Blogging at Midnight

Yes this blog comes to you courtesy of a spider and the navy reserve weekend. How is that possible you ask? Well as I lay in bed, already hating being alone in bed seeing as its my husband's reserve weekend that comes once a month, and something catches my eye above me. A SPIDER!! So what do I do? Hurl my book at it in midair, hit it and watch it scramble off my bed into some secret hiding spot I can't locate. As I grab the vacuum, attach the long nozzle to the end of the hose and seek it out, its apparent that it has an invisibility cloak like Harry Potter. I can't find it anywhere. So now I know there has to be a huge spider, ok its a daddy long legs and I know it won't kill me, but it wanted to land on me once and that's not happening again, under my bed. My cat, Max was under the bed at the time it would  have went under there, so in the back of my mind I'm trying to convince myself he was my knight in shining fur and ate it, but it more likely that its just waiting for me to turn off the light.

So now I sit here at the computer at midnight, knowing full well that my daughter will be up at 7am promptly, bugging me about setting up all the Halloween decorations., something I foolishly promised in order to hurry her to bed. But I can't sleep either. I'm seriously terrified of anything spider. I swear something horrible must have happened to me in another life that deals with spiders. Hurry Nick and come home and save me! Why is it whenever Nick goes away, something always has to happen to freak me out? I mean I already don't like when he's gone and things are good, the windows and doors are all super locked and bolted. Lights on outside etc. But jeez!! All I wanted to do was get to sleep. Oh well...this is my life and as much as you may laugh, I think I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight.

Tasty Treat Friday- Caramel Apple Cupcakes!

                               It's Tasty Treat Friday!!!

Following the inspiration of the seasons I decided to make Caramel Apple Cupcakes. Super yummy! Though they are more of a muffin I have to say. I reserve the word cupcake for something more chocolaty and piled with icing. If you are craving something apple, or you'd like caramel apples without all the mess and hassle, then this is your treat!

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

1 1/4 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

2 eggs, at room temperature

1/2c packed light brown sugar

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

2 t. vanilla extract

2 rome apples, about 1 pound, peeled and shredded.

1 1/2c. chewy caramel candies

1 T. heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a cupcake pan with liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in the oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the apples.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan until almost full.  Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

In a small, microwavable bowl, combine the caramels and cream. Microwave for 1 minute on medium power, then stir, repeat in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Spread the frosting generously on the cooled cupcakes.

Tips/Adjustments: I used 2 granny smith apples since I couldn't find any romes at my grocery store, but they seemed to work fine. Yes the apples are shredded instead of diced, this is to allow for even distribution and to keep the cupcakes moist. I just used my box grater. Also to avoid the slightly harder bottom on a cupcake, I actually spray my liners with non-stick spray which keeps them moist and perfect to peel. Another great addition to mine, was I added chopped peanuts to the top of half of the cupcakes. It truly reminds you of a caramel apple.

Thanks to Rachael Ray Magazine for this recipe, and thanks to my mom for sending it to me!



How Strange

So I'm sitting here, pjs on, eating a bowl of multi grain cheerios, trying to come with the tasty treat for Friday. But I can't seem to settle onto anything. I'm scared to say it, but I'm pretty much sick of chocolate and chicken...not together, but I'm not wanting anything chocolate and I'm refusing to cook another chicken dish for the rest of the week..should be interesting since the choices are limited right now.

The problem isn't really what to make, because I have a million and one recipes of yummy desserts, its just that a month ago when I planned my meals and desserts- chocolate was obviously something I was craving. So now if I make something different I'll have to go buy more ingredients. Which is bad thing since I just indulged in a Barnes and Noble online bargain book sale lol! (I was getting ready for Christmas though). Either way I guess I'll spend part of my morning looking for the perfect recipe that will sound good, get eaten in my house, and that I have all the ingredients for. Maybe I'll just skip the drama and go pick up a few apples and make these apple pie pops...its like apple pie on a stick..sounds heavenly right?! OR something pumpkin..this picture of my Isabelle in the pumpkin patch reminds of the fact that its fall and anything pumpkin would hit the spot...hmm

Today is my first day home alone (during the day) since Friday..I swear the three days I have the house to myself are the most productive and then the other 4 are successful in destroying all I accomplished. So back on the merry go round I go. Here I come laundry, elliptical machine (oh how I hate you), messy counters, and gross bathrooms. But I have to say this, when you have the time, and spend that time cleaning, each day is easier because its just maintenance. But then you start seeing the bigger jobs..like the charcoaled bottom of the oven, that that paint color you thought you loved in the office- yeah that's not working anymore. Then the lightbulbs that would be brighter when dusted, and how your kitchen set up just doesn't work. And if you're anything like me, you find yourself at 10pm rearranging all the drawers and cupboards, there for confusing yourself and your family for weeks. (maybe just maybe that's a little revenge for all the dirty socks and left out shoes I have to pick up everyday). :)

Ahhh..well here I go.

