Food with Beth

November Daring Bakers

2008-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I forgot to post this wonderful caramel cake! I made it for Thanksgiving and everybody loved it! I actually made cupcakes which were the perfect sized serving! Caramel Cake with Caramelized Butter Frosting courtesy of Shuna Fish Lydon. The cake was nice and light. The frosting, on the other hand, was very sweet and heavy. The best thing about the frosting was the salt in it. It really balanced out the sweetness. My husband has the camera with the pictures on it so I'll have to post them later.

Nie Nie Cookie Auction

2008-09-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am auctioning off a 1 dozen package of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I have been wanting to do something for Stephanie and Christian Nielson but wasn't sure what. I'm so thankful to Landra Lynn at http://xomissl2.blogspot.com/ for her cookie auction idea. For bidding instructions: go to her website and she gives the instructions. Landra Lynn has decided to start all bids at $20. I will pay for the shipping to you. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Nielson's story, you can go to http://blog.cjanerun.com/. This is Stephanie's sister's blog and she tells the story. THE AUCTION BEGINS AT 8AM ARIZONA TIME AND ENDS AT 9PM ARIZONA TIME

August Daring Bakers--Chocolate Eclairs by Pierre Herme

2008-08-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge was chocolate eclairs from a recipe from famous chef Pierre Herme. I love eclairs, but forget about making them. They're also one of my husband's favorite things. They're just a little time consuming. He's a chocolate lover, so I decided to use the given recipe with chocolate pastry cream and chocolate glaze. For some reason, one of my pans of eclairs fell when I took them out of the oven. I think I should have cooked them a little longer. The other pan turned out fine. I love the chocolate pastry cream! It was so thick and rich and delicious. I'll definitely make it again. I had fresh blackberries, so I contemplated making vanilla pastry cream and folding the berries in and then using the chocolate glaze. I still think I'll try that, but my husband really wanted the all chocolate recipe. This was a fun month and I can't wait to see what comes next.

July Daring Bakers--Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream

2008-07-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is supposed to be a "Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream ," but since my dad has an allergy to filberts, I decided to use almonds. When I first saw the challenge for the month, it really didn't appeal to me--I'm not a big nut lover in baked goods. But, I decided to try it and I might like it. This was a big project with a lot of steps. I've never made anything like this before. It actually turned out pretty well. I'm definitely not a cake decorator, but I kept it simple and it turned out OK. I didn't want to use the rum in it, so I flavored it with orange extract. I also put lemon zest in the whipped cream. I brought it to my book club and everybody liked it and couldn't believe I'd spend so much time baking a cake. It was a lot of work, but since I've never done anything like this before, it was fun. My cake had a hard time coming out of the pan, but I was able to disguise it well. That was the only trouble I had--my buttercream went together beautifully (thank goodness!).

Doughnut Sandwiches

2008-07-12T10:19:00.001-07:00

Derek had the idea to make doughnut breakfast sandwiches. We started with a glazed doughnut. Then you can add whatever filling you want. We used fried eggs, bacon, sausage patties, and hash brown patties. It's not a very healthy breakfast--I could feel my arteries clogging as I ate. It sure tasted good though!

Danish Braid with Apple Almond Filling

2008-07-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

THIS IS SOOOO GOOD!!! I KNEW I LOVED ANY KIND OF PASTRY BUT THIS IS WONDERFUL> I DECIDED TO USE THE APPLE FILLING THE RECIPE LISTED BECAUSE I LOVE ANYTHING APPLE> I ADDED SOME ALMOND EXTRACT AND SPRINKLED SLICED ALMONDS AND RAW SUGAR ON TOP BEFORE BAKING> I DRIZZLED AN ALMOND GLAZE ON TOP WHILE IT WAS STILL WARM> I WAS A LITTLE INTIMIDATED BY THE RECIPE BUT THE DIRECTIONS WERE VERY CLEAR AND IT WAS MUCH EASIER THAN I"D THOUGHT IT WOULD BE> I"VE ONLY MADE ONE BRAID SO FAR AND CAN"T WAIT TO TRY ANOTHER FILLING ON ANOTHER BRAID> HERE IS THE LINK TO THE RECIPE:
http://www.cupcaketastrophe.blogspot.com/ This is one of the many daring baker's post about it. It will definately be made again!

Danish Pasty 2

2008-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

I got the dough made last night. It was much easier than I thought, just time consuming. It smelled so good with all the spices and orange zest. Here's a picture of it rising today. I put an apple filling in it, flavored with almond extract. I'll take a picture and review the finished product.

Daring Bakers--Danish Pastry 1

2008-06-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm behind again! I was supposed to post June's Daring Baker's Challenge yesterday. It is a Danish Pastry. It looks so good, but it's a little intimidating to me. I'm going to start tonight and post tomorrow. Sorry I'm late!

