French Butter Cake #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

   

This cake was so easy and so delicious.  Using oil instead of butter made it extremely moist.  At first, I thought the oil was never going to blend in and I'd done something wrong but I kept whisking and eventually it coalesced into a smooth batter.  It's a simple cake that is a blank slate for the toppings of your choice--keep it simple with some powdered sugar, or make it fancy with fresh fruit or whipped cream.  It's a lovely dessert but is also something you might have with a cup of tea or even for breakfast if you're feeling decadent!  

For the cake:

½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon almond extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup neutral flavored oil

For the glaze:

⅓ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons butter

1½ tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

For the cake:

Preheat the oven to 350˚F.  Spray a 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and spray parchment paper.

Combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs and the vanilla and almond extracts. Whisk until well blended.

 

Add the baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine then add the flour and whisk again just until all of the flour is blended in. 

Add the oil and stir well. Don't worry, at first it will seem to separate but keep stirring till smooth.

 

Pour the batter into prepared pan.

 

Bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.

 

While the cake cools a bit, prepare the glaze.

For the glaze:

Combine sugar, butter, water and extracts in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil. 

Using a pastry brush, slowly brush the glaze all over the top of the cake, using about a quarter of the mixture.

Flip the cake out onto a cooling rack set over parchment paper (to catch drips). The bottom of the cake will now be the top.

 

Brush the remaining glaze over the top and sides of the cake until all the glaze is gone. Allow cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired before serving or top with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

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Creamed Chicken à la Paula Deen

I

t was one of those days where I didn't feel like going to the grocery store. (It was cold and snowing.  it's always cold and snowing in Michigan in the winter).  I googled the contents of my fridge and freezer and this recipe of Paula Deen's popped up.Not only did I have all the ingredients but it was quick and easy and total comfort food on a frigid night.  I poached a chicken breast for the recipe but you could easily use chicken leftover from a roast or a rotisserie chicken to make it even easier.

1 TBSP butter

1 TBSP flour (I used gluten free)

1/2 cup chicken broth  

1/2 cup half and half  

1 TBSP dry sherry  

2 cups chopped or shredded chicken breasts  

1/2 tsp dried thyme  

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen peas (optional) 

 

Shred or chop one large or two smaller cooked chicken breasts.

 

Melt butter in a saucepan and add flour.  Stir until flour is incorporated.

 

Whisk in the chicken broth, half and half and sherry.  

 

Cook, whisking, until combined.  Bring to a boil while whisking.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened.

Add in shredded chicken, thyme, optional peas and salt and pepper to test. Simmer until peas are thawed and warm.

 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken Marsala #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

This chicken Marsala was surprisingly quick and easy.  It's a recipe that's uncomplicated enough for a weeknight dinner or fancy enough for company.  I reduced the recipe since there were only two of us.  I had one enormous chicken breast that I was able to slice into four pieces.  The original recipe calls for cremini mushrooms but I already had some white button mushrooms in the fridge so I used those.  Baby bellas would be good too.  I also dialed back on the wine, using about 1/3 cup.  My Marsala (which has been in the pantry for ages) was on the sweet side--I think a drier wine would have been a bit better although we still enjoyed this tremendously.  I served it over noodles but rice, pasta or even mashed potatoes would go well with the dish.

2 large chicken breasts

Salt & pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Flour for dredging

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons butter divided

8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced fairly thin

1 large clove garlic minced

3/4 cup marsala wine  

1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream

 

Cut the breasts in half to make four thin cutlets.  Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Coat each piece in flour.

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of the butter in a skillet.  Add chicken and sear for four to five minutes per side.  Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

  

Add the remaining butter and the mushrooms.  Cook until browned.

 

Add the minced garlic and marsala wine and cook until the alcohol burns off, approximately three to five minutes.

 Add the cream and then return chicken to pan.  Cook for another four to five minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.

 

 

Serve with noodles, rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

 

 

Peppermint Bark Brownies #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon #Christmas

 

 

As you've probably guessed, I'm all about quick and easy under certain circumstances.  At the last minute, I was asked to bring a dessert to our Newcomers Christmas gathering.  This recipe starts with a store bought brownie mix that turns festive with white chocolate icing and crushed candy canes.  As the TV chef Ina Garten would say, "how easy was that?"

1 (18 oz) box brownie mix

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

2 cups white chocolate chips

2 large candy canes or several smaller ones, crushed

 

Prepare pan -- either grease pan with cooking spray or use parchment paper to create a "sling." 

 

Mix brownie mix, vegetable oil and egg in a bowl.  Bake according to package directions. Let cool.

Melt white chocolate chips in microwave in 30 second bursts and stir.  Continue until chips are melted.

Place candy canes in a zip lock bag and use a mallet or other object to crush candy canes into small pieces.

 

Spread melted white chocolate on top of cake.

 Sprinkle candy cane pieces on top. (To speed up the hardening of the chocolate, place in refrigerator.)

 

 

SPEND CHRISTMAS IN CRANBERRY COVE! 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

 

 

Water Pie #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

I thought this recipe was particularly appropriate after the Thanksgiving feast and before the December holiday food bonanza kicks off.  How many calories can there be in water pie, right?  Besides, I was intrigued.  This recipe is from the Depression era when ingenious women learned to create something out of almost nothing.  The flavor can be switched up by changing the vanilla extract to orange, almond or flavor of your choice.

 

So…how was it?  It needed to chill in the fridge for quite a while before completely firming up.  It is very sweet.  Very.  I imagine though this was a treat for people going through the Depression when treats were few and far between.  Would I make it again?  No but it was an interesting experiment and fun to see if it would work.

 

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract   

5 tbsp. butter, divided into pats

A pie crust, either store-bought or homemade

 

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.

 

Pour the water into the pie crust.

 

Mix the sugar and flour, whisk, and sprinkle on the pie.  Do not stir.

 

Sprinkle the vanilla extract on top and add the pats of butter to the top of the pie.

 

Bake 30 minutes.  Reduce oven heat to 375 degrees and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes.  Let cool.  Store in the refrigerator.

 

 

SPEND CHRISTMAS IN CRANBERRY COVE! 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

 

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

 

This was quick and easy especially since I started with a rotisserie chicken.  It was also granddaughter approved!  I imagine you could use some of the leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this and it would be equally good and I don't see why you couldn't switch up the type of cheese if desired. I did not broil this at the end as the recipe says because I'd used my Pyrex baking dish and you shouldn't put those under the broiler. The cheese had already melted nicely in the oven.  I served it over some rice.  

     4 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp mayonnaise  

1/2 cup grated cheddar

1/2 tsp garlic powder garlic powder  

1/4 tsp salt  

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1/4 cup grated cheese

Extra grated cheese for topping casserole

 

Heat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 casserole dish.

Bring two inches of water to a boil and add broccoli florets.  Steam until fork tender, approximately 2 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

 

Combine the softened cream cheese with the mayo and then stir in the seasonings.

 

Add the 1/2 cup cheddar and the cooked and chopped chicken. Stir in the steamed broccoli and blend together.

 

 

Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with the last 1/4 cup of grated cheese.

 

Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Next, set the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and browning in spots. 

 

SPEND CHRISTMAS IN CRANBERRY COVE! 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble