Happy Pi Day!

A few years ago my oldest son bounded through the front door and said, "Happy Pi Day!" By the look on my face he knew I was puzzled.  He then asked me the date.  After gathering my thoughts I said, "March 14th" to which he said, "Get it? It's Pi Day not Pie Day". He went on to tell me that the ratio of a circle's circumference to it's diameter is 3.14 and during math class that day the teacher had brought in Moon Pies for them to measure (and eat) along with cookies and other round items.  Somewhere in the cobwebs of my brain I remembered that number, but didn't remember it's significance.  Oh well, it didn't matter because I knew exactly what we'd be having for dinner that night. Homemade Pizza Pi!

Pizza is one of my all time favorite foods.  Since I was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvnia, just outside of Philadelphia, I am very partial and grateful to the wonderful Pizzerias around my old neighborhood for authentic Italian pizza.  Many of the owners of these shops were first and second generation Italian immigrants. From tasty calzones, stromboli and fettucini alfredo to delicious canoli's eating in any of these places was always a treat.  My two sisters who still live in my hometown continue to frequent Via Veneto's on Markley Street.  When I lived in North Carolina my other sister and I fell in love with Lorenzo's Pizza which took us way back home to our childhood.

So tonight in honor of Pi Day why not make a homemade pizza?  I sometimes buy premade pizza dough from the grocery store when I don't have time to make the dough myself.  I also have a bread maker which works beautifully.  You probably have some of the ingredients in your pantry and frig already. Just add some candle light, pull out your Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli or Pavarotti CD's and mama mia! That's Amore!

Basic Pizza Dough (Makes 2 12 inch crusts)
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and olive oil.  Stir in yeast mixture.  When the dough pulls togeter, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic for about 8 minutes.  Put dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat in oil.  Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. (About 45 minutes)

3.  Divide the doubled dough in half and either hand press or roll out and place on a pizza stone or pan.

4. Cover with sauce then add favorite toppings.

5. Bake @ 400 degrees for twenty minutes.

Over Fifty Years Of Friendship

My father turned eighty years old recently and we celebrated his birthday with friends and family at his favorite Chinese restaurant.  It was a surprise and my father, who is NEVER speechless, was dumbfounded.  It only took him a nanosecond to put two and two together and make his way around the room hugging and thanking everyone for coming.  It was one of the most moving moments I've ever experienced.  Most of the people in attendance have known my parents since before my brother, sisters and I were born.  That's over fifty years!  It was also heartwarming to see individuals in attendance who were forty years my father's junior.

Several people had the opportunity to give remarks on how they'd met my father and shared some funny stories.  The common thread that ran through everything the guests said was how much of a friend my father had been to them.  They could always count on my dad whenever they needed help or a laugh.  I'm happy to say that every word is true.

In recent years my father has sat by the bedside of  several friends as they've drawn their last breath.  I believe what comforted them most is that they knew that my father would continue to be there for their loved ones.  He is a loyal, true friend.  It's no wonder that my friends and the friends of my siblings call my father "Dad" or "Pop Corley".

My father has a great sense of humor.  I believe that's part of the secret to his long life.  My good friend and fellow blogger Theda recently blogged about the importance of laughter on her blog Tuesday Talks, check it out.  Since my father has such a great sense of humor I could have loads of fun with the goody bags for his party.  The goody bags contained homemade bath salts scented with eucalyptus oil.  One of my sons and I designed a label to place on the goody bags that read: "Andy's Tired Old Butt Soaking Salts".  Attached to the soaking salts was a card that had phrases that my father is known for saying.  He and all of his friends got a kick out of the labels.  Needless to say it was an extraordinary experience.

Celebrate Friendship!

Why not plan a get together with friends on a regular basis?  Mark it on your calender even if its every few months.  We're all so busy nowadays so advanced planning for most people is a must.  Make it a priority and it will be a priority.

I have many fond memories from when I lived in North Carolina.  I hosted a party every few months with a group of girlfriends.  Each party had a theme.  The object was to have as much fun as possible.  We always played at least one interactive game that included a prize.  We'd also do a simple project to take home.

