December 28, 2007
Not Back With Recipes, But Back For A Good Cause!
Test your vocabulary AND earn donations of rice through the United Nations World Food Program:
For each word you get right, we donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.WARNING: This game may make you smarter. It may improve your speaking, writing, thinking, grades, job performance...
What are you waiting for? Go play for yourself here and see how your vocabulary shapes up! You might even make yourself a little smarter, helping out a good cause, all while having a little fun! ;o)
Posted by Dianne at 4:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 21, 2007
Happy Holidays!
Posted by Dianne at 10:14 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Peppermint Brownies
Chocolate and peppermint go so well together and what could be better than Peppermint Brownies? With peppermint in the batter itself and peppermint chips throughout these brownies are just the right mix of chocolate and mint. They are the perfect compliment for a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Wouldn't Santa love that? ;o)
What You'll Need:
1 1/2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups of organic cane sugar
1 1/2 cups of cocoa
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
4 eggs
2 sticks of butter, melted
1 - 10 ounce package of Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Whisk or sift together flour through baking powder. Add eggs, butter, peppermint and vanilla and mix until batter is fudgy. Add peppermint chips and stir until completely incorporated. Spread into a 13 X 9 inch pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray or greased with butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes until brownies are done, but still fudgy. Cool and cut into squares. (Note: I'm still using the toaster oven. They are finally supposed to come out and fix the oven on 12/28 so I divided the dough into two 8 X 8 inch dishes and baked them separately. Hopefully when I come back on 1/2/2008 the oven issues will be over and done! ;o))
Notes: If you wanted you could add in nuts, but the peppermint really is enough on its own.
Posted by Dianne at 5:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 20, 2007
Double Layer Peppermint Chip Bark
This recipe (and tomorrow's too!) is for the peppermint/chocolate lover on your list. This take on the classic peppermint bark takes it to a whole new level! The best part of this is that it's done completely in the microwave making it simple, yet delicious! Try it and see.
What You'll Need:
2 - 11.5 ounce bags of milk chocolate chips (Note: I used Ghirardelli as always.)
2 - 11 ounce bags of white chocolate chips (Note: Again I like Ghirardelli.)
1 - 10 ounce bag of Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips
In a large bowl melt the milk chocolate chips at 1 minute intervals until smooth. Spread melted chocolate out onto a cookie sheet lined with a silicone baking sheet or wax paper and let cool until hardened (30 minutes to an hour).
Once the milk chocolate is hardened melt the white chocolate chips at 1 minute intervals until smooth.
Spread out over the milk chocolate on the cookie sheet and sprinkle the top of the spread out chocolates with Andes Peppermint Crunch chips and let the chocolate harden and then break into pieces.
Notes: No notes for this one. It's pretty straight forward. ;o)
Posted by Dianne at 7:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 19, 2007
White Chocolate and Blueberry Fudge
When you think fudge you automatically think rich and chocolatety, but it doesn't have to be that way. Recently we took a jaunt down Peanut Butter Fudge Lane and that made me start thinking about fudge in general. That little journey made me wonder how White Chocolate Fudge would turn out and then I went a step further and thought that some dried blueberries would make the white chocolate taste all the better!
This take on fudge is different, but different doesn't necessarily mean bad. The white chocolate and blueberries meld together and provide a wonderful compliment for each other. If you've got a white chocolate lover and/or fruit lover on your Christmas list this year, then this fudge is the fudge for you!
What You'll Need:
3 cups of organic cane sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter
2/3 cups of evaporated milk
12 ounces of white chocolate chips (Note: I recommend Ghirardelli.)
1 7.5 ounce jar of marshmallow cream (Note: Look for one with no high fructose corn syrup.)
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 cups of dried blueberries
Melt butter, sugar and evaporated milk until smooth. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat stirring almost constantly. You want to reach soft ball stage (235 F) and you can gauge this by using a candy thermometer to determine temperature. This process takes roughly 3-5 minutes depending on your stove top. Keep an eye on the mixture. Given you are using white chocolate you don't want the mixture to brown at all. Also anything that is cooked with sugar over heat can scorch quickly so make sure you watch and stir!
Remove pan from heat and stir in marshmallow cream until smooth. (Note: To make the marshmallow cream come out of the jar easier pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it should slide right out.) Next add white chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Add vanilla and blueberries and stir to mix. Pour white chocolate/blueberry mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan that has been buttered liberally and spread out to the corners of the dish using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Let cool to room temperature and cut into small squares.