Best Beef Dip Ever...the easy crockpot meal!

Best Beef Dip Ever

2 lb. beef chuck roast

1/2 T. minced garlic

1/2 T. dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

1/2 c. soy sauce

1 1/2c. beef broth

1 1/2 c. water

1/2 an onion, sliced into rings, and then separate the rings.

Place the roast in the slow cooker. Season with garlic, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour in the soy sauce, broth and water. Place sliced onion rings on top of roast. Cover with lid, and cook on low for 6-10 hours. The longer the better. Then about 30-60 minutes before serving shred the meat and put in the broth and let cook till ready to serve.

Then I put whatever cheese I want on the french rolls, and stick them under the broiler till the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.

The broth will be your aus ju to dip your sandwich in.

This is a true staple in our house. I make it almost every month. The type of roast does have a huge impact on the amount of grease your aus ju has on it in the end. I've made it with different kinds of roasts, but the chuck roast seems to make the broth the least greasy. Also, remove the bay leaves before serving the meat and broth..you don't want to eat them.  Another tip is you can use low sodium soy sauce which I like better, but its whatever you have on hand. Then if you have a larger roast just double or adjust the recipe as needed.

Tasty Treat Friday!!!

Caramel Popcorn Brownie Bars with Peanuts

For the brownies-

Melt:

1 stick of unsalted butter, cubed (1/2 c)

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped

2 T. cocoa powder

1 T. instant coffee granules

Stir; Fold in:

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

1/4 t. table salt

3 eggs

1 c. all-purpose flour

For the popcorn-

Pop; Mix with:

1 bag butter-flavored microwave popcorn (3.5 oz)

1 cup dry roasted peanuts

Boil; whisk in, then add:

1 cup sugar

1/3 c. light corn syrup

2 T. water

1/2 stick unsalted butter (4 T)

1/2 c. heavy cream

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/4 t. table salt

Preheat oven to 350* F, coat a 9 inch square pan with nonstick spray.

Melt butter, chocolate, cocoa, and coffee in a bowl in a microwave on high power in 1 minute intervals. Stir after each interval until smooth (it took me about 2 minutes). Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, blending until completely incorporated.

Fold in the flour, then spread batter in the prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Pour into a large bowl, remove any unpopped kernels, and mix in the peanuts; set aside.

Boil sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium high heat until caramelized, to the color of iced tea, about 8 minutes; don't overcook. Reduce heat to medium-low, then whisk in the butter until melted.

Carefully whisk in the cream (caramel will sputter violently). Simmer about 5 minutes, then test for doneness * (see tip at bottom of recipe)

Continue simmering if necessary, testing, every minute until done. Off heat, add the vanilla and salt.

Working quickly, pour 1/2 c. caramel over cooled brownies; spread to the edges. Toss remaining caramel with popcorn mixture, stirring to coat.

With buttered hands, press caramel popcorn over the brownie base. Cool bars completely, then cut with a sharp knife coated with non-stick spray.

*Tips/Adjustments: To check for caramel doneness: spoon a little caramel onto a plate and let cool a few seconds, then mold with your fingers. If the caramel holds it shape, yet still is soft and pliable, its done.

Okay I LOVE LOVE LOVED these bars. Yes you feel as though diabetes is around the corner after eating just one, but they are awesome. My daughter said it was the best dessert I ever made (other than cherry cheesecake-her favorite). The brownie I got a picture of was almost impossible, seeing as the minute dinner was done, my husband was over there cutting them (not an easy thing to do). So it may not be the prettiest picture, but know that the picture doesn't really matter after you taste them.

So I did leave out the coffee granules since my daughter was going to eat these, though I imagine that with the coffee flavor these would hit another level, but lots of people aren't coffee lovers so just know that they don't lack anything without it.  The homemade brownie base was super good, however you MUST cool them completely before even starting the caramel. I didn't and it took forever for them to set completely. So bake the brownies, go do something and then come back and finish the caramel, popcorn part. I also used a 8 inch square pan, and the brownies have to cook longer, at least 10 minutes longer it seemed.

All in all these were amazing. It was a little scary to make my own caramel, the whole sputtering violently, don't burn, testing the caramel...all things that make me worry in the kitchen, but it was actually easy and way better than anything you buy in the store. The directions and times are pretty accurate. So on a day you crave something super sweet, make these!