My first party was Mediterranean themed.  The menu included hot artichoke dip with toasted Italian bread slices, Greek salad and Chicken Caccitore over pasta.  I served Pomegranite punch, assorted Biscotti and Tiramisu. Yes, it was a lot of food, but I love to cook!  You do NOT have to prepare anything that elaborate.  An alternative menu could be a beautiful salad topped with sliced grilled chicken, dessert and punch.  Stay within your comfort zone.  The point is to get together with friends and celebrate!

After dinner while we were still gathered at the table and the dishes were cleared, my good friend Sue introduced us to a game called the "Right Left Game".  The game is similiar to musical chairs except you pass a wrapped prize around the table instead of walking around chairs.  Sue told a fantastical story and every time she said the word "right" the prize was passed to the right.  Every time she said the word "left" the prize was passed to the left.  Whoever was holding the prize at the end of the story got to keep it.  Big fun!

The make and take project was bath salts.  I researched the ingredients years ago on the internet.  My kids and I used to make fragrant bath salts for teacher gifts.  This is a super easy project.  I got all the ingredients from the Dollar Store and Michael's Craft Store.  Give it a try!

SOAK AWAY

Bath Salts
2 cups Epson Salt
1 cup Baking Soda
*Fragrant bath oils
Large Bowl
Wooden Spoon
Clear cellophane bags
Assorted ribbons
Labels

Directions:
1.  Pour salt and Baking Soda in bowl and mix with spoon.
2.  Squeeze 10-12 drops of oil into salt mixture. Use more if needed.
3.  Mix with spoon until fragrance is well distributed. Be patient this takes a little time.
4.  Scoop salts into bags and tie with ribbon.
5.  Label.

*Oils can be purchased in the soap section of Michael's Craft Store.  Be sure oils are safe for use on skin.

Tip: Provide several bowls and spoons so each guest can mix her own salts.
       All measurements are approximate.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's to cards, here's to flowers, here's to candy, here's to LOVE!  Even though you may not receive a card or candy from a special Valentine you can still have a great day.  Treat yourself !  How about a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or toffee chips?  Speaking of whipped cream, why not make a super easy dessert filled with whipped cream?  Cream puffs!  I learned to make these when I worked for friends who owned a catering business.  We occassionally catered weddings and one day a bride from Lithuania came in and wanted a traditional french wedding cake.  WHAT? We had no idea what she was talking about, but we told her "sure, yeah, we can do that."  I went to town on the internet and found a wonderful recipe that I use when I want to make something extra special for dessert.  This recipe is from chef Gale Gand.  I taught my daughter how to make cream puffs when she had to take a dessert to a friend's house for a get together.  I hope you'll try these and enjoy them with friends and family. 

Cream Puffs
For the pate a choux pastry:
1 cup water
1 stick butter (unsalted)
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbs granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 to 4 eggs, plus 1 egg for egg wash

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt and sugar to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.  When it boils, immediately take the pan off the heat. Stirring with a wooden spoon, add all the flour at once and stir hard until all the flour is incorporated, 30 to 60 seconds.  Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring, 30 seconds to evaporate some of the moisture.

Scrape the mixture into the bowl of a mixer and mix on medium speed.  Working one egg at a time add 3 of the eggs, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each egg addition.  Mix until dough is smooth and glossy and the eggs are completely incorporated.  The dough should fall slowly and steadily from the beaters when you lift them out of the bowl.  If the dough is still clinging to the beaters, add the remaining egg and mix until incorporated.

Using a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper into 2 inch rounds.  Whisk the remaining egg with 1 1/2 tsp water and brush onto the rounds. (You may have egg wash left.)  Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake until puffed up, and light golden brown, about 18-20 minutes more.  Try not to open the oven door too often during baking.  Let cool on baking sheet.

Filling
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla

To fill the cream puffs, use a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the bottom of each puff.  (Swirl the skewer around to make a big enough hole for pastry tip to fit.  Whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla until stiff.  (Don't over whip or the cream will turn into butter!)  Pipe whipped cream into each cream puff and chill until ready to serve. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with roasted nuts.

