Cinnamon Roll Cake

 If you like cinnamon rolls, you are going to love this. 

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE

(serves 12)

Cake Ingredients (or use a yellow boxed cake mix):

*3 cups all-purpose flour

*1 1/2 cups whole milk

*1 cup granulated sugar

*2 large eggs

*4 teaspoons baking powder

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 cup butter, melted

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

*1 cup butter, softened

*1 cup light brown sugar

*2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

*1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

*1/8 teaspoon ground all-spice

Glaze Ingredients:

*4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

*2 cups powdered sugar

*6 tablespoons milk

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Directions (if using box cake mix, mix as directed on box):

~Preheat oven 350 degrees.

~Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

~In a large mixing bowl,  mix 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt together until well blended.

~Stir in 1/4 melted butter.

~Pour into prepared pan.

Cinnamon Swirl Directions:

~In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground all-spice until well blended.

~Drop by spoonfuls all over the cake batter.

~Taking a table knife, swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake mixture to make a marble effect.

~Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30  minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the the cake comes out clean.

Glaze Directions:

~In a small bowl, beat 4 tablespoons softened cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until smooth.

~Taking a spoon, drizzle glaze all over top of cooled cake. 

Irish Cream

I don't drink, but I do like to a few recipes that have Irish Cream in it.

IRISH CREAM

(makes 1 quart)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups smooth mild whiskey

*1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 

*2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

*1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee 

*1 teaspoon almond extract 

*1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (I grate my own)

*1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

~In a blender, blend 1 1/2 cups whiskey, 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk until well combined.

~Blend in 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.

~Blend in 1 cup heavy whipping cream.

~Bottle and refrigerator.

Chicken Shawarma Bowl

 I like to marinate the chicken all day, but 2 hours is good. I also prefer Tzatziki sauce over the garlic sauce.  

CHICKEN SHAWARMA BOWL

(makes 4 bowls)

Chicken Marinade Ingredients:

*2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces (I make chicken breasts because I don't like dark meat)

*1 tablespoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder 

*2 teaspoons ground cumin

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1 tablespoon coriander

*1/4 cayenne pepper (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon grund cinnamon

*2 teaspoons ground black pepper 

*1 teaspoon salt

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*1 tablespoon finely chopped onions

*3 tablespoons olive oil

*1/2 cup plain greek yogurt 

*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 

Garlic Sauce:

*1 cup plain greek yogurt

*1/2 cup mayonnaise

*1 teaspoon ground cumin

*juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon

*3-6 garlic cloves, minced

*1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Bowl Ingredients:

*4 cups cooked rice

*1 cucumber, chopped

*1 cup chopped tomatoes

*1 cup red onion, sliced thin

*1/2 cup feta cheese

*Kalamata olives (optional)

*1/2 red onion, sliced or chopped 

*chic peas 

Chicken Marinade Directions:

~In a gallon sized zip-lock bag (or a large bowl), add 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt,  3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.

~Add 2 pounds of cut up chicken thighs (or breasts).

~Seal bag and mix until chicken is well coated.

~Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Garlic Sauce Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/2 up mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, juice form 1/2 lemon, 3-6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper until well incorporated.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Let's Put It Together:

~Heat up a large skillet (or grill) over medium-high heat, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over hot skillet.

~Remove chicken from marinade and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until chicken is a golden brown and cook through.

~Remove chicken from pan.

~Divide rice into 4 bowls.

~Add chicken, chopped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, red sliced onions, chic peas and garlic sauce (or tzatziki sauce) and serve.

Churro Crackers

 I can't leave these in the house, because they are dangerous for me.  They are so good.

CHURRO CRACKERS

Ingredients:

*3 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 (9 ounce bag) oyster crackers

*1 cup butter

*3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*3 tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

~In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together until well mixed.

~Set aside.

~In a medium saucepan,  bring 1 cup butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar, stirring often.

