Monday, January 30, 2012

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

{ Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna }

THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS Linky Party #66

The Theme is: Recipe from your favorite Cook-Book
(Please share with us your favorite Recipe from your favorite Cook-Book )

I don't have a favorite cookbook. I have about 40 favorite cookbooks. It's True. I tried to pick a favorite cook book to use for this post, but I just couldn't. I love them all.
My husband kept telling me to use "my" favorite recipes one, but considering that is handwritten, as in ones I've collected from everywhere for the past 6 years, I didn't that one would count haha.

So right now I am into the "Thin Cooking" Cookbooks. Any cookbook that can help me make delisious but low calorie meals is my favorite right now.

I'm going to "Food Blog Forum 2012" in Orlando in March and I have got to loose some of this chunk. I can't wait to meet all of these amazing food bloggers and well.. I can't be a chunky monkey can I? Didn't think so.

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

(Printable Recipe Here)

What you need:

Makes 12 servings

Adapted a little from Cook Yourself Thin
Calories per serving: about 330 according to Cook Yourself Thin
*I left out the milk from the original recipe*

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 pounds mushrooms

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch of Salt

1 (15oz) container part-skim ricotta

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 cups shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 (10oz) box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch Black pepper

5 cups tomato sauce

12 sheets lasagna noodles

Nonstick cooking spray

What to do:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Fill a a 9x13 casserole dish with hot water. Place the noodle into the hot water and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

While the noodles are soaking, start cooking the mushrooms.

In a large sauce pan heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, thyme and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 12 minutes. Mushrooms will be soft and tender when done.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and eggs. Mix well. Add 1 cup of mozzarella, spinach, basil and oregano; season with salt and pepper and stir.

(When defrosting the spinach, make sure that after it is defrosted that it is drained really really good. Use a paper towel to squeeze all of the water out before adding it to the mixture)

The noodles should be done soaking by now. Drain the water from the noodles and lay the noodles out on a paper towel.

In the dry casserole dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce into the bottom of the pan.

Layer 4 sheets of lasagna on top, on the sauce.

Spread half of the ricotta mixture onto the noodles. Next, cover with half the mushrooms.

Next, layer with 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce.

Next add 4 more sheets of lasagna noodles. Add the remaining ricotta mixture and remaining mushrooms. Cover with1 1/2 cups tomato sauce.

Layer with the remaining 4 sheets of lasagna, 1 of tomato sauce and 2 cups mozzarella cheese.

Lightly spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the uncooked lasagna, place the spray-side down.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bump the oven temperature up to 450F.

Cook for about 10 minutes until cheese browns a little.

Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before cutting.

Show us your favorite " Recipe from your favorite Cook-Book " ;)

Make Sure To Read The Rules!!

_______________________________________________________________________________

This Week's Cravings Upcoming Linky "THEMES"

Here is a complete list of the past and what's coming up next on THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS!

February 6th- Nutella DAY (Peanut Butter, Almond Butter & More)

February 13th- Valentine's Day Treats or Romantic Dinners

February 20th- Avocado Recipes and Homemade Salsa

This is a BLOG Party hosted by MOMS CRAZY COOKING , Big Bears Wife , The Daily Dish and Veggie Converter .

If you are a regular link-up we're excited to see what you made this week. If you are new please read and follow the simple rules, so that everyone can enjoy the linky party! If you forget to follow the theme, your post will be deleted. Please don't feel hurt, just come back and link up a recipe that follows the theme. Thanks a million, we look forward to blogging with you!

The LINKY PARTY is opened ALL Week!

PLEASE do not link more then 3 recipes per week.

This week's theme is: Recipe from your favorite Cook-Book

Please only link recipes with our theme!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Secret Recipe Club Twitter Party Chat {Recap}

Last Wednesday, January 25th, The Secret Recipe Club had a twitter party to talk about Recipes, Dinner Ideas and to Swap Some Ideas around. We were very please at the turn out and hope to have more Secret Recipe Club Twitter/Chat Parties in the Future.

Krista from Kid Smart Living and Simply Smart Living, was the sponsor of the twitter party this week and gave away some wonderful prizes to a few lucky chatters. Thank you Krista.

Amanda from Amanda's Cookin , Suzanne from Thru The Bugs on my Windshield and Myself , hosted the chat with a few questions to get everyone talking. **With the Help from Bobbi ( Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen) and Rhonda ( The Kitchen Witch Blog ), because I exceeded my twitter chat limit for the day right at the end of the chat and Bobbi and Rhonda stepped up and helped me get the last few things out... who knew there was a limit? haha**

Just wanted to do a little run down of some of the tweets from the Chat! :) To see them all check out the #SRCchat thread from twitter :) Besure to click "See All Tweets" at the very bottom of that link. :)

Some random Links and Tweets that were shared:

***

Also I found this from http://tweetreach.com:

TweetReach for #SRCChat

Reached 10,373 people via 50 tweets

Searching a maximum of 50 tweets

Pretty Cool :)

We're Going to be planning some more Twitter Parties In the Future. Did you attend this one? What did you think?

Thanks To Everyone That Was There!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Jack Daniels Bread Pudding

{ Jack Daniels Bread Pudding }

Today is my Blog's 3rd Birthday/Anniversary :)

3 years ago Today I wrote my first post, and I started a small little blog to store my Recipe and Craft Files. It's amazing how much you can learn and change in 3 years.

I actually started my blog because I saw Julie from Peanut Butter and Julie on a Food Network Challenge. Once I found her site online I fell in love, and knew I wanted to have a blog too. Before starting my site, all of my recipes and crafts were stored in binders and shoeboxes. This was a perfect way to organize them all and have them in one place. I started sharing craft files with people through the site, and then sharing recipes. Before I knew it, I was engulfed in the Foodie World.

I was learning to cook amazing food and learning different techniques about cooking and baking.

Finding new recipes that my husband loved became a new mission. I was hooked.

I've met so many wonderful people since I started this site. Even though a lot of them are friends that I've only met through the computer screen, they are still friends, friends that I talk to almost everyday, friends that encourage me, and have the same love of cooking that I do.

I won't name them all, because I'd be typing all day and I'm scared that with all the people I would be listing that I would leave someone out and hurt feelings. But you know who you are loves! *WAVE*

All of my Foodie Friends are amazing but, I have to give a special blog hug to

Amanda from Amanda's Cookin. She has been such an amazing teacher and friend. I met Amanda through The Secret Recipe Club (she started it, and I'm a host now). She's helped me grow my site over this past year. Giving me advice with taking pictures of food, helping me make my blog more "user friendly" haha, and daily chats that make me laugh. Thank you :)

And of course I have to think my wonderful husband for putting up with me and our flour covered kitchen. My kitchen meltdown, in the middle of the floor with chocolate cake and icing everywhere. To: my families that have always given me just the most positive feed back on recipes I've made. And I want to thank them for their love and support, when they tell me that I can do anything. Exp to my little brother Adam who not stop telling me I need my own bakery.

I am Thankful for all my friends that " ooo and ahh" over things, I thankfulk for the friends that even pick on me and call me the Betty Crockery and Martha Stewart's Love Child

Since today is my "Blog's Birthday", I want to share a recipe with you that I have been meaning to share with you for almost 2 years. That's right. I've had this recipe in my clutches for 2 years waiting to the "right" time to make it. You see, this recipe is for an amazing dessert called Jack Daniels Bread Pudding. I use to get this dessert for every holiday at my favorite local place called The Yancey House.

The first time I had it was in Dec. 2009, I emailed the chef as soon as I got home and told her how amazing it was, and she responded with the recipe :) The Yancey House is now closed, and the only way I'm getting Jack Daniels Bread Pudding now is out of my own kitchen.

