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You are here: Home / 2011 / Archives for December 2011

Archives for December 2011

Turtle Cheesecake Tartlets

December 12, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Pillsbury Christmas 2011

Here’s a fast and easy Christmas/Holiday (or anytime!) dessert recipe that’s simple to whip up, but looks and tastes like you labored for days. This is from a wonderful cookbook, Pillsbury Christmas 2011. I collect Christmas cookbooks (as well as ALL cookbooks!) and this is my newest addition.

Funny thing about great Christmas and holiday cookbooks, they can be used all-year long. Mine are never stored away – I honestly use them throughout the year.

This particular Christmas cookbook is one of the best. The recipe below is just one of the countless outstanding recipes inside.

Turtle Cheesecake Tartlets

Servings: 24 Tartlets

1 box Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts, softened as directed on box
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons caramel topping
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons finely chopped pecans

  1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Remove1 crust from pouch; unroll on work surface.  Roll lightly with rolling pin. Cut 12 rounds from crust with 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inch cookie cutter.  Press rounds in bottom and up sides of 12 mini muffin cups, with edges extending above cups about 1/8 inch.  Repeat with remaining pie crust. Place about 5 of the chocolate chips in each crust.  Bake 6 minutes. Leave crusts in pan.  Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel topping, and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.  Spoon evenly over chocolate chips, about 1-1/2 teaspoons for each tartlet.
  3. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheesecake is set.  Cool in pan on cooling rack 10 minutes; remove from pan.
  4. In a small custard cup or other small microwavable bowl, place remaining chocolate chips and the oil.  Microwave uncovered on High 30 seconds; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until melted; stir. Drizzle over each cheesecake; immediately sprinkle with pecans.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.  Cover and refrigerate any remaining tartlets.

Take a closer look at Pillsbury Christmas 2011 by clicking the link. This one’s outstanding.

Filed Under: Cheesecakes, Chocolate!, Christmas Baking, Cream Cheese Recipes, Happy Holidays!, Pies and Pastries, Quick and Easy Recipes Tagged With: cheesecake recipes, Pillsbury recipes, tartlet recipes, tartlets

Easiest Holiday Dish You’ll Ever Serve

December 8, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Relish Tray Salad

A holiday tradition in my kitchen (whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or the first day of baseball season… a holiday in our house) is based on a recipe I saw Emeril do years ago on Emeril Live. He made a Relish Tray Salad and I tried my own version the very next day.

The beautiful thing about making a relish tray salad is that you can pretty much add or take away anything your little heart desires.  And easy? Trust me, nothing’s easier.

Basically, you buy jars of your favorite relish tray delicacies such as:

  • Baby Dill Pickles
  • Gherkins
  • Pickled cocktail onions
  • Blanched baby carrots
  • Blanched green beans
  • Cauliflower
  • Olives
  • Pickled Cherry Peppers
  • Pickled Okra

Place everything into a large glass bowl (or any bowl for that matter, glass simply looks spectacular).  For extra flavor, add a little olive oil.  The colors are beautiful, the flavors are Heavenly, and everyone has a lot of fun finding their favorites lovelies.

You could even add some red pepper flakes if you wanted to make it pop.

Filed Under: Appetizers, Christmas Baking, Emeril, Happy Holidays! Tagged With: appetizers, Christmas Recipes, easy holiday recipes, holiday appetizers

Gift Ideas for Foodie Friends and Family

December 7, 2011 By Joi Sigers

The Olive Tap Aceto Balsamico di Modena 4 Leaf QualityI was recently sent a few bottles of OUTSTANDING gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar blends from Olive Tap and I’m officially dying for more. Yep, as in I’ve already used them completely up.  One was the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil (an aromatic and delicious blend of several herbs including Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Rosemary) and the other was the Aceto Balsamico d Modena, 4 Leaf Quality ( beautiful fruit and woody flavors).

The Tuscan Herb Olive Oil has just about ruined all other olive oils for me! I used it for dipping Italian bread, I used it with chicken, and I drizzled a little over tomatoes and mozzarella cheese slices for a healthy and delicious “salad.”  I should probably take a stab at making my own since I already know how to freeze fresh herbs from my garden. It would be a breeze! Anyhow, my favorite way to use the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, however, was with eggs.  I used this wonderful oil in the skillet in place of butter. I’d fry my eggs, then add a little more of the Tuscan Herb Olive oil to the skillet and add chopped Roma tomatoes and chives. I’d allow them to get warm and ridiculously flavorful, then on top of the eggs they’d go.  Heavenly!

I used the Balsamic Vinegar on fish and chicken and it made each taste like dishes you’d expect in a ritzy restaurant. I also used it in place of vinegar in a vinaigrette for salad dressing once with flavorful, amazing results. A little of this balsamic vinegar drizzled over grilled chicken is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Olive Tap for Last Minute Gift Ideas

Popular holiday food gifts include a bottle of wine, a popcorn tin and a goodie basket filled with edible treats which, once opened, have a limited shelf life. For a more memorable, longer lasting option, holiday shoppers may want to impress the foodie on their gift-lists with artisan gourmet olive oils and vinegars from The Olive Tap.

With oils and vinegars that range from Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar to Garlic Olive Oil that are Italian and Californian in origin, these artisan olive oils and vinegars vary in taste and flavor for even the most discerning home chef. There are nearly 60 unique olive oils and vinegars available in 375 ml to 750 ml bottles that range from $9.45 to $33.90 and can be mixed and matched. Select specialty oils and vinegars are also available in 250 ml bottles. The Olive Tap also offers elegant yet affordable gift baskets.

“Our exclusive olive oils and vinegars are sourced from around the world,” said Rick Petrocelly chief executive officer of The Olive Tap®. “We pride ourselves on the uniqueness of our products and the distinct flavor profiles that each individual olive oil and vinegar brings. Holiday guests are sure to be impressed by the taste of dishes infused with products such as the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Aceto Balsamico di Modena.”

The olive oils and vinegars can be tailored to everyone on holiday gift list including hostesses, businesses, teachers and foodies. Because each 375 ml bottle includes an average of 35 servings, the gift recipient will remember the thought behind the oil or vinegar each time they use it. The Olive Tap offers a variety of affordable gift options including:

  • For the holiday party host/hostess: The Mini Dipper ($19.95) is a “bring along” appetizer for hosts/hostesses. It includes Arbequina 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, dipping seasonings and a decorative dipping bowl.
  • For teachers: A bottle of the Apple Balsamic Vinegar ($15.75) is the perfect holiday thank you for children’s teachers. It has a delicious flavor of red apples and a thick, rich blend of 3 and 4 Leaf Quality Aceto Balsamico di Modena.
  • For foodies: The Gourmet Sampler ($89.95) is the complete assortment of Olive Tap products. It’s sure to please any chef and includes Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the finest Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta Topping, Black and Green Olive Tapenade, Mad Mango Salsa, Sorrento Lemon Olive Oil, Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar and Roasted Garlic Champagne Mustard.
  • For yourself: Holiday shoppers can treat themselves with a single bottle of olive oil or vinegar. One of the most popular flavors is the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil ($15.95) which has a proprietary blend of several herbs including Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Rosemary.
  • For the whole gift list: Any bottle can be personalized to fit a family, company or special holiday occasion. Dates, names, photos, logos or even a special quote or saying can be printed on either standard or custom labels (minimum required).
  • For corporate gifts: The You Pick Three Gift Box ($59.95) has a professional look great for those in the business world. These bottles can even be etched with the company name and logo (minimum required). It includes three 375 ml bottles of any olive oil, balsamic vinegar or specialty oil/vinegar.

Whether they are included in the feast or wrapped as a gift, olive oils and vinegars with their unique tastes are sure to become a memorable part of every holiday celebration. Gift givers can even pair the olive oil infused Chocolate Chipotle Cake recipe below with the gourmet gifts above.

