Peppered Wreath Cookies

 I love the spicy kick that black pepper gives these cookies.  They will be a big hit over the holidays!

From Food and Drink Holiday 2022

2 3/4 cups (675 mL) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine sea salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cloves
1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60 mL) light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 large egg
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pure vanilla extract
2 cups (500 mL) icing sugar
3 tbsp (45 mL) whole milk
White nonpareils or sprinkles (optional)

1. Combine flour with pepper, salt and spices in a small bowl. Set aside.
 
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugars on medium speed until smooth, 1 minute. Stop and scrape down sides of bowl. With machine on medium-low, add egg and vanilla, and mix until almost combined. Gradually add flour mixture and mix until dough comes together. Divide dough in half and shape into discs. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
 
3. Arrange racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
 
4. Lightly flour work surface. Working with one disc at a time, roll out dough to 1/4 inch (5 mm) thick. Using a 2 3/4-inch (7-cm) scalloped-edge cutter, cut into rounds. Using a 1 1/2-inch (4-cm) scalloped-edge cutter, cut out centres of each round. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Gather and re-roll scraps then cut out more wreaths, repeating until dough is used up.
 
5. Bake in the top and bottom thirds of oven, switching sheets halfway through, until cookies have set, 14 to 16 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
 
6. Whisk icing sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Using an offset spatula, spread evenly over cookies, pushing to edges. Transfer to rack and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils, if using. Let stand until dry to the touch, at least 20 minutes. (Cookies will keep at room temperature in an airtight container up to 5 days.)

Makes 36 cookies

Persian Chelo with Chicken

This is a spectacular Iranian dish of rice and chicken baked together on top of the stove to give a crisp crust and a soft filling.  I liked the combination of spices however I left out the raisins in mine (I just don’t like them) and as usual I cooked this in my cast iron fryer.  I got this recipe from Food and Drink Spring 2015.

RICE
1/3 cup butter
1 cup chopped onions
1 tsp ground allspice 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Salt
2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
3 cups water

CHICKEN
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp turmeric
1 kg skinless boneless chicken thighs, diced in 1 inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup chopped canned tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock
6 cups packed spinach, washed, stemmed and sliced.
3/4 cup raisins
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

GARNISH
2 tbsp toasted chopped pistachios
2 tbsp sliced candied orange peel (optional)

• Melt 3 tbsp butter in heavy pot over medium heat.  Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.  Add allspice, cinnamon and black pepper.  Season with salt.  Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.  Add rice and water and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low and steam for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly al dent.  Remove from heat and spread rice on a baking sheet to cool.  Season with more salt if needed.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add onions and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes or until just beginning to brown.  Add remaining oil and stir in garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.  Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Add chicken to skillet and sauté for 5 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add tomatoes and stock and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce is thick and chicken is no longer pink.  Add spinach and raisins and ooh for 2 more minutes or until spinach wilts.  Stir in mint.  Taste for seasoning and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
• Melt remaining butter in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat until butter is foamy.  Remove and reserve 2 tbsp of melted butter.  Remove pan from heat and add half of rice, spreading it evenly over base of skillet.  Use a spatula to compress it slightly.  Spoon chicken mixture over the rice in an even layer.  Finish with remaining rice, again compressing with a spatula.  Use the handle of a wooden spoon to make a hole down through the centre of the mixture to let steam escape.  Drizzle with reserved melted butter.
• Cover and cook over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes or until rice has formed a golden crust on the bottom.  Watch so it does not get too dark.  Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.  Use a spatula to loosen sides.  Reverse pan onto a large serving plate so the golden bottom crust is on top.  
• Break up mixture with a spoon.  Garnish with pistachios and candied orange.

Serves 6

European Spice Cookies

An old fashioned gingerbread cookie, thin, dark and spicy.  These don’t need to be iced but a small amount of royal icing can make them look festive.  From Food and Drink Holiday 2014.

