Thursday, March 29, 2012

Apple Nachos

   Our small group from church gets together every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month and last night was our scheduled meeting. We were supposed to take finger foods for a snack. I had just gotten a bunch of apples and wanted to make something with them. Had seen this idea before, but had forgotten about it. So while searching through recipes trying to decide what to make I came across these again. Decided to give them a shot and I am so glad that I did. They're delicious and not to mention a breeze to put together!! They are also quite easily adapted to your taste or to what you ingredients you happen to have on hand.

Apple Nachos

4 apples, sliced thin
 lemon juice

toppings I used:
 {you can use whatever you like or have on hand}
peanut butter
caramel syrup
flake coconut
chocolate chips
pecans, coarsely chopped
sprinkle of cinnamon

Core and slice the apples thinly. Toss in a small amount of lemon juice to keep from becoming brown.  Arrange on a platter. Melt the peanut butter until it can be drizzled. Drizzle it and the caramel syrup over the apples. Sprinkle with coconut, chocolate chips, pecans and a little cinnamon. Serve.

    Not only are these easy and yummy, they are pretty and healthy too! {well, at least healthier than regular nachos}
 

   ....................................................................
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone. 
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
~Song of Solomon 2:11+12 

Blessings to you this lovely day! =)
♥ Sheila

Friday, March 09, 2012

Blueberry Pound Cake w/ Homemade Lemon Curd

   So the other day I got a serious craving for pound cake... {thanks to being pregnant I guess} Since I rarely bake a cake for just the two of us, I thought since hubs was working at the fire station it would be a good chance to get some help eating the cake if I made one. =)
   Wanted to try a new recipe and after searching on Pinterest, {my fav website ever right now!} I found a recipe for Blueberry Pound Cake which I thought sounded great. I then decided to make a Lemon Curd to serve with it. Was very happy with how it turned out and after taking it to the guys there wasn't too much left that I had to worry about trying to get eaten before it went bad. 

Blueberry Pound Cake w/ Lemon Curd

 1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour 
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups fresh blueberries {frozen works fine}
1/4 cup flour {for dredging blueberries} 

Cream butter + sugar. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each one. Add vanilla and mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to creamed mixture. Dredge blueberries in 1/4 cup flour, coating well. Fold into batter. Pour into a greased and floured tube or bundt cake pan. Bake @ 325* for 45- 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Remove from pan and place on a serving dish. Cool and then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 4 tsp lemon juice.


Lemon Curd:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp grated lemon peel

In the top of a double boiler, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in lemon juice, butter and lemon peel. Cook over simmering water for 10 minutes or until thickened.

    


Many blessings on your day! =)
♥ Sheila