Chocolate Chipotle Cake Recipe

1 cup plus 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa
2-3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon The Olive Tap Cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon The Olive Tap Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups lowfat milk
1/2 cup mild olive oil such as The Olive Tap’s Arbequina or Mission
1/2 cup The Olive Tap Chipotle Olive Oil
2 large eggs
3 tablespoon The Olive Tap Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
Powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-in cake pans and dust with 1/4 tbsp. cocoa in each. Discard excess cocoa.
2. Whisk remaining 1 cup cocoa, flour, sugars, cinnamon, soda, cayenne and salt in bowl to blend. Add milk, oils, eggs and vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Pour into pans, dividing batter evenly.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in each cake comes out clean, about 40-45 minutes.
4. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Loosen the cakes from pans with a metal spatula. Turn each cake out onto a plate and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar onto cakes.

Additional Options: Mix 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar with cocoa and spread glaze over cakes. Or mix Balsamic Vinegar with 2 tbsp raspberry preserves and spread over cakes.

About The Olive Tap
The Olive Tap is both a tasting emporium and gourmet market that offers a variety of olive oils, specialty oils, vinegars, spices, herbs, seasonings and more. Unlike mass-produced oils and vinegars, The Olive Tap offers pure The Olive Tap Oils and Vinegarsand fresh artisan products from around the world. The Olive Tap’s proprietary procurement storage and packaging processes ensure its customers are offered the freshest, highest quality olive oils and authentic balsamic vinegars.

The Olive Tap is headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois. It also has locations in Medina, Ohio, Downers Grove, Illinois, Manitou Springs, Colorado and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Learn more about The Olive Tap by visiting their website (just click the link and you’ll be transported to a very tasteful destination!)

Filed Under: Cake Recipes, Chocolate!, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Shopping, Food Reviews, Gift Ideas Tagged With: chocolate cake recipe, food review, gourmet gift ideas, olive oil

Bright and Beautiful Mixing Bowl Set

December 6, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Colorful Mixing Bowl Set

The beautiful Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowl Set shown here would make an outstanding last minute Christmas gift but, personally, I can’t picture it anywhere but in my own kitchen.  When it comes to bright, colorful, insanely happy-looking kitchen gadgets and dishes, I can be disturbingly selfish.

Product Features

  • This handy set of 3 mixing bowls includes a red 3-quart, blue 2-quart, and green 1-1/2 quart bowl
  • Functional and attractive; bright warm tones cheer as you mix brownie batter, scramble eggs, or any other mixing
  • Made of a durable melamine and come with non-slip bottoms, so they stay put on slippery counters
  • Built-in spouts and handles mean easy pouring
  • The set is top-rack dishwasher safe, but not microwave safe

This gorgeous mixing bowl set is available on Amazon for less than $14.  Heck, for that price, you can get them as a last minute gift AND a set for yourself.  It’s a game plan that works for me.

Take a closer look: Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowl Set

 

Filed Under: Christmas Shopping, Dishes, Gift Ideas Tagged With: gift ideas, mixing bowls

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

December 5, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps, an Ellie Krieger Recipe

I gotta tell you, I LOVE Ellie Krieger recipes.  They’re always delicious, always fun to prepare, and always healthy. How could  you possibly ask for more?  The following recipe is from A Bullseye View and, by all appearances, Ellie Krieger has waxed brilliant again.

Apparently it’s how she rolls.

Cooking spray
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (3/4 ounce)
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with oil.

3. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt and a few turns of pepper. Dip each round into the Parmesan mixture, coating it evenly on both sides, pressing the coating on to stick.

4. Place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the zucchini rounds until browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove with spatula, serve immediately and snack away!

At a time when we’re all counting calories, this beautiful snack is especially welcome.  I’m hooked on fried pickles, and these look like a healthier alternative.

Ellie Krieger Cookbooks:

Filed Under: Calorie Counters, Ellie Krieger, Health and Fitness Tagged With: Ellie Krieger, healthy recipes

Heavenly Chocolate Chunk Cookies

December 1, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookbook

Okay, before we get to these delicious cookies (cookies that all walnut lovers will die for), let me tell you how much you need to zip over to Amazon right now and order a copy of the Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookbook. Amazon has paperback copies available for less than $5.00 (new) and even less for used ones. But, seriously, for less than $5.00, I’d go with new.

