwmbnBo8ddnBw3Uaj5WnM6DjiHfHzxHTmD4/s1600/DSC07731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnIVGmmE6qVDsD8aLYmBlRz_mOIt2J38M4Nqyg_qnt0c54lCucR-jaYe9IsAtoYkiyLm_uKIHfNoaEZC6IJQ8mu0Fmrg0-vt07m-lcghR7AwmbnBo8ddnBw3Uaj5WnM6DjiHfHzxHTmD4/s400/DSC07731.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Note, make sure the crust is cooled before you fill it</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, mix the filling ingredients. (again, this can be done way in advance as well -stored, covered, and in the fridge until ready for use)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRj6eSrW5feNLceTzuaoYEFlki5xUq6W-Td7JSkv2Y2rhF5ZHPOihGaQSIVz6tNkw_kLgZM4bINZSTaikt_6vJEgLhO9yflO5e5pnY3Jd-lffQK5US9tgYzfB8DNcHylGRzFNS36-Wo95/s1600/DSC07735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRj6eSrW5feNLceTzuaoYEFlki5xUq6W-Td7JSkv2Y2rhF5ZHPOihGaQSIVz6tNkw_kLgZM4bINZSTaikt_6vJEgLhO9yflO5e5pnY3Jd-lffQK5US9tgYzfB8DNcHylGRzFNS36-Wo95/s400/DSC07735.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spread the filling evenly into the <i><u>cooled</u></i> shortbread crust.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JBTPkreg7l29AIpHrT8ii3XzZFq4P1jenUk3MvMk_VfTR6kDDPDlCWq_eHR2H8WUKK3J6vNpqdEZvg6C5Zkq1ZWJXXEaq8xBeGszHLq6OWNuWWoo9rL3adj8KQaxQ3P8Gtw_kh_PKI5a/s1600/DSC07753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JBTPkreg7l29AIpHrT8ii3XzZFq4P1jenUk3MvMk_VfTR6kDDPDlCWq_eHR2H8WUKK3J6vNpqdEZvg6C5Zkq1ZWJXXEaq8xBeGszHLq6OWNuWWoo9rL3adj8KQaxQ3P8Gtw_kh_PKI5a/s400/DSC07753.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then have fun decorating with your sliced fruits, but don't put on the berries until after you've painted the glaze. It doesn't ruin the berries or anything, but the berries don't stay in place like the other fruit does while painting the glaze. Plus, the glaze works as somewhat of an adhesive to keep the berries in place when you set them around the top :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You don't HAVE to use the glaze (though I highly recommend it) on your tart, but it is good for a few reasons: 1) it makes the fruit super glossy and appealing looking, 2) if you make your tart ahead of time, it can help to prevent the fruit from drying out or turning brown, and 3) IT TASTES GOOD too!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If using, you can mix all the glaze ingredients together with a fork or a whisk and bring it to a light boil in a saucepan until it thickens, or just microwave it in a pyrex measuring cup for about 30 seconds to thicken it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If it gets too thick to paint, just stir in a little water to thin it out a little bit. If it isn't thick enough, heat it a little longer until it thickens more.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDU7rjuDTSBGRcIgZ3OSAq-OQOFCsVlVOTTMwHrsPYCNgs2E4ugBcL3x5ppV2f0eyhHcqJZTOSxU5s4s-rm1JwQSTWM03NMj2JUcIlIrD9FuhQeKyLUVNgGH7DBWJZnrC0TqzjOsArISk/s1600/DSC07789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDU7rjuDTSBGRcIgZ3OSAq-OQOFCsVlVOTTMwHrsPYCNgs2E4ugBcL3x5ppV2f0eyhHcqJZTOSxU5s4s-rm1JwQSTWM03NMj2JUcIlIrD9FuhQeKyLUVNgGH7DBWJZnrC0TqzjOsArISk/s400/DSC07789.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paint the glaze over the fruit, and <i>then</i> polka dot any berries on top.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmIlSwnpwnBl2CCj3X7feCOM7I9tThDVQgi_kv6yJTn9Qk0knfHvuN8fs9GUeiUusKo0iKqdaJS4jBrLhb_lzIaOO1WButdnexV1SYKY7jsz3X1lG2XQ8Tdp1zi4UjDMgkyV-YHVuspaK/s1600/DSC07795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmIlSwnpwnBl2CCj3X7feCOM7I9tThDVQgi_kv6yJTn9Qk0knfHvuN8fs9GUeiUusKo0iKqdaJS4jBrLhb_lzIaOO1WButdnexV1SYKY7jsz3X1lG2XQ8Tdp1zi4UjDMgkyV-YHVuspaK/s400/DSC07795.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">See that beautiful glossy shine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVKFVa91zeDYKggqokitpE9f_gHneemRHPnU2Ojn_7IaVGMmhUUNIKp9xOrh-yc6anemVLxBwr93m0RtCmGz7WomDW6hJxbPo303jLeR9_yitqKKQV5N61zWP9JKI77MNsjvQQmBTCZUn/s1600/DSC07809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVKFVa91zeDYKggqokitpE9f_gHneemRHPnU2Ojn_7IaVGMmhUUNIKp9xOrh-yc6anemVLxBwr93m0RtCmGz7WomDW6hJxbPo303jLeR9_yitqKKQV5N61zWP9JKI77MNsjvQQmBTCZUn/s400/DSC07809.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can see the ring of alternating yellow and white peach slices, the strawberry border, the kiwi center, and the blueberry polka dots. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here my new tart dish even fits perfectly atop the cake stand I got from Aunt Peggy at my bridal shower 2 years ago!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNhXg6owXZ6Vxnycp9nSk4QmAVL66bUaeysG9lwWF09kmYCfF5RpwXTJxD1HvKIb3vuh86K7nBr11A5d8N3dC2IyauLxfkUK69xO4OpjEiiMFn-gPzNxL49M8kKrOkEuD7Znuels3x31w/s1600/DSC07820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNhXg6owXZ6Vxnycp9nSk4QmAVL66bUaeysG9lwWF09kmYCfF5RpwXTJxD1HvKIb3vuh86K7nBr11A5d8N3dC2IyauLxfkUK69xO4OpjEiiMFn-gPzNxL49M8kKrOkEuD7Znuels3x31w/s400/DSC07820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn't it just lovely! I LOVE all the colors! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's so fun playing around with the natural shapes and colors to see what patterns and designs you can make with them!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-8lRfGwAABwUKB0JrigRo5rEHbge5MqZXN0z0emnYlpg16yc_IHjzdkRH2rAxU_Kghqnx2rJZOuFZEwK_l7YRumE8mNdZKWrkeDznpTINIhxhd18b3-bi0otWqtX1TC2kuREx9Epede6/s1600/DSC07798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-8lRfGwAABwUKB0JrigRo5rEHbge5MqZXN0z0emnYlpg16yc_IHjzdkRH2rAxU_Kghqnx2rJZOuFZEwK_l7YRumE8mNdZKWrkeDznpTINIhxhd18b3-bi0otWqtX1TC2kuREx9Epede6/s400/DSC07798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxq3oKvPE6f4rUHlXXY29-xpTMb86JIWcD_GzHYz99sa1sbx6TSuZTaiesOg4R3MQhUf3QrP_ZHUYL6ZFUZP800sZnXEqLmw1KjrG4uniN75MIUILo_x6RGhCmgiqCvCb-IibpozQHkQR/s1600/DSC07633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxq3oKvPE6f4rUHlXXY29-xpTMb86JIWcD_GzHYz99sa1sbx6TSuZTaiesOg4R3MQhUf3QrP_ZHUYL6ZFUZP800sZnXEqLmw1KjrG4uniN75MIUILo_x6RGhCmgiqCvCb-IibpozQHkQR/s400/DSC07633.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't know where the name came from, but that's what my mom always called it when we were growing up, so that's what I'm going to call it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is pronounced 'vair-oh-neek', but Peter looks at the name and calls it "chicken salad very unique". Haha! That makes me smile :)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whatever you choose to call it, this is a great seasonal, summer salad. So seasonal in fact, that the ingredients showed up in a cardboard box on my doorstep this morning. I subscribed to a farm fresh produce box delivery, and this was my first delivery! It is so exciting when the box shows up! It's like Christmas morning... I have no idea what's inside and I just get to rip it open and dig through to find which fresh fruits and veggies were harvested this week :) As I dug through the box, I started registering all the ingredients in my head like puzzle pieces, so that I could play with them in my mind throughout the day to figure out what I could make for dinner.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">After I had my fun with the produce box, I went for a run. Though it was only 8:30 in the morning, it was already so sunny and HOT! Days like these remind me of my dad when I was a kid; he would always ask my mom to make 'chicken salad veronique' whenever it was a hot summer day. That's when it clicked for me this morning- I had most of the ingredients in my produce box already! My puzzle pieces were all put together and dinner was solved :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This salad is cool and refreshing with its lemony dressing and juicy grapes, yet crunchy and hearty with the slivered almonds and the crisp celery.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The recipe below isn't the exact original, I altered it a bit to fit what I already had in my kitchen and to fit what I like. I get asked a lot how I come up with my recipes... this is usually how they start; just swapping for healthier ingredients, what I have on hand in my kitchen already, and adding other flavors I think would be good complements to the dish. A lot of times I also research about a billion-gajillion other recipes and take bits and pieces that I like and put them together to come up with my own version. At the end of this post, I will outline some of the differences that I made to this original recipe in case you would like to play around with it for your own preferences as well. It's a very adaptable recipe, so feel free to experiment with some of your own changes too!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients (4 small servings)</u>:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2-3 cups Chicken, cooked, cubed, & <u>cooled</u> (about 4-5 chicken breasts)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup seedless Grapes, halved</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup Celery, sliced (about 4 stalks)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Almonds, sliced or slivered</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/3 cup Craisins</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup Low Fat Mayo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons Honey</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup Lemon Juice (about 2 large, or 3 small lemons)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon Ground Mustard Powder</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon Curry Powder</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You want to cook your chicken first so that it has time to cool before you assemble your salad (or use cooled leftover chicken).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Helpful Tip: If you are cooking chicken breast for dinner earlier in the week, just cook some extra and set it aside for this salad for another day's lunch or dinner.*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prepare the grapes and celery that you need to chop for the salad. And get the rest of the ingredients ready.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhferKh-KuCtkKPPibzywAtOUN8zGmlIAff43NlxAaJIDuWL3-RBCxntcEegrKVY1Bif-HostfhvEpEb6hyphenhyphengkJnEkdg16vlOXuWKE7gAnYmeWoYsWtVInvnz_o4WEVI836XypjG4gXp3sSR/s1600/DSC07618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhferKh-KuCtkKPPibzywAtOUN8zGmlIAff43NlxAaJIDuWL3-RBCxntcEegrKVY1Bif-HostfhvEpEb6hyphenhyphengkJnEkdg16vlOXuWKE7gAnYmeWoYsWtVInvnz_o4WEVI836XypjG4gXp3sSR/s400/DSC07618.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, LF mayo, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, ground mustard, and curry. This is your hearty dressing for the salad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ieUMF5vrXRapXm37uZ6IOGnQ7R2sl8buU6dPmaNQRFC9kPNf9TK6RqLMo8pEoKOcXSk71W1ksXXonSwT2l05xKF7RN0o7qHz19SxNH-iegTfp6rGIuluRy4PGqHDtYA9NJelWcSgRfag/s1600/DSC07614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ieUMF5vrXRapXm37uZ6IOGnQ7R2sl8buU6dPmaNQRFC9kPNf9TK6RqLMo8pEoKOcXSk71W1ksXXonSwT2l05xKF7RN0o7qHz19SxNH-iegTfp6rGIuluRy4PGqHDtYA9NJelWcSgRfag/s400/DSC07614.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXqsvNXIt4LH6E_SkSVDTRps4G4rqwc5NfOE7Rl7D1i_9KhMDHPUT-Z-ARzwmSYgkBcJ51vrekxkKSFDh4qqIEu2PK0ydh_vqoJDYa4l1kYYjEWv1Chs-RETZk2ZsANHvjfdPWaz8ONXr/s1600/DSC07608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXqsvNXIt4LH6E_SkSVDTRps4G4rqwc5NfOE7Rl7D1i_9KhMDHPUT-Z-ARzwmSYgkBcJ51vrekxkKSFDh4qqIEu2PK0ydh_vqoJDYa4l1kYYjEWv1Chs-RETZk2ZsANHvjfdPWaz8ONXr/s400/DSC07608.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, just simply add all your prepared chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, and craisins to the dressing in the bowl and stir to coat. It is ready to eat right away or it is perfectly happy sitting in the fridge until you are ready to eat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90aj_PqmWuU-JiWA5jDREdWe4zaa-GQXUKvNc7NVqHR_2YfG3xseRDATSTdHneya3zIQQrXpbZgQkTq7ovA6AdUwmbWy8EjgyP84GhRdcxvQcfIh0yrUjrGQMGeg8hKLbml9yu-mIr-Lc/s1600/DSC07626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90aj_PqmWuU-JiWA5jDREdWe4zaa-GQXUKvNc7NVqHR_2YfG3xseRDATSTdHneya3zIQQrXpbZgQkTq7ovA6AdUwmbWy8EjgyP84GhRdcxvQcfIh0yrUjrGQMGeg8hKLbml9yu-mIr-Lc/s400/DSC07626.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn't it pretty plated on a bed or ruffly red leaf lettuce :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also garnished it with a little celery leaf and a few craisins for some bright polka dots of color. I always like to garnish with something that actually hints at the flavors that are within the dish. You could also garnish with a little lemon zest too! That could be fun :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxq3oKvPE6f4rUHlXXY29-xpTMb86JIWcD_GzHYz99sa1sbx6TSuZTaiesOg4R3MQhUf3QrP_ZHUYL6ZFUZP800sZnXEqLmw1KjrG4uniN75MIUILo_x6RGhCmgiqCvCb-IibpozQHkQR/s1600/DSC07633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxq3oKvPE6f4rUHlXXY29-xpTMb86JIWcD_GzHYz99sa1sbx6TSuZTaiesOg4R3MQhUf3QrP_ZHUYL6ZFUZP800sZnXEqLmw1KjrG4uniN75MIUILo_x6RGhCmgiqCvCb-IibpozQHkQR/s400/DSC07633.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This recipe is great for brunches, for women's teas, wedding showers, for making ahead when you won't have much time later to prepare dinner, or just for those hot summer days :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Free free to alter and swap ingredients as you please... this is a very 'swapppable' recipe :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, here are the swaps I made from from the original recipe that I told you I would outline to give you some other ideas:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead of the lemon yogurt that the original recipe calls for, I substituted in real fresh lemon juice and fat free greek yogurt sweetened with a little natural honey</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead of a lemon-lime alcohol bitter, I used a splash of white wine vinegar to get that same bite in the flavor. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It also calls for some diced raw onion, that I omitted completely</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used low fat mayo instead of regular</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I added the craisins- there's no swap here, just added it 'cuz I felt like it, plus I thought it would be nice to add just for the punch of color contrast. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">...Same with the curry. No sub. Just added it entirely. The flavor works VERY well in this dish.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It called for deli mustart, but I just used a bit of ground mustard instead</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't do this, but you could add a little lemon zest into your salad if you really like that fresh lemon flavor, or you can just sprinkle a little zest on top for garnish. </span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5M2aruYtAhCMJXBjGqVnLVHrlu-e1rVcHNNyTupvi8moSIpvUomPFljMbt5x1WZw5yG7IJ-Gqt-lDXh5jBX-6d96PCF1WhbgqRI7OKxHtHXlmFvLybLVBt97pDZVZu48XnHGPHpW7ya6/s1600/DSC06556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5M2aruYtAhCMJXBjGqVnLVHrlu-e1rVcHNNyTupvi8moSIpvUomPFljMbt5x1WZw5yG7IJ-Gqt-lDXh5jBX-6d96PCF1WhbgqRI7OKxHtHXlmFvLybLVBt97pDZVZu48XnHGPHpW7ya6/s400/DSC06556.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the golden oldie, the classic, <i><u>the</u></i> 'magic cookie bar'. It's the recipe that we all grew up with from the back of the sweetened condensed milk can. It has been years since I've had these, so I don't know what made me think of making them now, but they were even better than I remembered! Or maybe they were just so good because they fueled us for a full weekend of skiing. I took these snacks with us on our last ski trip of the season this year. Closing weekend was in April, and we were definitely there to say sayonara to ski season 2012.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter is a BIG snowboarder. His family took wintertime snow trips to the mountains, whereas my family was more of a summer beach vacation kind of fam. So when Peter and I started dating, I recognized that his snow sportiness was definitely one thing we did not share in common... yet. We loved playing soccer together in college, and volleyball and softball during our first summer dating, but snowboarding was something I was yet to learn. My time had come to learn when our first winter came around that we were dating. I so badly wanted to learn to snowboard because I knew he loved it so much. But learning to snowboard with Peter was like baptism by fire; I got thrown right into solid 4 day ski trips with him and his buddies. I pictured a few hours of learning each afternoon, but with this group it was first chair in the morning to last run of the evening. Like I said, baptism by fire. That first trip, I came home and had lost 5 lbs! Long hard days on the mountain burns some serious calories!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Peter was <i>such</i> a patient teacher, and soon enough I had picked up snowboarding and fallen in love... with snowboarding too :) Now, I have been snowboarding with him (and our friends) for 4 years already. Snowboarding has definitely become another fun activity that we share together. However, I also now know to pack some much needed calorie dense treats for our long days on the slopes. Most recently, I made these magic cookie bars and everyone in our group LOVED them. They made for a <i>perfect</i> mountain treat. I think they may become a new ski trip tradition for us :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shopping List (makes a 9x13 casserole dish): </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 wrapped sleeve out of a box)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/3 cups flaked Coconut</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 cup chopped Walnuts</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a microwavable bowl, melt your butter:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz0Ra80DY8r2z4Ywe-x6UHDzX48Jx_51q8gE0AcnC2TbNy7cDwoP-N3GIbJTJNuSECGnhCKDXF-JZwzJuoaXreSfNwmi02JPT0VqXXWE2Ken2HvYrWGWClRER4pf1dnTIEeuoHbbvUitu/s1600/DSC06508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz0Ra80DY8r2z4Ywe-x6UHDzX48Jx_51q8gE0AcnC2TbNy7cDwoP-N3GIbJTJNuSECGnhCKDXF-JZwzJuoaXreSfNwmi02JPT0VqXXWE2Ken2HvYrWGWClRER4pf1dnTIEeuoHbbvUitu/s400/DSC06508.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the butter is melted, add the graham cracker crumbs into the bowl and combine well with the melted butter:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV1xr_KdV_4y0XeTqyT-prCiYmhZJnkBmPe8zHSMQ9HrmJF23u7xQIxH8Ohoatg6eUnOVeXNBhoAQXW0VWcvAJ_jNGIW8UEDOfjUpRgLIN89egDCLvGq0jnda7eHtVqc_h5QvRu_rMmRI/s1600/DSC06513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV1xr_KdV_4y0XeTqyT-prCiYmhZJnkBmPe8zHSMQ9HrmJF23u7xQIxH8Ohoatg6eUnOVeXNBhoAQXW0VWcvAJ_jNGIW8UEDOfjUpRgLIN89egDCLvGq0jnda7eHtVqc_h5QvRu_rMmRI/s400/DSC06513.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Press this crumb mixture firmly into a 9x13 casserole dish to make the bottom layer of your magic bars:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGweybM1y0dn6HeI0n3Fn3fk7bVtqY3YWVdQw2v04vRA3cebvtCZQ9cnGNrFubxmSohm4hNfZVEhg2FfywVQTpindu6hKB-o26rcAhTKNOPlTcL_kV_vEI-FpJFJjr59SAIoR1dsGF_qfy/s1600/DSC06514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGweybM1y0dn6HeI0n3Fn3fk7bVtqY3YWVdQw2v04vRA3cebvtCZQ9cnGNrFubxmSohm4hNfZVEhg2FfywVQTpindu6hKB-o26rcAhTKNOPlTcL_kV_vEI-FpJFJjr59SAIoR1dsGF_qfy/s400/DSC06514.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then pour the can sweetened condensed milk over the crumb layer: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qNXgcm80TVZZXI-OrEz8jJuKJykxwRT9f3pAFPmYB2MDkyVWy4g2NsXROk1rDgouAmLZahpwE5AYYikpf6gEbSMQqqUUzb6NatW5xzgvRaAbaHBwkWbd2uiZeryqS8gvSJtypxZgKPsc/s1600/DSC06520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qNXgcm80TVZZXI-OrEz8jJuKJykxwRT9f3pAFPmYB2MDkyVWy4g2NsXROk1rDgouAmLZahpwE5AYYikpf6gEbSMQqqUUzb6NatW5xzgvRaAbaHBwkWbd2uiZeryqS8gvSJtypxZgKPsc/s400/DSC06520.