~Once it comes to allow to full boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

~Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in mixture.

~Pour 1 (9 ounce) bag of oyster crackers into a large bowl.

~Pour hot mixture over crackers and stir until well coated.

~Spread crackers in a single layer on prepared cookie sheet (as much as possible).

~Bake for 15 minutes.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 2 minutes.  

~Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over oyster crackers (I like to put mine in a large bowl, cover it and gently shake it so that the entire cracker gets coated).

~Allow to cool completely and then break apart.

Olive Burger

 I am the only one in the house who likes olives.   This burger is so good.

OLIVE BURGER

(serves 4)

Olive Sauce Ingredients:

*1 cup mayonnaise 

*1/4 cup sour cream

*1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped 

*10 green olives, finely chopped

*pepper to taste

Burger Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef

*4 slices white American cheese  or pepper jack cheese (or your favorite) 

*salt & pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

*dill pickle slices

*shredded lettuce

*yellow onion, sliced thin

*tomato, sliced thin

Olive Sauce Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion,  10 finely chopped green olives, and pepper to taste until well incorporated.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Burger Directions:

~Divide 1 pound ground beef into 4 equal patties (1/4 pound each).

~Heat a frying pan or grill up over medium heat.

~Grill 4 hamburger buns until a golden brown and the set aside.

~Cook burgers until desired doneness.

~Add 1 slice American cheese over each burger.

~Spread desired amount of olive sauce over top bun.

~Put some shredded lettuce over bottom bun.

~Place burger over lettuce.

~Add desired toppings over burger and then place top bun over it.

Hawaiian BBQ Burger

 You can use canned pineapple rings, but fresh is so much better.  

HAWAIIAN BBQ BURGERS

(makes 4)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef

*4 hamburger buns

*4 slices of American cheese (or your favorite cheese)

*salt & pepper to taste 

*4 slices fresh pineapple

*1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Topping Ingredients:

*Shredded lettuce (optional)

*red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

*sliced tomato

Directions:

~Divide 1 pound ground beef, divided into 4 equal parts and form into a patty (1/4 pound each).

~Heat up a frying pan over medium heat-high (or use grill).

~Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in hot frying pan.

~Open 4 hamburger buns and toast until golden brown and then set aside..

~Place 4 pineapple rings into frying pan (or grill) and fry until a light golden brown appears on it, flip and cook the other side (about 30-60 seconds per side) and set aside.

~Fry (grill) burger to desired doneness.

~Once burgers have been flipped brush some BBQ sauce over it (just a small amount).

~When burger is almost done, add a slice of cheese over each burger.

~Spread BBQ sauce over top toasted bun.

~Add some shredded lettuce on th bottom bun.

~Add burger, then the pineapple slice, and top with whatever toppings you like.

~Add the top bun and enjoy.

Baked Cod

 I normally eat pan seared fish, but this recipe is just as good.  It's quick and easy.  I don't use tarter sauce with this recipe, but my husband does.

BAKED COD

(serves 4)

Sauce Ingredients:

*2 pounds cod fillet pieces (6-8 pieces)

*6 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

*6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

*3 tablespoons butter, melted

*5 garlic cloves, minced 

*2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for frying)

Coating Ingrediens:

*1/3 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon ground coriander

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1 teaspoon ground cumin

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Topping Ingredient:

*1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

Sauce Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~In a shallow pan/bowl, whisk 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 3 tablespoons melted butter.

Coating Directions:

~In another shallow pan/bowl, whisk  1/3 cup flour, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined.

Directions:

~Pat fish dry with paper towels.

~Dip each fillet into the sauce and then into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour mixture (keep remaining sauce).

~Heat up 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat  (I use my cast iron).

~Once oil is hot add fish and fry for 2 minutes, flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

~Add 5 minced garlic cloves into remaining sauce.

~Drizzle remaining sauce over fish.

~Place skillet into preheated oven and bake fish for another 8-10 minutes (or until fish is flakey and done).

