Pecan Sandies

The theme of this week has been to jump in head first. "Don't be afraid". "Go get it and give it a try." WOW!  I sound like one of those inspirational posters.  

This week I jumped. I took a jump with work, my workout, and setting boundaries. I found I can jump higher than I thought, literally attempting to double jump upstairs. (Warning, I almost fell over. ) I also found out that my experience in my job has helped me to jump forward in starting new projects and learning from experts. I jumped on setting boundaries, and learned that asking for what you want can actually get you what you need... Go figure! 

However, I did not learn anything from these cookies except that they full of butter and pecans and when they bake it smells like maple syrup. Enjoy. 

Ingredient prep.. super easy.

Someone was "helping" and also wanted to touch the butter. Don't worry it was saved. 

I love the light in the morning in my kitchen. Plus I love my husband's grandmother's old kitchen-aide.

Rolled into balls and flattened. Prior to baking. 

Golden and brown out of the oven and dusted, or not, with powdered sugar.

Maple Pecan Scones

Some days you just gotta give in. Have a sit down with your "kale juice loving self" and say, "Kale-self. I appreciate all you do. You make this lady feel like she is getting her veggies and doing something good. Thank you!" 

However, there needs to be some real talk, and it might be about butter and baked goods.  And it may make the house smell like a donut shop. To this part of myself I say, "YES!"  This scone is more of a biscuit with a maple glaze. Just make, eat, sigh, and then eat again.  Share with people you appreciate. Kale and spinach will always be there...however, these scones are a special hug. Enjoy! 

 Dry ingredients. Get on it.

 Butter...Yes, you mistress, you are an evil wonderful temptress, you smell and taste so good. I love to hate you. I do...(seriously, I love you. )

 Pecans, with anything are my go to poison. Add some maple syrup and it is over.  I think the glaze on this business is why it is super.

 In the scone zone.

The scones are meant to be more rustic, free form baked goods. Kind of like a biscuit. No worries about measuring or making perfect triangles. Just go crazy. 

Making the magic of the glaze. Super easy. 

Flaky, buttery scones full of pecans with a  sweet maple glaze. Heaven in a bite. Now if I could only make Kale taste this darn good. Enjoy!!!

Oven Roasted Whole Chicken with Root Vegetables

The other night I decided to make dinner. I know. What? Where is Matt? Why are you cooking? Is the Taco place down the street shut down?  I actually made dinner. And, it was a blast. I never have time to plan or cook for a busy weeknight dinner, but I had the day off and thought I would attempt to roast a chicken.  Plus, the left overs would be great in tacos. This recipe is super easy, full of veggies and from Thomas Keller...need I say more. 

 Veggies ready to chop. The chicken sat out of the fridge for about 2 hours before cooking to help dry it out. Thus, leading to a crispy skin. It worked!!!

 Leeks were cleaned and chopped. Although, I chopped them wrong and and they cooked down a bit too much. Note to self, follow the directions....Follow them!.

 Rutabagas and turnips cooked and quartered. Cutting veggies is like meditation.

 Piled high and ready to place under the bird

 The chicken was seasoned simply with garlic, thyme and salt and pepper. Then trussed. Yes, a new year, and a new skill learned.

After a small drizzle of canola oil the veggies and chicken were ready to roast. This is a very easy one pot dish. I must say, maybe I can cook more often. Popcorn and tacos are so 2012. Loves.

Olive Oil, Fig and Orange, Challah Bread

Holla...to a Challah!  We pretty much said/ate this all week. We have also said/ate, Kale, salads, egg whites, spin class and cyclocross. BUT...Challah bread was done and did, and good! Stuffed with fig, orange juice, and sprinkled with sea salt, this bread is awesome! Just like a family hug, a new manicure, or a new bike. Olive oil adds a nutty lightness, and makes this bread super delish right out of the pan. If you have any leftover bread the next day, try it toasted with some BUTTER. Yes, I did do that! Word. 

