Carrot Cake Cheesecake Decadence

It seems to me that Fall is here in full swing and the crispness of the air is a clear indicator that Winter is soon to follow.  The long Thanksgiving weekend was nice and relaxing here on the home-front.  I wouldn't mind one of these types of breaks every couple of months - it has been perfect. 

I spent some of my weekend reading.  I've been reading Roots for what seems like an eternity now.  There is a part of me that is eager to get to the end and learn what the outcome will be for all of these lives I feel entangled with, but I also hate it when a good book comes to an end. 

This past holiday has been a thoughtful one, between remembering those that I've lost while appreciating how rich I am with people that are in my life. 

I got quite a bit accomplished over the long weekend, although it would have likely been more productive with just a little more sun to dry things out.  I have moss growing on my driveway.  Already. 

I did a variety of chores, like *finally* ordering a garage door opener remote, buying a new couch and loveseat (delivery on Thursday - can't wait!!), washing bed comforters, making a run to the post office for mailing out a few things, getting caught up on emails, and making plans for what types of cookies to make around Christmas time.  I also changed the air filter in the heat pump, worked on fine-tuning my financial budget that I recently put in place, paid bills, took the dog for several walks and watched a few movies.  A bunch of little things, but it made me feel productive. 

I also bought an entire box of the wrong kind of garbage bags.  They fit, but they don't have the ties on the top.  So are they usable?  Yes.  Do I like it?  No.  And of course, I bought a big box. 

Recently, I baked some brownies to take to work.  I used a new recipe that called for Dutched cocoa.  I felt a little silly, but I am certain I could tell a significant difference in how these tasted.  So, what I'm going to do is a taste-test.  You know... like the Pepsi challenge.  I'll have people blind taste and tell me if they can tell a difference and if so, which do they like the best.  So stay tuned for that one! 

Tonight I wanted to try something new, so I made a Carrot Cake Cheesecake.  I wish I knew where the recipe came from originally.  I wrote it down on a piece of paper who-knows-how-long-ago and didn't note where I got it.  I have not cut or tasted it yet, but here is the unfrosted picture.

The recipe uses carrots, pineapple, coconut and nuts.  Mixed with the deliciousness of cheesecakey goodness, how can it go wrong?   It can't. 

This cake is quick to mix up and bake, but if you're needing something you can serve fast, you'll want to wait on this recipe.  It requires a fair amount of cool down and refrigerating time.  I am sure it will be well worth the wait, though!

Here's the frosted product.  I was only supposed to frost the top, but got all carried away and frosted the entire thing.  I need to work on improving my instruction following skills.

Ok, so it's not a very good picture.  It looked better when it was smaller on my phone.  :)   It looks much prettier pre-frosting.

I'll insert a picture at the bottom or this blog entry of a piece once I slice into it tomorrow.  I hope it tastes as good as it looked and smelled!!

Over and out for now!

"With the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible."- Julia Child

 

Ok... so here is the picture I promised once I cut into the cake:

 

 

Blackberry-Peach Coffee Cake and Zombie Apocolypse Prepared Dog

I decided to try a new recipe today.  I had thawed out some of the fabulous blackberries I bought a couple of months ago from the farmers market.  I adjusted a recipe from a new cookbook to accommodate the ingredients I had on hand.  The recipe can be found here, and this is what it looks like:

It involves a nice spice batter with layers of blackberries...

and then a final layer of peaches and blackberries...

before topping with a gooey streusel...

and then sending this delicious coffee cake off to the oven. 

Now, next time I make this cake, the one thing I will change is that I will COVER the top with peach slices and just use the blackberries inside the batter.  Every bite that had a peach in it was so good that it made me want more peach bits!  So next time, it'll have exactly that!! 

On another note, in the last couple of months, my dog, Bender, has developed a new habit.  For those of you that don't already know, he hurt his back several months ago and since then, when we are in the car, he rides in his kennel.  He seems to feel quite comfortable riding like this and most of the time during rides of any length, he lays down and naps.

Now, even though he's confined to his kennel in the car, he still manages to score lots of treats - from the girls at the coffee shop, the ladies at the bank, the guys that pump gas into the car (remember, in Oregon it's illegal to pump your own gas), and from the folks at the pet store.  When these cookies are given to me, without looking, I bend my arm backwards and slide it to Bender through his kennel wires. 

The other day, when I picked him up from school, I noticed that once in the kennel, he went straight to the back corner, and by the time I closed him in and got in my seat, he was crunching happily on a cookie.  I thought that was pretty clever of him to have saved a cookie for a later time, so when I was cleaning out the car the other day, I thought I'd put another cookie in that corner and see if he noticed it. 

Well, imagine my surprise to find this:

He had a full-fledged stash!!!  My dog is a hoarder!  Anyway, after laughing at the mix of treats that are in various degrees of  consumption, I just covered them back up with the blanket.  And what is really funny is now that I'm paying attention, he gets in the car several times a week and I can see him check on his stash by digging up the blanket in that corner and then covering it back up before settling in.  And just this weekend, we went to the bank.  Guess where that cookie ended up?  Yep, you guessed it.

