Sugarfree. Pies. Pudding. Anything-but-clementine clafoutis. Sometimes I cook things even though I have significant doubts that they will be in any way delicious.
Why is this, how is this so, you ask? Because I live in a mental place I affectionately call Hope. I wish to be surprised. I aspire to be wrong from time to time (though not, as Alex can but probably will not argue, because he is polite, too often, and certainly not if it would make him right) because if the sum of the parts that together comprise the world as I know it is all there is, I’d be kind of bummed.
I’d be kind of bored. Often enough, things exceed my expectations. And then there are the other times that my hunches are actually-spot on, such as a recent one that whole segments of citrus fruit should not be baked. I’m not too bummed, however, as I may or may not, have picked most of the segments off my slice and just eaten the delicious baked custard underneath. Anything-But-Clementine Clafoutis Adapted from The New York Times 1/9/08 Serves at least six. Pavlova with Mixed Berries : Meg Kat Photography & Art.
Chocolate Cobbler. I looked back through the first few recipes I’ve posted and I realized that I needed something HEALTHY.
Something that wouldn’t make you all fat. Something that had at least some nutritional value. And then I laughed and I got out the ingredients for chocolate cobbler. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. This chocolate cobbler is definitely what I would call comfort food. The best part about this dessert, though, is that it’s the perfect week night chocolate treat when you just don’t have time to fuss around with dinner, but you really want that sweet something at the end of your meal.
Enough talking. First things first, you’re going to need butter, self rising flour (if you don’t have self-rising flour you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt to one cup all purpose flour), white sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, milk, vanilla, brown sugar and water. And then take a picture, because butter…mm, butter. Mm, mm. And, would you look at that? Savory Sweet Life - Everyday Recipes from an Everyday Home Cook. I LOVE LOVE LOVE when some of the most yummiest treats are also the most easiest to make.
Ten years ago my friend Nancy gave each woman in our small group a beautifully packaged container of Puppy Chow aka Muddy Buddies. This was the first time I had ever had this “crazy good” treat. From the first bite I was hooked but also intrigued by what it was made of. When she told me how she made it I couldn’t believe it because it was such an easy recipe yet the combination of all the ingredients produced such a wonderful taste. I will warn you though, it is very addicting. **DISCLAIMER** Although this recipe is called “Puppy Chow” it’s not for doggie consumption – since chocolate is poisonous for dogs. Puppy Chow Recipe – Muddy Buddies Author: Savory Sweet Life Recipe type: Appetizer Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Serves: 9 cups Place cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
Apple Raisin Noodle Kugel. Happy Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah!
My friend Jami's mom makes the best noodle kugel. I've made it twice for Hanukkah in 2008 and 2007. This year, I decided to mix it up a bit and added one small diced apple and 1/2 cup golden raisins. And luckily, I haven't packed up my 9 x 13 pan and old school electric mixer yet. The kugel is divine. There are Parve (non-dairy) kugels that can accompany meat dishes, and I'll definitely try that next year. Apple Raisin Noodle KugelFrom my friend's Jami's mom, Mrs. 8 oz. medium egg noodles6 eggs1 lb. (16 oz.) carton cottage cheese, small curd3 oz. small cream cheese [FYI: A regular brick is 8 oz.]1/2 pint = 1 cup = 8 oz. container sour cream1/4 lb. = 1 stick butter, melted3/4 cup sugar1 tsp. vanillaHandful of cornflake crumbs to thicken the noodle-egg mixture a bit Optional:1 diced apple (I used a Granny Smith)1/2 cup golden or regular raisins (I used golden) Cook and drain noodles.
Grease a 9 x 13 pan well and add mixture.