Years ago while vacationing in Door County, Wisconsin I purchased a Rehrucken Pan at a local gift shop. The pan came with a recipe for an almond cake, one that I have made over and over. Today I made a different version with orange extract instead of almond extract and again with amazing results. These cakes are so easy to make, mix in one bowl and pour into the pan and the nonstick pan makes clean up a breeze. It is a great pan to add to your assortment and it makes amazing cakes. Below is the recipe I used for my orange cake but you can also Google Rehrucken pan recipes and find many more. Here is the Amazon link to purchase a Rehrucken pan
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour Rehrucken pan. In a mixing bowl beat together the sugar, egg, orange extract and milk. Mix in the flour and baking powder, mix well. Slowly add the melted butter. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake for 38 – 40 minutes until golden brown. Remove and place cake on cooling rack, after 10 minutes invert cake out of the pan. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar, if desired prior to serving.
Last night, we had an amazing dinner at El Cielo in Washington, DC. El Cielo is a recipient of a Michelin Star, a highly coveted ranking in the restaurant industry. This morning, I was researching the Michelin Guide and came across this amazing page of recipes from various restaurants. I definitely want to try many of these recipes – I think you too will enjoy checking out these award winning recipes and to think this all started from a tire company in France. The photos below are some of the recipes you can find on the page linked below.
You don’t have to cook to give the most delicious food gifts. This is one of my favorite Interesting Finds and a definite holiday treat. O&H Bakery in Racine, WI makes amazing Danish Kringles. Unfamiliar with kringles – here is a brief description, A Kringle is an oval-shaped, Danish pastry made with layers of buttery dough and filled with various fillings such as cheese, fruits, and nuts. Once baked, the kringle is drizzled with icing and sometimes other toppings like cinnamon sugar or crushed nuts. All I have to say they are delicious. If you are lucky enough you can pick one up at your local Trader Joe’s, however, I will tell you they sell out as fast as they arrive. You can also order directly from O&H Bakery – trust me, they are one of our holiday treats and after you have one, I am sure you too will add it to your holiday table.
One of our favorite New England towns is Holderness, NH which is situated along the shores of Squam Lake. Squam Lake is known for being featured in the film On Golden Pond. Over the years we have visited numerous times since our dear friends have a cottage on the lake. Since we have stayed at the Squam Lake Inn, I continue to receive e-mails from the Inn. I happened to open their lastest e-mail I received and started looking at their site and noticed their recipe for Multi-Grain Blueberry Pancakes. I knew this was a must try since every time we have eaten there their food is outstanding. These pancakes are no exception.
Multi-Grain Blueberry Pancake Recipe from the Squam Lake Inn, Holderness, NH
Ingredients:
1 ½ c. flour
2 heaping T. old-fashioned oats
2 heaping T. wheat germ
2 T. yellow corn meal
¾ t. baking soda
1 ½ t. baking powder
2 t. sugar
¼ t. salt
2 large eggs
1 ½ c. buttermilk
¼ c. milk
4 T. butter, melted
Add julienne apples sprinkled lightly with cinnamon and sugar, after pouring batter onto griddle. This recipe works great if you have some “plain” eaters at your table. Simply leave out any berries or apples!
Preheat griddle or large skillet on medium high. Wisk together dry ingredients. Combine w/ beaten eggs, buttermilk and milk in a bowl using a fork. Do not over mix. Cut melted butter into the batter. Brush griddle or pan generously with butter before pouring patter. Add fresh blueberries to the pancakes after pouring batter onto griddle. Cook till bubbles appear in the center of the pancake. Flip and finish until golden brown Serve with NH Maple Syrup and Rae’s Maple Sugar Bacon.
Options: Add julienne apples sprinkled lightly with cinnamon and sugar, after pouring batter onto griddle. This recipe works great if you have some “plain” eaters at your table. Simply leave out any berries or apples!
I was searching information about popcorn the other day for National Popcorn Day which is tomorrow, January 19. On my search of various sites, I came across this amazing non-profit Popcorn for the People. Popcorn for the People is a non-profit established to create meaningful employment for individuals with Autism and disabilities. They aim to combat the 80 percent unemployment rate in the autistic community with training and hiring adults with Autism to create, cook, package and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn. Their flavors are mouth-watering from French Toast, Cookies and Cream, Dark Chocolate Espresso, and White Cheddar, they all sound amazing. They sell by the tin or by the bag, I love popcorn and can’t wait to place an order to support this wonderful organization. Check them out!
All of their popcorn uses Non-GMO Kernels and Non-GMO Sunflower Oil, is 100% Kosher, and all flavors (excluding Cookies n’ Cream) are Gluten-Free!
I am always on the lookout for new products, especially those that are quick, easy and delicious. I heard terrific comments about Backyard Safari Companys While Bean Chili mix that my daughter and her friends all raved about in the Atlanta area. That was certainly enough to peak my interest and order some. I have to admit it is a pretty amazing soup mix. I ordered six and gave a few away. Here is the comment one friend sent to me after trying the mix :
The white bean chili is AMAZING!!!!!! Our new fav! I’m on line now ordering more!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
I think you will agree, it is a pretty amazing spice mix that you make with simple ingredients; boneless skinless chicken breasts, onion, white beans, chicken stock, green chilis, sour cream, heavy cream or half and half, and their seasoning packet. Perfect as a stocking stuffer or delicious dinner with family and friends. Enjoy!
