Happy Christmas Eve, Olives!

Posted
Filed under Memories in the Kitchen

Happy Christmas Eve, Olives! 

photo-91

It’s not a family gathering without a very special ingredient that sits on our table.  Since before I can remember, a beautiful bowl of black olives has always been a part of all family celebrations. You might ask, Black Olives?  What’s so special about Black Olives?  Well, the story goes a little like this…

My Pop-Pop, my mother’s father, grew up outside of New York City with many brothers and sisters.  Their family was very poor and most holiday celebrations were sparse with presents and goodies.  My Pop-Pop’s family always received baskets from local churches during the holidays.  His mother would use the ingredients to create a feast for the family.  There was one item that Grandma Patak would not use and no others in the family wanted… Black Olives.  At a young age, Pop-Pop, learned that the jar of black olives went untouched until he unlocked the yumminess of the olives.  For years Pop-Pop would look forward to the basket and that one jar that was all his.  This was true Christmas.

Well, Pop-Pop met Mom-Mom, they had three children, those children had amazing children. We would all gather at their house on Christmas Eve.  The memories are so clear and wonderful.  They feel like just yesterday.  Every year, under the tree, everyone would have a wrapped can of olives from Pop-Pop.  In return, everyone would give Pop-Pop a can of olives.  Each year we would hear the story of how even a can of olives can give you the feeling of Christmas.  Black Olives are a part of who we are.  Each of Pop-Pop’s granddaughters shared a black olive with him before they walked down the aisle to be married.  Pop-Pop taught William how to place an olive on the tip of each finger and then eat every one of them off.  It’s all about the olives.

As I write this Happy Christmas Eve blog, there are tears and a heart full of love and memories of a man who always had the spirit of Christmas.  As a family, this is our first Christmas Eve without our Pop-Pop.  I know my Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop are having the Christmas Eve of their lives with Jesus.  Tonight as we place the dish of olives on the table, this year in my Mom-Mom’s dish, I will remember how a simple olive can give so much joy.

Happy Christmas Eve to You All!- Amanda (or A.J. as Pop-Pop would say)

Will (age 4) and his Black Olive

Will (age 4) and his Black Olive

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Posted
Filed under Sweet Tooth

Is there anything that says Christmas more than ginger cookies? It’s that time of year that everyone wants a ginger cookie or two.  Several years ago I was determined to find that perfect, easy, and traditional recipe.  With several experiments in the kitchen, polling friends, and conducting my own taste tests, I found the recipe I give to you now.  You still have several weeks to enjoy this holiday classic.  Your family, friends, and coworkers will thank you!  -Amanda

photo-89Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 t baking soda

1/4 t salt

1 t ground cinnamon

1 t ground ginger

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 extra large egg

1 t vanilla

1/4 cup regular unsulphured molasses

1 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Set aside.  Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger into a medium bowl.  Set aside.

Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl with mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.  With mixer on medium speed, beat in the egg, vanilla, and molasses, until the mixture no longer looks curdled.  Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula several times while mixing.  Mix in flour mixture on low speed.  The batter will be rather stiff.

Place some granulated sugar on a small plate.  Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form 1/4 cup portions of dough.  Or I have been using a cookie dough scoop to make a little smaller cookies.  Transfer the dough to your hands and roll each portion into a rough ball, then roll each ball into the sugar.  Place six (large) or nine (small) sugared balls on each baking sheet, spacing evenly, because they will spread during baking.  Dampen your fingers with water and press down lightly on each cookie to flatten it a little and dampen the top.  Refrigerate one filled baking sheet while the other bakes.

Bake for 9- 10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and are slightly firm to the touch.  Rotate the sheet 180 degrees halfway through the baking time.  Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet.

Makes 20-22 large (1/4 cup) cookies or 37-30 (dough scoop measurement) cookies

Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

Posted
Filed under On the Side

The quest was to create a roasted pear.  Chris loves roasted pears.  Then to add all the deliciousness of goat cheese, pine nuts, honey, and rosemary… Stop It!  Roasted Pears are the perfect addition to any upcoming festivity.  But please treat yourself to this yumminess whether you have a party or not.  You deserve it! -Amanda

photo-87Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

2  pears, ripe but firm

3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

3/4 oz  pine nuts

1 sprig rosemary, chopped

2 T honey

2 T butter

Wash the pears, slice them lengthwise into halves. With a small sharp paring knife and a spoon remove the core and seeds from each pear, leaving a round well for the filling.

Heat the butter in a skillet and brown the pears, skin side down, on low heat for about 10 minutes

Preheat your oven at 350 degrees.

Place the pears in a ovenproof dish and pour the cooking butter on top. Add half a cup of water in the ovenproof dish. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, gently toss the goat cheese with the pine nuts and the rosemary in a small bowl.

Remove the pears from the oven. Divide the mixture among the pears, mounding it on top of the indentation. Spoon 1/2 tablespoon of honey on top of each pear.  Bake pears again for another 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

Basic Pie Crust

Posted
Filed under Sweet Tooth

In a season of making pies, you might be in the mood to make your own pie crust.  This is my favorite go-to recipe.  It’s easy and comes out right every time.  I make extra so that I can cut out little creations for my pie crust.  On my last pumpkin pie, I added leaves.  It’s all about presentation! -Amanda

photo-86Basic Pie Crust (9-inch)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 t salt

1/3 cup plus 1 T shortening

3 to 4 T ice water

Combine flour and salt; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.  Sprinkle with ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, evenly of surface.  Stir with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.  Shape into a ball; cover and chill until ready to use.

