Wednesday, December 9, 2009

what to do about all the seeds...

You know...all the little white seeds, that seem to multiply while your back is turned, rinsing your knife. Here's a method I use when I have to slice, chop, dice, or otherwise de-seed these yummy veggies. First, wash it.
Slice off the top and bottom...just a thin slice so it has something flat to sit on, and so you can peep down through the top into the center part of the pepper, and keep your eye on those seeds.Align your knife with a section of flesh, and slice down through the connective parts, so you have removed one quarter-panel of the pepper.Keep slicing these quarter-panels away, until you're left with just a pod of those pesky white seeds. Dispose of them however you wish.Now if you've done it right, you don't have stray seeds all over your cutting board as in past incursions with bell peppers! Take one of your quarter-panels and cut it as required for making dipping sticks, fajita slices, or dices for many other dishes.
I made these into a yummy veggie dip. Mmmm....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

red velvet cake

I like Red Velvet Cake. However, I did not like it when I was a child. The Eugene Field Elementary School cafeteria usually did a passable job preparing our lunches, but there was something mysteriously awry with their version of Red Velvet Cake. For some reason, I associated school lunch red velvet cake with all others. Gladly, I re-tried it as an adult, and found that I really do like the complex and deep flavor of this holiday gateau.

I happen to think that Paula Deen has some great cake recipes, not the least of which is her Red Velvet Cake. For those of you who shy away from anything with an ingredient list numbering larger than 5, this may not be for you. For everyone else...here it is!
I like to butter and cocoa my cake pans when preparing a chocolate or dark cake. That way, when you un-pan the cakes, you don't have a dusting of white flour all over.It smells so good once you pour in the buttermilk...you won't believe it!Frosted with marshmallow, coconut, pecans, and other yummies.

and the winner is......

Mary said... "Well, Carrie, right now I'm baking a baby so I think any other baking will be spur of the moment- I'm sure I'll do some sugar cookies for the older kids to decorate though!" Please email me to claim your prize...although, I won't worry if it's not too soon. I see you have more important things on your mind.

Congratulations to Mary and her husband, baby Madeline was born Monday, December 7, 2009 at 6:42 pm weighing 8 pounds 1oz and 21 inches long. (This is #5!)

For the rest of you that entered this drawing, check back another time for yet another prize drawing.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for all of my family and friends and for their support as my catering business takes off. To celebrate Thanksgiving and the coming Christmas season, I'm offering a prize drawing! Enter by Saturday at midnight for your chance to win a Penzey's Spices gift box.

Leave a comment about something you plan to make over the next few weeks, and you'll be entered. Good luck!

Coming soon...red velvet cake.