Pumpkin Coffee Cake

I'm loving all the delicious tastes of fall: apples, spices, pumpkin and hearty crockpot meals :) And yesterday I just couldn't wait any longer to try some pumpkin so I tried this Coffee Cake recipe I found online (a long time ago), and it is so good! Not too dry (like some coffee cakes), and the streusel has a nice crunch to it.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. canned pumpkin (or homemade)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
pinch cloves

Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time. Add pumpkin and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixtures. Spoon into greased 10-inch springform pan.

Streusel:
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
3 Tbsp. rolled oats
3 Tbsp. slivered almonds
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3 Tbsp. butter

Combine dry ingredients, cut in butter until crumbly. Top cake with streusel, bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Cool 10 minutes and drizzle with glaze.

Glaze:
1/2 c. icing sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 Tbsp. hot water
Combine and glaze cake.

Family Pasta Salad

I like the fact that this salad has 'make ahead' in the directions, and the longer the better makes it easy to throw together while making supper the night before. And by family pasta salad I mean it 'technically' has all the food groups in it, so on busy nights could substitute as a complete meal (maybe with a hot dog on the side??).

 

Family Pasta Salad

1 3/4 c. bowtie pasta
1/2 c. mayo
1/2 c. sour cream
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. dill weed
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. red grapes, halved
2 c. diced ham
1/2 c. green onions, chopped
1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, cubed

Cook pasta according to package directions. Combine mayo, sour cream, mustard, sugar, dill weed, salt and pepper in small bowl. Drain pasta and put into large salad bowl. Add all ingredients including dressing, mix. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. (I have done 4 hours and it turned out good too)

Steak Marinades

I often get requests for a good steak marinade, here are a few we use often (the first one is my personal favorite). I didn't post any pictures because I figured a steak is a steak is a steak, and I'm not the best griller in the world so mine don't always look perfect (but they taste good:))

Firehall Steak Marinade (~4 steaks)

1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3 tsp. Montreal Steak Spice
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 c. Teriyaki sauce

Combine and marinade steaks overnight.


Whiskey Marinade (~6 steaks)

1/4 c. whiskey
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. Dijon mustard
1/4 c. finely chopped green onions
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
dash Worchestershire sauce
pepper, to taste (I use ~1/4 tsp.)

Combine and marinade steaks overnight.


Teriyaki Marinade (makes 1 cup)

1/2 c. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. molasses
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 c. water

Combine and marinade steaks overnight.


We use others but these are definitely our most used. If you are in a hurry Club House makes an awesome packaged Mesquite Marinade.

Cola Marinated Pork Chops & Cola Cake

I guess it was a Cola kind of day, I made our favorite recipe for marinating pork chops using Coca-Cola, and decided to try this recipe for cake using the rest of the Coca-Cola. I love this icing, think it'll be my 'go to' chocolate icing for a while.

 



Cola Cake

2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
3 Tbsp. cocoa
1 c. Cola
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. miniature chocolate chips
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. buttermilk (I just put 1/2 tsp. lemon juice in 1/2 c. measuring cup and fill with 2% milk)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine flour and sugar, set aside. In a saucepan bring cocoa, Cola and butter to a boil (I did this in the microwave in large glass bowl, and it turned out fine). Combine the boiled mixture with flour mixture. In separate bowl combine eggs, buttermilk, baking powder and soda, and vanilla, add to first mixture. Stir in marshmallows. Pour into greased 9 x 13 and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Icing:
1/2 c. butter
1 Tbsp. cocoa
1/3 c. Cola
4 c. icing sugar

In saucepan bring butter, cocoa and Cola to a boil (once again I just mic'd it). Stir in sugar and mix well, I found a whisk worked best for this step). Pour over warm cake, allow to cool and enjoy:)

 

I often down size this recipe for our smaller family, and I get to share the rest of the Cola with the kids :)

 

Cola Marinated Pork Chops

 

1 can Cola (1 1/2 c.)

1/4 c. soy sauce

3/4 tsp. garlic powder

3/4 tsp. ginger

3/4 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

6 pork chops

Combine first 7 ingredients to make marinade. Marinade pork chops 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. BBQ 5-6 minutes per side over medium heat. (You can also set aside 1/2 cup of marinade before combining with pork chops and use it as a baste while grilling the chops)

Macaroni Jumble & Garlic Bread



Here is a quick and easy supper for those rushed nights (when you don't feel like having a frozen pizza again! It happens at our house too).