This Christmas cookbook is filled with wonderful, festive, beautiful, and delicious recipes that’ll quickly become family favorites – at Christmas as well as throughout the year.  I keep my copy on the hutch in my kitchen year round with my other frequently-used cookbooks.  Trust me, this one’s filled with recipes you’ll use again and again. I am blown away that you can get a copy for less than I just paid for a Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks!

Some of the recipes you’ll find in this cookbook:

  • Eggnog Tea Bread
  • Cheddar Scones
  • Buttery Dinner Rolls
  • Amish Orange Rolls
  • Winter Salad
  • Christmas Eve Salad
  • Strawberry Holiday Trifle
  • Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
  • Poinsettia Punch
  • White Bean Chili
  • Lasagna with Colorful Peppers
  • Chewy Chunky Chocolate-Walnut Cookies
  • Rich Seafood Casserole
  • Cornbread Dressing
  • Holiday Yams
  • Cranberry Applesauce
  • Double Chocolate Christmas Praline-Fudge Cake
  • Baked Sausage and Eggs
  • Mediterranean Coffee
  • Gingerbread Scones
  • Peppermint Candy Ice Cream Pie
  • Beef and Three Cheese Tetrazzini
  • Party Rosemary Pork
  • Layered Cheese Torta
  • Millionaires
  • Eggnog Cookies
  • Nutcracker Cookies
  • Spiced Pecans
  • Mocha Punch
  • Florentine Artichoke Dip
  • Yuletide Crab Puffs
  • Many, many, many more wonderful recipes!

Heavenly Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

2 cups plus 2 Tbs. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 Tbs instant coffee granules
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
11-1/2 oz package semi-sweet double chocolate mega-chips or 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup walnut halves, toasted

Combine first three ingredients; stir well.

Combine butter and coffee granules in a small saucepan or skillet. Cook over medium low heat until butter melts and coffee granules dissolve, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (don’t let butter resolidify).

Combine butter mixture, sugars, egg, and egg yolk in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in mega-chips and walnuts.

Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool slightly on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 20 cookies.

Heavenly. Delicious. Incredible. Make them tonight!

Be sure to check out the Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookbook on Amazon. This is a great collection of outstanding recipes and is worth a lot more than you’ll have to pay.

Filed Under: Cookbook Reviews, Cookies, Happy Holidays!, Oh, Nuts! Tagged With: Christmas cookie recipe, Christmas Cookies, cookbook review, cookie recipes, walnut recipes

Christmas Moose Mug

December 1, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Christmas Moose MugsI couldn’t possibly love this Christmas Moose Mug any more than I do.  How could I not?  Two of my favorite things in the world are Christmas (the whole holiday season) and animals – so when the two team up like this, count me ALL in.

I’m also beyond crazy about boiled custard, which would be PERFECT in these adorable mugs.

This highly unique and memorable mug would make a great Christmas gift…. then again it’d look pretty amazing in your hand, too!

Product Features

  • Safer than glass, light weight, glass-like, crystal clear acrylic.
  • These are the ONLY ONE PIECE moose mugs on the market with 8 ounce capacity. All others have glued on antler ears and are much smaller in size and capacity.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Individually packaged in a holiday gift box.
  • Can be used by ALL family members, young and old.

Take a closer look at the Christmas Moose Mug by clicking the link or the image above.

Filed Under: Christmas Shopping, Gift Ideas, Gifts for Coffee Lovers, Gifts for Tea Lovers Tagged With: Christmas mug, Christmas mugs, gift ideas

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My name is Joi ("Joy") and Get Cooking is where I celebrate some of my greatest passions - recipes, kitchen gadgets, gluten free food reviews, gluten free recipes, pig collectibles, chocolate, cookbooks, and coffee. Lots of coffee...
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