Monday, June 21, 2010

Strawberry Crepes

The kids and I wanted a special breakfast on Fathers Day. We wanted something our dad would love.. something fun and fancy but simple at the same time. Strawberry Crepes! mmmmmmm...
Fun...check...
Fancy... check..
Simple.. double check..
Loved by dad... You better believe it!!


Strawberry Crepes

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 TBS sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 TBS butter (melted)
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Beat with hand mixer until smooth. Lightly butter 6-8 inch skillet. Heat over medium heat until bubbly. For each crepe, pour scant 1/4 cup of the batter into skillet. Immediately rotate skillet until film covers bottom.
Cook until light brown. Run wide spatula around edge to loosen; turn and cook other side until light brown. Stake crepes, placing waxed paper between each; keep covered.
Spread filling and fresh strawberries over each warm crepe; roll up. sprinkle with powder sugar.


Filling

1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 cup strawberry yogurt
1/4 cup powder sugar

Whip cream with powder sugar until peaks start to form. Stir in yogurt and continue mixing until desired consistency.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

3 Minute Caramel Popcorn

If you need a quick and easy treat this recipe is for you. My great friend and neighbor gave this to me one day and I ran home to try it.(Thanks Tiffany!) 15 minutes, several batches and about 20 neighbor kids later I knew I had a keeper. So fast So easy and So delicious.


3 Minute Caramel Popcorn

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
7 large marshmallows

Place together in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave on high 1 more minute. Stir until combined and creamy looking. Pour over about 12 cups popped popcorn. Stir well and enjoy!


NOTE: I like my popcorn a little sticky so I cut the time to 1 minute 45 seconds and then an additional 45 seconds.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Cupcake Wedding Cake

This weekend my dear friend and former co-worker was married. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony for an unbelievable couple.

As many of you may know.. I don't do wedding cakes.. I can't take the pressure or the brides... But when she asked me to make her cupcake wedding cake I didn't hesitate.. She wanted cupcakes, wanted the decorating simple, she trusted me and she loves me.. how could I go wrong?

The cake turned out wonderfully, fit her perfectly and she couldn't have been happier. CONGRATULATIONS to the newlyweds!

Portneuf Greenway Cake


Every Year the Portneuf Greenway holds a fundraiser to earn money to help with upkeep and extending of the path along the river. This is the cake I made this year as a donation from the bakery to their cause... It makes me happy to look at it. I know it isn't extravagant by any means but I love the simple elegance of the japanese blossoms and the beautiful contrast of the soft pink against the chocolate. The entire event was a great success thanks to the donations and help from many many individuals and businesses. Congratulations Portneuf Greenway!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Snicker doodles

At the bakery where I work our recipes are well guarded. When the owner allowed this most delicious cookie recipe to be printed in the newspaper I jumped at the chance to share it with all of you.. (Thanks Alan!) Try this recipe and you will see why this is one of our top selling cookies.


RaNae's Rolls
Snicker doodles


1 cup softened butter (room temp)
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 3/4 -3 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar. beat in the eggs and vanilla. Combine all dry ingredients and mix into creamed mixture. Mix well till all incorporated. Roll dough into TBS size balls. Roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until slightly golden on edges. Do not over bake.
(makes about 40 cookies)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Garlic Butter

When it rains it pours.. (washing machines and flooding taken care thank goodness.) Schools out and the kids are under foot. Meals get a little simpler and we start to take things outdoors. Now if the weather would cooperate... rain rain go away!.. With the weather a little out of sorts we look to comfort food. Garlic always fits the bill. This Garlic Butter can be spread on a loaf of french bread and toasted, stirred into your warm veggies or a baked potato, spread on chicken for baking or used with your bread dough for fabulous garlic bread sticks. oh, so many possibilities! Let the comfort begin...


Garlic Butter

1 cup butter (softened)
1 1/2 TBS minced Garlic
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp parsley

Stir all ingredients together and use right away or store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Garlic Cheese Toast

Cut 1 loaf of french bread lengthwise. Spread butter liberally on both halves. Sprinkle with your favorite cheese. Put right on the middle rack in oven (no pan) at temp of 500 degrees. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until edges are crispy and cheese is melted.