BLUE CHEESE SHORTBREAD STARS WITH CREAM CHEESE CHUTNEY ROULADE

It seems almost every meal over this past month has been made up of appetizers - appetizers and cookies!!!
These Blue Cheese Shortbread Leaves are delicious, and can be cut into any shape to fit the occasion.

BLUE CHEESE SHORTBREAD LEAVES WITH CREAM CHEESE CHUTNEY ROULADE

SHORTBREAD
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
ROULADE
1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese
1/3 cup chutney of your choice
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

TO MAKE THE SHORTBREAD
Blend the blue cheese and butter in a processor until creamy. Add flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Pocess until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add walnuts and process just until moist clumps form. Gather dough into a ball. Flatten into a disk. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate utnil firm, about an hour.
Heat oven to 325F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough between sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch thickness. Remove top sheet. Use a cookie cutter to cut out star shapes. Transfer stars to prepared baking sheets. Gather dough scraps and reroll, cut out additional stars.
Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer stars to rack and cool.
TO MAKE THE ROULADE
Using a rolling pin, flatten cream cheese between sheets of plastic wrap, roll into 10 by 8 inch rectangle. Remove top sheet of plastic wrap. Spread 1/3 cup chutney atop cream cheese rectangle, leaving a 1 inch plain border. Sprinkle chutney with 2 tablespoons of greeen onions. Using plastic as an aid, and starting at 1 long side, roll up cream cheese, jelly roll style, into log. Gently. Wrap roulade tightly with plastic, refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.
Place roulade on a platter, surround with shortbread stars and top with black pepper, sliced green onions or extra chutney.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, November 2002
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

GINGERBREAD COOKIES

During a recent play date, my daughter and her friend wanted to bake cookies. They thought these gingerbread cookies looked like fun, but unfortunately the dough had to sit in the refrigerator for an hour before baking. By the time they were ready to be rolled, the kids had lost interest, and it was up to me to cut the cookies.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
3 3/4 cups flour, plus extra for work surface
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream together the butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the eggs and molasses and mix until incorporated. Sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and combine.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until firm.
Heat oven to 350F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Allow dough to sit at room temperature until pliable, about 15 minutes. Take about 1/2 cup of dough at a time and roll it out on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
Bake for 10 minutes or until just brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Great Cookie Book, 2010
www.nordicware.com/...great-cookie-book/0817AC5C-4B64-11E0-B8E...‎

HOT CURRIED FRUIT SALAD and BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CHEESECAKE MUFFINS and ORANGE BERRY COFFEE CAKES

The teachers breakfast, held in the week before school is out for Christmas, is among my all time favorite events to organize. It seems like such a small way to give back and to honor all they do for our kids, as I spend the school year, and to be honest, probably most of the summer, in appreciation for, and sending silent prayers of thanks to, our teachers.
I love that so many of the parents are super excited to contribute, taking the time and making the effort to shop, prepare, bake and deliver their version of gratitude, which always results in a beautiful assortment of dishes, pastries, fruit and breads.
I made the Hot Curried Fruit Salad and the Blueberry Oatmeal Cheesecake Muffins this year, and provided the Orange Berry Coffee Cakes last year.

HOT CURRIED FRUIT SALAD

1 (14 ounce) can of peach slices
1 (14 ounce) can of sliced pears
1 (14 ounce) can of pineapple chunks
1 (14 ounce) can of cherries
3/4 cup maraschino cherries
3 to 4 bananas, peeled and cut into slices
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 cup melted butter

Heat oven to 350F.
Drain all fruit and place in a bowl. Mix together sugar, cornstarch and curry powder and add to fruit. Drizzle with butter and stir gently to combine. Pour into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, November 2005
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CHEESECAKE MUFFINS

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup blueberries

Heat oven to 350F.
Combine oats and buttermilk in a small bowl, let stand for 10 minutes.
Beat cream cheese, sugar and orange zest with a mixer, until blended, set aside. Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Add egg and butter to oat mixtrue, stir until well blended. Add to dry ingredients, stir until just moistened. Gently stir in berries.
Spoon half the batter evenly into muffin cups lined with paper liners. Top each with a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture, cover with remaining batter.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Family magazine, Fall 2012
www.kraftrecipes.com/‎

ORANGE BERRY COFFEE CAKES

2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 recipe orange glaze (below)

Heat oven to 350F. Grease 15 muffin cups, or line with paper liners.
In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in ricotta, egg, orange peel, orange juice and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Fold in cranberries and ginger.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Remove, cool slightly. Spoon on glaze.

ORANGE GLAZE
Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon shredded orange peel.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, November 2012
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

CHERRY ALMOND FUDGE

I made a decision to keep our family Christmas very simple this year. At first we thought we might leave for New Zealand either Christmas day or the day after - in our experience it is a great time to travel - and I didn't want to be rushing around Christmas morning, taking down and storing away more than what we had needed to put up. Although we decided to postpone the trip for a couple of months, it gave me a good excuse to leave most of our decorations up in the attic.
Secondly, I have attempted many times, using many different methods, to have the kids pick up what they play with - all still to no avail!! So I am reluctant to buy them even more toys that I will have to pick up, and probably throw out, sell in my Flea Market Booth, or hide in the attic, along with the unused Christmas ornaments. Therefore, the pile under the tree will be a little smaller this year.
Thirdly, I decided a few years back to host a minimal amount of events during the holiday season. I love to entertain, but when I am asked to go somewhere, I like to make an effort to, at the very least, put in an appearance, and it is difficult to attend any other events when you have invited people to your home. I do love to cook, but I lower my expectations during the holiday season, as there is so much else to focus on. My children were appalled this past week when they dined on Fast Food two nights in a row. I had to coach them to hang in there, this was not usual and next month we would return to home cooked meals.
There is nothing less time consuming to prepare, than fudge. This Cherry Almond variety is no exception, minimal cooking and construction required.