~Remove from fish and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Tacos De Alamore

 Oh my, these are so good.   My husband prefers flour tortillas, where I love the corn tortillas with it.

TACOS DE ALAMORE

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak

*1/2 pound chorizo 

*1/2 pound bacon (I like to use thick cut)

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1/4-1 teaspoon ancho Chile (depending on how spicy you like it)

*1 teaspoon onion powder 

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 white onions, diced

*1 red bell pepper, diced

*1 yellow pepper, diced

*1 green bell pepper, diced (or poblano pepper)

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*16 ounces queso Oaxaca, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, grated

*corn or flour tortillas

Toppings (optional):

*salsa 

*sour cream 

*guacamole 

*cowboy peppers

*tomatoes

*lettuce

*shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

~In  small bowl,  whisk 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4-1 teaspoon Ancho Chile, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper together.

~Pat dry steak with a paper towel and cut into bite-sized pieces.

~Transfer into a gallon sized bag and pour seasoning mixture over steak.

~Seal bag and shake until steak is completely coated.

~Remove casing from 1/2 pound chorizo.

~Cook in skillet until done, breaking it up as it cooks.  Once done, remove from skillet and set aside.

~Cut 1/2 pound bacon into about 2 inch pieces.

~In a large heavy bottom skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then remove from pan and set aside.

~Remove some of the bacon grease and keep to cook veggies in.

~Cook 1 1/2 pounds steak in a single layer, until just under desired doneness (it will cook more when you return it to the skillet).  Remove from pan and set aside.

~Add 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped yellow bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper (or poblano pepper), and 1/2 yellow chopped onion and cook until tender (add bacon grease if needed).

~Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.

~Add in cooked, bacon, steak, and chorizo and stir until mixed.

~Sprinkle 16 ounces grated Oaxaca, mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese over top of mixture and place lid on pan.  Cook until cheese melts (about 6-10 minutes)

~Heat up corn or flour tortillas and fill with mixture.

~Top with toppings of your choice or nothing at all (both ways are delicious).

Black Bean and Corn Salad

 Great with any Mexican dish.

BLACK BEAN & CORN SALAD

(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

*2 cups frozen corn, thawed

*2 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

*2 roma tomatoes, chopped

*1 red bell pepper, chopped

*1/2 small red onion, chopped

*1 avocado, chopped

*1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 

*Juice squeezed from 2-3 limes (1/4 cup)

*1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~In a large bowl,  mix 2 cups corn, 2 (15 ounce) rinsed and drained black beans, 2 chopped Roma tomatoes, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 chopped red onion, 1 chopped avocado, and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro.

~In a small bowl, whisk juice for 2-3 limes, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 mined garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon salt together.

~Pour over salad and toss until well coated.

Rye Rolls

 Soft and chewy.  So good.  I like to make Reubens out of them.   You can make the rolls and make sliders out of them.  This dough is sticky, so don't add more flour.   If it's too sticky, dip your fingers in a little water while kneading the dough.

RYE ROLLS

(makes 12)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cup warm water (about 105 degrees)

*2 tablespoon molasses (or honey)

*2 teaspoon active dry yeast 

*2 3/4 cup (330 grams) bread flour

*1 1/2 cups (160 grams) rye flour 

*2 teaspoon salt

*1 tablespoon vegetable oil

*1 tablespoon caraway seeds (plus a tad bit more if you want to put some on top of rolls)

Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups warm water, 2 tablespoon molasses, and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast.

~Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast proofs (foams up).

~In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2 3/4 cups bread flour, 1 1/2 cups rye flour, and 2 teaspoons salt together until well combined.

~Stir in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon caraway seeds into flour mixture.

~Stir in yeast mixture until dough is shaggy.

~Using a dough hook (or your hands), knead dough until smooth and slightly sticky (6-8 minutes).

~Shape dough into a ball.