Valentine's Day Isn't Just for Grown Ups!

In celebrating Valentine's Day I always made it a point to have little Valentine surprises for my three children from my husband and I.  The joy on their little faces when they came home from school and looked on their beds to find a card and a small gift was priceless.  I'd set the dinner table with a table cloth, linen napkins and china.  They felt so special.

We've continued the tradition even though they're all teenagers now and one is in college.  They still enjoy receiving a card with a chocolate bar or pair of  heart socks.  I still enjoy the looks on their faces.  It doesn't have to cost a small fortune to celebrate Valentine's Day.  If you want to spend a small fortune by all means go ahead!  The important thing is to let the special people in your life know they are loved.  Simply do what you learned in kindergarten, show and tell!

Regulation Overtime!!!

Super Bowl Parties do not consist of low calorie eats, but you already know that much.  That's why New Year's eating resolutions should start after the Super Bowl.  That being said, one dessert for this party just isn't enough so let's add another!

This recipe is easy, but the presentation makes it look harder than it really is.  I copied this recipe a few years ago while watching Paula Deen's Best Dishes.  It is, without a doubt, one of my family's top favorites.  Instead of a cookie wafer crust I make a cinnamon graham cracker, pecan crust.  Give it a try and you're sure to score extra points!

Cream Cheese Tarts
2 (8 oz) packeages of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
9 cinnamon graham crackers (1 pk)
6 tsp butter
1/4 cup toasted pecans
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cupcake liners in muffin pan.

Crust:
Toast pecans in oven for 3-4 minutes.  Finely chop the pecans.  Melt butter in microwave oven in a microwave safe bowl.  Crush graham crackers in a large plastic bag by rolling it with a rolling pin.  Pour  graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and mix with a spoon until mixture sticks together when you pinch it.

Beat cream cheese in mixer until fluffy.  Gradually add sugar.  Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.  Put a rounded tablespoon of crust in bottom of each muffin cup and press down with your thumb.  Sprinkle a little of the pecans on top of crust.  Spoon a rounded tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of pecans.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow tarts to cool completely.  Top with whipped cream and fruit of your choice.  I usually stretch the cream cheese mixture to get 18 tarts so that I can add more whipped cream on each tart.

Two Minute Warning!!!

What would a Super Bowl Party be without dessert!  Super Bowl Forty-Five will take place at the Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas. Why not make cupcakes the size of Texas!  Simply take the classic Texas sheet cake recipe and turn it into a dozen, rich, chocolatey, moist, giant cupcakes of pure "happy mouth" pleasure.  Hide one for yourself because these are sure to disappear within two minutes!

I got this recipe years ago from my friend Lana when I lived in Georgia.  Family and friends have enjoyed this recipe many times over the years.  Making this recipe into cupcakes also shortens the clean up time after the party.  Eeeee Doggie!!

Texas Sheet Cake
2 cups sugar 
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 T. cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line giant cupcake pans with paper liners.  Sift together into large mixing bowl sugar, flour, salt.  Into sauce pan put margarine, butter, cocoa, water and bring to a boil.  Pour this hot mixture over flour and stir well.  Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, vanilla and cinnamon.  Mix well.  Pour into cupcake pans about 2/3 full.  Bake for 18-20 minutes or toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven.

Icing:
1/2 cup butter
6 T. cocoa
6 T. milk
1 box powdered sugar sifted
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Put butter, cocoa and milk in pan.  Melt and bring to a boil stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, vanilla and nuts.  Blend well and spoon onto cupcakes while they are hot.

Don't Miss The Sidelines!!!

Barbeque beans are a side dish you can make year round.  They'll taste great with the two sandwiches featured for the Super Bowl Party.  Who hasn't grown up eating beans with hot dogs, slaw and burgers?  If you add a little ground beef to the beans it's a beautiful thing.  The secret to the robust flavor of the beans is in the slow cooking time.

Celebrate the beauty of barbeque beans and enjoy them with Super Bowl sandwiches that "eat like a meal".  Throw in some deli saurerkraut and you've kicked a field goal!

