Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust

Recipe from Our Best Bites

I know this post is a little out of place because this is a pumpkin recipe and you normally don't associate pumpkin with Valentine's but let me tell ya! If you make this for your Valentine's dessert you will be a hit! This is seriously, seriously, seriously (can you tell I'm serious?) one of the BEST desserts I've ever made!

It has a pecan-gingersnap crust, pumpkin and white chocolate filling and is topped with homemade whipped cream, candied pecans and carmel.  Holla!

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust

Crust:

1 3/4 c. gingersnap crumbs (about 30 small cookies)

3/4 c. ground pecans

6 T. unsalted butter, melted

3 T. brown sugar

Filling:

1 c. white chocolate chips

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (room temperature)

1 c. sugar

3 eggs (room temperature)

3/4 c. canned pumpkin puree (Libby's is the best!)

2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. cloves

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 c. heavy whipping cream

1/3 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Candied Pecans:

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

1 Tbsp. butter

1 c. pecans

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

For the cheesecake preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Wrap two pieces of heavy-duty foil around a 9 inch spring form pan.  This will help prevent any leaks when using the water bath.

To make the crust, combine the gingersnap crumbs, ground pecans, brown sugar and butter.  Evenly press the crumbs on the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of your pan.

For the filling, melt the white chocolate, place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.  Set aside.

With an electric mixer beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.

With the mixer running, slowly and steadily add in white chocolate.  Pour the filling mixture on top of the crust.

Place the cheesecake pan inside a roasting bag (this is a clear, plastic bag that you would put a turkey in.  this will ensure you don't have any leakage in your pan).  Trim the top as necessary.  Place this in a larger pan that's at least 2-3 inches deep (like a roasting pan).  Place in the preheated oven.  With a kettle or pitcher filled with hot water, pour water into the larger pan about halfway up the sides of the spring form pan, or approximately 1 1/2-2 inches.

Bake for 60-75 minutes (I did mine for 70) or until set.  The center should be slightly jiggly for the best texture.

When it's done, remove from oven and place on a rack until completely cool.  Refrigerate for at least 12 hours.  This is a very soft cheesecake so sufficient chilling is crucial.

When ready to serve make your whipped cream and candied pecans.

For the whipped cream, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl (chilled if possible) and beat till soft peaks form.

For the candied pecans, heat the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter over medium heat in a nonstick skillet.  Stir mixture until bubbles form.  Add the nuts and stir to coat.  Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until nuts turn golden brown and smell toasted.  Transfer to waxed paper and cool completely.  Break apart.  I actually made these the day before and I would probably recommend that method to save time the day of.

Chicken Enchiladas & Spanish Rice

Recipes from Our Best Bites

This meal is comfort food.  It is down home, tasty cooking.  It's "I'm going to wear my fat pants and let it all hang out" kind of eating.  Needless to say that it's good! I would tweak a couple of things on the rice next time but I've included that in the notes below.  Enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas:

4 Tbsp. butter

5 Tbsp. flour

2 (15-ounce) cans chicken broth (I like the less sodium kind)

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1 t. coriander (I didn't use this)

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/3 c. sour cream

2-3 shakes Tabasco sauce

Kosher salt, to taste

4 ounces cream cheese 

1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies

3 1/2 c. cooked, shredded chicken

4 c. shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided

8-10 medium flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.  When butter is melted and bubbly, add flour and stir to combine.  Continue cooking, whisking continuously until mixture is light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.  Slowly add chicken broth, whisking until smooth.  Whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder and pepper.  Bring sauce to a simmer and stir until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and whisk in sour cream and hot sauce.  Add salt to taste and set aside (I didn't add any extra salt).

In a separate mixing bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave until you can easily stir it.  Add green chilies and 1/2 c. of reserved sauce.  Stir to combine and add chicken and 2 cups pepper Jack cheese.

To make tortillas easier to roll, heat in microwave for about 40 seconds.  Place about 1/3-1/2 c. chicken mixture on each tortilla and roll tightly.  Pour 1 c. sauce into the bottom of prepared pan and spread evenly.  Place tortillas snug in pan.  Pour all remaining sauce on top of the tortillas and top with remaining 2 c. cheese.  Bake 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly throughout and cheese is melted.  We just served our enchiladas with sour cream (SO good) but if you want you could also top with olives, tomatoes, green onions etc.  

Spanish Rice:

6-8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 medium onion, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, minced (I used the jarred stuff)

1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 1/2 c. water (2 c. for higher elevations)

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (next time I would only use 1 Tbsp.)

