baking · Bread · breakfast · Cooking · dessert · Gifts

(L)Oven Monday – The Best Food Gifts from Your Kitchen

As I make my preparations for a more “simple” Christmas this year, I’m reminded that giving gifts from what you love is the best kind of gift to share.  If I do what I love – I bake and the receiver knows that it was prepared especially for them with lots of (L)oven from my oven!

I have many recipes on my blog that I have given away, and I’m going to compile a short list of some of my favorites for you today.  These are simple to make and are LOVED by those that receive them.  Let’s get shopping/baking…

  1. Nutty Orange Coffee Cake – – This is a fancier form of Monkey Bread.  It’s made from canned biscuits, cream cheese and cinnamon and sugar.  It’s pretty, it’s easy to make and is so good it became a Christmas tradition for our breakfast!Nutty orange Coffee cake.jpg
  2. Cranberry Crumble – Another great coffee cake that anyone would LOVE to receive!
    cranberry-coffee-cake
  3. French Bread Loaves – A good old crusty bread tied up in a linen kitchen towel is as lovely as it is delicious!
    French Bread 1.jpg
  4. Homemade Granola – Gifted in a jar with a pretty ribbon, this granola is perfect for any breakfast lover!
    Granola.jpg
  5. Cream Cheese Coffee Cakes – These are more like Danishes and who doesn’t love a Cream Cheese Danish????  This recipe makes four, so it really makes great use of your time in the kitchen!
    danish 1.jpg
  6. Deep Dish Hershey Brownies – This is my family’s favorite brownie recipe and I’ve made them for years.  Any chocolate lover will be delighted to receive a plate of these!
    Deep dish brownies.jpg
  7. Microwave Caramel Popcorn – This is the easiest caramel popcorn!  It makes a nice pile of popcorn for the snacker on your list!

caramel corn.jpg

You can also go here for a list of some fabulous cookies to bake up and place in cellophane bags or pretty Christmas tins.

Food is a wonderful gift of love from your oven to the recipient.  Get baking and finish your gift list!

Which of these recipes will you make and give away?

With love from my country kitchen,

Denise Signature 150 px

baking · dessert · entertaining · Make-Ahead

(L)Oven Monday – Cutie Pies!

Okay, so the title for these recipe Monday’s came into my head last week when I was writing my  husband a note about his breakfast being in the (L)oven! You do get it, right, or is it just my crazy mind?  I love to bake and cook, so I thought an appropriate title would be “(L)Oven Monday”  =)  My mind works words over like that.  You can vote yes or no at the end of this post!

Anyway, while I was in the kitchen last week getting ready for my Apples of Gold ladies to come, I came across the adorable idea of baking pies in Mason Jar lids. How genius is that?

mason jar pie.jpg

They make individual pies that are so stinking cute!  It’s the perfect size and they are so easy to put together.  It’s much less intimidating to  make a three-inch crust than an eight or ten inch one!  You could make any number of fillings, of course.  I made apple and Kentucky Derby pies with mine.

Here’s the Derby pie getting ready for the oven.  How good does this look…

mason-pies

Here’s the baked pie…

pie-bite

The Mason jar lids make a little spring form pan!  After they’re baked, you simply push up on the bottom of the lid and they pop right out.  Like I said – GENIUS!

Here’s a picture tutorial on how I made them:

My Pampered Chef Crimper is a little larger than the lid, which is what you want.  Find a bowl or glass that’s about a half inch bigger than the lids and cut circles in your crust.  I made mine, but you could also purchase dough.

pie-collage

I sprayed the lids with cooking spray to ensure they’d pop out easily.  Don’t over-fill the pie – two or three tablespoons of filling will do, especially if you top it with crumb topping or dough.  I also sprinkle sugar over the crust to make it pretty and delicious!

These would be great for Thanksgiving!  No need to slice pie!  Everyone can help themselves to their own individual pie.  Pumpkin, apple, peach – whatever kind you want – just portion the filling into the crusts.

I made up extras and put them in the freezer.  All I have to do is take it out and bake it when I need a dessert.  I also freeze my large pie crusts in Ziploc bags.

mason-pies-1

I cover the crust with Syran wrap, then put it into the freezer bags.

I hope you’ll make up a whole bunch of these Cutie Pies for your Thanksgiving dinner.  I think everyone will be talking about them and copying your idea!!!  Bake up a cute little treat from your (L)oven!

What do you think…do you like”(L)Oven Monday” for these Monday posts?  Or is it like, Huh???????????????????????

