TRAVEL TUESDAY - HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS - APPLE TOFFEE HAND PIES

The first time I ever went to Hot Springs was around 1998 - little did I know I would be back to Spa City too many times to count.
My friend, and I, also from New Zealand, made the drive from Lake Charles, Louisiana in our little dark green car, called "Thibodaux". We indulged in a spa, walked along Bathhouse Row, and proudly posed by the large, wooden "Childhood Home of Bill Clinton" sign.
In more recent times, I have explored the flea markets and racing track and relaxed in the Condo, a legacy from my husbands parents.
Our extended family has spent many Thanksgiving weeks in Hot Springs, and our family still returns once a year, for a weekend, to visit family friends and attend the horse races.
This year, our friends invited us down for a long weekend, but unfortunately, as the kids are having to make-up snow days, they were expected in school on Monday. So it ended up being a very quick, but, as always, a fun and fabulous trip for us.
On our arrival into Hot Springs, we had a delicious lunch at "La Huazteca", so authentic the menu was entirely in Spanish,  and our waitress required an interpreter.

La Huazteca, our lunch spot

My delicious Ceviche Tostada

After enjoying our delicious food, and shopping a little in the market attached to the restaurant, my husband met our friends at the Track, and the kids and I visited a flea market, before we all reconvened at the Condo for dinner. Short ribs had been left to simmer all afternoon, and I baked these Apple Toffee Hand Pies for dessert.

APPLE TOFFEE HAND PIES

2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
2 tablespoons toffee chips
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 package refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces

Heat oven to 375F.
Combine apple, toffee chips, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface, using a 3 inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible, re-rolling dough and cutting as needed.
Place half of the dough rounds onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush half of the beaten egg over dough rounds.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of apple-toffee mixture onto each round, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges of the dough. Top each round with 1 piece of butter. Top pies with remaining dough rounds, press edges together to seal.
Brush remaining egg over each pie. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light, January/February 2013
www.cookinglight.com/‎

The next day, after the kids had exhausted the play ground at the Condo complex, we drove out to Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery, and walked the track around the ponds, taking note of the abundance of several species of birds, and the large wooden boxes containing different types of pond weed.

Boxes of different types of pond weed at the fish hatchery

We also briefly visited Lake Catherine State Park, where you can rent a cabin, yurt, or a tent site, however, we took advantage of the lovely trails, and the store stocked with snacks.
Unfortunately that was all we had time for during this brief stay in Hot Springs, but I know we will be back again soon.

BUTTERSCOTCH MARBLE BLONDIE DROPS and CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES and BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BLONDIES and CHOCOLATE COFFEE TOFFEE OATMEAL COOKIES

I am always looking for an excuse to bake, and love to share my cooking with friends. It's one way to show my fondness and affection for the lovely people in my life, and its less for me to have around the house to indulge in.
When a friend thought of the perfect book to lend me, I returned her copy with Butterscotch Marble Blondie Drops, when our neighbors moved out of town, I baked them Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies for the long car ride, when a friend invited us over for a play date, I arrived with Blueberry Cheesecake Blondies, when I hosted friends for lunch, I served Chocolate Coffee Toffee Oatmeal Cookies. There really must be a baked good for every occasion.

BUTTERSCOTCH MARBLE BLONDIE DROPS

4 ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs

Heat oven to 350F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Melt chocolate in the microwave, or over a double boiler.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl, set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, brown sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and mix until blended.
On low speed, add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Drop tablespoons of dough 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie. Using a small sharp knife, gently swirl the chocolate to marbleize it.
Bake 1 sheet of cookies at a time for 10 minutes, or until the tops feel soft but set and the edges are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, August 2005

CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

125 grams of butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup of flour
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Stir butter and sugar together in a bowl, don't over mix. Stir in the egg.
Add dry ingredients and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. Chill for 1 hour.
Heat oven to 180C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper.
Place tablespoonfuls onto oven trays, leaving space for cookies to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.
Cool on trays.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Next magazine, September 2011

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BLONDIES

1 1/2 cups flour
pinch ground cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
6 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 batch of Fresh Blueberry Jam (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 350F.
Coat a 9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray or with butter and flour.
In a bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon and sugar. Beat in cream cheese and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
Beat in egg yolk, mixing until combined, set aside.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and white chocolate chips together, stirring constantly until smooth.
Stir melted mixture into cream cheese mixture and mix well.
Transfer to a prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Spread blueberry jam over batter.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
FRESH BLUEBERRY JAM
1 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 teaspoon of corn starch

Mash berries, using the back of a spoon, until coarsely mashed. Add sugar and lemon juice and mix well, taste and adjust sugar and lemon juice as necessary. Add cornstarch mixed with a little water.
Enjoy!

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

CHOCOLATE COFFEE TOFFEE OATMEAL COOKIES

1/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups oats
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 (8 ounce) package milk chocolate toffee bits
3/4 cups chocolate chips
3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350F.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Dissolve coffee in boiling water, cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil spread on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add egg, beat well. Beat in coffee and vanilla. Combine oats, flour, slat and baking soda, mix well. Gradually add to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in toffee bits and both chocolate chips.
Drop dough by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets, bake 8 to 10 minutes just until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets, transfer to wire racks, cool completely.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, October 2004

TOFFEE ALMOND BLONDIES

I love our Memorial Day weekend camping trip, spent with a fun and fearless group.
When Joe was in pre-school, friends asked us to camp with them over the long weekend, a tradition of theirs before they moved to town, and we look forward to it every year.
This is one of the desserts we enjoyed - a sweet ending to another great time with family and friends.