Barbeque Beans
1 medium onion chopped
1/2 bell pepper chopped
1 lb ground beef
4 garlic cloves minced
3 cans (15)oz pinto beans rinsed and drained
1 1/2 bottles hickory smoked barbeque sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 T. deli mustard
3/4 cups brown sugar
1 tsp liquid smoke
salt and black pepper to taste

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Brown ground beef in a skillet until cooked through and no pink is visible.  Drain any fat from the skillet and season meat with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Remove from skillet.  Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet and saute until soft.  Add minced garlic and stir for additional two minutes.  Put meat back in skillet with onion mixture.  In a sauce pan combine barbeque sauce, mustard and brown sugar.  Mix well and heat through.  Pour mixture over beans and mix well.  Pour beans into a 9x13 buttered casserole dish.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover beans and bake an additional 30 minutes.  Let sit for 15 minutes and serve.

*This is a "to taste" dish.
*You can lay 5 strips of thick cut smoked bacon strips on top of beans before you bake in oven for a variation.

Green Bay Brats Score With Flavor!

The Super Bowl Party menu with sandwiches that eat like a meal has started with the Pittsburgh Sandwich (Primanti Brothers).  Now we're moving out to the mid-west to Green Bay.  Roll out the Brats!  What is Wisconsin without those wonderful German Bratwurst sausages?  Grilled, smoked or simmered NOT boiled with a wonderful Sheboygan roll or Brat roll NOT a hot dog bun.

I first experienced grilled brats years ago when we lived in Oklahoma and my husband was in school.  We had a very generous upstairs neighbor who'd invite classmates over after class to grab some lunch just about everyday.  I knew this because I came home for lunch since I worked close by and would see the festivities.  Since my husband usually went to work right after school he missed out on the after class get togethers.  On one occasion my husband's work schedule changed and he had the opportunity to go upstairs.  He brought home a grilled Brat sandwich and it was delicious!  Definitely NOT a hot dog.

The upstairs "free lunch" program came to an abrupt end one day when our neighbor's wife took the day off from work and discovered what had been going on.  She shared with me later that she couldn't figure out how one person, that person being her husband, could eat so much food and that sometimes she had to go grocery shopping twice in one week!  She was enlightened that day.

We've enjoyed Bratwurst sandwiches smothered in onions over the years for a quick lunch or dinner.  Although it's a quick fix meal Bratwursts do require some attention so that the sausage "snaps" when your teeth breaks through the skin and the wonderfully flavorful juice bursts into your mouth.  If the Green Bay Packers isn't your team it's ok because this sandwich more than makes up for it.  Das ist gut! (that's good)

Bratwursts (on the stove)
Put 1/2 inch of water in a skillet.
Add brats and cover.
Gently simmer until the water evaporates. (15-20 minutes)
Uncover and allow brats to brown on low heat.
Add sliced onions, cook with brats until onions are tender.

*I was told a proper Brat sandwich is served with deli mustard NOT ketchup.

 Picture from Eatnlisten.com

Its Super Bowl Party Time!

Congratulations to the AFC and NFC football champions, the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers respectively!  It's time to get ready for the second  party of the new year.  Super Bowl Forty-Five will take place in Arlington, Texas at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on Sunday, February 6th.

I have found over the years that the best Super Bowl parties are the ones with the best food.  Since the game takes place during the dinner hour its good to have something substantial, but a sit down dinner just doesn't fit the bill.   What better way to celebrate the Super Bowl than to highlight a sandwich that eats like a meal from the cities of both teams? 

One of my sisters graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and she told me about a restaurant not far from the campus that featured one of the best sandwiches she'd ever eaten.   The restaurant is called Primanti Brothers.  She and her classmates would make their way to the restaurant as often as they could for that wonderfully filling sandwich.

These sandwiches are very filling.  I made them for lunch for my family and we were still full at dinner time!  Celebrate the Steelers by putting these sandwiches on your party menu.  Even if you're not a Steelers fan you'll become a fast fan of this sandwich!

