Pear Frangipane Galette

Step aside pear tart...you have been replaced!  Another easy puff pastry recipe.  I found this recipe on http://thewiveswithknives.blogspot.com/.  It is a keeper and easy enough to throw together on a Saturday morning.  I will make half the recipe next time as this made a whole sheet pan and it really should be eaten the same day it is baked.  Puff pastry rules!!!

Chicken Pot Pie

My daughter loves a chicken pot pie.  Sadly, I have not made one since going dairy-free two years ago.   I planned to make one for her using the old recipe but first I decided to try a dairy-free one.  Tyler Florence has a great recipe in his cookbook that contained no cream or milk so I gave it a go. We were shocked by how similar it tasted to the milk filled recipe.  That Tyler Florence is one talented guy.  Well, the dish was greatly enjoyed by all and my daughter was completely happy.

Macadamia, Coconut, Banana Muffins

A quiet week head of me once again.   It has been happening so much lately that I am really over it.  I always thought of myself as a bit of an introvert but turns out I like people.  LOL.  So what is a girl to do but bake yummy things to keep me company.  Macadamia, coconut and banana....really what took me so long?  Perfect!

Szechwan Chicken

I recently read a book where all the characters had to name the top 5 foods they had ever eaten.  Here are mine.

 1. Eggrolls from the only Chinese restaurant in Spangdahlem, Germany in 1994.  (I was pregnant and this may have influenced the flavors or my memories.)

2. My mother's fried chicken prior to moving to Florida (she says the humidity ruined the recipe and she never made it again)

3. Potato dumpling soup served to me my first week in Germany somewhere in Munich. (I was homesick and this soup tasted just like home.)

4.  My aunt's broken glass torte. (She only made it once and I was like 12 but I still remember it.)

5. Szechuan chicken from a tiny Chinese restaurant right around the corner from the old Lindsey Air Station in Wiesbaden Germany.

This was a fun exercise in memory.  I also loved it because my kids each listed at least 4 things that I had cooked.  Love them but maybe we need to get out more.  LOL.  So where am I going with this?  The Szechuan chicken which should had made first place on my list.  I loved this dish but have never found anywhere else that made it quite the same which is why I love this recipe.  It is very close and yummy. I found this recipe in of all things my New York Times International Cookbook.  If the directions sound complicated, don't worry because the hardest part is chopping and the end result is FANTASTIC! 

Coconut and Chocolate Chip Scones

I really need to put a stop to all the baking that has been going on in this house.  The holidays are over but the weather has been rot lately.  So, what's a girl to do but to bake and enjoy a bit of time in the kitchen right?  These tiny scones are a new favorite.  I got up one morning and had nothing yummy to go with my coffee so I came up with these.  From start to mouth it took about 30 minutes (with a few cooling in the freeze for fast turn around lol).  It is an easy Saturday surprise for the family.  My daughter and I also notice that they seem to get more flavorful as the days went on. 

Miniature Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

I don't know if you have noticed but I am completely in love with my new Williams Sonoma Cooking at Home cookbook.  I have seen a lot of people complaining about that fact there are no pictures and I find it very sad.  They are totally missing out on some GREAT food!!  Here is another family favorite.  The book said that these are one of the most popular tapas served in Spain and I can see why.  Yum.  This dish, some crusty bread and a fresh salad made for a fantastic quick weeknight meal that my kids and husband LOVED!

Cardamom Palmiers

I LOVE cardamom!!!  These simple little treats are amazing and the cardamom flavor is so yummy.  Lately, I have found so many great fast puff pastry desserts.  Bad thing.  They are so simple that you can just whip them up on a whim.  Very bad thing.  These little gems will last for at least a week and stay crunchy and perfect.  You could replace the cardamom with cinnamon but really why would you?  Enjoy.

Beef Bourguignon

I caught an awful head cold this week and was very happy that I took the time to make this stew before it happened.  My kids ate well and I didn't even have to enter the kitchen. LOL.  I made Julia Child's take on this dish last Christmas eve but it was a LOT of work.  This time I tried Williams Sonoma's recipe and I have to say I liked it a lot better.  The flavors were not all that different but it was a lot easier.  Freezes well too.  Enjoy.

Easy Pain Au Chocolat

It has been a week of quiet mornings and cold weather.  My house has been empty most of the day which is most unusual.  So, I have been trying to embrace the solitude and pamper myself a bit.  Lots of cooking, loud music, tons of reading with dogs curled up in my lap, and, of course, loads of eating.  This recipe came my way via my lasted novel.  I am currently reading "How to Bake a Perfect Life" by Barbara O'Neal.  I highly recommend the book.  There are a few recipes spread throughout it and this one sounded easy and good.  It is sadly simple and makes one wonder why they didn't think about it themselves.  I baked half right away and refrigerated the other half as recommended.  I couldn't tell the difference at all.  So if you are in the mood and the coffee is waiting, I say don't bother with the waiting time.  Let me just say I took one bite and laughed out loud.  Yes, they are that good.

Apple Muffins

This is one of those recipes that talked me into the kitchen the same day I read it.  It probably had to do with the super cold weather and my desire to have something warm cooking in the oven.  Whatever the reason I am glad I ended up there.  Thanks to Christy at http://thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com for posting it.  I will warn you that the dough comes out really strange....almost like wet sand.  Also my muffins did not rise at all...they came out similar to how they went in but it doesn't matter at all.  They tastes fantastic!!  I mean the flavor combination is amazing.  I worried about the amount of sugar and even noticed others cut the sugar but to me it was perfect..not to sweet just perfect.  You must try these but eat them fast.  They made it two full days in my dry climate before the apples made them a bit soft.  Enjoy.

Provencal Vegetable Soup

Well, the holidays are over and my body is screaming for some vegetables.  I got Dorie Greenspan's new cookbook "around my french kitchen" this week and this soup looked perfect.  Not to mention, we are expecting a big snow storm.  Warm soup, crusty bread, cold weather......perfect!  This soup was super easy to make and it tastes like heaven.   I figure a couple of days of this soup and I will be ready for sugar again.  LOL.

Fig Truffles

January 2nd and my Christmas tree keeps giving me the eye.  It needs to be tucked away for the year but I guess I am just not ready.  Lazy maybe or maybe I just like having it around.  Normally by this time of the year I can't wait to get rid of it.  I don't know.  I think we will be keeping it up at least one more day.  School vacation doesn't end until tomorrow so I guess we are still celebrating the holiday.  I am still in the mood to make yummy Christmas treats too which is not helping the get healthy resolution at all.  These little bites of bliss are a prime example.  They are so good and quick to make.  I love no-bake just dip in melted chocolate recipes.  Yum. 

Chocolate, Macadamia, and Coconut Clusters

Happy New Year!!!!  I had a great holiday.  Had been thinking about ending this blog this year but I got two fantastic new cookbooks for Christmas.  This recipe was in Williams-Sonoma Cooking At Home.  I love this book.  There many not be any pictures but the recipes are look fantastic.  This recipe is as simple as they come but really good.  I made half a batch and they lasted less than 24 hours.  I mentioned ended my blog but instead I had started a new one.  LOL.  I am attempting to complete a 365 day picture project....wish me luck.  If you are interested, you can find the new blog at http://junkbythebunch.blogspot.com/.  Anyone want to take a bet on the chances of me actually finishing the challenge?