Cranberry Curd

December 9, 2010 by
As promised, this is the fabulous cranberry curd recipe I adore.  This goes perfectly with scones, especially this time of year.  I love lemon curd as well, but this really is more fitting in the colder months.  It just feels more festive, and it looks the part too!  This is a great filling for little tarts as well.  And a perfect gift would be a little jar of it with a batch of scones!  Merry Christmas!
CRANBERRY CURD
Recipe adapted slightly from Nigella Lawson
5 cups or 1 lb cranberries
1 cup plus 2 T water
7 T unsalted butter
1 2/3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
Rinse the cranberries, pick out any shriveled ones.
Put the berries in a pot with the water and cook, covered, on medium to low heat until tender and popped.
Put through a food mill or push thru a fine sieve.
Put the puree back in the pot, add the butter and sugar.
Beat the eggs in a bowl and push thru a fine sieve into the pot.
Stir constantly over medium heat the whole time, until thickened.
Be careful not to get the heat too hot or you’ll curdle the mixture.
When done, it should coat the back of a spoon.
Store in the refrigerator.  (It will thicken slightly more as it chills, as well.)
Makes about 5 cups. (Can put in half-pint jars for gifts- just don’t “can” it, this must be stored in the fridge.)
Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Sauces / Condiments, Tea time

Gingersnap Pumpkin Cream Pie

November 19, 2010 by
I’ve had a pumpkin cream pie recipe in my pile of recipes to try for a couple of years now.  I finally decided to try it, but I decided to do my own twist on it.  I love gingersnaps.  I don’t make them very often, I always seem to make them spicier than most people like. (Ironically, I think green bell peppers are hot!)
So I buy a huge tin of Pepparkakor, Swedish gingersnaps, every Christmas season. Yum!
And my little Lucy goose loves them too : ) I think this is a great use of them.  I actually prefer 2 cups of cookie crumbs instead of the 1 1/2 cups, since I really want to taste the gingersnaps more, but I assumed most of you would like it this way.  If you prefer, you could also just use a pre-made graham cracker crust.

GINGERSNAP PUMPKIN CREAM PIE
CRUST:
1 1/2 cups crushed gingersnaps (you could also use graham crackers instead)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

FILLING:
1 lg box vanilla pudding
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
15 oz can pure pumpkin puree*

FOR SERVING:
whipped cream
pumpkin seed brittle, optional

Combine the gingersnap crumbs with the melted butter and press lightly into a 9 inch pie pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Let cool.
To make the filling: Mix the pudding mix, milk, and cream until thick, about 5 minutes.
Add the vanilla, spices, and pumpkin. Mix until well combined.
Pour into the prepared crust and smooth out. Store in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve top with whipped cream and pumpkin seed brittle, if using.

*The large cans of pumpkin (about 30 oz) are a lot of the time either the same price or even cheaper than the smaller 15 oz cans.  Save some money and buy the big ones.  Schedule something on the menu to use the other half, or freeze for later use. 

Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Pie, Pumpkin

Garlic Green Beans

November 15, 2010 by
Simple.  Delicious.  I love green beans.  And the way I love them most is when they are prepared very simply.  I have many memories of standing barefoot in the garden with my Dad when I was a young girl, eating vegetables raw, straight off the plants.  I swear I can still feel the warm dirt inbetween my toes and the sun on my back if I close my eyes.  So I suppose maybe that’s why I still love vegetables best either raw or without alot of “dressing up” done to them. I make these for every holiday, and on many days inbetween.
GARLIC GREEN BEANS
Recipe by My Stained Apron
1 pound green beans
2 T unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Blanch the beans. Wash, then trim ends. Either leave whole or cut in 2 inch lengths.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add green beans.
Boil no more than 5 minutes. ( I like them pretty firm, so about 3 minutes is all I do)
Imediately drain beans and put in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
Melt butter in a pan over medium high heat, and add garlic. (careful, garlic burns easy and fast, so don’t add it until just before the beans!)
Add green beans (drained first) and toss.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
*Holiday make ahead tips: You can blanch the beans a day ahead of time and store in the fridge. 
Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Side Dishes

Fluffy Dinner Rolls

November 9, 2010 by
These rolls. They are the BEST. EVER. And I take my “evers” seriousely people. Well…. kinda. But still, they really are amazing.  They are now going to be the standby at all holiday meals.  They are sooo soft, fluffy, delicious, perfect… you get the idea.  And they have a BONUS! They freeze like a dream. Like no other bread I’ve ever tried. I seperated some and threw in a ziplock and put in the freezer. Even a month later, I could take one or two out, microwave briefly, and they were like fresh baked.  I’m going to be making mine the day before Thanksgiving, so I’ll have one les thing to do the day of.  Just before dinner I plan on brushing with a little butter and rewarming in the oven.