It was my special dessert, my favorite restaurant, the one I wanted for all my special events, for my birthdays, anniversary dates, Christmas lunch, Mardi Gras...... um.. yeah... I used any holiday to get there and have bread pudding. So what better dessert to make for my blog's birthday/anniversary? None :)

Jack Daniels Bread Pudding it is :)

Jack Daniels Bread Pudding

Serves 8

(Printable Recipe Here)

What you need for bread pudding:

12 Hawaiian Bread Rolls (or any kind of soft roll)

6 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

4 tablespoons of vanilla

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1 pint whole milk

1 pint half and half

1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Butter or cooking spray to grease pan

What you need for Jack Daniels Sauce:

1 pint heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar

3 1/2 tablespoons of Jack Daniels Whiskey (add more or less to taste)

4 tablespoons of corn starch and about 1-2 teaspoons of water mixed together to make a thick paste

What to do:

Generously butter a 9-inch square baking dish.

Cube the rolls, I got about 4-6 cubes from each roll. Toss cubed rolls into baking dish.

In a bowl, mix together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Add in the half and half, stir. Stir in the milk.

Pour milk mixture over the bread crumbs and toss well. Make sure all of the bread is nicely coated.

Gently press down the bread crumbs and sprinkle with raisins.

Cover with foil and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight (I let mine sit overnight).

When ready, pre-heat oven to 325F and bake for 1 hour or until set. The edges should be browned and the center still a little jiggly when moved.

What to do for Jack Daniels Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat the cream and sugar until hot. (do not boil) While it is heating up whisk the sugar to help is dissolve.

Once the cream and sugar mixture has gotten hot, add in the cornstarch paste and cinnamon. Whisk until thickened.

Add in the Jack Daniels to taste and whisk.

Drizzle over bread pudding. (I drizzled the sauce over each individual serving instead of the whole dish at once)

Serve Warm

So here we go Jack Daniels Bread Pudding

Big Bear's Wife

The Yancey House

HAPPY BLOGGING BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!

Monday, January 23, 2012

We're Having A Twitter Party

In case you don’t follow The Secret Recipe Club on Facebook or Twitter and you haven’t heard already, we’re having a twitter party! The Secret Recipe Club twitter party is this Wednesday, January 25th from 2:00 pm EST- 4:00 pm EST and everyone is invited! You do not need to be a member of SRC to join in the fun. There will be prizes too, courtesy of our sponsor (and our good friend) Krista from Kid Smart Living andSimply Smart Living.

Share Your Opinion
We are also tossing around the idea of a weekly twitter chat. We know a lot of people work during the day, but some also work in the evenings and on weekends. So feel free to use this opportunity to voice your opinions in the comments. Would weekday twitter chats work for you, or do you prefer weekends or evenings? We’d love to chat with you about recipes, kitchen tips, blogging, whatever!

Never been to a twitter party? Check out these helpful links!

A Beginner’s Guide to Twitter Parties
How to Participate in a Twitter Party

SRC TWITTER PARTY

HASHTAG: #SRCchat

TOPICS: We will be talking about food, gathering ideas from each other and sharing recipes!

PRIZES: 3 beautiful Recipe Card-Sized Binders (3 separate winners)

DATE: Wednesday January 25th, 2012

TIME: 2pm EST – 4pm EST

YOUR HOSTESS: Angie – @bigbearswife (that's me! hee hee )

CO-HOSTESSES: Amanda- @secretrecipeclu and Suzanne- @ThruTheBugs

HINT: If you use Tweetdeck, go into your preferences/settings, then under Twitter tick the box that says “auto include hastags when replying” to ensure that all your replies will go to the group!

Please join us for foodie tips, foodie talk, amazing recipes from our SRC reveal days and a few giveaways too. If you’re coming, we’d love it if you let us know – Facebook us, tweet us or e-mail us. Invite your friends, readers, twitter followers and facebook fans! Don’t worry though, no RSVP is needed if you forget. Just show up!

Don’t forget, we’re giving away three of these awesome recipe binders to keep all your secret recipes in! :)

We can’t wait to “see” you there!

