Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Topping

Apple Spice CakeLate Summer and Fall is Birthday Season here, one birthday after another. My guys definitely have favorite cake or pie requests. My daughter, not so much. I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that just might satisfy everyone. One birthday celebration and one birthday cake might work for all. They’re aging nicely <smile> and sharing is now a really good thing. Everyone agrees my apple pie is pretty hard to beat for any occasion. So, an Apple Spice Birthday Cake sounded like an excellent substitution. I’ve been saving this Bake From Scratch Fall 2015 Issue. Yep, the cake on the cover became my choice! Let me tell you a bit about this recipe. It’s simple, few ingredients … Great presentation … Great spice and apple taste! The downside … The cake is a bit heavy. I’ve only baked this recipe once and I must admit I was a bit distracted by a sweet little 3 year old. So, were the measurements right on? Hmm. As for the frosting it’s tasty and rich. For two 9 inch layers it’s much more than enough. This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Topping is definitely worth a try!

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White Chili with Chicken & Hominy

White ChiliOne chili that works as a comfort food. Yep, it’s a bit hot with spices but the potatoes and hominy tame it into a comforting deliciously warming winter (really anytime) chili. A healthy abundance of spices take this off the chart! Give this a try. You’ll love it!

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Ribs & Sauerkraut Portuguese Style

Ribs & SauerkrautDan is at it again! Pork ribs and homemade sauerkraut, a perfect crockpot fix with a bit of smoky barbecue flavor! Simply use my Portuguese marinade over-night with country style boneless pork ribs, barbecue slightly to brown, smoke on low for about an hour to render off some of the fat and impart a delicious flavor, layer ribs with sauerkraut in a crockpot placing small potatoes over the top. Cook about 6-8 hours on low. A bit of heaven.

My brother swears by his Traeger. It’s an investment but so worth it! Check it out here.

Try this crockpot variation if you’re not into barbecue. The smoky taste of the sausage makes this a perfect alternative.

P.S. I’ve asked for his homemade sauerkraut recipe!


Halloween Spider Treats

Halloween Spider TreatsMax and I had such fun making these. If legs are missing, well, it’s Max’s fault. <wink>  This knock off (Cupcakes by Anne Byrn, “Spiders”) treat is very cute … But tasty? The Rice Krispies go tame and the semi-sweet chocolate is just a lil too semi-sweet for the kids. I’ve traded out the chow mein noodle legs for pretzels for that salty sweet taste. Changing up the semi-sweet to milk chocolate is certainly an option. But it seems to me this might be better with melted marshmallows to help form the body and melted chocolate chips poured over the top to give the dark spider look. Since I haven’t tried the marshmallow version I’ll stick to the more chocolate version. If nothing else, this is great fun and so Halloween!

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Stuffed Bell Pepper SoupStuffed Bell Pepper Soup

My daughter’s visiting! When I asked what she’d like for dinner … “Something healthy.” I knew what she meant! … Satisfying, great taste, few on the not so healthy calories and pretty too. Here’s my own version of this popular Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup.

You can see my big selection of soups here! We love Stuffed Bell Peppers too! Try this version too!

Check out my daughter’s Lifestyle Blog! You won’t be disappointed!

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Dijon Potatoes with Green Beans

Dijon Potatoes

 

Tasty lighter potato salad to serve cold or warm. The flavor intensifies after refrigerating for a couple of hours. But you may be like me and enjoy this salad immediately after preparing. Either way I guarantee you won’t be disappointed … That’s if you are into Dijon and a little tart and tanginess. Love serving this with a sweeter meat dish. Yes, it was perfect with my Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs.

It’s a great side! Hope you enjoy!

 

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Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs

Pumpkin Braised Short ribsLots of wonderful ingredients make up this savory pumpkin dish. Whether you’re into pumpkin, just a hint here, or not this is an amazing short rib treat. Impress your family or guests with this easy dinner presentation. I failed to mention this even tastes better reheated. Yes, it’s one meat dish that can be served as leftovers and no one is the wiser.

Happy First Day of Fall 2016!

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Pumpkin

pumpkinPumpkin Recipes … Breads, Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Pies, Panettone, French Toast, Popcorn Balls. You see the trend, don’t you? Sweets! Yes, search PUMPKIN  and you’ll find endless deliciously sweet pumpkin recipes. But this fall I’m into savory Pumpkin Main Dishes. Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs is first on the menu.

Try these Main Dishes while waiting!

Pumpkin Parmesan Cream Pasta SaucePumpkin Parmesan Cream SoupStuffed Baby Pumpkins

 


Chop Suey and More

Chop Suey and MoreWhen I introduced Roselyn’s Chicken or Pork Adobo recently there were two other dishes pictured … A delicious Chicken Soup (eliminate the chicken for a delicious medicinal ginger version) and Chop Suey. Enjoy these wonderfully simple recipes. Thank you again my friend.

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Red Pepper Soup

Red Pepper Soup

 

 

Can be served icy cold or spicy hot. Creamy Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup!

Yep! Add a little Tabasco to give it some kick. Or if you want a little smoky flavor add a sprinkle of Spanish smoked sweet paprika. Here we come Fall, ready or not.

 

 

 

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