Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Fresh Peach Cake

This is an Ina Garten recipe from the June 2011 Food Network Magazine.  It was so simple to make and I was told it was very good.  I made this cake for my sweetie and he graciously shared it with his co-workers today.  I already purchased more peaches on my way home from work to make another one later this week!





Ingredients:
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 extra large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (I used regular beaters), beat the butter and 1 cup of the sugar for 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy.  With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla; and mix until the batter is smooth.  In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix just until combined.  In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon.
  3. Spread half of the batter evenly in pan.  Top with half of the peaches, then sprinkle with two-thirds of the sugar mixture.  Spread the remaining batter on top, arrange the remaining peaches on top and sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture and the pecans.
  4. Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serves 8

A Weekend in Madison, CT...

I had a great weekend, thanks to my honey, at the Scranton Seahorse Inn in Madison, CT.  This weekend was a great way to celebrate my birthday and was more than I could have ever hoped for.  

The inn was beautiful, comfortable and relaxing. The Innkeeper, Michael Hafford was a gracious and welcoming host.  Michael was a former pastry chef at Zinc in New Haven.  Breakfast both mornings was amazing!  Our first day started off with a wonderful homemade yogurt and granola parfait, followed by waffles and the crispiest bacon cooked to perfection.  The second morning, we had a delicious frittata made with fiddle heads, something I've seen, but never tried.  They taste very similar to asparagus.  If you're interested in fiddle heads, here you go...



We took a quick drive after our waffle breakfast, and then, I was whisked away for an hour long massage, which was just what the doctor ordered.  My afternoon was filled with antiquing, shopping in a gourmet shop and bakery, lunch and a trip to the beach. 

The inn had so many things to offer.  Aside from the welcoming hosts, there were great books, including cookbooks to read, DVDs you could borrow while relaxing in your room and a coffee bar with fresh baked cookies available at all times.  Though I was tempted many times to open that cookie jar, I allowed myself one treat on Saturday afternoon...a cup of hot coffee and a delicious freshly baked cookie!  

I wish I had one of those cookies now ;)  Luckily Michael provides some recipes on his website and now, I have that very recipe for the Molasses Sugar Cookies.  I'm sure you will see them posted very soon!

Please check out this inn, whether you live in the area or not, it is definitely worth a trip!

http://scrantonseahorseinn.com/

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Coffee Cake Anyone?!

Banana Coffee Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel

This is my 2nd time making this coffee cake.  The first was taken to my boyfriend's sister to welcome her newest baby.  They loved the cake and it was so easy, I decided to make it again and take it into work today. 

 

You can find the recipe at: 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Banana-Coffee-Cake-with-Chocolate-Chip-Streusel-107629


Sunday, May 22, 2011

Wendy's Bacon Mushroom Melt

I have been dying for the Wendy's Bacon Mushroom Melt, which is only available for limited times.  I have not given into the urge, but tonight my sweetie surprised me with a homemade version.  It was even better!!!!


Bacon and Egg Toast Cups

A quick and easy recipe from Martha Stewart.  So easy, you could make these before going to work in the morning or for your kids before school! 




Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 slices white or whole-wheat sandwich bread (I only used 6 slices, just rolled with rolling pin and cut into a circle with a paring knife)
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 large eggs
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • I added chives as well

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 6 standard muffin cups. With a rolling pin, flatten bread slices slightly and, with a 4 1/4-inch cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds. Cut each round in half, then press 2 halves into each muffin cup, overlapping slightly and making sure bread comes up to edge of cup. Use extra bread to patch any gaps. Brush bread with remaining butter.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp, 4 minutes, flipping once. (It will continue to cook in the oven.) Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are just set, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a small knife around cups to loosen toasts. Serve immediately.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

This weekend in preparation for my upcoming birthday, we had a wonderful family dinner.  In true Comfort Food Queen style, my mother and sister planned an amazing dinner complete with steaks on the grill, a baked potato bar with tons of toppings, salad and biscuits.

And for dessert, my sister made a buttermilk chocolate cake with vanilla bean butter cream!  Delish ;)

Friday, May 13, 2011

Healthy Mexican Food...Now That's Comforting!!!

I have found a truly amazing product.  It is healthy, natural and organic burritos.  Evol makes great products, not just limited to burritos and you can find them locally in your grocery store!  


I first stumbled upon Evol burritos at the Bishops Orchard market.  I bought 2, one beef and one chicken.  I took one for lunch the next day at work and it was delicious.  The best part is they are not too high in fat, they have a good amount of protein and are all natural.  You get the comfort of Mexican food without the guilt.  Plus, unlike other marketed frozen burritos, there is no "mystery meat" in their products.  


For any vegetarians out there, they also have vegetarian and vegan offerings!  


You won't be disappointed, check out their website for stores in your area that carry their products.  www.evolfoods.com.  I just found them on sale at my local Stop & Shop for 2/$6, which is much cheaper than getting lunch at the local deli, fast food, even our cafeteria!


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Breezespeaks-"The Awful Truth"

A family man with something to say....

I have a friend, William Kelley, who has created an amazing blog!  Please check out http://breezespeaks.wordpress.com/ when you have a chance. 

Billy is a great writer and shares many stories about being Mr. Mom,including great places to eat, recipes, sports, religion, politics and anything else you can think of.  You will get little snip-its about his fabulous wife, Kathy and adorable 10 year old twins, Will & Cait.  He has mastered the art of grocery shopping in numerous locations to save money, something we could all use help with these days! 

He's just getting started and had tons of hits.  Please check it out and follow him!!!! It is absolutely worth your time to read his posts.

Order for 100 Cupcakes!!!

Here are the pics of my 100 cupcake order....worth all the work ;)

Chocolate cupcakes with Orange Cream Filling

Chocolate Chocolate (whipped ganache frosting)

                  Chocolate w/ Orange Filing and Chocolate Cookie Dough with          Carmel Butter cream

100 un-frosted cupcakes...doesn't look like much!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Murray's Haircut

For anyone who met my kitty, Murray in earlier posts, I would like to share with you pictures of his new haircut.  He was adorable before, but now, he is even cuter!  I think he will be much happier when the weather heats up with his lion cut ;)

BEFORE....


...AFTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Missing my blog!

For anyone who may check out my page, but are not followers, sorry for the gap in postings!  Thanks to my friend Kathy for being my first follower!

I have been very busy, I received my first paying order a couple weeks ago.  On a fateful Tuesday evening I got a call from one of my mom's new co-workers.  He wanted 100 cupcakes for Thursday night. Of course I said yes and got to work!

I am still shocked and amazed at how well this baking and frosting process worked out.  I was not at all stressed or worried and have been told it's because this is what I was meant to do.  The cupcakes were delivered 4 hours earlier than promised and my mom's co-workers somehow weaseled a box of cupcakes from my customer!  When asked why he gave up a box, he told my mom he didn't realize just how many 100 cupcakes would be!  I'm glad everyone enjoyed them and I hope to sell many more cupcakes in the future. 

I will be posting pics of the 100 cupcakes very soon...