Caramel Apple Pie

{ Caramel Apple Pie }

THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS Linky Party #65

The Theme is: Homemade Pie Recipes
(Please share with us your favorite Homemade Pie Recipes )

I've made a few pies in my life. Most of them start with a pre-made pie crust and then consist of me mixing some things together, throwing them into that pie crust and baking them.

Well, I'm proud to say that this is my first pie that is totally from scratch. Well.... I mean I didn't churn the butter or grow the apples, haha but it's as close to "from scratch" as I'll ever get.

Apple Pie probably isn't suppose to look like that.... but that's ok.

I'm not really sure as to what an apple pie is "suppose" to taste like. Before this apple pie, the only type of apple pie I've ever tasted and liked was the Apple Crisp, that Amy taught me to make.

But Regular Apple Pie? I've tasted apple pie before, maybe once. I remember it was hot and gooey and mushy and not so wonderful.

But this apple pie... oh this Caramel Apple Pie was so good. I don't know if it is what apple pie is suppose to be like, but whatever, I don't care. It was really good. The apples were crisp but soft.
The caramel nicely coated on the apples. Not to thin but not to thick.

The crust is a cream cheese crust. Melt in your mouth crust.
**want an arm workout? Make this crust. haha**

Caramel Apple Pie

(Printable Recipe Here)

What you need for the crust:

**This will make 1 pie crust. You will need to do this twice. You will need 2 pie crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top**

1/2 cup cream cheese (about 4 oz)
1/2 cup room temperature butter
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

What to do for the crust:

In a stand mixer, mix the cream cheese and butter. While it is mixing, add the flour a little bit at a time. Continue to mix until everything is combined. Dough will be very crumbly. I let mine mix for about 5 minutes so that it would come together more.

Shape dough into a round disk with your hands. Roll it out in between 2 sheets of wax paper until 1/8 inch thick.

Freeze the crust for about 15 minutes.

(Make 2 of these for this recipe)

Once they have been in the freezer for 15 minutes, remove 1 crust and gently press it into a pie pan.

Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork and bake at 350F for 15 minutes.

Make pie according to directions below.

What you need for the pie:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoon flour

Pinch of Salt

1/4 cup heavy cream

4-5 Granny Smith apples, sliced

3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into bits

1 tablespoon heavy cream (for top of crust)
1/4 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling on the top of crust)

What to do for the pie:

Pre-heat oven to 400F.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the 3/4 cups of brown sugar, salt, flour and cream.

Peel and slice the apples. Place the apples into a large bowl.

Pour the brown sugar mixture over the apples and toss. Make sure all of the apples are coated.

Pour the apples into the pie crust. (the one that was slightly baked earlier in the recipe)

Scatter the bits of butter over the top of the apples.

Brush the rim of the pie crust with a little water and apply the second pie crust over the top of the pie.

Crimp the edges and make a few slits in the top of the pie to let it vent.

Brush the top of the pie with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Bake for 45 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Show us your favorite " Homemade Pie recipes " ;)

Make Sure To Read The Rules!!

_______________________________________________________________________________

This Week's Cravings Upcoming Linky "THEMES"

Here is a complete list of the past and what's coming up next on THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS!

Janurary 30th - Recipe from your favorite CookBook

February 6th- Nutella DAY (Peanut Butter, Almond Butter & More)

February 13th- Valentine's Day Treats or Romantic Dinners

February 20th- Avocado Recipes & Homemade Salsa

This is a BLOG Party hosted by MOMS CRAZY COOKING , Big Bears Wife , The Daily Dish and Veggie Converter .

The LINKY PARTY is opened ALL Week!

PLEASE do not link more then 3 recipes per week.

This week's theme is: Homemade Pie Recipes

Please only link recipes with our theme!

Pages

Monday, January 30, 2012

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

Friday, January 27, 2012

Secret Recipe Club Twitter Party Chat {Recap}

TweetReach for #SRCChat

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Jack Daniels Bread Pudding

Monday, January 23, 2012

We're Having A Twitter Party

SRC TWITTER PARTY

Caramel Apple Pie