This fudge can be stored in the fridge or even freezer if you want until you are ready to use it, but that isn't necessary. It will last about a week at room temperature.
Notes: You could add in other dried berries to change it up a bit. Dried cherries or Goji berries would work wonderfully.
Posted by Dianne at 7:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 18, 2007
Gingerbread Ornaments or Cookies
What's Christmas without a little gingerbread? Gingerbread houses, gingerbread cookies and even just plain old gingerbread! All of those things make you think of a wonderful holiday season! You can make this recipe as cookies or you can paint the gingerbread after it cools and make lasting ornaments. Whichever path you choose, you'll have fun none the less! (We choose the painted path for the ones pictured here.) And the best part is whether you make cookies or you make ornaments this makes the perfect gift!
What You'll Need:
1 cup packed natural brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In large bowl cream brown sugar, butter and molasses until smooth. Add water and mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients and stir until well incorporated.
Sprinkle some flour onto the surface you're working on and roll dough out to between 1/4-1/8th of an inch. Cut with the cookie cutters of your choice. If you are going to use the cookies for ornaments remember to make a hole for the string or ribbon to tie them onto your tree. You can do this by using a straw to make a hole at the top of each cookie.
Bake for 9-10 minutes and cool completely on the pan.
Decorate with icing, candy, sprinkles, raisins or other embellishments if you're going to cookie route. Whatever you like works. Just let out your inner cookie creator! ;o)
If you're making ornaments paint them with craft or acrylic paints and let dry completely. Once the paint is dry you can "seal" the ornaments by painting or spraying on a coat of polyurethane if you want them to last for many years. If you want to make "Pissy" Gingerbread boys and girls use a fluted cutter to cut a "bite" out of the side of their heads or even their foot if you want, because after all wouldn't you be a little pissy too if someone did that to you? ;o)
Notes: This really is the best gingerbread I've ever tasted. I'm not a huge fan of molasses by itself, but in this recipe it really brings out the flavors of the other elements.
Posted by Dianne at 9:02 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
December 17, 2007
Brown Sugar Peanut Cashew Brittle
Sometimes it's nice to combine a little sweet and salty. Brittle does just that! This take on the classic peanut brittle utilizes brown sugar and even a little maple syrup to add a taste sensation with just the right amount of sweet and salty. Most traditional brittles are made with only white sugar, but the brown sugar gives it a depth of flavor that is very nice. If you've got a hard candy or brittle lover on your list, then this recipe is the one for you!
What You'll Need:
1 cup of organic cane sugar
1 cup of natural brown sugar
1 cup of corn syrup (Note: Light or dark works fine. Just make sure it doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup.)
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1 cup of water
1 pinch of sea salt
1 cup of raw peanuts
1 cup of raw cashews
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 teaspoons of baking soda
In a very large stock pot melt sugars with corn syrup and maple syrup in water. Add salt once sugar is melted and cook to hard crack stage (Note: There is some debate out there as to where hard crack stage lies. Some say around 290 F and others say closer to 300-301 F. My candy thermometer falls in the latter category so I cooked this to around 301 F.) When the sugar mixture reaches around 245 F then add the nuts and continue to cook, stirring frequently until you reach hard crack stage. (Note: If you don't stir this you'll end up with a scorched mess. Keep a close eye on the mixture!)
Once mixture reaches hard crack stage remove from heat and immediately add butter stirring to melt. When the butter is almost completely melted add the baking soda and stir quickly. Spread mixture out onto two cookie sheets that are covered with silicone baking sheets or buttered using a spatula or wooden spoon until thinly spread. Let cool and harden and break into pieces.
Notes: You can use any type of nut that you want. You can use one nut or a mixture. It's completely up to you. I've done this with peanuts and cashews in the past, but almonds, macadamia nuts, etc. would work just as well.
Posted by Dianne at 12:15 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
This Week on Dianne's Dishes
This week on Dianne's Dishes we'll have a few more edible gift ideas!
December 24th-31st I'll be taking some time off to spend with family and friends, because after all that's what this time of year is about. I'll still be cooking and will most likely have some great recipes to share with you when I get back on January 1st or 2nd 2008 so be looking for that!
Up later today Brown Sugar Peanut Cashew Brittle!
Posted by Dianne at 10:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 14, 2007
Rocky Road Bark
Chocolate barks make the perfect gift! You can dress them up however you like and this version is a take on Rocky Road ice cream, which I must admit I'm not a big fan of, but I do like this bark! The almonds are crunchy and the marshmallows give it just the right amount of gooey. This is another recipe that is sure to please most chocolate lovers and after all don't we all know one or two of those? ;o)
What You'll Need:
2 - 11.5 ounce packages of milk chocolate chips (Note: I usually use Ghirardelli chips.)