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips, the coconut flakes, and the walnuts over the condensed milk layer. Press these top ingredients gently down into the condensed milk:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2hfxyBmkzATFyRE1ccIFIU9WTZE2HsfjU02kJy__8FVi87ZCVqLKL84YnTRIgAKq8c3Lk9hhSIX2TgQ-QTV4nYMWSni9Kw2Psi05mzfnkchQ4J6wNsEBw04q8ybUhYLRG9DvFY6Gz3II/s1600/DSC06532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2hfxyBmkzATFyRE1ccIFIU9WTZE2HsfjU02kJy__8FVi87ZCVqLKL84YnTRIgAKq8c3Lk9hhSIX2TgQ-QTV4nYMWSni9Kw2Psi05mzfnkchQ4J6wNsEBw04q8ybUhYLRG9DvFY6Gz3II/s400/DSC06532.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the coconut flakes look golden and toasty on top:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyR2ifuT5cbohU3Gvlrb5uDpKszsgfoDqd4XgDHKxKVZumWqRN6EGy-Tt_s7MqNCdK8VdpXSWBduphCRLKQScFgSlp-GSs4jmY1GsLvDLwPPQbH-2nd2kPnDj9s22c_Tgj4WbcsVj7jTk/s1600/DSC06539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyR2ifuT5cbohU3Gvlrb5uDpKszsgfoDqd4XgDHKxKVZumWqRN6EGy-Tt_s7MqNCdK8VdpXSWBduphCRLKQScFgSlp-GSs4jmY1GsLvDLwPPQbH-2nd2kPnDj9s22c_Tgj4WbcsVj7jTk/s400/DSC06539.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5M2aruYtAhCMJXBjGqVnLVHrlu-e1rVcHNNyTupvi8moSIpvUomPFljMbt5x1WZw5yG7IJ-Gqt-lDXh5jBX-6d96PCF1WhbgqRI7OKxHtHXlmFvLybLVBt97pDZVZu48XnHGPHpW7ya6/s1600/DSC06556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5M2aruYtAhCMJXBjGqVnLVHrlu-e1rVcHNNyTupvi8moSIpvUomPFljMbt5x1WZw5yG7IJ-Gqt-lDXh5jBX-6d96PCF1WhbgqRI7OKxHtHXlmFvLybLVBt97pDZVZu48XnHGPHpW7ya6/s400/DSC06556.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And box these bad boys up for a road trip to the slopes :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcZmaxUYsKQBv4J-NV2yzq_CwvZ433PioVMciisa36mBEry52YAUWr7qBhI5ktzPcIFxa1p8IM2ZQHC_hB4g5fmPFO9UbaGGGiFNkguwWN9qOP55bMFHXqEyvrhgg-7c_b6SMxhDPiMyF/s1600/DSC06559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcZmaxUYsKQBv4J-NV2yzq_CwvZ433PioVMciisa36mBEry52YAUWr7qBhI5ktzPcIFxa1p8IM2ZQHC_hB4g5fmPFO9UbaGGGiFNkguwWN9qOP55bMFHXqEyvrhgg-7c_b6SMxhDPiMyF/s400/DSC06559.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">But be sure to taste test one while it's still a little warm :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN2L-_8J0EawPTWJElUS08uOvGsK-lFBBUQC-bG7Uu3qwTt1C5tYGr3pG2fdy6s9Svjna8cVc8UbaFF2S_1oXUOpq7gGI42U0HuwjpkVUWOOLqnA0D01lCiSETztggT1DYgfWTEYJ8AR4/s1600/DSC06549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN2L-_8J0EawPTWJElUS08uOvGsK-lFBBUQC-bG7Uu3qwTt1C5tYGr3pG2fdy6s9Svjna8cVc8UbaFF2S_1oXUOpq7gGI42U0HuwjpkVUWOOLqnA0D01lCiSETztggT1DYgfWTEYJ8AR4/s400/DSC06549.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-28118208568281801642012-06-11T21:58:00.000-07:002012-06-11T21:58:10.574-07:00Honey-Ginger Salmon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI4G6xBd7XHIkzJ9fdkUfbl3IExsXNiIu6CG9d_nct7lg2wOXkoLTb9C9_2-w1XwRCzf89P0-0HfcXpaNJAB9cHG3zN1Lp1RHL3JCYXvxp4BFzq0jFLYkoRYFK490NuGD9PM6JqNSSylZ/s1600/DSC06687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI4G6xBd7XHIkzJ9fdkUfbl3IExsXNiIu6CG9d_nct7lg2wOXkoLTb9C9_2-w1XwRCzf89P0-0HfcXpaNJAB9cHG3zN1Lp1RHL3JCYXvxp4BFzq0jFLYkoRYFK490NuGD9PM6JqNSSylZ/s400/DSC06687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hot weather makes you want to BBQ, be outside, eat lighter meals, and start dreaming about days on the beach!</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not only have Peter and I officially started beach season with our first volleyball match here at main beach, but we have been heating up our BBQ more often, and we even started running together! Man I love these long, summer days! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I *cough* <i>used</i> to be a runner, and Peter... well, let's just say swimming has always been his strong suit (no pun intended). So, we are taking advantage of this beautiful weather -and the opportunity to motivate each other- by going on runs <i>together</i>. After a run, the last thing we want is to eat something heavy, so we have started eating more fish! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You've probably noticed that I don't cook seafood <strike>very often</strike> ever. This isn't because I don't like fish, but rather because I simply never think of it. I grew up in a meat & potatoes kind of family, so fish recipes have not been handed down in family cookbooks or served at our tables. This is funny, though, because my family is full of fishermen! We all love fishing! Most kids grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons, but my big brother made my sister and I watch 'Bill Dance' bass fishing in leu of cartoon time. Even family vacations always included fishing- whether it was in a river, lake, or an ocean. ...All of this, and we still weren't big fish eaters!?!? What was wrong with us!? Fish is such a great food! It is a wonderful source of lean protein and it is packed full of healthy omega-3 fats. I wish I ate more fish. Fish should definitely find its place in a healthy diet and lifestyle. This is why Peter and I are heating up our BBQ (and lacing up our running shoes) and making a conscious effort to eat more fish this summer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recipe: </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 lb Salmon Fillet, skin on (cut into 4 serving portions)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 Tablespoons low sodium Soy Sauce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Honey</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspooons minced Ginger</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sesame seeds for garnish</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a small saucepan, whisk to combine the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and ginger. Pour half of this sauce in a shallow dish or a plastic ziplock bag and leave the other half in the saucepan. (You can mix it in a bowl if you would like, but mixing it straight in the pan eliminates an extra step and an extra dish).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mfVy5-B4XmGUeh5wborxweLcAZaMPQy8nySHv3pvJ8yxsM696zsj6iyrYJyrHXpCJumrvlInib_s1xUOeYIQwjjakitAWTBiENmivZ6AN5EA5gQ14ZNYLBbJWBq6gV_pFuQnY3nSudaA/s1600/DSC06663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mfVy5-B4XmGUeh5wborxweLcAZaMPQy8nySHv3pvJ8yxsM696zsj6iyrYJyrHXpCJumrvlInib_s1xUOeYIQwjjakitAWTBiENmivZ6AN5EA5gQ14ZNYLBbJWBq6gV_pFuQnY3nSudaA/s400/DSC06663.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place your fish in the dish or bag with half the marinade and allow to marinate for 20 minutes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Helpful Hint: Don't marinate longer than this. A lot of people think that marinating longer means more flavor, but the acid in a marinade will break down the fish and make it mushy if you marinate it much longer than this. You want flavorful flakey fish, not mushy fish. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pJqN3T-bgAK50mVm7KnMtJrfY-A8PDrTMQlFV6y-ytjPRpm7cybWqsg-sL8816kOqWkRm6ruXEznSc4xtHXQP4q3VK5gB7wGHl7X68VN4aXB0A6OeAIW4cNv2Aa4D623NsVRrOona21z/s1600/DSC06666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pJqN3T-bgAK50mVm7KnMtJrfY-A8PDrTMQlFV6y-ytjPRpm7cybWqsg-sL8816kOqWkRm6ruXEznSc4xtHXQP4q3VK5gB7wGHl7X68VN4aXB0A6OeAIW4cNv2Aa4D623NsVRrOona21z/s400/DSC06666.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat your BBQ grill to high while the fish marinates. Then, on the stove top, reduce the other half of your marinade in the saucepan over medium heat until it thickens enough to brush on the fish like a glaze. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjMiGI06X1ybAOoBFIKQzx8BVN3cdgniSXNbd7O9kILG7pq357YBw1WBJooifOgRqALojJZrJjkLDpN8bG0N8og-_BXXe9h7OXgMJi4JMttJjt5LLDZYbcYAsm43u9ZvR5qrtovY1xBJA/s1600/DSC06672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjMiGI06X1ybAOoBFIKQzx8BVN3cdgniSXNbd7O9kILG7pq357YBw1WBJooifOgRqALojJZrJjkLDpN8bG0N8og-_BXXe9h7OXgMJi4JMttJjt5LLDZYbcYAsm43u9ZvR5qrtovY1xBJA/s400/DSC06672.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once your fish has marinated for 20 minutes, reduce the BBQ heat to medium-low, and place your salmon fillets right onto the BBQ grill grates, skin side down. No oil or spray necessary; the skin crisps up and releases easily from the grates. Close the BBQ lid and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until your desired doneness: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Helpful Hints: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">When picking out fish, you want it to be a bright coral/pink color with defined striations in the flesh. If it is dull or grey in color, it is most likely not fresh. Old, grey fish= pungent, not fresh-tasting fish</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do not flip during cooking otherwise you will lose delicious flakes of fish into the fiery abyss of the grill</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fish should turn from a translucent pink to an opaque off-white when done. It will also become more firm and flakey when finished :)</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhC_PkZxFAkE2-A0RT3z2NYNdzc4KVpnE0qPaHBFktzn27JhzSQP7IzPpnbPrbGnf6rPChsuohAgyQjISQrNAopNDA7ugngpKLtnpaa0zE8TIdb33DeG_QrtlyKSxlOzcAKCXba_8lT6e/s1600/DSC06675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhC_PkZxFAkE2-A0RT3z2NYNdzc4KVpnE0qPaHBFktzn27JhzSQP7IzPpnbPrbGnf6rPChsuohAgyQjISQrNAopNDA7ugngpKLtnpaa0zE8TIdb33DeG_QrtlyKSxlOzcAKCXba_8lT6e/s400/DSC06675.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> When you have about 5 or 10 minutes left, throw some veggies on the grill while the fish finishes cooking. You can also brush on a little more glaze at this point.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHB2Nzj5h6BO1cKHdJceoyDASWdoSOfx-95M3kR9tDEZc95dtCHPsdDI319HsGbRT2zJiP-LLTvqmjmuQaid8NHmYTqbhDoiVo_7cJdcpu0LSrkBMS6SEYiJbO1kbtSC8tX18y-vUTsYG/s1600/DSC06682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHB2Nzj5h6BO1cKHdJceoyDASWdoSOfx-95M3kR9tDEZc95dtCHPsdDI319HsGbRT2zJiP-LLTvqmjmuQaid8NHmYTqbhDoiVo_7cJdcpu0LSrkBMS6SEYiJbO1kbtSC8tX18y-vUTsYG/s400/DSC06682.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use a spatula to lift your fish off the grill and remove it to a platter where you can brush it with your glaze.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed ours with some lentils and grilled zucchini</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI4G6xBd7XHIkzJ9fdkUfbl3IExsXNiIu6CG9d_nct7lg2wOXkoLTb9C9_2-w1XwRCzf89P0-0HfcXpaNJAB9cHG3zN1Lp1RHL3JCYXvxp4BFzq0jFLYkoRYFK490NuGD9PM6JqNSSylZ/s1600/DSC06687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI4G6xBd7XHIkzJ9fdkUfbl3IExsXNiIu6CG9d_nct7lg2wOXkoLTb9C9_2-w1XwRCzf89P0-0HfcXpaNJAB9cHG3zN1Lp1RHL3JCYXvxp4BFzq0jFLYkoRYFK490NuGD9PM6JqNSSylZ/s400/DSC06687.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to garnish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds too! Not only do they look fun and pretty, but they also hint at the asian flavors in the glaze. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgSaV5uZwj4AgLtFIofeo5ER5Gc88TSSyfWHLgdxtHye2waIZUHuv5vQOgSJGLGFKc3Wph3X7BkzM4jxR-kkGemanDrw2Ki6l3DiJqAk1YB_54DGW5HSHZdrJpAdzxOpatVppzpJsCGkw/s1600/DSC06697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgSaV5uZwj4AgLtFIofeo5ER5Gc88TSSyfWHLgdxtHye2waIZUHuv5vQOgSJGLGFKc3Wph3X7BkzM4jxR-kkGemanDrw2Ki6l3DiJqAk1YB_54DGW5HSHZdrJpAdzxOpatVppzpJsCGkw/s400/DSC06697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-14741617625869497332012-04-22T21:20:00.001-07:002012-04-23T22:24:56.654-07:00Watermelon Fruit Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecU9dKvTGBS7TfdMqIu1cDKVURnVHpsOOV9QKYxKSQ8yELSbhoI_2pV2UcqcokWwzIvXkYTp0g71iszWan28tSShb6oJJowruvA2Inrt3qS5h-S7QOKp_1o7T7nmBw-9zKe8Ro5bQaWIb/s1600/DSC06494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecU9dKvTGBS7TfdMqIu1cDKVURnVHpsOOV9QKYxKSQ8yELSbhoI_2pV2UcqcokWwzIvXkYTp0g71iszWan28tSShb6oJJowruvA2Inrt3qS5h-S7QOKp_1o7T7nmBw-9zKe8Ro5bQaWIb/s640/DSC06494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are so fun to make. These fruit baskets can even double as a center piece on a small or crowded table since they are so cute to look at but also serve a practical purpose.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've made these for birthdays, showers, and bbq's. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This particular basket was made for our Easter brunch table this year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I kind of had to make it in a hurry because everyone was ready to eat! The boys always play wiffle ball in the backyard, and once they are called inside to eat, they are not willing to wait long or else they comment about how they could still be playing outside. hahaha :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, wash your watermelon. Then, rotate it around until you find which side would make the best bottom:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa_qEv9hCpeotMrW-xuh-a5Nv3_cY4mP5WzaTF01s1KnSJBCaAeD-KPTj0izXprH71lAPR9qrCXhhSFt-LINCcVOzg-g90APGDRMbpQlihPOjQH3fDL6vB_njQjyX_MtOSUjoYGPqGoBl/s1600/DSC06452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa_qEv9hCpeotMrW-xuh-a5Nv3_cY4mP5WzaTF01s1KnSJBCaAeD-KPTj0izXprH71lAPR9qrCXhhSFt-LINCcVOzg-g90APGDRMbpQlihPOjQH3fDL6vB_njQjyX_MtOSUjoYGPqGoBl/s400/DSC06452.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place the tip of a sharp serrated knif right under the watermelon- right there where it is touching the counter top- and gently spin the watermelon around to etch a circle under your watermelon. Then take your knife and carefully shave that circle to create a 'foot print' for your watermelon to stand on (or else it might rock back and forth later and dump your salad out)... BUT b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">e *very cautious* NOT to break into the red part of the melon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lUkTB7CS03HhVcLtnCm-xhZHE7dppKB2X-PGzBEJjMca2MXuR0lIBR2TwvntxGSxR5-mMx5_r_xj7OGy0HieJ-Nv68PBbZarowsS5S7INtRyTj2FlQQydU-9tU2bxx2I9MdsD5zAyKtc/s1600/DSC06453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lUkTB7CS03HhVcLtnCm-xhZHE7dppKB2X-PGzBEJjMca2MXuR0lIBR2TwvntxGSxR5-mMx5_r_xj7OGy0HieJ-Nv68PBbZarowsS5S7INtRyTj2FlQQydU-9tU2bxx2I9MdsD5zAyKtc/s400/DSC06453.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">With your melon standing on its 'footing', take your knife tip and etch the handle and sides of the basket. Essentially, it will just be two big wedges that you are cutting out. Make sure the two sides are basically even and matching before you cut into it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpybc5HdprcZSJ94zCvZjHFfFcGGcezsXHT6pB-ZsYAKHrkPn1rWYFTP53BZW4qYBeCjLuEQ46zw3du447YREHkxiddeYvbnpxfNHNynJvTPcBhue71GXA1soRrQgFgtIPJDcYjUMGPh/s1600/DSC06464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpybc5HdprcZSJ94zCvZjHFfFcGGcezsXHT6pB-ZsYAKHrkPn1rWYFTP53BZW4qYBeCjLuEQ46zw3du447YREHkxiddeYvbnpxfNHNynJvTPcBhue71GXA1soRrQgFgtIPJDcYjUMGPh/s400/DSC06464.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut the two wedges out and save them for eating later... I gave mine to the boys that were playing wiffle ball outside. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq0hpsBJZIGJHutjIC4hFZh8uXyYBM4hdtBUZTgyXovOy6TFbEAkIu0WW9tV7Q4Ns2kOgwN7mKow83NDhRTasX2aO-b4vH2PssY3bdFhudWRqXwCpZtqKUxbsvFyP-XSs2u90_ZF9VD1E/s1600/DSC06467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq0hpsBJZIGJHutjIC4hFZh8uXyYBM4hdtBUZTgyXovOy6TFbEAkIu0WW9tV7Q4Ns2kOgwN7mKow83NDhRTasX2aO-b4vH2PssY3bdFhudWRqXwCpZtqKUxbsvFyP-XSs2u90_ZF9VD1E/s400/DSC06467.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then carefully slice along the underside of your basket handle and release the entire inner section of fruit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXHO_v1P3GdEy97XhQ5zrSYvYJKmoZIHZHrLsE7QRZ5i9fmxaVuq33kdOHYohMt4noBs7Dxt9_lx8UuJOGtsxlM2RcDjUeBAeq5a82na72edsdJqxQGRaN7G-siNLbjmRwzfjqvfSKZ1w/s1600/DSC06472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXHO_v1P3GdEy97XhQ5zrSYvYJKmoZIHZHrLsE7QRZ5i9fmxaVuq33kdOHYohMt4noBs7Dxt9_lx8UuJOGtsxlM2RcDjUeBAeq5a82na72edsdJqxQGRaN7G-siNLbjmRwzfjqvfSKZ1w/s400/DSC06472.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then use a melon-baller to get all the fruit out of the inside of the melon basket. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*TAKE IT EASY at the bottom of the basket. Remember that foot you cut out of the bottom? If you are too aggressive getting the melon out, you might go right through the bottom and end up with a leaky basket (I guess there are worse things in life)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYtOY6gFuB9oB67KxqWj7590LfW8LL2_Z2V85Rt5PneXs8vo1H04_G9-EgN3RGwxQ-RbO74SJpQ5FAOZUo4B9YTIbjDS6eK47zc2sSY7X1A1SiT0b3bWXqsON5YnS62mQ_tV1tmWNRml/s1600/DSC06478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYtOY6gFuB9oB67KxqWj7590LfW8LL2_Z2V85Rt5PneXs8vo1H04_G9-EgN3RGwxQ-RbO74SJpQ5FAOZUo4B9YTIbjDS6eK47zc2sSY7X1A1SiT0b3bWXqsON5YnS62mQ_tV1tmWNRml/s400/DSC06478.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then carve any detail you like around the edge of the basket. Mine isn't the prettiest or most professional-looking (since the boys were on their way in), but you get the idea here:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithDJ2vumMgnOFB_-XKtc1rIUaz1ha96yyLL0IiwlZxpkZWWHEFs5ba3oZ8V6yOC2BHC0q68KjwHQMLxKR49mtIg72rFmBJL3iRrgtd0Hmpe4Cp4R53Md4J11AkA_7G25yJFZ968YNJQnl/s1600/DSC06481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithDJ2vumMgnOFB_-XKtc1rIUaz1ha96yyLL0IiwlZxpkZWWHEFs5ba3oZ8V6yOC2BHC0q68KjwHQMLxKR49mtIg72rFmBJL3iRrgtd0Hmpe4Cp4R53Md4J11AkA_7G25yJFZ968YNJQnl/s400/DSC06481.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then mix your melon balls with any fruit assortment you like for a fruit salad. Here is the final product presented on our easter brunch table:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecU9dKvTGBS7TfdMqIu1cDKVURnVHpsOOV9QKYxKSQ8yELSbhoI_2pV2UcqcokWwzIvXkYTp0g71iszWan28tSShb6oJJowruvA2Inrt3qS5h-S7QOKp_1o7T7nmBw-9zKe8Ro5bQaWIb/s1600/DSC06494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecU9dKvTGBS7TfdMqIu1cDKVURnVHpsOOV9QKYxKSQ8yELSbhoI_2pV2UcqcokWwzIvXkYTp0g71iszWan28tSShb6oJJowruvA2Inrt3qS5h-S7QOKp_1o7T7nmBw-9zKe8Ro5bQaWIb/s400/DSC06494.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I usually like to decorate around my basket with pretty and edible foliage, like grape leaves on a curly vine or bright orange nasturtiums.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since your are removing all the melon from inside the basket and then filling all that melon </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">PLUS other fruits</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> back into the shell, you will have enough mixed fruit salad to fill <u>and</u> <u>refill</u> the fruit 'basket'.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-18747398078623879142012-03-23T22:01:00.001-07:002012-03-23T22:03:59.693-07:00Egg 'McMuffin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7v12smK511D7H0KIgzw6WnP80_SqcO21jFu-p0frejdG1VLwnhkrwbvhzs5g2BkaGnCRPSfcYaocx38Anio84ifX4_FLNjzCalmpfGQpjA_x1RmCzdiHLc0GEy_L0iy1a0Jt_EwgTDoN/s1600/DSC06406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7v12smK511D7H0KIgzw6WnP80_SqcO21jFu-p0frejdG1VLwnhkrwbvhzs5g2BkaGnCRPSfcYaocx38Anio84ifX4_FLNjzCalmpfGQpjA_x1RmCzdiHLc0GEy_L0iy1a0Jt_EwgTDoN/s400/DSC06406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I call these Egg 'McMuffins', but they're really more like omelette muffins, or a crustless quiche, or maybe even more like mini frittatas. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made these one morning for Pete and a few of his buddies a while ago when they came down for a Saturday morning in Laguna. That morning, Pete and I took an early Saturday morning stroll and walked down to the market to get some groceries for breakfast. Peter got a call on his cell phone and the next thing I heard, he was saying, "Sure, Meg's about to make breakfast- come on down!" Suddenly, my menu changed and I had to get back and throw a feast together fast! I had never made these before, but it was the <i><u>easiest</u></i> way to throw together a bunch of breakfasts for a bunch of boys with about NO times notice. They were such a hit that I have loved making them ever since then. This week, these little egg muffins made their debut as our St Patricks Day pots of gold :) </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Besides the fact that they are fun and fast for breakfast, they are also great because you can use ANY ingredients that you would normally like in an omelette or quiche. PLUS, they are awesome to keep in the fridge and reheat for an instant breakfast on a work morning. That's what we have been doing all week; Pete has just been loving these quick healthy little 'omelettes'. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe (for a large (6 muffin) sized muffin pan): </span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10 Eggs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup Skim Milk, or fat free Half & Half</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup shredded Cheese (I use low moisture part skim Mozzarella, but Cheddar, Gruyere, or Swish would be good too)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toppings (I use 2 Bell Peppers- 1 red & 1 green, 1 diced Yellow Onion, for the boys I added 8 oz. lean Sausage, I just used the veggies for Peter and I and it was great too!)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*Optional 1/2 teaspoon Salt</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>Directions: </u></span></div><br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(*If using sausage or bacon, cook that in your pan first.)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heat some Canola oil in a sautee pan and cook your diced onion and bell peppers for a few minutes. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whisk your eggs and milk together (you can add a little salt here too. If you are using a breakfast meat though, those are usually pretty salty already; also cheese adds a little salt to it as well)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spray your muffin tins with nonstick spray.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Divide your sauteed veggies and/or meat evenly between the muffin tins. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ladle the eggs into each muffin tin over the fillings</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle a little cheese on top of the egg</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes. </span></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake until they puff and golden on top:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7v12smK511D7H0KIgzw6WnP80_SqcO21jFu-p0frejdG1VLwnhkrwbvhzs5g2BkaGnCRPSfcYaocx38Anio84ifX4_FLNjzCalmpfGQpjA_x1RmCzdiHLc0GEy_L0iy1a0Jt_EwgTDoN/s1600/DSC06406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7v12smK511D7H0KIgzw6WnP80_SqcO21jFu-p0frejdG1VLwnhkrwbvhzs5g2BkaGnCRPSfcYaocx38Anio84ifX4_FLNjzCalmpfGQpjA_x1RmCzdiHLc0GEy_L0iy1a0Jt_EwgTDoN/s400/DSC06406.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Look at how beautiful and golden they get!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoa8GzkfDy4l89ohCaGJ7l1WdVebegBpV6YPvRKZRVgafsQXQxwMjgeJH9aspNbap2L6M_2tIRS6gqGbWleaoOKZZOJevU7pDEdBDL-m8ryl0RGQRodxwdO81YfAc1AhsvWr2k7b8hI3h/s1600/DSC06409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoa8GzkfDy4l89ohCaGJ7l1WdVebegBpV6YPvRKZRVgafsQXQxwMjgeJH9aspNbap2L6M_2tIRS6gqGbWleaoOKZZOJevU7pDEdBDL-m8ryl0RGQRodxwdO81YfAc1AhsvWr2k7b8hI3h/s400/DSC06409.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">However, they do deflate within minutes of pulling them out of the oven. I've tried using a little baking powder whisked into the egg mixture to make them stay puffed... but that just leaves a funny taste to them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, these deflated little omelette muffins are still SO SO yummy and convenient just the way they are. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEs87Xs4Tsvb7auQFBW3ztKkDJHbyZzz2Gdy5HQCjiHBHUsPsQnc1LtvStHQsNoqIACaDeprdfrDLjt_5Oq18F5Lwscg2YKU-A5ejqqVjTw8Zs_JRsO3_0r0Xu7xcQ5f89qBHIKeIokli/s1600/DSC06415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEs87Xs4Tsvb7auQFBW3ztKkDJHbyZzz2Gdy5HQCjiHBHUsPsQnc1LtvStHQsNoqIACaDeprdfrDLjt_5Oq18F5Lwscg2YKU-A5ejqqVjTw8Zs_JRsO3_0r0Xu7xcQ5f89qBHIKeIokli/s400/DSC06415.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I let these cool, then store them in the fridge in a giant ziplock bag. I've been SUPER busy with work and have had a lot of early mornings, so these are great for Pete. He just pulls one out heats it in the microwave and dabs a little tapatio on it. Instant homemade breakfast to go!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other Ideas: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have guests staying the night, you can make these ahead of time and cover them in the fridge until the morning when you can bake them off fresh.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can toast a whole grain English Muffin and put one of these little egg muffins between it to make a breakfast sandwich.</span></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These are such pretty cookies. The burgundy and the white just make them so fancy looking. Definitely a good change from the casual classic Chocolate chip cookie. They are great for special occassions in the office, Valentines day, and they are also great for the Holidays- baked goods and cranberries just scream 'Christmas time'! In fact, these are the cookies that Santa requested for Christmas eve at our house this year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strike>Peter</strike> Santa LOVES these! </span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredient List:</u></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">utter, softened</span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup White S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">ugar</span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup packed B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">rown Sugar</span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount">1 E</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="name">gg</span></span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 teaspoons V</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="name">anilla</span></span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 cups </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="name">Flour</span></span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon B</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="name">aking Soda</span></span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span itemprop="name">dried Cranberries</span></span></span></span></div><div class="subtitle" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup W</span><span itemprop="name">hite Chocolate Chips</span></span></span></div><div class="clear" style="clear: both; line-height: 21px;"></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugars:</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeL-HUEWClsDmWlO-gt_gMzL5oeNikVGph1H_TnB41weUjOIOBqfCD64UBYrZ_Gd5pbcp4Ssz1nbM4nh4pdZUJ9Kh4Y6LRLkHXk1gtf2fy44QSHCSf-pURClkowFFJVowVIYqppLen_g3/s1600/DSC05351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeL-HUEWClsDmWlO-gt_gMzL5oeNikVGph1H_TnB41weUjOIOBqfCD64UBYrZ_Gd5pbcp4Ssz1nbM4nh4pdZUJ9Kh4Y6LRLkHXk1gtf2fy44QSHCSf-pURClkowFFJVowVIYqppLen_g3/s400/DSC05351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Lastly, add </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">the flour and baking soda and mix until just barely combined. (do not over mix here because you have to stir again when you add the chips and berries, and overmixing the flour will yield tough little cookies):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPqDIthyphenhyphenuz8uHemee7JJi7S9TKiHOysgX6vNVKscpp_QIawQUbJoPgWc7MYB0tfNQByEqZ7BQRzYxpFn_kLhqqbCi3ZAMKI4fqU5LVoDtqwGRbqbGWmtH7spcNS-owIq5x1P-qMuNuix5/s1600/DSC05353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPqDIthyphenhyphenuz8uHemee7JJi7S9TKiHOysgX6vNVKscpp_QIawQUbJoPgWc7MYB0tfNQByEqZ7BQRzYxpFn_kLhqqbCi3ZAMKI4fqU5LVoDtqwGRbqbGWmtH7spcNS-owIq5x1P-qMuNuix5/s400/DSC05353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Fold in the dried cranberries and white choc chips:</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jkkkB1Mz8r0435EBUsHQ9f6GzTg09rz3lzagnnXCme5P8aiOW5PdAXkbBcxTmp02i2gp_5Rk0Nh_r2Vy4UXyJq98OlI5Zj6glwraFMrY16MDIJYxzpPG3GmdneoOFh6K4EO6c5aNiCZJ/s1600/DSC05355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jkkkB1Mz8r0435EBUsHQ9f6GzTg09rz3lzagnnXCme5P8aiOW5PdAXkbBcxTmp02i2gp_5Rk0Nh_r2Vy4UXyJq98OlI5Zj6glwraFMrY16MDIJYxzpPG3GmdneoOFh6K4EO6c5aNiCZJ/s400/DSC05355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Spoon dough balls onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart:</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlYzX2B_gCETyxcINGvgXTRNpDToxiwwVnh9ffc7cykfgxs8-3fEcdpgqdq6xDGkyXktyIsK4svMJGPeSbhwHVX82emtqyIIy6PBET7nmK8LqwrDfO1-bZQ95A1IRJMR7bNgbd1USW5HB/s1600/DSC05357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlYzX2B_gCETyxcINGvgXTRNpDToxiwwVnh9ffc7cykfgxs8-3fEcdpgqdq6xDGkyXktyIsK4svMJGPeSbhwHVX82emtqyIIy6PBET7nmK8LqwrDfO1-bZQ95A1IRJMR7bNgbd1USW5HB/s400/DSC05357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Bake at 375°F for 8 - 10 minutes or until cookies are <i>lightly</i> goldened.</span></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYLj0MEGXCM-7cNMOVAWkus76Hl6gOj0jkAgGCcdkEeY4WOvkPnc5jROT29JSNZhjuY1o_nxt7Ye1uDCIFIllSWIbj6pTtUqLA855lom96m2H0DOKqrSCgnN-r1f__LVPwdmypbZnpwMT/s1600/DSC05368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYLj0MEGXCM-7cNMOVAWkus76Hl6gOj0jkAgGCcdkEeY4WOvkPnc5jROT29JSNZhjuY1o_nxt7Ye1uDCIFIllSWIbj6pTtUqLA855lom96m2H0DOKqrSCgnN-r1f__LVPwdmypbZnpwMT/s400/DSC05368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="subtitle" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">This sounds silly, but whack the entire cookie sheet onto your countertop to release air from your cookies before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This will help to start the flattening process if you don't like fluffy, cakey cookies (like me). I love chewy cookies-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Mmmmm..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">No cakey cookies here! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">:)</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-71697806856356462012012-02-29T16:40:00.000-08:002012-02-29T16:40:02.418-08:00Lime-Cilantro Chicken Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIihOfpo4KW8KJE08tiT4eDojLmx1YKBUAeEphWOkG4e0dMIo5mxTdr-khaXnbFPqV2dkehHtgznOuz1fuY5ELii9fPQpb0rlASHCH5Ehc8NDl_KMjXracLDpCAHqw00rIrudRF0xxeZe/s1600/DSC06287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIihOfpo4KW8KJE08tiT4eDojLmx1YKBUAeEphWOkG4e0dMIo5mxTdr-khaXnbFPqV2dkehHtgznOuz1fuY5ELii9fPQpb0rlASHCH5Ehc8NDl_KMjXracLDpCAHqw00rIrudRF0xxeZe/s400/DSC06287.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I absolutely LOVE the crock pot. It is a working woman's best friend (besides her loving husband of course :). But this dish is unlike any other crock pot meal; if you just ate these tacos, you would never believe me that it was done in a crock pot! Usually the crock pot yields a yummy warming stew or a moist roast, but these taste <i>just</i> like Mexican street tacos. Who'd of thunk it!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We love getting tacos in Mexico from the sketchy little carts on the side of the road. Just make sure you choose the ones that have the most people hovering around 'em. Lots of people means GOOD FOOD... and it also means that if it's everyone else's favorite, they haven't gotten sick there so you probably won't either :) But still- take a peek and make sure their food looks safe, their cart looks (at least somewhat) clean, and that no one is sticking fingers in the toppings or double dipping into salsa or anything. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ANYWAY, these crock pot 'street tacos' taste JUST like the ones we get in Mexico or from our hole in the wall Taco Tuesday joints around here. 'Street taco' refers to the way your taco is dressed up- which typically means your meat is stuffed into a warmed corn tortilla with ONLY Cilantro y Cebolla ("Cilantro and Onions"). I added a few extra topping options to our taco night, but you can pick and choose what you like to personalize your own 'Taco Tuesday' party :)</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients (makes about 18 little corn tacos):</span></u></div><div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4 Chicken Breasts (about 2 lbs)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 generous cup of Salsa</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup roughly chopped Cilantro</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 minced Jalapeno</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Limes (or more if you like)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon minced Garlic</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon Mexican Seasoning Blend or Taco Seasoning or your own mix of Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, etc.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">plus extra Chili Powder for seasoning the chicken breast</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">about 18 little taco-sized Corn Tortillas</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toppings!</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In a bowl, mix together the salsa, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, mexican seasoning blend, and the juice of ONE lime:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMxgiO4wc-1eVhU8IH9Rm1eZk0jlaIrIc7KB7diiAitiJSw-_hhHliSK7MXdY7oei9HJOTIm74TBBBBpV-aEwpyUCJlJEn4vwxp-fXsG46K4W2SMcrLJgvETIkQI2LIw3fzCC_tmFSKVJ/s1600/DSC06219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMxgiO4wc-1eVhU8IH9Rm1eZk0jlaIrIc7KB7diiAitiJSw-_hhHliSK7MXdY7oei9HJOTIm74TBBBBpV-aEwpyUCJlJEn4vwxp-fXsG46K4W2SMcrLJgvETIkQI2LIw3fzCC_tmFSKVJ/s400/DSC06219.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30PB1lHeiV5t7idxEsdSFaEK9aUj2-I9tOBXz3zeSb2BWom394qeqZ-BT4h6FKpZqy9nHEFlIf2E-9CX003gmRt1EKiRPs2lSr-HI3wVNxQjOiS8YjGML1-9nBd0O7tqK-fA3y5U3D2Fj/s1600/DSC06226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30PB1lHeiV5t7idxEsdSFaEK9aUj2-I9tOBXz3zeSb2BWom394qeqZ-BT4h6FKpZqy9nHEFlIf2E-9CX003gmRt1EKiRPs2lSr-HI3wVNxQjOiS8YjGML1-9nBd0O7tqK-fA3y5U3D2Fj/s400/DSC06226.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spray your crock pot with a nonstick spray and place your chicken inside. Sprinkle chicken with chili powder, flip and cover other side as well:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmLj9SsCNJCkUNjvLH94RNz47Xz99Co52IuEUhxs-zVMm7rSXSlkazJ4C8TbqFOg6B0LJmQBWsDmECrYgGpw8bHPFjdIRd2T3x9FtISYHqDJ1kDrqxjGRJ_1k-15VfpTPbjCwUp2kxxJ7/s1600/DSC06230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmLj9SsCNJCkUNjvLH94RNz47Xz99Co52IuEUhxs-zVMm7rSXSlkazJ4C8TbqFOg6B0LJmQBWsDmECrYgGpw8bHPFjdIRd2T3x9FtISYHqDJ1kDrqxjGRJ_1k-15VfpTPbjCwUp2kxxJ7/s400/DSC06230.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Top chicken breasts with your cilantro/lime/salsa mixture:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrEn6dLR3QiszOXX1ATkq4_e7BfSSmByiR3WFRizNxZ3JYuif7WVSQ0MwZF9nowyt6sUdIDFH_Z2ptKYVlHgsy1VFzT-VbfD5jUkGCKUYx0L-vpmorn5G9fXbGtMD3Lfih8xjSnsyQfJj/s1600/DSC06237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrEn6dLR3QiszOXX1ATkq4_e7BfSSmByiR3WFRizNxZ3JYuif7WVSQ0MwZF9nowyt6sUdIDFH_Z2ptKYVlHgsy1VFzT-VbfD5jUkGCKUYx0L-vpmorn5G9fXbGtMD3Lfih8xjSnsyQfJj/s400/DSC06237.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cook on low for 6 hours (if it goes much longer you might need to add a little more liquid later- either a little bit of chicken broth, or a little extra salsa, or even just a little plain water)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After it has slow cooked all day, it will just FALL APART at the touch of your utensil:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijAoTT4FQ4akVVJX7aZc5p0CLaVUJXK57z0O_PCXQUWVf_AShNTpfEZCe4pTgzH16SHNPXEt1IyNSnfthy6GPHO2_fgx5Ufcp5GGfys2uzQi3tdpjqQbAXVss1BVoTekVoYbaf17gqYft/s1600/DSC06250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijAoTT4FQ4akVVJX7aZc5p0CLaVUJXK57z0O_PCXQUWVf_AShNTpfEZCe4pTgzH16SHNPXEt1IyNSnfthy6GPHO2_fgx5Ufcp5GGfys2uzQi3tdpjqQbAXVss1BVoTekVoYbaf17gqYft/s400/DSC06250.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Break up your all your chicken and mix together with all the sauce & flavors in the pot until your left with a big pot of beautiful and tasty pulled chicken. Now squeeze the juice of the second lime into your chicken and stir in until all the chicken is well coated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3E-lPVNHf7DfBDnh_B-vu8EBi51kPsIocWs_SwWdwl4tRbFUvMzAkkh-tEzFPkIdvyycQF51JL4EAy0Uo7xccwr86UIoJpHXUa_L8JSbWvTvP4XACrda3XZBVNUPknvLI1XH5GQsDmKb/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3E-lPVNHf7DfBDnh_B-vu8EBi51kPsIocWs_SwWdwl4tRbFUvMzAkkh-tEzFPkIdvyycQF51JL4EAy0Uo7xccwr86UIoJpHXUa_L8JSbWvTvP4XACrda3XZBVNUPknvLI1XH5GQsDmKb/s400/DSC06262.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prepare your taco toppings. I have chopped cilantro, diced white onion, lime wedges, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a smorgasborg of salsas and hot sauces:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRi7htqE3mI8xLrc8xhUN_vhco8X2IsfIX5Q7KSY9K346UFFlsU_Fvw7cViQwOInDDjiKMmG8wH-X4rVPYiELi8Utu_yY0hAqWDuzNe3E9uixGCOd2s2FG3caLsVttcfUj1RYJdA6RySU/s1600/DSC06278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRi7htqE3mI8xLrc8xhUN_vhco8X2IsfIX5Q7KSY9K346UFFlsU_Fvw7cViQwOInDDjiKMmG8wH-X4rVPYiELi8Utu_yY0hAqWDuzNe3E9uixGCOd2s2FG3caLsVttcfUj1RYJdA6RySU/s400/DSC06278.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warm your corn tortillas, about 6 at a time, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and warming in the microwave for about 30 seconds:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9-O6Oo_R2NvL9sbG7DUEzc28jEQgjrTCfx_HoRDvrvYhpLf-kGPVyqRRoorYhqigOVijnz0cNsn8op0-S9c5fLnLGSqdhxyPR0pxaJD02vFusN0iaery84d2MLjJlEopTWCMeGqvX1r6/s1600/DSC06275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9-O6Oo_R2NvL9sbG7DUEzc28jEQgjrTCfx_HoRDvrvYhpLf-kGPVyqRRoorYhqigOVijnz0cNsn8op0-S9c5fLnLGSqdhxyPR0pxaJD02vFusN0iaery84d2MLjJlEopTWCMeGqvX1r6/s400/DSC06275.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">True street taco style is simply with 'cilantro y cebolla' (cilantro and onion):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIihOfpo4KW8KJE08tiT4eDojLmx1YKBUAeEphWOkG4e0dMIo5mxTdr-khaXnbFPqV2dkehHtgznOuz1fuY5ELii9fPQpb0rlASHCH5Ehc8NDl_KMjXracLDpCAHqw00rIrudRF0xxeZe/s1600/DSC06287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIihOfpo4KW8KJE08tiT4eDojLmx1YKBUAeEphWOkG4e0dMIo5mxTdr-khaXnbFPqV2dkehHtgznOuz1fuY5ELii9fPQpb0rlASHCH5Ehc8NDl_KMjXracLDpCAHqw00rIrudRF0xxeZe/s400/DSC06287.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I started with a street taco base, and added hot sauce and avocado to mine: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0O0WmMZQTjfhwQNs1NRORyNszMVPE-KDIrurhT4LE0Vfqe03NFtbBacK89TEuBBVCg0tk87zdFMxna-dsc3SWiunQg6FjElesvySuKuOWrMJh07iHLhM-PTMAc_D3bWACFfAHnvOZYi/s1600/DSC06292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0O0WmMZQTjfhwQNs1NRORyNszMVPE-KDIrurhT4LE0Vfqe03NFtbBacK89TEuBBVCg0tk87zdFMxna-dsc3SWiunQg6FjElesvySuKuOWrMJh07iHLhM-PTMAc_D3bWACFfAHnvOZYi/s400/DSC06292.