Elf Hats

Christmas is just a few days away and I have been super busy getting things ready.  Kind of like an elf,  Let's see, I'm short, have a deep affinity for Christmas cookies and sing Christmas carols year round...maybe I am an elf?

Here is a quick, adorable elf-themed treat you can make in no time.  It only has three ingredients!

 ELF HATS

Bugles
White almond bark
M&Ms (the Christmas green and red ones)

Melt the almond bark according to package directions (I used a small double boiler but you can do it in the microwave).

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper (or a silicon mat).

Find a Bugle with a nice open end (some can be closed flat, you don't want to use those).

Dip the open end of the Bugle into the melted almond bark.

Insert an M&M halfway into the almond bark (so it sticks out a little).

Place on the lined cookie sheet.

Chill in the fridge for a few minutes to let the almond bark set up and harden.

That's it!  Look how cute these are!

The mix of sweet and salty is so yummy.  Wouldn't these look cute set out on a pretty plate at a Christmas party?  That's exactly what I'm going to do for the family party I'm having tomorrow.  Still have lot's to do so gotta go!  Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

December is upon us and I am in full holiday mode.  We got our Christmas tree, decorated the house inside and out, and set the date for our work and family parties.  Since I've had Christmas on the brain, I've been thinking a lot about the foods we like to eat this time of year.  Cookies, pies, tarts and cake fill my dreams (Seriously, I had a dream about baking the other night.  I was covered in flour and the desserts kept jumping out of the oven.  Anyway...)  

Today, I thought I'd bake a pound cake.  It's been unseasonably cold (for South Louisiana, that is) so I actually wanted to heat up my kitchen for a change.  This recipe is a great introduction to making homemade cakes because it's very forgiving.  You don't need cake flour, it calls for regular old all-purpose.  Plus, you bake it in a regular loaf pan, which most people have hiding in a cabinet somewhere.  Or, if you're baking for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a Bundt or tube pan.

*Note:  To soften the butter and cream cheese leave them out on the counter for an hour or so.  Also leave the eggs out (in the shells).  Taking the chill off the eggs will yield a better cake.

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened 

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 TBS baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for at least 1 minute.

Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition.

Once all the sugar has been added, continue to mix for 5 minutes more.  This ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved into the butter, which makes for a better consistency.  Look how fluffy it is.

Next, add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract.  Beat 1 minute.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

It should look much lighter and flufflier.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.  I use a whisk to combine.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat 1 minute (start on low then switch to medium speed) or until well blended.

Grease and flour a loaf pan.  I rub it well with vegetable shortening and sprinkle flour all over it.  Then dump out any excess flour.

Spread the batter into the greased and floured loaf pan.

Try to spread it out evenly.

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let sit for 10 minutes, then use a butter knife to loosen from the sides of the pan.  Gently remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely on a rack.

This cake is so yummy.  It's got a great crust on the outside, but it's soft on the inside.  It's not too sweet, either.  Perfect with a cup of coffee!

This would be great served with a scoop of ice cream on top. some fresh fruit, or some chocolate sauce.  You could doll it up for a special occasion or eat it plain any old day of the week (which is what I plan to do right now).  Enjoy! 

Mexican Lasagna

Thanksgiving is just days away!  I'm super psyched!  I can't wait to spend time with the family and eat lots of food.  Lots.  But there will be leftovers ('cause I always make too much).  One of my favorite things about this holiday is the leftover turkey.  I like to get creative in how I use it up.  I make turkey gumbo, turkey pasta and this turkey Mexican lasagna.  It's a great way to completely transform your leftovers into a delicious new dish.

MEXICAN LASAGNA

2 TBS oil
1/2 an onion, chopped
1/2 a bell pepper, chopped
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
1 cup chunky salsa
1 cup salsa verde (or green enchilada sauce)
1 package taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (or cheddar)
18 corn tortilla
1 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix shredded turkey with taco seasoning

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium high heat.  Saute the onion and bell pepper in the oil until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Spread a very thin layer of chunky salsa on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

Dip 6 corn tortillas in chicken broth and layer them in the baking dish.

Top with half of the refried beans.

Then top with half the black beans.

Then half the chunky salsa.

Then half the salsa verde.

Spread it out to completely.

Next, add half the seasoned turkey.

Then, half the sauteed onion and bell pepper.

Sprinkle on half the shredded cheese.

Repeat all the layers except the cheese (save the cheese for the end).

Add one final layer of tortillas (dipped in chicken broth).

 

Then add the other half of the cheese.

Finally, sprinkle on the chopped green onions.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake 5 minutes more.

Let sit 10 minutes before cutting and serving with a dollop of sour cream and more salsa.

This is awesome!  Everyone loved it!  I was stuffed but kept eating it.  Really delicious!  It's a great way to use leftover turkey (or chicken).  Give this a try, you won't regret it and Happy Thanksgiving!