Neoplitan Rice Krispy Treats

2008-05-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a month since I last posted. Things are crazy here. I just came across this recipe and it looks soooo good. If you like Neoplitan ice cream, I think you'll love these. I'm going to make them today for our trip tomorrow. I'll let you know what we think. Here's the link:

http://www.cookiemadness.net/?p=1852

Daring Bakers--Cheesecake Pops

2008-04-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

This month's Daring Bakers challenge was Cheesecake Pops. I LOVE cheesecake, so this was my kind of challenge. Unfortunately, I forgot this was supposed to be posted on Sunday. Better late than never, right? They turned out wonderful. I chose to dip them in chocolate then graham cracker crumbs. I used dark, milk, and white chocolate. It had been a long time since I'd used a water bath to bake in, but it turned out great. The cheesecake was very easy and tasted delicious. As my friend described them, they are a "little piece of heaven." I fully agree. This recipe makes a ton, so they'd be great for a party. The possible decorations are endless: sprinkles, nuts, crushed peppermint candy, crushed toffee... I thought I'd share the recipe this month.

Cheesecake Pops

makes 30-40 pops

5 8oz packages cream cheese at room temperature

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

5 large eggs

2 egg yolks

2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 c. heavy cream (I used 1% milk since I forgot the cream.)

Boiling water as needed

30-40 lollypop sticks

1 lb chocolate for dipping

2 Tbsp. shortening

Assorted decorations

Position oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Set some water to boil.

In large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth. If using a mixer, mix on low speed. Add the whole eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well, but still at low speed, after each addition. Beat in vanilla and cream.

Grease a 10 inch cake pan (not springform--I used a 7x11 pan), and pour the batter into the pan. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with the boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake until the cheesecake is firm and slightly golden on top, 35-45 minutes

Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and cool to room temperature. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold, at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

When the cheesecake is cold and very firm, scoop the cheesecake into 2-ounce balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Carefully insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Freese the cheesecake pops, uncovered, until very hard, at least 1-2 hours.

When the cheesecake balls are ready for dipping, prepare the chocolate. You can use a double boiler, but I put chocolate chips (good quality) and the shortening in the microwave heating on high for 30 second increments stirring until smooth.

Quickly dip a frozen cheesecake pop in the melted chocolate, swirling quickly to coat it completely. Shake off any excess into the melted chocolate. If you like, you can now roll the pops quickly in optional decorations. Place the pops on a clean parchment-lined baking sheet to set.

Refrigerate the pops for up to 24 hours, until ready to serve.

Caramelized Roasted Banana Swirled Brownies

2008-04-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

I like the food blog "picky palate." She has this recipe today. I have everything for it and am trying to talk myself out of baking some tomorrow. Maybe if I can think of someone to give some to...Give it a try and let me know. I'll blog if I make them. How am I supposed to lose weight when I find recipes like this?

http://pickypalate.blogspot.com/2008/04/caramelized-roasted-banana-swirled.html

Homemade Girl Scout Cookies

2008-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

I just found a blog that has recipes for the Girl Scout Cookies called Samoas or Caramel DeLites. I love Samoas and never buy enough of them. I can't wait to try them! http://bakingbites.com/2008/01/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas/

Daring Bakers--Dorie's Perfect Party Cake

2008-03-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is my first month as a member of the Daring Bakers blog. We are each given a recipe at the beginning of the month and a date on which to post our review and pictures of the end result. This month's project was "Dorie's Perfect Party Cake." It is a 4 layer white cake flavored with lemon and coconut. It is frosted with a lemon meringue butter cream and has raspberry jam between the layers. I think mine turned out pretty well--I followed the recipe exactly. The cake itself is very light and yummy, although it wasn't lemony enough for me. I liked the raspberry jam filling. I was very intrigued with the butter cream recipe as it was unlike any frosting I'd ever made. I was sure it would be wonderful since it had 3 cubes of butter in it, but I really didn't like it. It was too buttery (if that's possible) and not lemony enough for me. I wished I'd used whipped cream. It was a beautiful cake, but next time I'll make some changes.

Here's a funny story about the cake, though. I covered it with a dishtowel and set it in the garage because it was the coolest room outside the refrigerator. About an hour later, I went out to check on it and it wasn't where I'd put it. One of my kids had accidentally knocked it over without realizing it. It was lying on the garage floor, amazingly still fairly put together. I had to toss it. I just couldn't eat something off the garage floor. Luckily, I'd already taken pictures and had a slice!

Food Ruts

2008-03-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I get into food ruts. By this I mean I make the same things over and over for dinner and it gets pretty boring! Yesterday, I was browsing some food blogs and came upon some great blogs with wonderful new dinner ideas. I've listed the blogs on my list. Here are some of my favorites:

http://thematzats.blogspot.com/

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

I particularly like the first one. She has wonderful recipes like: "funky chicken with sesame noodles," "won ton tacos," and "crock pot beef tips." Enjoy!

Never Fail No Bake Cookies

2008-03-12T16:48:00.001-07:00

I love no-bake cookies! They are so easy, yet the recipe I always used, never turned out quite right. You always had to add extra oatmeal, but then they were too crumbly. I found a new version that works every time. Follow the instructions exactly!!!

Combine in saucepan:

2 c. white sugar

3 Tbsp. cocoa

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. margarine.

Bring to boil and boil for 5 minues, stirring occationally.