TOFFEE ALMOND BLONDIES

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 package chocolate chip cookie mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package milk toffee bits
3/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

Heat oven to 350F.
Stir together butter and egg in a large bowl. Stir in cookie mix and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
Stir in toffee bits and almonds until well blended. Press mixture into a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan on a wire rack, and cut into bars.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, August 2006
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

BACON PARMESAN SCONES and PIMIENTO CHEESE TARTS and LEMON CURD CAKES WITH POPPY SEEDS and CHOCOLATE TOFFEE BARS

There is almost no place I enjoy more than a library - there is something so enchanting about being surrounded by books and silence, an orderly cataloging system and so much available knowledge.
It was an honor to be asked to provide the refreshments for the dedication of the new library, at the local Elementary school my children attend. The PTA and the Starr Foundation had given so much of their time and resources, and I was very glad, and very excited to be able to contribute in some way.

BACON PARMESAN SCONES

4 slices of turkey bacon, chopped
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup cream, plus 2 tablespoons

Heat oven to 400F.
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon, stirring until crisp, about 5 minutes.
Into a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in the butter, cheese, green onions and pepper with a pastry blender or fork, and work just until it starts to form lumps and come together. Add the bacon and 1 cup of cream and work just until it becomes a sticky dough.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat until it comes tougher, Form into a large circle, about 3/4 inch thick, and cut out scones with a 2 inch round cookie cutter. Transfer to cookie sheet, paint the tops of the wedges lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream and bake until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Best if served warm.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse, 2002
www.foodnetwork.com › Recipes

PIMIENTO CHEESE TARTS

2 cups grated extra sharp white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped drained pimientos
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon celery salt
mini filo tart cases

Heat oven to 350F.
Mix cheese, pimientos, mayonnaise and celery salt together in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Scoop a tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the mini filo tart cases.
Bake in oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until filling is heated through and bubbly.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, October 2008
www.bonappetit.com/.../2008/10/pimiento_cheese_...

LEMON CURD CAKES WITH POPPY SEEDS

CAKE
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
5 eggs, separated
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup cake flour, sifted
LEMON SYRUP AND POPPY CREAM
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cream
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

MAKE THE CAKES
Heat the oven to 350F.
Place liners in a cupcake tin, then place tin in a roasting pan.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar until pale, about 1 minute. Beat in the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly beat in the milk, lemon juice and flour.
In a large bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites to firm peaks. Fold the whites into the batter and spoon among the prepared dishes. Add enough hot water to the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the cupcake tin. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the cakes are slightly puffed and just set. Transfer the cupcake tin to a rack and let cool. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
MAKE THE LEMON SYRUP AND POPPY CREAM
In a small saucepan, combine the lemon zest, juice, vanilla bean and seeds and 1/4 cup sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar has melted, about 3 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean.
In a bowl, beat the cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to soft peaks. Beat in the sour cream until firm. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
Place the cupcakes on a plate, spoon the lemon syrup onto cakes and top with the poppy cream. Garnish with poppy seeds, if desired, and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, January 2010
www.foodandwine.com/recipes/lemon-curd-cakes-with-poppy-seeds

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE BARS

FOR THE CRUST
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
FOR THE TOPPING
1 tablespoon instant coffee
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
6 ounces chocolate, chopped
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 cup toasted walnuts

TO PREPARE CRUST
Heat the oven to 350F. Line a baking pan, 13 by 9 inches, with aluminum foil, lightly butter the foil.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and beat well. Stir in the flour and salt until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly.
To prepare the filling, stir the instant coffee and vanilla in a large microwavable bowl until well blended. Stir in the condensed milk and butter until well blended. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and smooth, stirring every minute. Spread evenly over the baked layer in the pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until set. Sprinkle the surface evenly with the chopped chocolates. Bake for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Sprinkle with the walnuts.
Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Cut into bars to serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Northwest Arkansas Times, December 1999

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE POTS de CREME and LEFTOVER HALLOWEEN CANDY COOKIES

Does all the candy gathered from Trick-or-Treating seem a little overwhelming?
The kids received a huge amount this year, but I learned today there are a few options to dispose of the candy, that doesn't involve me methodically eating my way through it! I was at the Dentist for my routine check up and discovered they have a program to buy back candy! My kids would get $2 for every pound, and then the sweet treats are sent to the troops overseas - how awesome is that!! Way to go Dr Kifer (479-521-2002) - all 3 kids are very excited to trade in their candy haul for cash.
Another great way to reduce the candy stash, is to cook with it - I found a couple of recipes that allowed me to dig in to our kids candy guilt free. The Pots de Creme were absolutely delicious , and the cookies were a big hit at the party I took them to!

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE POTS de CREME

1 cup cream
3/4 cup half and half
1 tablespoon sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
5 egg yolks
5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed chocolate toffee candies

Heat oven to 350F.
Combine the cream, half and half, sugar and vanilla bean in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat just until bubbles form around the edges.
Place egg yolks in a bowl and whisk. Add a little of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks and whisk again, then whisk the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan of hot cream. Add chocolate chips, let stand 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
Pour mixture into 6 ramekins. Divide crushed candies between ramekins.
Place ramekins in a large baking pan. Fill the pan with hot water to the same height as the mixture in the ramekins. Cover with foil, bake until set, about 35 minutes. Remove ramekins from the pan and let cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, October 2011
www.arkansas.com/dining/recipes/

LEFTOVER HALLOWEEN CANDY COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
2 to 3 cups chopped chocolate candy bars

Heat the oven to 350F.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, as the melted candy can be very sticky.
Cream butter and sugars together, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth. Add vanilla, then the baking soda and flour. Stir in the remaining ingredients with a spoon.
Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and place 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets before removing to wire rack.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, October 2009