FLUFFY DINNER ROLLS
Recipe very slightly adapted from The Cook’s Country Cookbook

1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup honey
4 T vegetable shortening
3 T unsalted butter
1 large egg, plus 1 egg for egg wash
5 to 5 1/2 cups flour
1 envelope (2 1/4 tsp) rapid-rise or instant yeast
2 tsp salt

Microwave the milk, honey, shortening, and butter in a large measuring cup or bowl for about 2 minutes, until butter and shortening are mostly melted.
Whisk to melt completely.  Set aside to cool slightly. (To about 110 degrees.)
Combine 5 cups of the flour, yeast, and salt in a mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook.
With the mixer on low speed, add the milk mixture and mix for about 2 minutes, until the dough comes together. Increase speed to medium and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
(If the dough seems to sticky after 4 minutes of mixing, add the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 2 T at a time)
Dough should ball around the hook, leaving the sides, but will still stick to the bottom.
Turn onto a lightly floured counter and knead to form a smooth ball. Place in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Form dough into a log and cut into 15 equal pieces. Cover with greased plastic wrap.
Working one piece of dough at a time, form into smooth rolls and place in a greased 9 by 13 inch pan. (3 rows of 5). Lightly press the rolls so they just touch each other.
Lightly spray with cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until nearly doubled in size and the dough barely springs back when touched by a knuckle, 45 to 75 minutes.
Beat the remaining egg with 1 T water, and brush on the rolls gently.
Bake at 350 degrees until deep golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan 10 minutes before serving.
*NOTE: In the original recipe, the pan is lined with foil and greased, then filled with the rolls.  I didn’t find this neccesary, I tried it both ways.  But if you want to freeze a whole tray for a later date, this might be a good idea.

Filed Under: Bread, Yeast, Holiday Recipes

Citrus punch

April 22, 2010 by
This is such a refreshing drink to serve for BBQs and parties but I think I love it just as much for holidays when everyone is eating lots and something light and refreshing just hits the spot.  Plus it is so simple!

CITRUS WATER PUNCH

1 T citric acid ( I found it locally at whole foods)
2 1/2 quarts water
1 cup sugar
2 T pure lemon extract
lemon, sliced
lime, sliced
orange, sliced
crushed ice
Stir together citric acid, water, sugar, and lemon extract in a large pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Add sliced fruit and crushed ice. Serve.
Filed Under: Drinks, Holiday Recipes

Garlic Parmesan Knots

April 1, 2010 by
I got the idea in my head to make these. And since I had some Buttermilk Roll Dough in the fridge I thought I’d try it out. They turned out super yummy or “Deeeewishious!” as my girlies say. Light, garlicky, cheesy, and buttery. And feel free to use a different bread recipe if you want.
GARLIC PARMESAN KNOTS
Half recipe Buttermilk Roll Dough (or dough of choice)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
6 minced garlic cloves
2 T Johny’s Garlic Seasoning
1 T Italian Seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare dough to the step of preparing rolls.
Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about the size of a large cookie sheet.
Use a pizza cutter to cut in about 20 strips, then all in half lengthwise.
Take one strip in hand and cross one end over the other, like an open loop.
Then take that end insert through the open hole in the center, making a knot.
Mix melted butter with minced garlic, Johny’s, and Italian Seasoning.
Dip each knot in butter mixture and put on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of each roll.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes.
Filed Under: Bread, Yeast, Holiday Recipes

Roasted Turkey

March 31, 2010 by
I always cook my turkey this way- breast side down to start, then flip it over to finish. Why? Because by giving the dark meat a head start in cooking, you keep the breast from drying out.  It comes out juicy, tender, and perfect every time. Usually it’s very difficult to keep a large turkey from drying out, but I use a 15 to 20 pounder with this technique with no problems. And the leftovers stay moist as well. If you want to use some more aromatics see note at end, I just wanted to give you a nice basic version you can use as is or jazz up with your personal favorites.
ROASTED TURKEY
15-20 lb Turkey, thawed (or smaller if desired)
1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 heads garlic, cut in half
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
kosher salt and black pepper
Remove giblets and neck from turkey.  Rinse turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
Stuff cavity with onion and garlic.  Brush turkey with melted butter and sprinkle inside and out with salt and pepper.  Put in a roasting pan BREAST SIDE DOWN. (Yes, you read that right.)
Roast at 350 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours uncovered.
Flip turkey over, so that it is breast side up, the larger the turkey the more tricky, but be careful not to rip the skin if you can help it.   Continue to cook about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.  Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Make sure the temperature reaches 160 degrees. And NO the little pop up thing does NOT count.
Rest 15 minutes before carving.
Wrap leftovers in foil, then put in a ziplock bag and freeze.
NOTE: You can also use thyme, rosemary, or other fresh herbs to stuff cavity, along with a lemon pricked with a fork.
Filed Under: Chicken / Turkey, Holiday Recipes