1 - 11 ounce package of white chocolate chips (Note: Again I usually use Ghirardelli chips for the white chocolate too.)
2 tablespoons of butter
At least 1 cup of whole raw almonds
At least 1 cup of miniature marshmallows
Melt chocolate in a double boiler until smooth. (Note: If you want to temper the chocolate there are excellent instructions here. I will admit I have a love/hate relationship with tempering...Sometimes I can get it to work, other times not so much. I was watching the Barefoot Contessa the other day and Ina said she couldn't be bothered to take the time to do it and it made me love her all the more! To get around the issue she said she just makes it the day she wants to serve whatever she is making and it takes care of the problem.)
Once the chocolate is melted remove from the heat and stir in two tablespoons of butter until melted. Spread the mixture out onto a cookie sheet that is lined with wax paper or a silicone baking sheet.
Next add marshmallows and almonds to the top of the spread out chocolate and gently push them into the mixture. (Note: My little sous chef (AKA Alexis) had a lot of fun with that step! ;))
Let the bark set up until it's hard and break or cut into smaller pieces. (Note: I like to use a pizza cutter and cut it into squares when it hardens and is sort of at a fudge like consistency, but isn't completely hard yet.) Store in an airtight container.
Notes: You can really add anything into chocolate bark that you like as I mentioned above. You can even make a white chocolate bark. Dried cherries, raisins and cocoa nibs make a good combination as do cashews and coconut. If you can think it it can be done! ;o)
Posted by Dianne at 7:01 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 13, 2007
Chocolate Marshmallows
Marshmallows...What's not to love? Add in some chocolate and you've got chocolate marshmallowy heaven! These chocolate marshmallows are the perfect gift all by themselves, but why not couple them with a jar of Hot Chocolate Mix and you've got one happy chocolate lover!
What You'll Need:
6 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin
1 cup of water
2 cups of dark corn syrup
2 cups of organic cane sugar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of chocolate extract
6 tablespoons of cocoa
Butter to coat your dish
Cocoa to dust your dish
Dissolve gelatin in a cup of water in the bowl of your mixer.
In a very large pot melt sugar, corn syrup and water and the bring to a slow boil. You want to bring the mixture up between soft ball and firm ball (240 F to 248 F), but not actually to firm ball stage. (Note: You want somewhere in the 245 F to 246 F.) Once the mixture has come up to temperature pour the chocolate mixture into the gelatin and beat on high for 10-12 minutes until thick and fluffy.
While the mixture is heating butter and dust a dish with cocoa.
Pour marshmallow mixture into the coated dish and let set until completely cool. Once marshmallows set up dust your fingers with cocoa, dip a knife into very hot water and cut into squares. (Note: The cocoa makes it easier to handle the marshmallows as the sides can be a bit sticky.) Store in an airtight container in a single layer.
And as I mentioned above they're perfect in a steaming cup of hot chocolate!
Notes: No notes for this one. The chocolate speaks for itself! ;o)
Posted by Dianne at 7:11 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 12, 2007
Sausage Balls
Who says a home baked gift has to be sweet? Why not cheesey and savory instead? These sausage balls are just that gift! If you've got a vegetarian on your list this year, you can even make a vegetarian version that is simply wonderful. This is an easy, quick recipe and after all this time of year what's better than just that?
What You'll Need:
1 - 16 ounce package of regular sausage (Note: This would probably work with other types of sausage. You could use Italian or Sage or whatever, but I think they are best with just the your basic breakfast sausage.)
1 - 8 ounce bar of cheddar, shredded
1 - 4 ounce bar of Fontina, shredded
2 cups of baking mix (Note: I like Bob's Red Mill products. I've used Bob's Buttermilk Biscuit Mix in the past and had intended to use that for this go round, but the store I went to didn't carry the mix. I ended up using Bob's Red Mill Wheat Free Biscuit and Baking Mix instead.)
Preheat oven to 350 F. (And yes I'm still using my toaster oven! ;o) But I normally bake these in a conventional oven.)
In the bowl of your mixer mix together the sausage and the cheese until incorporated. Add in baking mix and mix until dough forms. (Note: Depending on the fat content of your sausage and cheese the mix may be crumbly, but that's ok. You're going to form balls with the mixture so it will come together in the end. Don't panic if it looks dry, especially if you decide to go the vegetarian route.)
