Where do you buy your eggs?

As a young child, I remember my parents raising chickens. I have always wanted to raise chickens. Unfortunately, we are unable to at this time. However, we are extremely fortunate to have a family friend who raises chickens. I estimate at peak usage we use about 3 dozen eggs per week. I can only imagine that will increase during the next 6 week holiday extravaganza.

Fortunately, we receive these eggs in kind. If I were to purchase these eggs I would be spending about $15 per week on eggs alone. Thankfully, we are able to give back to our friend.

We will pass on our food scraps (fruits / vegetables / breads ) to help feed the chickens.

Typically, the shelf life of an egg is 4-5 weeks in refrigeration. This is a major benefit of having eggs delivered fresh from the coop. Store bought eggs can be almost this old at time of purchase.


Enjoy!

Fall Yummies!

The Autumn season is my favorite. For one reason only, the fall harvest! I have enjoyed trying out new recipes and revisiting the oldies but goodies!

Here is a bit of what we have been working on......


Jalapeno Relish........

and this......


Pineapple / Jalapeno Relish.....

Jalapenos have been on my mind since we received this from the garden....


Do you have a great Jalapeno pepper recipe to share....I know we can use it!

Sweets on a hot summer day!

There are many things that I love being a part of the family at Lutherlyn! One of which working with the kitchen staff to put together a fabulous dessert buffet. Every year I challenge the staff to make the desserts for this buffet. This is not an easy challenge, since we are still preparing all the meals, snacks and extras needed for the week. Somehow, someway it gets done.....!

So, what I choose to share with you this beautiful summer evening is all about...


Chocolate Banana Trifle....

More yummy chocolate....


Something not chocolate but just as sweet....


No it is not ice cream....


But it is just as good....


Cupcake cones.... definately not ice cream but definately a joy to eat!

Enjoy!

Provencal Stuffed Peppers

I am often on the hunt for a main meal option that is vegetarian. Whether for work or to persuade my children to continue to try and consume those yummy vegetables. This recipe probably does not go well for my children, but has a robust and hearty flavor.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but can be made ahead to save on last minute prep time.

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 red onion, sliced
1 zucchini, quartered & diced
1-2 portobello mushrooms, sliced
1-2 garlic cloves
2 tomatoes, diced
1-2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
4 lg yellow peppers
1 cup cheddar cheese
Salt
Pepper
Basil to garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 360*F
2. Heat the oil in the saucepan, add the onion, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms, cook gently for 3 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and paste. Boil uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Sauce will thicken slightly. Remove from the heat and add the basil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the white membrane. Blanch in a pan of hot boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and Dry.
5. Place the peppers in a shallow pan. Fill with cooked vegetable mixture.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes (If prepared ahead bake 25-30 minutes).
7. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and place back in oven to melt cheese.

Enjoy!

Butterhorns

There are a few recipes / formulas that always make their way to the table at Holidays. This is one of them. This formula is great at breakfast with a hot cup of coffee.. or to snack on throughout the day. :) I will worn you now, they have an addictive quality.

Book: Family Favorites
Chapter: Bread

Anna Nelson

1 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups flour sifted
1 cup milk warm
3/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons yeast
3 eggs beaten

1. Melt butter add warmed milk. Cool till 105*F
2. Add rest of ingredients and mix. Knead 5 minutes. Dough should be smooth and elastic. Cover gently with light towel.
3. Let dough rise until double in size.
4. Punch down. Shape into cresent type roll.
Divide dough into 3 rounds. Roll out to a circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Roll each wedge from the large to small end. Place on sheet tray.
5. Let rise till double.
6. Bake 20 minutes @ 375*F.
7. Cool. Frost with buttercream.

Enjoy!

Orange Cookies

So, my challenge for this summer is to find formulas for cookies that offer a food memory...! This cookie may just succeed at this objective.

11 tbsp of butter, unsalted
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
2 tbsp orange zest (from 2 oranges)
2 cups Whole wheat flour
2 cups white chocolate chips

Cream the butter. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cream. Add egg. Cream until pale in color.
Add juice and zest. Add whole wheat flour. Fold in the white chocolate chips.

Place on sheet pan 2 tbsp each. Bake 12 - 16 minutes at 350*

Enjoy!

Double Fudge Brownies

These brownines are delicious! Enjoy the brownies today, but if you wait 24 hours.. the texture is so much better!

1 cup Unsalted Butter
2 cups packed Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Cocoa
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
4 large Eggs
1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 cups SemiSweet Chocolate Chips

Melt the butter in a saucepan - the saucepan needs to be big enough to hold all of the ingredients.... Once melted add the brown sugar. Keep over low heat until the mixture moves freely.
Remove from heat, add cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine. Allow mixture too cool slightly. When adding the eggs, you don't want to cook them.
Add vanilla extract and eggs (one at a time).
Add whole wheat flour and chocolate chips. Stir to combine. Do not over mix.
Place batter into a 9X13 pan, coated with pan spray.

Bake at 350*F for 20 - 25 mintues.

I have been looking for a formula that was yummy! And well I think I might have found it. After making this formula, I substituted the butter for a Vegan option and the chips for a dairy free product. The brownies were just as delicious.

Enjoy!