Lemon Angle Pie for Pi Day

I don't make many pies--you have to have guests over to make a pie and we did, so I did! It was in celebration of Pi Day, I was going with a theme.

Angel Lemon Pie is heavenly--if we eat food in heaven it will be this light delicious desert. It has a meringue crust, which is the easiest crust ever made! The filling is a lemon curd made completely in the microwave. When cool it is lightened with whipped cream.

That's it. The only tricky part is it must be made the day before which is a great thing when entertaining. You must also let the crust and lemon curd cool before filling the crust. Just read the recipe through, a good thing to always do, before making a recipe.

Lemon Angel Pie

Ingredients

4 eggs at room temperature, separated

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter

1/2 cup sugar

4 tablespoons lemon juice, (I used Meyer Lemons but any lemon would work)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups whipping cream

Meringue Crust

In a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip beat the egg whites until foamy. While mixer is runing gradually add 1 cup sugar and the cream of tarter. Beat until stiff but not dry. This happen in about 3 minutes. I think a high altitude with no humidity helps (this is one of the few desserts that works best high and dry!) If you cannot get your egg whites to go stiff enough no fear they will work. Butter a deep dish glass pie plate. Put meringue in pie plate, mine looked like a beautiful cloud!

Bake at 300 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Cool completely.

This is the meringue going into the oven. It is light and beautiful!

When the meringue came out of the oven it puffed over the pie shell--it was gorgeous! As it cooled it slowly sank down to create a perfect pie shell.

Filling

Put the 4 eggs in a microwave safe bowl, I used a quart Pyrex measuring cup. Beat slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon rind and salt. Cook about 3 minutes stirring with a whisk every 30 seconds. Mixture will be very thick, lemony and sweet. That is just how it should be! Cool completely. I cooled this in the fridge.

In a clean mixer bowl fitted with a wire whisk pour the 2 cups whipping cream. Beat until stiff--don't over beat or you really will get butter. How do I know?? I make many mistakes--I share them with you so you don't need to make them. Do not add any sugar to this whipped cream. Put half of the whipped cream in the cooled lemon curd mixture. Stir gently. You want to combine the ingredients but not deflate the cream. When mixed pour into the meringue shell. Using a short off set spatula spread the lemon cream on the crust. Top with the rest of the whipped cream. I also used an offset spatula to spread the cream. Put the pie in the fridge. It needs to cool up to 18-24 hours.

Serve the chilled pie and enjoy rave reviews (I did)! Serves 8 adults.

Printable Recipe

I googled this recipe and found several that were similar. It is a very basic recipe and has been around for years. I liked the photos in Homebased Mom.  My Mother-In-Law was so excited to eat this--it was similar to a recipe her sister made many years ago. Aunt Melba has been gone for many years. She was a great cook, I know eating this dessert brought back many memories for my Mother-In-Law. Food will do that to you! It was a great dessert, I will make it again soon.

Hummus--The Best Ever!

I do not like chickpeas, they are big and beany. At the salad bar I eat my way around them. So why do I like Hummus? I think something amazing happens when they take a ride in my trusty food processor. Just add a few simple ingredients and in just seconds a wonderful dip is born! Serve Hummus with pita chips, veggies or crusty bread, it is delicious!

Hummus
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons tahini
1 (15.5 ounce can) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
water
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced parsley
Add garlic, lemon juice and tahini to food processor. Pulse for about a minute until smooth. Add beans, salt and pepper, cumin, red pepper and 3 tablespoons water. Process until smooth. With processor running slowly add the olive oil, process until just combined. Add additional water to reach desired consistency. Store covered in refrigerator. Refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Just before serving drizzle with olive oil and chopped parsley.
Printable Recipe

skillet chicken with mushrooms and asparagus

 

 

Chicken with Pesto Mushroom Cream Sauce, for Two-- adapted from ATK The Best Simple Recipes (a book worth owning)! So much great info.

 

I do struggle taking photos of main dish meals-either they are just not photogenic or maybe I am just very hungry, it smells so good--we are so hungry, etc. "We must eat now", the children chant. Luckily this meal is on the table quickly.







Rinse one large chicken breast--pat dry and season well with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet, over medium high heat till just smoking. Cook chicken till golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate, tent with foil.
Add another tablespoon of oil and heat, add 4 ounces of mushrooms sliced, cook till brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves minced or pressed garlic, cook till fragrant about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and chicken. Scrape to remove brown bits, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until the chicken is cook through 165 degrees. Transfer chicken to a serving plate and tent with foil. Return skillet to high heat and simmer until desired thickness, about 5 minutes. Off heat add the 2 tablespoons  pesto, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Slice or shred the chicken. I served the chicken and sauce over very thin pasta and grilled asparagus. You could also use broccoli. I topped with Parmesan cheese.
Printable Recipe

Lemon Tartlets

The best thing about January is the availability of Citrus Fruit. Beautiful grapefruit, several types of juicy oranges and bags of lemons. Yes, one can get lemons any time of the year but they are the best in January. These little lemon tartlets are a burst of citrus in your mouth. This recipe comes from an old Pampered Chef cook book. It is a recipe that was good years ago and is still excellent. It gives you a reason to use that 'tart tamper' that has been rolling around in your kitchen drawer. I don't use it often but when I do I love it! These little dainties are a positive addition to any dessert tray.

Lemon Tartlets
Tart Shells
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg white
1 1/4 cups flour
Filling
2 eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 large lemon
Powered Sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray mini muffin pan with Pam.
For tart shells--beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg white, blend well. Add flour and blend until just combined. Using small cookie scoop drop level scoops of dough into muffin pans. Press dough into cups with a well floured Mini Tart Shaper--tart tamper.
For Filling--Lightly whisk the eggs in a small bowl add butter and sugar, whisk together. Using a rasp grate the lemon peel, measure 2 teaspoons of lemon zest. Juice lemon and measure 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add zest and juice to egg mixture. Mix well. Pour filling evenly into tart shells.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, edges will just begin to brown. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Carefully remove tartlets from mini muffin cups. Cool completely. Refrigerate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Makes 24 tartlets.
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Crispy Halibut

This is our favorite way to eat halibut. My mother, who does not like fish at all, is always happy to come to Sunday Dinner when I serve crispy halibut. This is so simple I can hardly call it a recipe--but I had to share it! We have over 50 pounds of halibut in the freezer so this dish will appear often.
Serve it with Homemade Tarter Sauce and a lemon wedge. It is simply delicious.

Crispy Halibut
1 pound halibut--sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup Panko crumbs
1/2 cup cornmeal
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons water
vegetable oil
Mix together panko crumbs, cornmeal, salt and pepper. Put in a shallow dish. Mix together egg and water, put in a shallow dish. Dip halibut slices into egg mixture then into Panko mixture. Heat about 1/4 inch oil in a large skillet to 350 degrees. Gently place breaded halibut into hot oil. Cook about 2 minutes on each side. Put cooked halibut on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with lemon juice and tarter sauce.
Printable Recipe

Tartar Sauce

I don't often devote an entire blog post to a sauce--but this is just too delicious not to share. It makes up in a minute with ingredients found in your fridge. We have a freezer full of halibut--I can't imagine eating halibut without this yummy sauce.

Tartar Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise (for a lighter version use 2/3 cup mayo and 1/3 cup plain Greek Yogurt)
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, I like Famous Dave's Spicy Pickle Chips
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely diced onion
1 tablespoon diced pimento (if desired)
Mix together and refrigerate. Delicious on halibut, fish tacos, fish sticks.
Printable Recipe

Panko Crusted Salmon--30 Minute Meal

 

 

Hubby spent a wonderful week in Alaska on my brothers fishing boat. He came home with 150 pounds of seafood! This Panko Crusted Salmon is amazing. It is quick--yes a true 30 minute meal. Heating the oven to 425 takes a few minutes so plan ahead. This is what I call 'fast food'. If you don't have a freezer full of salmon check out the frozen salmon at Costco, it is consistently good.

Panko Crusted Salmon from Pink Parsley
2/3 cup panko crumbs
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 tsp grated lemon zest
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
4 (6-8 oz) salmon fillets, skin on
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
lemon wedges

Preheat the oven to 425.

In a small bowl combine the panko, parsley, lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and set aside.

Place the salmon filets skin side down on a board.  Brush with the Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Press the panko mixture thickly on top of each filet.

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in an oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Wait for the oil to be very hot, and then gently add the salmon filets, skin side down and sear for 3-4 minutes, without turning.

Transfer the pan to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the salmon is almost cooked through and the panko has browned. You may need to turn the broiler on for the last minute or two to brown the panko. Remove from the oven and loosely cover with foil.  Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.  Serve with lemon wedges.
Printable Recipe

Fresh Fruit Salad

The phone rings--it's 4:30. Frantic daughter is on the other end. "Mom,I need to take a salad to a church pot luck--tonight. Years ago you made a fruit salad--I think it has fruit juice and is thickened with cornstarch. I have looked all over and can't find the recipe."
I know exactly the recipe she is talking about. It takes me a bit of digging but I find it. I realized I have not blogged about it. Over 500 recipes and some how I missed it. This recipe was given to me by my sister-in-law Keri. It feeds a crowd, can be made any time of the year with most any fruit. And it is delicious!

Fresh Fruit Salad
Juice from 1 lemon
Juice from 1 orange or lime
Juice from a can of pineapple
Juice to equal about a cup.
2 tablespoon of cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
6-8 cups diced fruit--apples, oranges, pears, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, melon, bananas, pineapple, mandarin oranges, etc.
Mix fruit juices and cornstarch--heat to a boil. Stir until thickened. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves. Cool.
Pour cooled mixture over diced fruit, stir gently. Serve immediately.
What if I don't want a salad to feed 10?? Make sauce, store in the fridge, it will keep several days.. Dice about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fruit per person. Spoon on enough sauce to just coat fruit.
Top with whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
Printable Recipe

Skillet Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

 

This may not be a photogenic bird but it is delicious!  The recipe comes from one of the latest issues of Cook's County Cooking. I trust that magazine--the recipes are consistently good. A recipe must be exceptional if I make it twice in one week. This may not a cost effective meal, you can buy a Rotisserie Chicken at Costco for five dollars. But...you can't buy this flavor at Costco for five dollars! The chicken is 100% chicken and the potatoes are out of this world. Skillet Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is Sunday Dinner status but you can easily make it on a week night--I did.

Skillet Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving
Salt and Pepper
1 (4-pound) whole chicken, giblets discarded
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, ends squared off, and sliced into 1-inch-thick-rounds (yes, I measured them)

1.  Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.  Pat chicken dry with paper towels and use your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon to carefully separate skin from breast.  Rub oil mixture all over chicken and underneath skin of breast.  Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wingtips behind back.

2. Toss potatoes with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.  Arrange potatoes, flat sides down, in single layer in 12-inch oven safe nonstick skillet.  Place skillet over medium heat and cook potatoes without moving them, until brown on bottom, 7 to 9 minutes (do not flip).

3. Place chicken, breast side up, on top of potatoes and transfer skillet to oven.  Roast until breast registers 160 degrees and thighs register 175 degrees, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.  Transfer chicken to carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 20 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, cover skillet, return potatoes to oven, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.  Carve chicken and serve with potatoes and lemon wedges. Prepare to be amazed.

Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

I really don't need a reason to make muffins but it is always nice to have someone to share them with. We had a church brunch. I knew there would be children present so I opted for a mini muffin. Dorie has a great lemon poppy seed muffin recipe in her book Baking, From My Home To Yours. I made a few minor changes. I added more lemon flavor and replaced some of the sour cream with non-fat Greek Yogurt. I made minis and I replaced the 'drizzle' with a frosting. I had one yummy muffin. I think you will like it!

Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
2/3 cup sugar
zest of one large lemon
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
juice from 1 large lemon
1 stick butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Frosting
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter or cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon lemon zest
fresh lemon juice--to desired consistency

In a large bowl rub the sugar and lemon zest together with your fingertips. This will smell wonderful! Whisk in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), eggs, vanilla, lemon juice and melted butter. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and, with a rubber spatula gently but quickly stir to blend. When mixing muffins a few lumps are better than over mixing. Add poppy seeds.
Scoop muffin in tins that have been sprayed with Pam. This recipe makes 12 regular size muffins or about 42 mini muffins. I use a large Pampered Chef Scoop for the large muffins and a small Pampered Chef Scoop for mini muffins. Bake muffins at 375. Regular muffins take about 18-20 minutes, mini muffins are done in 11-12 minutes.
Cool muffins and drizzle with frosting. To make frosting mix powdered sugar, butter and lemon zest. Add lemon juice till it reaches desired consistency.
Printable Recipe

Sweet Lemon Ribs

Sweet Lemon Ribs have been a family favorite for years! I think the first time I tasted them was at a Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet. My good friend Judi was in charge of the meal--I knew it was going to be good and we were not disappointed!
We purchased boneless Country Style Ribs from a little Market in Down Town Pleasant Grove.
Smith's Market is long gone, I do miss a small market--you don't spend a lot of money because there are only a few choices. The prices were right so I shopped there often--they had a great meat counter that cut to order. A few fruits and veggies, milk, eggs etc. It really was the market of my dreams. Too many choices can be wonderful or give me a headache!
What does this have to do with Sweet Lemon Ribs--nothing other that I bought them there--very lean and meaty. Actually they can be found at most meat market, sold as Boneless Country Style Ribs. Let's begin:
Sweet Lemon Ribs
3 pounds Country Style Boneless Ribs
1 small can lemonade
2  small lemonade cans, water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vinegar
Place ribs in a large pan of water--bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour. Drain out water,  remove ribs and wipe down pan. Put ribs back in pan. Mix sauce together. Stir together lemonade, water, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and vinegar. Stir well. Pour over partially cooked meat.
Baked covered at 325 for 2-3 hours or until fork tender, check at the two hour mark--you want them cooked but not dried out..When meat is tender put in a serving bowl. Mix some cornstarch in water to a smooth thick paste Slowly.pour into pan sauce and stir. Cook and stir until desired thickness. Pour sauce over cooked ribs. Top with sliced green onions. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
Printable Recipe

Low an Slow Cooked Salmon

I live in land locked Utah where fresh sea food usually isn't that fresh. But, I happen to have brothers that venture to Alaska each summer to fish. They bring back fresh salmon, halibut and shrimp and they are nice enough to share. Here is my latest attempt to cook salmon.
I have a delicious Teryiaki Salmon recipe that I make often but as a true foodie I am always looking for something better/different/new. And I found it! This recipe cooks salmon at a low heat for a longer period of time, it stays moist and delicious. Give it a try, it just may become you new favorite way to cook salmon.

Low an Slow Cooked Salmon
12 ounces of salmon that has been out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes--this makes 2 servings
Sliced orange and lemon
Zest of one lemon
1 shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped basil, cilantro or other fresh herb
1 teaspoon dried dill--I recommend Pampered Chef's All Purpose Dill Mix
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt
Mix herbs, zest, shallot and dill together, add oil and form a thick paste. Cover a baking pan with foil. Layer orange and lemon slices on pan--about the size of the fish you are using. Figure 6 ounces per person. This recipe was created using a 12 ounce piece of salmon. Put the salmon on the fruit slices. Cover the top of the salmon with the herb mixture. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake in a heated 250 degree oven--put a round cake pan half full of water on the rack just lower than you salmon. Bake the salmon at 250 for about 30 minutes. My salmon piece was very thick--I needed the full 30 minutes and then a few. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
I served this salmon with some delicious Coconut Lime Rice and some steamed spinach. It was perfect!
Printable Recipe
I read several recipes on this method of cooking The Kitchn had some great helps as did Steamy Kitchen. Oh please don't judge this wonderful dish by this poor photo--it is delicious!

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Well friends I have one last zucchini post for the year--I thought I was done but Roy dropped a couple of beautiful yellow zucchinis on my door step. This time of the year it is usually a drop and run--but I was a happy recipient. 
Lemon and zucchini are perfect partners. This bread combines the bounty of zucchini and the light refreshing taste of lemon. It is a match made in heaven. And if you happen to have 'yellow zucchini' the lemon will shine while the zucchini adds a wonderful moistness. This bread slices beautifully and has a wonderful crumb.  The glaze is a perfect finishing touch. I think you will make this bread often--even  if you have to purchase zucchini!
Lemon Zucchini Bread
In a small bowl rub the zest of one lemon into 2/3 cup sugar. It will smell wonderful.
In a large bowl combine:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a bowl whisk together:
2 eggs (whisk till thick and lemon colored)
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
juice from 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
lemon zest and sugar mixture
1 cup grated zucchini
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix very gently just until combined. Pour into pans that have been sprayed with Bakers Joy or you can grease and flour your pans. This makes one large loaf or 3 smaller loaves. I have a Pampered Chef's Mini Stoneware Pan--it fills 3 of the 4 small pans. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans 10 minutes then turn bread out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Glaze with a mixture of:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon Meringue Powder (this is optional, it helps the glaze harden)
zest of one lemon
pinch of salt
lemon juice until desired consistency
Combine and whisk until there are no lumps. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Printable Recipe
This is another yummy recipe from Jenn's blog Eat Cake for Dinner

Lemon Biscones

This is just a different version of my Cinnamon Biscones from Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook. I added lemon zest and a delicious lemon glaze to a basic Buttermilk Biscone recipe. It was delicious, I served them for girls weekend and everyone agreed they were perfect. A Biscone is a combination of a scone and a biscuit. It marries the ease of the biscuit with the buttery flavor of the scone--a match made in Heaven! Light and delicious.

Lemon Biscones
3/4 cup cake flour
3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
zest from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick cold butter, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
3/4 cup buttermilk or more as needed
1 egg beaten for wash
2 tablespoons sanding sugar
Rub zest into sugar with your fingers--it will smell wonderful! Add flours, baking powder and salt, mix well. Cut in cold butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender. You will have various sizes of butter from pea size chunks to sandy patches.
Gradually add the buttermilk and gently fold the ingredients together until you have a soft dough with no flour at the bottom of the bowl. You should still see lumps of butter in the dough--this makes the flaky goodness. If the dough seems too dry add a tablespoon of buttermilk. the dough should seen slightly sticky and moist.
Scoop mounds of the dough on a parchment lined sheet pan. I like stoneware. I also use the Pampered Chef large Scoop. This is the perfect size. You will get 12 maybe 13 biscones. Brush gently with egg wash and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes. Rotate pan half way through. Keep a close eye on them. You want a very light golden biscone. Do not over bake.
Remove to a cooling rack and when cool glaze.
Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
zest from 1 lemon
lemon juice to desired consistency
Printable Recipe

One Year Ago-------Chocolate Iced Cookie Bars
Two Years Ago------Blueberry Brown Sugar Plain Cake
Three Years Ago----Idaho Party Cookies
Four Years Ago------Broccoli Salad

Lemon Pie Bars

There is nothing I like better than guests on Sunday that need dessert! My sweet Mother in Law brought a yummy Chicken Pasta Salad and fresh fruit. I took care of the dessert. These Lemon Pie Bars were a hit with everyone. Fresh and lemony--a glimpse of spring.
The only thing better than a yummy dessert is a yummy dessert that is very easy. I put these Lemon Pie Bars together while the oven heated. Now that is a quick dessert! This recipe comes from a new cookbook I purchased called, "The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook" by Cheryl Day and Griffith Day. This bakery is located in Savannah Georgia. Every recipe looks delicious. I can't wait to try more!
I cut the recipe in half--I really didn't need a 9x13 inch pan tempting me. A 8x8 inch pan made 9 perfect servings. Just right for dinner today.

Lemon Pie Bars
Crust
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
Mix ingredients together and press in the bottom of an 8x8 inch pan that has been sprayed and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes, cool completely (I just put it in the freezer for 5 minutes) turn oven down to 325 degrees.
Filling
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
3 egg yolks
Whisk together all filling ingredients and pour in cooled crust. Put pan in a larger pan and fill large pan with hot water half way up the side of the small pan. Bake for 20 minutes until center is just set. Remove the pan from the water bath and cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate until cold. Top with whipped cream and lemon zest.

1 year ago--------Caramel Crumb Bars
2 years ago-------Chicken Corn Chowder
3 years ago-------Thumb Prints for Us Big Girls
4 years ago-------Thai Chicken Salad

That Really Good Pasta

I often associate food with what is happening in my life. This pasta came along when we were going thru some tough times. I had a house full and made this yummy pasta. It was comfort food--just what we needed at that moment. I never could remember the name of it, we just referred to it as "That Really Good Pasta". Life was chaotic at that time and somehow I lost the recipe. We searched and finally found the source. It came from a great blog, "Get Off Your Butt and Bake". If I only had one day left on earth...I'd want this Pasta, she claims. And I think I would agree!

Life has slowed down a bit and I made this pasta again--it was still as delicious as I remembered it. My daughter was doing the food for a luncheon for 30 women. She made this pasta, it was a hit. This recipe may seem labor intensive but all the components can be made ahead and then assembled at meal time. That is a plus when feeding a crowd.

Why is this so good? Is it the bacon or the fried ham, it may be the asparagus or the creamy sauce. All I know is that it adds up to one amazing dish. Try it soon.

That Really Good Pasta

1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)

1 cup diced fried ham

1 cup crisp bacon for the sauce

1 cup crisp crumbled bacon for the top

1 diced Roma tomato (squeeze the juice out)

6 stalks of cooked asparagus, or cooked broccoli can be used

1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese for sauce plus additional for the top

Pasta--whatever you like, mini bow tie works great

Sauce:

1 cup cup milk

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup whipping cream

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Fry bacon till crispy, remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Fry diced ham in a small amount of the bacon grease. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on the ham, cook until brown sugar is caramelized and the ham is golden brown. Set aside

Melt the butter, add the flour and stir for a minute. Add seasoning and whisk together until bubbly. Whisk in the milk, cream and chicken broth. Stir constantly until you have a smooth thick sauce. Lower heat and add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir till melted and smooth. Add 1 cup of the crisp bacon, the fried ham and the chicken and lemon juice.  Cover pan and keep on very low heat. Cook pasta till al dente. I would cook about a pound of pasta--but you might not use all of it. Drain pasta.

Plate pasta, pour sauce on and top with crisp bacon, asparagus, diced tomato and Parmesan cheese. If sauce seems too thick add a bit more broth or milk. Or mix sauce with pasta--make sure you don't have too much pasta. You can always add more pasta but you can't take it out! Top with bacon, cheese, diced tomato, asparagus and Parmesan cheese.

Leftovers make a great lunch. Warm it up in a saucepan--don't let it get too hot.

Recipe from, Get Off Your Butt and Bake , thank you very much!

The Ultimate Fish Taco

I've decided I like the word Ultimate--maybe this year's quest will be to find the Ultimate_____fill in the blank. Can we talk about Fish Tacos for a minute? Hubby spent a week in Alaska having the fishing trip of a lifetime with my brothers. It really is a win/win trip, he has fun and brings me home a big cooler full of very fresh shrimp, salmon and halibut. I have salmon figured out  but seem to struggle with the perfect halibut/shrimp taco.
Now I have made some excellent delicious attempts but something was missing. Enter Rachel Ray and her famous 30 Minute Meals. I happened upon a Light and Latin segment, she was making fish tacos etc. Well, I watched the show and tried the recipes out immediately. 30 minutes--no--but delicious--yes!!
The halibut had a yummy rub and was quickly broiled and flaked. The Tomatillo Sauce really made the taco. The meal was finished off by an amazing Mexican Rice. Rice is important to me in Mexican cooking because I don't love beans. Rice is my filler of choice.
So today I will share the Halibut and Tomatillo Sauce. Tomorrow we will chat about Mexican Rice. These components along with some angel shredded cabbage and corn tortillas will provide The Ultimate Fish Taco!

Grilled Halibut
1 lime zest and juice
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 (6 to 8 ounce) Halibut fillets
In a small bowl mix together the lime zest and juice, oil, Old Bay and chili powder. Rub it on both sides of the halibut. Let sit for 15-20 minutes. Grill or broil halibut for 3-4 minutes per side until it easily flakes with a fork. Flake fish with a fork and set aside.

Tomatillo Sauce
1 tablespoon oil
small red onion diced
1 jalapeno chopped
2 cloves garlic--pressed
8-10 peeled, rinsed, coarsely chopped tomatillos
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 heaping tablespoon honey
1 small ripe avocado
Heat oil in a pan on medium high heat, add onion, jalapeno and garlic. Saute 3-4 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add tomitillos, salt and pepper and cumin. Cool for 6-7 minutes until soft. Carefully add hot ingredients to a food processor--I'm sure an immersion blender would work too. Add lemon zest, juice, honey and avocado. Process till smooth. Reserve. It is delicious on fish and shrimp tacos and it works well with chips too. It is just yummy.

Lemon Yogurt Muffins

It is cold in Utah, very cold! It is also pretty smoggy so don't take a deep breath when you are outside! What has this got to do with muffins?? Well somewhere it is sunny and warm and lemons are at their peak. These little citrus morsels are about as good and sunny as it gets in January! They come together quickly and are delicious. The original recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe is for lemon loaves. But I'm quite impatient--loaves takes so long to bake. These little mini muffins are ready in minutes. Whatever pan you bake these in they are sure to brighten your day!

Lemon Yogurt Muffins
3 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon zest--from 3 large lemons
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/2 vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
Glaze
1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from the lemons you zested))
4 tablespoons sugar

Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl combine the sugar and lemon zest--rub between your fingers until the sugar is moist and smells out of this world. This is one of my favorite cooking activities! Stir in the eggs, vanilla, oil, applesauce and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients and mix till just combined. Never over mix muffins or quick breads they will become tough--who wants a tough muffin??

Pour batter into pans that have been sprayed with Baker's Joy. This makes plenty. I would probably make some mini loaves and mini muffins. I really can't say how many it will make as pans vary so much. I do know that I have muffin recipes with 1 cup of flour and they make 24 mini muffins. Mel said she makes 2 loaves that are 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch pans and has some batter left over for a few muffins. Sorry I can't give you better guidance here! Make them and see what works with your pans!

Bake at 350 till a toothpick comes out clean. A loaf pan will be 45-55 minutes and muffins will be 14-25 minutes. Watch closely you don't want an over baked dry muffin!
While the bread/muffins are baking combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. While muffins are still warm brush glaze over tops. You may want to poke holes in your muffins so the glaze will soak in. Brush muffins several times until all glaze is used. Enjoy your bite of sunshine!

Nectarine Upside-down Chiffon Cake--TWD BWJ

We celebrated Hubby's birthday late--a month late to be exact. That's what happens when a birthday falls just days before a child's wedding. Normally I would just make a chocolate bundt cake or something tried and true. Thanks to this wonderful baking group I had the challenge to make something new and different.
I read the recipe thru several times--it does need a little thought and planning.

But can I just say for the record that this Nectarine Upside-down Chiffon Cake was absolutely delicious. It was like nothing I've ever tasted (maybe I should get out more)! The nectarines and brown sugar made a beautiful topping. The Chiffon Cake part  was light and delicious. The streusel was good but if I made the recipe again I would leave it out so I could just enjoy the cake. The baked streusel was tasty and I see many uses for it. Like atop blueberry muffins or on top of fresh peach ice cream. I really don't lack in the dessert department!

All in all I'm glad I made this recipe, glad I tried something slightly out of my comfort zone. Very happy to have a well written cookbook that walks me right thru a dessert such as this. We were all happy to have a delicious late birthday cake!
The complete recipe can be found on Marlise's and Susan's blog. It really is worth making.

Happy Mother's day--with a Lemon Cranberry Scone

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogging friends. I love Mother's Day. I mean who doesn't love an excuse to make all ones favorite foods. My sweet daughter Jill and I will cook dinner tonight for my Mother and Greg's Mother. Since cooking is something we love to do this is nothing but fun. Greg will do the dishes so it's a great day for sure!

 Luckily Greg had church meetings early this morning so I quickly made these Cranberry Lemon Scones. Greg would have made Biscuits and Gravy--now he does make a mean batch of Biscuits and Gravy. He has been perfecting them for months and they are good. But they just don't scream Mother's Day to me. But these Lemon Cranberry Scones do!

So if you have a bag of cranberries in your freezer these are one delicious treat. They make plenty so I froze half of the scones (uncooked). I will pop them in the oven for another tasty brunch!

Fresh Cranberry Lemon  Scones

1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar plus 3 tablespoons
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries, chopped coarse

1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup cream

Preheat oven to 400°F. and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl rub lemon zest into 1/2 cup sugar--this smells wonderful!
In a food processor pulse flour, lemon sugar mixture, baking powder, salt, butter  until mixture resembles coarse meal, transfer to a large bowl. Add pecans.
In a small bowl toss together fresh cranberries and 3 tablespoons sugar and stir into flour mixture.
In another small bowl lightly beat egg and yolk and stir in cream. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined.
On a well-floured surface with floured hands pat dough into a 1-inch-thick round (about 8 inches in diameter) and with a 2-inch round cutter dipped in flour cut out as many rounds as possible, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Arrange rounds about 1 inch apart on baking sheet and bake in middle of oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until pale golden. Scones may be flash frozen before baking and stored in a freezer bag. Place frozen scones on parchment lined baking sheet and bake a few extra minutes.
I served these with a drizzle of lemon glaze. A 5 star recipe for sure!