Nutella-Yogurt Fruit Dip

In case you haven't noticed, I kind of have a thing for Nutella. But let's be honest here: it's not exactly the healthiest food in the world. However, when you combine it with protein-rich, fat-free Greek yogurt and use it as a dip for fruit, it takes away a little bit of the guilt but still tastes amazing. This dip couldn't be easier and is SO delicious. It is thick, rich, and creamy--I think it tastes kind of like Nutella cheesecake.

Use it as a dip for fruit--I love it with bananas, strawberries, oranges, and apples, and it's also good with fresh pineapple, kiwi, and probably any other fruit you can think of. We also dipped pretzels, marshmallows, and graham crackers in it. I even used some as a topping on some whole-wheat waffles with strawberries and bananas, and I think it would be amazing stuffed inside of crepes. You really can't go wrong here--anything dipped in this magical stuff is bound to be delicious!

 
Nutella-Yogurt Fruit Dip

1/2 cup Nutella
1 cup Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt

Mix until completely combined. (If the Nutella is extra thick I microwave it for about 10 seconds so it's easier to stir.) Serve with fresh fruit for dipping. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to one week.

Peach Cobbler Muffins

When I was growing up, my grandpa had an orchard. I remember him growing apples, peaches, and cherries, and whenever we went to his house it seemed like there was always some kind of fruit that he had out, ready to share with us. I remember going out to the orchard during the summer and helping pick cherries, and eating them until my stomach hurt (he probably lost more money on the cherries we ate than he made from the ones that we picked and he was able to sell). I remember as summer faded away and fall approached, getting excited to see the boxes of apples and peaches and knowing that my mom would be canning them and we'd be eating them all winter long.

Although my grandpa's orchard has long since been turned into a housing development, I still find myself looking forward to the changing of the seasons and the delicious fruit that comes along with it. Luckily for me, the "apple doesn't fall far from the tree" and my dad shares his dad's love of growing fruit, and he has planted all sorts of fruit trees in his backyard. He keeps us well stocked with fresh, flavorful, homegrown fruit and we always look forward to going to his house to see what good things he has to send home with us that week.

The past couple of weeks, he's been sending us home with fresh, ripe, juicy peaches. My little 16-month old absolutely loves fresh peaches, and could easily eat at least one a day by herself, so we go through peaches fast around here. Last time he sent us some peaches, though, I was able to hide a few from my daughter and make these muffins, and I'm so glad I did! They were the perfect good-bye-to-summer and hello-to-fall food. They were moist, juicy, cinnamony. They captured the deliciousness of peach cobbler exactly, but in a portable, healthier, breakfast-approved way. The streusel is totally optional (if you want the muffins to be even healthier, feel free to omit it) but we loved it with the streusel on top. We all devoured these, and the neighbors that I shared them with also gave them rave reviews. These are definitely best the first day, so make sure you have someone to share them with, or cut the batch in half because it makes a lot. Either way, just make sure you make these while you can still get fresh, juicy peaches--you won't regret it!

Peach Cobbler Muffins
makes 24-28 muffins

wildly adapted from here

muffins:
3 cups flour (I used half whole wheat and half regular)
1 Tb. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup oil
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 cups peeled, pitted, and diced chopped peaches

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line muffin cups with paper liners.

In large bowl mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In separate bowl mix the oil, applesauce, eggs, and sugar. Stir the oil mixture into the flour mixture just until moist. Stir in milk. Fold in the peaches. Spoon into prepared cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Top each muffin with 2 - 3 tsp. streusel (recipe below) and press down lightly with fingers to adhere the streusel to the muffin batter. Bake 20-25 minutes or until tops of muffins spring back when you touch them and toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.

Streusel topping:
1/3 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Combine all ingredients with fingers, fork, or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Use as directed above.

Creamy Banana Pudding

This dessert is based on a recipe I found online for Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding. I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, and this is the only thing that I have been wanting to eat for the last week. I made some and ate it something like three times a day until it was gone. Good thing I'm almost ready to have this baby so that I (hopefully) won't be doing that again! But let me just say, it was totally worth. This is creamy, sweet, and delicious. Enjoy!