1 1/4 tsp. Kosher salt

1 1/4 tsp. chili powder (next time I would only use 1/2-3/4 tsp.)

1/8 tsp. Tabasco sauce (more if you like)

1 1/4 c. uncooked long-grain rice

To cook bacon preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.  Place bacon on baking sheet and cook for 13-17 minutes.  After cooked, place bacon on paper towel lined plate to drain.  This is the best way to cook bacon! It makes it crispy and you don't have to constantly be watching it.  You will be converted to this cooking method once you've tried it, guaranteed.  

After the bacon is coked, reserve about 1-2 Tbsp. of it's oil and place in stock pot and head to medium heat.  Add green pepper, onions and garlic.  Cook until onions are translucent.  

While vegetables are cooking, mash tomatoes slightly in blender by pulsing a couple times or with a handheld masher.  Pour into pan with vegetables.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.  Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low.  Cook 20-25 minutes or about 1 hour for high elevations or until rice is cooked, stirring occasionally to make sure rice is not burning (I had to cook mine for a good hour).  

When the rice is cooked, add the bacon and heat through. 

I love my Mom!

Can I just say that I love my Mom! She is one of the most considerate and kind people I know.  She is not just my Mommy, she is my best friend!

I checked my mail the other day and lo and behold this Valentine's package was waiting for me.  As I unwrapped each item I just became happier and happier as each little trinket made me smile and lift my spirits.

I know this isn't a food or craft post but I wanted to share how sweet and creative my Mom is!

I hope to become as creative and thoughtful as she is someday!

How crazy cute is this salt and pepper shaker set!? Have I mentioned that I LOVE anything Disney?

She also sent me this vintage, unopened package of playing cards that were my Grandma's.  I was SO excited when I saw this.  I don't know if I'm even going to let anybody play with these!

This vintage Mickey cup was also my Grandma's.  So precious.

She also ordered this personalized stamp for me! My name is spelt slightly funky (I LOVE it though) and having something made especially for me is so nice! Curse all the stores and gas stations that never had my name on a mini license plate or key chain!

And how FUN is this!? My mom found this simple paper craft tutorial online and has made a lot of them.  You just simply buy some cellophane bags, put some decorative paper as the "backing" and then cut and tape some coordinating papers around some mini candy bars.  A cheap and easy craft.  Such a creative lady!

And how thoughtful is this?! When my Mom visits me in Utah she is constantly worried that I am going to lose my wedding ring.  When I do dishes or something where I don't want my ring on I will often leave it by the sink, on the kitchen table, etc and it always makes her nervous.  This little ring holder is cute and practical!

Thank you Mom for the pick me up and for the sweet gifts!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Recipe slightly adapted from Our Best Bites

Spring is almost here my friends! I was able to get the most DELICIOUS strawberries the other day for this salad and it made me unbelievably happy.  

This is one of my favorite salads now.  It is so fresh and tasty.  I kept referring to it as lip-smacking good! And it truly is!

Strawberry Spinach Salad:

1 (10-ounce) bag spinach

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 cucumber peeled, seeded and sliced

1 lb strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 c. sugared almonds

2 grilled chicken breasts (I used a bag of Tyson pre-grilled chicken)

For the salad, toss ingredients together and serve immediately.

Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:

2-3 large lemons (use as needed to yield 1/3 c. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 tsp. grated white onion

1/4 c. white wine vinegar

1/4 c. canola oil

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

4-5 turns of freshly ground pepper

1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. poppy seeds

1 large clove garlic, finely pressed

Combine all ingredients together in leak proof container (like a mason jar) and shake vigorously.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Shake well before serving.

Sugared Almonds:

1 c. sliced almonds

3-4 Tbsp. sugar

Combine together in pan over medium heat.  Stir constantly with wooden spoon (I learned the hard way once with a plastic spoon) until sugar starts to melt.  Continue to stir till almonds are coated in melted sugar mixture. Take off heat.  Cool and serve with salad.

Peppermint-Kissed Chocolate Cookies

Recipe slightly adapted from Our Best Bites

Yesterday was a bad day.  I literally almost cried four times.  It was one of those days where all you want to do is go home, put on some stretchy pants and watch a "Gilmore Girls" marathon.

What I ended up actually doing is exercising and making these cookies.  And I am SO glad that I did. These are scrumptious! Seriously one of my new favorite cookies.  

The recipe calls for candy cane Kisses but they would be divine with any type of Hershey Kiss. The versatile dark chocolate cookie is the perfect base for any flavor.  I'm excited to try it with raspberry Kisses.  Yum! 