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here, Peter is reminding you to not forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice into each taco... to die for! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F7czcv0Q31WYw92gj_IyLOPpcwpN28_O3hBSTHJKVDtVpB0bKqPXvMfFJxWJlZTE19Xd_ItRMygPAG5ujMM6jYxRubKmr_19SZOw2USHgxaKvXwZ21fe1rMm4AYVpVGOibxoRYbS8jZ5/s1600/DSC06296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F7czcv0Q31WYw92gj_IyLOPpcwpN28_O3hBSTHJKVDtVpB0bKqPXvMfFJxWJlZTE19Xd_ItRMygPAG5ujMM6jYxRubKmr_19SZOw2USHgxaKvXwZ21fe1rMm4AYVpVGOibxoRYbS8jZ5/s400/DSC06296.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> ...aaaaand, Pete added some hot sauce and avocado to his too :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuExfij70AnM4vusQpNmuQxYR36svVvo-mLOWkw1UywvVSFIK2meJaYLeVyu19quh_gipn7avrMaWObBE-HhSV6nr0s7xGdXcrEURExQt01WKDXmkzBuUjV0xgg52yTeQ7pXuyIaGH6Gy/s1600/DSC06300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuExfij70AnM4vusQpNmuQxYR36svVvo-mLOWkw1UywvVSFIK2meJaYLeVyu19quh_gipn7avrMaWObBE-HhSV6nr0s7xGdXcrEURExQt01WKDXmkzBuUjV0xgg52yTeQ7pXuyIaGH6Gy/s400/DSC06300.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-90437128602581595102012-02-12T08:54:00.000-08:002012-02-12T08:54:18.192-08:00Sweet & Salty Jello Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHeFzrdKsP6PyK59Lmvr-xvbQhGnaAUHfSF_I4oxfX4APZ1lyC116FvdjV1VDMok_SPOXnv9zolTDEIwMUUle9lSXXf_fBWAFz2A4jj9AuCxf2yN5xbZkz3ivVxB6t6skMHNyBfxlWXqJ/s1600/DSC06187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHeFzrdKsP6PyK59Lmvr-xvbQhGnaAUHfSF_I4oxfX4APZ1lyC116FvdjV1VDMok_SPOXnv9zolTDEIwMUUle9lSXXf_fBWAFz2A4jj9AuCxf2yN5xbZkz3ivVxB6t6skMHNyBfxlWXqJ/s400/DSC06187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">If this is a 'salad' then I'm fired as a Nutritionist. But, for lack of a better name, my family calls this a Jello salad. We serve it as a side with dinner, but in truth- this is more like a dessert. It is SO SCRUMPTIOUS. The bottom layer is made of a crushed pretzel crust and it is so buttery & salty & crunchy. The top layers create a strawberry-cheesecakeish effect that is creamy & sweet & smooth. All of these complimentary opposites make this dish absolutely irresistible. Everyone at your table will have seconds! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">It was recently my sister-in-law's birthday and this was one of her specific requests for her birthday dinner. It was a good choice because it's something that everyone is always happy with. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">There was one lonesome serving that made it back home with us, and the next morning Peter said he wanted it with breakfast. I tried to just laugh and pass it off as a joke... but as I stood in front of my griddle making <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-french-toast-from-homemade-challah.html">french toast</a>- the next thing I knew Peter was sitting at the table with a fork in hand and the last piece in front of him! Oh geez! Dessert before breakfast!?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">This recipe came from one of our close family friends, Theresa. Theresa is one of my mom's best friends; She's part of a group of ladies that are like a second set of aunties to me and my siblings. T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">heresa originally got this recipe from her mother-in-law</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">... If a recipe has been passed down and around that much, then it's definitely a keeper. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Recipe (makes one 9x13 casserole dish):</span></u></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled Pretzels</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 (6oz) box of Strawberry Jello</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 cups Boiling Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup Ice Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">16 ozs sliced Strawberries (I use a frozen package that has been thawed, but you can use fresh if they are in season)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 small (10 oz) container of Cool Whip</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup White Granulated Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">8 oz package Cream Cheese</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">*This can EASILY be made healthier by using </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">using a sugar free Jello, light cream cheese and/or Neufchatel cheese, and by using </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">half the amount of cool whip/sugar/and cream cheese. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">...still doesn't make it 'healthy', but will make it <i>healthier</i>.</span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Melt Butter and brown sugar together and remove from heat. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Stir in the crushed pretzels and spread mixture into a sprayed/greased 9x13 dish. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Bake 10-12 min in preheated 350 degree F oven. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Set aside (or in fridge) to cool completely.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tFoVsVp8X5UapjfAAKyqf2nK6_azbP0iUzuDRPqBIVR8TqyUKBIRDFSrtiVDn9k2f2O8QnQpwGWOL1_qqhQmysq4UjP-DUosHAKE74Zzh1JAjJYgUzvfH84qS781E5hAgeTVQl3P5uDW/s1600/DSC06118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tFoVsVp8X5UapjfAAKyqf2nK6_azbP0iUzuDRPqBIVR8TqyUKBIRDFSrtiVDn9k2f2O8QnQpwGWOL1_qqhQmysq4UjP-DUosHAKE74Zzh1JAjJYgUzvfH84qS781E5hAgeTVQl3P5uDW/s400/DSC06118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89Wk3HMMO0wllEo-qHDQr2ORNz4jJQhTU8I9HBytkQNVkPj80dWPMa1p_CR0_1GoyhDvGnrAUHFa1sTibSrDYtZMpIZs-Oop1T-4MLZpPkZs2-Uc9vUYot-PoJBGGrSA4qX-ljPOvpPhT/s1600/DSC06127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89Wk3HMMO0wllEo-qHDQr2ORNz4jJQhTU8I9HBytkQNVkPj80dWPMa1p_CR0_1GoyhDvGnrAUHFa1sTibSrDYtZMpIZs-Oop1T-4MLZpPkZs2-Uc9vUYot-PoJBGGrSA4qX-ljPOvpPhT/s400/DSC06127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Mix together jello in boiling water and stir for 2 minutes until all dissolved. Then add the ice-cold water (without the ice) and sliced strawberries. Stir well and <u>allow to cool and thicken slightly in fridge, but not till it's completely firm or else you won't be able to pour it on as the top layer.</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yoBw3ibac1LrQXUs0x7dmsxWKAKRzOco6RSiO-AGCh7Ds00jNO7g5d6gaajBRkiFoTN9TpsT12XDyV3E5RkULEdmI28wQEQBtOW9p0TRekt0AekalDXx5tNvJIcdiV9kxG-Ptuva4VZ8/s1600/DSC06132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yoBw3ibac1LrQXUs0x7dmsxWKAKRzOco6RSiO-AGCh7Ds00jNO7g5d6gaajBRkiFoTN9TpsT12XDyV3E5RkULEdmI28wQEQBtOW9p0TRekt0AekalDXx5tNvJIcdiV9kxG-Ptuva4VZ8/s400/DSC06132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">While the two other components are cooling, whip together cool whip, cream cheese, and sugar.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8LtzsjoqV9fGPOfXUfN0gKZFbAOZw3sQyi_gfNni5OJM_pgzpUe0rRWVlMqRY-ZYHnTB8wblM55bYiN2DQBV-0nFbCjECyAiN-4rLNpadpjh7Kl-dTYsmVFRdx0fHn3suvZJNabWIyk6/s1600/DSC06148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8LtzsjoqV9fGPOfXUfN0gKZFbAOZw3sQyi_gfNni5OJM_pgzpUe0rRWVlMqRY-ZYHnTB8wblM55bYiN2DQBV-0nFbCjECyAiN-4rLNpadpjh7Kl-dTYsmVFRdx0fHn3suvZJNabWIyk6/s400/DSC06148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Spread evenly over the COMPLETELY COOLED pretzel crust.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lNc71JnrzXXqphAnx0AM5Jeuo2vK9ih7C-v7F181pAeoDyInZf4Lft4zEUbWl5J5j5I6VEWiN1WsFy6hs6lKJ7qh6FshSUcm2Gh5OLv6pJrnj7CBRmRUggRUpBkoke0jC-VpTGsnqTOg/s1600/DSC06159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lNc71JnrzXXqphAnx0AM5Jeuo2vK9ih7C-v7F181pAeoDyInZf4Lft4zEUbWl5J5j5I6VEWiN1WsFy6hs6lKJ7qh6FshSUcm2Gh5OLv6pJrnj7CBRmRUggRUpBkoke0jC-VpTGsnqTOg/s400/DSC06159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Then top with the slightly chilled jello mix.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WYtYiocAJJZXQLuHcBE0U3urMu3UFvrxC_IbNKy5PHJeSaFJzGPmZ3tlAqM1md8N7xNt-8pEvGKUtMFPu6sID8eZMW-Qa9JMJqjq_doUY8gVPb-TcVFWMqxCiRGN818V0oY13UuDHgHO/s1600/DSC06171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WYtYiocAJJZXQLuHcBE0U3urMu3UFvrxC_IbNKy5PHJeSaFJzGPmZ3tlAqM1md8N7xNt-8pEvGKUtMFPu6sID8eZMW-Qa9JMJqjq_doUY8gVPb-TcVFWMqxCiRGN818V0oY13UuDHgHO/s400/DSC06171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Enjoy! ...it's hard to take a picture of jello that looks pretty, but I promise this is DELICIOUS!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHeFzrdKsP6PyK59Lmvr-xvbQhGnaAUHfSF_I4oxfX4APZ1lyC116FvdjV1VDMok_SPOXnv9zolTDEIwMUUle9lSXXf_fBWAFz2A4jj9AuCxf2yN5xbZkz3ivVxB6t6skMHNyBfxlWXqJ/s1600/DSC06187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHeFzrdKsP6PyK59Lmvr-xvbQhGnaAUHfSF_I4oxfX4APZ1lyC116FvdjV1VDMok_SPOXnv9zolTDEIwMUUle9lSXXf_fBWAFz2A4jj9AuCxf2yN5xbZkz3ivVxB6t6skMHNyBfxlWXqJ/s400/DSC06187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnogkiWvvHYJL1gC9Lh60h4HWlM2OZoqf9x2ytCmJuCC93c5DpGcaOrSut0ZnP9ZILPWxE3m-Cit8ThvsY-W-KcJm_o67eOeCtZgB6vnJVuMFg7Qn33p3CB3j7sYkxk3Q1v3NRmxz14fn/s1600/DSC06208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnogkiWvvHYJL1gC9Lh60h4HWlM2OZoqf9x2ytCmJuCC93c5DpGcaOrSut0ZnP9ZILPWxE3m-Cit8ThvsY-W-KcJm_o67eOeCtZgB6vnJVuMFg7Qn33p3CB3j7sYkxk3Q1v3NRmxz14fn/s400/DSC06208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">For an elegant presentation, try serving it...</span></span></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">on a leaf of Bibb lettuce,</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a dollop of cool whip, </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a strawberry on top, </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">with a sprig of mint on top,</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">or ALL of the above :)</span></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is another AWESOME appetizer.... and just in time for Super Bowl parties! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't be deceived by the jalapeno, this appetizer is hardly spicy at all. You can control the heat by using <i>mild</i> jalapeno jelly. Plus, jelly has enough sugar in it that it mellows out the spiciness, and the cream cheese definitely calms down any spiciness as well. The first time I had this was at my Aunt's house like 15 years ago! She served this appetizer before dinner and I think I ate most of it! I LOVED it. As a little girl, I didn't like jalapenos or spicy foods at all (what kid does?), but this is an unusually tantalizing combination of flavors that you must try- even if you don't like spicy flavors. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, there are not a lot of companies that make jalapeno jelly- so my only option is this one company that makes a mild jalapeno jelly in bright green, and a hot jalapeno jelly in bright red. I would prefer to serve the red color since it is more appetizing looking, but since appetizers are to serve a wide variety of people I usually opt for the mild version. Unfortunately, that leaves me with this alien-like bright green one. I'm going to have to start making my own homemade jalapeno jelly because this neon green isn't the most appetizing looking color to serve on a platter. Regardless if it makes people look twice, they will love it! I've had lots of 'spicy-food-haters' who are shocked at how much they love this simple snack and they end up being the ones who eat the most of it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's simple; you can just pick up the 3 ingredients at the store on your way to an event and assemble it in 2 seconds when you get there. This is a great secret to keep in your back pocket for when you find yourself short on time!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This appetizer has all the makings of a beautifully addictive treat: the crackers make it crunchy and salty, the cheese makes it creamy and smooth, the jelly makes it sweet and spicy. This one's got it all :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Shopping List:</u></span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 box Wheat Thins (reduced fat works fine also)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 (8 oz) box of Cream Cheese (light versions work well too)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 jar of Jalapeno Jelly (your choice of mild or hot)</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simply pour the jelly over the top of the cream cheese and serve with the crackers on the side. Don't forget a little cheese spreader knife as well :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ljk8h2ycytSClfSVgSWxcI2F6EBAcI8ggF65VxQGs2O8ZWFWeBXMQK3-4ENI5GudFmsfQDmUi6-7vwaIgHIiQ32weqyg3-gj9EWNCjq49DdojPur2deVAvnBHqsqOjxUxQlx6KNpkPR2/s1600/DSC05667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ljk8h2ycytSClfSVgSWxcI2F6EBAcI8ggF65VxQGs2O8ZWFWeBXMQK3-4ENI5GudFmsfQDmUi6-7vwaIgHIiQ32weqyg3-gj9EWNCjq49DdojPur2deVAvnBHqsqOjxUxQlx6KNpkPR2/s400/DSC05667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-49081094397589670882012-01-23T21:20:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:20:34.559-08:00Pastry Pinwheel Appetizers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdqOw23jwnAkv7x2VPwIcQgZ7NWS6oejHafpCSvJH0Zkswcfu8Zdq7hZ0cepLJS6dZ-yApo4RsUrKblWaBX_1QYnFIrwpTvtaaIurULwBtR7iumNhTVyE_piKDfGEM_Jx_auCjjis2gxk/s1600/DSC05664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdqOw23jwnAkv7x2VPwIcQgZ7NWS6oejHafpCSvJH0Zkswcfu8Zdq7hZ0cepLJS6dZ-yApo4RsUrKblWaBX_1QYnFIrwpTvtaaIurULwBtR7iumNhTVyE_piKDfGEM_Jx_auCjjis2gxk/s400/DSC05664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So this post is going to be a 2-for-1 deal because I'm going to share TWO different versions of the same appetizer: Spinach Asiago pinwheels, AND Garlic Cheddar Pinwheels. Well, really it's like an infinite amount of different appetizers from one recipe since you can take this idea and recreate it a million different ways with all kinds of different ingredients and flavors rolled up inside of them (lots of ideas listed at the bottom of this post too).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This recipe uses puff pastry; I just use the frozen kind at the market, because it is so much easier than making it at home and doesn't taste any less than homemade. Plus you get TWO sheets of puff pastry in one box- so you can either double the recipe of your favorite flavor below, <u><i>or</i></u> you can make each one.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made these for a New Year's Eve Party. Now, it's a great time to share them, though, because the Super Bowl is nearing and I think these will make a great super bowl party snack! This is one that both guys and girls like :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spinach-Cheese Pinwheels:</span></b></u><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 sheet Puff Pastry, THAWED (buy the frozen kind at the supermarket. They usually come in a box with 2 puff pastry sheets. But BE SURE to let yours <i><u>thaw</u></i> before starting this)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 large Egg + 1 Tbsp Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 package Spinach (again, just buy the frozen box at the supermarket), thawed and WELL DRAINED (really squeeze all the liquid out of it)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup shredded Cheese- you can use any type you like, but I used Asiago here! Some other yummy options are: Mozzarella, Gruyere, or Muenster.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsp Garlic Powder</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AP Flour for work surface</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Garlic-Cheddar Pinwheels:</span></b></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 sheet Puff Pastry, THAWED (buy the frozen kind at the supermarket. They usually come in a box with 2 puff pastry sheets. But BE SURE to let yours <i><u>thaw</u></i> before starting this)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 large Egg + 1 Tbsp Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons minced Garlic</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AP Flour for work surface</span></li>
</ul><div><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spinach-Cheese Pinwheels:</span></b></u></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lay one sheet of pastry dough on a well-floured surface, and roll out using a rolling pin into a large rectangle. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ToDlspPbAvwgGngBLvhFZERgVmvpSwVzefOU8y2yEuI6CTLrLY2aJa1WOydijbsVf3Vf7_Zmu_h6Npn2XxnI7EqeFGl__xveJxR9npB_CvH7xMBTE43V1K4msd11-e-di6PeY-enUH8w/s1600/DSC05623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ToDlspPbAvwgGngBLvhFZERgVmvpSwVzefOU8y2yEuI6CTLrLY2aJa1WOydijbsVf3Vf7_Zmu_h6Npn2XxnI7EqeFGl__xveJxR9npB_CvH7xMBTE43V1K4msd11-e-di6PeY-enUH8w/s400/DSC05623.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beat together egg and water in one bowl or cup. Mix shredded cheese, grated parmesan, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. </span></div></div><div><ol><li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paint egg wash onto rolled out pastry sheet. (reserve a little for later use)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Squeeze all liquid out of defrosted spinach. Spread evenly across the pastry sheet. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle cheese mix evenly over top of spinach layer. </span></li>