The Pittsburgh Sandwich (Like Primanti Brothers)
Italian bread, sliced
mayonaise
tomato, sliced
Amish Slaw *recipe to follow
steak fries (thats right!)
5-6 slices lunch meat (your choice)
sliced provolone cheese
softened butter

*Amish Slaw                                
1 medium head cabbage, cored/thinly sliced or shredded
1 medium onion, finely chopped                     
1 carrot, grated                                                 
1 cup sugar                                                     
1 cup vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp deli mustard
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Toss together cabbage, onion, carrot and 1 cup sugar.  Set aside.
In a small pot combine the vinegar, salt, celery seed, 1 tsp sugar, mustard and oil.
Bring to boil, and cook for 3 minutes.  Cool completely
Pour cooled vinegar mixture over cabbage mixture and toss to coat.  Refrigerate at least eight hours or overnight.  *I make this slaw the day before.

Prepare steak fries according to package directions, salt lightly.

Butter and lightly toast bread.
Spread bread with mayonaise.
layer the meat, cheese, tomatoes, slaw, warm fries

Top with other slice of bread and serve.

Savor(y) Every Moment

It's National Pie Day!  What would National Pie Day be without savory, poultry or meat pies included in the celebration?  I can remember coming home from school on cold winter days and the aroma of Chicken Pot Pie wafting through the whole house.  It was a complete meal within itself.  Between me, my brother and three sisters there were never leftovers.

When my children were little we had a cheer we'd repeat every time I prepared Chicken Pot Pie for dinner.  It went like this: "Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Pot, Chicken Pot, Chicken Pot Pie!  My daughter is away in college now and my sons are in high school, but when they come home and catch a whiff of that familiar aroma they repeat the same cheer from their childhood, only now their voices are much deeper and they say it under their breath.

With the combination of flavors including rosemary, roasted vegetables and tender chicken pieces enveloped in a golden crust, whats not to celebrate?  Here's my recipe for Chicken Pot Pie.  Feel free to cheer!

Chicken Pot Pie   
3 chicken breasts (bone & skin attached)
1 T kosher salt
1 stalk celery
1/2 bell pepper
1/2 onion
1 tsp granulated garlic
2 tsp poultry seasonings
(2) 9' refrigerator pie crusts
1 can cream of chicken soup with herbs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (reserved from cooked chicken breasts)

Wash chicken, put in pot with next six ingredients and enough water to cover.
Bring chicken to a boil. Cover. Turn down heat and simmer for 12 minutes. Turn off heat.

MEANWHILE:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Veggies                                                          
4 red potatoes washed and cubed into bite-size pieces          
1 celery stalk sliced same size as potatoes   
2 carrots sliced same size as other veggies  
1/2 cup of cut green beans fresh or frozen    
1 T extra virgin olive oil                         
2 stalks of fresh rosemary cut in half
1 cup mushrooms sliced same size as other veggies

Spices
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 onion powder
1 tsp poultry seasonings
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Toss veggies with spices and olive oil in a bowl.  Spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Discard rosemary.  Turn oven down to 350 degrees.

 Remove chicken from pot and let cool enough to handle.  Remove skin and bone and chop into pieces the same size as the veggies and place in a bowl along with veggies.  In a separate bowl combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream and reserved chicken broth and blend well.  Pour mixture over chicken and mix with a spoon to coat. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

Roll out one pie crust and place into a deep baking dish.  Pour chicken mixture onto bottom crust.  Roll out second crust and lay on top of chicken mixture.  Crimp crusts and make eight small slits on top crust.  Brush with egg wash and place in oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

 

                              

Here's To You, Sweetie Pie!

Did you know that Sunday, January 23rd is National Pie Day?  Let's face it, anything with a flaky crust on the bottom, top and sides should be celebrated.  I bet you can name at least three kinds of pies off the top of your head without even thinking about it.  One of my husband's favorite desserts is Apple Pie.  When celebrating his birthday I sometimes make him a birthday Apple Pie in place of a birthday cake.

My mother sent me one of the most amazing Apple Pie recipes I've tasted in a VERY long time.  She got it from my Aunt Sarah and it is scrumptious!  This particular Apple Pie doesn't have a traditional top crust.  It has a wonderful caramel flavored topping.  My family has actually demolished two in two days!  Those of you who live with teenagers know how that can happen.