 Olive oil, figs and orange zest. Like a Fig Newton, but better. 

 I did not use a machine to kneed the dough. Just my hands and some help from Matt. Either way, just make sure the dough is elastic, prior to proofing.

 Once proofed, it is split and ready to roll. 

 Rolled out. The fig and orange spread is added. Rolled up, and then made into a rope. 

 An egg wash is added with some extra salt and cracked pepper. Super good. 

The next morning we toasted and buttered the Challah. It was awesome. What a way to ring in the new year. Calvin, even told me, "Mom, you made dessert for breakfast!" Enjoy this bread for a morning celebration, a fancy brunch, or just because the sun is out,  or your house is clean and you bought a new jacket. Enjoy!!!

Spicy Salted Peanuts

This year is going to be all about lowering the bar. You know what I am talking about. The bar you try so hard to get over to make it all work. Not the one you belly up to, but the one that you hold yourself too. The bar that has "that" voice that says "that" you should be on Pintrest making homemade everything, and says, stop eating tacos and have a salad..will you...Please? 

Well, I am about to lower that bar. I am lowering it  so low that I can walk all over it. I am about to say 2013, you can take it down, and what I want want this year is less stress and more hugs and love. Because I just took my bar and lowered it! You should too! By the way...these peanuts are crazy good! Spicy, salty and a crazy nut like me. So, just go nuts and Happy 2013!!!

 Let's go! Peanuts, roasted and unsalted and of some good old fashion sugar!

 Cayenne!!! Spicy...need I say more! 

 Butter and sugar boil than brown add your nuts for some good times. Seriously, I ate like half of this batch of nuts. Way too go!!

Chocolate sour cream bunt cake

Do you ever feel you just can't can't get anything right. You know...like when you were a kid and would get tagged out, or when you were the first one to be found in hid-n-go-seek. Remember when you fell off your bike or failed your first spelling test. These little memories stick in my head and lead to, at times, to the VOICE. No, not the one on TV. You know the one, after you get a speeding ticket or eat way too much pizza, that little voice in your head that says..."You did it again!!" "What the heck WERE YOU thinking." 

Well, this time that voice started out saying the same old darn thing.  "You can't make frosting and a cake. What are you thinking making a cake for a birthday party." "Seriously, girlfriend you have too much to do... you have kids and all." 

But, I did!! With much thanks to Joy's chocolate bunt cake with sour cream frosting. Chocolate on chocolate success. And my little voice was totally OK with it. 

Dark coco powder makes this cake deep.

Sour cream adds such richness. Plus there is something special about a floured bunt pan. Yes, I know I am odd.

Deep delish meets bunt. Hello and welcome!

Making the sour cream frosting...just give in. Just.

Buttered Popcorn Cookies

This post has nothing to do with pumpkin, turkey or mashed potatoes. No ginger or nutmeg to be found. For some reason when Thanksgiving rolls around it makes me anxious for all that is still to come. Christmas trees,(and their needles), trying to wrap presents, and sending out all those holiday cards. Just thinking about it all makes my head spin. 

Instead of bringing you cinnamon, apples, pumpkin and pecans, which are in my kitchen ready to be transformed into Thanksgiving desserts. I am going to talk about popcorn. Yes! Popcorn in a cookie. Who thinks of that?  Deb from Smitten Kitchen has a new cookbook that is full of easy wonderful ideas and flavors. When I saw this recipe I had to try it out. A fun idea, and a fun cookie to make. If you want to be a rebel this holiday bring this cookie and say, "Shove it cinnamon! Popcorn is where it's at."

 Lets get pop'n

 I stood over the popcorn bowl and snacked. Popcorn that is intoxicating.  Gotta get on it. 

Fold into a simple sugar cookie batter and ready to bake. Crunchy and salty meets buttery and sweet. Seriously Deb, you had me at popcorn.  This book is a great idea for a holiday gift for someone who loves the kitchen.