1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1/3 cup cocoa powder (we use Dutch processed)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour, plus more for the pan
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the chocolate glaze:
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup (or agave nectar)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, salt, and water and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, just until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add half of the melted butter mixture and whisk until completely blended. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining butter mixture and whisk until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until completely blended. Whisk in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert onto a rack. Let cool completely before glazing.
While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate glaze. Place the chopped chocolate and corn syrup (or agave) in a medium bowl and set aside. Combine the heavy cream and sugar in a small saucepan and put over medium heat. Stir until the cream is hot and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth.
Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Cut into pieces and serve.
(Source: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/chocolate-sour-cream-bundt-cake/)
Monday, December 16, 2013
Baked Chicken Bacon Alfredo
8 oz. penne or bowtie pasta
1 16-oz. jar alfredo sauce (or make your own)
2 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped (about 2 c. chopped chicken)
6 oz. (1/2 package) cooked bacon, chopped
1 14-oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 c. chopped green onions (about 1 decent-sized bunch)
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Prepare pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, prepare Guiltless Alfredo sauce. When pasta is done, drain and add to the sauce. Toss with chopped chicken, bacon, artichoke hearts, green onions, and 1/2 c. mozzarella. Season to taste.
Transfer mixture to an 8×8″ baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/04/baked-chicken-bacon-alfredo/)
1 16-oz. jar alfredo sauce (or make your own)
2 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped (about 2 c. chopped chicken)
6 oz. (1/2 package) cooked bacon, chopped
1 14-oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 c. chopped green onions (about 1 decent-sized bunch)
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Prepare pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, prepare Guiltless Alfredo sauce. When pasta is done, drain and add to the sauce. Toss with chopped chicken, bacon, artichoke hearts, green onions, and 1/2 c. mozzarella. Season to taste.
Transfer mixture to an 8×8″ baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/04/baked-chicken-bacon-alfredo/)
Carrot Cake Supreme
Jada asked for a carrot cake for her birthday; I didn't realize she had ever had carrot cake, nor had I ever made one from scratch. But in this case, her wish was my command. And it turned out great - she loved it!
Cake:
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. table salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. grated carrot
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 c. coconut
1 c. chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
Buttermilk Glaze (below)
Cream Cheese Frosting (below)
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cake pans (either 3 9" rounds or 2 8" square) and, if desired, line the prepared pans with wax or parchment paper and then lightly grease and flour the paper. Set aside.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla on high speed until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. Fold in the carrots. Fold in the pineapple, coconut, and pecans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a pick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
While the cakes are baking, prepare the buttermilk glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cakes and then cool the cakes completely on a wire rack. When the cakes are cool, tear four thin strips of parchment or wax paper or aluminum foil and make a square on the serving plate. Place one layer on top of the square. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and spread some frosting on the bottom layer of the cake. Place another layer on top of the frosted layer (repeat if using a third layer). Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting and decorate with coconut and chopped pecans if desired. For best presentation, refrigerate overnight and then allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Buttermilk Glaze:
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. butter
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes or until the syrup is light golden.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
11 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. real butter, softened
3/4-1 lb. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (1/2 tsp. can be replaced with almond extract if desired)
Combine butter, cream cheese, and extracts and beat until combined and fluffy. Add 3/4 lb. powdered sugar and beat on high speed until fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to taste. Frost the cake. Devour.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/carrot-cake-supreme/)
Cake:
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. table salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. grated carrot
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 c. coconut
1 c. chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
Buttermilk Glaze (below)
Cream Cheese Frosting (below)
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cake pans (either 3 9" rounds or 2 8" square) and, if desired, line the prepared pans with wax or parchment paper and then lightly grease and flour the paper. Set aside.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla on high speed until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. Fold in the carrots. Fold in the pineapple, coconut, and pecans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a pick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
While the cakes are baking, prepare the buttermilk glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cakes and then cool the cakes completely on a wire rack. When the cakes are cool, tear four thin strips of parchment or wax paper or aluminum foil and make a square on the serving plate. Place one layer on top of the square. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and spread some frosting on the bottom layer of the cake. Place another layer on top of the frosted layer (repeat if using a third layer). Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting and decorate with coconut and chopped pecans if desired. For best presentation, refrigerate overnight and then allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Buttermilk Glaze:
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. butter
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes or until the syrup is light golden.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
11 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. real butter, softened
3/4-1 lb. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (1/2 tsp. can be replaced with almond extract if desired)
Combine butter, cream cheese, and extracts and beat until combined and fluffy. Add 3/4 lb. powdered sugar and beat on high speed until fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to taste. Frost the cake. Devour.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/carrot-cake-supreme/)
Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole
6-8 slices white bread*
about 1/4 C softened butter (just for buttering the bread slices)
4 C grated colby jack cheese **
12 oz pork sausage, browned and drained if necessary
1 4 oz can green chiles, or a 7 oz can if you love ‘em
6 eggs
2 C milk
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
*bread: Most recipes like this call for slightly dried out french bread or something similar, but regular white bread also works just fine. Dry bread is great because it will soak up the eggs well, but really whatever you’ve got will work just fine.
**cheese: For extra kick you could use 2 C cheddar and 2 C pepperjack. Whatever you choose, avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese for this recipe. It doesn’t melt as well and you might end up with a funny texture.
