Showing posts with label #TastyTuesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #TastyTuesday. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Tasty Tuesday - Hot Cocoa

Nothing is better that enjoying a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. 
This year I wanted to create a homemade powder recipe instead of relying on store bought hot cocoa mixes. After trial and error, (and wonderful friends who volunteered to taste samples). I found one that was perfect.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-processed is preferred for those who like dark chocolate and making mocha. Most preferred using 1/2 Dark and 1/2 regular)
2 1/2 cups or 15oz powdered non-dairy creamer (use a flavored one for fun)
1tsp ground chia
1tsp salt
2tsp cornstarch 

Blend with whisk in large bowl. Store in a cute jar or sealed plastic bag.

Place 3 scoops of mix in a mug then add hot water or hot milk. Stir.

For an "adult beverage" add a shot of cherry liquor or peppermint schnapps. 

Place 1 scoop in a mug then add coffee to make a mocha.

ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Give Me Some Sexy Cinnamon

I love Cinnamon. 
Did you know it is not only warming, comforting and healthy, but also SEXY?

Cinnamon is a scent commonly known to seduce with it's aphrodisiac qualities.

It is said that the Queen of Sheba used cinnamon to mesmerize King Solomon. 
So it has power. 

Gram cooked with cinnamon often and would always say, "The way to a man's heart is through is stomach." Maybe that old saying holds more truth than we thought.

Bread Pudding is a popular item at my house.
However, this delightful treat can be a sexy food.

Try serving this as breakfast for your lover but expect to spend the day in bed.

Prepare this bread pudding ahead of time so that in the morning, 
all you have to do is turn on the oven. 

Cinnamon-Swirl Breakfast Bread Pudding

4 eggs
1½ cups milk
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ loaf day-old bread, cut into cubes
¼ cup pecans, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
Maple syrup

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and whisk until all the ingredients are completely incorporated. Stir the bread and pecans into the egg mixture. Coat an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in the bread pudding, and cover with foil. Let sit in the refrigerator at least one hour and up to overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the bread pudding, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the pudding is browned. Serve hot with maple syrup.

 

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My favorite cinnamon is Vietnamese Cinnamon. It's a bit stronger with an amazing flavor. (Rumor is... it's the same cinnamon used in the famous Cinnabon rolls.) AKA Cassia Cinnamon. Quality cinnamons are available per ounce online. However, some health food or natural food stores will bottle it. I pick mine up from Those Nature People. I visit the Frankenmuth location of Those Nature People for my bottle. 
They also make a Cinnamon Roll Blend that is suburb!

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

I always say to take advantage of cooking up a batch of romance in the kitchen. 
It's a great opportunity for some fun "couple time". 
Enjoy a glass of chardonnay while making this recipe.
If you're a beer lover, 
try Screamin' Pumpkin from the Griffin Claw Brewing Co 

Here's a tasty little sweet you and your honey can make in advance to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Base
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 eggs

Topping
2 cups sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1.    Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and walnuts. Press in bottom of pan; bake 15 minutes.

2.    In large bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour over hot base. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until set and dry in center.

3.    Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix topping ingredients. Drop mixture by the spoonful over the pumpkin layer; spread evenly over hot filling. Bake about 5 minutes or until topping is set. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 16 bars

 Screamin' Pumpkin captures the essence of a Michigan Fall with smooth taste. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted pumpkin and a dab of molasses makes it perfect for an autumn day or night. Griffin Claw Brewing is located in the Rail District of Birmingham, MI.
This year, the brewery took the Screamin' Pumpkin and aged it in bourbon barrels for 10 months. It has a bit of a vanilla, oak and spice flavor. I can't wait to try a Bourbon Imperial Screamin' Pumpkin!

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Minnesota Sticky Buns

 Mom and Dad just got back from being with family in Minnesota. Of course we talked about the food and now the guys are craving Aunt Rosemary's stick buns. 

Yum! Can you smell the caramel and cinnamon?

Mom gave me the recipe and at big family gatherings the rolls are still the highlight (and the most requested breakfast item). The Minnesota family tradition continues.

Gram tells the kids they have to share.

While on our family vacation last summer, Mom made the rolls for our growing family. This was the first time with our new daughter-in-law and significant other. As usual, there were no leftovers.

Mom and Dad have been married for 64 years, still find romance in the kitchen.

Overnight Caramel Rolls

Ingredients:

2 loaves frozen bread dough (cut into 24 pieces) or frozen rolls (24 little rolls)

1 pkg (cook-type) butterscotch pudding

4 Tbsp milk

3/4 c brown sugar

1 stick butter

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan. Cut loaf of bread dough into 12 pieces, place in pan.

Mix butterscotch pudding, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Pour over dough. Set on counter overnight.

 

In the morning, back at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.


Monday, September 7, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Dessert for Breakfast? Hell Yeah!

Apple a day keeps the doctor away, especially when it's in a dish you can eat any time of the day!

Grandma Williams was the only member of her family to be born in the United States. Her parents and siblings were from Lund, Sweden. As the youngest of her grandchildren, I managed to spend some quality time with her and she shared many of her favorite Swedish dishes with me. 

Gram said apples were good any time of the day. We'd make apple crisp or strudel at night to have with dinner, eat again heated up with ice cream before bed, then again with cream for breakfast.


SWEDISH APPLE CRISP

8 apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. water
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. butter

Pare and slice apples. Place apples and brown sugar in 8x12 pan. Add water and sprinkle with cinnamon. For topping, sift flour and white sugar together. Cut in butter with pastry cutter. Mix and sprinkle over top of apples. Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Serve crisp side up with whipped cream.


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Gypsy's Simmer Pot

Today's post isn't real isn't just "Tasty" but it smells really good.
"Tis the season of the common cold, the creeping crud, the flu and other seasonal ailments. 
I have a special gypsy friend who is wise and has many wonderful tips to share. 
She recommends the use of a Simmer Pot during the cold, dry winter months.

Gypsy Lady

A Simmer Pot is any large pot of water placed on the stove to simmer for many hours. The steam will add much needed humidity to your home and help with breathing issues. Adding fragrance to the simmer pot will add comfort to your home as well as fight winter blues.



Here are many Simmer Pot recipes I like to use -
*add orange slices, whole cloves, and a few sticks of cinnamon
*lemon slices, slices of fresh ginger
*lemon slices, sage leaves
*dried lavender, sage leaves
*lemongrass, dried lavender, sage leaves
*a handful of pine needles, couple of cinnamon sticks
*a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few drops of peppermint

If a family member is suffering from a bug, Gypsy Lady recommends making a pot of soup early in the day and let it simmer. Use all fresh vegetables herbs and good stock. For sore throats add a bit of lemon and maybe a shot of whiskey. Check it often as you may have to add water. Such a pot will fill the home with wondrous, welcoming aroma that will also fill a body with nourishment. If you make a pot of soup that simmers all day... make sure you share it!

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Teaser from Handcuffs & Silk


Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Mason left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is an intimidating Las Vegas cop who turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Mason left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different.
 A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.




Teaser~
The blades of the chopper sliced through the heat of the night as it flew over the City of Lights. Casinos glowed in various hues of blue, plum, gold, green, and silver, casting a magical aura. Spotlights danced in the night, graceful fingers tickling the sinister side of Vegas. Unsuspecting people moved about, flitting from place to place, searching for excitement and fulfillment while cars in traffic jams occasionally brought the pulsing arteries in the heart of the city to a temporary halt.
Being a Las Vegas cop, Steph recognized the evil lurking in the shadows of the beautiful city, also known as Sin City. As the chopper made a turn, she viewed the vast landscape as an artist’s canvas. The awesome structures designed and built by nameless men. So many lives below. Where there is sin and sadness, one will also find love and happiness.
With a deep sigh, Steph continued to gaze at the site, wondering where she fit into the street party of existence. Not a single malicious bone in her body, yet a monster lurked inside, crying to be set free. And, despite the desire to have a special someone to share a lifetime of love and happiness, meaningless one-night stands never filled the emptiness inside. Lately, living and breathing her job had become her reason for lack of a social life. That, and always being looked at as one of the guys and a hard ass.
Some of the cops’ wives had made it their mission to fix her up with someone. Despite their efforts to feminize her, she intimidated the men they’d found for her. Not considered butch—she had all the right curves in all the right places and could wear sexy clothing that normally only looked good on a model—but everyone knew how tough she could be.
Controlling the power hidden deep inside her proved to be difficult and had ruined many relationships. Her last boyfriend liked to try kinky things, but had his limits. She’d gone out with a guy who’d insisted she be submissive to him, but that felt completely false and ended shortly after it began.
What’s wrong with me?
Frustrated at her inability to escape her reputation, she’d applied with an online dating service, 1NightStand. Not a regular matchmaking site, but more upscale; the mysterious owner, Madame Evangeline, had an amazing ability to find just the right person to satisfy one’s needs. Or so Steph had been told.
Her cell phone vibrated. Glancing at the screen, she noticed an email from 1NightStand. Instinct told her Eve was probably letting her know the dating service could not match her up. To avoid disappointment until back on the ground, Steph put the phone back in its holster.
The chopper began its descent.

