"CHOCOLATE CAKE & AURIfil THREAD 4 SANTA"

Hey...Tis the Season to butter up Santa....you can't get any sweeter then my "Rustic Chocolate Cake" and AURIfil thread. I for one, need all the help I can get to stay on Santa's good side! This easy to do "Rustic" Chocolate Cake is baked in a large "Cast Iron Pan". Don't ask me why, but when you bake a cake in a cast iron pan they seem to be more moist and tender. With this recipe you actually start out on the stove then transfer it into the oven to continue baking. And what better "gift" for Santa to take back to the North Pole for Mrs. Claus...some "AURIfil thread". She will absolutely love all the wonderful thread choices and hues for all her projects! Oh Santa, if you need more info on AURIfil thread, contact Alex Veronelli, he will be happy to send them to you. Enjoy the cake and Merry Christmas!

"Blessed Cooking from Our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

                                                                           

"RUSTIC CHOCOLATE CAKE"

 

Prepare Dunkin Himes Triple Chocolate cake mix as directed. On stove, in a large Cast Iron Pan melt one stick of butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. (Rub stick of butter around sides of cast iron pan before it melts). Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon while it's cooking, add 1 cup of chopped pecans. Cook and Stir until all sugar is dissolved. Remove from stove (use a oven mitt due to hot handle), add chocolate cake mixture. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350* for about 20-25 minutes (ovens vary and cast iron does cook faster so monitor cake after 20 min.)

 

Here's the fun...drizzle Nutella over cake once it has cooled (don't be perfect, let it dripped down sides for the rustic appearance...decorate your plates before serving....layer a fork on plate, sprinkle dry cocoa over, remove fork and the magic is done!

 

 

Tip: Entertaining casual...serve the cake right in the pan. Just use a hot pad underneath cake before setting on table. Frost as above with Nutella or dust with powdered sugar.

 

                                                                                 

"BOURBON BROWNIE BITES" w/a 3 in 1 "RECIPE 4 THE KIDS"

Hey...."Tis the Season"....we all want those easy & delish recipes for the Holiday's and this one is a sure crowd pleaser. Inexpensive, so easy to do & makes a lot for a large crowd & wonderful to take to a party. If you need a gift for that special someone, these would be wonderful wrapped up in a decorative tin. If bourbon is not on your menu, omit and do the recipe for the kids. When you bite into the center of the brownie, you will be "enlightened by the sweet creamy cherry filling". The 3 in 1 recipe is easy to do with your kids and makes a wonderful gift for their teachers. Enjoy!

"Blessed Cooking from Our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Bourbon Brownie Bites"
1 pkg. of Duncan Hines (chewy fudge brownies) mix as directed for "fudgy brownies", (2 eggs, 1/4   cup water & 1/2 cup oil)
3 boxes of "Cordial Cherries (made w/real milk chocolate)
(small tin muffin liners are recommended)
Pre-heat oven to 350*. Spray small tin muffin pan w/cooking spray. "Inject bourbon (to taste) into each Cordial Cherry...set aside. Prepare brownie mix and line each muffin tin w/liners or spray each tin w/cooking spray. Using a cookie scoop sprayed w/cooking spray, add small amount to each muffin tin. Carefully insert a Cordial Cherry allowing the brownie mix to fold over the sides of the cherry. This tip w/ create the cherry to be partially covered once baked. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until brownies are done (ovens vary)...let cool & ENJOY!

"3 in 1 Brownie Bites 4 Kids"
1 pkg. of Duncan Hines (chewy fudge brownies) prepared as above (OMITTING BOURBON) :-)
1 pkg. Hershey's kisses (Cherry Cordial Crème)
Reese's Peanut Butter Chips 4 baking
1 jar of Nutella (hazelnut)
Pecans

Prepare brownie mix and small muffin tins as above. Bake as above and let cool.
3 different types:
.Insert cordial cherries into each tin using above directions (no-bourbon)...bake and let cool.

or....prepare brownie mix and instead insert a few peanut butter chips...bake and cool.

or... prepare brownie mix and instead insert a pecan...bake and cool...once cooled frost each brownie w/hazelnut Nutella...yummy goodness for any age! Enjoy the Holiday's!

"CAT'S RUSTIC APPLE/PEAR TART"

Hey....hope everyone is having  a wonderful week. I wanted to share this easy and delish tart with you, so wonderful for festivities this time of year. The "rustic", simplicity of this tart makes it so easy...no perfect edges makes it wonderful, and fast. Due to the smell of the apples and pears while baking, this is a wonderful tart to have baking while entertaining. I bake it on a glass pie pan lined with parchment paper so if I want to freeze it, all I have to do is slide it back onto baking dish & the parchment paper helps with browning. Anyway, it's so pretty it looks like you worked really hard preparing it, we all like that! I hope you are enjoying this time of year with your family and friends!
"Blessed Cooking from Our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

1 frozen pie crust (thawed)
2-3 granny smith apples (peeled and roughly chopped)
3 pears (peeled and roughly chopped)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 cup instant cooking oats
1/2 fresh lemon
3 tablespoons butter
1 egg (egg wash on sides)

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a round glass pie pan with parchment paper. Fold out pie crust onto pan. Mix together chopped apples and pears. (while chopping, drizzle lemon juice/ tablespoon of your white sugar over fruit to prevent browning). Add rest of sugar, brown sugar and cooking oats and mix well. Fold into pie crust and top with butter, cut into small pieces. Fold up sides of pie crust and pinch at random for a "rustic look"....imperfection is best....brush sides of pie crust with egg wash and sprinkle Kosher salt on sides of pie crust if desired. Bake for about 35-45 minutes (ovens vary)
Serve on a decorative platter and top with vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!

