Pistaschio Cake

If you like pistachios, you will love this.   

                                                      

PISTACHIO CAKE 

(serves 12-16)

Cake Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter, softened

*1 cup granulated sugar

*3 large eggs

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract

*2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

*1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 cup buttermilk

*1 cup pistachios, finely chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter softened

*1/4 cup pistachio paste (pistachio's ground up until texture is smooth and thick)

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*1/2 teaspoon almond extract

*2 cups powdered sugar

Cake Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and lightly flour.

~In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt together and then set aside.

~In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar for about 2 minutes.

~Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing between each addition.

~Beat in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

~Add in sifted flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk until batter is smooth.

~Fold n 1 cup finely chopped pistachios.

~Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

~Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup pistachio paste until smooth.

~Beat in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.

~Evenly spread on cooled cake.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Strawberry Rhubarb Rolls

 Wow, these are so good.   If you have leftover strawberry rhubarb sauce it's great over vanilla ice cream or just to eat as is.  I like to spread some on toast too.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB ROLLS

(makes 12-16)

Rhubarb Sauce Ingredients:

*6 stalks of rhubarb  (about 1 pound)

*1/4 cup water

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients:

*2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (can use frozen that have been thawed completely and drained)

Roll Ingredients:

*1/2 cup warm water (not hot)

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 (.25 ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

*1/4 cup butter, melted

*1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

*1 cup warm milk (not hot)

*1 large egg (room temperature is best)

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

Frosting Ingredients:

*1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*1/4 cup butter, softened

*1 cup powdered sugar

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rhubarb Sauce Directions:

~In a small saucepan, add 6 stalks cup up rhubarb, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup sugar.

~Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.

~Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 30-45 minutes or until rhubarb is soft and mushy.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

~Mix rhubarb sauce and strawberries together.

~Place mixture into a mesh stainer for 30-60 minutes to drain extra liquid (optional, but helpful).

Roll Directions:

~In a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast, mix slightly.

~Allow to proof or bubble, about 10 minutes.

~Add in 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding, 1 cup warm milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups bread flour, mix until it starts to come together.

~Using a dough hook (or by hand), knead dough for 6-8 minutes (10-12 minutes if by hand) until smooth and elastic.

~Place dough into a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel.

~Place in a draft free areas for 60-90 minutes or until dough is doubled.

Let's Put it together:

~Roll out dough into a 17x10 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

~Spread desired amount of strawberry rhubarb sauce over (I use about 1 cup of sauce), leaving 1/2 inch border on one short end.

~Starting at the sort end (opposite the border), loosely roll up the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.

~Slice roll log into 12-16 slices (depending on how big you want them).

~Grease a 9x13 inch pan (I use a little larger pan).

~Place each slice, cut side down, into prepared pan.

~Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until double in size (about 45-60 minutes).

~Preheat oven to 350 while the rolls are rising.

~Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a light golden brown.

~Allow to cool while rolls are cooling some.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium bowl, beat 1 (4 ounce) package softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoon milk until smooth (if to thick add a couple more drops of milk).

~Spread on warm rolls.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

It's like having cheese sticks with pizza.  Yum-O.

STUFFED CRUST PIZZA

(makes 1 medium pizza)

Crust Ingredients:

*2 cups 00 flour (or all-purpose flour)

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 tablespoon dried oregano 

*2-3 garlic cloves, minced

*1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

*3/4 cup warm (not hot) water

*6 mozzarella sticks 

*1/4 cup butter

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1-2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 

Pizza Sauce Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped small

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 1 1/2 cups crushed San Marino tomatoes

*1 tablespoon tomato paste

*1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 

*1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

*2 teaspoons dried oregano 

*1 teaspoon granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Topping Ingredients: (pick your favorites)

*2 cups shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella 

*sliced pepperoni

*pineapple tidbits 

*cooked sausage

*black olives

*green pepper, chopped 

*onions, chopped

*bacon, cooked and crumbled

*fresh basil

*feta cheese

Crust Directions:

~Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves into a food processor and mix until well incorporated.

~Pour drizzle in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.

~Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup warm water and mix until dough comes together.

~If dough is to sticky add up to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 cup at a time.

~Form dough into a ball and place into a greased bowl.

~Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.

Sauce Directions (or buy your favorite pizza sauce)

~In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, sauté 1/2 medium chopped yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil for about 1 minute stirring continuously.

~Add in 1 cup crushed San Marino tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper and stir until well incorporated.

~Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.

~Simmer for 30 minutes or until desired thickness.

~Using an immersion blender, blend until sauce is smooth.

~Set aside and allow to cool some.

Let's make the pizza:

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees for 30 minutes.

~Punch down pizza dough.

~Place a piece of parchment paper on counter.

~Place dough on parchment and press dough into a circle by gently pushing with your fingers.

~Place mozzarella cheese sticks near the outer edge of the dough (you may need to break them in half to get the curve).

~Carefully pull dough over cheese sticks and seal dough by pressing with your fingers so that the cheese is inclosed in the dough.

~Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork.

~Spoon desired amount of pizza sauce over crust.

~Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce (I like to use fresh mozzarella).

~Add desired toppings.

~Carefully place parchment paper and pizza on cookie sheet.

~Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is a golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

~In a small microwavable bowl, melt 1/8 cup butter.

~Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder an 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

~Using a pastry brush, brush garlic butter mixture over crust of hot pizza.

Pistachio Bread

 Quick and easy to make.   I like that it's not overly sweet.

PISTACHIO BREAD 

(makes 2 loafs)

Ingredients:

*1 3/4  cups shelled salted roasted pistachios

*4 large eggs

*1 cup sour cream

*1 cup butter, melted

*2 cups granulated sugar

*1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream

*1/4 cup lemon juice

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*3 cups all-purpose flour

*2 teaspoons baking powder

*1 teaspoon baking soda

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

*1/4 cup shelled salted roasted pistachios

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray and line with a sheet of parchment paper.

~Add 1 3/4 cups pistachios in a food processor and pulse until nuts are partially diced and ground.

~In a large mixing bowl, add 4 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup melted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and beat until throughly incorporated.

~In another large bowl, sift 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg together.

~Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are just mixed in (do not over mix).

~Pour into prepared loaf pans.

~Chop 1/4 cup pistachios and sprinkle evenly over top of bread.

~Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

 Quick and easy meal.   You can omit the potatoes and serve over pasta.

CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN with ROASTED POTATOES 

(serves 4)

Chicken Ingredients:

*2 boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

*2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Cream Sauce Ingredients:

*4 garlic cloves, minced

*3/4 cup chicken stock

*1 1/2 cups heavy cream

*1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1 tablespoon dried parsley

*1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Potatoes Ingredients:

*4 pounds baby potatoes

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

Potato Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Cut 4 pounds baby potatoes in half.

~In a medium mixing bow, whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined

~Add in cut potatoes and toss until evenly coated.

~Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet cut side down.

~Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Chicken Directions:

~Cut up 2 chicken breasts/thighs into bite-size pieces.

~Evenly sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt,  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning over both sides of chicken breast.

~Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

~Once hot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil

~Add chicken and fry for about 4 minutes or until browned, but not completely done.

~Remove chicken and set aside.

Cream Sauce Directions:

~In at the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves.

~Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.

~Add in 3/4 cup chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pan by stirring with a wooden spoon.

~Simmer for 2 minutes.

~Stir in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 4 minutes.

~Stir in 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined.

~Add in cooked chicken and simmer for another 8 minutes.

~Place in baked baby potatoes and simmer, gently spoon some of the sauce over the potatoes.

~Simmer for 2 minutes and then serve.

Confetti Cookies

 My granddaughter loves to make these.   If you can't find a bag of the confetti with pretty colored chocolate chips, then just use 1 1/2 cup s chocolate chips or M&M's along with a 1/2 cup of sprinkles.

CONFETTI COOKIES

(makes 4 dozen)

Ingredients:

*1 cup butter, melted

*1 cup granulated sugar

*1 cup light brown sugar, packed

*2 teaspoon vanilla extract

*2 large eggs (room temperature is best)

*3 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon baking soda

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 (8 ounce bag) Fancy Birthday Baking Confetti (or 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or M&M's and 1/2 cup sprinkles)

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~In a large mixing bowl, cram 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup light brown sugar until smooth.

~Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 large room temperature eggs until well combined.

~Mix in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until well incorporated.

~Fold in 1 (8 ounce) bag Fancy Birthday Baking Confetti, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or M&M's and 1/2 cup sprinkles.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

~Roll cookie dough into 1 tablespoon balls and place on a cookie sheet.

~Refrigerate for 1 hour.

~Bake for 12 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to rest for 1 minute.

~Remove from cookie sheet and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Chopped Cheese Hoagie

 I guess these are popular in New York.   I must admit it was pretty tasty.  

CHOPPED CHEESE HOAGIE

(makes 3)

Ingredients:

*1 teaspoon butter

*3 hoagie rolls

*1 pound ground beef

*1 teaspoon olive oil 

*1 small yellow onion, chopped small

*1 medium tomato, sliced thin

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 sazon goya seasoning packet (or make your own 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of coriander, and a  pinch of cumin)

*6 slices American cheese

*Shredded lettuce

*ketchup

*mayo

Directions:

~Chop 1 medium yellow onion and set aside.

~Slice 1 medium tomato thin and set aside.

~Shredded lettuce and set aside.

~In a large skillet over medium heat-high heat.

~Once skillet is hot add 1 teaspoon olive oil

~Add 1 pound ground beef and smash it down (like a smash burger) and allow it to cook until ground beef until it forms a crust.

~Season non cooked side of ground beef evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 packet sazon goya seasoning.

~Once the ground beef has become crust, flip it and start to break it up as it cooks and add 1 chopped onion.

~Once ground beef is cooked through and onions are tender, turn off heat.

~Add 6 slices American cheese evenly over cooked ground beef.

~Cover with lid until cheese melts.

~While the cheese is melting, heat up another large skillet over medium heat.

~Once hot add, 1 teaspoon butter.

~Toast both sides and inside of hoagie roll and set aside.

~Stir cheese in ground beef.

~Spread mayonnaise on both sides (inside) of toasted bun.

~Squeezed some ketchup over mayonnaise.

~Add some shredded lettuce on one side of bun.

~Add seasoned thinly sliced tomato over lettuce.

~Add meat mixture over the other side of the hoagie roll.

~Drizzle a small amount of ketchup over meat.

~Close hoagie roll.

~Wrap hoagie roll tightly in parchment paper or waxed paper.

~Allow to rest for 2 minutes. 

Maple Bars with Maple Frosting

 Yummy!  I love almost anything maple.   

MAPLE BARs with MAPLE FROSTING

(serves 12)

Cake Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter, softened

*1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1 cup maple syrup 

*1 large egg, room temperature 

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*2 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter, softened

*1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*4 tablespoons maple syrup 

*1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring (optional)

*3/4 cup powdered sugar

*1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Cake Directions:

~Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

~Spray a 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. 

~In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar together until well incorporated.

~Mix in 1cup maple syrup, 1 large egg, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until mixture is well combine and smooth.

~Add in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix until well combined.

~Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts.

~Pour into prepared pan and smooth out.

~Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

~Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 (4 ounce) package softened cream cheese until well combined.

~Mix in 4 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring, and 3/4 cup powdered sugar until well combined.

~Stir in  1/2 cup nuts.

~Spread evenly over cake.

Sourdough Pizza Bread

 So good.   Great to eat  dipped in ranch dressing or with a salad.  I think it would be great to use instead of a hamburger bun to make a cheeseburger.  

SOURDOUGH PIZZA BREAD

(makes 1 loaf)

Ingredients:

*1/3 cup sourdough starter 

*3/4 cup smooth pizza sauce

*1 cup filtered water

*3 3/4 cups bread flour

*1/2 cup whole wheat flour

 *1 teaspoon salt

*1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided into thirds

*1/4 cup pepperoni, chopped small, divided into thirds 

Topping Ingredients:

*1/4-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

*1/8-1/4  cup pepperoni, chopped small

Directions:

~In a large mixing bowl, stir 1/3 cup active sourdough starter, 3/4 cup pizza sauce, and 1 cup filtered water until well combined.

~In another bowl, whisk 3 3/4 cups bread flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1 teaspoon salt until dough is shaggy and all the flour is mixed in.

~Cover and allow to rest for 1 hour.

~Stretch and fold, by grabbing one side of dough and stretching it upwards and fold it over it self.  Turn a quarter turn and stretch and fold again.  Do this four times turning bowl a quarter turn after each stretch.

~Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

~Time for one more stretch and fold.  Stretch and fold, then turn.  For the next 3 stretch and folds and 1/3 of the 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of the 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni before folding and turning.  Turn and add another 1/3 of cheese and pepperoni.  Turn once again and add remaining 1/3 cheese and pepperoni.  

~Gently tuck the dough under itself. 

~Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

~Stretch and fold one more time, trying to keep toppings inside of dough.

~Cover and allow dough to rest until doubled and it's bubbly, jiggly, and has a slight dome (5-8 hours).

~Shape dough and place in a floured bowl seam side up.

~Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees for 40 minutes with dutch oven in it.

~Flip dough  and score top.

~Place into hot dutch oven.

~Cover and bake for 35 minutes.

Topping Directions:

~Remove from oven and add 1/4-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/8-1/4 cup chopped pepperoni in the slits from  where you scored the bread.

~Return to oven uncovered and bake another 10-15 minutes or until deep golden brown (internal temp 205).

~Remove from dutch oven and place on a cooling rack.

~Do not cut until completely cooled.