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BUY NOW AT

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Death by Chocolate


What's better than chocolate and whipping cream? Having fun with your honey in the kitchen and putting two favorite ingredients into a dessert!


Ingredients
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered English toffee

Directions
1.Prepare brownies according to package directions. Let cool.
2.Mix pudding according to package directions.
3.In a glass punch bowl, layer in the following order: 1/2 of the brownie, crumbled; 1/2 of the pudding; 1 toffee bar, crushed; 1/2 of the whipped topping.
4.Repeat layers in the same order. Save the last toffee bar to crumble and sprinkle on top before serving.
5.Refrigerate. Best if made the day before you serve it.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Gumbo Sloppy Joes

The weather is Michigan is... well... unpredictable these days. One day it's 40 and kids are throwing a football in the street. The next it's 30 & we're plowing out from 6" of snow that fell in the night. My friend Lisa has a yummy recipe that's perfect to feed a crew after shoveling snow all day or the family after a long day of work and school.


Gumbo Sloppy joes
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Chicken Gumbo Soup 
1 tablespoon yellow mustard 
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 1/4 cups water
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1.
In large skillet over medium heat, brown meat. Drain any grease from pan.
2.
Stir in soup, ketchup, yellow mustard, water, salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered for about 1 hour until liquid is absorbed and mixture is thickened.

Serve on buns.
*Place in a crock-pot for all day cooking. 
*Top with cheese.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Super Easy & Quick Banana Bread

When you are cleaning the kitchen don't throw those brown bananas away!
I found a super easy banana bread recipe.


Heat oven to 350'. Grease 9"x5" loaf pan.
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups Jiffy or any baking mix
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
1/3 cup chopped nuts - optional

Cream shortening and sugar. Combine remaining ingredients and mix until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake about 55 minutes. Cool on a rack before slicing.

While cleaning the kitchen this morning, I found several bananas left over from last weekend's camping trip. Ewe! I don't like throwing food away and this is a great recipe to use. It's simple and my family loves it. For fun I add a little nutmeg and brown sugar on the top before placing it into the oven.

I like to use farm fresh eggs. Visit your local Farmers' Market or watch for signs along country roads. They run about $2 a dozen.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Tasty Tuesday - Momma Mary's Morning Oats

Oatmeal is a great way to kick off your day, especially if you're dieting. It gives you a packed punch of fiber and protein to help you feel full, thus reducing bad snacking. I used my grandmother's recipe with some modern touches.


Momma Mary's Morning Oats

1/2 cup dry rolled old fashion oats
1 Tbsp flax seed
1 tsp chia seed
1 tsp light brown sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup coconut almond milk 

Mix dry ingredients together in a microwave safe bowl. Add milk. Cover and set in fridge overnight.

Next day, heat for 1 min in microwave. Stir. Additional heat in 30 second intervals.

Calories: 315
Carbs: 63g
Dietary Fiber: 12g
Total Fat: 13.5g
Sat. Fats: 2g
Protein: 10.5g
Sodium: 170mg
Sugar: 8g

This recipe does not need to sit over night, but it's alot more filling if it does. The time breaks down the grains and creates a creamy flavor. Can be prepared stove top as well.

I like to add dried berries to an overnight soak. My favorite dried cherries come from Traverse City, MI. Check out Cherry Republic. Fresh berries or banana should be added after cooking. Nuts can be added any time.


Tuesday, October 9, 2018

#TastyTuesday - Banana Bread

Grandma always said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

When you are cleaning the kitchen don't throw those brown bananas away!
I found a super easy banana bread recipe.


Heat oven to 350'. Grease 9"x5" loaf pan.
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups Jiffy or any baking mix
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
1/3 cup chopped nuts - optional

Cream shortening and sugar. Combine remaining ingredients and mix until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake about 55 minutes. Cool on a rack before slicing.

While cleaning the kitchen this morning, I found several bananas left over from last weekend's camping trip. Ewe! I don't like throwing food away and this is a great recipe to use. It's simple and my family loves it. For fun I add a little nutmeg and brown sugar on the top before placing it into the oven.