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fancy molasses
1/2 tsp vanilla

ROYAL ICING
2 cups icing sugar
1 tbsp meringue powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 to 2 tbsp water
Gel food colour if desired

1. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper and salt in a bowl.
2. Beat together butter, sugar, molasses and vanilla until smooth.  Add flour mixture and beat until well combined (dough will be soft and slightly sticky.) Divide dough into 2 pieces, wrap well in plastic and chill for 1 hour or until dough has firmed up.  Working with 1 piece at a time, roll dough out on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper with a floured rolling pin to about 1/16 inch thick.  Transfer sheets of rolled dough to fridge or freezer for 1 hour to firm up again.
3. Preheat oven to 375F.
4. Working with 1 sheet of dough at a time, use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.  Gather, chill and re roll scraps as desired.
5. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until cookies are dry to the touch and slightly darker at the edges (don’t over bake or they will get hard). Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
6. Combine icing sugar and meringue powder in a bowl.  Whisk in lemon juice and enough water to make a thick icing.  Stir in food colour if desired.  Transfer to a piping bag with a fine round tip.  Decorate cookies as desired.

Makes about 36 cookies, depending on size.

Garam Masala

This is a wonderful and versatile blend of spices.  Translated it means "hot spices" but this mixture is more fragrant than hot.  You can buy Garam Masala in your grocery store but fresh is always better!  From Food and Drink Holiday 2000.

2 tbsp cardamom seeds
2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole cloves
3 tbsp black peppercorns
1/2 cup cumin seeds
1/2 cup coriander seeds

* Place all spices in a dry skillet over medium heat.  Cook stirring frequently until they darken slightly and smell fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Remove from heat immediately.

* Place in coffee grinder and grind until powdery.  Cool and store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups

Orchard and Berry Fruit Crisp

Who doesn't love fruit crisp??  This is simple and delicious, switch up the fruit for something seasonal or slip in your favourite. I halved this recipe and put it in an 8" square pan.

TOPPING
2 cups oats
3/4 cup Turbinado sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, melted

FILLING
3/4 cup Turbinado sugar
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 kg ripe pears, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2 " cubes (about 3 cups)
1 kg apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2 " cups (about 3 cups)
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Place 8, 1 cup oven proof ramekins on a baking sheet.
2. TOPPING: combine topping ingredients in a small bowl.  Reserve.
3. FILLING: Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.  Add pears, apples and blueberries to sugar mixture.  Toss well to coat fruit.  Divide fruit mixture into prepared baking dishes.  Sprinkle with reserved topping mixture.
4. Bake in preheated oven, 40 to 45 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fruit mixture is bubbling.  Serve warm or at room temperature.
5. **If using frozen blueberries, simply add them directly from the freezer.
6. **To make one large crisp, use a 9"x3" baking dish and bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 50-55 minutes.

Applesauce Spice Muffins

I love the smell of these as they bake.

Batter:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Topping:
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Grease or line 12 large muffin cups and set aside.

In a large bowl cream together butter and brown sugar.  Beat in egg.

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Combine with chocolate chips and nuts.  Stir these dry ingredients in three parts alternately with the applesauce in two parts into the batter.  Mix only until blended.

Transfer to muffin cups, filling them almost full.  Combine topping ingredients and spoon equally over muffins.  Bake at 375 Degrees for 20 minutes or until well risen and firm to the touch.  Cool on a rack and serve for breakfast or snacks.

Japanese Chicken Curry

I love, love, love this one!  The Japanese curry powder in this recipe uses a lot of healthy turmeric, giving it a distinctive yellow look.  Serve with rice or noodles.  From Food & Drink 2011

1 1/2 lbs (750g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1/2 cup coarsely grated peeled apple
2 tbsp Japanese Curry Powder (recipe follows)
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
1 tbsp chopped garlic
3 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken stock
4 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander

1. Cut chicken thighs in thirds.  Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.  Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add thighs in batches and sear about 1 minute per side or until lightly golden.  Reserve.
2. Reduce heat to medium.  Add remaining 1/4 cup oil and onion into skillet and saute for 2 minutes or until onion is softened.  Add apple, curry powder, ginger and garlic and saute for 1 minute or until fragrant.  Stir in flour and cook, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out floury taste.  Add stock a little at a time until well combined, and bring to a boil.  Simmer 5 minutes to thicken, and taste for seasoning.
3. Return chicken to skillet and cook in sauce for another 10 minutes or until thighs are cooked through.  Add spinach and coriander.  Cook just until spinach wilts.

Serves 4

Japanese Curry Powder

2 tbsp turmeric

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground fennel

Combine all spices in a small bowl and stir until uniform.  Extra curry powder keeps well in a sealed container.  Makes 4 tbsp.

Cherry Almond Strudel

A really wonderful dessert with great flavour.  Really not that hard to make (but don't tell anyone that)!

From Food and Drink 2003

FILLING
1 1/4 lb (;625g) sour cherries, pitted
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 tsp cinnamon

PASTRY
8 sheets phyllo dough
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ground almonds

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. In a bowl, combine cherries, almonds, sugar, bread crumbs and cinnamon.  Reserve.
3. Lay phyllo dough on counter and cover with a tea towel.  Remove first sheet, brush with butter.  Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup ground almonds and sprinkle about 1 tbsp over butter.  Top with a second sheet, butter and sprinkle with sugar almond mixture.  Repeat with remaining sheets.  Place cherry mixture about 2 inches from the long edge and 1 inch from the short edge.  Fold in short sides and roll phyllo into a strudel shape.  Brush with butter and cut 3 slits on top.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until top is browned and cherry mixture is cooked.

Serves 6 to 8 

Pumpkin Squares

Instead of Pumpkin Pie, try these squares for something a little different.  They are simple and delicious.  Dress up by drizzling with some cream cheese topping or leave plain.  From Food and Drink 2003

2 cups flour
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 tsp salt
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups canned pureed pumpkin
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 corn syrup
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice or nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp salt

TOPPING
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cream cheese
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/4 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix flour and icing sugar together with butter and salt in a food processor or by hand until mixture just comes together.  Do not let it form a ball.  Pat into lined baking pan.  Bake for 15 minutes or until golden at the edges.
4. In food processor or blender, combine eggs, pumpkin, sugar, corn syrup, whipping cream, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and salt.  Process until well combined.  Scrape sides and process again.
5. Pour over base and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until centre springs back when touched.  Cool squares.
6. Combine butter and cream cheese with a hand beater until soft and fluffy.  Beat in icing sugar and milk.  Pour into a plastic sandwich bag and cut a small hole in one corner.  Drizzle over squares.  Chill then cut into squares.

Makes 24 squares.

Panforte

I almost didn't make this traditional Italian candy as I wasn't sure I would like.  I am so glad I tried it.  It was absolutely delicious and very easy to do.  I am not a big fan of Sambuca so instead of buying a new bottle of it (white) I just used some of what I had (black).  This is a great candy to give at Christmas. From Food and Drink 2000

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Sambuca
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup chopped hazelnuts
1 cup slivered almonds
2 tbsp grated orange rind

1. Preheat oven to 325F.  Oil an 8 x 10 inch pan and line with greased parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, honey and Sambuca in large, heavy pot.  Bring to boil on high heat and boil for 5 to 6 minutes or until the mixture forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.  A sugar thermometer will reach 238F.
3. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour hot syrup over.  Mix well to combine.  Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth top.  It should be about 3/4 inch thick.
4. Bake for 35 minutes or until mixture is set but slightly soft.  Cool, remove from pan, peel off parchment paper and cut into 1 inch squares with a serrated knife.

Buttery Cinnamon Cake with Apple Compote

I really liked this recipe out of Food & Drink Autumn 2010.  It is simple, flavourful and versatile.  Switch the apples for your favourite fruit like peaches, bananas or pears for a change.  If using apples try a firm tart type for the best flavour.  This cake is best served warm.