Celebrate National Pie Day this Sunday and enjoy the football games!  Whether your team wins or loses, this pie will help ease some of those intense moments.

Sour Cream Apple Pie

3/4 cups sugar                                      Topping

2 T flour                                               1/3 cups sugar

1/8 tsp salt                                            1/3 cups flour

1 cup sour cream                                  1/4 cup softened butter (don't melt)

1 egg                                                    1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

2 cups tart cooking apples diced (I use Granny Smith)

(1) 9' refrigerated pie crust
egg wash for crust

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine sugar, flour and salt in a bowl.
Stir in sour cream, egg, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon until smooth.

Add apples.

Roll out pie crust and place in pie dish and crimp edges.
Pour apple mixture into pie crust.
Bake @ 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile prepare topping:

Combine sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon. 

Mix with a fork or fingers until crumbs are similiar in appearance to small peas. 

Remove pie from oven and sprinkle crumb mixture on top.
Place pie back in oven for additional 15 minutes or until browned.

Serve warm or chilled.

Celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday!

Today marks the 82nd birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  He is recognized as the most prominent civil rights leader in America.  He along with many other citizens of various ethnicities and walks of life paid the ultimate price in the quest for equality during a very tumultuous time in American history.  His celebrated "I Have A Dream" speech recited on the steps of the Washington Monument is as riviting now as it was many years ago.  Cultural unity through non-violence was the heart cry of  Dr. Martin Luther King.  Because of his efforts a national holiday in his honor was signed into law in 1983.

Let's celebrate the fire that Martin Luther King lit for civil rights.  Even if you don't get the day off from work why not enjoy a piece of Southern Pecan Pie in his honor.  It's reported to have been his favorite dessert.  Don't forget a dollop of whipped cream!

"Pass the Pecan Pie, please" (Say that three times fast!)

Pecan pie recipes are basically the same.  They tend to be very sweet.  My family likes less sugar in pecan pie so I cut the amount of sugar. I use equal amounts of granulated and light brown sugars.  Enjoy!

Pecan Pie My Way

1 cup light corn syrup
*1 1/2 cups toasted pecans broken into pieces
3 eggs, beaten in small bowl
2 Tbs butter, melted
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp maple extract

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 pinch of kosher salt
(1) 9" refrigerated pie crust (lest you think I make everything from scratch)
*egg wash

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl, mix light corn syrup, melted butter and sugars until sugars are dissolved.  Add vanilla extract, maple extract, nutmeg and salt.  Stir in beaten eggs and broken pecans until blended.  Set aside.

Roll out pie crust and fit into pie dish.  Crimp edges and brush with egg wash.  Pour pecan mixture into pie crust and place in preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Top slices with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

*Toasting pecans in the oven brings out the rich pecan flavor.  Just spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for approximately 3-4 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Watch carefully so the pecans don't burn.

*Egg wash gives pie crusts a beautiful finish.  Simply put an egg in a small bowl and beat with 1 tablespoon of water.  Brush wash on pie crust with a pastry brush before baking.

Celebrate the Snow!

I've received calls and emails from family and friends from Pennsylvania to Georgia who are being swamped with monsterous amounts of snow.  As I'm writing I can look out my window and see snow steadily falling.  Snow in Michigan is no big news flash, but snow in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina is a BIG deal.  Why not turn lemons into lemonade?  In this case why not turn snow into Snow Cream?

My friend Gail has a ritual from her childhood that she performs every time there's a good snow fall in Charlotte, North Carolina which entails collecting snow and making Snow Cream.  When Gail emailed last night she informed me that she'd already had three bowls of Snow Cream by 9:00 a.m. that morning!  It's her cold weather indulgence.  I've never made Snow Cream before and asked  her for the recipe to share. 

Make the most of a snowy situation.  Build plenty of snowmen/women, construct fancy snow forts, have plenty of snowball fights, and celebrate the snow with a bowl of Snow Cream.  I'll be making Snow Cream this evening and I hope you will too.  Thanks Gail!

