Monthly Archives: November 2011

Obsessions: The Cider Mill’s Apple Caramel Pie

The thing about apple pie is that it has been done before (a million different times and a million different ways). Such apple exploitation leads to a general lack of enthusiasm about this dessert, which is rather sad considering it’s an American classic. I’ll be the first to admit that fruit pies in general aren’t my favorite dessert. Don’t get me wrong; I can get down with a slice of pie. It’s just not top on my coveted desserts list.

However, I’m not going to say that all apple pies are boring, because that just wouldn’t be true. When you have a good apple pie, it reminds you why it became a classic American dessert in the first place. You understand why it appears at the end of every holiday meal and why every baker embarks on the noble quest to acquire the ultimate apple pie recipe. When apple pie is good, it’s really good. It just has to be done right.

What is the pinnacle of apple pie in my humble (pie) opinion?

The Clinton Cider Mill’s Apple Caramel Pie.

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Pumpkin Cream Pie w/ a Ginger Cookie Crust

If you’re one of those people who only eats pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, then this post may upset you. I have three words of condolence: get over it! Sorry to be brash, but for me, pumpkin season is from October (possibly September as well) until the end of December. Moreover, there are many folks who enjoy pumpkin pie on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pumpkin-palooza is far from over. If I had it my way, we’d be eating pumpkin all year-long! For now, 3-4 months a year will have to do.

Pumpkin pie is good. Is it amazing? Eh, not in my book at least. I love a good slice on Thanksgiving, but it’s not my favorite pumpkin product. And I know there are a lot of folks who don’t like pumpkin pie at all. The texture can be a bit off-putting for some. The possibility that holiday dinner guests may have a distaste for pumpkin leads many people to make multiple pies to please multiple palates. But what if there was a light, fluffy, creamy pumpkin pie to please even the pickiest pumpkin pie haters?

Good news, my little cookies: there is.

Allow me to introduce you to Pumpkin Cream Pie with a Ginger Cookie Crust.

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Bake Off: Tollhouse vs. Pillsbury Cookie Dough

There is not a crumb of doubt when it comes to the fact that scratch-made chocolate chip cookies are worlds better than any store-bought cookie dough. However, there are times when you don’t have the time or ingredients to bake from scratch. Also, a lot of people just don’t like full-on baking. It’s not everybody’s thing. Well, if you insist on buying the premade dough from the grocery store, then you should at the very least buy the tastiest kind you can. So, who makes better chocolate chip cookie dough: Tollhouse or Pillsbury?

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Easy Applesauce Cookies

Have you ever looked at a recipe and immediately felt skeptical? I have. Did you then say things to the recipe like, “What? Are you sure?” I have. Did the recipe talk back?

…neither did mine.

Anyway, I had one of those experiences when I looked at the recipe for these Easy Applesauce Cookies. There were no eggs, few ingredients, it used powdered sugar instead of granulated, and no mixer/beater was required, only good ol’ elbow grease. Typically, I don’t delve into anything I’m too uncertain about (I’m not a big risk-taker), but this recipe was sent to me by a reader, yankeegospelgirl, who spoke very highly of it. Who am I to doubt one of you little cookies? And so, I set aside my skeptical attitude and tackled these cookies with confidence.

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Magic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I must confess: I’m not a huge fan of any packaged box/mix/dough when it comes to cooking and baking. This is because, 99.9% of the time, homemade is better (and it’s usually cheaper too). As I have expressed to you little cookies before, my philosophy is this: if you’re going to make something, you should make it right & do it homemade. However, there are minor exceptions (Pumpkin Poke Cake, for example). It doesn’t happen often, but on occasions I find reason to use some sort of store-bought item.

These Magic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies perfectly prove this point.

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Thanksgiving Side Dish: Green Beans w/ Caramelized Onions & Toasted Almonds

Green Bean Casserole is the coveted Thanksgiving side dish. It’s everyone’s favorite, a true American classic. Would it really be Turkey Day without these haricot verts making an appearance? Probably not.

However, there are certain situations that are not supporting of Green Bean Casserole. Think I’m crazy? Think again! Although my sanity is questionable at times, I am completely in the right mind when I tell you this: Green Bean Casserole ain’t always the way to go.