Creamy Banana Pudding

1 pkg. (4 serving size) Banana or Vanilla instant pudding
1/2 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup cold water
1 vanilla bean
1/2 pkg. (12 oz.) vanilla wafers
1 pkg. (16 oz.) light cool whip
6 bananas, thinly sliced

1. Mix pudding (I used sugar free) with sweetened condensed milk and water. Whisk until well combined. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into pudding mixture and stir to combine. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Fold in 1/2 of the cool whip.
2. In trifle bowl or large glass bowl, layer 1/3 of the vanilla wafers. Top with 1/3 pudding mixture, 1/3 bananas, and 1/3 cool whip. repeat layers three times, ending with cool whip. Top with a couple of crushed vanilla wafers or shaved chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (but it is best if refrigerated overnight).

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

Last year at work we had a dessert contest, and this was the winning recipe. Corey's favorite flavors of dessert are lemon and raspberry, so I thought I would make this for him for Valentine's Day. He absolutely loved it, and I think you will too. I preferred mine topped with fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of the sauce (I thought it was a bit too lemony with the sauce and the lemon in the cheesecake) but Corey loved it with the sauce. Enjoy!


Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

Crust

1 cup vanilla wafer cookie crumbs

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Filling

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese softened

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 - 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3 large eggs

1 large egg white

Topping

3/4 cup super

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 egg yolk, beaten

fresh raspberries

Crust: Mix crumbs, sugar and butter: press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan (sprayed lightly with baking spray). Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.

Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, flour, juice, zest and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add 3 eggs and egg white, mixing on low speed just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until center is almost set (but still a little jiggly). Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Topping: Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan; gradually stir in water and juice. Bring mixture to a low boil on medium heat, stirring constantly until clear and thickened. Stir 2 tablespoons of the hot mixture into egg yolks; then slowly mix the egg mixture into the sauce. Cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Stir in raspberries Spoon topping over cheesecake just before serving. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Lemon Fruit Salad

Let's just say this. This is my very favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. I love it. Can't get enough of it. And look forward to it all year long. It's a classic from my Aunt Mary. Make it. Enjoy it. Love it. Come back for more. Sorry about the horrible pictures...just know it's amazing.

Lemon Fruit Salad

1 can lemon pie filling
1 8 oz. package cool whip
1 lb. strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve, not more than 12 hours. Enjoy!

5 Ingredient Mini Peach Cobblers

I had some fresh peaches from my parent's peach tree (the best peaches I've ever eaten in my life--no joke) a couple of days ago and wanted something quick and easy to make with them. This consists of whatever I had lying around...but it was delicious. It took less than 5 minutes to throw together, 25 minutes to bake, and that was it! Plus, it only has 5 ingredients. You can't beat that.


5 Ingredient Mini Peach Cobblers

3 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
4 tsp. white sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup yellow cake mix (dry)
4 Tb. butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 4 small ramekins on a baking sheet.
2. Divide peaches evenly between ramekins. Sprinkle 1 tsp. sugar and 1/8 tsp. cinnamon over peaches in each ramekin. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cake mix over peaches in each ramekin. Drizzle with 1 Tb. butter over each ramekin.
3. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned and peaches are bubbly. Serve warm (it is best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream).

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Really, there are no words to describe these. I made them for dinner last night and they were incredible. All day at work today I could not stop thinking about them. The minute I walked in the door my husband had the leftovers warmed up and we devoured them in less than two minutes. This is one of the most delicious dinners I've ever made. And they'll definitely be made again very soon. Like tomorrow.

This recipe combines my two favorite things from the Brazilian restaurant Tucanos: bacon-wrapped turkey (I substituted chicken) and grilled pineapple. The brown sugar glaze caramelizes on the bacon and pineapple and the smoky flavor from the grill puts this over the top. Make this. Soon. You won't regret it.


