Recipes

Citrus Hearts

Published on by carol lou

Looking for that something special to make your valentine?  These citrus cut outs would be the perfect treat.  Trust me when I say this recipe is perfect to use with cookie cutters, easy to roll out and delicious.  For the greatest success, refrigerate the dough as noted, make sure the surface you are rolling the dough on is dusted with flour and keep turning the dough as you roll the dough so it does not stick.  You can use any variety of cookie cutters, I prefer these large heart cookies.  Sure to win the heart of your valentine!

citrus hearts

Citrus Hearts
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup butter, softened
  2. 2 cups sugar
  3. 3 eggs
  4. 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  5. 5 cups flour
  6. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  7. 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon rind, grated
  8. 1 teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add buttermilk. Add baking soda, flour and lemon rind. Stir in lemon extract, mix until well combined. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough to 1/8 inch on a floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters, place on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake 6 - 7 minutes. Cool on rack.
  3. This recipes makes 4 - 5 dozen depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Notes
  1. Citrus glaze
  2. In a medium mixing bowl mix 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with orange juice (add 1 - 2 tablespoons at a time) until you have a thin spreading consistency. I also like to add 1 teaspoon fresh orange rind and lemon rind grated to my glaze. Spread glaze on cooled cookies.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Published on by carol lou

I have many days when the last thing I want to do is spend time cooking. For those busy days, out comes my slow cooker. I think I do not use my slow cooker as much as I should. There is nothing better than coming home after a busy day to the delightful aroma of dinner cooking. For this recipe, I took the idea from one of my favorite pork chop recipes. I incorporated the same ingredients, but this time put in all in the slow cooker and headed out. The results were great, I served this with rice but it would be equally delicious served on a bed of pasta.

slow cooker pork roast

Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3 - 4 lb. boneless pork roast
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 5 carrots, peeled and sliced
  5. 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
  7. 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  8. Salt/pepper/Italian seasoning
Instructions
  1. Remove pork from packaging, pat dry, generously season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Wrap and refrigerate 12 - 24 hours. In the bottom of slow cooker, add onion, garlic and carrots, top with pork roast. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper and rosemary. Cover and set on low - cook 8 hours.
  2. Shred pork in large chunks, return to sauce.
  3. Serve with rice or pasta.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Upside Down Pizza

Published on by carol lou

The name explains it all – the pizza toppings are on the bottom and the crust is on top.  You can add or substitute any pizza ingredients that you like.  You simply pour over the crust batter and as it bakes it puffs and turns golden brown.  Perfect to serve with a salad for a casual dinner.

upside down pizza

Upside Down Pizza
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, mild or hot
  2. 1 large onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 4 oz. can sliced black olives, sliced
  5. 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
  6. 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
  7. 1 green pepper, diced
  8. 10 oz. sliced mozzarella cheese
  9. 2 eggs
  10. 1 cup milk
  11. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  12. 1 cup flour
  13. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  14. 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, crumble sausage and cook over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, stirring frequently until sausage is cooked and onion is transparent. Drain sausage mixture and return to skillet. Add olives, sauce, mushrooms, green pepper, and heat until bubbly. Pour into an ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan. Top with sliced mozzarella slices.
  2. In a blender, blend milk, eggs, milk, oil, flour and salt until smooth. Pour mixture evenly over mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake uncovered in a 400 degree oven until the crust is puffed and golden brown about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Are You Ready for the Big Game?

Published on by carol lou

Looking for recipes for this weekend ? 

A Passion for Entertaining’s popular recipes that would be perfect to serve at your Super Bowl party

IMG_2318

http://apassionforentertaining.com/smoked-salmon-topped-deviled-eggs/

 FullSizeRender (1)

http://apassionforentertaining.com/pizza-dough/

 

chocolate toffee brownies

http://apassionforentertaining.com/chocolate-toffee-brownies/

cheese bread

 http://apassionforentertaining.com/packer-fan-cheese-bread-in-under-one-hour/

pulled pork sandwich

http://apassionforentertaining.com/bbq-pulled-pork-sandwiches/

GAme Day Wings

http://apassionforentertaining.com/game-day-wings/

 

 

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Published on by carol lou

Tomorrow, February 3rd is National Carrot Cake Day! What better way to celebrate than to bake carrot cake sandwich cookies. I love to make these because you get the enjoyment of a carrot cake in a small package. These freeze beautifully, so when the urge strikes you for a carrot cake, have one of these little gems.

carrot cake sandwich cookies

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup flour
  2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  6. 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  7. 1/3 cup sugar
  8. 1 large egg
  9. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  10. 1 cup grated carrots
  11. 1 cup chopped pecans
  12. 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment or greased cookie sheets
  3. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
  4. Beat together the butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla at medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in carrots, pecans and cranberries. Add flour mixture and beat until combined. Drop by rounded tablespoons on lined cookie sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 12 - 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely. Make filling, sandwich cookies together with a generous tablespoon of cream cheese. Store cookies in the refrigerator.
Notes
  1. Filling
  2. 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  3. 1/4 cup honey
  4. Combine and spread between cookies
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Cocktail Peanuts

Published on by carol lou

You will find many versions of spiced nuts when shopping, how great it is to make your own in under ten minutes.  These peanuts are a little salty, a little sweet, and a little spicy.  They are quick to prepare and as the name says, perfect to serve along side your favorite cocktail.

