Free Canning Class
Rose Petal Jelly
I will be at the Gateway 105 Farmer’s Market doing a free canning class tomorrow, Friday, October 3rd. The market is located at E. 105 and Ashbury. The Farm Market runs from 3- 7 and my class is from 5-7. If you have any canning questions this will be my last canning class of the season. Hope to see you there.
Bacon Apple Fritters with Maple Glaze
Bacon Apple Fritters with Maple Glaze
This time of year with apples in abundance it is fun to use them in all sorts of recipes. This is one of my favorites. What could be better than combining apples with bacon in a sweet treat? The sweetness of the apples pairs so well with the smoky/saltiness of the bacon. I have made these in the past with gluten free flour and they worked great. They make a wonderful dessert or a fun addition to a breakfast or brunch menu.
Bacon Apple Fritters
2 c. flour
2 T. sugar
2 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. melted butter
1 c. diced apples
1 c. cooked, crumbled bacon
oil for frying- I used coconut oil
Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Mix together milk with the eggs and butter. Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened and add the apples and bacon. Heat oil to 375. If using gluten free flour heat oil to 350. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Don’t do more than 4-5 at a time. It will take about 4 minutes in total but you need to turn them to brown evenly so 2 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Dip in maple glaze (recipe follows) while warm or roll in powdered sugar. Makes about 32.
Maple Glaze
1 c. Powdered sugar
1/2 c. maple syrup
a little water if mixture gets too thick
Combine all ingredients and set aside until ready to use.
Pizza Chicken Skillet
Pizza Chicken Skillet
I had a busy day and needed something fast for dinner. I also hate doing dishes so the idea of a one pot meal was very appealing. I looked at what I had on hand and this is the dish I came up with. I started with some basics, browned onion and chicken in a skillet. I also had some fresh tomatoes and peppers and pizza seasoning so it all came together quite nicely. By adding some chicken stock and pasta I was able to finish it all together in the same skillet. It was wonderful just the way it was- but you could top it with shredded cheese, if you like.
Pizza Chicken Skillet
1 T. oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 chicken, cut up
4 c. chopped fresh tomatoes
1 sweet pepper, seeded and diced
3 c. chicken stock- you might need a little more*
2 t. pizza seasoning
8 oz. uncooked pasta- I used rotini**
salt and pepper to taste
In large skillet brown onion in oil. add chicken pieces and brown on both sides. Add tomatoes to skillet and cook a few minutes more. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and bring to a simmer. Place lid on skillet and cook over medium low heat for about 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked. Add pasta and cook, covered, about 12 minutes longer, or until pasta is cooked. Stir from time to time to prevent sticking and to see if you need more stock. Time will vary depending on which pasta you choose. Adjust seasonings and serve as is or with cheese on top. Serves 4.
* Depending on how juicy your tomatoes are you might need a little more stock. I wanted to have some sauce with the dish so I liked the amount of stock I used.
** You could use more pasta just add more stock.
Pumpkin Squares
Pumpkin Squares
This recipe has been part of our family for years now. The original recipe came from Bisquick, but it had 2 cups of sugar in it. My Mother’s sensibilities kicked in and she cut the sugar down to one cup. Great move on her part. The cake is still plenty sweet with less sugar. It mixes and bakes up in no time. I normally top it with cream cheese frosting, but it would be good with a simple powdered sugar glaze or even just a dusting of powdered sugar mixed with a little cinnamon. The texture is moist and tender and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
Pumpkin Squares
1 c. sugar
½ c. oil
16 oz. cooked pumpkin, canned, fresh (preferred) or frozen
4 eggs, beaten
2 c. biscuit mix (homemade or Bisquick or Jiffy Mix)
2 t. cinnamon
½ c. raisins, optional
Grease a jelly roll pan and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat first 4 ingredients for 1 minute. Stir in mix, cinnamon and raisins. Pour in prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Cool and frost. Frosted cake must be kept refrigerated between servings.
Frosting:
8 oz. cream cheese
2/3 c. butter
2 T. milk
2 t. vanilla
3 c. powdered sugar, or more
Beat together until smooth.
Liqueur Class
I will be teaching a class on making homemade liqueurs this Thursday at the Community Center in Concord. It is a fun time, for sure. If you are interested here is the contact information. There is no online registration. The class is from 7-9 pm.