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

1/2 c. butter-flavored shortening

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 (10 to 12-ounce) bag dark chocolate chips

50 Hershey Kisses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream together softened butter, shortening and sugars for about 2 minutes on medium to medium high speed until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, vanilla and peppermint.

Combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, flour and cocoa powder in a separate medium bowl.  Whisk together.  Add to butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.

Mix in chocolate chips.

Refrigerate dough for an hour to prevent the cookies from flattening when they bake.

Once refrigerated, scoop dough with a cookie scoop and place on cookie sheets.

Bake each sheet for 8 minutes (you want the cookies to be slightly under baked).  Remove from oven and cool about 2 minutes.  Top each cookie with an unwrapped Hershey Kiss and push down very lightly.  Transfer cookies to cooling rack.  If necessary, place cookies in fridge to re-solidify the Kiss.

Enjoy! 

Tomato Artichoke Soup with Cheese Herbed Croutons

A long time ago my sister-in-law Chelsea and my Mom came to visit my house in Utah.  My sister-in-law had traveled with my brother, but he was out of the house one night and so it was girls night in for us!

Chelsea made this soup and croutons and I was forever in love with it.  I've made it many times since and every time I do I realize all over again why I fell in love with it in the first place.

It has layers of tomato, artichoke, onion, garlic and is served with crispy, parmesan croutons.  What is funny to me is that it looks very fancy and impressive but is super easy to make!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.  It is definitely a recipe I will have and make forever.

Tomato Artichoke Soup:

4 T. olive oil

1 large white onion, finely chopped

1 T. minced garlic (I used 1 heaping tsp. of the jarred, pre-done stuff)

1/2 tsp. dried thyme (you can add a little more if you like)

15 oz can artichoke hearts, finely chopped

28 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices

4 c. chicken broth (one large box)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 c. sour cream (light is fine)

Cheese Herbed Croutons:

1/2 loaf french bread, cut into cubes

1/4 c. olive oil

1 T. dried Italian seasoning

1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese (this should be freshly grated from a Parmesan wedge)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  For soup, heat oil in a large pot over medium to medium high heat.  Add onion and saute 5 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and thyme and saute another minute until nice and fragrant.

Add artichokes, tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes (the longer you simmer this the more the flavors meld).

While the soup is simmering prepare the croutons.  In a large bowl combine bread cubes, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.  Toss to combine.  Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Lay out the bread mixture and evenly distribute in a single layer.  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until bread and cheese gets light golden brown.  You don't want it burnt but you do want it to be toasted enough so that it has a nice crunch to it.  Check on it every few minutes.  After it's done baking set it aside and finish up the soup.

To finish soup add sour cream, stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.  At this point taste the soup and see if you need more salt or pepper.

Ladle into bowls and serve with croutons.  Don't add the croutons to your bowl because they get soggy really quick.  I like to serve my croutons on the side and plop them in one by one as I take bites.

Enjoy!

Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Recipe from The Shiksa in the Kitchen

I like trying to cook new things.  I find it exciting and fun! Quinoa is something that I had heard of before and for some reason always thought was a "fancy food".  That fancy people made and ate it.  I mean, for heavens sake! No one can even pronounce it correctly! If you can't pronounce a food's name then in my book, that makes it fancy food.

Well, apparently I'm a fancy person because a) I now know how to pronounce it correctly and b) I know how to cook it!

This healthy, simple dish is fun and easy to make.  The quinoa acts as your burrito  base and you build on top of that with tasty black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, corn, etc.  It's a great way to sneak some whole grains into any diet.  I highly recommend this dish.  Don't get me wrong, this is no Cafe Rio but this also won't add any more rolls to my muffin top and that makes me happy to eat this.

1 c. quinoa

2 c. water

1 T. olive oil

1/4 c. chopped white onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. water

1-2 t. chili powder

4 T. chopped cilantro, separated

2-3 limes (depending how juicy they are)

salt to taste

shredded lettuce

Toppings of choice:

salsa

avocado

corn

tomatoes

sour cream

cheddar cheese

onion

cilantro

Rinse quinoa in strainer if the quinoa you have purchased if not already pre-rinsed.

Put in medium pot along with 2 c. water and bring water up to boil and then turn down to low.  Cover and set timer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat up oil in pan.  Add onions and cook until softened.  Add garlic and saute for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.  Add beans, water, chili powder and 2 T. cilantro.  Cook on medium high until water is absorbed.  Turn down to low. Salt to taste.

Once the quinoa is cooked add 2 T. cilantro and juice from all the limes and fluff with a fork.  Salt to taste.

To assemble burrito bowls put quinoa, black beans and lettuce stacked in layers.  Toss on other topping ingredients as desired.  Enjoy!