Apples!

My absolute favorite time in the mountains is fall....colors, smells and FOOD! And what better food than apples fresh from the orchard? Since I've made several trips to our favorite orchard in Blue Ridge, GA and my refrigerator is full of apples, I decided it's time for some of our favorite apple recipes.

Apple Dumplings are one of our all- time favorite desserts! Especially when served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There are several variations on this recipe, but I think this one is the best. You can use refrigerated commercial crescent rolls, refrigerated commercial pie crust, frozen ( thawed) puff pastry OR make your own pie crust to roll around the apples. You can leave the apples whole ( peeled and cored, of course) or cut into quarters ( or smaller depending on the size of the apple!)  Here's what I made last night and they were a huge hit!

APPLE DUMPLINGS

1 recipe Master Pie Crust
4 to 6 fresh apples, Rome, Jonagold, Pink Lady or your favorite, peeled, cored and cut into 8 pieces
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup ( if you don't have any, just leave it out and add more liquid)
3/4 cup apple juice or cider
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* I added 2 T Calvados ( only because I still have a bottle from our trip to Normandy, France)

Roll out pie crust to 1/4" thick and cut into triangles ( or separate crescent rolls) . Roll each triangle around an apple wedge. Place in a greased 9x13" pan, pointed side down. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over apples. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 - 35 mnutes until crust is golden brown.
Spoon liquid over dumplings. Serve warm topped with ice cream!  Yield: 12 dumplings

MASTER PIE CRUST

1/2 this recipe for 12 apple dumplings or make full recipe and freeze half.
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon Kosher salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes and frozen
1/4 cup Crisco, cut into cubes and frozen
3/4 cup ice water

Process flour, sugar, salt, butter and Crisco in a food processor for 25 seconds or until mixture resembles tiny pebbles. Gradually add ice water, process until dough just begins to stick together. Turn out onto plastic wrap, wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hr or overnight.

A Southern Girl Goes Greek!

We were having company for dinner and I wanted to do something different. Greek sounded good to me for a hot summer night! Thanks to my DH for grilling! We had a lovely dinner with homemade pita. After many years of trying others, this recipe worked!  The little pockets puffed up in the oven and looked beautiful! I'm making up for lost time and posting ALL of the recipes from our dinner! I hope you'll try some or all and let me know what you like best!

Greek Dinner for 4 ( with lots of leftovers!)

Watermelon Feta Salad

Herbed Grilled Veggies

Marinated Pork with Tzatziki Sauce

Plain Pita Bread

Lemon Ice Cream

Sugar Cookies

Watermelon Feta Salad

I halved the recipe and had plenty leftover! 

1 7-8 lb. seedless watermelon, chilled
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 limes, juiced
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup fresh chopped mint leaves
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (goat or sheep milk feta is best)

Note: This salad is best made just prior to serving. Prepare one hour or less before your meal.
Cut rind from the watermelon, then chop the fruit into 1 inch chunks. Place chunks in a colander to drain as your chop.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper to create a dressing.
Place watermelon in a large salad bowl. Pour dressing and chopped mint over the watermelon and toss gently to coat.
Pour the crumbled feta into the salad bowl and stir gently to integrate the cheese into the salad. Serve.
The salt and the citrus in the dressing will activate the juices in the watermelon, so a lot of liquid will collect in the bottom of the salad bowl. This is normal, and does not affect the flavor. To avoid having liquid transfer to your plate, serve the salad with a slotted spoon.

Plain Pita

2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 packet or scant tablespoon active dry yeast
5 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 scant tablespoon salt

Pitas are best made ahead of time so they'll have a chance to cool and deflate before you fill them. So if you're going biking or hiking on the weekend, you'll probably want to make them up during the week.

If you work away from home during the day or even if you work at home, you can make up a sponge, with about half the flour. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Add 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour. Stir with a whisk and let sit for 10 minutes to give the yeast a chance to get going. When you get back to the sponge later on, add the salt and enough flour to make a dough that is a bit stiff, one that you can easily knead by hand.

Turn the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface and knead it until it is smooth and bouncy, adding only enough more flour to keep it from sticking to the board or you. Give it a rest for about 5 minutes to relax the gluten and make it more cooperative about being shaped. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Flatten each piece with your hand and then roll each piece with a floured rolling pin, or a pin with a cover, on a floured surface into a circle about 6-inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. You may need to let the pieces rest occasionally to relax the dough.

Sprinkle baking sheets with cornmeal, and place two circles on each. Or place circles on pieces of parchment paper. Let the dough circles rest here for at least 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to a hot 500°F.

