Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

When I lived in Pocatello, I had some awesome neighbors. One in particular lived right next door just 10 steps away. We both had a love of cooking and baking that had us finding, and testing recipes together. This is a favorite that she's been asking me to blog since last January.. So without further ramblings.... Morgan, this ones for you... love and miss you my friend!


Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

3 TBS cornstarch (divided)
1/2 cup water, plus 2 TBS water (divided)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lb boneless round steak or chuck steak cut into thin 3 inch strips
2 TBS vegetable oil
4 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
Hot cooked Rice

1. In large bowl, combine 2 TBS cornstarch, 2 TBS water and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Add beef and toss.
3. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, stir-fry beef in 1 TBS oil until beef is cooked; remove and keep warm.
4. Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes.
5. Return beef to pan.
6. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger ad remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to pan.
7. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
8. Serve over rice.


serves 4

photo from Campbells Kitchendaily.com

Brownie Batter Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

So today I am finally uploading because I can't resist this outrageously delightful chocolate tastiness. It comes from the blog of KevinandAmanda.com Amanda is a fun and unbelievable talented web/font designer, scrapbooker, crafter, blogger.. you name it she can do it lady. With the loss of my camera and photoshop on the fritz I am giving Amanda full credit for not only the amazing pictures but for the sinfully fabulous treat. Just looking at these will give you a chocolate fix...


Brownie Batter Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Outrageously Rich Chocolate Indulgence Frosting

BROWNIE BATTER

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup milk
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Using a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) drop batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight.

CUPCAKES

1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) pkg Jello instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and line with cupcake liners. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips into a very large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a large scoop (about 3 tbsp) drop batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3rds full. Remove brownie batter from freezer and press into the cupcake batter. Bake for 22-28 mins. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING

5 sticks butter, softened
8 oz powdered sugar
1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa)
a pinch of table salt
1.5 cups light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz milk chocolate chips

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring well every 30 seconds. Allow to cool for 5-10 mins. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a food processor and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, about 5-10 seconds. Scrape the bowl again, then add the melted chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, about 10-15 seconds. You can use a mixer for this too, if you don’t have a food processor, just don’t whip the butter too much! :) Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated.

Makes & frosts 36 cupcakes.

Peach Pie Filling/ Topping

I know that there are a few late peaches still hanging around so I had to get this in before the season was completely over. This recipe comes to you from Sister 3 who lives in the heart of the land of peaches in Utahs Fruit Way. It is super easy to make and is a great filling for pie, cobbler or crisp (my favorite) or just put a little (or a lot) on ice cream and enjoy the sweet delicious goodness.

Peach Pie Filling/ Topping

Peel and cut up 3 cups fresh peaches (set aside)

In medium saucepan mix together 1 cup sugar and 5 TBS cornstarch. Add 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly. Boil until thick; turn off heat
Add 1/4 cup butter stirring until melted. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and stir well- It will be thick.
Stir in prepared peaches just until coated.

Pour into baked pie crust or graham cracker crust, use for cobbler or crisp or serve warm over vanilla ice cream. Best if used within first day.

hello again hello

Hello my food blog friends. It certainly has been a long time since we have spoken. Life has a way of getting away from you at times. Like the seasons, change happens. Sometimes we look forward to it and sometimes it comes with worry, but it comes nonetheless. I am beginning a new life and with trepidation am stepping into a new season. I appreciate all my friends and family and all of you- my food blog friends in your help and patience during these changes. I'm still here and with a pile of recipes to share don't plan on going too far from my love of cooking, blogging and sharing with all of you.

So, stay tuned.. recipes start up again this week. If you have been waiting for me to post something let me know so I don't forget about you.

Thanks- You've all been so wonderful! I love you all..

Spongebob Cake

My friend loves Spongebob. It was his birthday on Sunday so of course we had to make a special cake to celebrate. I didn't have any of my decorating tools but I think we did pretty good.

Happy Birthday Cody! hahahahahahahahah

Lemon Limeade

I'm sure you have all felt as though I have abandoned you. I'm sorry I was gone soooo long... Its been a difficult month. But, as they say... "when life gives you lemons.. make lemonade".. or Lemon Limeade in this case. It has been so hot that I have been needing a cool boost in the middle of the day, not to mention a little sugar kick. It has been the perfect pick-me-up. So, if life has given YOU lemons (and limes) go make this delightful beverage and enjoy the cool refreshing goodness.

(For a special treat I substitute half of the water for club soda.)

Lemon Limeade

1 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1 c. fresh squeezed lime juice (about 6 limes)
1 1/4 c. sugar (you can adjust for tartness)
6 c. water
1 lemon
1 lime
ice cubes

In small sauce pan warm 1 cup water and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool. Squeeze lemon and limes for fresh juice. In medium pitcher add cooled sugar mixture, water, lemon juice and lime juice. stir. slice remaining lemon and lime into wedges and add to mixture. Pour into tall glass with ice and enjoy!

Moving...

Sorry about the lack of updates.. I haven't forgotten you. I'm moving this weekend and will be back as soon as I get settled..

Until then...

Flashback to a few of my favorite recipes for summer picnics.

Texas Fudge Cake
Ramen Noodle Salad
Frozen Raspberry Salad
Black Bean Salsa
Tried and True Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crispy Fried Chicken