Form roughly 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into a round ball and place on a baking sheet. Repeat that step until dough is gone. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done through and slightly browned on top.
Notes: You could add in 1/3 cup of chives to the mix for an added taste sensation. You can also just use one type of cheese, or mix that up. It's all a matter of personal preference. This is another one of those recipes you can freeze for later too, so you can get a head start if want! ;o)
Posted by Dianne at 9:22 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 11, 2007
Turtle Cake
Turtle cake makes the perfect gift for the chocolate lover on your list. It's chocolately while having a a caramel surprise in the middle and even a bit more chocolate to go along with that caramel! This cake is ooey gooey and oh so good. It's the perfect compliment to a big glass of milk!
(Note: The recipe is written for a 13 X 9 baking dish, but once again I'm still using the toaster oven. The stove person still hasn't fixed the issue! (Yes I'm more than ticked about that, but that's another story all together.) Anyway...I baked this in two 8 X 8 inch dishes instead.)
What You'll Need:
1 1/2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 1/2 cups of cocoa
2 1/2 cups of organic cane sugar
2 cups of unsalted peanuts, chopped (Note: Measure out 2 cups of peanuts and then chop them.)
2 sticks of butter, melted and cooled for a few minutes
4 eggs
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 - 11 ounce bags of caramel bits
1 - 11.5 ounce bag of milk chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Mix together flour through sugar until incorporated. (Note: You can sift this together if you want, but it's just as easy to put it in a big bowl and mix it well with a whisk or a spoon.) Stir in peanuts until completely incorporated into the dry mixture. Add eggs, butter and vanilla and mix until dough forms. (Note: Sometimes it's easier to just get in there with your hands and mix it by hand.)
Divide the dough in half with one half slightly larger than the other. Take the smaller of the two dough balls and press it into a 13 X 9 inch dish that has been greased or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from the oven leaving the oven on.
While the crust is baking melt the caramel in a pan over medium heat with heavy cream or in the microwave and set aside.
Once the crust is baked sprinkle the top of the baked crust with chocolate chips.
Pour caramel mixture over the chocolate chips and if necessary spread it out to the edges. (Note: Normally it does the spreading by itself.)
Take remaining dough and press to cover the chocolate chips and caramel mixture.
Put the cake back into the oven and bake for 20 minutes to finish off the cake.
Let the cake cool completely and then slice in to squares.
Notes: You can use any type of nut you want and I normally use pecans, but my sous chef (aka Alexis) wanted to use peanuts today so we went with peanuts. The cake is very gooey, so if storing in layers it's best to put down a layer of wax paper or aluminum foil between each layer.
Posted by Dianne at 8:19 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 10, 2007
Banana Carrot Bread
Most everyone liked freshly baked breads and that makes them the perfect holiday gift! Bread doesn't have to be your standard white bread either. You can do all sorts of things with various fruits, veggies and grains! Throw in some nuts and you've got a wonderful loaf that makes a gift that bread lovers will love to receive.
This recipe is wonderful in that it makes two loaves, so you have two to share, or one for yourself and one to share. You can even make muffins instead of loaves and have a few dozen muffins to share! This is also one of those breads that freezes beautifully so you can make it now and share it later or pull it out for a special holiday breakfast. No matter what you do if you like bananas and carrots, or know someone that does, then this is the bread for you!
What You'll Need:
5 bananas, mashed
1 cup of organic cane sugar
1/2 cup of natural brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
2 cups of flour (Note: You can use whatever type of flour you want. All purpose, white whole wheat, whole wheat, etc.)
2 cups of carrots, shredded
2 cups of pecans, chopped (Note: Measure two cups of pecans and then chop them)
1 cup of raisins
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl mashed bananas. Add sugars, eggs and vanilla and mix until creamed. Stir in sea salt, baking powder and baking soda until just mixed. Next add flour and mix until just incorporated. Stir in carrots, nuts and raisins and pour batter into two loaf pans that have been greased or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour until bread sticks clean.
Notes: If you want you can add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg to the mix. You could also "frost" the loaves with cream cheese icing for a more cake like gift. The texture of this bread is amazing. It's moist and the bits of fruit and nuts add just the right touch.
Posted by Dianne at 12:12 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
This Week On Dianne's Dishes More Edible Christmas Goodies!
This week there will be more edible Christmas Goodies to give and share with your friends and family, because after all what's better than something you can eat and not have to find a place to store! ;o)
Oh and the migration is still in the works. We're working out some kinks, so that will be coming soon as well.