Start by removing the crusts from your bread and lightly buttering one side. Start by removing the crusts from your bread and lightly buttering one side.
Place bread butter side down in a 9×13 baking dish. You'll probably need about six pieces of bread, plus one cut in half to finish up the bottom row. You just want the bottom of the pan covered with no big gaps.
Grate your cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the bread. Spread the browned sausage on top of that, and top with the green chiles.
In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk eggs. Add milk and then seasonings and whisk to combine well. Slowly stir the egg mixture while you pour it evenly on top of the assembled casserole. You’ll want to keep stirring or else the spices will all gather in one spot and drop onto one single piece of casserole.
Cover well and place in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Pop the casserole in there and bake (uncovered) for 50-60 minutes. You’ll want the center to be set and the outside edges to be golden brown. It’s important to let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it or it will just fall apart.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/12/overnight-sausage-and-egg-casserole/)
about 1/4 C softened butter (just for buttering the bread slices)
4 C grated colby jack cheese **
12 oz pork sausage, browned and drained if necessary
1 4 oz can green chiles, or a 7 oz can if you love ‘em
6 eggs
2 C milk
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
*bread: Most recipes like this call for slightly dried out french bread or something similar, but regular white bread also works just fine. Dry bread is great because it will soak up the eggs well, but really whatever you’ve got will work just fine.
**cheese: For extra kick you could use 2 C cheddar and 2 C pepperjack. Whatever you choose, avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese for this recipe. It doesn’t melt as well and you might end up with a funny texture.
Start by removing the crusts from your bread and lightly buttering one side. Start by removing the crusts from your bread and lightly buttering one side.
Place bread butter side down in a 9×13 baking dish. You'll probably need about six pieces of bread, plus one cut in half to finish up the bottom row. You just want the bottom of the pan covered with no big gaps.
Grate your cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the bread. Spread the browned sausage on top of that, and top with the green chiles.
In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk eggs. Add milk and then seasonings and whisk to combine well. Slowly stir the egg mixture while you pour it evenly on top of the assembled casserole. You’ll want to keep stirring or else the spices will all gather in one spot and drop onto one single piece of casserole.
Cover well and place in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Pop the casserole in there and bake (uncovered) for 50-60 minutes. You’ll want the center to be set and the outside edges to be golden brown. It’s important to let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it or it will just fall apart.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/12/overnight-sausage-and-egg-casserole/)
Candied Coconut Sweet Potatoes
I made these for Thanksgiving dinner, and they were a HUGE hit. They were devoured by all - both kids and adults, and everyone requested the recipe. They tasted more like candy than vegetables. They could have been eaten for dessert. They were amazing.
4 C mashed Sweet potatoes (4 med sweet potatoes or abt 2 large sized cans)
6 Tbs Sugar
6 Tbs butter (no margarine), softened or melted
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (eyeball it)
1 t vanilla
Topping:
If you’re feeling naughty you can double this part :)
1 C brown sugar
1 1/2 C sweetened coconut flakes
6 Tbs melted butter
Note: You can make these up to a day or two ahead of time, just keep them well covered in the fridge and don’t put the topping on until just before baking.If using fresh sweet potatoes, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick each sweet potato with a fork and place on foil in the oven. Cook for 40-60 minutes or until tender.
Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, slice in half and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl. To the mixing bowl add in sugar, butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Your butter should be soft enough to blend up easily so nuke it in the microwave before you add it to the bowl if you need to.
You could mash it all up by hand, but an electric mixer works great. I don’t like it completely pureed, so I mix it just until everything is incorporated but there are still some sweet potatoes in larger chunks.
Spread this mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 pan.
For the topping, combine brown sugar and coconut and then pour melted butter over and combine. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes in the pan.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40-50 minutes. It will be more or less depending on the size of dish you use, whether you double the topping, etc. But the top should be nice and browned and bubbly so just keep an eye on it.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/11/candied-coconut-sweet-potatoes/)
4 C mashed Sweet potatoes (4 med sweet potatoes or abt 2 large sized cans)
6 Tbs Sugar
6 Tbs butter (no margarine), softened or melted
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (eyeball it)
1 t vanilla
Topping:
If you’re feeling naughty you can double this part :)
1 C brown sugar
1 1/2 C sweetened coconut flakes
6 Tbs melted butter
Note: You can make these up to a day or two ahead of time, just keep them well covered in the fridge and don’t put the topping on until just before baking.If using fresh sweet potatoes, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick each sweet potato with a fork and place on foil in the oven. Cook for 40-60 minutes or until tender.
Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, slice in half and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl. To the mixing bowl add in sugar, butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Your butter should be soft enough to blend up easily so nuke it in the microwave before you add it to the bowl if you need to.
You could mash it all up by hand, but an electric mixer works great. I don’t like it completely pureed, so I mix it just until everything is incorporated but there are still some sweet potatoes in larger chunks.
Spread this mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 pan.
For the topping, combine brown sugar and coconut and then pour melted butter over and combine. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes in the pan.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40-50 minutes. It will be more or less depending on the size of dish you use, whether you double the topping, etc. But the top should be nice and browned and bubbly so just keep an eye on it.
(Source: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/11/candied-coconut-sweet-potatoes/)
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