Concord
Students may enroll in classes directly at the Concord Community Center, at 7671 Auburn Road, Concord Township OH 44077. They can call to inquire about classes at 440-639-4650. They can register in person or send in registration to the above address. A registration form is available on our website at concordtwp.com, under Current Happenings/Township Newsletter. Or, in place of a registration form, they can just write a note stating their name, address, phone, the class they are enrolling in, dates, times and payment – and send it in with their check. Class fee is $15- non residents $19.
Fall 2014
Oct. 2 : Liqueurs: Learn about the history of liqueurs and how their combination of fruit, herbs and spices can enhance your cooking. Sample recipes that, through the addition of liqueurs, go from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll learn how to make your own liqueurs and how to use them in cooking. You will also get recipes to take home. No one under 21 is permitted to take this class. Food Fee: $10.00
Three Very Easy Ways to Preserve Basil
Fresh Basil
This time of year I am looking to preserve as many herbs as I can to enjoy during colder months. Basil is one of my favorites and I grow and use a lot of it. It can be tricky to dry as it loses its color easily. I do have a dehydrator for drying, but since not everybody has one I thought I’d give you three easy ways to save your basil and enjoy it year round.
Freezing in Oil
To use basil in pesto sauce dried just won’t do. You can easily freeze your basil in olive oil and have it ready whenever you want it. Just place clean basil leaves in a blender or food processor and add olive oil. It is important that you use olive oil because it freezes solid. While the machine is running pour in oil until basil is blended. I use very little oil for two reasons. It takes up less room in the freezer and I don’t need so much oil. I can add more oil when I use it, but this way if I am doing a big batch i don’t go through all my oil. Once the mixture is blended pour or spoon it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen solid pop out the basil cubes and put in freezer bags and return to the freezer.
Frozen Basil Cubes
Process basil and olive oil until smooth
Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze
You can also freeze chopped basil without the oil. I like it better in the oil but I freeze other herbs by just chopping them up and freezing them.
Microwave Drying
If you don’t have a dehydrator you can dry herbs in your microwave. It only takes a couple of minutes per batch. Just place a handful of fresh, clean basil leaves in a linen type kitchen towel. Fold the towel over the herbs and place in the microwave. Be sure to put a raw potato in with the herbs in the oven. If you only put the herbs in it is like running the oven empty and can damage the microwave. Just put the potato off to the side. If you do several batches you will have a baked potato. 🙂 If you have a turntable just cook on high for 2 minutes. Check and see if they are dry- you might need a little more time. I need about 2 1/2 minutes in my microwave. Better to put them in for 15 more seconds at a time than to over dry them. If you don’t have a turntable microwave on high for a minute. After the first minute turn the herbs 1/4 turn and cook 15 seconds, turn again and cook another 15 seconds. Repeat four times in all. You can dry other herbs in the microwave. Small leaved herbs like thyme are done even faster. Remove the herbs from the oven and allow them to cool. check if they are dry enough and return, wrapped to cook longer if needed. Store in containers in a cool place.
Microwave dried basil on the left and fresh basil on the right
Place fresh basil on a towel and fold towel over the herbs
Place in microwave with a potato
All microwaves are different. Some will take longer and some even less time. Watch your herbs carefully. While I have never seen it happen I was told once that theoretically, they could catch on fire if left in too long. Urban legend perhaps, but just be careful.
Herb Vinegars
When I grow basil I try to keep the blossoms pinched off. Better for leaf production. But by this time of year some are blooming. Rather than dumping the blossoms you can use them to flavor vinegar. Just snip off the blossoms* and place them in a sterilized bottle or jar. Use several sprigs of basil flowers for every 2 cups of vinegar. Make sure the vinegar is at least 5% acidity. I like to use different vinegars for different herbs. I often use cider vinegar, red wine vinegar (for purple basil) and white wine vinegar. Leaves can be used, too. Vinegar should be heated up to 190 degrees- or just below the boiling point. Close up the jar and store in a cool place (50-70 degrees) for a couple of weeks. Before using strain out the herbs and filter- I use coffee filters or you could use cheese cloth. Store in a pretty bottle, if you have one. They can be kept for up to a year when stored in the fridge.
Basil blossoms in vinegar
Snip off basil blossoms
Place blossoms in a jar or bottle
*It is also recommended that the herbs be sanitized. To do this combine 1 teaspoon of bleach with six cups of water. Dip the the herbs in this solution briefly and then rinse well before placing in the jar.
Warm Blueberry Cake
Warm Blueberry Cake
If you need a quick dessert or even a nice addition for a brunch this cake is a great choice. It really is so easy to make. As the name implies it is meant to be served warm, but good at room temp, too.
Warm Blueberry Cake
2 c. biscuit mix*
1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. milk
2 T. oil
1 egg
1 1/2 c. blueberries
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan. Beat all ingredients together, except berries, for about 30 seconds. Fold in berries and pour into prepared pan. Bake for about 35 minutes. Cake should be golden brown on top and test clean with a toothpick. Serve warm.
*Like Bisquick or Jiffy mix. I make my own. Recipe follows.
Biscuit Mix
8 c. flour
1 c. powdered milk
1 c. powdered buttermilk (or 1 more cup powdered milk)
1/4 c. baking powder
1 T. salt
1 1/2 c. shortening*
Combine dry ingredients and cut in shortening until well mixed. Store in tightly covered container. Makes 10 cups.
* You can use butter instead, but keep mix in fridge and use in a couple of months. You can also use coconut oil- also best to keep this version in the fridge.
Pumpkin Cake at the Market
Pumpkin Cake
It is going to be a beautiful day for the Market at Blue Pike Farm today. Pumpkin cake will be back!! There will be samples for tasting, too. I’ll also have my other baked goodies including Chocolate Beet cake, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread and more. Jellies, pickles and herb mixes, too. There will be a wide assortment of local produce, great coffee, soaps and lotions and the best olive oil. I got a bottle last week and I love it. Hope to see you there. Blue Pike Farm is located at 900 E. 72 St., just 1./2 mile south of the Shoreway. Market hours are from 4-7 pm.
This is the olive oil I got at the market last week. Amazing!!
Pumpkin Chiffon
Pumpkin Chiffon
I have been making this for a long time and really love it. From a technical foodie standpoint it’s not really a chiffon, but that is what my Mom called it so I will leave it as Pumpkin Chiffon. It’s really a sort of pumpkin pie without the crust. Super easy to make and quite tasty. I make it in a casserole dish but you could also make it in individual ramekins. We had it in my squash class last night and everybody liked it a lot. You could use canned or fresh cooked pumpkin or butternut squash. I sometimes serve it with gingersnaps and whipped cream. It is a lovely Fall dessert.
Pumpkin Chiffon
½ c. applesauce
1 c. cooked or canned pumpkin or squash
¾ c. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. salt
½ t. nutmeg
1/8 t. cloves
4 eggs, well beaten
1 c. light cream or evaporated milk
Stir together first seven ingredients. Beat in eggs and stir in milk. Place mixture in 1 ½ quart casserole and bake in a 350-degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve alone or with cookies. Serves 6-8.
Sweet Potato “Gnocchi”
Sweet Potato “Gnocchi”
I made my classic gnocchi with potatoes and gnocchi made with beets for a birthday dinner with friends the other night. I also made gnocchi with sweet potatoes. They went well with the other gnocchi and the rest of the menu. I was using small sweet potatoes that were pretty pale once I cooked them so I added some turmeric to the dough to bring up the color a bit. That would certainly be optional. The turmeric added some flavor, but it really made the sweet potato gnocchi look great on the serving platter.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
1 c. mashed, cooked sweet potatoes
1/2 c. mashed, cooked russet potatoes
2 eggs
1 t. salt
1 t. turmeric, optional
2 c. flour or more
Get a pot of water boiling. In mixing bowl combine the sweet potatoes with the eggs and seasonings. Add about 1 1/2 cups of the flour and stir until a soft dough forms. Continue adding flour, a little at a time, until the dough can be handled without sticking to your hands but is still soft. Take about 1/4 of the dough at a time and roll into a rope, about 15 inches long, on a floured work surface. Cut dough into 1/2 thick pieces. Place pieces in a pot of boiling water and after a few minutes the gnocchi will float to the top. Cook them for several minutes after they have risen to the top of the pot. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. If you aren’t going to use them right away drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking or toss with butter. You can also run a little cold water over them instead. Repeat with the remaining dough.
A Trio of Gnocchi