Roll pastry to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.  Place in pie plate.  Trim off excess pastry along edges.  Fold edges under, and crimp.  Chill.

Continue with creating your pie.  If you need a baked pie shell, prick the bottom and sides of pie shell with a fork.  Chill pastry until ready to bake.  Bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Cranberry Sauce

Posted
Filed under On the Side

Why yes, I know it comes in a can!  So does shrimp but that does not mean it’s okay to serve.  Freshly made cranberry sauce makes the whole meal come together.  It was simple and a hit on our Thanksgiving table.  I predict this little number will be a regular with turkey in the Fuller home. Chunk the Can!-Amanda photo-90

Cranberry Sauce

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges)

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1/4 t ground ginger

Dash of ground cloves

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries

1 T grated orange rind

Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 12 minutes or until cranberries pop. Remove from heat; stir in rind. Cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Posted
Filed under Sweet Tooth

I know…some of you might think it is a little late for me to share my pumpkin pie recipe.  My plan was to share a few weeks ago when I first started making pumpkin pies for the season.  It’s hard to deny a 7 year old’s request for his favorite pie.  And then there was that text from a friend (not to be announced) that needed this recipe the night before Thanksgiving.  The truth is my recipe is straight off the Libby’s can!  It is one of those recipes that just works so there is no need messing it up.  There is still plenty of time to make pumpkin pies.  Forgive me this time!
And happy late Thanksgiving! -Amanda

Pumpkin Pie

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 t ground cinnamon

1/2 t salt

1/2 t ground ginger

1/4 t ground cloves

2 eggs

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell (or Amanda’s Pie Crust Recipe)

Whipped cream (optional)

Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

Pour into pie shell.  I put a small slab of butter on top.

Bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Posted
Filed under On the Side

We all know the dish.  It is a staple at church potlucks, in cookbooks, and family gatherings.  Let’s change it up a little.  Add in quinoa instead of rice.  You still get the same creamy-yummy texture without all those carbs.  This is a perfect side dish to all to your upcoming festivities.

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

1- 10 oz can condensed Cream of Broccoli soup
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
2 T milk
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 t Splenda
1/4 t black pepper
2 cups cooked broccoli
1 1/2 cups  COOKED quinoa (below)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

To cook quinoa:
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 t salt

Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear.  In a small saucepan combine the quinoa, water, and salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low and cover.  Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until fluffy and the white ring/tail is visible.  Fluff with a fork.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a shallow (8×8 in or 5-6 cups) casserole dish – or individual ramekins – with vegetable cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine the soup, mayonnaise, milk, shredded cheese, Splenda, and pepper until well mixed. Stir in the quinoa and broccoli.
Spoon mixture into prepared casserole.  Sprinkle on a couple tablespoons of Parmesan and bake for 35-40 minutes (20-25 minutes for ramekins) or until bubbly on the edges and golden.  Makes 8 generous 1/2-cup servings.

Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Posted
Filed under On the Side

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  On most dinner tables you will find sweet potatoes.  Yes, many folks cover them with marshmallows and brown sugar.  If that is your tradition, get all over it.  We wanted to find a healthy alternative to the typical sweet potato dish.  Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes give a nice blend of savory with a kick.  This will become a regular side dish in our home.  Enjoy! -Amanda

Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 T unsalted butter

1 whole canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (save rest for later)

1 t adobo sauce from can of peppers

1/2 t salt

Put cubed potatoes into vegetable steamer. Allow to steam for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Add butter to potatoes and mash with potato masher. Add peppers, sauce, and salt. Continue mashing to combine. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Posted
Filed under On the Side

In an attempt to try out a few new holiday side dishes, I discovered a dish that makes me push away the typical potato casserole.  I will admit that I have not cooked with spaghetti squash.  What a pleasant surprise!  This creation had this carb loving family excited.  All the goodness with no guilt!  If you are a newbie to spaghetti squash, this video might help you out.  http://www.ehow.com/video_2346682_making-spaghetti-squash-strings-spaghetti.html
Start making your menus!- Amanda

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

1 medium spaghetti squash
3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
¼ t red pepper flakes, or more if you like it spicy
1 t fresh thyme
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds.  Place in a covered dish with a ¼ inch of water and microwave for 10 -12 minutes.  In a medium sized skillet over medium heat, add the butter, onions, red pepper and thyme and cook until the onions are slightly brown in color.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Using a fork, scrape the insides of the squash and transfer to a small bowl.  Combine the squash, onions, sour cream and half the cheese together and mix well.  Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish 8 x11 and top with remaining cheese.

Place into a 375º for 15 – 20 minutes until golden brown on top.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Posted
Filed under Sweet Tooth

It’s that time of year where pumpkins are on the brain.  While whipping up your traditional fall favorites, you need to make time for these cookies.  It’s a perfect way to use that leftover pumpkin puree.  Soft and chewy with a hint of pumpkin, these goodies are like eating a piece of fall.  Feel free to add some pecans or walnuts.  The cookie monsters in my house approved this addition to our fall dessert assortment.  Taste the fall!- Amanda

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup all purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 t pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 t vanilla extract
2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice.
With mixer, cream together the butter and the sugars until fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the pumpkin puree and the vanilla extract. Stir in the flour mixture and the oatmeal until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 11-13 min. Cookies will be lightly browned at the edges when done. Don’t over-bake or they can dry out.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen