Apple Cider Doughnuts

Perfect for the holiday season along with some hot apple cider or a cup of joe!

Apple Cider Doughnuts
adapted from Feastie

2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 large egg
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. apple butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c. honey
1/3 c. apple cider
1/3 c. plain yogurt
2 Tbsp canola oil
canola cooking spray
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon (for topping)

Preheat oven to 400 and spray doughnut pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  In another bowl whisk together the egg, brown sugar, vanilla, apple butter, yogurt, and oil.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together until just incorporated.  

Fill mold 2/3 full with dough.  I used a spoon as the dough is a bit thick to make sure it filled in the doughnut shape.

Bake for 10 minutes and let cool on wire rack.

Mix the 1tbsp cinnamon with 1/4 c. sugar in bowl. 

Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the doughnuts with the butter, then dip into bowl with cinnamon sugar mixture until the top is coated.  

Enjoy while they are warm!

Apple Peanut Butter

This is a delicious easy to make spread perfect for toast or top on sweet treats!

Apple Peanut Butter by Oh She Glows

I used homemade apple butter and store bought peanut butter.
First to make the apple butter...
You'll need about 6 apples.  I used different kinds; washington, golden delicious, and fiji.
I left the skin on and cut into snack sized slices.  Place apple slices in crock pot on high for about 4 hours.
After 4 hours the the apples should be soft and easily 'smushed.'  Mash up the apples until it has an apple sauce consistency.  I had to put them in a food processor to really get them to the right consistency.
Put 'sauce' back in crock pot and mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and cook on low heat for another 30-45 minutes.  You can add sugar, or brown sugar for extra sweetness but I liked the natural sweetness of just the apples with cinnamon.
Thats it!

Once you have your apple butter add some peanut butter, store bought or home made and mix together.  Apple peanut butter will keep for about 10 days.

Congratulation Cupcakes

For Thanksgiving this year, I wanted to make something special for my mom after completing her surgery and treatment for breast cancer.  After all that she's been through this year I just wanted to make her a special treat!

Strawberry Champagne Cupacakes with Strawberry Compote and Buttercream Frosting

Cupcakes
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup fresh strawberries
3 eggs
1 cup extra-dry champagne
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup vegetable oil


Strawberry Compote
1 lb. chopped strawberries
1/4 c. sugar
Piping bag for filling cupcakes

Buttercream Frosting
1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons Champagne, or 1 tablespoon Champagne flavoring

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bow. In another medium bowl or stand mixer combine eggs, butter, oil, and champagne until combined. Add the dry ingredient to wet ingredients and mix until combined. Fill the cupcakes liners 3/4 of the way full and bake for 20 minutes.

For the compote place a couple handfuls of chopped strawberries into a pan with 1/4 c. sugar and cook on medium-low heat until the strawberries are broken down and the mixture has become more like a jelly. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag. 

Let the cupcakes cool, then cut a small X on top of the cakes. Use the medium nozzel and fill the cakes with the compote. Mine got blocked up a bit so i put the compote into my food processor and pulsed a few times. Now time to frost!

For the frosting use an electric mixer and whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and champagne and mix until combined with creamy texture. I used some red food coloring to make mine breast cancer pink!

Apple Pie

Its been a busy couple of months but that hasn't stopped me from getting into the holiday spirit and taking on a new baking challenge this Thanksgiving.  This years challenge:  Homemade pie crust for apple pie.

I was cool and confident after reading carefully through the step by step, picture included instructions in Food & Wine magazine.  However the more I talked to seasoned bakers, I became a bit nervous about pulling this one off.  Apparently with good reason because on the morning of Thanksgiving I was googling 'what to do if your pie crust is crumbly.'  Not to worry, the pie made it to Thanksgiving after all and was a huge hit! (just add a teaspoon of water!)

Traditional Apple Pie
adapted from Christine Foster
5-6 Golden Delicious Apples (I wasn't quite sure which apples to choose.  My soon to be mother in law instructed Northern Spy Apples, but these could not be found in LA.  Granny Smith came recommended as well but I settled on Golden Delicious which turned out great!)
1 perfectly flakey pie crust
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp. almond milk (regular milk is fine too)

Preheat oven to 375.  Peel, core, and cut your apples into quarters and then into thick slices.  Place cut apples into medium mixing bowl and add 1/2 c of the sugar.  Let this sit for 30-45 minutes then strain the apples.  (this makes the pie less watery).  Mix in flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and remaining sugar.

Unfold your pie crust into a greased pie pan.  Spoon the apple mixture into the shell evenly.  Now for the top portion of the crust I decided at the last minute to do a lattice crust.  To do this slice your pie crust into about 2 inch wide strips.  Lay on top of pie and fold back every other strip to make lattice pattern.  Martha Stewart can show you how here!  Trim and form the edges in the design you like.  I went for the traditional crimped edge but it didn't turn out too pretty.  Im still perfecting this.

Brush the top of the pie crust with the almond milk.  Bake at 375 for about an hour until the crust is golden.  Dust the top with confectioners sugar if you like.  Serve warm with ice cream or on its own!

Ann Arbor

Last month we had the pleasure of traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan to see our good friends Taylor and Anton get married.  These two are the cutest and their wedding was absolutely fabulous!  I've seen some really cool barn weddings on pinterest and Taylor and Anton did not disappoint!

Before the wedding we got to spend some time exploring Ann Arbor.  Chris was having a rough time being in University of Michigan territory.  (We root for the MSU Spartans of course)  For me it was refreshing to experience true fall in the midwest.  The cold crisp air was perfect for scarves and boots.  Something that had been for sure lacking in LA.  For our first meal we indulged in a mid west classic, White Castle.  Yes, we were paying for it the next day.  We followed up with barbecue from Blue Tractor BBQ.  This place was awesome!  Michigan has not disappointed when it comes to BBQ so I like to treat myself when I'm there!

I started the meal off with their beer flight.  Cheers!

 Next were some deep fried pickles.  This was my first time having these and... wow!  amazing!

 Since we had a big early Thanksgiving dinner later with Chris's family, we decided to share the BBQ chicken sandwich.  Sharing was a good idea but we kind of screwed ourselves with the fried pickles.  It was worth it.

The next day we followed it up with brunch at Zola's.  I opted for the turkish eggs.  Chris tried Moroccan coffee.  Personally not my taste but he really liked it.  Our waitress said the pattern of the beans at the bottom of the cup will tell your fortune.  Unfortunately Chris's was just sludge.

The Mission Inn...Possible Wedding Venue!

This weekend Chris, my mom and I made the trek out to Riverside for the bridal open house at the Mission Inn.  I discovered the Mission Inn through a wedding phtographer and couldnt believe that the pictures were taken somewhere in California, let alone Riverside!  The photos looked like they were taken in Italy or Spain.  This place is amazing and definitely set the bar high for other potential venues.

First things first.  Grab your Bride name tag and your shopping bag!

The judges panel.  Yes, free champagne helps influence our choice :)

Inside St. Francis of Assisi Chapel.  Absolutely stunning!  Love the pipe organ!

Another great shot from one of the terraces

Just practicing :)

The Spanish Art Gallery was our favorite room for a reception

The Mission Inn

3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

http://www.missioninn.com

Birthday's and Horses

Since I had to travel on my birthday, literally the red eye to Michigan; Chris wanted to do something special to celebrate.  He surprised me with an afternoon at Sunset Ranch in Hollywood.  I have been wanting to go horseback rinding for a while now and we finally got to go for a sunset ride through the hills!
It was a pretty relaxing ride with Marilyn and Cane.  I had Marilyn of course.  She was nice a squishy!  She was also the slow horse where as Cane was getting a little crazy.  We had a great time!

Later that night we had a nice dinner full of garlic at the Stinking Rose in LA.  I definitely overindulged on the garlic.  And definitely regretted it later.  Yikes!

Sunset Ranch Hollywood

The Stinking Rose

Meeting Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere

Photo: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Cupcakes and Cashmere is one of my favorite blogs.  My friend introduced it to me a couple years ago and I thought Emily was so cute, always with her nails done and her posts were very creative.  I was excited to see she was writing a book and made sure to pick up a copy last week!  I also made sure to leave work a bit early and make it to her book signing in Los Angeles.

She was so sweet!  She really took quite a bit of time chatting with each person.  Her and I talked briefly about weddings as I am in the process of planning my own.  She was lovely and a delight!  Definitely check out her blog if you haven't yet.  Her book, Cupcakes and Cashmere is in stores and online now!

www.cupcakesandcashmere.com

Buy the Book!

A Taste of Downtown Detroit

I made my first trip to Michigan this summer for Chris's sisters wedding.  It was mostly like I expected. A lot of land, farms, and friendly faces! :)

For the one free day we had Chris took me into downtown Detroit for some gambling at the Greek Town Casino and one of the top 3 sandwiches in America at Slows.  Yup thats right!  The yardbird sandwich at Slows made it onto Best Sandwich in America on the Travel Channel.  Not only was it on the show but it made it into the semi finals and the into the final top 3 sandwiches!  Sadly, it was not the big winner.  Oh but it was to me!

Slows BBQ

2138 Michigan Ave.

Detroit, MI

http://slowsbarbq.com/

Enterprise Fish, Santa Monica

As you may have noticed, I havent posted in a while.  And when I do it more of restaurants rather than recipes.  Chris and I are in the process of moving and life has just been crazy so i haven't had a chance to get a lot of bloggin done.  But stay tuned!  More recipes to come in a new kitchen I have to break in :)

Enterprise Fish in Santa Monica has an amazing menu filled with delicious fresh fish.  The Asian 5 spice basa swai is incredible.  Its cooked and seasoned to perfection.  But- I have to give it up to the best lobster bisque I've ever had.  And I've had quite a few.  You have to order it with the puff pastry on top.  The puff pastry is crispy on top, and soft and dipped in the bisque on the bottom.  My mouth is watering just typing this!