When the pita circles have finished resting, place the baking sheet on the oven bottom or, if this is not possible, on the lowest rack. If you're using a baking stone, make sure it's on the oven floor, or on the lowest rack. Use a peel to transfer the pitas-on-parchment to the stone. Close the oven door and keep it shut for 1 minute. Don't peek or the pocket may not form. It's this initially fast, hot searing of the outside dough of the pita that makes it separate from the inside. The carbon dioxide gas created by the yeast expands inside and accentuates the separation until the pita blows up like a balloon and the pocket is created.

At the end of the minute, place the sheet on a rack higher in the oven and continue baking anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes, until the pitas have blown up into balloons and are lightly browned. If the pitas baked right on the stone, you'll probably want to transfer them to a baking sheet, which is already in place on the oven rack, for this second part of their baking. When they're done, remove the baking sheet from the oven, slide the pitas off and let them cool. They will probably deflate somewhat after cooling. Once they're thoroughly cool you can press more air out of them so they take up less storage room.

From several years ago:

 Pork with Tzatziki Sauce

I am forever indebted to my Cousin Carol for sharing her recipe for Taztziki Pork! It has become one of our favorites for grilling season. You can use pork loin, cubed or pork tenderloin (whole or cubed) or just boneless pork chops. You can't go wrong with this recipe! Serve the skewers with pita bread, sauce and roasted peppers.


Pork Marinade
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, minced (or more!)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon Cavendar’s Greek Seasoning
3 ½ pounds pork, cubed

Mix ingredients in large glass measuring cup. Pour into Ziploc bag, add pork, seal and refrigerate several hours. Remove from marinade, skewer pork cubes and grill.

Tzatziki Sauce
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, grated, drained
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed (or more!)

Grate cucumber. Place in colander lined with a large coffee filter; add salt, let drain (overnight,if you can). Squeeze out moisture. Combine with remaining ingredients.

These are as good cold as they are warm! Pouring the sauce/marinade over the cooked veggies allows them to absorb the flavors. Grill enough for leftovers. You'll be glad you did! Add your favorite veggies.... thick slices of onion, tomato halves... etc.... these are one of our favorites!

Grilled Herbed Summer Veggies
1 large eggplant
2 med yellow squash
2 med zucchini
2 med red peppers
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, thyme or tarragon, chopped

Slice eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Sprinkle with salt on both sides and set aside for 30 minutes. Rinse salt from eggplant; pat dry with paper towels.

Cut squash and zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut pepper into 1-inch wide strips. Brush all vegetables lightly with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place on grill over medium heat. Grill for 8 minutes on each side or until fork tender and brown. Remove from heat, place in a serving dish with sides. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley and basil. Pour over cooked vegetables. Let stand for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar for rolling cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Using a mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and very fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in sugar. Place on lined cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Easy Lemon Ice Cream

1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream ( I used 1/2 and 1/2 because that was what I had!)
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
5 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup lemon juice ( next time, I will reduce to 1/2 cup because this was too bitter!)

Mix cream, milk, sugar, zest and salt in saucepan until sugar is dissolved and bring to a boil.
Beat the yolks in a bowl until light yellow.
Pour the hot cream mixture into beaten yolks gradually and stirring constantly.
Pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium low heat until it coats the back of the spoon (3-5 minutes).  Stir constantly; don’t let it boil!
Stir in lemon juice and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Chill in the fridge about 3 hours.
Transfer to the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Spoon into an airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Take it out of freezer 5-10 minutes before serving.

Scalloped Pineapple and Easy Pie

A Southern Easter dinner table will be filled with ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, fresh green beans and/or asparagus and my personal favorite, Scalloped Pineapple. And don't forget the homemade crescent rolls and desserts..... yuuummmmmm! Of COURSE you KNOW there are absolutely NO calories on this table! It's the leftovers that are calorie laden! HA! HA!

Try these recipes ( both can be made ahead). Scalloped Pineapple is best served at room temperature.... and the Easy Pie IS easy as pie!

Scalloped Pineapple

4 cups French bread cubes

1 (20oz) can pineapple chunks

2 cups sugar

1 stick butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss bread cubes with pineapple. Place in a greased 2-qt baking dish. Combine sugar, melted butter and eggs; pour over bread mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. 

This pie is so easy and versatile, I just call it Easy Pie! If you love cheesecake, you will love this, too!

Top with your favorite fresh fruit ( raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, a combination of all or even canned cherry pie filling ). 

Easy Pie

Graham Cracker Crust

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups fresh berries

Combine cream cheese, lemon juice and sugar in mixer bowl and cream until fluffy. Stir in sour cream. Spoon into graham cracker crust. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Before serving, top with fresh fruit. If desired, brush with a glaze of melted jelly - raspberry, apple or apricot. 

Reuben Casserole

If you are a fan of Reuben sandwiches, this casserole will be perfect for you! My friend, Marsha Elliot, shared it with me and declares it a winner. The original comes from 12 Tomatoes.com and is "borrowed" from there.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

REUBEN CASSEROLE

6 slices rye bread, divided
1 pound pastrami or corned beef, thinly sliced or shaved
1 (14.5 oz.) can sauerkraut
4 cups Swiss Cheese, shredded
1 cup dill pickles, chopped
1 cup milk
1/3 cup Thousand Island dressing
1/4 cup mustard
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons caraway seeds

Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×11-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Take four pieces of rye bread and cut them into cubes. Place remaining bread in food processor, pulse until you’ve got fine breadcrumbs and set aside.
Spread cubed bread out along the bottom of your baking dish, then cover with 1/2 of pastrami. Top beef with sauerkraut, pickles, half of caraway seeds and 2 cups cheese.
Cover with remaining beef, caraway seeds and cheese.
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, salad dressing and mustard, then beat in eggs until combined.
Pour wet ingredients evenly over the casserole, then top with breadcrumbs
Place baking dish in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until mixture is bubbly, top is browned and center is set.


Remove from oven and serve hot.

Savory Sausage Muffins and Sticky Bun Biscuits

Do you sometimes get the "breakfast blahs"? I eat cereal most mornings but sometimes just get a taste for something warm and gooey or savory. Both of these recipes use convenience foods (OH! Did I REALLY say that?) and are Quick and Easy! You can make variations of both - just let your imagination and taste buds be your guide! 

Savory Sausage-Swiss Muffins

½ lb. spicy ground sausage, cooked and crumbled

1 ¾ cups Bisquick

¾ teaspoons ground sage

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

½ cup grated Swiss cheese

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup milk

Combine all ingredients. Stir just to moisten. Spoon batter into greased muffin pans, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 375 for 22 minutes. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 1 dozen

Sticky Bun Biscuits

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

¾ cup butter or margarine

½ cup light corn syrup

1 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans

18 frozen biscuits

Combine first 3 ingredients in a saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan; sprinkle with pecans. Top with biscuits. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 -22 minutes or until done.

Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Invert onto serving platter; remove pan. Spoon additional brown sugar glaze over biscuits. Serve immediately. Yield: 1 ½ doz.

Cherry Fluff

Do you ever have one of "those days" when you crave something that you KNOW you shouldn't eat? Last weekend my sweet daughter and her two precious children came to visit. We already had a houseguest for all of February, so it was indeed a full house! When I sat down to plan meals, all I could think about was Cherry Fluff. I have not made it in YEARS and have no clue why it popped into my head and stuck there! I added it to my to do list ( along with homemade pizza, chicken and dumplings and hummus with pita chips) for kid friendly meals. As it turned out, only my daugnter, my husband and I ate it. The others just didn't know what they were missing! But, that left more for us. I've had my fill now and it may be a while before I make it again....although, I'm thinking it would be good frozen.....!!!

Cherry Fluff

1 small pkg cheesecake flavor instant pudding mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can cherry pie filling
1 (15oz) can crushed pineapple ( I only had chunks and we actually liked them in it!)
1 (8oz) container Cool Whip, thawed ( or more if you like it really fluffy!)

Combine ingredients in a large bowl in the order listed. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate.

Chicken, Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

• Today, our United Methodist Church started the Wednesday Lenten Lunches with a noon worship service followed by lunch prepared by the UMW Circles. Our Circle was responsible for lunch today and we served a variety of soups. Here is the recipe I made. I prepared it ahead, stored it in a large Dutch oven, heated it in the Dutch oven, then transferred it to a slow cooker to keep warm and serve it. I found that the rice absorbed much of the broth in the refrigerator, so I added another 3 cups chicken broth to the slow cooker. The consistency turned out just right! No need to do all of this if you are making it and serving it immediately.
• All but a small spoonful was eaten and several folks requested the recipe, so I think we have a keeper!!
• 
  
• Chicken, Wild Rice and  Mushroom Soup
• 2 (6-oz.) packages long-grain and wild rice mix
• 10 cups chicken broth, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ( I used an 8oz pkg)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts
• Garnishes: fresh parsley leaves, freshly cracked pepper

Bring rice, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 seasoning packet from rice mix to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. (Reserve remaining seasoning packet for another use.)