Snow Cream

Collect clean snow by setting out a large bowl and letting the snow fall into it. 

You can also scoop the top layer of snow from your car!

1 can evaporated milk

1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1 T vanilla

Combine first four ingredients in a bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. 

Scoop some snow into a smaller bowl and slowly add a little milk mixture.

Stir until it reaches the consistency of ice cream adding more snow

and milk as needed.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Today marks the 75th birthday of the "King of Rock and Roll".  Very few celebrities world wide are impersonated to the extent that Elvis Presley is impersonated.  From "Jailhouse Rock" to "Viva Las Vegas" I've enjoyed many of his songs and movies.  He had a wonderfully smooth, captivating voice.  Did you know that Elvis won a Grammy Award for his recording of a gospel album entitled "How Great Thou Art"?   He honed his voice in little country churches and hanging around radio stations and juke joints. Why not celebrate Elvis' birthday by experiencing what's reported to be Elvis' all time favorite sandwich?  It tastes better than you may think! There are different versions, but this is my twist on the sandwich.  Hmmm good! "I'm All Shook Up"!

Elvis Sandwich with a Twist

4 1 inch slices of french bread

1 1/2 T butter

1 egg slightly beaten

pinch of nutmeg

1 peeled sliced banana

4 slices turkey bacon

Crunchy peanut butter

Heat butter in skillet until bubbly. Be careful not to burn it.  Place slices of french bread in slightly beaten egg, turning to coat both sides.  Place bread into sizzling butter browning approximately 2-3 minutes.  Turn and heat for additional 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove bread from skillet to a plate. Spread one side of bread slices with crunchy peanut butter, add sliced bananas and bacon slices.  Top with second slice of bread.  Makes two sandwiches.

Soup, Soup Everywhere!

Ok, so you can see I'm on a soup kick, right?  Maybe the Michigan weather has something to do with it. What better way to celebrate the crisp, cold weather than with a nice hot bowl of soup?  Soup just seems to warm the soul.  It's the simplest form of comfort food.  It's economical, easy to prepare, easy to serve and freeze.  It's a wonderful way to make the best use of almost any leftover.

I learned this trick years ago from my friend Sherri who learned it from her sister-in-law Belinda, thanks ladies!  After every meal where there were leftovers, simply divide them into categories.  For example, separate the meat from the veggies, the veggies from the rice or pasta and bag them in separate freezer bags. Make sure you label and date each bag.  Later during the month make a delicious broth either meat or veggie and pour all the leftover ingredients into the broth, meats first followed by the veggies then rice or pasta.  Gently simmer to heat through.  Adjust the seasonings if needed.  You can add more veggies or meat if needed.  Serve hot and enjoy!

COLD SOUP FOR HOT CLIMATES

For all my friends who live in the deep south where the weather stays warm

during the winter I have a fabulous cold soup recipe called Gazpacho.  I
enjoyed a bowl this passed summer while at lunch with my sisters and loved it!

I tried to duplicate it when I got home and asked my friend Carla for

guidance.  Gazpacho is made with a few simple ingredients and is sooo delicious.

The North and South can come together and celebrate with soup!

Gazpacho

1 unpeeled English cucumber halved, seeded

2 red bell peppers chopped

4 roma tomatoes chopped

1 small red onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups tomato juice

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

Fresh Cilantro, chopped for ganish

Roughly chop cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes and red onion.  Put each vegetable separately in small batches in a blender and pulse lightly until just chopped.  Combine chopped veggies in a large bowl and add garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Mix well and chill before serving.  Make this soup in the morning and the flavors will develop beautifully for lunch or dinner.  Serves 4-6

Soups On!

When getting together with family and friends for soup celebrations
we've enjoyed so many different and wonderful flavors.  Each experience

has been memorable.  I love exchanging recipes and expanding my culinary

palate.  I'm posting my favorite rendition of one of my favorite soups.  My

friend Candace gave me this recipe.  Enjoy! 