I like to use farm fresh eggs. They run $2-$3 a dozen.


Visit your local Farmers' Market or watch for signs along country roads.
A farm near me has a large wood sign by the road advertising "Chicken Butt Nuggets".
Image result for Chicken butt nuggets

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Tasty Tuesday - Oatmeal Cookie shot

I belong to a Coffee Club, a fun group of Divas who drink coffee when we meet in the morning. But when we meet at night...we just drink.  On Friday, I was given an Oatmeal Cookie and I don't mean the one with oats & raisins.  It was delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1-ounce Jagermeister
  • 1-ounce Irish Cream Liqueur
  • 1-ounce Butterscotch Schnapps
  • 1/2-ounce Cinnamon Schnapps
  • Raisins, for garnish, optional

Directions

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over ice.

Here are a few variations.

Dirty Oatmeal recipe

This is a layered shot - the Bailey's must be on top.


Oatmeal Cookie recipe

Pour ingredients into a stainless steel shaker over ice, and shake until completely cold. Strain into an old-fashioned glass, and serve.


Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe

Combine ingredients in equal parts in a shot glass.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Tasty Tuesday - My Favorite St. Patty's Day Treats

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  
 I thought I'd list my favorite St. Patty treats 

1.  Shamrock Cookies.

2. Chocolate-Irish Cream Cheesecake. Get the recipe

3. Irish Black Bun Shamrock Cookies Get the recipe.  

4. Irish Chocolate Ice Cream (You add a cup of Irish whiskey to chocolate ice cream.  Yeah, baby!)

5. Shamrock Milkshake Cupcakes.

6. Black & White Irish Cream Cupcakes.  Get the recipe.  

7. Chocolate Stout Shake.  (Chocolate stout beer + choc. fudge + vanilla bean ice cream + milk = YUMMY!)

8. Toffee-Coffee Brownies.  Get the recipe

9.  St. Patty Cupcakes with green M&Ms

10. Dublin Eggnog.  (Eggnog + double-strength coffee + 6oz of Irish whiskey= wide awake fun)

11. Green beer.  I don't usually drink beer but thought I'd better put it on my list any ways.

12.  Rainbow Cupcakes. This recipe is so cool.  Check it out

13. Toffee Shortbread.  Ah... buttery shortbread, a layer of toffee with chocolate topping.  Sigh.  A favorite sweet among families in Ireland.  Get the recipe

If you've been paying attention, you'll notice McDonald's shamrock shake is not on my list.  I'm trying to watch my calorie intake. Wait a gosh darn minute... I've already had two.  Oops. My bad... so spank me.


I'll leave you with this thought... what better way to burn calories than to get all hot over a sexy Irishman!  Here ya go! 


Who is your favorite Irishman?

Check out this FREE St.Patty's Day story

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

#TastyTuesday - Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster

 Images of placing food onto that delicate tongue excited him. "I'm new in town. What's the best on the menu?"

"Well, you're in the right place."

 "If you like beef, they have the best Filet Mignon with a mushroom and wine sauce. Oh, and get the garlic and thyme roasted asparagus to go with it. To die for."

"Sounds superb!" He smiled. "I'm sure you have something in mind for dessert."

"Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster."

"What?"

"That's the name of the dessert." Steph's laugh rolled over him like a warm wave. "It's rich with rum, creamy, and spicy with cinnamon. The waiter actually sets it on fire."

"Hmmm... sensual."
                                                      - Excerpt taken from Handcuffs & Silk 



How would you like to have your own sensual dessert?

Romantic Dessert:
Ignite the Flames of My Desire Bananas Foster

Ingredients:
1/4 C. butter
1 C. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 bananas
1/4 C. dark rum
1/4 C. banana liqueur
vanilla ice cream

Instructions: 
Cut peeled bananas in half lengthwise, then halve each length. Set aside.
In a large skillet combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over med-low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add bananas. Saute, stirring gently, until banana pieces begin to cook and brown slightly.

Pour in dark rum and banana liqueur. Heat through, about 30 seconds to one minute.
Tilt skillet slightly. Using a long-handled lighter, ignite the rum and liqueur. Shake gently to spread the flames.

When flames have subsided, serve one banana (4 pieces) with one or two scoops of ice cream, to taste. Spoon over lots of warm sauce. Serve before it melts.

Serves 2-4 depending on pigginess factor.