Bacon-Wrapped Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 - 2/3 lb. smoked bacon, cut into thirds (I like to use the pre-cooked bacon, 10-12 slices)
1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
bamboo skewers

1. Preheat grill to medium-high. Soak bamboo skewers in water. Arrange work area with chicken, bacon, and pineapple. Mix brown sugar and water in small bowl and set aside.
2. Wrap one slice of bacon around one cube of chicken. Place on bamboo skewer. Alternate with pineapple chunks. Repeat until there are 3 pieces of chicken and 3 pieces of pineapple on each skewer. Repeat with remaining chicken.
3. Baste skewers with brown sugar mixture. Grill skewers for 7 - 10 minutes on each side, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through, basting occasionally.
4. Serve with rice and stir fry veggies or salad.

Caramelized Salmon with Mango Salsa

When this popped up on my google reader, I immediately starred it and decided to make it ASAP. I am SO glad I didn't wait, because it is delicious! I've been wanting to make it again all week. Make it and I'm sure you'll devour it just like we did!


Caramelized Salmon with Mango Salsa
Adapted from Quick Cooking Site

Salmon
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. salmon (about 6 fillets, 1/4 lb. each)

Mango Salsa
1 mango, peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
2 Tb. finely diced green pepper
1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, diced
1 Tb. rice vinegar
1 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. olive oil
dash kosher salt
dash black pepper
dash garlic powder

1. Preheat grill. Combine sugar, salt, and pepper in shallow dish. Rub each salmon fillet in the sugar mixture, being sure to well coat each side. Grill over low heat for about 5-8 minutes on each side, until crispy and cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, combine all salsa ingredients and set aside.
3. Top salmon with salsa and serve with rice and grilled pineapple.

Blueberry Crumb Muffins

These are probably the best muffins I've ever had, and I'm not just saying that. They were totally worth the extra effort to make them from scratch instead of using a mix. This recipe is adapted from Dorie Greenspan, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!


Blueberry Crumb Muffins

Crumb Topping:
5 tbsp cold unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup oatmeal

Muffins
2 cups frozen blueberries, NOT thawed
1 Tb. flour
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup sugar
zest of 1 lemon
6 Tb. butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk
juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Preheat oven to 350 dcgrees. Line 20 - 24 muffin cups with papers.
2. Put all ingredients for crumb topping except oatmeal in food processor and mix until small crumbs form. (Don't overmix or the crumbs will all clump together and you'll get a big blob of butter on top of each muffin--not appetizing). Mix in oatmeal with fingers or a spoon. Place in freezer while you prepare the muffin batter.
3. Mix lemon juice and milk and set aside. Mix 1 Tb. flour with blueberries, just to coat the outside of the blueberries; set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix sugar and lemon zest with the paddle attachment until well combined. Add butter and cream for about 3 minutes, until mixture is light yellow and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes.
5. Add one cup of flour and mix on low speed until flour is mixed in. Add milk/lemon juice mixture and blend well. Add remaining 1 cup flour and salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix on low until just combined. Do not overmix or the muffins will not rise properly.
6. Fold blueberries into batter. Mixture will be very thick.
7. Divide batter between muffin cups, filling only about 1/2 full (I got 22 muffins out of my batch). Top batter with crumb topping, evenly divided amongst muffins. Press down lightly on crumbs so they will stick to the muffin batter.
8. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until tops spring back when touched and tops are golden brown. Move to a wire rack and cool at least 5 minutes before serving (or you'll burn your tongue on a hot blueberry...not that I would know or anything).

Stuffed French Toast

Lest you all think that all I ever make it desserts, here is a breakfast recipe! Ok, so it's sweet and delicious and could probably work as a dessert, but it's technically a breakfast food (work with me here). This recipe is perfect for adapting, the possibilities are endless!

Stuffed French Toast

12 slices french bread (sliced 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick)
1/2 cup nutella
2 bananas, thinly sliced
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
whipped cream and berries for topping

1. In large bowl beat eggs, milk, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Spread nutella thinly on one side of each slice of bread. Top half of the bread slices with bananas, and top with another bread slice to form a "sandwich."
3. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture and cook in skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side, until crisp and brown.
4. Top with berries and cream. Enjoy!