Add:

2 Tbsp cold milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. peanut butter

3 c. rolled oats

Mix and spoon onto waxed paper. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Great New Salad--I Think...

2008-03-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

As I was browsing my usual favorite blogs today, I saw the the Pioneer woman has a new recipe posted. Check this one out: http://http//thepioneerwomancooks.com/2008/03/my_most_favorite_salad_ever_ever_ever_ever.html

The recipe is called "Asian Noodle Salad." It looks so good and I'm going to try it soon.

Yummy Bran Muffins

2008-02-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on another blog, but made some changes to it. They're just about as good as my mom's raisin bran muffins, but are a little easier since I usually have all the ingredients on hand. They're also very healthy since there's not much oil or sugar. I could probably eat the whole batch of them! You could probably also use Raisin Bran, but my family (except for me) doesn't like raisins in things. They are probably also really good with jam on them, but I was trying to be good and cut back on sugar so I just had a little butter on them. Enjoy!

1 c. bran flakes

1 c. milk

1/4 c. oil

Mix together and let sit 10 min.

Add:

1 egg

Combine:

1 c. flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/3 c. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

Add to bran flakes mixture. Put in greased muffin tins and bake @400 degrees for 10-15 min. Makes 12 muffins

Flanken-style Beef Short Ribs

2008-02-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is our favorite new cut of meat. You usually have to ask the butcher for them. I just season them with barbeque seasoning, but you could easily use salt and pepper, seasoning salt, or garlic salt. I put them on the grill and bbq them. They cook pretty quickly as they're only about 1/2 inch thick. I brush bbq sauce on them the last couple of minutes. They are my kid's favorite thing now and the request for all the birthdays! They're really good with http://http//thepioneerwomancooks.com/2008/02/the_meal_of_love_part_2_roasted_garlic_mashed_potatoes.html

These are the most delicious garlic mashed potatoes I've ever eaten!!!

I've also been told that these ribs are delicious marinated and grilled with Yoshida sauce.

The Edge Brownie Pan

2008-02-05T21:47:00.000-08:00

I discovered this pan on a friend's blog. I am definately a lover of the edges of brownies. They're crispy yet chewy...as far as I'm concerned this is the best part. My family can have the middle as long as I can have the edges. The only problem is it retails for $39.95. That's a little above my envisioned pan budget! It is a great idea, though. If anyone has that kind of money and wants to give me a sensless gift, this would be a great idea!

Haupia--Hawaiian Coconut Pudding

2008-02-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

I had this wonderful dessert while in Maui last week. It has the consistency of Jello Jigglers, but with a mild coconut flavor that isn't overly sweet. I haven't actually tried this recipe, but after searching for one, this seems to be the most common.

Haupia

Ingredients:
2 cups coconut milk *see below
1 cup whole milk
6 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 tsp vanilla (if desired)
Preparation:Pour one cup of coconut milk into a saucepan. Combine sugar and cornstarch stirring into coconut milk. (Add vanilla is desired) Heat over low stirring consistently until thickened.
Add remainder of coconut milk and whole milk and continue to heat until thickened. Pour into 8 inch square pan and chill until firm.
The recipe can be easily modified for personal taste using more or less sugar and cornstarch.

Three ways to make coconut milk

#1-stove: Pour 2 cups boiling liquid (coconut milk, water, or milk) over 4 cups grated fresh coconut. Let stand 20 minutes. Strain through poi cloth or a double thickness of cheese cloth, pressing to remove liquid. If coconut milk is heated, bring just to scalding point, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Yield: 2 cups. (8 cups coconut milk equals 4 coconuts.

#2-blender: Cut fresh coconut meat into 1/2 inch cubes. Add 3/4 cup hot liquid for each cup cubes, Blend on high speed 12 to 30 seconds. Let stand 20 minutes. Strain through double thickness of cheesecloth, squeezing out liquid. One coconut gives 1 1/2 to 2 cups

#3-packaged coconut: Combine 1 1/3 cup each packaged flaked coconut and cold milk. Refrigerate one hour. Blend 4 seconds in blender. Strain. Makes 1 cup.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins

2008-01-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite muffins. They're easy and use ingredients I always have on hand. They're really good with apricot jam on top!

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins

1 c. oatmeal

1 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

3/4 c. milk

1/4 c. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix oats, glour, baking powder, salt. Set aside. Whisk eggs and brown sugar til smooth. Add milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour over dry ingredients. Fold in w/spatula just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter into greased muffin cups. Bake 15 minutes @ 400. Makes 1 dozen muffins.

Best Brownie Mix

2008-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is the best brownie mix I've found: Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge Brownies

They taste kind of like hot fudge cake. It only makes a square pan's worth, but they are wonderful! I've also had the Ghirardelli Double Fudge Brownie mix and it's great too!

Jill's Cookies

2008-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

This is my sister Jill's famous cookie recipe--the easiest, best, basic chocolate chip cookies.

1/2 cup margarine or butter

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups chocolate chips

Cream together: margarine, shortening, and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to margarine and sugar mixture. Mix well then add chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 min or until barely beginning to turn golden brown. Let sit for a couple of minutes before removing from pan.