 

Garlic Bread

1 French Loaf
1/2 c. butter
1/4c. Mayo (not Miracle Whip, too sweet)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
    *** I use frozen chopped parsley from my garden, but Im sure you could substitute 3 tsp. dried parsley***

Combine all ingredients (except bread), and spread on French loaf that is cut in half lengthwise. Broil until brown and bubbly.

 

Macaroni Jumble

 

2 c. macaroni

1 lb. ground beef

1/3 c. chopped onion

1 1/2 c. frozen kernel corn (or 1 can, drained)
7 1/2 oz. can tomato sauce (or more, we like our sauce)
1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. water
2 tsp. chilli powder
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese (we definitely use more!)

Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain and set aside. Brown beef and onion, drain fat. Add remaining ingredients (except cheese), let simmer 10 minutes. Add macaroni, let simmer 5 more minutes, serve with cheese sprinkled on top.

Brownie Cookies & Oatmeal Cookies

Since I missed posting yesterday, I posted two cookie recipes I made today...

I have made different variations of this recipe over the years (like adding Skor bits instead of oatmeal, yum yum) but found this idea for oatmeal on the blog Mennonite Girls Can cook. It turned out just as good, I love the fact that it is super easy (using a box mix) and that it always seems to turn out for me.


Brownie Cookies

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1/2 c. margarine, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. rolled oats

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Cool before removing.


Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 c. lard
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. coconut

Cream lard with sugars, add egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together and stir into lard mixture until well mixed. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Let sit a few moments before removing from pan to cool.

Apparently I have an oatmeal craving today:)

Choco-Chip Muffins

These muffins are healthy but since they're loaded with chocolate chips your family will never know! I love freezing these in baggies for lunches or a breakfast on the go (although the later is not recommended for children unless you like cute chocolate covered faces ;))

Choco-Chip Muffins
1 1/4 c. quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
1 c. milk
1/2 c. pureed cooked peaches (I use store-bought canned peaches and run them
        through my mini food processer, a blender would work too)
1 egg
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. white flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pour milk over oats and let sit 20 minutes (if making fresh for breakfast I have done this the night before and just let it sit overnight in the fridge). Stir in peaches, egg, butter and vanilla. In another bowl combine dry ingredients. Mix wet and dry together till just combined. Divide into 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Lazy Daisy Cake

This is an oldie goldie, that you would probably find in your grandmothers cookbook, but we still love it at our house. If you omit the topping (which I think is the best part) you can use it as a shortcake.

Lazy Daisy Cake

2 large eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1 Tbsp. margarine

Beat eggs till frothy, add sugar 2 Tbsp. at a time while beating, until thickened. Add vanilla and beat well. In a separate bowl combine flour baking soda and salt, stir into egg mixture. Heat milk and margarine in a saucepan (I also use the microwave, so not patient some days :) ) until margarine is melted. Add to flour mixture. Stir well. Pour into greased 9 x 9 pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Coconut Topping
3 Tbsp. margarine
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 c. flaked coconut

Bring first 3 ingredients to a rolling boil (once again either in a saucepan or in the microwave), stirring occasionally. Add coconut and spread evenly over hot cake. Return to oven and bake about 3 more minutes until top is bubbly. Original recipe says to let cool on wire rake but we like it best warm.

Cowboy Casserole

This is a super easy, delicious favorite that everyone in our family devours! I love that it only takes minutes to throw together and doubles easily. I often throw it together the night before a busy day or freeze a second one.

 

 

Cowboy Casserole

 
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (or 1cup frozen) corn
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bag (30 oz.) Tater Tots
    ** I usually use hash browns, and have even used diced potatoes pre-boiled for 8
       minutes.

Cook beef, onion and garlic together till beef is browned. Add corn, soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, milk, sour cream and seasonings. In casserole dish layer 1/3 of the tots, all the beef mixture, remaining 2/3 of tots and top with 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake at 375 uncovered for 25 minutes.

Pear & Blueberry Crisp

This combination is amazing!

I made an extra one in August when blueberries and pears are cheap and froze it, and it turned out just as good as when I made it fresh. The picture with this post is actually the frozen crisp after it was baked. It also makes a big recipe which is nice for entertaining, but I usually halve the recipe when I make it for just my family.

 

Pear & Blueberry Crisp
8 ripe pears
2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter (or margarine)

Put fruit in 9 x 13 baking dish. Combine the first amount of sugar and cornstarch then toss with fruit. Sprinkle lemon juice over top. In a separate bowl combine flour and sugars, cut in butter until crumbly and sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes. Let sit for 40 minutes before serving.

