Eggs Benedict

Sorry about being so delayed about posting this recipe, also sorry for being such a slacker about posting in general. I found this app that was suppose to help me blog and I paid money for it, but for some reason I can't figure it out very well. Eggs Benedict 2 english muffins (toasted) 4 eggs 4 pieces of Canadian bacon(heated) Hollandaise sauce Here's how to make the Sauce. I got it from Martha. Hollandaise Sauce 2 large egg yolks 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Coarse salt Cayenne pepper Freshly squeezed lemon juice Directions In a heatproof bowl, set over (but not touching) simmering water, whisk together yolks with 1 tablespoon water until fluffy and doubled in volume. Whisk in butter until melted and well combined; mixture should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Let stand at room temperature until ready to use, up to 1 hour. FYI I did not use the lemon juice or the cayenne pepper, just cause I was out of them. But it still tasted great! Pouched eggs We if you haven't done this before, no problem, I haven't either. My husband did this for me, but it's really not too difficult. Boil water(at least 6 cups)and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a deep pot. Once it's starts to boil turn the heat down so it's not a rapid boil, more of a soft boil, if that makes sense. Crack one egg at a time into the water, it will sink to the bottom, but once it starts to cook it will float, cook for at least 2 mins. I like my yoke a little more cooked. So I think Andy cooked it for 3. Now your ready to assemble Half English muffin 1 piece of Canadian bacon Egg Sauce

Caramel Apple Pie Crumble

Caramel Apple Pie Crumble

Crust:


1 1/4c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c shortening
1 TBS Butter
1/4 c ice water


Combined flour and salt, cut in shortening and butter until crumbly. Pour in ice water, a little at a time. Using your hands mix together. The less you play with it the better. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour, then roll out on flour surface, to fit 9 inch pie pan.


 Filling:


6 cups peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples 
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 c.  homemade caramel (recipe below)


Combined all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour into pie crust.


Topping:


3/4 c flour
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c quick oats
1/2 butter


Mix all together and pour on top of apples.


Bake at 450 for 15 min then reduce heat to 350 for 50 min


After you bring it out of the oven drizzle some of the remaining caramel on top.




Caramel:

2 c brown sugar
1 c light corn syrup
1/2 c butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Bring brown sugar and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat, then add butter and bring to another boil, cook over medium heat until soft ball stage (240 degrees). Once there remove from burner and add can of condensed milk. Stir until it is all mix together, it will turn a light caramel color.

Hot Dog is King

Andy and I went to this great little restaurant in Orem last night named Hot Dog King. Wow let me tell you how good it was! When we first walked in, we were very nervous. The place was empty, there was this man with a Spanish accent who greeted us, and it's kinda in a off part of town. I don't mean that in a bad way, but off state street just as your leaving Orem and going into Provo. The owner was this cute little man named Charlie, he was very friendly and had great suggestions. They have a very wide variety of Dogs.

We got the:

The Philadelphia Splitter 'Pastrami & Cream Cheese' Dog

Built with a Premium Spicy Beef Frank Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Dressed with Deli Pastrami, Fresh Tomatoes, House Sauteed Onions, Bacon Strips, topped with Pale Mustard. Very-Very Recommended!

The '3-Peppers' Hot Chili Dog (Mexico)

Built with a Smoked Sausage dressed with Seasoned Ground Beef with Jalapeño Peppers, Bell Peppers, Serrano Peppers, Salsa Verde, Chipotle, Cheddar Cheese, and Cool Sour Cream on a Hoagie bun. So Delicious!

And of course...

The Chicago Dog

Built with a premium All Beef Frank (Spicy or Original). A traditional Chicago Hotdog which is still our most popular dog. Dressed with Fresh tomatoes, Fresh Onions, Chicago Style Green Relish, Kosher Dill Spear, Pale Mustard, Cucumbers, Serrano Peppers and Celery Salt. Traditionally Served on a Poppy Seed bun. Our #1 Dog!

Thats right 3 hot dogs for 2 of us. We couldn't make up our minds.

They were all amazing!!! Each one was so big and very filling. If you like Hot Dogs of any kind, go check out Hot Dog king. I'm kinda craving one right now. Can't wait to try more!

Let me know if you go or if you have been!

Enjoy!


Hot Dog King

Hot Chocolate

I've always heard of people making their own Hot Chocolate, but have never done it myself. Well I recently bought a new can of HERSHEY'S COCOA and there is a Hot Chocolate recipes on the side, so I tried it.

These are the reactions I got...

...I think they liked it.
We added some marshmellows, that is what put a smile on there face!

Delicious

Favorite Hot Cocoa

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
dash of salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups milk
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan, stir in water, cook stir over medium heat until mixture boils, boil and stir for 2 min. stir in milk and heat. DO NOT BOIL. Remove from heat and add Vanilla.

That easy! Enjoy!

Chocolate Candy Bar Salad

What to do with all those candy bars left over from Halloween? Or maybe your kids go to many? Turn them into a Salad!

I choose to use Snickers, Twix, and Milky Way. You could also try Almond Joy, Kit Kat, Hershey's chocolate, Reese's.

Doesn't that look amazing!!! Milky Way cut in half. Cut the candy bars in half then in thirds. I like big chunks, if you want smaller pieces, cut in 1/4.

After all the candy bars are cut up, start cutting the apples. I used honey crisp and fuji, just because that is what I had. Granny Smith are the best, or another tart apple.

Mix Apples, candy bars, and whipped cream and you have the most delicious salad!!!

Chocolate Candy Bar Salad


3- 4 apples
A bunch of candy bars
Whipped Cream or cool whip

It all depends on how much of what you want in to salad. I did about 50/50. 50% apples 50% chocolate bar.

Enjoy!

Baked Potatoes

Ahhhh, who doesn't love a good baked potato? Load it up with your favorite toppings and yummmm. Butter, cheese, bacon, ham, sour cream, ranch, chili, salt and pepper. Just to name a few. I enjoy mine with a crispy outside. Have you guys ever opened up a potato after it cooked in foil, and it's just soggy and kinda gross? Here is something you can try to make them nice and crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Preheat oven to 425. Line the bottom rack of your oven with foil. Wash and dry your Potato, next poke some holes in it. Not too big, use a fork or knife. Rub some olive oil and salt over the outside of the potatoes. Place the potatoes on the top rack. Any oil that drips off will fall onto the foil below. Cook for about 60-90 mins depending on the size of potato.  Squeeze it with a  hot pad, if it feels soft then its done. Add your favorite toppings and Enjoy!

                                      Olive oil and salt ( I use kosher salt, it's bigger and has a better taste)

                                                                          Enjoy!!!

The Real Neiman Marcus Cookie

I'm sure a lot of you have gotten that e-mail that has been going around about a lady you ate at Neiman Marcus and ask for the chocolate chip cookie recipe and she ended up being charged a lot of money for the recipe without even knowing. It's been going around for quite a few years now, My husband being the curious kind want to find out if it was really true or not so he checked it out on SNOPES. Turns out the story is NOT TRUE. The Neiman Marcus CCC recipe doesn't even have oatmeal in it. How do I know this? I got the REAL recipe right off their website. Thats right Neman Marcus is giving their CCC recipe out for FREE. I tried it, and LOVE it. One of the best, so here it is! One thing I do change, instead of coffee, I used hot chocolate. Enjoy!

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie
Yields about 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup (one stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Milk Chocolate, but I think both would be great, mixed)
1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder ( I used Hot Chocolate)

 
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the work bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla for 30 seconds longer, until well combined.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer, while beating on slow speed. Beat for about 15 seconds, stir in the chocolate chips and espresso powder, and mix for 15 seconds longer.
Prepare a cookie sheet with about 2 tablespoons of shortening (or use a non-stick spray). Using a 1-ounce scoop, or using a 2 tablespoon measure, drop the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet in dollops about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into 2-inch circles; there should be room on the sheet of six or eight cookies at a time. Transfer to the oven in batches and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cookies are nicely browned around the edges. Bake for a little longer for crispier cookies.

Secret ingredient

Delicious

 

Sorry they don't look that great but they taste good.

