Simple Baked Farm Fresh Chicken

You have this bird weighing about 3 lbs....what to do, what to do?? You open your vacation magnet stamped refrigerator door to see that you only have 1 onion & 1 Lemon and a Slab O' Butter (and half empty bottle of wine, that makes for another story) :) ....you run to your pantry in a panic.....your family is awaiting for a delish dinner..... Salt, pepper, olive oil.

I run to the phone to call my mother.....RING. "Hello my dear daughter"...Mother said sweetly. "Mom HELP!" I have a whole chicken, one onion, one lemon and a Slab O' butter....salt pepper and olive oil....what to do Mother? what to do????

Take your Birdie, salt and pepper the inside, stuff it with the whole Onion, whole Lemon cut in half, stuff butter on top and underneath lemon and onion.........rub olive oil, salt and pepper on the out side of your bird.....throw into oven at 375 for about 1 hour and a half (depending on size).....and BAM!!! You got your self a killer bird to feed your crew!!! How simple is that? Make yourself sum toasty bread and a green leafy salad. DONE. The Family Loves you! THANK YOU, Meine Muntter. (thats my mother in german if you didnt know)

BTW this is a chicken purchased at the Wild Wild West Farmers Market....the family said it was beyond good and taste so fresh....if your going to feed your loved ones meat..... Go local. Ban chemical warfare in our food products!

ENJOY! Oh and now's a good time to pull out that half bottle of wine.

Farmers Market Fun Day Sunday

What a perfect cold & blistery day to get bundled up and head to the farmers market. The "Wild Wild West" farmers market is very small, but I have a since of obligation to these people who show up rain or shine to make the day a success for local shoppers, like me. I just love the quaintness of its location and the warmth of the farmers and vendors. http://www.wildwestworldinc.com/

Today I spoke to Cindy from the Herb Cottage...she grows an amazing array of herbs, vegetables and different types of plants. This spring she inspired me to grow my own herbs and veggies. I do have a perfect spot behind my garage, so thats my plan, very excited for that....she has a monthly newsletter that helps newbies like me and full timers, her website has tons of information, and a pictorial visit of her farm: www.theherbcottage.com . She chooses an herb a month to discuss in her newsletter, she also mentioned that 2010 is the year of the Dill herb, who knew???!!! She was more then willing to share some valuable information on making my herb box, Im very excited about this. And of course I will continue to go to her for advice and help. Thank you Cindy!

Ok you've heard me talk about the Grape Pie and Cake. Its simply to die for....when I first heard about this grape pie, I wasn't sure that I heard right, Grape Pie?? who on earth makes a grape pie....and how can it possibly fit into a pie. Boy was I 100% wrong, grapes belong in a pie. It has the perfect amount of sweetness, and a crumbly crust that falls apart perfectly in your mouth....you cant go wrong with this pie. Ralph and Joyce have a vineyard in Matagorda Tx. they'll be at the farmers market every other Sunday...and you better get there early because the pie and cakes go flying off into the Texas Sky as fast as they put them on the table.

I bought one for my dear friend who couldnt go with me today, she keeps thanking me :)

she really should be thanking Ralph and Joyce for such a perfect pie!!

Now we got to talk about the meat Guy (I forgot his name) :) If I'm going to buy meat, I try only to go local. Ive been buying my families meat from Ranchers Meats, Inc. very good meat if your a meat eater. They are a state of Texas inspected plant, you can be assured the meat is processed under the most stringent food safety regulations. And most important to me all animals are processed under strict humane standards. Please visit their website and only buy local grown and processed meat products. www.ranchersmeat.com

they also have fresh eggs and honey.

There's many vendors and farmers that I've bought from before, but today I kept it simple....... I'll share with you my other findings the next time I go Local :) I hope I inspired you to find a local Farmers Market, I know you'll find something that'll make your day a better one...even if its just a sweet farmers smile......ENJOY!!!

Hot Choclate Cinnamon Cupcakes

I took a nice brisk walk with my German Shepherd this morning, I noticed couples young and old all bundled up walking holding hands or walking the beloved family pooch., its so nice to see people strolling together hand and hand enjoying the cool refreshing winter day and not just rushing along in their normal busy day, it warmed my heart to see. I think we all appreciate the cooler weather we've had over the last few weeks. Cool weather always makes me want to bake, I'm sure you would agree, its really fun to bake in cold weather. It makes the house smell all decadent and cozy, this is definitely preferred over my cinnamon spice scented candles, its the real deal....plus we get to eat whats making the house smell so yummy.

So I was thinking what is one thing that most everyone loves on a cold winter night. Hot chocolate (and maybe with a splash of something)! Yes I nice cup of cocoa warming your hand. So last night I was thinking I would make something that would warm my tummy, not just my hands. I made some outrageously good cupcakes, with a perfect name "Hot Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes" I made them for a friends gathering last night....and they were a HUGE HIT!