 

"RUSTIC APPLE/PEAR TART"

 

 

"EASY & D-LISH"

"CAT'S HEALTHY PIZZA"

Hey...hope everyone is enjoying the festivities this time of year. Unfortunately, with the excitement of  Christmas, comes the "Holiday Rush". So, this recipe will help you with that late night shopping, or school holiday activities, where you are in a rush for something fast to prepare. This easy, healthy pizza is so fast and easy to make, you will want to make it anytime of the year. Yes, I will be the first to admit...it's a wonderful late night snack. My recipe consists of only 4 ingredients, unless you top it off with your family favorites. So, during this wonderful time of year, grab your family and get them involved making their favorite healthy pizza. Enjoy!

"Blessed Cooking from our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

                                                            
Ingredients...
Whole wheat tortillas (carb balance)
Pepperoni slices (low fat)
Mozzarella cheese (grated/low fat or fat free)
Kens Lite Northern Italian w/Basil & Romano dressing

In a non-stick skillet...heat tortilla with single layer of pepperoni slices, drizzle over Italian dressing, top w/ grated cheese and cook until browned and cheese is melted. Remove unto cutting board and cut into pizza slices. Easy, yummy & healthy!
                    

"CHEF SIMON'S TURKEY RISSOLES"

Hey...hope everyone enjoyed your thanksgiving. The holiday's came too fast for me this year. Seems like every year Christmas comes sooner then expected. I for one like to enjoy Thanksgiving and then start decorating for Christmas. I did have a little helper this year, grandson Davin, my little helper, he decorated the "kids tree" in guest room. I love it and will make this a holiday tradition for years to come. Well, with Thanksgiving, comes turkey leftovers. This recipe will definitely change your mind of the traditional "turkey sandwich".
   Executive Chef Simon is the owner of Sabor a Pasion Country House and Bistro in Palestine Texas. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Simon for our local Food Column in our town of Frankston. Executive Chef Simon's shared his "mums" family recipe that Chef Simon enjoyed as a child. I would love for you to view his website (below) and see the wonderful restaurant and retreat that is in our beautiful rolling hills of East Texas. Sabor a Pasion is a little "Touch of Heaven". Stunning views, relaxing atmosphere and great gourmet food will capture your attention as you dine overlooking the vineyards. Chef Simon caters for all occasions and he's known to "jump in his plane" and cater to your door. Endless possibilities!
   Hope you enjoy! saborapasion.com

"Blessed Cooking from our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Executive Chef Simon's Turkey Rissoles"

4 cups turkey meat, brown and white
1 cup stuffing
2 cups trimmings, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn or any leftovers
2 eggs
salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor chop all ingredients but chop separately. Place in mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add eggs. Fold together, then form into small cakes that are about three inches wide and 2 inches thick. Cook in fry pan with small amount of oil till brown on both sides. Place in a 325* oven for about 10 minutes to warm through. Serve with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy or on a bun.
Marvelous!

                                                            "TURKEY RISSOLES"

"GROCERY SHOPPING MADE EASY"

Hey...now that I have your attention....yes, grocery shopping made easy. I love it when my daughter shows me something so wonderful. She's the reason why I wake up every morning....my inspiration...true friend and the reason why I am a GEGE. Nichole's grocery list tip is actually on my quilting blog so I would love for you to view the story. To all us moms, I know you will love this one. Sometimes we tend to think, or at least me anyway, that we didn't do enough when our kids are growing up. When they become wives, mothers, you will see moments where you say..."O.K....I did alright....she's the best! Hope you enjoy....view at blog below.

"Blessed Cooking from our Home to Yours"
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Lovin' Fall Waffles"

Hey...here's a delicious and easy recipe for your overnight guests during the holiday's. It's 'HEALTHY", yes healthy, using only three ingredients. Great for a breakfast for dinner night or healthy brunch. Also, a great recipe to make with your children due to the simplicity of the recipe. Just be careful using a hot waffle iron. The waffles will appear "rustic" so don't worry about being perfect with the shapes. One reason why I love this recipe...I'm not very good at making that perfect waffle! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this time of year with your family and friends.

