Create ... "Strawberry & Cream Bread"

I love this time of year when the strawberries start showing up in the grocery stores.  It means the beginning of fresh fruits and veggies season.  LOVE!! This bread is so moist, strawberry packed, and makes me say ... Aaaaaaa!!!  It's a great way to use those strawberries up that are a little past the "pretty" stage.  It has a very light, fresh, and fruity flavor that is fantastic alone or works great on a platter with a variety of breads. 

Strawberries & Cream Bread (or Blueberry)

1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c. softened butter
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 c. strawberries, fresh & chopped (don't use frozen)
3/4 c. walnuts, almonds, or pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, set aside.  In small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugars, mix 1 min. beat in eggs, one at a time.  Then beat in sour cream and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture only until moistened.  Fold in berries & nuts.

Pour into a greased 8x4 loaf pan or three small loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 60-65 min for large loaf, or 25-30 minutes for small loaves, or until toothpick is clean. Let stand 10 min. Turn out on rack and cool. 
Can top with a glaze made with powdered sugar, water, and a little flavoring.  Drizzle over cooled bread and top with chunky sugar for fun.


~ Enjoy 

Cute stitching idea

I really like how they stitched over the baker's twine.  I found this at:   http://scrapbookandcardstodaymag.typepad.com/scrapbook_cards_today_blo/

Create ... Noodles & Co Penne Rosa

Another recipe to try

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=noodles%20and%20company%20recipes%20penne%20rosa&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEUQtwIwAzgK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_r3uJFPsK3g&ei=kaf-TsGgIZKDtge1zrXgAw&usg=AFQjCNEMD__ud6ncrxSacCgNtYJ9CbBN5A&sig2=GasUtb3AMQxmjplAjkIaVQ

Create ... Pasta Fresca

I want to make this for my daughter Kim. I tried Pinning it but there wasn't a picture on the original post. Hopefully this will work.

here's the link

http://enzlerrecipes.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

Create ... So-Easy Baked Spaghetti Squash

This is possibly the easiest and most delicious way to prepare Spaghetti Squash.  Really!  I've tried boiling, microwaving, crock-potting (is that a word?) and baking and hands down, baking is it.

First, wash your squash. 

 

Take a big serving fork and poke holes all over the skin.

Place in big pan and put in 375 degree oven and bake for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and this is what it looks like.

Using a serrated knife, cut off stem end and cut it in half, lengthwise.

With a large spoon, scoop out seeds and "stuff" and discard.

Now, with a fork loosen squash from edges, and ...

scoop it right into your serving dish.

Season with salt and pepper, and butter.  If you want to save some calories, use Butter Buds instead of the butter.

And by all means ... savor every bite of it.

~Enjoy

Create ... Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes w/ Brown Sugar Cinnamon Frosting

I'm loving fall.  Fall is always an energy driver for me.  I feel like cleaning, dejunking, creating, and yes...cooking.  And what says fall better than, PUMPKIN!!!!

These cupcakes are so easy to make and the texture and flavor is right on.  It has enough flavor to scream fall ... football ... fireplaces ... and feelin' fine!!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes w/ Brown Sugar Cinnamon Frosting

1 package spice cake mix
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 eggs 

Preheat oven to 350. Put all ingred. in mixing bowl. Mix on low for 30 seconds. Scrap sides. Mix on med-high for 2 min. Put into cupcake liners. Bake for 15-18 min. **I made the "Frosting for Those Who Don't Like Frosting", (from Our Best Bites, my go to for frosting and fillings) but used 1/2 sugar and 1/2 brown sugar and used 3/4 t. vanilla and 1/2 t. cinnamon. SO GOOD and MOIST!

~Enjoy

Create ... Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Okay ... these have been on my "to-do" list for quite some time.  Today was the day and soooo good!!  My husband has always loved Hostess cupcakes, but I have a problem buying food that NEVER goes bad.  These take a little time but worth every minute.  I was so excited to show him and he LOVED them!!  They made him smile ... which I love.  :)

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

1 chocolate fudge cake mix with pudding
1 cup sour cream, fat-free ok
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 recipe of "Perfect Cupcake Frosting and Filling", Our Best Bites recipe, here, which I might add is FANTASTIC!!

Chocolate Ganache: also from Our Best Bites (love this site), here
3/4 cup cream
2 tablespoons real butter, melted
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
White icing for Squiggles

Mix all cake ingredients. Mix on low 30 seconds, scrap sides, then beat on med-high for 2 min. Fill cupcake papers 2/3 full and bake for 15-18 min. at 350°. Cool completely. Using a piping bag with a medium star tip, insert through top of cupcake and squeeze some filling (frosting) inside. For Ganache - Place chocolate in a bowl. Pour melted butter over it. Place cream in microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 2 minutes- it needs to be at a simmer. Immediately pour over chocolate and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for about 3 minutes and then stir until smooth. Let it cool a little then while ganache is still running, dip tops of cupcakes in it and let it harden before piping on squiggles.

Now ... that is heaven!

~Enjoy