Roasted Asparagus

March 31, 2010 by
This is my favorite way to serve asparagus. Easy, delicous, and keeps the asparagus slightly crunchy with tons of flavor. Another perfect Easter vegetable dish too.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS
1 bunch Asparagus, the thinner the stalks the more tender and tastier
drizzle of olive oil
salt and pepper
seasoning of choice, I often use herbs de provence*
To prepare asparagus, you need to “snap” off the bottoms. If you bend the stalk, it will naturally break off at the tender point. One way you can do it quickly is snap off one from the bunch, then lay it next to the bunch and cut off at that point.
Lay asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and seasonings.
Roll asparagus to evenly coat.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Serve hot.
You can also sprinkle with shredded or grated parmesan cheese before baking,
Drizzle with a lemony vinagrette after baking,
Or wrap in prosciutto before baking.
Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Side Dishes

Deviled Eggs

March 29, 2010 by
This is how my mom ALWAYS made deviled eggs, and I have to say it’s the only way I like them. But if you like them with mustard, feel free to add some. (Just don’t tell me you did) : )  And some people like to make the filling super smooth and pipe it in the eggs, but I think this way is texturally better and looks better to me.
For the easiest to peel eggs, an Instant Pot is life changing! My recipe can be found here.
DEVILED EGGS
Makes 12
6 eggs
6 T mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp sugar
dash salt and pepper, to taste
paprika, if desired
Put eggs in a pot, single layer.
Cover with cold water by about an inch and bring to a boil.
As soon as water boils, cover pot and turn heat off.
Leave for 12 minutes, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Roll eggs gently on counter, and peel. (It’s easiest if you start peeling where the air pocket is)
Rinse eggs and chill.
Cut eggs in half lengthwise, and put yolks in a bowl.  Mash with a fork.
Add mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Use a spoon (or small scooper) to fill eggs.  Chill in fridge until ready to serve.
Sprinkle with paprika and serve .
Filed Under: Appetizers / Dips / Snacks, Holiday Recipes

Glazed Ham

March 29, 2010 by
If you need a good ham recipe for Easter, look no further. I make this for Easter every year, along with a few other holidays. It tastes soooo good and the cost is so much better than buying a premade ham.  Around the holidays I can usually find a ham on sale for about 99 cents a pound, so you’re main dish for a large group (or small with leftovers for the freezer) will only cost 10 to 12 dollars. You can’t beat that! And while it might seem like a bit of work, it really is incredibly simple and everyone will love that you made it yourself! So, put it on your holiday list, you won’t be sorry!
GLAZED HAM
10-12 lb Shank Half Ham
1 cup apple cider (or juice)
whole cloves
1 cup brown sugar
Spice Glaze: *This makes enough to coat 2 hams, or have extra to dip at the table
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 T cinnamon
1 T ginger
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 T corn syrup
3 T molasses
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup apple cider (or juice)
Remove plastic cap off the bone if there is one.
Trim fat and skin off, leaving no more than 1/4 inch layer of fat.
Cut a cross hatch pattern, cutting 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Cut in one direction first, then the other.
Insert whole cloves in intersections of cross hatch pattern.
Place ham in a roasting pan or a 9 by 13 pan.
Pour 1 cup apple cider over ham.
Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours.
While ham bakes, make glaze.
Put all glaze ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
Turn heat down and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes.

Let cool slightly.

Remove ham from oven and pour glaze over ham, using a pastry brush to cover it well. (You shouldn’t need all the glaze – I like to leave some on the side and some people like to have extra at the table.)
Continue until the ham is well coated.
Press the brown sugar into the ham, coating well.
Now, turn the the heat up to 400 degrees and put the ham in uncovered.
Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes more, check halfway through and baste with more spice glaze if needed.
Let ham rest for 15 to 30 minutes, loosely tented with foil.
To carve, I like to cut the long sides off, at the side of the bone, then the 2 shorter sides.
Lay cut side down on cutting board and slice.
I freeze the leftovers and use in soups and stews, or we grill the slices and put on burgers, or for breakfast with biscuits, etc.
(I also freeze the bone with some meat left on it and use it for making soup.)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Pork