</ol></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO9wuXpLnOqZGdknc143WiBst1rdAYPtOW2jW6-cXmyjWDqxxnALqNUJQUVLAuqRHlxYJJKKoLeVbtEqTE2IwDwtLbw32PRHKwkkeujEJCgk-MIYYWArm1XNq1LG6IZrBOyxDRfoI1n3_/s1600/DSC05624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO9wuXpLnOqZGdknc143WiBst1rdAYPtOW2jW6-cXmyjWDqxxnALqNUJQUVLAuqRHlxYJJKKoLeVbtEqTE2IwDwtLbw32PRHKwkkeujEJCgk-MIYYWArm1XNq1LG6IZrBOyxDRfoI1n3_/s400/DSC05624.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB_SVG5y_BVChGgxlzRquP3A7EGfaQALvYwKYfVU1D6iq1SVTuNxBqrxJizsdCvYZWBkGWHDzaotZ174MA2ULyZvcJGtCw6RHi_ug6gcYfw3pzZDC8Xpz5o-ibOqmKTHoIWdtpWDxGyBF/s1600/DSC05631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB_SVG5y_BVChGgxlzRquP3A7EGfaQALvYwKYfVU1D6iq1SVTuNxBqrxJizsdCvYZWBkGWHDzaotZ174MA2ULyZvcJGtCw6RHi_ug6gcYfw3pzZDC8Xpz5o-ibOqmKTHoIWdtpWDxGyBF/s400/DSC05631.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Starting at a short side of the rectangle, roll up. Seal well (use a little egg wash if you need to, in order to seal up the seam.)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLSxVyZOnijus2HzE9DqVXBmszis582ls_kDR25F7v9Chs6mnqiMAxEVvPf5eEKX6jn2TVujtYwlk3bQaDL62EY2aLZAMaNxGJh9bSkYqOjaifbBVrzowHGmAeqcayS8C7G8ZN7K4utNE/s1600/DSC05632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLSxVyZOnijus2HzE9DqVXBmszis582ls_kDR25F7v9Chs6mnqiMAxEVvPf5eEKX6jn2TVujtYwlk3bQaDL62EY2aLZAMaNxGJh9bSkYqOjaifbBVrzowHGmAeqcayS8C7G8ZN7K4utNE/s400/DSC05632.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Slice into 1/2 inch pinwheels (makes about 22)</span></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*HELPFUL HINT: when I make <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/04/cinnamon-rolls.html">cinnamon rolls</a> I like to use floss to slice through the dough-y roll. HOWEVER, that does NOT work with these because the floss doesn't slice through the spinach, so it grabs it and pulls out the spinach instead. Unfortunately you have to <i><b>use a sharp serrated knife and saw gently for each pinwheel. Use more back and forth motion and less pressing down motion to preserve the best shape & swirl of your pinwheels.</b></i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lay them out onto a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush tops lightly with remaining egg wash (this help them maintain a glossy appearance after they've cooked)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-v71TADDTm1ZWmGFdi56s0F2-Cgt3lvjXexDS2byUiWA4ig_2MkgfLFoGmZlYnp9lOX5wW2N6MIt_ngAWKM_KDIF2kGNZG_wCbsHt8EG4NymtSbLrnd04YMNw_BoVgF_As6HqtoY9zxw/s1600/DSC05638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-v71TADDTm1ZWmGFdi56s0F2-Cgt3lvjXexDS2byUiWA4ig_2MkgfLFoGmZlYnp9lOX5wW2N6MIt_ngAWKM_KDIF2kGNZG_wCbsHt8EG4NymtSbLrnd04YMNw_BoVgF_As6HqtoY9zxw/s400/DSC05638.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oZM32tHhUv3pi5aDMKe2isZYu90ZMbFy1J_fTpTVuSZAJD6gZ2Rvxk8zYwdeBnEpQw6PLyBfJoKgIIRwNrPL29c_LY75c-5jAUw2S0O8n1B7AZYX1FUT_h9mKjdOcwHpQ9DNA90hyphenhyphenB7r/s1600/DSC05646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oZM32tHhUv3pi5aDMKe2isZYu90ZMbFy1J_fTpTVuSZAJD6gZ2Rvxk8zYwdeBnEpQw6PLyBfJoKgIIRwNrPL29c_LY75c-5jAUw2S0O8n1B7AZYX1FUT_h9mKjdOcwHpQ9DNA90hyphenhyphenB7r/s400/DSC05646.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOg_LKqXzaHGvsplVRDQ6xFzDUBZ5qEq2Trzb7_2QUPNthZOhwaA9Nafj4I9p34PA06fleQT1hE0EYXTsajq3kafUBneZW8qrFPW2c0I5oNmhc1zLPkJBTiiBZnyE4HUzoVnbvs7FWjgA/s1600/DSC05654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOg_LKqXzaHGvsplVRDQ6xFzDUBZ5qEq2Trzb7_2QUPNthZOhwaA9Nafj4I9p34PA06fleQT1hE0EYXTsajq3kafUBneZW8qrFPW2c0I5oNmhc1zLPkJBTiiBZnyE4HUzoVnbvs7FWjgA/s400/DSC05654.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Garlic-Cheddar Pinwheels:</span></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lay one sheet of pastry dough on a well-floured surface, and roll out using a rolling pin into a large rectangle. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ToDlspPbAvwgGngBLvhFZERgVmvpSwVzefOU8y2yEuI6CTLrLY2aJa1WOydijbsVf3Vf7_Zmu_h6Npn2XxnI7EqeFGl__xveJxR9npB_CvH7xMBTE43V1K4msd11-e-di6PeY-enUH8w/s1600/DSC05623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ToDlspPbAvwgGngBLvhFZERgVmvpSwVzefOU8y2yEuI6CTLrLY2aJa1WOydijbsVf3Vf7_Zmu_h6Npn2XxnI7EqeFGl__xveJxR9npB_CvH7xMBTE43V1K4msd11-e-di6PeY-enUH8w/s400/DSC05623.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beat together egg and water in one bowl or cup. </span></div></div><div><ol><li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paint egg wash on rolled out pastry sheet. (reserve a little for later use)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spread minced garlic evenly across the pastry sheet. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle cheddar & parmesan evenly over top of garlic layer. </span></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Starting at a short side of the rectangle, roll up. Seal well (use a little egg wash if you need to, in order to seal up the seam.)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLSxVyZOnijus2HzE9DqVXBmszis582ls_kDR25F7v9Chs6mnqiMAxEVvPf5eEKX6jn2TVujtYwlk3bQaDL62EY2aLZAMaNxGJh9bSkYqOjaifbBVrzowHGmAeqcayS8C7G8ZN7K4utNE/s1600/DSC05632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLSxVyZOnijus2HzE9DqVXBmszis582ls_kDR25F7v9Chs6mnqiMAxEVvPf5eEKX6jn2TVujtYwlk3bQaDL62EY2aLZAMaNxGJh9bSkYqOjaifbBVrzowHGmAeqcayS8C7G8ZN7K4utNE/s400/DSC05632.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Slice into 1/2 inch pinwheels (makes about 22)</span></b></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*HELPFUL HINT: when I make <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/04/cinnamon-rolls.html">cinnamon rolls</a> I like to <u><i><b>use floss</b></i></u> to slice through the dough-y roll. That DOES work like magic with these too! It doesn't work with spinach (as stated earlier) but </span></div><div><b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">using floss to slice the pinwheels works GREAT here.</span></u></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElMREI1TxN05IlfRYev37RswSJ981CZX57Zin60uOF17Ze_s8h7_q06heotBNI9bKfBUloLz7FYMTWi0rhNwawyKg6xmJtd1TrnUm3Mn7UiA-KtFdENPp4_eNxoskTxE_R0W50APjeIIb/s1600/DSC05642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElMREI1TxN05IlfRYev37RswSJ981CZX57Zin60uOF17Ze_s8h7_q06heotBNI9bKfBUloLz7FYMTWi0rhNwawyKg6xmJtd1TrnUm3Mn7UiA-KtFdENPp4_eNxoskTxE_R0W50APjeIIb/s400/DSC05642.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lay them out onto a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush tops lightly with remaining egg wash (this help them maintain a glossy appearance after they've cooked)</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGwbysTZvQcZJfpgN_0aOECNqB8F9BJQynCoYbfNG3kcuJgsKCTyhyqpqqrAQD5rUj5qV0bhh60f1_8TEW-nz4k7IYsB_edutxEbSo-n2i2-V8oItXfgDPU5_eIfN8F2P1SHUkOPcXxh2/s1600/DSC05651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGwbysTZvQcZJfpgN_0aOECNqB8F9BJQynCoYbfNG3kcuJgsKCTyhyqpqqrAQD5rUj5qV0bhh60f1_8TEW-nz4k7IYsB_edutxEbSo-n2i2-V8oItXfgDPU5_eIfN8F2P1SHUkOPcXxh2/s400/DSC05651.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until they golden.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJBArDZyYYJ7-H2mS2sKgey5A0cmE7jJWLJrArIGywfJO9Gx4AIQHV3pe1g51ZAyWIdMpFQKrSY7n3IzWBF_jire8VE2TDCMBTUFDPeCGZNRv1S8XbCpARrZweNAxz7PtYMpq_iDlU37/s1600/DSC05659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJBArDZyYYJ7-H2mS2sKgey5A0cmE7jJWLJrArIGywfJO9Gx4AIQHV3pe1g51ZAyWIdMpFQKrSY7n3IzWBF_jire8VE2TDCMBTUFDPeCGZNRv1S8XbCpARrZweNAxz7PtYMpq_iDlU37/s400/DSC05659.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5B-O8NfyBe07-pDmPkEQnL4AR3WBVogtvDmDhYaP4iIzUanizt_DeV0lwonukMmCXWe5KDGJPMIlDr77WWyytkkGSnJuXsO7RqQ-69QDjQXZWz2ZlVPuPD4gIytVucru9p_A3YFxbTVo/s1600/DSC05663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5B-O8NfyBe07-pDmPkEQnL4AR3WBVogtvDmDhYaP4iIzUanizt_DeV0lwonukMmCXWe5KDGJPMIlDr77WWyytkkGSnJuXsO7RqQ-69QDjQXZWz2ZlVPuPD4gIytVucru9p_A3YFxbTVo/s640/DSC05663.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other flavor ideas: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Savory: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Pesto Sauce & Cheese</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Tomato sauce & Mozzarella</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Ham & Swiss</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Caramelized Onions and Gruyere</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Roasted Red Peppers & Fontina</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Sun dried Tomato, Basil, & Mozzarella</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Melted Chocolate</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Cinnamon & Sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Honey & Walnuts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Cream Cheese & Jam</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet & Savory: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Maple & Bacon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LEAVE A COMMENT WITH <u>YOUR</u> FUN IDEAS :)</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-70472431549073060932012-01-18T09:54:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:19:23.048-08:00Baked Spaghetti 'Pie'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WlZ2hnd7LzwYZ4OUyYwlslMh27Zq3H1E5N40XvRKppiVc-TqkcoV2BCHqBERKAmB0lU0A4sMb-by6WDZVuf5iMHWW8m2fEM4clQcxNpo3fMwTIbXjTsbuEZjoHgXSeTJohTkm1Yscpbi/s1600/DSC06068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WlZ2hnd7LzwYZ4OUyYwlslMh27Zq3H1E5N40XvRKppiVc-TqkcoV2BCHqBERKAmB0lU0A4sMb-by6WDZVuf5iMHWW8m2fEM4clQcxNpo3fMwTIbXjTsbuEZjoHgXSeTJohTkm1Yscpbi/s400/DSC06068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one was so much fun to make! It's like a facelift for spaghetti! It could also be a great way to use leftover noodles :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter called me when he got off work and said that he had invited some friends over for dinner. This was a <i>great</i> quick dish to throw together. Luckily, I already had a batch of my <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2012/01/bolognese-sauce.html">homemade bolognese</a> sauce, but if you're really in a rush for time you could make a <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-easy-marinara.html">quick marinara sauce</a>, (or let's be honest- when in a real bind there is <i>no shame</i> in reaching for a good jar of red sauce from the market!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In any form, this is a <i>delicious</i> and easy entree to whip up. Plus, isn't it so much more fun than plain old spaghetti?!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Comments from the boys were: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-"This is so much </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">easier to eat than spaghetti, and it tastes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> better too!"; </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-"This is so good!...Megan, did I say yet how good this is!?"; and finally- </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-"Best homemade meal I've had in a long time!"...but that was coming from the boy that just got back from a 'boys trip' in Mexico, so I don't think this one counts, Haha!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This night the three guys took down the whole thing, but I'd say it could normally serve 6 people comfortably- (not counting big hungry boys as normal people, of course)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients (makes 1 large pie; 8 slices)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">6-8 ounces Spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus 1/4 cup for topping</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 whole Eggs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 (16 oz) container of Fat Free Cottage Cheese </span><i>(or you can use ricotta cheese. I opt for cottage cheese because it is healthier and tastes just as good when it's all cooked in; those who don't normally care for cottage cheese don't even know it's in here and they love it.)</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 heaping cup of Shredded Mozzarella, plus 1/2 cup for topping</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 batch <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2012/01/bolognese-sauce.html">Bolognese sauce</a>, or <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-easy-marinara.html">Marinara Sauce</a>, or your favorite jarred sauce.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cook pasta 'al dente'; drain; While still hot, stir in 2 Tbsp Butter, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese and 2 eggs; Mix well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cheese and butter mixed into the noodles give lots of flavor to this bottom layer of the dish; the eggs hold it all together as it bakes so that later you will be able to cut it into nice slices without the noodles flopping all over the place. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzBjVHqtp4LV3Ntwi52VOTFp3PbBc0jjov8AYW4eOizQpsuJtsUpyzH3-TkdiNBS1TOgOxEHV8O2mPMsg1L3QxfbWNIeR6lNjRLKizVV5Y7UeNy4rkf0R2Du921dyUkZZuln3LxUxjyGn/s1600/DSC05963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzBjVHqtp4LV3Ntwi52VOTFp3PbBc0jjov8AYW4eOizQpsuJtsUpyzH3-TkdiNBS1TOgOxEHV8O2mPMsg1L3QxfbWNIeR6lNjRLKizVV5Y7UeNy4rkf0R2Du921dyUkZZuln3LxUxjyGn/s400/DSC05963.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lightly spray or butter your baking dish, and press noodles firmly into bottom of oven safe dish. (I use this Le Creuset pan, but you could use a casserole dish, a large pie pan, ...<b>any</b> oven safe baking dish)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxcaS7iguCmgASv7yoN00qfgkS00qIqCbU-ZMfa2zQLe9xa1VE-ilY1o_XrP7TKUFkHkMY8Ly9QO6d2RkkI5vxq0ZE_00pCREmro2I2Sb3XBfegEWYAoB1DD1mKOmFPwHaOkxEKnsQP7J/s1600/DSC05982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxcaS7iguCmgASv7yoN00qfgkS00qIqCbU-ZMfa2zQLe9xa1VE-ilY1o_XrP7TKUFkHkMY8Ly9QO6d2RkkI5vxq0ZE_00pCREmro2I2Sb3XBfegEWYAoB1DD1mKOmFPwHaOkxEKnsQP7J/s400/DSC05982.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mix cottage cheese with 1 cup shredded Mozzarella and press firmly on top of noodles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUqw78ajlFdlz8eMAvXOs8jE2UB94NDjlzglc_ObgsfLk3TzBGrmLWruLmWU3qZ4NXb8tew7S4DuyqPgYVnqHXmHWSZkRbomojckd79XedLUla4pttcghKgWNsCMlDPgt0xKA9dF57-IB/s1600/DSC06036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUqw78ajlFdlz8eMAvXOs8jE2UB94NDjlzglc_ObgsfLk3TzBGrmLWruLmWU3qZ4NXb8tew7S4DuyqPgYVnqHXmHWSZkRbomojckd79XedLUla4pttcghKgWNsCMlDPgt0xKA9dF57-IB/s400/DSC06036.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Layer your sauce on top of the cheese mixture. I used my <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2012/01/bolognese-sauce.html">homemade bolognese sauce</a>, but you could always use a <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-easy-marinara.html">simple marinara</a> if you are looking for a meatless entree. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to make this 'spaghetti pie' look like a 'pizza pie', you could also use a simple marinara sauce, top with mozzarella, and then top it lastly with slices of Italian sausage (or any pizza toppings for that matter) to turn this spaghetti pie into a 'spaghetti-pizza pie'! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQydg5gsLVeMVVutQ2BIlltdUKBzEffntiZYvHwf1Odekl7P5EHBCbKmqolxJEmKWzwIARD5wgHraW-jx-jGtK7Z6FYJsUN1tUoo92OAuqhuAoyK5V8SlGgroy_d3CjYOY7JB4eo_U19s/s1600/DSC06043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQydg5gsLVeMVVutQ2BIlltdUKBzEffntiZYvHwf1Odekl7P5EHBCbKmqolxJEmKWzwIARD5wgHraW-jx-jGtK7Z6FYJsUN1tUoo92OAuqhuAoyK5V8SlGgroy_d3CjYOY7JB4eo_U19s/s400/DSC06043.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Top with a final covering of 1/2 c. mozzarella and 1/4 c. parmesan:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd3PYH75NUdAhBxb7UyEB2z-0h4ao4Pg51JZp9O6SFfwa7-r2MEzzu705vESqMxWRl_7SzGcwZ_lBeOBno2n6A8xLLq6x3sXtZhbRmudZtsUCBMXD1Twii2zN0-QusCMPwehyW1C412zj/s1600/DSC06053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd3PYH75NUdAhBxb7UyEB2z-0h4ao4Pg51JZp9O6SFfwa7-r2MEzzu705vESqMxWRl_7SzGcwZ_lBeOBno2n6A8xLLq6x3sXtZhbRmudZtsUCBMXD1Twii2zN0-QusCMPwehyW1C412zj/s400/DSC06053.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes, or until your cheesey top becomes golden-brown and bubbly!!! Mmmmm...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2J0JIC-7wMkK9VmPZ074SmiufznP0aBReE_iNkNIouxmiss9a4jM75Jc7S6DgQUrQYAPu0SUQtARrSJCpDqjRzBxP5_0gobWvZHbFkDY2iRaUDjiUKth-olFo_f1KrLoLFyLrGVuUWqM/s1600/DSC06058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2J0JIC-7wMkK9VmPZ074SmiufznP0aBReE_iNkNIouxmiss9a4jM75Jc7S6DgQUrQYAPu0SUQtARrSJCpDqjRzBxP5_0gobWvZHbFkDY2iRaUDjiUKth-olFo_f1KrLoLFyLrGVuUWqM/s400/DSC06058.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slice into wedges to serve. Mangia! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WlZ2hnd7LzwYZ4OUyYwlslMh27Zq3H1E5N40XvRKppiVc-TqkcoV2BCHqBERKAmB0lU0A4sMb-by6WDZVuf5iMHWW8m2fEM4clQcxNpo3fMwTIbXjTsbuEZjoHgXSeTJohTkm1Yscpbi/s1600/DSC06068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WlZ2hnd7LzwYZ4OUyYwlslMh27Zq3H1E5N40XvRKppiVc-TqkcoV2BCHqBERKAmB0lU0A4sMb-by6WDZVuf5iMHWW8m2fEM4clQcxNpo3fMwTIbXjTsbuEZjoHgXSeTJohTkm1Yscpbi/s400/DSC06068.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-51354606302480966362012-01-17T08:47:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:47:34.240-08:00Bolognese Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqaR2aX-ErKCrKaGj4-T60C0bWkkd3NXe_uIzoyAOD0_8RKRSIlfRJMLI1F8jiXLNVEEgNxrA4eEcjyUR_WKNELIp88fCWeoweCO0e-1HKJSMEif3JI4OZ4-ruoOLTS5IxWMEDvnDJYPT/s1600/DSC06020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqaR2aX-ErKCrKaGj4-T60C0bWkkd3NXe_uIzoyAOD0_8RKRSIlfRJMLI1F8jiXLNVEEgNxrA4eEcjyUR_WKNELIp88fCWeoweCO0e-1HKJSMEif3JI4OZ4-ruoOLTS5IxWMEDvnDJYPT/s400/DSC06020.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've posted a recipe for a <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-easy-marinara.html">quick marinara</a>. But this is FAR different from marinara. Marinara is a simpler, thinner, <i><u>tomato-based</u></i> sauce (traditionally meatless, but can be optional); Bolognese is more complex, thick, chunky <u><i>meat-based</i></u> sauce... meat not optional. Sorry, without meat it's just not bolognese. If you don't want meat, by all means, you can always use this recipe as a tomato sauce without the meat (but then it's not bolognese), or you might opt just to make a <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-easy-marinara.html">simpler marinara</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bolognese is most commonly served with tagliatelle noodles, which are long wide noodles- like lengths of ribbon. But this chunky meaty sauce is also good with rigatoni or any big noodle that the sauce can grab onto and be stabbed up with a fork :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Recipe:</u></span></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced (about 1 heaping cup)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2-3 ribs of Celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Carrots, finely diced (about 1 heaping cup)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 lb lean Ground Beef (at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>least</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 1 lb... bolognese is supposed to be a MEATY sauce- not a tomato sauce with a little meat in it.)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon Salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup Dry Wine- I like to use red (either red or white would be fine; I've seen both used interchangeably in bolognese recipes)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 (28 oz) can Whole Plum Tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon Sugar, either White Granulated or Brown Sugar would be fine</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoons of your favorite Italian Seasoning blend </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A dash of Nutmeg</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup Fat Free Half & Half (traditionally whole milk or cream, but I like to substitute the half & half)</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dice the onion, celery and carrots as small as you can. Then place them in a food processor for a few seconds to mince them even further: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IxYYtJ8aFBp3CwqdCrte_Ki8OitnAE2O0PxRNPmIAPbqET01iW03mhFdPs5OcsTgUPdlnwtnVl8NXwiFV-D9SS3TffJbYBV10ZBGtdOIxDLcTwUkqQLRTGx9h89Px9M-OzUTiugbME0P/s1600/DSC05984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IxYYtJ8aFBp3CwqdCrte_Ki8OitnAE2O0PxRNPmIAPbqET01iW03mhFdPs5OcsTgUPdlnwtnVl8NXwiFV-D9SS3TffJbYBV10ZBGtdOIxDLcTwUkqQLRTGx9h89Px9M-OzUTiugbME0P/s320/DSC05984.JPG" width="214" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPYnMDjdv9UnifwtTvIvfMiTWmZ8GaDbn4rAFwX93g-VLVDuPipIH9zzxRNUKy_QQN-JWyAbnTnR8JcJOrDFcoBrXmTjIE0YR7eur2XELtVJXoRB2ZlY5LIGjpjJhucPlW34HgLzK2PCg/s1600/DSC05994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPYnMDjdv9UnifwtTvIvfMiTWmZ8GaDbn4rAFwX93g-VLVDuPipIH9zzxRNUKy_QQN-JWyAbnTnR8JcJOrDFcoBrXmTjIE0YR7eur2XELtVJXoRB2ZlY5LIGjpjJhucPlW34HgLzK2PCg/s320/DSC05994.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">(I suppose you could try using a blender for this if you don't have a food processor? I would definitely put the carrots in the bottom if you do that though)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan. Sauté all your diced veggies for about 10 minutes until soft and fragrant- about 8-10 minutes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhCk3lV_ZcMmWhpzF6Vel6bZJpdYaC2gRsxe1TVG_EUJsyYB4afkv5T3Z5mG05IhdfimtsaI7X2PCsQG-hBWQ9TtTI7US7PIKTOTRUMbuNUnl1nawChorJuajUqpQxCyu5O51Jj2Mg90q/s1600/DSC05999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhCk3lV_ZcMmWhpzF6Vel6bZJpdYaC2gRsxe1TVG_EUJsyYB4afkv5T3Z5mG05IhdfimtsaI7X2PCsQG-hBWQ9TtTI7US7PIKTOTRUMbuNUnl1nawChorJuajUqpQxCyu5O51Jj2Mg90q/s400/DSC05999.