I used to know someone that always said that fate smiles on the prepared person.  I suppose it also smiles on the prepared pup.  Only the nose knows.

"With the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter cookies, treats, and self-discipline, anything is possible."- Julia Child Bender

Here, have a cookie.

There's been a lot going on around food stuff lately. First, at random, I made and took to work some of the oh-so-popular Fresh Island Cookies. Basically, cookies that are made with milk chocolate chips (instead of semi-sweet), coconut flakes and pecans. They're always well-received.

 

Then, at work, we had our second annual chili cook-off contest. And, wowser, were there some amazing chili dishes served up! There was a very delicious Habenaro Chili, a Chorizo Chili, and a chili that had a fun name that I can't remember and was made with several different meats (steak, bacon, etc) and pork stock. There were others as well, and they were all fabulous!

I did not participate by making chili, but I did make cornbread muffins. Lots and lots of miniature ones. It was very basic cornbread, but I added in a handful of corn so there was the occasional kernel surprise.

Also, a while back, I tried a new twist on an old favorite. I took the Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe and added a layer of deliciousness to it. The twisted recipe goes like this.

You need:

2 8 oz cans of crescent rolls

2 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese, softened

2 cups of sugar, divided

2 tsp vanilla, divided

1 can apple or cherry pie filling

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup margarine or butter

ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 360. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Spread one can of crescent rolls to line the bottom of the pan and pinch the hold closed to form a crust.

 

Blend together cream cheese, one cup of sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla. Spread mixture over the dough, but not too close to edges. Spread pie filling over top of the cream cheese mixture. (I suggest maybe not using all of the "sauce" that is with the pie filling and focus on getting mostly the fruit with some of the sauce to avoid it turning out too wet.) Sprinkle chopped nuts over the pie filling.

Top with the 2nd can of crescent rolls to form a top crust.

 

Melt butter and blend in one cup of sugar and one tsp of vanilla. Poor evenly over crust. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and back at 360 for about 30 minutes until bubbly and crust is slightly browned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Let cool completely and refrigerate (for at least 4 hours but overnight is best) before cutting into squares. 

 

And, even though I've been short on time, I've decided on a new undertaking that I am excited about. I was recently introduced to National Novel Writing Month, in which participants are challenged to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days, during the month of November. I just came up with my idea of what I want to write about this morning and I'm going to draft an outline of my thoughts to make sure it'll work. Oh, excitement!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend! More to come soon!

Traci

"With the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible."- Julia Child

 

Toasted Butter Pecan Cake and Oatmeal Scotchies!

It's finally, finally, finally September!  Fall weather on the horizon, football in full blown action, and foodie fun (always!). 

This past week, I made a few new recipes that turned out just lovely!  First, I made a Toasted Butter Pecan Cake.  The recipe came from the Taste of Home Church Supper Desserts.  It turned out pretty, dense and tasty.  I *love* butter pecan ice cream, and this was essentially the cake version of that.  Here is what you missed:

It is loaded with pecans and lots of butter flavory goodness.  Hmm....  guaranteed to knock yer lips right off.   You can find the recipe if you click here. 

I also made a batch of cookies, Oatmeal Scotchies.  Basically they're oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips.  If you or someone you love enjoys butterscotch, these are a must-try.  I think the most important trick to making successful cookies is not to over bake them, and with these, it is easy to do - so let's be careful out there!  (Cue theme music from Hill Street Blues.)

I think it is fair to say that this time of year is perfect for baking and taking walks with Bender.  The weather is just so accommodating to both of those things.  I took Bender to one of our favorite places again, the waterfront of the Columbia River, the other day.  There had recently been a fire on the Oregon side of the river at an old hotel, and it was still smoldering and smoking a little bit.  You can see the smoke if you look across the river under the bridge. 

The river itself was beautiful, though.  This is truly one of our favorite walking places. 

Also, last weekend, I went to Bella Organic Farms out on Sauvie Island (same general place I took The Mob when by brother was here) and attended the Blackberry Bluegrass and Country Festival that they had going on.  I think it'll be an annual event, and I would definitely go again!  Bender was allowed to attend and I had the wonderful company of a great friend.  It was beautiful there and the bands that were playing were fun and impressive! 

 

 

Seems like there's been lots going on, but I am feeling inclined to go watch a couple of recorded episodes of NCIS right this moment.  I think it's fair to say that I have a case of the lazies all of a sudden!! 

 

I hope everyone had a fabulous kick-off to football season!!  GO POKES!!!  Whoot whoot!!

 





I-Heart-Zucchini. Seriously, I do.

This entry will be quick - short and sweet - just to share my zucchini experiences since my garden is producing and since I can't stop buying them at the farmers markets that I go to.  I have issues. 

The other night, I made some zucchini cakes (or patties or whatever) using a recipe that I got from Life's Ambrosia website.  It was very simple and I found I enjoyed them with a teeny tiny bit of sour cream on the side.  Some might would like them with ranch. 

