Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

That Rainbow Cake

    Surely you have seen it. I had come across images all over bloghood and I was wondering if someone with my feeble culinary skills and general lack of patience could attempt to make the rainbow cake.

    Thanks to this tutorial on Angry Julie Monday, I was actually able to pull it off! I would definitely recommend giving it a try for your next party- the oohs and aahs will brighten the guest of honor's day as much as this colorful dessert does....well, almost :).

    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

National S'mores Day

Friday, August 5, 2011

treats from across the pond

Monday, February 14, 2011
    Image courtesy of google

    New England Confectionary Company, or NECCO, is the creator of conversation hearts. I don't know about there, but around here nothing says it is Valentine's Day like these sweet hearts showing up in the store aisles. My kids are crazy for them (believe me, I know it is because they are 100% sugar) and so we have had a box here and there already.

    I noticed that Home and Garden.CraftGossip did a post with 9 Conversation Heart Crafts. My favorite was the Valentine wreath, but I am willing to try any of them to add to my holiday decor (and save my children's teeth!).

    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Red Velvet Valentines


    If you are looking for something a little fancier to make this Valentine's Day- how about the recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes from New York City's famed Magnolia Bakery?

    Ingredients:
    3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
    3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    2 cups sugar
    3 large eggs, at room temperature
    6 tablespoons red food coloring
    3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
    1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    1 1/2 cups buttermilk
    1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
    1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    1 recipe Creamy Vanilla Frosting*


    Directions:
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour 2 cupcake pans (24 cupcakes).

    To make the batter: In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla. Add to the batter and beat well.

    In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk. Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat. In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.

    Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Arrange the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and bake the cupcakes, switching positions of the pans halfway through baking, until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pan 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack before icing. To ice, mound about 1/4 cup of frosting on top of each cupcake and use an icing spatula to make a swirl on top. If desired, decorate with colored sprinkles.

    *Creamy Vanilla Frosting

    6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    2 cups milk
    2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    2 cups sugar
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    In a medium-size saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the mixture becomes very thick and begins to bubble, 10-15 minutes. Cover with waxed paper placed directly on the surface and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

    In a large bowl, on the medium high speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat well.

    Add the cooled milk mixture, and continue to beat on the medium high speed for 5 minutes, until very smooth and noticeably whiter in color. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (no less and no longer—set a timer!). Use immediately.Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Snowy Day Treat

    After a month of spending at least a couple of days a week snowbound at home, one is definitely looking to mix things up a little...I am lucky that my kids are young, so things like paper bag puppets and paper plate masks are still super cool and interesting projects for an icy afternoon.

    I saw this idea for a festive winter treat on babble and I loved it. Snowman shooters will be making an appearance in our house this week (my guess is just in time for the predicted Wednesday snowstorm/snow day)! Directions for bringing these little guys into your own freezers are:

    Snowman Shooters

    •1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
    •2 squares unsweetened chocolate
    •1 pint of vanilla ice cream
    •1 small & 1 medium ice cream scoops
    •8-12 mini chocolate chips (or peppercorns)
    •4-6 small pieces of carrots, cut into tiny spears

    In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate squares and microwave them for 35-40 seconds, just enough to soften. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate, then return to the microwave for 50-60 seconds. Remove and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and a thick hot fudge sauce forms.

    Spoon hot fudge sauce into the bottom of 4-5 small shooter glasses. Using a medium-sized ice cream scoop, scoop some of the vanilla ice cream into a rounded ball and plop it carefully on top of the hot fudge sauce. Use the small sized scoop to do the same, placing the second scoop on top of the first one to create the snowman’s head.

    Gently press the carrot nose & chocolate chip eyes into the snowman’s head. Return to the freezer and allow to freeze until ready to serve (to ensure your shot glasses don’t freeze & crack, I recommend making these just about 1 hour ahead of time).


    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Make It Do

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

favorite fall treat

    Image courtesy of google

    The bakeries around here have that sign out that I love to see- "Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are back!". If your local bakeries aren't as excited about these delicious desserts as mine are, then I suggest you make them yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

    The following recipe is from Everyday with Rachel Ray and is a great guide. Whoopie Pies are the best , but Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are seriously even better!

    Ingredients:
    1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
    1 cup packed light brown sugar
    2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
    1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
    1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
    1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
    1-2/3 cups flour
    4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
    1 cup confectioners' sugar
    Get ahead
    Freeze the whoopie pies for up to three days.

    Directions:
    Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.

    Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

    Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

    Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.
    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

summer sorbet

    Farmer's markets are in full swing around here and they are filled with fresh strawberries. I have made smoothies and fruit salad quite a bit already , but I am ready to try something different.
    This weekend will be my first shot at strawberry sorbet (with the help of Cooks.com ). It seems fresh and light and a wee bit fancy. I can't wait...

    STRAWBERRY SORBET

    3 c. strawberries
    3/4 c. confectioners' sugar
    3 - 4 tbsp. lemon juice
    1 - 2 tbsp. superfine sugar (optional)
    Mint leaves (optional)

    Set aside 4 perfect berries with stems. Wash, cap and puree the remaining berries. Combine with the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice. Either freeze in ice cream freezer, or pour into a metal bowl or ice cube trays. Cover and freeze until mushy. Remove and beat for 1 minute with mixer. Refreeze and 1 hour later, beat again for 1 minute. Then freeze until firm. To serve: Scoop into balls and place in chilled dishes. Dip reserved berries in water, roll in superfine sugar and place on top of sorbet with mint leaf garnish.
    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

lemons into lemonade


    This summer I am going to get one of those fancy schmancy beverage jars with a spigot. They just add an extra something to your run of the mill cook out, don't you think? I particularly love the look of them with those chalkboard signs....

    I plan to fill it with delicious lemonade every chance I get!

    Mint Lemonade from MarthaStewart.com

    • 1/4 cup sugar for simple syrup
    • Ice cubes
    • 1 2/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons julienned mint, plus leaves for garnish
    • 1 lemon, sliced 1/4-inch thick, plus more for garnish


    Directions

    1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Let stand until completely cool.
    2. In a large pitcher half-filled with ice, add 2 cups water, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint, and lemon slices. Stir to combine. Serve over ice. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices.
    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Treats

    This week is all about sweet treats around here. I decided to put up three favorites- some classic sugar cookies, Gramercy Tavern Gingergread, and a Christmas cocktail (for after all the wrapping gifts, making food, and hanging stockings with care).

    Crackly Sugar Cookies

    INGREDIENTS

    2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
    1/4 cups granulated sugar
    3 large egg yolks
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
    1/4 cup sugar (sanding or granulated) for rolling cookies

    INSTRUCTIONS
    1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Combine butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl sides and bottom. Add yolks, vanilla, and salt and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds.
    2. Add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar and mix on low speed until dough comes together. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll between your hands until smooth.
    3. Roll dough in sanding or granulated sugar to coat and place on parchment-paper-lined baking sheets. Bake cookies until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center, about 16 minutes. Immediately transfer to a rack to cool completely.

    Image courtesy of smittenkitchen.com

    Gramercy Tavern Gingerbread

    INGREDIENTS

    1 cup oatmeal stout or Guinness Stout
    1 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    2 tablespoons ground ginger
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    Pinch of ground cardamom
    3 large eggs
    1 cup packed dark brown sugar
    1 cup granulated sugar
    3/4 cup vegetable oil
    Confectioners sugar for dusting
    Accompaniment: Unsweetened whipped cream

    INSTRUCTIONS
    1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter bundt pan and dust with flour, knocking out excess. 2.Bring stout and molasses to a boil in a large saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk in baking soda, then cool to room temperature.
    3.Sift together flour, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs and sugars. 4.Whisk in oil, then molasses mixture. Add to flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
    5. Pour batter into bundt pan and rap pan sharply on counter to eliminate air bubbles.

    6.Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs adhering, about 50 minutes.Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely.
    Serve cake, dusted with confectioners sugar, with whipped cream.

    Image courtesy of marthastewart.com


    Candy Cane Cocktail

    INGREDIENTS
    Makes one cocktail

    1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
    2 ounces strawberry vodka
    4 dashes white creme de menthe
    2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
    Ice cubes

    INSRUCTIONS

    Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
    In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Friday, October 9, 2009

Apples

    Apple picking season is finishing up around here and I have two big bags of apples that are looking to become something special....

    Image courtesy of 101cookbooks

    Caramel Apples from Food Network

    Ingredients:
    6 apples
    Craft sticks
    1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
    2 tablespoons milk
    Directions:
    Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set. They can be rolled in chopped nuts for an added touch of flavor!


    Alice Waters’s Apple Tart from Smitten Kitchen

    Dough: 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon sugar1/8 teaspoon salt6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, just softened, cut in 1/2-inch pieces3 1/2 tablespoons chilled water
    Filling: 2 pounds apples (Golden Delicious or another tart, firm variety), peeled, cored (save peels and cores), and sliced2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted5 tablespoons sugar
    Glaze:1/2 cup sugar

    MIX flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl; add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Blend in a mixer until dough resembles coarse cornmeal. Add remaining butter; mix until biggest pieces look like large peas.
    DRIBBLE in water, stir, then dribble in more, until dough just holds together. Toss with hands, letting it fall through fingers, until it’s ropy with some dry patches. If dry patches predominate, add another tablespoon water. Keep tossing until you can roll dough into a ball. Flatten into a 4-inch-thick disk; refrigerate. After at least 30 minutes, remove; let soften so it’s malleable but still cold. Smooth cracks at edges. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 14-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. Dust excess flour from both sides with a dry pastry brush.
    PLACE dough in a lightly greased 9-inch round tart pan, or simply on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you wish to go free-form, or galette-style with it. Heat oven to 400#176;F. (If you have a pizza stone, place it in the center of the rack.)
    OVERLAP apples on dough in a ring 2 inches from edge if going galette-style, or up to the sides if using the tart pan. Continue inward until you reach the center. Fold any dough hanging over pan back onto itself; crimp edges at 1-inch intervals.
    BRUSH melted butter over apples and onto dough edge. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over dough edge and the other 3 tablespoons over apples. (Deb note: I found it nearly impossible to coat it with this much sugar, so I used a little less–more like 3 tablespoons. It made a lightly sweet tart, which we found perfect.)
    BAKE in center of oven until apples are soft, with browned edges, and crust has caramelized to a dark golden brown (about 45 minutes), making sure to rotate tart every 15 minutes.
    MAKE glaze: Put reserved peels and cores in a large saucepan, along with sugar. Pour in just enough water to cover; simmer for 25 minutes. Strain syrup through cheesecloth.
    REMOVE tart from oven, and slide off parchment onto cooling rack. Let cool at least 15 minutes.
    BRUSH glaze over tart, slice, and serve.

    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Smitten Kitchen

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Costume and Cucumbers

    photograph by alice b. gardens

    Not expecting much for the 5th of July, I headed over to the North Carolina State Flea Market in Raleigh. And despite the rain which caused many sellers to pack up early and the humidity (never mind the holiday hangover) that kept many buyers at bay - it was a great day. I picked up a lovely pair of earrings (costume, of course - flowers of blue "jewels," vintage screw on posts) and a bag of cucumbers from a sweet old man who had one blue eye and one brown. I was going to make a cucumber salad, but I ended up slicing most of them in half, sprinkling them with salt and enjoying them without anything else. That kind of Sunday was just what was needed and it cost me all of $6.00.

    P.S.
    Alice B. Gardens, who not only took the gorgeous picture I included in this post and has a wonderful etsy shop, but her blog is the most effortlessly beautiful blog I've come across in some time. Each post on Alice's Garden is of one of her photographs followed by a link to listen to a song that she's paired with that image. So simple, so cool. And her taste in music is, of course, as divine as her talent. You will fall in love.
    Source URL: https://jimhensons.blogspot.com/search/label/food
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