First of all, it is possible to get sick of the stuff. Make it too many times, and you’ll be searching for a switch up. It’s also very possible to have a mushroom-hater at your dinner table. A lot of people actually don’t like mushrooms, which means they aren’t going to be crazy about a dish made with cream of mushroom soup. Also, if you’re already serving a lot of cream-based sides like mac and cheese, gratins, and cheesy or creamy potato bakes, then you might want to lighten up in other places. Rich, creamy dishes are delicious in moderation, but if you go too crazy, you’ll feel sick and riddled with guilt.

Lastly is a reason I can really relate to: lack of oven space. If you’ve got a bird in the oven then finding room for all your sides and breads can be quite a challenge. Stove-top sides can really come in handy. But what kind of delicious stove-top dishes are ideal for the Thanksgiving table?

Alas, my little cookies, there is a solution to all of these predicaments: Green Beans w/ Caramelized Onions & Toasted Almonds. It’s not too far from that classic casserole you know and love. You’ve got those tender green beans and the must-have onion topping. But instead of using processed onion-chips from a can, you use fresh, sweet, and buttery caramelized onions. Are you drooling yet?

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Smart Cookie’s Top-Ate Sites for Food Lovers

As an avid foodie, I have several staple sites that I visit on a daily basis to see what’s cooking. It’s a part of my daily routine (you know; work out, bathe, eat, read daily food blog posts). I find a lot of inspiration from these places. They’re brimming over with mouth-watering recipes, innovative tips and tricks, exciting foodie news, and more. Whether you like cooking & baking or you just like food, these are definite sites to check out. Some people like to read newspapers, others like to read foodie websites.

  1. Serious Eats: These guys are serious about eating. Everyday, even on weekends, you can expect multiple fresh posts on the latest in the food world, taste-tests, recipes, tips, how-to’s, and more. They check out restaurants all over the country, some that may even be in your city, and they scoop out chain restaurants too. Serious Eats is a community you can join & post your food photos on. They have something for everyone with special features like Slice for pizza-lovers, A Hamburger Today for burger-lovers, Sweets for those of you with a sweet tooth, and more. It’s probably my favorite food blog period. Continue reading →

Healthy Cookie: Cheesy Broccoli & Potato Scramble

Eggs are awesome. Know why?

  1. They’re so versatile. You can scramble ‘em, fry ‘em, bake ‘em into a quiche or frittata, slap ‘em on a breakfast sandwich, or even drink ‘em raw from a cup.
  2. The add-ins are endless: veggies, cheese, potatoes, meat, fresh herbs, and more!
  3. You can cook up an egg in mere minutes.
  4. They’re packed with protein and therefore great for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
  5. They’re good for you. They help your eyesight, they’ve got choline for your brain (which means they keeps you smart cookies smart!), and they’re low in calories and fat.
  6. You can eat them any time of day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all eggcellent opportunities!
  7. They’re delicious!

If that doesn’t make you want to chow down on some eggs, then I don’t know what will. Keep in mind, you don’t always have to have the same old scramble. Eating the same thing over and over again gets boring no matter what the food. So spiffy up your scramble with this cheesy, broccoli & potato twist!

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Thanksgiving Sides: Crunchy Onion & Cheddar Potato Bake

Fluffy and creamy, mashed potatoes are a must at the Thanksgiving table. It just wouldn’t be Turkey Day without ‘em! But with the same old potatoes year after year, you might start to find yourself craving something new. Not a replacement; goodness no. You could never replace the coveted mashed potato. What you want is a tasty twist on that creamy classic, a revamped mash.

Get your potatoes prepped because this Crunchy Onion & Cheddar Potato Bake is sure to become a new Thanksgiving staple. It’s the comforting and creamy potatoes you’ve come to know and love, but amplified for over-the-top awesomeness. First, the potatoes get garlic-fied and buttered. There are few combinations in this world as heavenly as potatoes and garlic. Then, these already delicious potatoes get layered with sharp cheddar cheese and a classic Thanksgiving topper: french-fried onions. Pop the casserole in the oven for a few minutes and revel in the crunchy, melty, cheesy magic that results.

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