Savory Egg Bake

I really enjoy having friends over for brunch. This easy egg bake can be adjusted to your liking by changing up the choice of meat or veggies and cheeses used.
Serve with a side of crispy bacon, roasted potatoes or hashbrowns and a nice fruit salad and you have a lovely brunch.

• 1 lb of turkey breakfast sausages, casings removed (or any preferred sausage)
• 1 red pepper, diced (can use any color) 
• 2 cups of cottage cheese or ricotta (I used cottage cheese)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever kind of cheese you have in the fridge, mozza works great too) 
• 12 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional) I used it.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• dash of hot sauce like Tabasco (optional) 
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon Mustard (optional)

1. Brown the sausage meat and cook through until all the pink of the meat is gone. 
2. Drain the cooked meat on a paper towel to remove  any excess grease. 
3. In the same pan cook the red pepper with the seasoning until the peppers have softened. 
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, flour and baking soda. Add the cheeses, sausage and pepper, mix well. Pour into a well greased 9x13 baking dish and bake at 375 F for 30-40 minutes or until the center doesn't jiggle any more and the top is slightly browned. 
5. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serves 8-10. 

Bread For the Journey

In the past few weeks, God has been speaking to me about peace;

in particular, the many times I do not feel peaceful.
Times when I am upset with my husband, when I worry about my children, 
when I am afraid of what the future holds. 

The Bible assures me that through Christ's death I am granted peace with God 
upon my acceptance of salvation. 
I know that in my heart, so why don't I always experience this peace? 

In Ephesians 6 Paul uses the armour a Roman soldier would wear to illustrate how we as Christ followers 
need to prepare ourselves for battle with the enemy.

One part of that armour that I've never paid much attention to until recently is the footwear.  

Paul says, "our feet need to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." 

Ephesians 6:15 NIV

What part does footwear play in battle?  If we want to stand firm, we need shoes that grip,
if we don't want to lose our balance, our shoes need to provide good support,
when the terrain of a battlefield is rocky and uneven, we need shoes that give our feet protection
and when we are part of a defense line
we don't want to slip and fall thereby providing the enemy a way through our defense.

So what does peace have to do with battling the enemy?

When I am discontented, anxious, or fearful my state of mind and heart is far from peaceful. 

In fact it is a good indication that the enemy is making a successful assault on my life. 

 I may have peace with God but I am not experiencing the peace of God.

Isaiah 26:3 says, 

"You will keep him in perfect peace, 

Whose mind is stayed on You.  Because he trusts in You."

How do I keep my mind stayed on God?  How do I access the peace God promises?

  By always rejoicing in the Lord, by being gentle with others, 

by bringing everything to God in prayer, by trusting Him
 and by thanking Him.( Philippians: 4:4-7)

This brings the Perfect Peace that guards our hearts from Satan's darts,
strengthens us in the most disheartening circumstances,
and  unifies us as believers.

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are simple to make and rather inexpensive considering what a ready made caramel apple will cost you at a candy store.  While decorating the apples is a perfect family project, be sure to have an adult boil the caramel. I am still sporting a scar on my hand from my youthful attempts of boiling sugar and butter.

Be sure to use fresh local apples that have not been waxed.  This is the perfect time of year to make caramel apples. The apples must be as fresh as possible. I walked to our tree and picked these. .moments before dipping them. Ideally, choose apples that are still a bit tart.

This handy little apple chopper is perfect for caramel apples. 

• very fine sandpaper
• Popsicle sticks
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup golden corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter  (do not use margarine)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• about 18 medium sized apples
• crushed nuts and various candy's and or melted chocolate for drizzle

1. Wash apples and dry them.
2. Use fine sandpaper to give them a bit of a rub.  This will help the caramel to adhere.  Do not break the skin.
3. Use a tea towel to wipe the apples down, stick Popsicle sticks in the stem end,  and set aside.
4. Prepare several cookie sheets by putting parchment paper down or be sure to grease your sheets well.
5. Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a medium saucepan. 
6. Stir over medium heat until butter melts and then add the sweetened condensed milk.
7. Boil on high heat stirring constantly until a candy thermometer reaches soft ball stage. .230 degrees.
8. This will take about 20 minutes.  Keep stirring.   Let cool about 5 minutes.
9. Dip the apples into the caramel and set onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheets.
10. If you wish to dip them into crushed nuts do that now and let them cool on cookie sheets before finishing the decorations.
11. Place them in the refrigerator to cool slightly.  Once they have cooled. .you can decorate them.

