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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Pumpkin Shortbread Bars


Ok, I'm going to do this.
I'm going to climb out of my rut and make this happen.


If you haven't noticed (*sniff), I've sorta lost my blog posting groove since last summer. I can't think of any particular reason except that life happens. And when life happens in a big way, you make take out your friend.
Take out and sweets.
Sugary, buttery, fattening sweets.

Oh, and coffee (but that's another subject for another day!)

Anyways, I'm going to try to at least do weekly postings again. 


My energetic 2 year old might be an obstacle to this goal, however I will prevail!
I think.
I hope.
Don't hate me if I don't.

These pumpkin bars are going to fuel me. They're sort of like a cross between pumpkin pie and a butter tart. Um... does that sound a-ma-zing or what?


If you're like me and you stock piled pumpkin puree at the end of the fall, make these.
Your cupboards and mouth will thank you.

Pumpkin Shortbread Bars
Makes: about 16
Source: Slightly adapted from Lauren's Latest

For the Crust:
1¼ cups all purpose flour
4 tbsps white sugar
½ softened butter
dash of salt
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:
1¾ cups pumpkin puree
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup all purpose flour

For the topping:
¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup toasted pecans
¼ prepared caramel sauce (I used Smucker's ice cream topping)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 x 8 square dish with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large bowl combine all the crust ingredients until moist. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. 
2. In a different bowl, stir together filling ingredients until smooth. Pour over shortbread crust and smooth the top. 
3. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and nuts over the top. Press gently into the filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over top of the entire pan.
4. Bake 45 - 60 minutes or until pumpkin filling is firm. Cool completely. Cut into 16 equal squares. (Can be served warm or cold.)

Monday, January 16, 2012

Brazilian Cheesebread (GF)


Everyone is probably making new year's resolutions to cut down on carbs, eat healthier and exercise more. 
If that's you, good for you! I hope you win.

One word of advice though.... you might want to stay away from me for a bit. 
I'm nothing but trouble!


I've never really subscribed to the whole New Year's Resolution thing. 
One time of year we resolve to make major lifestyle changes? 
Seems overwhelming and destined for failure. 
(Why yes, I know I'm a ray of sunshine :p).

Don't get my wrong, I'm all about resolving to change oneself. Change is good. I just prefer to tackle it day by day, and moment by moment.


In that spirit, I'm always resolving to try out different ingredients in my cooking or baking.
This recipe interested me in particular because it's made mostly with tapioca flour (starch), something that I've only used maybe once before. (For anyone wondering, tapioca flour was $1.79/425g in the supermarket's oriental section.)

Plus I'm a sucker for anything carby and cheesy.

These were really easy to make, no kneading or rising. But there was one thing......


They had a very um..... unique texture. I'm not sure if it was unique good or unique bad.
They are extremely chewy like I-thought-I-under-baked-them chewy.
Almost..... dare I turn you off by saying......... gluey?
That really sounds gross but they weren't gross at all they were just different.
Your just going to have to try these out for your self.
Embrace them. Love them. Make them this 2012.


Brazilian Cheesebread
Makes: about 12
  • ½ cups Whole Milk
  • ½ cups Water
  • ¼ cups Canola Oil
  • ¼ teaspoons Salt (heaping)
  • 2-½ cups Tapioca Flour, Or A Little More As Needed
  • 1-½ whole Egg Beaten
  • 4 ounces, weight Granulated Cojita Cheese, Plus Extra For Topping Cheese Breads
  • Directions: Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease 2 baking sheets. In a saucepan bring the milk, water, oil, and salt to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and set aside. Add the flour in increments, stirring constantly until the dough becomes pliable and can be kneaded with hands. Be patient, the more you stir the more solid the dough will become. Only add enough flour until dough reaches desired consistency. Stir in the beaten eggs then the cojita cheese. Stir until dough becomes thick and can be molded. Add additional tapioca flour if needed. Roll dough into 1″ balls and dip the tops into the extra cheese. Place on the greased baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese becomes golden brown.



  • Note: You can also use granulated parmesan cheese (Kraft) for this recipe.





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