Bottom line, amazing selections of fresh fish if you are in a fishy sort of mood.

Enterprise Fish Co.

174 Kinney Street

Santa Monica, CA 90405

http://www.enterprisefishco.com/santamonica/

Scarlet Tea Room, Old Town Pasadena

Over the past few years the Scarlet Tea Room has become a favorite spot to spend mothers day with my mom, sister, grandma, and even my girlfriends and their moms!  High tea is oh so chic and the Scarlet Tea Room does not disappoint!  Voted best tea room in Pasadena 4 years in a row and have also snagged a Diners Choice award!
Menu highlights include poached pear and berry salad and spiced belgian chocolate beignets!  But we always go for 3 course or 5 course afternoon tea menu which includes your choice of tea, sorbet, fresh baked scone with their to die for Scarlet cream, tea sandwiches, petite desserts, and a fresh berry romanoff.  Don't worry if this is your late lunch!  I find it is always plenty filling!

Scarlet Tea Room & Fine Dining

18 W. Green Street

Pasadena, CA 91105

www.scarlettearoom.com

Bruschetta

Bruschetta, a well love Italian antipasto is a quick and simple snack for any night of the week.  This week I have been big time reminiscing over my Italy trip.  I told Chris I'm making Sunday dinner this weekend with some of our favorites from our trip.  But tonight with little in my fridge since returning from traveling I made a quick stop for a few items to whip up classic tomato basil bruschetta.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Serves 2

Ingredients
3-4 roma tomatoes, centers removed and chopped
2 tbsp chopped basil
1 garlic clove, chopped to small pieces
1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 baguette
salt and pepper to taste

Combine chopped tomatos, garlic, oil and vinegar in small bowl.  Then add chopped basil and salt and pepper to taste.  Slice bread diagonally, about 1/2 inch slices.  Then brush each side with olive oil.  If you are going to toast bread in the oven, heat to 450 and place bread in the top rack on baking sheet.  Bake until tops are golden.  I prefer toasting bread in a pan on the stove.  In that case just place pieces on a pan and toast on each side until golden.  Spoon on the tomato mixture onto toast and enjoy!  Topping with a sprinkle of parmesan is highly encouraged! :)

5 Ingredient Chicken Drumsticks

Easy marinade, easy baking!

Honey Mustard Drumsticks
(serves 3)

- 6 chicken drumsticks, cleaned and fat trimmed
- 1/2 cup dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar

Turn oven to broil.  Mix mustard, maple syrup, and vinegar together in a small bowl.  Place cleaned drumsticks in a pan lined with foil (for easy cleanup!).  Using about half of the mixture, spoon the dressing over the chicken then flip drumsticks and spoon on opposite side.  Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Bake for about 15 minutes then rotate drumsticks and pour on more dressing.  Continue to rotate and add dressing every 5-10 minutes for another 20-30 minutes or until drumsticks are browned.

Let cool, and serve with a big side of veggies!  I sauteed broccoli and mushrooms with olive oil, salt,
and a little cayenne pepper.

Sunday Morning

Last weekend I was craving pancakes.  Pancakes and waffles to me are a special treat and always put me in a good mood.  It might be the nostalgia that comes with fresh warm pancakes on a Sunday morning (my mom used to make as a special breakfast) or the fact that they are just plain delicious.  At the same time Jack Johnson's 'Banana Pancakes' was playing in my head so I knew it had to be done.  

This recipe serves 2.  However I had no trouble putting away most of it!

Gluten Free Banana Bread Pancakes

Adapted from My New Roots

Dry ingredients:

2/3 cup rolled oats 

1 tsp. baking soda

pinch sea salt

Wet ingredients:

1 very ripe banana

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. olive oil

2/3 cup almond milk 

2 tsp. maple syrup

For garnish:

maple syrup

1 banana, sliced

 Place oats in a food processor and pulse until they become like flour.  Place oat flour, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.  Add wet ingredients to food processor and blend.  Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until 2 just come together.  Let this sit for 30 minutes.

Heat some coconut oil on a skillet and add 3 large spoonfuls of batter.  Spread batter flat with the back of the spoon and turn heat down between low and medium.  Let cook until topside is opaque.  I'll admit, these take quite a bit longer than regular pancakes.  Flip when bottom is brown.  You want to cook until crispy brown, but the middle is still moist.  Mine weren't super crispy but turned out amazing!  I put in foil on a baking sheet in the oven while i cooked the rest as it takes a bit of time.
Serve with fresh sliced banana and maple syrup. They may break a part a bit, but who cares!  They taste amazing!

Sunday Mornings are also made for the Farmers Market.  Today I went with Ly who is definitely the Farmers Market expert.  I picked up some beets for dinner tonight, celery- my new favorite snack, peaches, garlic, ginger, and some fresh lavender and flowers.  I love the Hollywood farmers market because its HUGE!  They have everything and some great places to eat too!  Lavender Honey ice cream anyone?  Yum!