Monday, September 1, 2014

Fab Fall Cake! Award Winning Spiced Melon Bundt Cake w/Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frost!


My kids and I whipped up this last minute delight for our local baking contest at the fair, and we won 3rd place! Not bad, as there were some pretty serious bakers there! 
The head chef from a local cafe complimented us on a wonderful cake! (Smile-Me) 


(Please forgive the cheesy plate...had to be a disposable...and the Fruit Cup center, was filled on the spot at the table, so it did not wilt the paper cup! )


Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups of cake flour
  • 2 cups of shredded melon
  • 1 ½ cups of white sugar                            
  • 4 room temperature eggs
  • ¾ cup melted butter
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp anise
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp all spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
  • ¼ tsp ginger


Frosting:  
  • 2 boxes softened cream cheese     
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 

Fruit Cup: 

  • 2 cups chopped Howell Melon
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp spiced rum 

Directions:
Preheat over to 350degrees. Butter and flour Bundt pan. Mix together sugar, eggs, melted butter in small bowl. In larger bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into center of dry ingredients and use wide spoon to mix until combined. Pour batter into Bundt pan and place in center of preheated oven. Bake for 50-55minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean after insert.

Frosting:
       Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Mix with a fork until combined and smooth Poached Ginger Melon: Bring water, sugar, ginger, and rum to a boil.  Add chopped melon and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to stand for one hour. Chill overnight to thicken.  Serve as garnish with cake.

Bon Appetit!


 

Monday, August 25, 2014

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Wine Garden

After a tough winter, some of the vines made it and came through with grapes. 
Anxious to see if they ripen in time for harvest. 
This is year three, so maybe a small amount of wine?

Meanwhile, harvesting the best leaves for stuffing!

 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Peonies~simple beauty


Peonies are a great French landscape beauty. 
Blooming only for a few weeks, they are a grande way to bring spring into your home. 
Here are some tips for raising and caring for your Peony plants: 
Photo courtesy: mypetitemaison.com 

Simple Elegance


Country French Style~Simple and Easy


Saturday, August 9, 2014

House Guests? Mini Veggie Breakfast Casseroles!


Um...Yum!
If there is one food the French love, it's cheese...and cheese makes every dish better. 
These little minis are packed with flavor and great for sleepover guests!
Try with Champagne and add potatoes as a side, for dinner!

Mini Veggie Breakfast Casseroles


Need one 8 cup muffin tin, oiled

Ingredients:
8 eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large tomato-diced
1 large white onion-diced
1 cup fresh spinach-torn
1/4 cup cream
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 pinches sea salt
1 pinch black pepper

Directions:
Crack eggs into bowl, add cream, and whip together with wire whisk until bubbly, approximately 2 minutes.
Add all remaining ingredients and lightly stir.
Quickly pour evenly into oiled muffin tins and
Bake for 15-20 minutes @ 350Degrees.

Check for doneness with fork, should be firm in center, but a little moisture remaining on top.
Keep from browning if possible.
Enjoy!



Saturday, March 1, 2014

Now She's Done it! Gluten-Free, Skinny, Lasagna!

Ok...this one is good...yum...and no guilt!! Woo hoo!



Gluten-Free, Skinny Lasagna!

1 Box Boles Rice Lasagna Noodles
1 lb. Organic ground beef-4% fat
2 lbs. Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese-shredded

Thursday, January 2, 2014

French Onion with White Wine and Thyme...Thick, Rich, and Just Right for Winter!


French Onion Soup

French Bread loaf
Sliced Provolone cheese by 1/2 pd our package
4 whole white onions haved and sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup white whine
1-2 cups water
3 Tbsp white flour
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp thyme
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

Hot Chocolate~ Homemade! Nice and Easy Winter Days...

This is so Easy, it's almost wrong...
when you experience the depth of flavor!

Recipe:
2 cups milk
1 cup chocolate morsels (or sub other)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Sugar to taste...depending on the chocolate, if
   needed.

Heat chocolate morsels with 1/4 cup of
milk, stirring over medium heat, until melted.
Stir in remaining milk and add nutmeg, whisk over
low to medium heat until hot. Serve hot!