I frequently get inquires from various companies inquiring about featuring their products on the blog. Nine times our of ten, I always pass because I am not interested. I recently received this request and after reading the recipes and the companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to causes they care about, I thought this would be a perfect post for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy!
Gray Whale Gin– it is a small batch, craft spirit inspired by the migratory path of the Gray Whale. Each of the gin’s botanicals are hand harvested, wild foraged or organically farmed along the majestic creatures’ 10,000 mile journey from Baja all the way to the Arctic. The gluten free-corn base provides a clean canvas for the botanicals to shine- Gray Whale Gin.
A portion of all sales benefits Oceana to protect and restore the world’s oceans- home of the beautiful Gray Whale.
Gray Whale Gin upcycles as many empty Gray Whale Gin bottles as possible into candles scented with the gin’s botanicals. The candles are sold via Gray Whale Gin’s website for $40. 100% of the sales of the candles benefit Oceana.
Blackberry Negroni 1 part Gray Whale Gin 1 part Campari 1 part Sweet Vermouth 6 fresh Blackberries
In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine the Gray Whale Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with muddled blackberries. Garnish with two fresh blackberries.
– Recipe by Gray Whale Gin
Humboldt Distillery’s Organic Vodka is made from an organic sugarcane base, without glycerin, sweeteners or other additives. The vodka is dry with a super clean finish and has a neutral character- perfect for cocktails!
Distilled amongst the redwoods, Humboldt Organic Vodka, is a consciously crafted spirit working alongside the California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA) to protect and preserve California’s waterways. When purchased via Drizly with the code TOAST2COAST a portion of the sale goes directly to CCKA to aid in the fight for swimmable, drinkable, fishable waterways in California.
Apple Cider Mule 1.5 oz Humboldt Vodka 2 oz apple cider 1 oz fresh lime juice .5 oz ginger syrup (recipe follows) Splash of seltzer
Build all ingredients over ice in a copper mug. Stir well, and garnish with lime or apple wedges. For the ginger syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and a 2-inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the ginger to steep for at least one hour. Strain and refrigerate.
– Recipe by Humboldt Distillery
Josh Cellars announced a $100,000 donation to the California Fire Foundation this past September as wildfires raged across the state. The donation will help the foundation provide relief, which offers financial and emotional support to firefighters, their families and communities harmed by fire. The wine label is named after founder Joseph Carr’s late father, who was a volunteer firefighter. Josh Cellars has long supported numerous charitable causes and organizations for first responders. Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr also pledged $100,000 to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundations (RWCF) to benefit the many workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19.
The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the U.S. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for an added fizz. Tastes like fresh apple pie in drink-form – perfect for Fall! The Prosecco has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruit.
Apple Pie Spritz
1 part Redemption Rye 2 parts apple cider 1 dash angostura bitters Fill flute with Josh Prosecco Garnish with lemon twist
Add ingredients other than prosecco to flute and lightly stir to mix ingredients. Top with prosecco and garnish with expressed lemon peel. The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the US. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for a little added fizz.
– Recipe by Matt Klette, Redemption Whiskey Ambassador
When we were in Napa, CA a few years ago, I stumbled upon this small dried herb shop, Whole Spice, in the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. I purchased a small bag of their Rotisserie Chicken Rub. When we returned a year later, I bought a large bag of their Rotisserie Chicken Rub. This year, travel is limited so I went online and bought a jumbo container of their Rotisserie Chicken Rub. There are some things that I find that I just can’t live without in my kitchen. This herb blend is one of them. It is so delicious on chicken, all I do is sprinkle this rub over a whole chicken or chicken pieces, skin on, and bake them. Or I sprinkle on boneless skinless chicken breasts rubbed with a bit of olive oil and grill them. No matter how I use it, it is one of my favorites and definitely a delicious Interesting Find!
It is harder to find flour and yeast these days than paper towels. I think you probably read my post where I ordered from a local restaurant and received self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour! So, I headed to the internet to find flour. After searching popular cooking and supply sites – all were sold out. So, I started searching for alternatives. I found an article from Food and Wine titled Where to Buy Flour Online from Smaller Mills– after reading their article, I decided to order from Janie’s Mill in Illinois. Their organic flour is stone-milled and they have many varieties to select from. I received my flour this week and I can’t wait to try the various types and their customer service is excellent. A perfect find while we are all currently home and baking!
Weekly, I receive numerous requests and information regarding food trends, new foods/restaurants and other articles that pertain to the food industry. I thought this article was definitely worth sharing since I too have seen a renewed interest in food production and gardening. Below is the information if you are interested in learning more about starting a home garden.
What: Gardening can be a great stress reducer. Don’t think you have the space for a garden? Wondering which plants you can or should grow? Gardening is the perfect social distancing activity – feeding a revival of interest in food production and gardening as a recreation, outdoor exercise form and community building too. Join us on Earth Day to hear from Virginia Cooperative Extension experts to help you get started!
When: Earth Day Wednesday, April 22, 2020 4:00 p.m.
Where: Get your hands dirty with urban gardening via Zoom