cocktail peanuts

Cocktail Peanuts
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
  2. 1/2 tablespoon butter
  3. 1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
  4. 1/2 teaspoon. curry powder
Instructions
  1. In a heavy frying pan, melt butter and mix in brown sugar and curry powder. Stir in peanuts and cook for 3 - 4 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the nuts are coated. Cool on foil, separating the nuts with a fork. Store in a covered jar.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Apple Date Cake with Caramel Rum Sauce

Published on by carol lou

This description will be brief – my husband thinks this is the best cake I have ever made! 

apple date cake

Apple Date Cake with Caramel Rum Sauce
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
  2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  3. 1 1/4 cups flour
  4. 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  7. 1 1/4 cups sugar
  8. 1 egg
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla
  10. 1 apple, peeled and chopped
  11. 1/2 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a small saucepan bring dates and 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda ( it will foam) set aside and cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Slowly add cooled date mixture. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined. Fold in apple and coconut. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 45 - 55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on rack. Run a knife around sides of springform before releasing sides. Carefully remove sides and parchment. Serve with caramel rum sauce.
Notes
  1. Caramel Rum Sauce
  2. In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar, 5 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil and boil one minute. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of rum. Serve warm or at room temperature.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Tomatillo Chicken Bake

Published on by carol lou

We usually go out to our local Mexican restaurant to cure our Mexican food cravings.  When I served this dish, we agreed this tasted like something we would have ordered from our favorite Mexican restaurant.  I had leftover chicken and wanted to prepare something using the corn tortillas I had in the refrigerator.  I have to say this was so good, we can’t wait to have the leftovers (now, in my opinion, that is a good recipe). 

tomatillo chicken bake

Tomatillo Chicken Bake
Serves 6
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup sour cream
  2. 1/4 cup milk
  3. 1 13 oz. can tomatillos, drained
  4. 1 clove garlic
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. 1/2 cup chopped onion
  7. 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
  8. 6 6-inch corn tortillas
  9. 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
  10. 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
  1. This dish is best if assembled ahead of time and heated before serving.
  2. Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
  3. Mix together sour cream and milk and set aside. In a blender or food processor, blend tomatillos and garlic. In a small saucepan, heat oil and cook onion and green chiles until onions are transparent. Mix in tomatillo mixture and set aside. Cut tortillas into quarters. Layer the following in the prepared pan - 1/3 of the tortillas, 1/3 of the chicken, 1/3 of the tomatillo sauce, 1/3 of the sour cream and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees covered for 30 minutes, remove cover and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
  1. Serving a crowd? Since you can make this ahead, it would be perfect for entertaining. Simply double this recipe, use a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This would easily serve 10 - 12. Serve with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Add a side of black or refried beans and you are ready for a fiesta!
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Piadina

Published on by carol lou

The recent snowfall gave me the opportunity to go though my recipe collection.   Here is one that you must try. Piadina is a thin Italian flat bread or sometimes referred to as a griddle flat bread.  They are typically filled with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and vegetables, but also with sweet fillings such as jam or Nutella.  They are quick and easy to make, I make the dough in my food processor and the dough is done in a flash. After you make the dough, you simply divide the dough in 5 pieces, roll them into thin circles and quickly cook them.  Absolutely delicious served warm. 

dough 1.   dough 2

             Roll dough into circles                              Cook in large hot skillet or griddle

piadina

 

piadina sandwich  

    Delicious served with meat and cheeses. (also fantastic with Nutella)

Piadina
Yields 5
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups flour
  2. 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  3. 1 tablespoon salt
  4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1 cup cold water
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together to form a dough ( I make mine in the food processor, you can also combine in a large mixing bowl and knead lightly). Cut into five pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle approximately 8 inches in diameter. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle until hot, brush with olive oil. When hot add one circle at a time. Watch carefully, as soon as it is golden brown, flip with a spatula a cook the other side. Be careful not to burn, these cook very fast. I brush the skillet with oil prior to cooking each Piadina.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

                 

Chocolate Olive Oil Cupcakes

Published on by carol lou

Recipe #5 – Spartan Olive Oil Challenge #EVOOChallenge

This is a version of my mother’s favorite chocolate cake recipe.  These can be made quickly with ingredients in your pantry.  The addition of the olive oil makes these gems moist with dense chocolate flavor.  Oh…I might have forgotten to tell you, you mix them in one bowl – how easy is that?   This is the perfect triple chocolate combination, chocolate cake, chocolate chips and chocolate ganache. Just my kind of sweet delight.

Chocolate olive oil cupcakes

 

 

Chocolate Olive Oil Cupcakes
Yields 12
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 cups flour
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla
  7. 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  8. 5 tablespoons olive oil
  9. 1 cup water
  10. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line one twelve count muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients together. Add the vanilla, vinegar, olive oil and water. Whisk until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  3. Divide batter between the twelve cupcakes.
  4. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven, cool.
  6. Dip in ganache.
Notes
  1. Chocolate Ganache
  2. 6 oz. semi sweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces or you can use semi sweet chocolate chips
  3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  4. Heat cream until small bubbles appear around the edge, remove from heat. Add chocolate and stir until smooth. Dip cooled cupcakes in ganache.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/