Cajun Cheese Bread

It's always nice to shake-up the garlic toast with pasta routine, and this is a delicious and easy bread to do it with! Would also be awesome on the BBQ while camping - just put in double thick foil on medium heat BBQ for 15 minutes and turn occasionally. Just writing that makes me want to go camping again ;)

Cajun Cheese Bread

2/3 c. butter or margarine, softened
2/3 c. jalapeno Monterey Jack cheese, grated
          ** since we don't like overly spicy food and I like to use ingredients we have on
             hand I just use grated cheddar cheese, and it tastes delicious**
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. parsley flakes

1 French loaf, cut into 12 slices

Mix first 4 ingredients and spread on 1 side of each slice. Then rearrange slices back into a loaf on heavy duty (or 2 layers of regular) foil.

Wrap tightly, and bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted. And it should look like this...

Peanut Butter Bars

Mmm, mmm, mmm! This was another newbie I tried the other day and they are so addictive, you've been warned ;) Sometimes I find peanut butter bars so dry, but these are perfect with the peanut butter layer and frosting.

Peanut Butter Bars

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. peanut butter, divided
2 c. oatmeal
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Cream first 3 ingredients together. Add vanilla, eggs and 1 cup of peanut butter and combine. Add the remaining ingredients and mix together. Spread on greased jelly roll pan (18 x 13") Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. While hot spread remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter on top. If you drop on by the spoonful and leave for 30 seconds it will become very runny and easy to spread. Then cool till peanut butter solidifies again. Frost and cut into bars.

Frosting
1/2 c. margarine, softened
1/4 c. milk
1-2 tsp. vanilla
3 Tbsp. cocoa
2-3 c. icing sugar

Mix first 4 ingredients with 2 cups icing sugar, beat till smooth. And depending on how stiff you like your frosting you can add another cup of icing sugar (I did, cause I like a thicker, stiffer frosting). Spread over cooled bars.

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

This is a family favorite! And I love it because it makes such a big batch and is pretty enough to bring to potluck, etc. It looks complicated but is really easy to make.

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars
3/4c. margarine, softened
1 1/2c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
4 c. mini marshmallows
 
In mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar. Add in eggs and vanilla. Add next 4 ingredients, and stir in nuts if using. It will be thick but spread in greased jelly roll pan (which is a large cookie sheet, took my a while before I figured this out :)) Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with marshmallows then return to oven for 2-3 minutes. Using a spatula (dipped in water) spread marshmallows (I usually just pat them down). Cool.

Topping:
1 1/2c. chocolate chips
3 Tbsp. margarine
1 c. peanut butter
2 c. Rice Krispies

Melt first 3 ingredients in saucepan over low heat. When melted add cereal and spread over bars. Chill. I find it helps to let them sit on the counter for a minute or two before cutting.

Hope you enjoy,
Stephanie

Spiced Apple and Banana Bundt Cake

So we're going to trying this blogging thing out. I love to bake and cook and it always seems people are asking me for recipes. So I thought that as I made recipes I enjoy that I would snap a quick photo and post them here, and hopefully soon I'll have a little collection for people to choose from. Hope you enjoy, Stephanie

Here is a recipe I tried for the first time the other day, (yes, I have a huge collection of need to try recipes, that often sit there for years before I get to them :) ) Anyways it turned out pretty good, which was good because I served it all to company and I really like that it used up that last of my apples and some bananas that were well ripened.

Spiced Apple and Banana Bundt Cake
1/4c. melted butter (I used margarine)
1/4c. oil
5-6oz. yogurt or sour cream (small 3/4cup)
2 eggs
1c. sugar
1/4c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/2tsp. cinnamon
1/4tsp. ginger
1/4tsp. nutmeg
1/4tsp. cloves
1c. mashed banana
1c. shredded apples
2c. flour
1 1/2tsp. baking soda
1/2tsp. salt

Mix butter, oil, yogurt, eggs, sugar, vanilla and spices till smooth. Add bananas and apples till just combined. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt, then add to wet mixture till just combined. Pour into greased bundt pan and bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before removing from pan to cool. When cool glaze with following Vanilla Caramel Glaze, mmm fall has arrived:)

Vanilla Caramel Glaze
1/4c. melted butter (or margarine)
1/3c. brown sugar
2Tbsp milk
1Tbsp vanilla
1 1/2 to 2 cups icing sugar

Rapidly boil butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Allow to sit 1 minute before adding cream. Stir cream in vigorously, then whisk in vanilla. Add icing sugar 1/2 cup at a time till it reaches a still pourable but not run right off the cake consistency.