 Meanwhile, melt 3 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add mushrooms, onion, and celery, and cook, stirring often, 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.

 Melt 1/4 cup butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute, or until thickened and bubbly. Gradually whisk in remaining 6 cups broth, and cook, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in half-and-half and wine. Stir in mushroom mixture, chicken, and rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. (Do not boil.) Garnish, if desired.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

We recently had a ladies luncheon at our church and this recipe was served. You KNOW I have an aversion to cream of anything soup, so I was delighted to find this one which is light (not in calories but in taste!). In a pinch, you COULD use cream of chicken soup instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. (UGH!) When testing the recipe before the event, I added 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. I like it, but was afraid it would not appeal to the masses. I also considered (for my own version at home) adding 1/4 cup white wine). Anyway you season it, it is a delicious meal. 

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

4 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast

2 cups cooked rice

1 ( 16 oz) pkg frozen broccoli cuts, thawed

16 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ( do NOT use the preshredded, it does not melt well)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2  cup mayonnaise

1 cup 1/2 & 1/2

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Combine chicken, rice, broccoli and all but 2 cups cheese in a large bowl.

Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 & 1/2, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Combine mixtures. Spoon into a greased 9x13" or 10x14" baking pan. Cover with foil. Bake at 375 regular oven or 350 convection oven for 35-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil, top with cheese and return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese melts. 

*Note: If you are making ahead and refrigerating, add 1 cup chicken broth to the mixture to prevent rice from absorbing all of the liquid. 

**Note: I used bone in, skin on chicken breasts, placed them on a foil lined baking sheet with sides, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper. Baked in a 375 oven for about 45 min 

( uncovered). Cooled, removed meat and chopped it. Of course, you could also use a rotisserie chicken.

*** I would NOT freeze this as neither sour cream or mayonnaise freeze well. 

Easy French Bread

Fabulous French Bread

Prep Time:45 Min Cook Time:20 Min Total Time:1 Hr 5 Min 

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon shortening ( I used butter-flavor Crisco)
• 1 cup cold water
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg

• 
  
  Preheat oven to 170 degrees F. Fill a glass measuring cup with 1 cup of water. Place in microwave and heat for 3 minutes, or until water is boiling.
• In another glass measuring cup, fill it with 1/3 cup warm water. Sprinkle the 1 Tablespoon of yeast over the water. With a fork, stir yeast into the water until yeast is completely dissolved.
• Pour the sugar, salt and shortening into the bowl of your stand mixer. Using a fork, mash these ingredients together. Pour the 1 cup of boiling water over the shortening mixture in the stand mixer. Add the 1 cup of cold water into the mixer. Then pour in the yeast/water mixture.
• Add 3 cups of flour into the mixer, and using the dough hook, turn mixer on low speed. With the mixer still on, slowly add in the remaining 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Once all 6 cups are in, turn speed to medium and let the dough mix for 6-8 minutes. The dough should be nice and elastic. Be careful not to over-flour. I used all 6 cups, but would not use any more than that.
• Once the dough is mixed, let it rest in the bowl for 5 minutes.
• Spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray. After the dough has rested in the bowl, dump it onto the greased cookie sheet.
• Take a sharp knife, spray it with non-stick spray, and cut dough into 3 equal pieces. Then let it rest again for 5 minutes. (These resting periods for the dough is needed, so please do it and be patient! It’s worth the wait )
• To shape the dough before baking: Take one section of dough and spread it out into a rectangle. Just use your fingers, you don’t need a rolling pin. Fold one long end up over half of dough, then fold the other half over that one. Then fold each side up over each other, then turn the loaf over so it is seam side down.
• Use your fingers to tuck seams down underneath the loaf and shape it. Repeat with the other 2 pieces of dough. Once all 3 sections of dough are shaped cut 3 angled 1/2 inch slits onto the tops of dough.
• Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with a fork until frothy. Spread the egg over the tops of each loaf, making sure to get inside the slits.
• 
  
  Place the loaves in the oven and let them rise for about 15 minutes (while the oven is on 170 degrees F.) Then turn oven up to 400 degrees F (while the loaves are still inside) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F. and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove the loaves from the baking sheet and allow them to cool a bit before slicing them.

Yields: 3 Loaves

Some of you are going to think I've lost my mind! But, since eating the most incredible breads in France and Italy (and a few other European countries) I have been thinking how awful our grocery store breads are... even the bakery ones. I was excited when I came across this EASY recipe for French bread. Granted, it is NOT a baguette and does not stand up to real French breads, but it is heads and shoulders above what we get in our bakeries! AND it was quick and easy! I don't even have to tell you how scrumptious our house smelled while it was baking!
Here are my 3 loaves... look quick... they were gobbled up fast!

I've shared straight from http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/fabulous-french-bread/ blog. Go over and check out her recipes. She even has step by step photos to accompany this recipe. 

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Both of these recipes are so easy and taste like they are much more difficult than they are! Of course, I threw in a few extras. I added 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger to the chicken, but you could leave it out.

I served the chicken with Oven Roasted Brussels sprouts and rice. You might want to double the sauce on the chicken so that you will have some to go over the rice,too.  The brussels sprouts can go into the oven at the same time as the chicken. We loved both recipes - definitely keepers!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

8 boneless skinless, chicken thighs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup honey
2 Tablespoons soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 375.
Place flour in a large zip loc bag. Add chicken, in batches, and shake to coat.
Shake off excess flour and place pieces in a greased 8x8 baking dish,making sure not to lay them flat. They should have the same shape as they were in the package.

Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic and seasonings. Pour evenly over the chicken.
Cover and bake 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce.

(I only had bone in thighs, so I cooked them for an additional 10 minutes.)

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1 package fresh Brussels sprouts ( the pkg I got was probably around 1lb)

2 Tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 375. Cut Brussels sprouts in half. Toss with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring often.

Add cranberries. Combine honey, vinegar and mustard; drizzle over veggies. 

Note:  Brussels sprouts are done when they are brown around the edges and a knife is inserted easily. Don't overcook!!

Winter "Comfort Foods"

Many winter recipes/foods are traditionally considered "Comfort Foods". Today, we have snow blanketing the mountain and weather that certainly begs for something warm and comforting. Generally, in my kitchen, that means a pot of Vegetable Soup, Chili or Chicken 'N Dumplings. Knowing that snow was heading our way, I made a HUGE pot of Mary Strain's Beef and Vegetable Soup yesterday to share with neighbors.
 The recipe is here http://thesoutherncook.blogspot.com/2012/01/vegetable-beef-soup.html.

Now, you just KNOW I could not take only a container of soup... so I tried a new/old King Arthur Flour Apple Cake recipe. We still have a refrigerator drawer filled with Pink Ladies and they "need" to be used. The Apple Cake is made in a 9x13" pan and was an unusual "batter". It was so stiff that I had to literally press it into the greased pan with wet fingers. The apples were chunky but baked to perfection with the finished product being somewhere between apple cake and apple streusel.
I added raisins and omitted nuts. I could have eaten it for breakfast except that the icing is SUPER sweet. Good, but really sweet. You might want to consider trying it without icing? Or not!

Here it is, stolen fair and square from the King Arthur Flour website. ENJOY!

Old-Fashioned Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

AT A GLANCE

PREP

20 mins. to 30 mins.

BAKE

42 mins. to 47 mins.

TOTAL

2 hrs 2 mins. to 2 hrs 17 mins.

YIELD

about 24 servings

This cake is an old, old favorite of ours. It's a cake where the whole is definitely more than the sum of the parts. The moist, semi-chunky cake, spread with the frosting equivalent of brown sugar fudge, is perfect served with a cup of coffee or, better still, a glass of ice-cold milk.

Our thanks to the wonderful Bakery Lane Soup Bowl cookbook for the inspiration for this recipe.

Cake

• 2 1/3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger and ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups peeled, cored, chopped apple, about 1 1/3 pounds whole apples 
• 1 cup diced toasted walnuts or pecans

Frosting

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla-butternut flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9" x 13" pan. ( Rebel that I am, I did NOT flour!)
2. To make the cake: Mix all of the ingredients except the apples and nuts in a large bowl. (of electric mixer)
3. Beat until well combined; the mixture will be very stiff, and may even be crumbly. 
4. Add the apples and nuts, and mix until the apples release some of their juice and the stiff mixture becomes a thick batter, somewhere between cookie dough and brownie batter in consistency. 
5. Spread the batter in the prepared pan, smoothing it with your wet fingers.
6. Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few wet crumbs clinging to it. 
7. Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a rack to cool completely; don't remove the cake from the pan. 
8. To make the frosting: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt and cook, stirring, until the sugar melts. 
9. Add the milk, bring to a boil, and pour into a mixing bowl to cool for 10 minutes.
10. After 10 minutes, stir in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Beat well; if the mixture appears too thin, add more confectioners' sugar. Spread on the cake while frosting is still warm.
11. Yield: about 2 dozen servings. (cut into small squares - it's very rich and very sweet!)