CHERRY ALMOND FUDGE

1 bag (12 ounces) white vanilla baking chips
1 container (1 pound) vanilla frosting
1/2 cup chopped red candied cherries
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 teaspoon vanilla
dash of salt

Line a 9 inch square pan with foil, spray foil with cooking spray.
In a large microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted.
Stir frosting into melted chips. Fold in remaining ingredients. Pour and spread into pan. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until set.
Using foil, lift fudge out of pan, remove foil. Cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store tightly covered.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker, 2010
www.bettycrocker.com/recipes‎

FRUITCAKE

Although I realize Fruitcake is maligned the world over, it remains one of my favorite Christmas traditions, although not one recognized every year, nor celebrated by the rest of my family. I aspire to bake a moist, dense delicious cake, reminiscent of my Childhood treats - although to be honest, I was in College before I could fully appreciate the beauty of fruit in a cake.

FRUITCAKE

2 cups brown sugar
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground cloves
2 tablespoons allspice
2 tablespoons nutmeg
4 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup brandy
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
1 1/2 cups dried mixed fruit
1 1/2 cups butter, melted
1 3/4 cups brandy

Heat oven to 225F.
Grease and flour a tube pan.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, soda, spices, eggs, lemon rind, vanilla, 1/2 cup brandy, fruit, nuts and melted butter. Mix thoroughly, and pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack.
Wrap cooled cake in foil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brandy over the cake every day for 2 weeks.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, December 2005

HONEY GINGER GLAZED PORK and ASPARAGUS WITH SHALLOT HONEY DRESSING and SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH PIMENTO VINAIGRETTE and CHERRY WALNUT BARS

A friend had back surgery, and once she was home and recovering, I was able to visit. I delivered a meal to her and her family, which was infused with healing thoughts and prayers.
I love the combination of flavors in this menu, featuring accents from late summer and early fall.

HONEY GINGER GLAZED PORK

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
3/4 pound pork tenderloin
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 350F.
TO MAKE THE GLAZE: combine honey, mustard, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Remove fat from pork, and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Brush the glaze on the top of the pork, bake, basting occasionally with the glaze, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160F.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 2004
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

ASPARAGUS WITH SHALLOT HONEY DRESSING

2 pounds asparagus
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
juice from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, add the asparagus to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is just tender. Drain the asparagus.
Combine the shallot, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor. Pulse until well combined. Add the olive oil to form a dressing.
Pour over asparagus.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, April 2013
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH PIMENTO VINAIGRETTE

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil, divided use
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 4-ounce jar of pimentos, drained
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Heat oven to 425F.
Line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and gently toss to coat. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned on the edges and just tender, toss once or twice during baking so they brown evenly. Transfer to a medium bowl to cool.
Use a food processor to puree the pimento, mustard, honey and red wine vinegar until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
When ready to serve, add half of the vinaigrette to the sweet potatoes and toss gently to combine. Taste and add more vinaigrette as needed.

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, September 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

CHERRY WALNUT BARS

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
10 ounce jar of maraschino cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Heat oven to 350F.
Lightly grease a 13 by 9 inch baking pan, set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together eggs, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla.
Drain and chop cherries, reserving liquid. Stir cherries and nuts into egg mixture. Spoon over crust. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 2 hours.
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in enough of the reserved cherry liquid (3 to 4 tablespoons) to make icing of drizzling consistency.
Drizzle over the cookie.
Cut into bars.
Enjoy!

GLAZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH and MAPLE GINGER ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH PECANS

Thanksgiving dinner is always a shared undertaking, an array of wonderful food that we look forward to all year, and with everyone contributing, there is always time for a big family walk Thanksgiving morning. Some dishes have become a tradition, while others are tried once, never to reappear.
Both of these side dishes are ones I have made many times - it seems as soon as the weather starts to cool, I find a way to incorporate them into the menu.

GLAZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

3 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
1 teaspoon dried sage

Stir together squash, apple cider, water, butter, sugar, salt and pepper. Place in a skillet over medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer, gently stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and cook five minutes, or until liquid thickens and squash is tender. Gently stir in walnuts and sage until well combined.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, October 2006
www.southernliving.com/static/sitemap/996_997_1.html

MAPLE GINGER ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH PECANS

1 1/2 cups of pecans

4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick on the bias

2 large parsnips, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick on the bias

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1 inch florets

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch dice

1 pound of brussels sprouts, halved

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Heat the oven to 425F.

Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast until fragrant about 6 minutes. Let cool.

In a large bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, squash and brussels sprouts with the olive oil and nutmeg and season generously with salt and black pepper. Spread the vegetables on 2 large rimmed baking sheets and roast for 30 minutes, until the vegetables begin to brown. Scatter the pecans and ginger over the vegetables and drizzle with the maple syrup, toss well.

Continue to roast the vegetables for 25 minutes longer, until they are tender and golden. Scrape the vegetables into a bowl and serve hot or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine

www.foodandwine.com/