 They don't disappoint!

In desperate need...

I'm in desperate need today of some good old fashioned motivation. I can't seem to get my butt moving this morning. Maybe because last night sucked. Maybe because after 25 months of trying for a baby I gave up last night, and then I woke up to an awkward kiss from my husband as he left for work, or maybe its that I got 15 minutes with my daughter before she left for school, and she's my sunbeam.

Either way the last couple of days has had me not cooking anything new really, same recipes different day. Its getting close to the end of the month, which is always a stretch when you get paid once a month like we do. I swear I should take a before picture of my pantry and fridge, and then after at the end of the month. Its like night and day. I guess the good thing is that with all the yummy recipes I've discovered this month, there were leftovers each night, but they still got eaten. There wasn't any throw aways for the first time in a long time. I did however realize that I need to come up with some easy, quick dinners too. Though I feel motivated and refreshed as I plan my menu I sometimes don't feel the same when I'm looking at a huge ingredient list. So I guess that's my plan for the day, go through more recipes...oh yeah and the FUN tasks of cleaning our bathroom in the master bedroom. Maid please?!

I think that today I'm going to try out a recipe for tomorrow's blog, maybe baking will give me the motivation I need, or maybe just the little happy lift of making something out of a bunch of little things. Either way its time to wake up and get moving. Keep an eye out for the tasty treat tomorrow!

A Million and one posts today...

I feel like I've posted a ton today, and done lots of planning, BUT this is the most important one of the day! Its a HUGE thank you to my mom! She sent me the best package today filled with all the spices and mixes that I can't find in this town! Smoked hot paprika, garam masala, fresh cinnamon sticks that will be awesome simmering in hot apple cider, onion flakes that will be perfect on top of a fresh loaf of bread, coriander, curry powder, red curry powder (which is not at any store here...I checked), and Naan bread mixes, and spice jars that will look awesome in my spice rack. So thank you mom! You've taught me how to cook, and now you are helping inspire and guide me along in my quest for real cooking! I love you!

Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken

Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken

3.4 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

1/8 t. paprika

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/8 t. onion powder

1.4 t. dried thyme

1/4 t. dried parsley

4 chicken breasts

2 T. butter

1 T. olive oil

2 t. garlic powder

3 T. lime juice

Mix spices together. Sprinkle on chicken . Heat oil and butter on medium heat. Cook chicken till brown, about 6 minutes per side. Sprinkle with 2 t. garlic powder and lime juice. Cook 5 minutes stirring frequently to coat evenly with sauce.

Tips/Adjustments: All the dried ingredients can be exchanged for fresh. I use fresh garlic in the spice mixture and also I use half fresh garlic and garlic powder at the end when making the lime sauce.

Then after browning chicken in the pan, but when it isn't quite cooked through I like to throw it on the BBQ and get a little more flavor from that, but I've done it both ways and its delicious either way.  After I BBQ I put it back in the pan and finish the rest of the instructions. A little lime zest makes it even better when adding in the lime juice. Don't worry if the "sauce" your making at the end isn't much, just makes sure to pour it over the chicken while cooking. And cilantro gives a it a fresh taste if you want to use some to garnish at the end. Your choice. I suggest making it the way the recipe says the first time and then build off it.

I'll post a picture tonight after I'm done making this.

Freebies Galore!!

This site has tons of freebies! Anything from cookbooks to beauty products, perfume, food samples! I just spent half an hour requesting products..now we'll see how many I actually get. But I definitely recommend having an extra email account where you can have all this junk sent to, so it doesn't flood your normal email.

http://dealseekingmom.com/freebies/

Upcoming Recipes...

I have a large stack of recipes that just keeps growing. I wanted to let you all know what's coming since this past week has been lacking posts (mostly due to a camera that only works when IT wants to). So here's a rundown of what will be coming-

*Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken

*Dulce de Leche Bat Cookies (for Halloween)

*Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies (perfect for fall)

*Grilled Pizza Breads (made with a panini press)

*Best Beef Dip Ever (a French dip made in the crockpot)

*Big Apple Pancake for two (I have to get the cast iron skillet first)

*Apple Pie Bars (Oh my gosh these look amazing!)

*Butter Chicken (an Indian dish)

*Microwave Potato Chips (these are supposed to be amazing and you can make your own seasonings)

I seem to have a lot of desserts, so I'm going to focus on making more dinner, and side dishes. Apples are coming into season too, so I'll be starting to can applesauce and pears. I can't wait! I'd like to start incorporating a vegeterian dinner other than just great big salad or a meatless soup, although more meatless soup recipes are welcome, but if anyone has an super yummy recipes PLEASE share! Thanks!