Basically, shred a good sized zuke and drain as much of the liquid out as possible.  Put it in a bowl and mix it with about 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 tsp paprika, a clove of garlic and, if you have it, a tiny sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.  I didn't have the nutmeg, so I made mine without it and they still turned out tasty.  Next time, I might would add some diced green onions. 

Here's the mix, the patties and the finished product:

Yum!!!



And then, tonight I decided to make a saute.  I diced up zukes, a portabella mushroom, carrots, sweet bell pepper, and some water chestnuts that I sauteed in a bit of olive oil with a coupla dashes of Worcestershire Sauce.  I consumed this delectable over some rice with a little bit of Golden Curry sauce on top.  Mmmm...mmmm... good!  I'm a sucker for the curry, but I love this dish.  It is one of my favorite ways to eat veggies, and it always tastes so good. 

I'm going to try some new zuke/squash recipes this weekend, and will be just delighted to share them with you, assuming they taste fabulous and all that. 

Ok.  I promised short and sweet, so we're done here for now!

The End. 
:)

Sweetness (and I'm not talking about Walter Payton!)

Another great weekend comes to a close as I get ready to go to bed and brace myself for the fast-approaching Monday morning. 

Bender and I visited another farmer's market yesterday, the one in Portland in the Hollywood District.  They had an event going on across the street from the market place called "The Dog Days of Summer" where Bender showed off his trickery and received some nice treats and cookies in exchange. 

I really must admit that I was hoping to find some more of those huge juicy blackberries that I had seen last weekend - and I wasn't disappointed!!  Which brings me to the introduction of my first recipe, Blackberry Coffee Cake. 

The recipe comes from Gold Medal's Best Baking Recipes magazine, and the recipe can be seen in full by clicking here. 

Ok... so check out these blackberries.  Aren't they mouth-watering?

I also made some really tasty Oatmeal Carmelitas.  These have been tasted and received the seal-of-approval!  The recipe is very easy and uses only a few key ingredients.  The original recipe, posted here, came from Pillsbury's Bake-Off Contest Prize-Winning Desserts magazine.  Here is a picture of my final product:

Ok... before I go, here is a step in making the caramelitas that, to me, looks so good!  It's where you cover the crust with chocolate chips, nuts and then caramel topping, which makes that gooey looking layer you see in the picture above.  Check this out:

I also made some other baked items, but will have to save the posting of those for a later date. My eyes are heavy and I must call it a night!  I have everything cut, wrapped and ready to haul in and share with Bender's teachers and with the families that are staying at the Portland Ronald McDonald House. 

I just feel like I can't wrap up this post without sharing a picture of my rotten pup enjoying one of his cookies from the market.  Here he is, being cute.

I think sometimes he wonders what the big deal is that makes me have to take pictures of every little thing he does.  Oh, if he could only talk...

Have a great week, everyone!

Fresh Goodies from the Market

Bender and I decided together this morning that we wanted to go to the Vancouver Farmer's Market this morning, walk around, and maybe even buy a few things.  And that's exactly what we did. 

The weather was very cooperative, sunny and warm but not hot.  There was a nice crowd there, but it was laid back and pleasant.  Bender got several pettings and scored a couple of free cookies from the vendor booths. 

There were many booths that had a lot of the same types of things in them:  Fresh fruits, vegetables, and beautiful fresh cut flowers.  It would have been easy to go crazy buying things that I didn't really need.  There were some very big, juicy looking blackberries that I struggled to pass by, and now wish I had bought some for baking.  Dang it.  Hindsight's 20/20, right? 

I did end up with quite a nice bag of goodies, though!  I've decided to try to turn over a new healthier leaf, so this is the first of what I anticipate being many steps towards that goal.

A couple of zukes (I have a couple from my garden, but wanted more!), a couple of pattypan squash, some sweet bell peppers (aren't they just beautiful colors?), some french green beans, a couple of portabella mushrooms, and one cucumber. 

I have some fresh dried pasta that I bought when I was in Seattle that's a sweet tomato flavor, and I'm planning to use the sweet peppers and some Italian sausage I bought from Top Choice Meat Market to make a new dish.  I'll share it on here when I do that in the next few days. 

And since I'm a sucker for squash, I couldn't pass up the pattypans, although I've never cooked with them before.  I'm sure I'll figure out something and I'm sure I'll like it. 

I have big plans for the mushrooms and green beans as well.  Oh, I am so excited!

I am going to try something new with the cucumber - maybe a facial mask of sorts.  Stay tuned...  there are definitely several delicious postings coming up in the near future!

Also going on this weekend at Esther Shore Park is the Vancouver Brew Fest.  As tempting as it was, especially since it was dog-friendly, I passed and came on home.  If the mobile entertainment that was going on outside of the gate was any indication, it's likely going to be a good time!  :)

And, lastly, here is Mr. Dog with one of his free cookies.  He wouldn't eat it at the park, but once we got home, he took it in his mouth and just trotted around with it for several minutes.  It's always funny when he does that.

That's all I've got for now!  I think I hear a glass of iced tea calling my name!