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add ground beef, minced garlic and 1/2 tsp salt. Break up beef with wooden spoon and stir to brown until meat is all cooked. About 5 minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyL6k7ga6zFgMKZZWPkaVjgxiIZz6wvZo6Te1gESqK6JGM2D63WPP4faGF0gBYz129ctzAMbCxHDViWetLGdWpAjCZA5Ochm9NugvmvuRUSuwgSfG7D9OCGTvxPACCywqJ5TzLUxlEz63/s1600/DSC06005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyL6k7ga6zFgMKZZWPkaVjgxiIZz6wvZo6Te1gESqK6JGM2D63WPP4faGF0gBYz129ctzAMbCxHDViWetLGdWpAjCZA5Ochm9NugvmvuRUSuwgSfG7D9OCGTvxPACCywqJ5TzLUxlEz63/s400/DSC06005.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add the cup of wine and stir in, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it come to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then add the can of whole tomatoes, including all liquid. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1qOI6_fvXKI9BPBrdDDY-MpiQy0OH2ZG2KjzQ0nOX76dfoNEPZreGzQyQwxbLsGuY3YoUrgXMLRGzaFOPHW1K8V7lO2VvqmRzSLTqIKR0g3JXskJ16QBqncZO4UyYX1jY-7WSI-T_37h/s1600/DSC06010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1qOI6_fvXKI9BPBrdDDY-MpiQy0OH2ZG2KjzQ0nOX76dfoNEPZreGzQyQwxbLsGuY3YoUrgXMLRGzaFOPHW1K8V7lO2VvqmRzSLTqIKR0g3JXskJ16QBqncZO4UyYX1jY-7WSI-T_37h/s400/DSC06010.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Break up the tomatoes with your wooden spoon, and stir in the tomato paste, sugar, pepper, Italian seasonings, and nutmeg. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv03gIVDpGsjUfGz_v3GUqUzH2j6PzCSBOYr6QM-4DX11ri_D3sKIw_kmXPo4SVJg3YGVoKFqHf0Twyu1dLGb-0HHCZilbRzkLMZn6pInSJWQotFo7FRZZCtBDKvrhyphenhyphenr1io__gHhoBlAjH/s1600/DSC06011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv03gIVDpGsjUfGz_v3GUqUzH2j6PzCSBOYr6QM-4DX11ri_D3sKIw_kmXPo4SVJg3YGVoKFqHf0Twyu1dLGb-0HHCZilbRzkLMZn6pInSJWQotFo7FRZZCtBDKvrhyphenhyphenr1io__gHhoBlAjH/s400/DSC06011.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stir together well, and let it come to a bubbling simmer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turn the heat down, and allow to simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours with no lid. Stirring occassionally to make sure it doesn't scorch on the bottom. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">*(This is why a heavy bottomed pan is important. If the pan is a thin/light material, the sauce will scorch easily onto the bottom of the pan so you would need to stir more frequently)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">See how nicely it has thickened and how meaty and chunky it is:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoOimnynW6AqGE16GbcM9EWg3nWw7a6epZr50B3VT89QDuf2FO-Pt0Tp9E91qZQr2vH2PxbMTf3bEsG8hqDh4MhndrrxN5x4i2-2eFrAShm4sP9gM8Et2OpaDiHRptn_Z7_1TsYga-G38/s1600/DSC06022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoOimnynW6AqGE16GbcM9EWg3nWw7a6epZr50B3VT89QDuf2FO-Pt0Tp9E91qZQr2vH2PxbMTf3bEsG8hqDh4MhndrrxN5x4i2-2eFrAShm4sP9gM8Et2OpaDiHRptn_Z7_1TsYga-G38/s400/DSC06022.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">After it has simmered and all the flavors have condensed together, turn off the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of FF half & half. This gives it some rich, creamy depth and makes it a little more sauce-y again :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6eA_5o-UMKECdKMz0hebnHmu8R4Mz8i47UlG13EWLID2KqGEIwTzWtH1OMKvZivGtI9Xs5B0hHL5jay7N-BzJxRGLCRcvBY-xahdl-OSkwGPEXwv5Pgs2dR24Qw9OvRQGVMp5coAlJ51/s1600/DSC06033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6eA_5o-UMKECdKMz0hebnHmu8R4Mz8i47UlG13EWLID2KqGEIwTzWtH1OMKvZivGtI9Xs5B0hHL5jay7N-BzJxRGLCRcvBY-xahdl-OSkwGPEXwv5Pgs2dR24Qw9OvRQGVMp5coAlJ51/s400/DSC06033.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><i><b><br />
</b></i></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Some Alteration Options:</b></i></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Tomato:</b></i></u> If you want your sauce a little more tomatoey, you can add another can of whole tomatoes, either a 14.5 oz can or another 28 oz can -depending on your preference, with its liquid. This would, however, require some additional simmering time. Or you can add a can of crushed tomatoes with your whole tomatoes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Cream:</u></i></b> If you want your sauce a little more saucey and/or creamy without adding too much tomato (to keep with the traditional bolognese fashion of little tomato), you can stir in more half and half (or whole milk or cream) at the end instead of just 1/2 cup. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Meat:</u></i></b> Traditionally, Bolognese uses chunks of Skirt Steak and pancetta so you can always go that route. I use lean ground beef to make it slightly healthier (and easier). Or you could make it even healthier by using lean ground Turkey. So now you've got the whole spectrum of meats to choose from.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Consistency:</u></i></b> If you would like to make it a little more loose and saucey without adding extra tomatoes or cream, you can add a cup or so of beef stock before it simmers. This will definitely give more depth to the sauce while lightening up the consistency, and without diluting or adulterating the traditional flavors.</span></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-23066459156311073912012-01-13T10:17:00.000-08:002012-01-13T11:57:06.844-08:00Quick & Easy Weeknight Cheater Meal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqG9oH2FNY7m7_9qHgpb4VdTJLWmadmvzdE9jVq48b2TkHBv66ffYswkx7vTpR51Y9rOzeEwhXhwjasP5LzA3eAO7Kw-TXMdMf2ZDCyPjmqccVC_QMT3nVZpVxYXxDTYQM1Z7R4XxbJoS/s1600/DSC05850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqG9oH2FNY7m7_9qHgpb4VdTJLWmadmvzdE9jVq48b2TkHBv66ffYswkx7vTpR51Y9rOzeEwhXhwjasP5LzA3eAO7Kw-TXMdMf2ZDCyPjmqccVC_QMT3nVZpVxYXxDTYQM1Z7R4XxbJoS/s400/DSC05850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><u><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<b><u><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sourdough bread bowl filled with creamy tomato soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich on the side:</span></i></u></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So this isn't exactly a 'recipe', but I still thought everyone would appreciate this quick meal idea. It's perfect for a night that you work late, or you'r just getting home from an out of town trip, or when you've been out doing errands all day, or when you find out at the last minute that your husband invited guests over when you didn't have anything planned yet ;) ... etc. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There's no cooking, really, and it is actually quite gourmet looking <i>and</i> tasting!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stop at the market on your way home and buy just three things, then assemble at home and <u style="font-style: italic;">voile</u>- a very 'gourmet' dinner in no time at all!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Shopping List:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Individual-sized round loaves of Sourdough bread</b>, 1 per person (they have them at Trader Joe's, they are also at the bakery of your supermarket)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Creamy Tomato soup</b>, I LOVE the "Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato" soup that comes in a carton from Trader Joes (I've tried to home-make it, but it hasn't passed the taste test yet. Once I hit a version that's worthy I will share it with you... but for now- it still needs tweaking, so store-bought it is!)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Muenster Cheese</b>, (or your favorite variety for grilled cheese sandwiches)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(If you don't have some salad makings at home, you can also grab a bag of spinach or a pre-made salad to serve on the side)</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Visualize a circle on the top of your bread loaf, and cut out a cylinder from each bread loaf to create a bread bowl. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">*Helpful Hint: Don't point your knife straight down. Instead, hold your knife at an outward angle to slice along the outsides of the bread loaf... get it? I feel like that might be confusing... Basically, the <i>bottom</i> of the bread "cork" you pull out will be <i>bigger</i> than the top of it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Also, be cautious not to puncture <i>through</i> the bread.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Using your hands, pull the bread "cork" out carefully so as not to squish it too. much. Take this cylinder of bread and trim up the rough bottom, then slice it into round slices of bread for making the grilled cheese sandwich.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttIvyPoTVVmN6KxcA2EpvagF2VMR3Uj1Iss0wBQp0CkagYS9GgwwNtcLjSu9tygRdgulOtU6p8ASNtjROu1DLs-kYtm166nj-llOceQT8w2Ka9Nwc-18ykhfjiaxeotGa9ziQkQAQubeZ/s1600/DSC05837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttIvyPoTVVmN6KxcA2EpvagF2VMR3Uj1Iss0wBQp0CkagYS9GgwwNtcLjSu9tygRdgulOtU6p8ASNtjROu1DLs-kYtm166nj-llOceQT8w2Ka9Nwc-18ykhfjiaxeotGa9ziQkQAQubeZ/s400/DSC05837.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Toast the bread bowl in the oven. While the bowls are toasting, heat the soup in a pot on the stove, and lightly butter your sourdough bread slices and grill them in a frying pan on each side before adding the slice of Muenster to make a very 'gourmet' grilled cheese :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqG9oH2FNY7m7_9qHgpb4VdTJLWmadmvzdE9jVq48b2TkHBv66ffYswkx7vTpR51Y9rOzeEwhXhwjasP5LzA3eAO7Kw-TXMdMf2ZDCyPjmqccVC_QMT3nVZpVxYXxDTYQM1Z7R4XxbJoS/s1600/DSC05850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqG9oH2FNY7m7_9qHgpb4VdTJLWmadmvzdE9jVq48b2TkHBv66ffYswkx7vTpR51Y9rOzeEwhXhwjasP5LzA3eAO7Kw-TXMdMf2ZDCyPjmqccVC_QMT3nVZpVxYXxDTYQM1Z7R4XxbJoS/s400/DSC05850.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Grate a little Asiago or Parmesan on top,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and in only about 5-10 minutes, you have a very simple yet impressive meal :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Look at how yummy that is when the soup slowly soaks into the soft, warm insides of the bowl!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgWy56_QK1kl6Zht_znxaPofCKqD7LUtcTQSYz14MD9ZhapIbFfygpEHb_hh39AC11Woll0BHWGNnR24E8BIGus-ot0sIql2WJF68ob7ggPRncj6A-LSIZgWYVYbHq6SwOW9YMVKYdT41/s1600/DSC05870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgWy56_QK1kl6Zht_znxaPofCKqD7LUtcTQSYz14MD9ZhapIbFfygpEHb_hh39AC11Woll0BHWGNnR24E8BIGus-ot0sIql2WJF68ob7ggPRncj6A-LSIZgWYVYbHq6SwOW9YMVKYdT41/s400/DSC05870.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Serve with a spinach side salad for a well-rounded meal.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-33563374829805347522012-01-09T07:45:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:46:55.897-08:00Chicken Tortilla Soup<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3I-CmF5lxtPHZ9iD9Vo_L3Hv3Zd2bieWE1y_zQ47wUn138eoHVqRkNMCAkWrKiqnn8yagRmvqjIvj3sWDbnw6otactGiLjjLAajANhndhKd4vAHan1-g12DGZoUaHlleryaKIkKF_WmB/s1600/DSC05934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3I-CmF5lxtPHZ9iD9Vo_L3Hv3Zd2bieWE1y_zQ47wUn138eoHVqRkNMCAkWrKiqnn8yagRmvqjIvj3sWDbnw6otactGiLjjLAajANhndhKd4vAHan1-g12DGZoUaHlleryaKIkKF_WmB/s400/DSC05934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">*(<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tortilla-soup-surfer/id476450448?mt=8">Download</a> the app "<a href="https://plus.google.com/102256911901391947306/posts">Tortilla Soup Surfer</a>"...see story at bottom of this blog :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I made this big pot of soup, I served Peter a hot bowl and then ladled myself a bowl to photograph for this blog. I took my photo, but when I came back to sit with him he was already slurping up his last little bit! He headed over to the stove to fill his bowl again, and was quite excited to see that there was such a big pot for more servings. Needless to say, I think I scored points with him tonight :)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the new year, Peter's work is offering a new company wellness campaign. Now Peter is actually going <i>out of his way </i>to count how many cups of fruits and veggies he is eating daily!!! I am so stoked- I have our produce bowls FULL of options for him :) In addition to being SO delicious, this tortilla soup has got a ton of good veggies for you too! It is definitely 'new year resolution approved' :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been dying to make Chicken Tortilla Soup soup lately and this soup was absolutely what I was hoping it would be. It was so satisfying. This soup has it all; it's substantial yet light... it has got the hardy nutrition in all of it's ingredients yet it's all steeped in a light broth. Even though it's perfect to warm up with soup in the wintertime, this one would be appropriate no matter the season or the weather since it includes lots of refreshing elements as well. Lime juice, cilantro, and sweet corn inside the soup offer a light complement to the hardiness of the meat and beans, while the avocado, onion, and other toppings add additional coolness to contrast the warmth of the mexican flavors.</span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients (yields 5 big bowls):</span></u><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Onion, diced </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Red Bell Pepper, diced</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon minced Garlic (about 3 cloves)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4 Chicken Breasts (or about 3 cups shredded from a whole chicken)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6 cups low sodium Chicken Broth</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 can Diced Tomatoes with Jalapenos, NOT drained</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4 Tablespoons Tomato Paste</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 can low sodium whole kernel Corn, drained</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 can low sodium Black Beans, rinsed and drained</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup Cilantro, roughly chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup Lime Juice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5 corn tortillas, cut into little strips</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 teaspoons Mexican Seasoning (you can use my seasoning blend *(see below), or a Taco Seasoning Packet, or just plain Chili Powder or WHATEVER Mexican seasoning you like) </span></li>
</ul><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Topping Ideas: </span></u><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chopped Cilantro, Diced Avocado, Diced Tomatoes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, Queso Fresco, Sour Cream (or NF Plain Greek Yogurt), Lime Wedges, Diced Red Onion, Crumbled Tortilla Chips</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*<u>My Mexican Seasoning Blend</u>: 1 Tbsp Chili Powder, 1/4 tsp McCormicks Seasoning Salt, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Paprika, 1 tsp Cumin, 1/2 tsp Onion Powder, 1/8 tsp *Cayenne (*optional if you don't like spicy) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...this will make enough for this recipe, plus some leftovers to use for tacos or for the next time you make this tortilla soup</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavptPqhtufPIm5lFOVwdQbVzuZjpAjhlyFFHCYyvUjTQPjGm1nIHBXfkAkdfZc7y6QTQ3ugaJWaqD5ayfqtXXm0g9HgfmnJnmQC31tqsyLDG_ERd9dd_2EeHjlkaNIi8L3NDaAnSdC6mC/s1600/DSC05882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavptPqhtufPIm5lFOVwdQbVzuZjpAjhlyFFHCYyvUjTQPjGm1nIHBXfkAkdfZc7y6QTQ3ugaJWaqD5ayfqtXXm0g9HgfmnJnmQC31tqsyLDG_ERd9dd_2EeHjlkaNIi8L3NDaAnSdC6mC/s400/DSC05882.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><i>(If you are using a whole cooked or rotisserie chicken, you can disregard this step and skip straight to sautéing the veggies).</i></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag with a healthy drizzle of olive oil- seal bag and work with hands to coat chicken with oil. Use tongs to place chicken breasts out on a foil-covered baking pan. Sprinkle tops with 1 tsp seasoning. Bake 10 minutes, then flip chickens and sprinkle other side with 1 tsp seasoning- return to oven for another 10 minutes or until cooked through. Shred chicken with 2 forks- pulling <i>with</i> the grain of the chicken fibers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV5J5MFWLwqL2R3Yu4VSyRF0yVUGun9poDYTOTJ84aoV1KQ6LR__SJMOjqdnEUVAAbWVmbRswiyEEN8S088b_sD1LZBrHZPZhbcHvp2E8Ku04D2OTK0VXlUT_pcbLqt_ZK6_x0yHKs5ST/s1600/DSC05876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV5J5MFWLwqL2R3Yu4VSyRF0yVUGun9poDYTOTJ84aoV1KQ6LR__SJMOjqdnEUVAAbWVmbRswiyEEN8S088b_sD1LZBrHZPZhbcHvp2E8Ku04D2OTK0VXlUT_pcbLqt_ZK6_x0yHKs5ST/s400/DSC05876.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2HEYVArsRB6EtH0e3h4s30QBN0mEJc3XeIMYcHGCt5SVJv3_buyE1Um_YpicjaJuP1Q2kTU0Z5lsk9fsa2apzCm0z-KrgGi2qXs4OfrHtRIP4X9cCqUtV17nfHtDOI0AaI-KtRmE6HRy/s1600/DSC05885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2HEYVArsRB6EtH0e3h4s30QBN0mEJc3XeIMYcHGCt5SVJv3_buyE1Um_YpicjaJuP1Q2kTU0Z5lsk9fsa2apzCm0z-KrgGi2qXs4OfrHtRIP4X9cCqUtV17nfHtDOI0AaI-KtRmE6HRy/s400/DSC05885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi7-vYPnPWvkzry5WdR_d77w-ur22P3GAPF_U3SkTiR5t7J422Of9G9B4AHBfO4qEXv_4H_x6opgrz1cUwG8FQiH8IsEfJf6RcvanEMROav31m0bk3A9HATVLYjjlWxFQ5VY7X_k85qK1/s1600/DSC05901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi7-vYPnPWvkzry5WdR_d77w-ur22P3GAPF_U3SkTiR5t7J422Of9G9B4AHBfO4qEXv_4H_x6opgrz1cUwG8FQiH8IsEfJf6RcvanEMROav31m0bk3A9HATVLYjjlWxFQ5VY7X_k85qK1/s400/DSC05901.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9JnqDUvbNlpDynMBJd6YA4hvkj1MtSUQYwopib0wvZ0nnw5rRrXeki1Cj3muEhKx8u-HcCpq7jEiJFB2n_F7wRabaD91Mx03DqJoolEia9U-_ID0z1s1cyLFwbr8JAVU9_h5WrBAJ2KO/s1600/DSC05902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9JnqDUvbNlpDynMBJd6YA4hvkj1MtSUQYwopib0wvZ0nnw5rRrXeki1Cj3muEhKx8u-HcCpq7jEiJFB2n_F7wRabaD91Mx03DqJoolEia9U-_ID0z1s1cyLFwbr8JAVU9_h5WrBAJ2KO/s400/DSC05902.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sauté Veggies:</b></u> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat to sauté the onion, bell pepper and garlic until onion is translucent and slightly browned (about 5 minutes or so). Then add 1 tsp of seasoning, continue to sauté for another minute or so.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3gn2tBLfkNE7R2bvEws5k70tmSPJ0aeYXvV_RnqXfLqNVZic_WU_7eNPSotZLgiKAYfcXRk1Re_ImbYMzV9JVxE8KeEvJCMSjDDB31RrWFqdcmqi2RhuypoGBwmuLIP6YGbyYrAbNxFL/s1600/DSC05878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3gn2tBLfkNE7R2bvEws5k70tmSPJ0aeYXvV_RnqXfLqNVZic_WU_7eNPSotZLgiKAYfcXRk1Re_ImbYMzV9JVxE8KeEvJCMSjDDB31RrWFqdcmqi2RhuypoGBwmuLIP6YGbyYrAbNxFL/s400/DSC05878.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRpziPNuq_TSM-GJD6hymUmH079YJYckFCVbCDxigHvXqHeHltMafQCuM45VaaJt_8pfR8CRh9meMU-DbucZ5wngHwZSZCzDNhw1E6vv_9juVWeF-2J2DqGJmSeP6pVAsq9dcEmRLRN2k/s1600/DSC05892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRpziPNuq_TSM-GJD6hymUmH079YJYckFCVbCDxigHvXqHeHltMafQCuM45VaaJt_8pfR8CRh9meMU-DbucZ5wngHwZSZCzDNhw1E6vv_9juVWeF-2J2DqGJmSeP6pVAsq9dcEmRLRN2k/s400/DSC05892.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add the seasoned shredded chicken breasts (or 1-2 tsps seasoning with shredded chicken from a whole cooked chicken). Stir together in pot.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7OnrnUnUcS6TKYXg_gj2DfK1ILcEZoP5nDeZCgERH1XzOIXH_6nowPfi6D7S0NDd-iu-NDY4Adld9IUZrVzbQC-MuO8YBHMz8DCFtKSBc0lt1LyEcVOXh4Y6GmBX3V6UOCbYsfwzd5_q/s1600/DSC05909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7OnrnUnUcS6TKYXg_gj2DfK1ILcEZoP5nDeZCgERH1XzOIXH_6nowPfi6D7S0NDd-iu-NDY4Adld9IUZrVzbQC-MuO8YBHMz8DCFtKSBc0lt1LyEcVOXh4Y6GmBX3V6UOCbYsfwzd5_q/s400/DSC05909.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add 6 cups chicken broth, one can of tomatoes w/ jalapenos (plus all liquid from can), tomato paste, drained corn, and drained black beans. Stir and allow to simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60WQifXQWbDAT82DBfJYPNNs1XZSUKoyWdExtpVOIgsfu9rO4QMLPxzA579hmdEjeNO-7N5y0kA8W_5TFDD0nhypve6-vbRshlH8p_nbOfR8t5kyqRR7FAQN4KDguO4OaPO3tNfq1r5Vp/s1600/DSC05911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60WQifXQWbDAT82DBfJYPNNs1XZSUKoyWdExtpVOIgsfu9rO4QMLPxzA579hmdEjeNO-7N5y0kA8W_5TFDD0nhypve6-vbRshlH8p_nbOfR8t5kyqRR7FAQN4KDguO4OaPO3tNfq1r5Vp/s400/DSC05911.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After your soup has simmered. Turn off heat, stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and tortilla strips.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIdORldUhr5JJiij8oQIh4ipUkATJpoBRtJJRKI1eSeBhPfdkNFP7lKPkvrOupnHv6XmZCACkrYVMLuCdYshiYb8sk8NUMSEpc3ibnrx0ORxDxl7M3D-MWsDL8yhSnWyhDbKvhjviUl5C/s1600/DSC05919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIdORldUhr5JJiij8oQIh4ipUkATJpoBRtJJRKI1eSeBhPfdkNFP7lKPkvrOupnHv6XmZCACkrYVMLuCdYshiYb8sk8NUMSEpc3ibnrx0ORxDxl7M3D-MWsDL8yhSnWyhDbKvhjviUl5C/s400/DSC05919.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5wXIdkPSewGi2_pJXBjxp3YY6RPPJzvMV-yp-R-b4tuwnMWBss-dH6pXxiPMj_gEdSQaj8DqoJNkpE-a89dz6jECvKN4em-pAVoFOy-Dqs0DY8jf6nj5AGby0drnb2QbjpYRoub8YewY/s1600/DSC05921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5wXIdkPSewGi2_pJXBjxp3YY6RPPJzvMV-yp-R-b4tuwnMWBss-dH6pXxiPMj_gEdSQaj8DqoJNkpE-a89dz6jECvKN4em-pAVoFOy-Dqs0DY8jf6nj5AGby0drnb2QbjpYRoub8YewY/s400/DSC05921.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Serve hot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8ZZ_dvxTttHZTNhE0s0YRuWqXiqt8tM-Tf62P6V_noRtitu6JSX9cg_T81A86GpUxA9ZIh3Cp7bF6sjbOmzHxQEvsYDTYEq_XjmcUDHuvKZ7chXcPUusWBatlSTPi19ug1fmQeAQieio/s1600/DSC05955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8ZZ_dvxTttHZTNhE0s0YRuWqXiqt8tM-Tf62P6V_noRtitu6JSX9cg_T81A86GpUxA9ZIh3Cp7bF6sjbOmzHxQEvsYDTYEq_XjmcUDHuvKZ7chXcPUusWBatlSTPi19ug1fmQeAQieio/s400/DSC05955.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And don't forget the toppings! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX_EB1XaVIrsjI7-bXrHn5EMTRwQMHrM8AWs1cW2ACDWifim2pOuCs1xjvyi6aAaEJxzERgG3AixxaAXj9pWGR8-vjVk6gVNceQN9eCTFZTWipS1wyeLJNioJ2k2WrFQ2xM1uGBTKUDqr/s1600/DSC05938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX_EB1XaVIrsjI7-bXrHn5EMTRwQMHrM8AWs1cW2ACDWifim2pOuCs1xjvyi6aAaEJxzERgG3AixxaAXj9pWGR8-vjVk6gVNceQN9eCTFZTWipS1wyeLJNioJ2k2WrFQ2xM1uGBTKUDqr/s400/DSC05938.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <b>avocado</b> adds a cool creaminess -both in texture and flavor- that is <i>superb </i>with the warmth of other flavors in this soup. A topping of <b>cilantro</b> adds a sharp freshness. A dollop of <b>sour cream </b>or<b> Greek yogurt </b>could also add some coolness to compliment this soup and could be stirred in with some <b>cheese</b> to make your bowl creamier and thicker if desired. <b>Red onion</b> would also add some fresh crispness, and crumbled crunchy <b>tortilla chips</b> are an absolute must!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3I-CmF5lxtPHZ9iD9Vo_L3Hv3Zd2bieWE1y_zQ47wUn138eoHVqRkNMCAkWrKiqnn8yagRmvqjIvj3sWDbnw6otactGiLjjLAajANhndhKd4vAHan1-g12DGZoUaHlleryaKIkKF_WmB/s1600/DSC05934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3I-CmF5lxtPHZ9iD9Vo_L3Hv3Zd2bieWE1y_zQ47wUn138eoHVqRkNMCAkWrKiqnn8yagRmvqjIvj3sWDbnw6otactGiLjjLAajANhndhKd4vAHan1-g12DGZoUaHlleryaKIkKF_WmB/s400/DSC05934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tortilla-soup-surfer/id476450448?mt=8">Tortilla Soup Surfer</a>' story: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm sure every boy who plays video games has dreamed up his own game. Well our friend, Trevor, actually got that dream to come to life. He works for a creative design & development company called 'JLoop'. Recently, JLoop decided to develop their employee's dream into a real game. Trevor's game is called "<a href="https://plus.google.com/102256911901391947306/posts">Tortilla Soup Surfer</a>". Search for it in the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tortilla-soup-surfer/id476450448?mt=8">app store</a> of your smartphone or iPad/tablet. The object of the game is for you to help the veggie 'surfers' in the bowl of tortilla soup to score as many points as possible before they have to escape from the bowl... or else they are slurped up for dinner! :)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-13992622797170159462012-01-05T14:45:00.000-08:002012-01-16T07:27:29.600-08:00New Year's Cranberry-Orange Scones<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCwIyYM1H0k/TwYB1Xr7mAI/AAAAAAAABcY/WINuqzCe_8w/s1600/DSC05772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCwIyYM1H0k/TwYB1Xr7mAI/AAAAAAAABcY/WINuqzCe_8w/s400/DSC05772.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For my first post of the new year, it's appropriate that I post a new rendition of an old recipe: Cranberry-Orange Scones. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/01/cranberry-orange-scones.html">The original one on my blog</a> is slightly more light fluffy as opposed to these ones. In the original version I used milk instead of ff half & half (which yields a more dense scone). I also made that dough more wet as opposed to these scones, that's because I wasn't into the big puffy scones back then. I used to think that traditional scones were too dry and crumbly. But I've found that homemade scones are much better than the kind that sit behind the glass at a the corner store. When homemade with love, these scones are moist on the inside, golden on the outside, and have buttery flakey layers all throughout. Now I much prefer the puffy, flakey traditional scone :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/04/cherry-almond-scones.html">cherry almond scones</a> (that I posted some time ago) really were the biggest influence on my conversion to become a true scone-lover. So I fashioned these cranberry orange scones to be very similar to those ones. If you've got a good thing going... keep goin' with it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last week, Peter and I were out in Palm Springs visiting his Grandparents house for a belated Christmas with them. It was so fun out there. Grandma Joanie made a delicious Christmas feast and had her house all decked out with garlands and christmas lights- indoors and out! However, when you stepped outside it felt like anything but winter. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the fruit trees were bountiful! Grandma Joanie gave us a pair of clippers and some bags and sent us into the backyard to lighten the load on the branches of her citrus trees. We came home with enough oranges and grapefruits to last us 'till summer! With all of these fresh oranges, I figured it was a perfect time to bake some cranberry orange scones. </span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe (for 4 large scones): </span></u><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 3/4 cups AP Flour</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 generous Tablespoons Sugar (plus extra for sprinkling on top)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 teaspoons Baking Powder</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon Salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup Butter, COLD and diced into small bits</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Egg, cold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1-2 Tablespoons Orange Zest, (the zest of about 1-2 oranges, 1 is fine and 2 gives a much stronger citrus flavor; so it's your choice :)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup COLD Fat-Free Half & Half (or regular half & half, or heavy cream, or whatever you prefer... I like to use fat free half & half)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup dried Cranberries (or 'Craisins')</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Glaze:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup Powdered Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Orange Juice</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together your flour, sugar, baking powder and salt (this is in place of sifting the ingredients): </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEXyXGDf0bLKBYRyKUdbK4uw_GfuHmTL1Lfkx8T0NYkUsckXNs5KZNouIGfiGCLLzbmzattyQsI56RvoUGMfMTZ8Ty4B5Zb79WjqM-ER-niTl_NI1lCCt8FZR2bjFHKLjLLQBor9S3iE0/s1600/DSC02570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEXyXGDf0bLKBYRyKUdbK4uw_GfuHmTL1Lfkx8T0NYkUsckXNs5KZNouIGfiGCLLzbmzattyQsI56RvoUGMfMTZ8Ty4B5Zb79WjqM-ER-niTl_NI1lCCt8FZR2bjFHKLjLLQBor9S3iE0/s400/DSC02570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then take your already-diced butter out of the fridge and mix it into your flour mixture until the butter dices break down into smaller pieces and your mixture looks somewhat crumbly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After your butter is well combined into the flour mixture and it looks somewhat crumbly, switch your Kitchen Aid attachment to the dough hook and add in the egg and the orange zest until well combined. Finally, add the half & half while the dough is mixing. Continue to mix until all the dough is just moist and then add in the cranberries. Allow to mix until all is combined but not over-worked (you want tender flakey scones not tough ones, so don't over mix that dough here or else the gluten in the flour will get overworked and yield tough scones)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGKZawVh_yw/TwYBVZKpT6I/AAAAAAAABbg/L2R2-S1Vjdk/s1600/DSC05700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGKZawVh_yw/TwYBVZKpT6I/AAAAAAAABbg/L2R2-S1Vjdk/s400/DSC05700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAf-0o5blvA/TwYBZzMHwTI/AAAAAAAABbo/3fSHzfnXjKg/s1600/DSC05705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAf-0o5blvA/TwYBZzMHwTI/AAAAAAAABbo/3fSHzfnXjKg/s400/DSC05705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shape your dough into a circle, slice it into quarters, and arrange them on a parchment paper or silpat covered baking sheet.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9M90-3e9TwU/TwYBeu5rj5I/AAAAAAAABbw/xpAwhV-w9j0/s1600/DSC05706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9M90-3e9TwU/TwYBeu5rj5I/AAAAAAAABbw/xpAwhV-w9j0/s400/DSC05706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Paint them with an egg wash (one egg + 1 Tbsp milk) or some of your half & half. Sprinkle the tops with granulated or turbinado sugar.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTa5z8AjDyg/TwYBj_zA8kI/AAAAAAAABb4/djr7yWH1DDY/s1600/DSC05712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTa5z8AjDyg/TwYBj_zA8kI/AAAAAAAABb4/djr7yWH1DDY/s400/DSC05712.JPG" width="400" /></a></span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top and edges just barely start to turn golden. (while your scones are baking, use this time to make the glaze)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xiOs91xBscQ/TwYBo9estBI/AAAAAAAABcA/p7_DGF7BmS4/s1600/DSC05719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xiOs91xBscQ/TwYBo9estBI/AAAAAAAABcA/p7_DGF7BmS4/s400/DSC05719.JPG" width="400" /></a></span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Transfer scones to a cooling rack, and wait a few minutes before drizzling with your orange glaze. If you don't wait for them to cool a little bit, then the heat from the scones will make the glaze melt right off! So try to wait at least a few minutes.... it's okay if you can't wait, it'll still taste good :)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-LkZFGjAqA/TwYBtQIG9jI/AAAAAAAABcI/Yyt310XR108/s1600/DSC05734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-LkZFGjAqA/TwYBtQIG9jI/AAAAAAAABcI/Yyt310XR108/s400/DSC05734.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coffee is always good with scones, but hot cocoa is especially good with these ones because the chocolate complements both orange and cranberry flavors :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYpR1GZ0bz0/TwYBxIQ3bnI/AAAAAAAABcQ/xbAbfSDeoEI/s1600/DSC05765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYpR1GZ0bz0/TwYBxIQ3bnI/AAAAAAAABcQ/xbAbfSDeoEI/s400/DSC05765.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*on a side note, isn't that the cutest mug! My friend Laurie got it for me for Christmas. I love the mug's little 'pot belly'... good for holding lots of coffee or tea or cocoa :)</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These are such a HANDY DANDY little 'recipe' to know. It's not quite a real recipe, because you don't need any measurements to follow, and it doesn't even really require any cooking!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Typically, candy turtles have pecans, but you can use whatever you want- or whatever you have on hand: cashews, peanuts, peanut m&m's, etc. My favorites are cashews and pecans, but I like to use the peanut m&m's because the pop of color is so fun. Also, m&m's allow you to use whichever colors you want for the occassion: colors of the holiday, school colors, team colors, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These are the perfect treat for gifting, for a party finger-food, for a potluck dessert, or just for the non-baker :) They're quick, easy, decadent, and you can't mess them up!</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shopping List:</span></u></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mini Pretzels</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rolo candies</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your choice of Peanut m&m's, Cashews, Pecans, or whatever else you like</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or use a microwave safe plate, if not using an oven).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, lay out as many mini pretzels as you wish. Top them each with a Rolo candy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLqj-tMA1IQ/Tv40fHZ8W4I/AAAAAAAABag/t_HjJt0RqKY/s1600/DSC05424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLqj-tMA1IQ/Tv40fHZ8W4I/AAAAAAAABag/t_HjJt0RqKY/s400/DSC05424.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Place in 350 degree preheated oven for 3 1/2 minutes, or until soft and shiny but NOT melted.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(or microwave until softening and shiny but NOT melted)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Press the nut topping of choice into the soft oozey Rolo :)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXead-5hDM/Tv41wKWZTSI/AAAAAAAABbM/qzfeaRsejio/s1600/DSC05437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXead-5hDM/Tv41wKWZTSI/AAAAAAAABbM/qzfeaRsejio/s400/DSC05437.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let cool completely. 5 minutes in the refrigerator works well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXqotcDp7Ig/Tv41o1pJh8I/AAAAAAAABbE/Dk8hQqMis2k/s1600/DSC05427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXqotcDp7Ig/Tv41o1pJh8I/AAAAAAAABbE/Dk8hQqMis2k/s400/DSC05427.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I this picture, I used Christmas colored m&m's because I made this batch for Christmas. But you can change the colors to coordinate for any occassion. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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This is another one of Nana's recipes. She made them EVERY Christmas. I bet she made 10 batches at a time- there always seemed to be peanut butter clusters to go around for <i>everyone</i> at her Christmas party every year. Everybody loves these- they are a little sweet from the butterscotch, a little savory from the peanut butter and a whole 'lotta crunchy from the corn flakes and peanuts :)<br />
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These are also great because they freeze very well. You can make them ahead of time and store them in ziplock bags in the freezer so that you have more time for last minute preparations as your event gets closer. Nana always made these little guys ahead of time- she was such an organized hostess.<br />
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They couldn't be easier: 4 ingredients, 4 steps, and no oven required:<br />
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<u>Recipe (makes about 21 cookie clusters):</u></div><ul><li>2 packages Butterscotch Chips</li>
<li>1 cup Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy; either is fine, but I would suggest crunchy especially if you are not going to add the optional peanuts)</li>
<li>5 cups or so of Corn Flakes Cereal (4 cups or so, if you are going to add the optional peanuts)</li>
<li>*OPTIONAL: 1 cup Peanuts (Nana ALWAYS added peanuts)</li>
</ul><div>Before you start anything else, prepare 2 baking sheets by covering with wax paper, and make room for them in your fridge (or at least room to refrigerate one at a time). The stacking cookie cooling racks maximize space in the fridge and allow you to chill 2 racks (or even more) at a time without having to clear out a ton of shelves :)</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ol><li style="text-align: center;">In a medium-large microwave safe bowl,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> dump </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><u>2 bags Butterscotch Chips</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><u>1 cup crunchy Peanut Butter</u>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> Microwave about 45 seconds- then stir, another 45 seconds- stir again, another 30 seconds if needed, until well melted together:</span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0A-oqhZA-E/TvN9_Fq4iiI/AAAAAAAABY4/Fk9aOos_PzY/s1600/DSC05392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0A-oqhZA-E/TvN9_Fq4iiI/AAAAAAAABY4/Fk9aOos_PzY/s400/DSC05392.JPG" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G2QHeBRFdw/TvN-PN0HAoI/AAAAAAAABZA/4PibnblAY-E/s1600/DSC05394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G2QHeBRFdw/TvN-PN0HAoI/AAAAAAAABZA/4PibnblAY-E/s400/DSC05394.JPG" width="400" /></a></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Dump in <u>5 cups Corn Flakes</u> and <u>1 cup peanuts</u>, if using</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">. Gently fold/stir together until all is well coated and combined. (gently as to not break down the corn flakes too much).</span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki2SvjK3PO8/TvN-fho04iI/AAAAAAAABZI/_d6LOopHoiM/s1600/DSC05401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki2SvjK3PO8/TvN-fho04iI/AAAAAAAABZI/_d6LOopHoiM/s400/DSC05401.JPG" width="400" /></a></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Using a spoon, or your two hands :) make little mounds of these on the cookie sheets. </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQLEYJHsHk/TvN-s5-gjsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jJhZnEj0nXQ/s1600/DSC05403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQLEYJHsHk/TvN-s5-gjsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jJhZnEj0nXQ/s400/DSC05403.JPG" width="400" /></a></li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Refrigerate about 10 minutes.</span></li>
</ol></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(My refrigerator is going to thank me when I put this 4 tiered tower of Peanut-Butterscotch Clusters into its tummy!)</span></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1aFnFcVZ3w/TvN-6fZOJEI/AAAAAAAABZY/vAP1j20FqvE/s1600/DSC05414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1aFnFcVZ3w/TvN-6fZOJEI/AAAAAAAABZY/vAP1j20FqvE/s400/DSC05414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Don't forget, THESE FREEZE WELL, so they are good ones to make ahead for parties and holidays before you get too busy with last minute prep and shopping :)</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I get so excited about Muddy Buddies because it means it's Christmas time!!! The first time I had these little treats was when my mom was teaching jr. high. I was in third grade at the time, and my mom came home from her classroom with tons of fun teacher gifts from her 7th grade students before Christmas break.... one of them was a big mason jar full of these muddy buddies! They were gone almost as soon as we cracked the jar open! My brother and sister and I all begged my mom to get the recipe from her student when she got back to school after break. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">13 years later, I still make these every Christmas and give them as gifts :) Sometimes I fill mason jars and tie them with a big Christmas ribbon, but this year I found some super cute ziplock bags that look like stockings! Whichever way you choose to wrap them up, make sure that it is sealed in an airtight package so that they keep their crunchy deliciousness.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These are easy, delicious, and <u>addictive</u> (beware!)</span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe:</span></u><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup choc chips</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9 cups Chex cereal</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a large microwave safe bowl:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxvbHhBShiA/TvOGZUbVHhI/AAAAAAAABZk/mtBGrKeo0FE/s1600/DSC05467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxvbHhBShiA/TvOGZUbVHhI/AAAAAAAABZk/mtBGrKeo0FE/s400/DSC05467.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once well melted, gently fold in the chex cereal until completely coated: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKndsz3b8jQ/TvOGpKiOw6I/AAAAAAAABZs/AfHZqjFOVBw/s1600/DSC05469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKndsz3b8jQ/TvOGpKiOw6I/AAAAAAAABZs/AfHZqjFOVBw/s400/DSC05469.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toss the coated chex with powdered sugar in a large (2 gallon) ziplock back and shake well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">**Helpful hint #1: fold down the top of the baggie (as seen in picture) when filling it so that the ziplock remains clean. Otherwise, chocolate and sugar cover the ziplock and it is difficult to seal closed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">**Helpful hint #2: put 1/2 the powdered sugar in the bag, then the chex, then the other half of powdered sugar and shake well until all the little chex get a white winter coat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhQd8fVcOCI/TvOG2qahACI/AAAAAAAABZ0/3nxNL3ACnsw/s1600/DSC05471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhQd8fVcOCI/TvOG2qahACI/AAAAAAAABZ0/3nxNL3ACnsw/s400/DSC05471.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spread 'snowy' muddy buddies out onto wax paper:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TUT-ikk2lY/TvOHDuME93I/AAAAAAAABZ8/jfyxBEIT27k/s1600/DSC05486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TUT-ikk2lY/TvOHDuME93I/AAAAAAAABZ8/jfyxBEIT27k/s400/DSC05486.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mmmmmmm... these sweet, salty, crunchy goodies are SO addictive:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbUb_rCoKQg/TvOHPTouA4I/AAAAAAAABaE/-ETzHL0c6NI/s1600/DSC05487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbUb_rCoKQg/TvOHPTouA4I/AAAAAAAABaE/-ETzHL0c6NI/s400/DSC05487.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Store or package in airtight baggies/jars/containers. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Look at these perfect little stocking ziplock baggies for gifting Christmas goodies!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pZLHzlaYpg/TvOHYQePo4I/AAAAAAAABaM/AnHCFjwDrwY/s1600/DSC05515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pZLHzlaYpg/TvOHYQePo4I/AAAAAAAABaM/AnHCFjwDrwY/s400/DSC05515.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Baked-goodie boxes full of assorted homemade cookies, and stockings full of muddy buddies:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDFlVlVWs04/TvOHn_VjvTI/AAAAAAAABaU/ND40BkhWsEQ/s1600/DSC05519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDFlVlVWs04/TvOHn_VjvTI/AAAAAAAABaU/ND40BkhWsEQ/s400/DSC05519.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br />
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</script></div>Megan Delighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960053947969449394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816371514702550994.post-70337021720479945052011-12-15T15:31:00.000-08:002011-12-15T15:47:03.054-08:00Slow Cooker Pot Roast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7KAFR6PRqxC254GIl8JWR3naUXRQQDpSX-OblnGo-h6OARgYSyp_VllLW-8I3xvPsg0gh3W4mrkfln7Rf2x56_1vpMk8TyjYDGFw5MgzAm4-LW8gJkA5RKujV34kCL_t7zrdZnDfc9S/s1600/DSC05511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7KAFR6PRqxC254GIl8JWR3naUXRQQDpSX-OblnGo-h6OARgYSyp_VllLW-8I3xvPsg0gh3W4mrkfln7Rf2x56_1vpMk8TyjYDGFw5MgzAm4-LW8gJkA5RKujV34kCL_t7zrdZnDfc9S/s400/DSC05511.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a hearty, warming, winter meal. It just doesn't get any better than that... actually, it does- because you don't even have to cook it! Just dump it all in the crock pot and it cooks itself! You can be at work all day, or be out Christmas shopping all day, and walk into an inviting & delicious smelling house at the end of the day. All you have to do is turn it on and walk out the door :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a one pot meal, unless you decide to make the extra gravy... which is SO worth it. Just one extra pan and 5 extra minutes for that extra special homemade taste.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This roast tastes just like the pot roast Nana used to make in her pressure cooker. I used to LOVE it when she made her pot roast with tender roast veggies :) So comforting and warming. </span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe (serves 4-5): </span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3-4 whole Carrots, chopped (or about 2 cups baby carrots)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 medium white, yellow, or brown Onion, chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2-3 cups Baby Potatoes, or chopped Russet Potatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2-3 stalks Celery, chopped</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 lbs Beef (any "chuck" or "round" cut)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 envelope of Dry Onion Soup mix</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup Boiling Water</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup Red Wine</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*optional for Gravy: 1 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tbsp flour</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Place all chopped veggies in bottom of slow cooker. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AYGHofsAbJ6TpJkJAeYnXA9qaoCsxPd-Tim8mBGlzwuQlh_-E13RdaOplkglKMoP3avfUbyrmnxmBR4t1BtozlcDls_2h40Lwvgbah8WCekwMpPFqOrPYUr9xwZBNFiip0y6_WtEtF-K/s1600/DSC05374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AYGHofsAbJ6TpJkJAeYnXA9qaoCsxPd-Tim8mBGlzwuQlh_-E13RdaOplkglKMoP3avfUbyrmnxmBR4t1BtozlcDls_2h40Lwvgbah8WCekwMpPFqOrPYUr9xwZBNFiip0y6_WtEtF-K/s400/DSC05374.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lay meat on top of veggies. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mix dry soup mix into 1 cup boiling water, pour over meat along with 1 cup red wine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUFnQGJ9juUCD5CLqdhTqBzCmmZyOf-joa2GbsGFGHVqo0Ai5MA7p8-W06MFulUM3NncxKxnvZ_yUC22X3SQYNXFpUIPxjOKGZ3ARDga1zS0cxQ6grrlQ7gY7XMLYalkCQD5AqHpH29pK/s1600/DSC05379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUFnQGJ9juUCD5CLqdhTqBzCmmZyOf-joa2GbsGFGHVqo0Ai5MA7p8-W06MFulUM3NncxKxnvZ_yUC22X3SQYNXFpUIPxjOKGZ3ARDga1zS0cxQ6grrlQ7gY7XMLYalkCQD5AqHpH29pK/s400/DSC05379.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdelJG3yFsfK7CAAgISS9OirOWkLghH1TbN-aWbAx5cX9MyAwdcwCiSCVXX0jcvl-W5k9KD3y-7ZMwCzlMOO_a33YR-Xj2UuW9sh_Wc5gMqLFvkGS-6XhWoMKtEEBx3ytUtqi060PHalM/s1600/DSC05386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdelJG3yFsfK7CAAgISS9OirOWkLghH1TbN-aWbAx5cX9MyAwdcwCiSCVXX0jcvl-W5k9KD3y-7ZMwCzlMOO_a33YR-Xj2UuW9sh_Wc5gMqLFvkGS-6XhWoMKtEEBx3ytUtqi060PHalM/s400/DSC05386.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*Just like with <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/03/beef-bourguignon.html">Beef Bourguignon</a>, tougher (less fatty) cuts of meat are cheaper, healthier, and PERFECT for long, slow cooking. As the meat cooks for hours in the liquid, the tough collagen is converted to a gelatin and the meat becomes tender and soft. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don't waste your money on expensive fatty cuts of beef; opt for 'chuck roasts' or 'round roasts'. If you have any questions, ask the butcher in the supermarket- they are super friendly. </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fit lid on top, and turn on low for 8 hrs (or high for 4 hours)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PQ1vpLTDUNo5poJC9X-bc23OtyVdlq8KrCQCaAhEym64pyNPRh-3frWIiyZeG9bWw9bIZxv11q0UN0muO_ymNltYUXhC5fpPdJvgMcylYk2LFcDPH2ojlJohHkHYJsAA9C5bxtYZS5EM/s1600/DSC05387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PQ1vpLTDUNo5poJC9X-bc23OtyVdlq8KrCQCaAhEym64pyNPRh-3frWIiyZeG9bWw9bIZxv11q0UN0muO_ymNltYUXhC5fpPdJvgMcylYk2LFcDPH2ojlJohHkHYJsAA9C5bxtYZS5EM/s400/DSC05387.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When you are ready to eat, whip up a quick gravy to go with it and everyone will think that you spent all day in the kitchen making this roast. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Start the gravy by making a roux: Using equal parts butter and flour, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">melt one Tablespoon or so of butter in a pan, add 1 Tablespoon or so of flour; Cook for no more than a minute, whisking constantly: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQJ2xIN5nxLWuZ3LAo3Z7-pwrmk33b06akO236e9RQhlFm_j4vZ0an6Q0R8ew3EVsacPWK3axSv4xb2AnMaHi4JAFogr981KraCzaJi-51YeRF_J56aL8TwD6V4xqCdj6Z_bVbhiGxwKw/s1600/DSC05504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQJ2xIN5nxLWuZ3LAo3Z7-pwrmk33b06akO236e9RQhlFm_j4vZ0an6Q0R8ew3EVsacPWK3axSv4xb2AnMaHi4JAFogr981KraCzaJi-51YeRF_J56aL8TwD6V4xqCdj6Z_bVbhiGxwKw/s400/DSC05504.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add liquid from the crock pot (about 2-3 cups). Let simmer, whisking frequently: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(no need to season it, all of the juices from the pot are seasoned and flavorful already)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcfZ06oy5NCVrtkLmqLQeCizaiiTKjXdZ73we1YcnAMb9ARCJ2tO9LbBVFVLWW9_MhQweO_OEkUReTBbqaVlHT-HnsUi6qkqHBCSCvhocGgU5qPi6FFBMVBpUI2MhTkcXSxPmr5PZCOPr/s1600/DSC05507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcfZ06oy5NCVrtkLmqLQeCizaiiTKjXdZ73we1YcnAMb9ARCJ2tO9LbBVFVLWW9_MhQweO_OEkUReTBbqaVlHT-HnsUi6qkqHBCSCvhocGgU5qPi6FFBMVBpUI2MhTkcXSxPmr5PZCOPr/s400/DSC05507.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When the gravy has thickened to your liking (don't forget, it will thicken even more after it has been removed from the heat, so it's probably done after about 5 minutes- don't sit forever waiting for it to thicken)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Plate the roast and veggies...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(look at that TENDER meat falling apart!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AlmaTsFEqGUVYHmyBz3D9AeKRpCB0pj39LgJJxNg3vA_pD55SkflBp2y8g7upBBNrAkq13hVfEhguWTj6pS5HkQK1KGgN14chyphenhyphenRdSoyUf0xWoJhZlXjVxTtcuLrqtw56JGnq-8pLmSzr/s1600/DSC05500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AlmaTsFEqGUVYHmyBz3D9AeKRpCB0pj39LgJJxNg3vA_pD55SkflBp2y8g7upBBNrAkq13hVfEhguWTj6pS5HkQK1KGgN14chyphenhyphenRdSoyUf0xWoJhZlXjVxTtcuLrqtw56JGnq-8pLmSzr/s400/DSC05500.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and pour gravy over the top...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7KAFR6PRqxC254GIl8JWR3naUXRQQDpSX-OblnGo-h6OARgYSyp_VllLW-8I3xvPsg0gh3W4mrkfln7Rf2x56_1vpMk8TyjYDGFw5MgzAm4-LW8gJkA5RKujV34kCL_t7zrdZnDfc9S/s1600/DSC05511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7KAFR6PRqxC254GIl8JWR3naUXRQQDpSX-OblnGo-h6OARgYSyp_VllLW-8I3xvPsg0gh3W4mrkfln7Rf2x56_1vpMk8TyjYDGFw5MgzAm4-LW8gJkA5RKujV34kCL_t7zrdZnDfc9S/s400/DSC05511.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">VOILA!!! It's almost like a shortcut for <a href="http://delightsbites.blogspot.com/2011/03/beef-bourguignon.html">beef bourguignon</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OPTIONAL: If you want to get a little extra special, just invest a couple minutes on the meat before it goes in the crock pot:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sear the outside of the meat on all sides until dark brown.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then continue all other steps exactly the same, and use that searing pan again later when you make the gravy to get all the extra yummy browned bits into your gravy :)</span></li>
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love sweet potatoes every which way: baked, canned, mashed, plain, french-fried.... but <u>this</u> is my favorite version of sweet potatoes! It started with a similar recipe that I found on a blog a few years ago. I made it for my family's thanksgiving table and it was a hit! Ever since then I've been making the sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving. I've slowly adapted the recipe over the years to make it even yummier :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, I'm posting this too late for you to make it for your Thanksgiving this year, but you can still make it for your Christmas feast, or even just for a fancy fall meal for some special guests :) Sweet potatoes are a great healthy side dish that can be enjoyed all year, but especially at this time of year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have any picky eaters who don't like sweet potatoes, you just might convert them with this one. With its smooth interior and sweet crumbly topping, this is practically a dessert! How can you not love that?!?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's talk about sweet potatoes really quickly;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet potatoes and yams are NOT the same thing, in fact, they are not even related. Sweet potatoes are a 'root' vegetable, and yams are 'tubers'. Most likely you've never even seen a yam before. Yams are indigenous to Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. This is why the confusion started; when visitors from those tropical lands came to America and then ate the sweet potatoes common to the U.S., they called them Yams since the sweet potatoes resembled the look and flavor to the tropical variety that they were accustomed to in their tropical homelands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet potatoes, however, provide slightly more nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin A as well as a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. In addition to fiber and vitamins, the sweet potato also provides the minerals Potassium & Manganese. In comparison, Yams do not equal the Sweet potato in ANY of these nutrients. One thing to note, though, is that both yams and sweet potatoes have a high sugar content (not like that's a surprise... they taste SWEET for a reason! Even though it's natural sugar, it's still sugar.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe (for a large 9x13 casserole):</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Filling:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 large cans Sweet Potatoes (40 oz each), drained; OR about 5-6 cups cooked fresh Sweet Potatoes, peeled & chopped.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 large Eggs</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Topping:</span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup Brown Sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup chopped Pecans</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup shredded Coconut</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup Salted Butter, <u>melted</u></span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahreneheit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv178jDKutQjZ5Q2bXehqA0KR8gTFKJWd88HIoCw93d6Pd5Za8Zzl_te0UVmUk5H337q2dzhenYziD7i3GWCZ5qgJyYf84miy7TXTl9FZY31xgAJ2Fd7J0AGYzc4jXF01gOvwDgoxLFcf/s1600/DSC05122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv178jDKutQjZ5Q2bXehqA0KR8gTFKJWd88HIoCw93d6Pd5Za8Zzl_te0UVmUk5H337q2dzhenYziD7i3GWCZ5qgJyYf84miy7TXTl9FZY31xgAJ2Fd7J0AGYzc4jXF01gOvwDgoxLFcf/s400/DSC05122.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Combine the sweet potatoes, condensed milk, and eggs in a bowl and mix until smooth and well combined. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">**If you want to leave some more texture, just use half of the sweet potatoes to mix with the other ingredients until smooth, then stir in the other half- leaving chunks as desired. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnq9GJmIs_DpWIIXXL6bFQQBm32N_xc3QfLsvWDKKKVe7bd7DOQYt1jcqrJFbGhiI6XcXR8wRYL7qmdGuI7dz7qZ3rgT-Fn3D5Q-_-IWiWtvBDWiy3n2IpKZl8dxYzMuXDnQ57JXdxNNf/s1600/DSC05126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnq9GJmIs_DpWIIXXL6bFQQBm32N_xc3QfLsvWDKKKVe7bd7DOQYt1jcqrJFbGhiI6XcXR8wRYL7qmdGuI7dz7qZ3rgT-Fn3D5Q-_-IWiWtvBDWiy3n2IpKZl8dxYzMuXDnQ57JXdxNNf/s400/DSC05126.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spread evenly into a 9x13 casserole dish. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDK5de34cu3Q5l0kidiJlv8-0cmdWdSGd6k-F-Gm18RZtHpVeRQBeXuF7X4WNB8Tr5AyCHryKvWH-Rb8kwnXluUotJPUVAYYaeo-BSPiRr6vOkZjB-YmcTP_z00Vseu5sbBCbzHQkbDG/s1600/DSC05127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDK5de34cu3Q5l0kidiJlv8-0cmdWdSGd6k-F-Gm18RZtHpVeRQBeXuF7X4WNB8Tr5AyCHryKvWH-Rb8kwnXluUotJPUVAYYaeo-BSPiRr6vOkZjB-YmcTP_z00Vseu5sbBCbzHQkbDG/s400/DSC05127.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> To make the topping, combine all ingredients together:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2pDn_HB7H9j94_Fss47uQdMiQ02PPSjCse1TerurOqTlSUoAKD10873FZRGaidT0Le_3j5Cc5-c0zWta0FRKNAKGihBZPPVdG6q9R0Cw8OhbapfEfQvyQLyuRKVe2-9hzj9pey64_WUl/s1600/DSC05171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2pDn_HB7H9j94_Fss47uQdMiQ02PPSjCse1TerurOqTlSUoAKD10873FZRGaidT0Le_3j5Cc5-c0zWta0FRKNAKGihBZPPVdG6q9R0Cw8OhbapfEfQvyQLyuRKVe2-9hzj9pey64_WUl/s400/DSC05171.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After mixed, spread evenly over top of sweet potatoes in casserole dish:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXmciBHpGra0RTQ173JttHFGMlRNO3xQYB5nBGrK9eQDcaUGbqvhh1JRTjQ42-9WYCfrKcCF_AsDzCzzy8tDeA1nnNicA9n1wKtWYv00FjyN-cbR0w7nc7vdDb_8pDSDl4jzJ3_W-ygty/s1600/DSC05203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXmciBHpGra0RTQ173JttHFGMlRNO3xQYB5nBGrK9eQDcaUGbqvhh1JRTjQ42-9WYCfrKcCF_AsDzCzzy8tDeA1nnNicA9n1wKtWYv00FjyN-cbR0w7nc7vdDb_8pDSDl4jzJ3_W-ygty/s400/DSC05203.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The top should be browned and crispy! Mmmmmm! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rdMxHrC7EN0drlKIXoSnGdZ5eqkcuoyMqeaF-dXDH-hd9mKQoU870yhB23V6r5xeQ6nmVbgI9ZtjHSNA7rKdC3TNhlMVXg5J7pCHw3LKmlUgNWv6ztytJANevAHQz2t_EUrAUwXV4IE-/s1600/DSC05217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rdMxHrC7EN0drlKIXoSnGdZ5eqkcuoyMqeaF-dXDH-hd9mKQoU870yhB23V6r5xeQ6nmVbgI9ZtjHSNA7rKdC3TNhlMVXg5J7pCHw3LKmlUgNWv6ztytJANevAHQz2t_EUrAUwXV4IE-/s400/DSC05217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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