With love from my country kitchen,

Denise Signature 150 px

baking · dessert · Dinner · dinner in 30 minutes · Fall · home · Home making · Uncategorized

Fall/Winter Pantry Essentials

pantry.jpg

Last week I shared three of my Go-To meals when I’m in a pinch for time (and money!).  I also shared the items I keep stocked so those meals can happen.  I hope you’ll check out that post if you missed it.  But when it turns cooler my menu changes, as I bet yours does too.  We think about soups, stew, cobblers, and comfort foods to fill us when fall and winter approach.  Since I know those are the kinds of foods we’re going to want for supper, there are certain items I know I need to keep on hand.

Let me share some of the essential items I like to keep in my pantry so I can cook and bake at a moment’s notice.

  • Chicken stock or broth – I love to make my own stock after I’ve roasted a chicken.  You can find my method here.  I’ve even updated my method by putting all the ingredients in the crock pot and letting it simmer all day.  It’s so much easier than doing it on the stove!  I freeze my broth in Ziplock bags (double-bagged for fear of leakage), lay them flat and stack them so they don’t take up much room.
    Chicken stock is necessary for soups, but also many other dishes – enchilada sauce, and roasted chicken, for example.  It’s great to have it on hand. This soup is a ten minute soup, and great for flu victims!
  • Minute Rice
  • Baking Mix (Like Bisquick).  This mix can quickly be turned into pancakes, waffles, biscuits, Cheddar Biscuits, muffins, dumplings and more!  Check out these recipes!
    Here’s a homemade version  you can make and keep on hand:
    Homemade Baking Mix

    6 cups All-purpose flour
    3 tbl baking powder
    1 tbl salt
    1 cup shortening
    Sift flour, baking powder and salt three times into a large bowl.  Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs.  Store mixture in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 months.
  • Canned Goods – Right now is a good time to stock up as many stores have sales events going on for the holidays.
    • Beans
    • Tomatoes
    • Corn
    • Green Beans
    • Pie fillings
    • Pumpkin
    • Cream Soups
    • Pasta sauce
  • Pasta
  • Taco Seasoning – Here’s my homemade version
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar – Balsamic, White, Apple Cider – I love making my own salad dressings and if I have a good olive oil and choices of vinegar, I can mix one up in a minute!
  • Sugars – White, Brown and Powdered
  • All-purpose Flour
  • Shortening
  • Baking chocolate – Cocoa and chocolate chips
  • Oatmeal
  • Cake Mixes – Again, I stock up three or four when they’re on sale and keep for the Quick Cakes or desserts.

Of course I keep potatoes, onions. fruits, etc., but I’m only mentioning the dry goods here on this list.

There were lots of years that I couldn’t stock up my pantry, but had to purchase only what I needed that week.  If you can only add one or two extra items a week as you shop, keep an eye out for the sales and grab them when they’re marked down.  It will truly save you in the long-run!

Did I miss an item that you try to keep in your pantry?  What is it?

With love from my country kitchen,

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dessert · grilling · Main dish. · summertime

The Grill’s Not just for Hot Dogs!

We’re in the middle of another session of Apples of Gold – the cooking/teaching mentoring ministry for ladies that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the last three years.  Each week we learn cooking techniques, study Titus 2, and fellowship together around a home-cooked meal.  It’s a wonderful, encouraging and fun time!

Last Saturday the meal was all about the grill.  Here was our menu:flatbreads.jpg

 

Grilled Prosciutto, fig and Gouda Flatbread
Rosemary and Sea Salt Flatbread
Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken Salad
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream

For Flatbreads:
Ingredients
  • For the flatbread:
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¾ cup warm water, plus more if needed
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • 6 ounces Gouda cheese, grated
  • A handful of arugula
  • 8 slices of Prosciutto
  • 8 fresh figs, cut into quarters – I used dried figs and they were just as delicious!

For the balsamic glaze:

  • 1 cups balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

For the flatbread:
To a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, salt, and baking powder, mix well.
Add the olive oil and mix.
Add the water and mix until the dough comes together, either using your hands or a wooden spoon.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Remove the dough from the fridge about 10 minutes before using to allow to come to room temperature.

Preheat your outdoor grill.
Divide the dough in fourths and roll out onto a floured cutting board into your desired shape.
Brush with the olive oil on both sides.
Grill on each side for about 2-3 minutes until you have good grill marks and the dough is crispy.
Remove from the grill and add your toppings.
Return the flatbread to the grill and grill only long enough until the cheese is melted.

For the balsamic glaze: – Make this while the dough is in the fridge

In a medium saucepan, add the balsamic and stir in the honey.
Bring the vinegar to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the vinegar has reduced by ½, keep an eye it and check until it has the consistency of molasses.
Drizzle over the finished flatbread.

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For Rosemary/Sea Salt Flatbread – 

Combine 1 tbl. finely chopped fresh rosemary and about 2 tsp sea salt.

Brush flatbread with olive oil and grill until browned.  Remove and brush with more olive oil.  Rub Rosemary and salt mixture over oil.  Serve warm.

Griled chicken salad

Honey-lime Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients

For Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken
  • 4 small chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
  • zest from a lime
  • juice from a lime
  • salt and pepper to taste

instructions

  1. In a bowl add the Honey lime chicken ingredients; olive oil, honey, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound using a meat mallet until chicken is about ½ inch in thickness. Place chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over chicken. Marinate overnight.
  3. Grill chicken over medium high heat until cooked through.

For Salad:

Ingredients:

Spring Mix
Sliced Strawberries
Blue Cheese

Place salad ingredients on plate, top with grilled chicken.

Honey-Lime Dressing – 

1/4 Cup olive oil
Juice and zest of a lime
2 tsp Honey

 In a small bowl, whisk the juice of the remaining lime, the honey and 1/4 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper.

Now for dessert:

Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

  1. Slice fresh pineapple in one-inch slices.
  2. Sprinkle with a cinnamon/sugar mixture
  3. Grill on medium high heat 2-3 minutes or until soft and pineapple has grill marks.
  4. Garnish with whipped cream, and fresh mint.

Coconut Whipped Cream

Ingredients

Full Fat Coconut milk
Vanilla
Sugar

Place coconut milk in fridge overnight. The next morning, put mixing bowl and beaters into freezer for ten minutes.  Turn milk can upside down, open and pour off liquid.  Pour rest of milk into chilled mixing bowl.  Beat until whipped up.  Add 2 tbl sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.

This meal is so delicious!  Fire up the grill and get some restaurant worthy foods cooking on your back porch!  

With love from my country kitchen,

 

dessert

Add Some Sweetness to a Tart Situation

I have a favorite recipe to share with you today ~ it’s my Lemon Loaf that I made a million times when I had my home baking business (not really, but it seemed like it!).  It was a much loved recipe by my customers and my family.  

The bread has a pound cake texture and it’s topped with a lemon/sugar glaze that gives it a crispy, tart crunch.  It’s wonderful!

lemon loaf a

I recently made this to take to my parents when I visited them in Kentucky.  It makes great hostess gift,  welcome home from vacation gift,  get-well wish, or “I love my family” gift!  Add some blueberries or strawberries on top and you turn it into the perfect summer dessert 

Here’s the recipe:

Lemon Loaf

First, be sure to line the loaf pan with waxed paper.  I always do this when I’m making any kind of sweet bread.  It’s no fun when you go to the effort to make something special and it sticks to the pan!  Whether the directions say it or not, just do your nerves the favor of lining it with waxed paper or parchment paper.

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
~~~~~~~~
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
Grated rind of 1 lemon
~~~~~~~~
1/2 cup milk
Juice of half a lemon
~~~~~~~~
Juice of half a lemon
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cream the shortening and 1 cup sugar, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well each time until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Sift the dry ingredients over this.  Stir in lemon rind.  Add the milk and juice of half a lemon.  Beat together until well blended.  Bake in a greased (and lined!) loaf pan in a 325 degree oven 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from the oven.  Mix the juice of half a lemon and 1/4 cup sugar and spread over the top of the hot loaf.  **Let cool 10 minutes, then remove from the pan.  Cool well before slicing.  **Because I line my pan, I’m able to cool it just  a few minutes, then remove it from the pan and set it on a baking rack with waxed paper under the rack.  Then I spread the glaze over the loaf.

lemon loaf 2.jpg

This sweet/tart recipe reminds me of the need for sweetness in a difficult situation. Without the sugar in this cake, it would be a disaster!  It needs some sweetness!   When there is a relationship or person that is “lemony,” it’s up to us to add the sweetness.  When someone does exactly what pushes our patience to its limit, it’s up to us to add something sweet.  It’s not the time to throw lemons back at them, instead, if we give the soft answer, Scripture says it will “break the bone.”    To a thirsty enemy, we give a cup of cold water and heap coals of fire on their head.  Do something kind, say something gracious.  Can I remind you that often that “lemony” person/situation is right in our own home.  Guard your heart from throwing tart words and actions back at those to whom you should be showing the greatest love!

Don’t be the lemon in a situation – you add the sweetness!  Now go whip up this loaf for someone!  =)

With love,