More later.
Posted by Dianne at 12:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 7, 2007
Bean and Pea Soup Gift Jar
Bean Soup is a basic, healthy, yet oddly satisfying soup that is just perfect on a cold winter day! Who says comfort food has to be bad for you? This soup is all about whole, real goodness and it makes a perfect gift! How wonderful is that? The soup is what you make of it, but it's always a big hit!
(Note: I forgot to soak the beans last night so I don't have a finished product picture right now. I'll make the soup Sunday afternoon and add some pictures to the entry then.)
What You'll Need for the Bean Soup Jar:
1 quart jar
6 types of beans, lentils and/or peas (Note: I used navy white beans, black kabuli chick peas, petite crimson lentils, scarlet runner beans, yellow split peas and black beluga lentils.)
You want to layer the beans,lentils and/or peas you choose so that no two of the same color are next to each other. The jar above has 1/2 cup of navy white beans, 1/2 cup of black chick peas, 1 cup of petite crimson lentils, 1/2 cup scarlet runner beans, 1/2 cup of yellow split peas and the rest of the jar is filled with black beluga lentils. Dress up the jar however you like, but be sure to include the directions for the soup (see below).
What You'll Need to Make the Soup:
1 Bean and Pea Soup Gift Jar (see above)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Broth or water
Dump contents of the Bean and Pea Soup gift jar into a large bowl and cover with water. Let sit overnight. (Note: If you choose only lentils and split pea varieties you can skip this step as they don't need to soak overnight. They can soak, it won't hurt them, but it isn't necessary.)
In a large stockpot sauté celery and onion with a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper until just tender.
Drain beans and peas and rinse. Add to the stockpot with the tender celery and onions. Cover beans and peas until just covered with water or broth. (Note: Most of the time I use water. The beans and peas have enough flavor to more than make the soup, but if you want you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.) Cook for 2-3 hours until beans are tender. Serve warm.
Notes: You could also add in other veggies to the soup such as leeks of carrots. I even add in mushrooms from time to time. It's completely a matter of personal taste.
Update: 12/09/07: 2:29 PM: Now with a picture of the finished product!
This soup is warm, hearty and oh so creamy. Who knew healthy could taste so good? I also ended up utilizing my Crock Pot for this soup. All you have to do is dump in the ingredients and cook for 4-5 hours on high and you're good to go!
Posted by Dianne at 9:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 6, 2007
Hot Chocolate Gift Jar
Hot chocolate immediately brings to mind snow, warmth and the holidays! What better present to give than a jar of chocolatey goodness? Throw in some cookies and you could even leave out a cup for Santa! He'd really love that! ;o)
What You'll Need for the Jar:
1 quart jar
1 cup of powdered milk
1 cup of powdered cocoa
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of vanilla powder (Note: If you've never used vanilla powder before you use it just as you would the liquid equivalent. Take the link to get more info. You'll have to scroll down until you reach the product.)
4 tablespoons of organic cane sugar
Mix ingredients in a food processor or sift together and stir until completely mixed. Dress up the jar however you like, but be sure to include instructions on how to make the hot chocolate (see below).
To Make the Hot Chocolate:
Add boiling water to 2 or 3 heaping spoonfuls of hot chocolate mix to taste. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream or even just drink it straight up! For an adult kick add in some rum or Irish cream.
Posted by Dianne at 7:53 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
December 5, 2007
Three Bean Chili Gift Jar
After a little something sweet, what better than to spice things up a bit with the gift of Three Bean Chili! This version is very basic, but basic doesn't have to be a bad thing. This is the perfect meal on a snowy day and it just so happens today is just that! ;o)
What You'll Need for the Jar:
1 quart jar
3-4 tablespoons of chili powder
2 tablespoons of paprika
1 tablespoon of onion and/or garlic powder
1 teaspoon of sea salt
2 teaspoons of black pepper
1 cup of three different types of beans (Note: I used pinto. scarlet runner and navy white beans.)
In the bottom of the jar mix spices and then layer beans on top. Dress up the jar any way you like, with fabric, ribbons and bows, but remember to include the directions for the chili (see below).
What You'll Need to Make the Chilii:
1 Three Bean Chili Gift Jar (see above)
Olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 pint of grape tomatoes, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic minced
1 - 15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1 - 10 ounce can of Rotel
1 potato, peeled and cubed
Scoop beans out of the jar and leave the spices behind. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak over night.