*Feel free to experiment with the fillings--raspberry cream cheese and raspberry jam are great together, as are honey nut cream cheese and bananas, thinly sliced strawberry and plain cream cheese, peanut butter and bananas or maple syrup, etc. They're also great topped with strawberry cheesecake ice cream...not that I had that for breakfast today or anything...

Raspberry Chocolate Souffles

Tonight I decided I wanted to make something special for Valentine's Day, so I thought I would whipped this up. It is adapted from the cover picture on the book The Art & Soul of Baking. I've been eying the recipe since Christmas and I was glad to finally have an excuse to make it. I was certainly not disappointed; it was great, and a fun, festive dessert and I'd definitely recommend it. Did I mention it was super easy?

Raspberry Chocolate Souffles
Makes 2 souffles

2 dark chocolate dove promises, finely chopped
2 tsp. heavy whipping cream
3 ounces frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 tsp. plus 1 1/2 Tb. sugar divided
1/8 tsp. pure almond extract
1 large egg white
fresh whipping cream, for garnish
fresh raspberries, for garnish
butter and sugar, for greasing ramekins.

1. Melt chopped chocolate and whipping cream in microwave on high for 25 seconds. Stir well until completely melted. Move to freezer for 15 - 30 minutes or until firm. Form into 2 small balls
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter and sugar 2 small ramekins.
3. Puree raspberries (including juices) in mini chopper for 30 seconds, until pureed. Push puree through small strainer over small bowl. Press well against strainer with spoon to ensure that all juice makes it through the strainer. Discard seeds. Stir 1/2 tsp. sugar and almond extract into berry puree.
4. Whip egg white in small bowl with hand mixer until peaks begin to form. Slowly add remaining sugar and beat until very stiff peaks form.
5. Fold a small amount (about 1/4 cup) of egg mixture into raspberry puree until completely mixed. Add raspberry mixture to remaining egg whites and fold until no more white streaks are visible.
6. Place a quarter of the souffle mixture in each ramekin. Top with one truffle each. Divide remaining souffle mixture between the two ramekins. Level with a flat spatula.
7. Bake for 13 - 16 minutes, until souffle rises above rim, top is browned, and center is firm to the touch. Serve immediately with fresh whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes

Pie flavored cupcakes. What could be better than pie + cupcakes? These are amazing, the picture really doesn't do them justice. I created them for a co-worker who loves banana cream pie and me who loves cupcakes. Yum!


Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (4 serving size) sugar free vanilla or banana cream pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups milk, divided
1 pkg. (4 serving size) banana cream pudding mix
3 cups heavy whipping cream
2-3 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2-3 bananas, sliced
3 graham crackers, crushed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 cupcake tins with cupcake papers.
2. Beat cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 cup milk with electric beat until combined. Beat 2 minutes. Divide mixture evenly between cupcake tins.
3. Bake cupcakes for 20 - 25 minutes. Move to cooling rack and cool completely.
4. Beat whipping cream, 2-3 tsp. vanilla, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in bowl of large electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
5. Mix banana cream pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups milk until well blended. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped cream.
6. With pastry bag fitted with large flower end, pipe banana cream filling into cupcakes, dividing evenly between the 24 cupcakes (it's ok if it leaks out of the top of the cupcake a little).
7. Pipe whipping cream over tops of cupcakes. Top with 1 or 2 banana slices each, and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers. Serve immediately.

Fresh Peach Cake with Caramel Sauce

I've had this recipe bookmarked on google reader for months, and I've just been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make it. Fresh peaches don't tend to be very good during the winter (or a very good price), but I found some good looking ones for a great price last week and immediately thought of this recipe. I whipped it up for dessert tonight and I was not disappointed. This was delicious! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, even if you have to wait for a couple months to get fresh peaches. Trust me, it's worth the wait. I halved the recipe and baked it in 6 mini bundt cake pans for cute individual desserts.

Fresh Peach Cake

Cake
1 1/2 cups sugar (or use part Splenda and part sugar)
2 eggs + 2 egg whites
3/4 cup oil
1 1/3 cups mashed peaches
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup finely diced fresh peaches

Caramel Sauce
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. flour
1/2 cup butter
2 egg yoks
2/3 cup evaporated milk or 1/2 cup whipping cream + 3 Tb. skim milk
2 tsp. vanilla
dash salt

Garnish
fresh whipped cream
fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bundt pan, 2 loaf pans, or 12 mini bundt pans (about 1 cup each).
2. Beat eggs, sugar, and oil with electric mixer on high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add mashed peaches and mix until combined. Add flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in diced peaches.
3. Pour into greased pan and bake for 30 - 35 minutes (20 minutes for mini bundt pans) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately invert onto cooling rack.
4. Meanwhile, prepare caramel sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in medium saucepan. Stir well with whisk. Boil over low heat until thickened and brown, stirring well (don't leave it unattended or it will burn). Cool slightly.
5. Serve cake topped with caramel sauce and garnished with whipped cream and sliced peaches.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Tart

Here is the recipe for one of the pies I made for National Pie Day last week. I've made it a couple of times with a few tweaks, and this time it turned even more delicious than last time. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Tart

Crust
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup flour
2/3 cup butter, softened

Cream Cheese Filling
6 oz. low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Blueberry Topping
3 1/2 cups blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 Tb. cornstarch
2 Tb. water
1 lemon, zested and juiced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter with fork, two knives, or a pastry cutter until fine crumbs form. Press into 10 inch tart pan with removable bottom. Be sure to press it firmly up the sides of the pan and evenly along the bottom.
3. Bake crust for 10 - 12 minutes or until barely browned. Cool completely.
4. To prepare the cream cheese filling, beat whipping cream with granulated sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In separate bowl beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Spoon over cooled crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before topping with the blueberry topping.
5. To prepare blueberry topping, place blueberries in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until mostly thawed. Sprinkle with sugar.
6. Dissolve cornstarch in lemon juice and water. Add beaten egg. Pour over blueberries.
7. Cook blueberry mixture for 10 - 15 minutes or until bubbly and thick. Cool completely and spread evenly over cream cheese mixture.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days.

Caramel Apple Dip

I made this for a get together with Corey's family tonight. I wanted to have something a little healthier since we've been eating so much junk lately. It was amazing, and I can't wait to try it again! Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Dip

4 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
20 caramels, unwrapped
2 Tb. milk
1/4 cup Mrs. Richardson's butterscotch caramel ice cream topping (feel free to skip this if you don't have it on hand, it just adds a little more contrast to the dip instead of pure sweetness).

1. Whip softened cream cheese and brown sugar with electric mixer.
2. Melt caramels and milk in microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. stir until smooth. Add ice cream topping. Let sit in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Mix melted caramel and cream cheese mixture until smooth and well blended.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days. Serve with sliced apples, fresh pears, or graham crackers. (I also tried it with marshmallows and it was great. It would also be a great sauce for ice cream or apple cake. Yum, yum, yum).

Gingerbread Waffles

A few years ago Mica found a gingerbread waffle mix at Williams-Sonoma. We made them all together as a family and they were about the most delicious things I've ever eaten. And eat we did. Probably about 10 waffles each. It was out of control, but in a good way. I never bought them myself because I couldn't handle the price tag of $10 a box, but this year I convinced myself I would buy some since they were so good and I was craving them. So we went to Williams-Sonoma only to find out that they didn't make them this year! A tragedy! So I did what I always do when confronted with such a dilemma: google it and try to find my own recipe. I found a recipe on the food network website and modified it. They are delicious, easy and cheap, 3 of my very favorite things!

Gingerbread Waffles
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk
3 Tb. molasses
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
Bananas, whipped cream, caramel topping and/or maple syrup for topping

1. Preheat waffle iron. In large bowl beat eggs and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add pumpkin, milk, molasses, butter, and vanilla.
3. Stir in dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Do not over mix.
4. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook until done (2 - 5 minute depending on the waffle iron). Top with syrup or caramel, sliced bananas and whipped cream.

Serves 4 - 6.

Grilled Pineapple

If you have ever been to Tucanos or a similar Brazilian grill, you know how good their grilled pineapple is. That is my very favorite thing there, and I'm lucky if I can leave without having at least 4 pieces of pineapple. Since it is so delicious, we decided to try it at home...and it turns out nearly as good (not quite since we're not slow roasting it over an open flame for hours). We've been having this every couple of weeks lately and it's always a hit. Grilling the pineapple adds a lot of flavor and really intensifies the sweetness. You can serve it with any meat (teriyaki chicken is very good with it) or chop it up and use it on pizza or in salads. You could also drizzle with a little caramel and pecans and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Grilled Pineapple

1 fresh pineapple, outside and core removed, and cut into slices or spears
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 - 3 T. water
dash cinnamon

Combine brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Brush over pineapple slices/spears. Grill on medium heat for 3 - 5 minutes on each side, turning once.

Apple Cake

During the fall I always crave apple desserts. Maybe it comes from growing up with lots of apples from my grandpa's orchard. Maybe it's just because my dad is the biggest fruit-a-holic of all time and he passed that on to us. This is a recipe from my mom and it just wouldn't be fall without having appple cake at least once. I started early this year and made it before the first official day of fall even hit, I just couldn't wait one more day for the delicious aroma and even more amazing taste of this cake.

Apple Cake

Cake:

2 c. sugar (I used half Splenda and half regular sugar)

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

2 c. flour

4 c. shredded apples (I used a mixture of granny smith, jonagold, and honeycrisp)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional--I leave this out because I have issues with nutmeg, but if you like nutmeg go ahead and add it)

Topping:

1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

2 T. melted butter or margarine

1 c. brown sugar (I used 1/2 cup brown sugar Splenda instead)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine all cake ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Pour into greased 9x13 pan.

3. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over cake batter.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or mostly clean.

5. Cool slightly and top with whipped cream. It is best warm!

Fresh Peach Cobbler

I remember making this with my mom when I was younger. The smell is AMAZING and it tastes even better. It's perfect for breakfast (warmed up in the microwave) on a chilly fall or winter day, and makes a great dessert when you add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This is a classic Betty Crocker recipe, and I've never tasted another cobbler that I like quite as much. This time I made peach-raspberry cobbler with fresh peaches from my dad's orchard (aka his backyard full of fruit trees) and fresh raspberries from my in-law's garden. I also used Splenda instead of sugar and it turned out fabulous! Enjoy!

Peach Cobbler a la Betty Crocker

1/2 cup sugar or Splenda
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups sliced fresh peaches (6 medium) or 1 large can peaches (with juice)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons shortening
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar or Splenda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400º.
2. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, the cornstarch and cinnamon in 2-quart saucepan. Stir in peaches (and raspberries if desired) and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole; keep peach mixture hot in oven.
3. Cut shortening into flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, the baking powder and salt in medium bowl, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture look like fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot peach mixture.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired (and it's totally recommended, even for breakfast. Cobbler is just never as good without a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream).

Raspberry Spinach Salad

This was an experimental salad that turned out fantastic. It's one of those meals where you can mix and match ingredients depending on what you have. Here is the basic recipe:

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

3 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup fresh raspberries, sliced

1/2 cup sugar snap peas, sliced in half diagonally

1-2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced or cubed (optional)

dressing of your choice to taste (raspberry vinagerette, poppy seed, or citrus vinagerettes are good)

Toss all ingredients together and serve. You can also substitute fresh oranges for the mandarin oranges, thinly sliced red onions (soaked in cold water to lessen the strong taste) for the scallions, add a handful of toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds are good), or omit the peas if desired. It makes a great main dish or omit the chicken for a side dish. Enjoy!