Roasted Butternut Squash Pear Soup

3-4 lb Butternut Squash peeled, cubed
4T. butter

4 fresh Bosch pears, peeled, cubed

1  medium sweet onion chopped

1 stalk fresh Rosemary

1 quart chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

Spices for roasting squash:
3 T. Olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp  ground curry

1/4 tsp ground cumin

In a stock pot melt butter and cook onions until soft and tender.  Add pears to onions and sautee for 3 minutes stirring often.  Add chicken stock and rosemary stalk.  Simmer until pears are very soft and come apart easily.  Stir occasionally.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 425 degrees.  Place olive oil, roasting rub and cubed squash in a bowl and toss, coating the squash well.  Spread squash in one layer on a cookies sheet line with parchment paper and roast for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
Note: smaller cubes roast faster.

Remove squash from cookie sheet and put directly in soup mixture and continue to simmer for another ten minutes.  Remove rosemary stalk from pot.  Pour soup in small batches into a blender or food processor (fitted with metal blade) and puree until smooth.  Add heavy cream and stir.  Adjust seasonings if needed.  Pour into a soup tureen and serve hot.

*Note: You may garnish the soup in bowls with a dollop of Creme Frache sweetened with honey, sprinkled with sugared pecan halves. DELISH!!

LET'S TOP IT OFF

Sugared Pecans

1 egg white

1T.water

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups pecan halves

1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Put sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a plastic bag, shake to mix.
Put egg, water and vanilla in a bowl.  Beat until slightly foamy, add pecans and coat well.
Lift pecans out of bowl with a slotted spoon and put into the bag of sugar and spices.  Shake pecans in bag making sure they are well coated.  Bake 15 minutes on a cookie sheet lined with slightly oiled aluminun foil. Stir the pecans and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Let cool completely before serving.  Makes 2 cups.

Have a Soup Celebration!

When we lived in North Carolina we had a tradition that was one of the funnest things we did all year.  On Christmas Eve my relatives and friends would get together for my Annual Christmas Eve Soup Party.  Since everyone pigs out at Christmas dinner we'd get together on Christmas Eve to serve something on the lighter side.  There was a total of six families and each family would bring a different soup.  I'd provide assorted breads, desserts and punch.  We also had a coffee/hot cocoa bar.  I'd set up a table for the children complete with their own bread basket too.  We always had a  great time.

We moved to Michigan this year and for the first time in eight years my sister and I were apart at Christmas time.  She carried on the tradition in North Carolina as planned and invited some new families and friends.  I did the same thing.  The tradition lives on!  We spoke to each other minutes before our parties and wished each other well and God's blessings.  We spoke again after our parties and had some wonderful stories to tell. Who knows?  Maybe we'll start a Soup Across America Campaign!

With the colder months closing in why not throw a soup party?   Don't let the winter month duldrums get you down.  You're probably already eating a lot of soup anyway.  Invite family and friends over and celebrate with soup.  Like I always say, there's always time for a celebration!

Happy New Year!!!

Today is the launch of my new blog entitled Everyday Celebrations.  I hope you'll journey with me through this year and embrace all the wonderful reasons to celebrate.  Life really can be a celebration if we take the time to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.  All it takes is a little imagination and a simple event can go from good to great in a matter of minutes.

The best way to get ideas on how to celebrate is to look at children on a playground or in your own neighborhood.  It doesn't take long to see that it doesn't take much to get a squeal of glee from a child.  I'm reminded of the time one of my sons saw an empty plastic grocery bag floating through the air like a butterfly whenever a gust of wind caught it.  He began to chase it and soon my other children and their friends began to chase it as well.  Whenever they grabbed it they'd throw it back up into the air to start the flotation dance again.  It wasn't long before all the children wanted a plastic floating grocery bag of their own and soon everyone was chasing his own bag.  The sounds of joy that filled the yard were wonderful.  We turned it into a party by bringing out sandwiches, lemonade and cookies.  See how easy it was to make this event a celebraton?

I hope this year holds the best life has to offer you.  More importantly, I hope you ACCEPT the offer.  Seize opportunities and squeeze the juice out of every moment.   Let's look for the floating grocery bag and make every day a celebration!

P.S. We collected all the grocery bags when we were finished and saved them for another day : )