Flashback Friday..Autumn Apple Cake

For Flashback Friday I am re-introducing this Autumn Apple Cake. It is the season when apples are available fresh from the orchards. This is a very moist cake, a recipe from my sister in law.
There are so many varieties of apples in the store and in our backyards right now. I think any kind of apple will do.
This cake smells wonderful as it is baking and your kitchen will be filled with wonderful aromas.
For dessert hubby and I enjoyed a piece of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. So delicious.

• 2/3 cup butter 
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/3 cup nuts, chopped, I used pecans.

1. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, and vanilla and beat until well blended.
2. Stir in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Fold in chopped apples and nuts.
3. Pour into a 9" by 13" greased pan and sprinkle topping over cake.
4. Bake in a 350º oven for 40 minutes.
5. Cool, serve with whipped topping and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you like.

Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons flour
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup coconut
• 1/4 cup toffee bits
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

1. Crumble ingredients together and sprinkle evenly over cake batter.

Potato, Kale, Farmer Sausage Soup

 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 link farmer sausage, chopped fine
• 8 cups water
• 1 dried chili pepper
• 10 black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon better than bouillon or 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 2 - 3 cups sliced baby potatoes, skin on
• 1 sweet potato/yam or 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1 bunch kale (6 cups), chopped
• extra crushed chilies, if needed and extra water if too thick
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup cream

Method:

1. In a large pot, cook onion and farmer sausage until onion is soft.
2. Add water and spices (chili pepper and peppercorns tied in cheesecloth) and bring to boil
3. Add potatoes and sweet potato or carrots. Cook for 20 minutes
4. Add kale and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Taste for flavor and add more chili if more zip is needed.
5. Turn off heat and stir in cream. Serve with fresh bread, scones or bread sticks. When re-heating do not bring to boil with the cream in it.

Sour Cream filled Apple Bars

I was looking for an apple bar online and came across this idea.  I changed it up somewhat, and served it to our care group recently.  They all loved it so here is the recipe.   I served it warm from the oven but you could add a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you like.

Crust:

• 1 cup soft butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups oatmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup toffee bits ( found in the baking aisle)

Filling:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded apples

1. Beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add oatmeal, flour, baking soda and cinnamon, toffee bits and pecans and blend into a crumbly mixture.
3. Press half of crumbs in a lightly greased 9"x 13" pan. 
4. Bake at 350º for 8-10 minutes.
5. Make filling:  Mix sour cream, sugar, salt and flour in a medium sized bowl.
6. Add beaten egg and stir until mixed.
7. Add shredded apples and stir to coat.
8. Pour over hot crust.
9. Top with remaining crumb mixture.
10. Bake for another 35- 45 minutes or until centre is set.
11. Cool, cut into bars and serve.
12. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Pumpkin Chiffon Cake for a Crowd

Wondering what to bring for your family pot luck gathering for the dessert?

If you are looking for a switch up from pies...try this cake.    The cake will cut comfortably into 35 pieces.

This recipe may look labor intensive but the cake can be baked 1- 2 days ahead.  The baked cake can be filled and decorated and refrigerated the day before your event. 

Preheat oven to 325 F.  Line a 15 X 11 X 2 cake pan with parchment paper with the sides hanging over on the two long sides.  This will make removing the cake much easier and fool proof.

Dry Ingredients

•  1 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 cups cake flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Measure all the dry ingredients above through a large sieve into a large mixing bowl. 
2. Use the sieve to dip into the bowl and shake it through several times.  You won't get all the dry ingredients through again but it helps to aerate and lighten the flour and sugars and at the same time combines them all well.
3. Set aside.

Wet Ingredients

• 14 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons maple flavoring
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin (398 ml)

1. Separate 10 eggs.  Separate them into two bowls. Put the yolks into a medium mixing bowl and the whites into a large mixing bowl. Use a small bowl to put the whites into after separating and then one by one. .add the egg whites to the large bowl of egg whites.  If you get even a speck of yolk in that large bowl of egg whites. ..they will not whip up stiff.
2. Whip the egg whites and the cream of tartar until stiff with beaters.  They should hold a stiff peak.  Don't beat them until the start to break down.
3. In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the remaining 4 eggs and the remaining wet ingredients and beat until well combined.

Combining Wet and Dry

1. Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredient bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Use a large spatula to fold the egg whites into the batter.  You might have some streaks left. .which is better than over mixing. 
3. Pour into pan and bake about an hour.  Test the cake by sticking a toothpick in.  The cake should be browned and the toothpick should come out clean.
4. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Butterscotch Filling

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 beaten eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons spiced Rum or 1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Combine the brown sugar and cornstarch and salt in a large microwave-safe measuring cup.
2. Add the beaten eggs and a bit of the milk and stir well.
3. Add the remaining milk and microwave until bubbly and thick.  Stir every few minutes.
4. Add the flavoring and the butter and stir until the butter melts. 
5. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the surface of the filling so that it doesn't form a skin
6. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Butterscotch Whipped Cream Frosting

• 3 cups heavy cream for whipping
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• small package instant butterscotch pudding mix

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream adding the sugar until frothy. 
2. Add the instant pudding mix slowly and then beat until stiff peaks form.

Assembling the Cake

1. Using the parchment paper, lift the cake out of the pan. Use a long serrated knife to cut through and remove the top.
2. Place the bottom half of the cake back in the pan for easy transport or place on a large tray.
3. Spread the cooled filling over the cake and put the top half back over.
4. Spread the Butterscotch Whipped Cream Frosting over the cake.
5. Garnish with 1 cup of crushed walnuts if desired.
6. Garnish with Dulce de Leche Drizzle or Purchased Butterscotch Sauce when you serve the cake.

Dulce de Leche Drizzle

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a deep glass or non-metal oven proof flat dish.
2. Stir in the salt.
3. Cover the edges tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Place the dish in a large roasting pan and add water into the roasting pan up to about half the depth of the pie plate.  Check the roasting pan halfway during the cooking process and add additional boiling water to the pan if it is boiling dry.
5. Bake in a 425 F oven about an hour and a half or until the condensed milk has developed a beautiful caramel color.
6. Allow to cool and while pourable...pour into a container that has a squirt top for garnishing your cake.
7. Warm in a hot water bath before drizzling.

Homemade Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Sauce

In the photo --  gluten-free brownie , Charlotte's Chocolate Black Bean  or my Coconut Flour Brownies -- served with vanilla ice-cream and Caramel Sauce.    

I know these sauces  are easily bought but I like to make my own and find the flavour superior to the commercial brands.  Isn't home made always better ?

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup white sugar 
• 3 tbsp water 
• 6 tbsp butter 
• 3/4  cup whipping cream 

1. Put sugar and water into a small sauce pan and place on medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will melt, then crystallize then melt again.  When it melts the second time, watch it carefully -- still stirring until it turns a lovely caramel colour. Be careful not to let it get too dark or it will be bitter. 
2. Add the butter,  stirring until it melts. 
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly,  then add the cream stirring until smooth. 
4. The sauce will thicken as it cools.   It can be warmed in microwave  before serving if desired.  
5. Store in fridge. 

 Chocolate Sauce 

• 1/4 cup butter 
• 1/2 cup cocoa 
• 3/4 cup white sugar 
• 1/4 cup white corn syrup 
• 3/4 cup milk 
• 1 tsp vanilla  

1. Melt butter in sauce pan. 
2. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa , stirring until completely smooth. 
3. Add the sugar,  corn syrup and milk 
4. Return to the element and cook until mixture comes to a boil. 
5. Remove from heat and add vanilla. 
6. Sauce will thicken as it cools.  
7. Store in the fridge.  

NOTE:  These Sauces keep well in the fridge --  mine usually get used before I worry about them but a couple of weeks to a month should be fine! 

Bread for the Journey

Many of us memorized Psalm 119:105 a long time ago . . .

be it in Sunday School or at Pioneer Girls . . .

or maybe it was given to us at a significant time, such as our baptism.

Recently I had to think on what this verse means to me right now

at this time in life . . . why is it important to me?

I mulled about how I can find verses to help me when I'm fearful, 

need comfort or encouragement.

I thought about how God's word tells us where it all began, 

it tells us that we are not here by chance, that we are valued.

It tells us about those who chose to trust in God and those who did not.

It tells us how God provided salvation for us and

of the hope we have in Him.

But, my thoughts kept going and I realized why this verse has significance.

God's word is timeless.

What that means is that in this world, where things keep changing,

God's word stays the same.

His word is a light that exposes truth,

giving us a rock to stand on - an anchor for our soul.

In times when it's difficult to distinguish right from wrong

may God's word be a light for our path.

Caramel Apple Dip

I was at an open-house recently where a huge smorgasbord of appetizers waited to tempt us.  I indulged, mostly in the caramel apple dip.  And then I asked my niece for the recipe.  And now I'm passing it along to you.  Just because. I know you will like it too!

• 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup caramel topping (small jar sundae topping)
• 1 package Skor bits (or chopped Skor bars) 
• 4-6 apples (Granny Smith or your favorite)

1. Mix cream cheese and brown sugar until blended.
2. Spread in pie plate or large glass serving plate.
3. Chill for one hour.
4. Spread caramel topping over cream cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle with Skor bits...sparingly or use the entire package! 
6. Slice apples and arrange around dip.

Enjoy!