Saturday, July 30, 2011

Steel Cut Granola Bars


3 cups steel cut oats
1 cup raw slivered almonds
1 cup raw pecan halves
1 cup raw flax seeds
½ cup raw sesame seeds

½ cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds
½ cup roasted, salted pumpkin seeds

2/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 egg white
1 ½ cup chopped dried fruit

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffin tins with (24) paper liners. Lightly spray the inside (crinkled) edges of the liners with spray oil, to aid in future removal.

On a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, spread the first 5 ingredients and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring often. Remove from oven when lightly browned. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

Pour warm oats and nuts into a large bowl and stir in remaining seeds, honey, vanilla, salt, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and cinnamon. Combine very well. Check to make sure the mixture has cooled down, and then add egg white.

Mix to distribute evenly, and stir in dried fruit. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin tins. Use a spoon to press mixture into tin very firmly. It’s important that the mixture is packed down as much as possible.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool completely before removing liners. Makes 24 round granola bars.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wedding Cookies a.k.a. "Lady Fingers"

1 cup butter, room temperature
4 T. Powdered Sugar (plus additional for coating)
1 t. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 t. almond flavoring

Cream butter. Add sugar, beat. Blend in flavorings. Mix in flour, then add pecans. Roll into 1-inch balls.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. (On parchment paper, if available.)

Roll hot cookies in powdered sugar.

Makes approximately 5 dozen bite-sized cookies.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Chocolate Icing

Microwave:
1 T. butter
1 square unsweetened chocolate
1/4 c. water
1/2 t. vanilla
dash of salt

Mix with 1 lb. of powdered sugar, using enough milk to get the right consistency.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Summer Pecan Pie

My Gran used to make this light, delicious pie, much to my delight.

20 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 scant cup sugar
3 egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix cracker crumbs, pecans, and ½ cup sugar.
Set aside.
Make a stiff meringue of egg whites.
Add ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla.
Fold both mixes together.
Pour into well-buttered 9” pie plate.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Top with cool whip or vanilla ice cream, serve chilled.
(Left) Pre-baking... (Right) Pie will rise and then sink while cooling.

Cornbread Dressing (Thanksgiving Style)

I think my mom inherited my Gran's innate aptitude for Thanksgiving goodness. This is their recipe, and the ultimate comfort food. A sou...