In a large stock pot sauté onion, tomatoes and garlic until onions are tender and tomatoes start to get soft.
Add seasonings from the jar and stir to mix.
Next add tomato sauce, Rotel, beans and 1 1/2 jars of water. Stir to mix and bring to a quick boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 hours at least. The longer the better. Chili only gets better with time! 20-30 minutes before serving add the potato and cook until tender.
Notes: The potato is a thing my dad does to chili. I think he got it from my grandmother. I don't do it every time I make a pot of chili, but it adds a nice little surprise that most people don't expect so I do it from time to time. You could also add in a cup or two of corn in place of the potato if you wanted. Depending on what type of canned tomato sauce you use you my need to add more salt. Taste the concoction as you go and modify the spices to your liking.
Posted by Dianne at 9:24 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
December 4, 2007
Chocolate Chip Brownies Gift Jar
What's better for a gift than something gooey and chocolatey? That's exactly what you get with Chocolate Chip Brownies! If you have a chocolate lover on your gift list, this is the gift for you. It's simple to put together and even simple to bake! That's very important when you're giving a gift. I'm sending them with Jamison to work tomorrow to share. After all isn't that the fun part?
What You'll Need for the Gift Jar:
1 quart jar
3/4 cup of unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
3/4 cup of cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups of organic cane sugar
1 cup of milk chocolate chips
Mix flour, salt and baking powder and add to the jar. Next add the cocoa powder. After that add the sugar. On top put the chocolate chips.
Dress up the jar however you like...Ribbons, fabric, etc. and be sure to include the directions for how to make the brownies (see below).
What You'll Need to Make the Brownies:
1 stick of butter melted
1 Chocolate Chip Brownies Gift Jar (See above)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 F. (Note: My oven is still out of commission so these were baked in my good old toaster oven! ;o))
In a large bowl melt butter in the microwave and set aside.
Scoop chocolate chips out of the jar and dump the rest of the ingredients into the bowl with the butter, along with the eggs and the vanilla. Stir mixture until completely incorporated and then stir in chocolate chips until just mixed. Pour brownie mixture into an 8 X 8 inch baking dish that has been greased or sprayed with non-stick spray.
Bake brownies for 25-20 minutes or until fudgy. Remove pan from the oven and let cool. Cut the brownies into squares. (Note: The brownies are very rich so you might want to cut them smaller, rather than larger.) Store in an airtight container.
Notes: I was going to make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Brownies, but I realized I was out of peppermint extract when I got ready to bake the brownies. If you want to make them peppermint omit the vanilla and add 1 tablespoon of peppermint extract instead.
Posted by Dianne at 1:20 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 3, 2007
Veggie Soup Gift Jar
Tis the season to give gifts, but in reality most of us have plenty of stuff, so why not give a gift that can be enjoyed and then be gone! ;o) This soup mix is a basic vegetable soup that is warm and hearty. It also comes together quickly and cooks up fast as well! What's not to like about that?
What You'll Need for the Jar:
1 quart jar
1 cup of Just Veggies or freeze dried vegetable mix
1 cup of Just Peas or freeze dried peas
1 cup of Just Corn or freeze dried
4-6 tablespoons of Vogue Cuisine Instant Vege Base Soup and Seasoning or vegetable bullion powder
Layer ingredients as listed above into a quart canning jar. Put the lid on the jar and you can dress up the jar any way you want. A nice piece of material on the lid and a ribbon to dress up the jar make a nice addition. You also want to include the directions to make the soup (see below) so that the person you give it to will know how to make the soup.
What You'll Need to Make The Soup:
Extra virgin oil
1 carrot, chopped
1/2 an onion, chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
1 leek, chopped
Sea salt
Black pepper
1 Veggie Soup Gift Jar (See above)
3 jars of water
In a large stock pot sauté carrot, onion, celery and leek with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper until onions are tender. Add contents of the Veggie Soup Gift jar and 3 jars full of water. Stir to mix. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 35-45 minutes and then serve.
Notes: You can add any type of veggies that you like. You could also use veggie broth instead of water. The vegetable bullion powder I use does not have a lot of sodium in it. If you use one that does omit the salt.
Posted by Dianne at 4:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
This Week On Dianne's Dishes Jarred Gifts and That Lilttle Pesky Migration Issue Too!
This week on Dianne's Dishes I will have several gifts in a jar you can put together for a personal little Christmas gift. Won't that be fun? ;o)
On the migration front we're still working on that. Hopefully that will be taken care of this week!
More later.
Posted by Dianne at 9:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack