Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

  As the temperature keeps dropping, thoughts of apples and pumpkins overtake my little cooking mind.  I seek out recipe that has either of these two quintessential fall treats.  These little muffins started out as a simple pumpkin muffin, but I have made several versions including this one with a cream cheese layer.  You could also adapt it by adding nuts, dried fruits or a crumb topping for a little variety. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - adapted from Cooking Light Ingredients Cake layer 2 3/4  cups  all-purpose flour1  cup  granulated sugar1  tablespoon  baking powder1  teaspoon  baking soda1 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon1/2 tsp nutmeg1/2  teaspoon  salt1  cup  canned pumpkin3/4  cup  light sour cream1/3  cup  2% milk1/4  cup  vegetable oil1  teaspoon  vanilla extract1  … [Read more...]

Scrap Yourself a Mini Kitchen Guide!

I'm back with another digital scrapbooking project idea for the kitchen, a mini kitchen guide that you can make with digital scrapbooking products quickly and easily! But first some background... One day I was (yet again) going through every one of my cookbooks in search of some cooking substitution or other. After wasting a good 10 minutes going through my cookbooks, I finally gave up and log onto the computer to Google it instead. This is not the first time I've wasted time looking for a little bit of kitchen info that I just can't remember when I need it. So I came up with the idea of making a little kitchen guide to fill with all those little tidbits of info I'm always needing while I'm cooking and baking. My first task was to compile a collection of all of the little bits of … [Read more...]

Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Cookies Recipe

Need a great after school snack for the kids or just a great new cookie for an upcoming party?  These fun and ultra tasty treats will do just the trick.  The peanut butter cookie dough only consists of 3 ingredients, so you'll have these done in no time. Kids and adults will love the peanut butter cup surprise in each and every bite and the colorful M&M topping.  Enjoy! Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Cookies Makes 12 cookie cups 1 Cup creamy peanut butter 1 Cup sugar 1 egg 12 mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped 36 mini marshmallows 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips 2-3 Tablespoons heavy cream 1/4 Cup mini M&M's 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Place peanut butter, sugar and egg into a large bowl and mix until well combined.Scoop dough evenly into a 12 count mini … [Read more...]

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Warm Chutney Dressing Recipe

Need a change from the traditional marshmallow topped sweet potato side? This recipe utilizes the great flavors of fall with a giant punch of flavor. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Warm Chutney Dressing Makes 8 servings Ingredients: 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 5 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 cup raw green pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup chopped scallions (green and white) 1 cup julienned roasted red pepper [sc:adsense ] Dressing: 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup mango chutney (Major Grey's) 2 tablespoons … [Read more...]

Light Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe

Photo by Stephanie Yes, it is September and pasta salad is usually a summer cookout staple. In most of the country, it is still warm enough to need a simple pasta dish for football tailgates and a late summer get together. This pasta salad was born out of my love of pasta but my distaste of heavy creamy pasta salads.  A light balsamic vinaigrette replaces the normal mayonnaise based dressing. Colorful Veggies And Interesting Pasta Using an interesting pasta and colorful veggies can really make this dish pop, so consider using a tri color rotini or some of the new mini pastas out there.  The mini penne worked well, but I typically use a whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.  Toss with a sprinkling of feta throughout for an extra burst of flavor. To make a complete meal instead of … [Read more...]

Skillet Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Photo by Shellfish Who can resist a giant chocolate chip cookie?  If your not enticed yet you will be once you see the sweet, soft center of milk and semisweet chocolate chips.  For those of you who don't fear the ultimate indulgence, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce or chocolate sauce. My family has been serving these slices of heaven for years and apparently so has Martha Stewart's. Skillet Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies Makes 8 servings 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups (about 9 ounces) mixed milk- and semisweet chocolate chips 2 pints vanilla ice cream Caramel … [Read more...]