Here are the dry ingredients, you'll never believe what I added, Cayenne Pepper! The cake had a nice subtle kick....it mingled nicely with the cinnamon and Cocoa.

The wet ingredients, I added HOT just brewed coffee and touch of chocolate liquor (not shown)

mix that with the egg, vanilla and buttermilk.

Mix all the lovely wet and dry ingredients together.

I used the mini pan to bake these tiny bits of goodness.

Then I prepared Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Now doesn't that sound so scrumptious? Cant think of anything sweeter.

Then the finish product!!!!!! YUM!

Then I topped them with a Ghiradelli's chocolate chip, and a dusting of chocolate powder and WOW, these turned out beautiful and what a pleasure to eat and share with others.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try my hand at my Great Great Grandmothers Ginger Cake. Cupcake Style..... and you know I'll post the goodness.

Enjoy!

"For any mad housewife, I’m guessing that the number of servings in the bottle is exactly…one."

Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon

Ripe cherries, mint, and mocha characterize this soft, beautiful expression of the grape. The bouquet offers an explosion of sweet preserves while the palate is delighted with the smooth,
lush sensations of silky Cabernet.

Appellation 100% California
Alcohol 13.5%
Sugars 0.6 g/l

Awards:
Silver Medal, 2009 National Women’s Wine
Competition, Santa Rosa

www.MadHousewifeCellars.com

The only place I have found it is at GERLANDS.

I have to say… I was transfixed on the label of this wine because of the Sexy Sassy name and picture of a lovely (not so mad looking) housewife. The day I found it, I was in a bit if a B**chy not so happy mood, so it gave me a nice big grin of satisfaction. I'm sure like me you wonder if its possible for a good wine to come pouring out with such a catchy name and intriguing label, and a price point of about 9.99 and on a good day 6.99 Well… let me tell you… its pretty darn yummy! I felt a rush of pride as I bought this bottle, I am a mad house wife!!!! At least for that night I was. *wink.

Here is what’s on the back of the label that I’d like to share:

“Somewhere near the cool shadows of the laundry room. Past the litter box and between the plastic yard toys. This is your time. Time to enjoy a moment to yourself. A moment without the madness. The dishes can wait. Dinner be damned. Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon”

Just a tip before you drink this bottle down, let it breath a bit....make your self a yummy dinner and let it breath out the tartness.....its not really tart, just a smidgen. So let it breath a bit before you toss it around in your glass and drink up! This is not your Silver Oak...but I must say it can hold its own....It’s smooth and light and not as tart after it had some time without it’s cork … it’s very fruity and delightful. I really taste the mocha and cherry notes.

Mad Housewife wine is one smart cookie the marketing plan is spot on, its speaks to us house wives (of course most of us have J.O.B.S too) so thus we need wine even more :) — one look at the website and you'll fall even more in love with the cute sassyness, if you buy six bottles they will send you a Free pretty cute T-shirt ( darn only if I knew, I could have gotten a few freebies) JK. and I love the fact that they have recipes on the site as well! Tonight Savanah made me a dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread to go a long with my Mad House Wife Cab..... oh and I love the fact, its owned by a woman. ENJOY!

Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

I'm pleased that I take after my father in many ways. Such as his sensitivity to others, he'd rather give then receive, the ability to casually debate until the other gives in, and most important the ability to use super hero powers to clean the kitchen as we bake or cook along happily and at the end the kitchen is cleaner then when we started. That takes skill..... wouldn't you say?

I didnt use my usual recipe for thumbprint cookies, these are courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, I do enjoy the soft lemony flavor of these delightful cookies. I used a wonderful raspberry jam i purchased from the farmers market.....the flavor of the chambord and jam intermingled quote lovely in the center of these treats. The only thing I didnt like was the fact he didnt use walnuts to roll the dough in, mine did. I like the crunch of the walnuts, kinda salty and sweet. So next time I'm going to add the nuts. I believe they help hold the cookie together during the baking process. What a perfect cookie to bake on a cold night like tonight. Enjoy!

Raspberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

20 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or jelly
• 1 tablespoon Chambord or kirsch
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.

In a small bowl, combine the jam and Chambord. Stir to combine.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to blend.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and beat just until moist clumps form. Gather the dough together into a ball.

Pinch off the dough to form 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1-inch apart. Use your floured index finger or 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create depressions in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with nearly 1/2 teaspoon of the jam mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Very Yummy Winter Tea

Ive always enjoyed a really good cup of tea, I cant say I'm an avid tea enthusiast, but I do go through periods of me wanting a really good cup of tea. I'll then scan the market for a tea that really catches my eye. I usually go to Whole Foods (one of only two grocery stores where I will actually buy tea, as they have proven themselves to be committed to the quality of their products).