~Grease a large bowl and place dough into bowl and then flip so both sides have a coating of oil.

~Cover bowl and allow to rise in a warm draft free area until dough doubles in size (about 1 hour).

~Gently punch down and allow it to rise once more until double in size (about 1 hour).  This step is optional, but it makes for a lighter bread.

~Grease a 9x13 inch pan.

~Gently punch down dough and place on a lightly floured surface.

~Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces (18-24 if making sliders).

~Roll each section into a ball and place into prepared pan.

~Cover dough with some plastic wrap or a clean damp tea towel and allow rolls to rise double in size (30-40 minutes).

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Sprinkle a few caraway seeds over top of roll (optional).

~Bake for 20-30 minutes. 

~Remove from oven, remove rolls from pan and place on a cooling rack.

~I like to brush a little melted butter over the hot rolls.

Sourdough Chocolate Cupcakes

 I like to top them with  marshmallow buttercrem frosting  or a chocolate buttercream frosting.   

Sourdough Chocolate Cupcakes

(makes 16)

Ingredients:

*2 large eggs

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1/2 cup light brown sugar

*1/3 cup vegetable oil

*1/2 cup sourdough starter or discard

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

*2/3 cup buttermilk (can use whole milk)

*1 cup all-purpose flour

*1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

*1 teaspoon instant coffee (gives a richer taste to the chocolate)

*1/2 teaspoon baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven 350 degrees.

~Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

~In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup sourdough starter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2/3 cup buttermilk together until well blended.

~Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cu unsweetened cocoa, 1 teaspoon instant coffee, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into wet ingredients.

~Mix until well incorporated.

~Spoon batter into the liners about 2/3 full.

~Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack.

~Cool completely before frosting.

Pineapple Chicken

 This is great to put in the oven, on a grill or over a campfire.  The best part, is no pan to wash after.

PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

*salt and pepper to taste (I do about 1/8 teaspoon on each)

*2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

*1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

*2 tablespoons honey (I like to use hot honey)

*2 tablespoons olive oil

*1 red bell pepper, sliced

*1 green bell pepper sliced

*1 small onion, sliced

*1 zucchini, sliced

*1 carrot, thinly sliced

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Cut 4 large pieces of aluminum foil and lay them flat on your countertop.

~Place 1 chicken breast on each piece of aluminum foil.

~Sprinkle desire amount of salt and pepper over each chicken breast.

~Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over each chicken breast.

~Top each chicken breast with 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 of sliced red bell pepper, 1/4 of sliced green bell pepper, 1/4 of thinly sliced carrot, 1/4 of sliced zucchini, and 1/4 of thinly sliced onion.

~In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce and 2 tablespoons honey together. 

~Pour evenly over chicken breasts.

~Fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the chicken and veggies to form a sealed packet.

~Place foil packets onto a cookie sheet, sealed side up.

~Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken s fully cooked (internal temperautre of 165 degrees).

~Carefully open packets and eat as is or serve over rice.

Quick Grape Jelly

 A quick and tasty way to make grape jelly

QUICK GRAPE JELLY

(3 pints)

Ingredients:

*3 cups 100% grape juice

*4 cups granulated sugar

*1(1.7 ounce) package sure-jell (pectin)

Directions:

~Heat up water in a water bath canner.

~Sterilize 3-4 pint jars.

~Heat lids in hot water (better for sealing).

~In a heavy bottom saucepan, bring 3 cups grape juice and 1 (1.7 ounce) package of sure-jell to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

~Once mixture is boiling stir in  4 cups granulated sugar.

~Bring mixture back to a rolling boil (still boiling when being stirred), and boil for 1 minute. 

~Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

~Ladle jelly into prepared jars to within 1 inch of top and wipe off tops with a clean cloth.

~Place lids on top and screw on rings finger tight.

~Place into canner and give water bath for 10 minutes.

~Remove from canner allow to cool for 24 hours before storing.