Blessed Cooking from our Home to Yours!
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Ingredients: 1 spice cake mix, 1 can pure pumpkin, and "Pumpkin Flax Granola" (Nature's Path Organic)
Mix spice cake with pure pumpkin. Blend well. Spray canola oil on both sides of waffle iron. Fill about 1/3 cup of batter into each side of waffle iron. Cook for about 3-4 minutes (waffle irons vary). Drizzle your favorite sugar free syrup over the top and garnish with Pumpkin granola. Sprinkle confectioner's sugar over top if desired. Not watching calories, cook bacon and top waffles with chopped bacon. W-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l and healthy!

"Lovin' Fall Waffles"

"Holiday Treats"

Hey...hope everyone is enjoying this festive time of year. I love the leaves changing colors and the fresh smell of country air. With the holiday's fast approaching, we all tend to get a little exhausted trying to come up with a "treat" for everyone to eat while entertaining. My goal is to create "healthy holiday treats" to share. I believe you will love this one....so easy to do, semi-healthy and is so beautiful! I love to make these to take to a party (sure hit) and also wonderful to give as a gift. Wonderful recipe that you will enjoy making with your kids as well. Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from Our Home to Yours!
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Almond bark ( 6 squares)
dried apricots 1 cup chopped
dried cranberries 1 cup
Pumpkin Flax granola (Nature's Path Organic) 1 1/2 cups
Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Melt almond bark using your preferred method. Spread melted chocolate on parchment paper. Top with chopped apricots and cranberries. Sprinkle pumpkin granola on top. Let cool. Break into bite size pieces.

"Cat's Holiday Treats"

 

 

 

"LOVIN' FALL MUFFINS"

Hey....fall is my favorite time of year. I love the smell of pumpkin pie cooking in the oven, leaves turning and just the fresh smell outdoors. As with any holiday approaching we start thinking of recipes. Sometimes with our hectic schedule we tend to purchase items due to this, but have to say this will get you back in the kitchen. My sweet friend Cindy gave me this recipe this week and said it's so delish and easy plus all her grand kids love it. Well...if anyone knows me, I'm going to put a "twist" on it. Sometimes that's not always a good thing but I do believe you will love this one. So get ready for that wonderful smell of "Fall" in your kitchen. These muffins are easy, delish and some what healthy. Enjoy!

1 SPICE CAKE MIX ( 16.5 OZ)
1 CAN  100% PURE PUMPKIN (15 0Z)
3 GRANNEY SMITH APPLES (PEELED/CORED/CHOPPED SMALL)
1 CUP WALNUTS (

PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 350*
LINE CUPCAKE PANS WITH LINERS
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS ABOVE UNTIL WELL BLENDED.
FILL CUPCAKE LINERS 2/3 FULL
BAKE FOR APPROX. 13-15 MINUTES (OVENS VARY)

IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY WEIGHT ISSUES (YOU'RE BLESSED) :-) YOU CAN TOP EACH MUFFIN WITH A CREAM CHEESE FROSTING. I HAVE A EASY AND DELISH ONE ON A PREVIOUS BLOG THAT IS WITH MY CARROT CAKE RECIPE.

If you have a recipe you'd like to share please email me @ cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

"Blessed Cooking from our Home to Yours"

Check out our new Quilting website...
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Quilting Blog:
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"BUNS 2 BREAD-CRUMBS"

Hey...hope everyone is enjoying a "glimpse" of fall. I know it sure is nice when we get a "tease" of a cool front. This summer has flown by but it's still "BBQ'n" time. I feel the fall is truly the best weather for outside barbeques. I'm currently working on a cookbook but wanted to share this bread tip with you in the meantime. I know we all save our left-over bread to make bread-crumbs...right? Well, here's a spin that I love to do. When you have left-over hot dog or hamburger buns etc. tear them into little pieces and freeze. The next time you barbeque place the breadcrumbs in a foil wrap and season to taste with butter and herb garlic salt. Shake often while cooking for even browning and cooking. Serve on top of a side-salad or makes a great topping for a vegetable dish. Enjoy!

If you have a recipe you'd like to share please email me at
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

Blessed Cooking from Our Home to Yours!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW QUILTING WEBSITE...
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

"Make a Wish Foundation"

Hey...please visit fat quarter shop & click on Wishes Quilt along...yes they are sharing free downloads of pattern but if you can please make a donation to the Make a Wish foundation...proceeds benefit the wishes of children w/ life threatening medical conditions. I've experienced this on the décor end w/ homes & you just cant imagine the smiles these children have when their dreams came true. No matter how much pain they are in they keep smiling. It's a true testimony of ones faith. I personally cannot handle a child in pain & if I could my wish would be that "No Child Should Ever Be In Pain"...check out the beautiful quilt & make a donation if you can to a wonderful cause....Blessings to All

View our new Face Book page...I heard it through the Quilt-vine

 

"SHARE YOUR BBQ'N/GARDENING TIPS"

Hey...it's that time of year when we get "hints" that summer is on the way...I can still do without nights in the thirty's. My favorite passion is designing but love to BBQ for my family. I would love for you to send in your favorite tips to share! We all get excited when reading other peoples ideas...helpful hints and tips. You can email them to address below and please put "Blog tip" when send...If you're a quilter...check out the blog below. Thanks so much and enjoy the sun!

"Have a Blessed Day from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com