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon or ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

GLAZE
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
2 tbsp water

APPLE COMPOTE
4 large red-skinned apples, diced (peeled if desired)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch ground cardamom or ginger
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease the sides of a 9 inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.   Beat in egg and vanilla until blended.  Stir in flour mixture alternately with sour cream, making 3 additions of flour and  of sour cream.  Spread into prepared pan, smoothing top.
3. Bake for about 45 minutes or until tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.  Let cool in pan on a rack for 30 minutes.  
4. For the glaze, combine sugar, cinnamon and water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Remove ring form cake.  Brush top and sides with glaze and serve warm or slide the cake off the pan onto a rack and let cool completely.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the apple compote.  Combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and lemon juice in a saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until apples are tender but still keep their shape.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Serve warm with slices of cake.

Serves 8

African Style Chicken and Squash Curry

I have had mixed results with adding peanuts to African inspired dishes.  This one thankfully worked out.  You could switch the peanuts to almonds or cashews if you desire.  I used butternut squash here but the recipe also can be used for pumpkin (or any squash you prefer).

12 skinless bone in chicken thighs or 6 breasts
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cinnamon sticks, each about 3 inches long
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp whole cloves
2 large onions, chopped
2 tbsp minced ginger root
2 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes
salt
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, finely chopped
1 large pie pumpkin or butternut squash peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks, about 6 cups
juice of 1 lime

1. Trim any excess fat from chicken.  If using breasts, cut each in half crosswise to make pieces similar in size to thighs.  Set aside
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot but not smoking.  Add cinnamon, mustard seeds and cloves and saute for 1 minute or until toasted and fragrant.  Add onions and saute for about 7 minutes until starting brown.  Add ginger, curry powder, thyme, hot pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp salt and saute for 2 minutes.  
3. Add chicken and stir to coat with spices.  Add stock and 1/3 cup of the peanuts; bring to a simmer, scraping up bits stuck to pot.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes
4. Stir in pumpkin, cover and simmer, stirring and turning chicken pieces occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced and pumpkin is tender.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and pumpkin to a warmed serving dish and keep warm, leaving about 10 pieces of pumpkin in the sauce.
5. Increase heat to high and boil sauce, stirring often and mashing pumpkin to add body, for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.  Discard cloves and cinnamon sticks, if desired.  Stir in lime juice and season to taste with salt.  Pour sauce over chicken and pumpkin and sprinkle with remaining peanuts.

Serves 6

Roasted Heirloom Carrots

This is a great time of year to get to your farmers market.  Try some different vegetables, this recipe is for heirloom carrots (they are wonderful because they come in a variety of colours) but also try it with a new squash, potato (some are purple) or whatever else looks fun.

2 bunches of small heirloom multi-coloured carrots, washed and peeled
3 tbsp olive oil
1 stick of cinnamon
3 cloves garlic, cut in half
1 sprig rosemary
2 fresh or dry bay leaves

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a small ovenproof baking dish combine carrots, olive oil, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary and bay leaves.  Place in the middle of the oven and roast until lightly carmelized, about 25 to 35 minutes, until tender.
3. Remove cinnamon, garlic, rosemary and bay leaves.  Keep warm until needed.

Serves 4

Gingerbread Men

My favourite gingerbread recipe, we make these at Christmas usually.

6 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 tsp finely shredded orange peel
1/2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
1 recipe creamy frosting (optional)
1 recipe powdered sugar icing (optional)
decorative candies

1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.  Add brown sugar and beat till fluffy.
2. In a small saucepan bring molasses to boiling.  Add hot molasses to butter mixture; beat on low speed till combined.  Add eggs, orange peel, and lemon peel; beating on low speed just till combined.  Add flour mixture to molasses mixture; stir with a spoon till mixed.  Divide dough into 4 portions.  Wrap each portion in waxed paper or clear plastic wrap; chill about 1 hour or till firm enough to handle.
3. Grease a cookie sheet; set aside.  On a lightly floured surface roll dough, one portion at a time, to 1/4 inch thickness.  Using small or large cookie cutters, cut dough into gingerbread people or other shapes, rerolling trimmings as necessary.  Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
4. Bake in a 350 oven about 7 minutes or till edges are firm and light brown.  Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute.  Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.  If desired, decorate with creamy frosting, powdered sugar icing, and small candies.  Makes about 40 big cookies.

Creamy Frosting

*you can colour this frosting as you wish, then pipe or spread it on just about any cookie.

1 cup shortening

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract

4 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

3 to 4 tbsp milk

few drops desired food colouring

* In a medium mixing bowl beat shortening, vanilla, and desired extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.  Slowly add about 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well.  Add 2 tbsp of the milk.  Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar and enough remaining milk (1 to 2 tbsp) to make a frosting of piping or spreading consistency.  If desired, stir in food colouring.  Makes 2 cups.

Powdered Sugar Icing

Make this icing as thick as you need for piping, drizzling or spreading.

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

milk or orange juice

few drops food colouring

*In a mixing bowl stir together sugar, vanilla, and 1 tbsp milk or juice.  Stir in milk or juice, 1 tsp at a time, till of piping (thick), drizzling (medium thickness), or spreading (thin) consistency.  If desired, stir in food colouring.

Chocolate Irish Cream Cheesecake

Use Baileys, Kahlua, or an Amaretto in this one, I add fresh berries on the top.

1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs, about 18 cookies
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 - 8 oz carton dairy sour cream
1 cup sugar
1 - 8 oz pkg semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 eggs
1/3 to 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
2 tbsp whipping cream or milk
2 tsp vanilla
fresh raspberries
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate pieces, melted

1. For crust, in a medium mixing bowl combine crumbs, butter, and cinnamon; toss gently to mix.  Spread mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9 or 10 inch springform pan; press onto bottom to form a firm, even crust.  Set pan aside. 
2. For filling, in a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and the 8 oz melted chocolate; beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed till combined.  Add eggs all at once.  Beat on low speed just till combined.  Do not overbeat.  Stir in liqueur, whipping cream or milk, and vanilla.
3. Place pan on a baking sheet.  Pour filling onto crust.  Bake in a 325 oven for 50 to 60 minutes or till centre appears nearly set when gently shaken.  Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  Loosen sides.  Cool for 30 minutes more on rack.  Remove sides; cool completely.  Cover and chill cheesecake for 4 hours or overnight.
4. Before serving, transfer the cheesecake to a platter.  If desired, top with fresh raspberries and drizzle with 1/3 cup melted chocolate.  Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Cranberry 3.1416

If you use frozen cranberries, let them stand for 30 minutes at room temperature to thaw.

1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries, 4 cups
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 small orange, peeled, sectioned, and chopped
1 recipe Pastry for double crust pie
2 tbsp butter
sugar
vanilla ice cream

• In a large mixing bowl combine cranberries, the 1 1/2 cups sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.  Stir in walnuts, and orange.
• On a lightly floured surface slightly flatten one ball of pastry dough from centre ot edge, forming a 12 inch circle.  Wrap pastry around rolling pin; unroll onto a 9 inch pie plate.  Ease pastry onto the pie plate, being careful not to stretch it.  Loosely cover and set remaining dough aside.
• Fill the unbaked pastry shell with cranberry mixture.  Dot with butter.  Trim bottom pastry even with pie plate.
• For top pastry, roll out remaining dough; cut shapes or slits in crust, reserving cutouts for decoration, if desired.  Place over cranberry mixture.  Trim top crust 1/2 inch beyond edge of pastry; fold top pastry edge under bottom pastry edge.  Seal and flute edge.  Brush with water.  If desired, decorate with pastry cutouts.  Sprinkle with additional sugar.
• Cover edge of crust with foil.  Place pie on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 375 oven for 25 minutes.  Remove foil.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes more or till top is golden and fruit is tender.  Serve warm or cool with ice cream, if desired.  

Pastry for Double Crust Pie:

In a large mixing bowl stir together 2 cups all purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt.  Using a pastry blender, cut in 2/3 cup shortening till pieces are the size of small peas.  Sprinkle 1 tbsp water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork.  Push to side of bowl.  Repeat with 5 to 6 more tbsp water, 1 tbsp at a time, till all is moistened.  Divide dough in half.  Form each half into a ball.

Beginners Free Form French Apple Pie

Anyone can make this - so easy and a yummy treat

Preparation time:  15 minutes
Baking time:  45 minutes
Makes:  12 wedges

1/2 (411g) pkg frozen, puff pastry dough, thawed
6 to 8 apples
1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 475F.  Lightly sprinkle counter with flour and lay pastry on top.  Dust rolling pin with flour.  Roll pastry into a thin circle, at least 14 to 16 inches wide.  Don't worry if edges are very uneven.  Fold pastry in half and lift into a 9 inch pie plate.  Unfold pastry.  It will hang over sides of dish and onto counter.  Using your fingers, gently press pastry against bottom edges of pie plate.
2. Peel, core and very thinly slice apples, about 1/8 inch thick.  You should have about 8 cups.  If apples taste sweet, use 1/2 cup sugar; if apples are tart, use 3/4 cup sugar.  Stir sugar with cinnamon and cornstarch.  Sprinkle over apples and gently mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Turn apples into pie plate and gently press down and smooth top. Fold pastry over apples, overlapping edges as needed.  Centre of pie will not be covered with pastry and edges will be uneven.
4. Brush top of pastry with milk, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp sugar.  Place pie on lowest rack of preheated 475F oven.  Immediately turn temperature down to 350F and bake until apples are tender when pierced with tines of a fork and pastry is golden, about 45 to 55 minutes.
5. Place hot pie on a rack and let cool until lukewarm before cutting.  If you cut p;ie while hot, pie may be too runny.  Serve with a wedge of old cheddar cheese, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Banana Bread

A wonderful loaf with chocolate chunks!

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
8 squares semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 350F.  Stir eggs, banana, oil and milk until well blended.  Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir just until moistened.  Stir in chocolate and nuts.  Pour into greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.  Combine brown sugar and cinnamon.  Sprinkle on top of batter.  Bake for 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes.  Remove from pan; finish cooling on rack.

Chocolate Pumpkin Squares with Maple Whipped Cream

Decadent and wonderful

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 can (14 oz) pure pumpkin

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp each ground cinnamon and nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

Maple Whipped Cream

3/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

In bowl, combine cookie crumbs and cinnamon.  Drizzle butter over top and stir to combine well.  Press crumb mixture into bottom of parchment paper lined baking pan.  Bake in 350F oven for about 10 minutes or until set.  Let cool.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.  Beat in pumpkin, eggs and vanilla until combined.  Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and beat on low until just combined.  Pour mixture over chocolate base and return to oven for about 20 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean and top is firm to the touch.  Let cool completely.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Maple Whipped Cream:

In a bowl, whip cream and maple syrup until slightly firm peaks form.  Cut into bars and serve each with some of the whipped cream.

Blueberry Muffins

A great snack for school or work - homemade = no preservatives!

2 cups sifted flour
3 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup milk
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup blueberries - or switch for another fruit if you like

Sift flour with baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Beat together milk, egg and melted butter.  Combine gently in bowl, turning only until the flour is dampened (there will be lumps).  Add blueberries and give it a few more turns, being careful not to over mix (the lumps will cook out).  Fill buttered muffin tins 2/3 full with mixture and bake at 400 degrees F. for 25 minutes.  Makes 6 muffins.