What caught my eye about this particular box of tea bags from Allegro was the name of it. Nilla Nut Dream. It just sounds yummy… it sounds like a cookie, or perhaps a dessert parfait that has been made with vanilla wafers.

Upon closer inspection of the label, I found that this tea was an organic black tea, flavored with vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon and maple. I could not resist! Into the shopping cart it went. Needless to say, I had high expectations for this tea.

And I have not been left disappointed. While the featured flavors of this tea are what lead me to purchase it, I am pleased that they are not an overpowering presence in this cup. The tea itself plays the starring role. Which is a black tea, the box doesn't indicate which type of black tea it is, but Im guessing there's a variety of black teas. It does have a robust woodsy, malty flavor. But not to strong, very smooth and subtle.

And then there are the flavors: vanilla, cinnamon, hazelnut and maple. Let’s start with the most prominent flavor, the vanilla. It is smooth and creamy and lightly sweet. The malty quality of the tea enhances the vanilla especially well. The cinnamon actually does not seem to shine through until about mid-cup, but when it does, it is delightful. It’s not really a spicy cinnamon, but more like a light sprinkling of cinnamon atop this delicious vanilla custard in a cup! The maple here is also soft, and compliments the hazelnut flavor, leaving an agreeable nutty, maple-sweet finish on the palate.

Allegro describes this tea as

Allegro’s Holiday NILLA NUT DREAM is a festive blend of organic black teas blended with a pleasant bouquet of luscious spices. We add a swirling trio of vanilla, cinnamon and hazelnut to create an exceptionally satisfying flavor and aroma. This tasty tea blend is a wonderful way to welcome the morning and makes a lovely evening treat. It is satisfying brewed and served on its own or with a splash of milk or cream.

I added a drizzle of local farmers honey to my cup, and found that this brought out many of the more subtle flavors, and especially some of the softer cinnamon notes. I added a bit of cream but I would be careful, if you add to much it washes away all the yummy flavors of the vanilla… and I think that the delicate balance of flavors in this cup are far too delectable to wash out, so use dairy products sparingly.

Since this is a holiday blend, I suggest you hurry over to your nearest Whole Foods and pick up a box of Allegro’s Nilla Nut Dream. Imagine sitting around the fire when its nice and cold out side with a cup of Nilla Nut Dream warming you from the inside out ! What a truly lovely tea for creating warm fuzzy memories. ENJOY!

Moms Recipe Box and the Iron Chef

I was so excited when I came across my moms vintage orange flowered recipe box, it must have slipped in with my stuff during my move to Texas. :) As I was thumbing through the faded index cards with my moms hand written recipes on them..Memories came rushing back to me eating my mothers amazingly delicious Apple Pie with Flaky Cheddar Cheese Crust and my Great Great Grandmas 100 year old Soft Ginger Cake.... so yummy.

Im going to make these two amazing desserts in honor of my mother and Great Great Grandmother, in fact im going to use my GGG recipe to create an amazing Cup Cake with my Cream Cheese Frosting. YUMMERS!!!! I'll post pictures and the recipe for my Mothers Pie. I'll Probably keep my GGG Cake recipe a family secret.

OK OK!!! SO Excited. On January 3rd a few of my favorite Chefs will be challenged on the IRON CHEF. Im counting the days....each commercial gives me chills of excitement....I have an addiction and I dont plan on finding a cure for recovery anytime soon. And if a family member attempts to form an intervention, Cupcakes will be thrown :) So until then.......

Sunday Night Wine and Eats

This was a pretty good bottle of wine. I usually get headaches when I drink Italian Wine...but this was a nice blend of 15 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. It is made from 25 year old vines minimum, mostly from Pisa, Maremma and Chianti Classico areas. The quality of the 2006 vintage in the Tusany shined through on this wine. The 2006 has beautiful plums, berries and fresh acidity. All I can say is YUMMY! ....it went really well with Lemon Butter Turkey and a few lovely traditional side dishes. I found it at Whole Foods for $8.88, which is a pretty good price...Suggested Retail price is about 11.00. Give it a try, you'll be pleased as much as I was.

Pretty Cupcakes

I created these cupcakes for a group of wonderful Bunko ladies. I made two different types...One was a dozen white cake and chocolate cream frosting, and the other twelve Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.......they turned out very good and pretty.....she asked for a simple winter theme and choose these pretty blue hue sprinkles and old fashion candy toppers. I loved making these and the family cobbled up the left overs....always need to make an extra batch for the eager onlookers. The ladies enjoyed them as well, they wanted to place a few orders. :)