Devil’s Food Cake

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Devil’s Food Cake

A Cake To Soothe A Broken Heart

Devil's Food Cake

You might be thinking your broken heart deserves something much more decadent … maybe a chocolate cheesecake. I’ve been there! But at a quarter after one and I need you now … This is much more practical. It’s easy & quick, makes a 9 inch square cake (or on other days two 8 inch layers), moist and best of all, chocolatey.

We’ve all had heartbreak or so I’ve been told. And dealing can be unpleasant and miserable especially if it’s twice with the same guy. Just ask me! And I know about the appetite disappearing, you’ll find as you age this step goes missing, but somehow keeping busy helps. Whether you’re  brokenhearted OR you decide to make this for your sweetheart for Valentine’s it won’t disappoint.

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Beef Carbonnade

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Beef Carbonnade

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

Beef Carbonnade

Better than a scented candle on a foggy day. The smell of Beef Carbonnade wafting through your house will certainly bring you out of the doldrums on yet another foggy or bad weather day. Trust me! We’ve experienced almost an entire week of sunless days and with this cooking I’m already feeling much lighter. Well, that’s until I eat too much Beef Carbonnade.

I’ve layered the beef over fettuccine just because that’s what I had on hand. Break up the fettuccine before cooking to give other than a pasta dish presentation to this beefy recipe. Or do the traditional and use medium width egg noodles. Either way, Mmm!

Serve with a side of spicy Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage. Easy Easy! I’ve only used half the red cabbage. So tomorrow I’m making a salad with red cabbage, cauliflower and romaine and a sour cream dill dressing … If you’re not into braised cabbage.

Hope you enjoy!

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Easiest Yellow Cake

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Quick Easiest Yellow Cake

Guest Perfect

Easiest Yellow Cake

A quick uncomplicated dessert that’s ready in no time. Nothing like something fresh from the oven! Versions of this yellow cake have been circulating for years and you still can’t beat it for ease and taste results. Thank you Betty or Good Housekeeping or whoever you are.

This simple yellow cake, actually one layer, with your favorite filling is perfect for last minute guests. Fill it with jam or jelly, lemon curd, whipped cream and fruit or as I’ve done here, date-nut filling. Top with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Easily serves 8 generously.

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Crostini

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Crostini Dinner

Endless Choices

Crostini

You might think of Crostini as an appetizer but it hasn’t always been. And just as with pasta, crostini toppings are endless. In fact, these sauces and toppings are pretty much interchangeable. If you enjoyed my post Linguini with Puttanesca but have run out of linguini try Puttanesca as a Crostino topping.

Toast thin slices of a French baguette, yep in the toaster, or impress your guy or gal by toasting these little bites of bread in a skillet coated with a bit of garlic infused olive oil. Top. Pair with your favorite wine and you have dinner. Chianti for me. And BTW if you are allergic to garlic (often protested by friends or family who can’t do garlic but aren’t allergic) this post is all about this favorite Allium, garlic.

Enjoy!

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Peas Linguica and Eggs

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Another Version of Grandmother Rose’s Peas

Peas Linguica and Eggs, a Portuguese Breakfast or Dinner

Peas Linguica Eggs

Loved my Grandmother’s peas. Always served as a side dish. I don’t remember anyone else eating them … Maybe because I kept the bowl close and ignored the nonverbal cues, frequently used at our table, to pass the dish. My bad!

I’ve taken her recipe a bit further and added a few different ingredients. I think you’ll like this Portuguese Breakfast Style that can second as a dinner meal. I probably don’t need to tell you but this is not a light dish. Sometimes you just gotta have linguica!

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Linguini with Puttanesca

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Linguini (Linguine) Alla Puttanesca

Linguini with Puttanesca

This remains my favorite light pasta meal for so many reasons. Puttanesca is interesting in flavor and in story. It’s been near decades since I first heard the story and tried this amazingly simple but delicious sauce. Some may shy away because of the anchovies or cayenne pepper. This sauce is very forgiving not unlike a great lover. Add anchovy paste instead of anchovies and cayenne to your taste. For a vegan diet let the capers do the trick. The result is always amazing.

Versions of Puttanesca are as many as the verses of Lou Monte’s Lazy Mary. Hope you enjoy this one!

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Oatmeal Cookies

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Slice N Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Slice N Bake Oatmeal Cookies

The 2015 resolution is still on! But you know as I … Complete deprivation often leads to resolution failure … with respect to dietary changes.

Here is a cookie with, in my opinion, the nutritional value outweighing the calories. My secret to not overindulging … Bake only the amount that will be eaten and shared. The remainder of dough, wrap tightly in parchment paper then foil, label and freeze. Need more for unexpected guests? Just remove from the freezer, slice and bake what you need. Easily keeps in the freezer for several months.

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Tostada Compuesta

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Estrada’s Kitchen Tostada Compuesta

Look Alike Taste Alike

Whether you have a history with Estrada’s Spanish Kitchen or not you’ll love this Tostada Compuesta! Always served sizzling hot on a plate too hot to touch. If you were a fan of Estrada’s you’ll remember this!

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Thumbprint Cookies

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Thumbprint Cookies In A Hurry

Thumbprint Cookies

Inspired by Bothof’s Bakery and Betty Crocker! Chocolate or Jelly Thumbprint Cookies from Bothof’s were a childhood favorite. The convenience of the bakery vanished with our move to the country. The option became, bake them! Betty Crocker lived in our house in those days. With Betty Crocker’s help a simple recipe was created.

This is a quick recipe with few ingredients. Top it with a candy kiss or peanut butter cup or Rolo. My favorite is still a small dollop of chocolate or raspberry jam or jelly. This cookie is so basic in flavor any number of toppings can be used. Love it!

BTW low sugar.

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Manhattan Clam Chowder

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Manhattan Clam Chowder

Grandmother Rose’s Favorite Chowder

While my Grandmother enjoyed clams prepared in a variety of ways including raw I prefer just a hint of sea breeze wafting up from my clams especially chowder. I’ve had to take baby steps to develop a palate for seafoods graduating from fish that tastes like chicken, e.g. halibut, to fish stew with aroma, well, like a fishing pier.

 

Manhattan Clam Chowder is tomato base and this particular variation is not thick nor creamy. It’s light but filling with a mixture of simple vegetables. The clams aren’t overpowering. Whether you enjoy raw clams or shy away from any dish with clams I believe you will be pleased with this Manhattan Clam Chowder. A healthy high protein economical dish.

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