Coconut Lime Cheesecake

Ummm I think the name says it all. We just had this for dessert tonight, after watching the Bronco game. It kind of made up for the fact that the Bronco's lost. Everyone enjoyed a slice and it was fun to make. I love when something you spend a lot of time on really pays off, and this was one of those. Enjoy!!!

Coconut Lime Cheesecake
Recipe by Our Best Bites

Crust:
2 C graham cracker crumbs
1/2 C sweetened flaked coconut
2 Tbs sugar
6 Tbs butter, melted


Cheesecake:
3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 C sugar
3 eggs at room temperature
2 Tbs lime zest
1/2 C fresh lime juice (about 4-5 medium limes)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract


Topping:
1 C heavy whipping cream
1/2 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2-2 tsp coconut extract

1/3 C sweetened flaked coconut, toasted

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cover the bottom of a 9 inch spring-form pan with a double layer of foil.  Set aside.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 C coconut, and melted butter and mix well.  Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and about 1" up the sides.  Place pan in oven and bake for 5 minutes.  Remove and set aside until ready to use.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.  Add vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice and beat to combine.  Pour batter into prepared crust.  Place spring-form pan into a larger pan, such as a roasting pan and place in center rack in the oven.  Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about half way up the spring form pan.  Bake cheesecake for 75-85 minutes or until center is set and the edges just barely begin to brown.  Leave cheesecake in oven, but turn heat off and crack oven door.  Let sit for 30 minutes and then remove and cool completely on a rack.  When cool to room temp, cover with plastic wrap and chill.Make sure it chills completely, mine was still a little warm when we ate it and it would have been a lot better if it was chilled completely.

When ready to serve, place cheesecake on serving dish.  Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form and then add powdered sugars and extracts.(Make sure you use coconut extract, I was going to leave it out because I didn't have any. But found some from my neighbor. I'm glad I did because it made a huge difference.)  Beat until medium peaks form.  Spread whipping cream evenly over cheesecake and sprinkle with toasted coconut.  Garnish with sliced limes if desired.  Slice and serve.

Cherry Dream

Sorry It's been so long since I've last updated. I'm still cooking, still finding new recipes, and I have lots of new ones to share that I know you will Enjoy. So keep checking back for new recipes.

Just believe me when I say this a one of the best dessert I have ever made.  I got this from one of Andy's cousins, and pretty much have made it anytime we have people come over. sI'm not a fan of cherry pie filling, so when I first saw what was on top I was really hesitant, but once I took the first bite, um yeah... my husband and I were licking the pan clean. That is how good this dessert is. Enjoy!!

Cherry Dream Dessert

Crust:

1 package of Shortbread Pecan Cookies, crushed

1 stick of butter, melted

Mix together, press to the bottom of 9x13 pan, bake for 18 min at 350.

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, soften

2 cups powdered sugar

1 pint heavy whipping cream

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, whip with whipping attachment until stiff. Put on crust once the crust is cooled.

Topping:

1 big can Cherry Pie filling

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond extract

Mix together and spread over the top of filling. Let is set up in the fridge for about an hour then Enjoy!!

Sorry I only have one picture, I had more but somehow that got lost.

Strogonoff

There are lots of different ways to make Strogonoff. Mine is simple and to the point, but that means it is in no way health. It is good though.

Stroganoff:

1 pound Ground Beef

1/2 an onion chopped

1 -can Cream of Chicken Soup

1- 8 oz container of Sour Cream

A couple dashes of Worshire Sauce (remember you can always add, but you can't take away, get it to the taste you like)

Cook ground beef and onion, season with a little salt, pepper, and garlic. Add in Cream of Chicken, sour cream, and worshire sauce. Depending on the consistency you like add a little milk. If you are serving it over rice or potatoes, I would make it a little runny. If you are serving it over bread with melted cheese on top, I would keep it thick. But, if you need it to go a long way, then add some milk! 

Stroganoff Sandwich:

Stroganoff recipe (above)

Loaf of french bread

Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
sliced green pepper (optional)
sliced tomato (optional)

Cut french bread in half length wise. Spread Stroganoff on both sides, top with cheese, green pepper, tomato. Bake at 425 until cheese is melted. Enjoy!!

Again sorry about the blurry picture. This last time I made it, I cut the bread a little different, so I had individual slices. It works both ways.