Double Dark Chocolate Muffins

Double Dark Chocolate Muffins

I warn you now, these are serious milk muffins! 60% Cocao Ghirardelli Chocolate chips both in the batter and in the muffins. Along with Hershey Special Dark Cocoa Powder. I won't make "from scratch" chocolate baked goods without melting and adding real chocolate. Cocoa Powder is a good mix in, but would never be the chocolate backbone of my recipe. 

These muffins will kill your chocolate craving for sure. And since they are GLUTEN FREE, they fill you up quick, I warn you, one is enough. 

I used Pamela's baking mix, again, and spring boarded off her recipe. I could not for the life of me find any gf dark chocolate muffin recipes (worth crap) so here is mine!

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/4 cup oil (or melted butter)

1/4 cup Half n' half

1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg, 1 white
1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4's bag of (ghirardelli) dark chocolate chips 

1/3 cup Hershey Special Dark Cocoa

- water if needed to thin out, added by tbsp, until not to thin, not to thick-

Directions

Yield: approximately 6 to 7 muffins.

Melt half the bag of chocolate chips, with some of the cream if needed. Mix all the remaining ingredients together, then add chocolate slowly stirring then mix in about 1 cups of remaining chocolate chips (or more) and spoon 2/3 full into greased muffin pan (or use paper muffin cups) Or to top if you want, I did. Bake in preheated 350º oven for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees in preheated oven. Let cool, then remove. 

Grilled Pizza Sandwich?

QUICKIE BLOG

QUICKIE YUM - GRILLED PIZZA SANDWICH

Thats what I'm calling it anyway. 

Basically a grilled cheese (my fave is mozzarella on rye) with herbed tomato sauce. Starting out normal, butter bread slices heat pan medium, then when the bread is first on the pan, quickly rub the sauce on it, then layer with cheese and last bread slice. Or variation would be to do it my bro in laws way, (Dan) by toasting both breads and layer both sides with your stuff. I thought about adding chicken in on this. It prob taste good! Or even more Pizza-y, pepperoni. If I try it, I'll let you know.

hugs! LD

Breakfast Cookies

Almost a variant name for a fancy oatmeal cookie. The idea of these has gotten quite popular these days. As a busy on-the-go society, we need grab-n-go food. And the concept of a cookie can really take a quick breakfast far! you can stick all kinds of things in them! I guess we all get tired of muffins and bars. As well cereal and fruit. So why not mix it up with a healthy-ish cookie?

Yup healthy! These can be as healthy, or fattening, as you wish. On a typical 1-10 scale, I'd say 3-6 would be the best fat range. To lite and they won't be quite as scrumptious. Remember, if your going to eat sugar and fat, breakfast is the best time to do it! (balanced, not just that)

These are creative cookies. They leave plenty of room for your personal touch. Its your basic chocolate chip or oatmeal cookie recipe, cut some fat out, replace with mashed bananas and applesauce, through in some nuts, oats, dried fruit, chocolate, whatever. Some of the better sounding ingridients to a gal with my picky taste buds (don't like fruit much, esp dried) would be toasted coconut, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, flax, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, soy protein powders, chocolate chips, maybe dried cranberries. etc. I'd also probably have to up the applesauce to banana ratio, If I taste banana in the food, I'll be done with it. 

I plan on taking this idea and running with it myself. I'd encourage anyone to give it a try! Best you start with a recipe to work off of, and replace as close as possible to what is replaceable. I'll include a few below as options. (googled "breakfast cookies" to find)

Elle's Breakfast Cookies

Healthified PB Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

King Arthur Breakfast Cookies

Ok, well, thats all for now. I can't say I'll get to try my ideas out soon, as I will be "dukan-ing" the next few weeks/months. I start next week, as this week we are not properly equipped (groceries) to do so now. I will be adding a section to my "Cooky's Diets" tab about Dukan to further explain it later. I hope despite my not jumping on the breakfast cookie bandwagon that won't hinder, as I do plan on it as SOON as i'm allowed by Dukan.

PS - You might ask, "Why is she adding ANOTHER diet in the mix?" Well, I don't typically follow a certain one, I mix knowledge from the ones that I feel fit my life and situation best. At the moment, I'm having trouble with ANY AND ALL sugars, carbs, and starches PERIOD. Its causing a flare up of my Candida (stomach, digestive, etc), which feeds off so many things. And never fully goes away. It is also responsible for some food allergies and intolerances. well, the GENERAL RULE for killing them off is to eat certain veggies and protein, and not only does my blood type diet agree with this (for 0) but Dukan goes right with it. It be a great opportunity to cleanse my system (holding off cal counting temp) and really tone my muscles. Since I'll be eating so much muscle building and feeding foods. 

In short, its for my health, so I can enjoy food and cooking again. Right now I can't eat anything (of specified above) without getting so ill. So I look forward to fixing it. As well as to being toned. 

But, I really look forward to playing with these ideas. I love the idea of creative cooking! 

Pineapple Updside Down Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This turned out a bit too tantalizing, for though I'm not into pineapple, even I had to try some. Smelled Fantastic! Tasted SO GOOD! Def worth the burned flesh I got during the brown sugar melting part. 

Recipe? Its two recipes. One "altered slightly". First Williams Sonoma Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipefrom the fruit cookbook we bought, the methods and everything minus the cake mix, which was Pamela's GF Baking Mix's recipe for Yellow Cake. Basic gist would be yellow cake or vanilla cake mix or recipe. Start by buying sliced pineapple or fresh and slicing. Melt 1/4 cup butter on medium/medhigh heat, add 3/4 cup brown sugar mix and cook till small bubbles form, pour in lightly greased pan, place fruit on top, then cake mix, then cook 350 for 35+ mins. I'd suggest a cake recipe that has 2 or more eggs, or add if using mix. I'd suggest whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and folding in at end before pouring in pan.

Changes? Well, not many. I added about 1/4 ground pineapple (I had slices left) to the cake mix, and instead of milk I used a mix of half n half, heavy cream, and yogurt. That was for moistness, though not needed as the brown goo and fruit from the pan provide plenty, so I'd suggest just following directions. But a pinch or dash of cinnamon in the brown sugar butter mix was a great idea, I'd def recommend doing that, and the mashed pineapple thing. 

Enjoy! (serve warm)

Hubby sure did, he had seconds! :)

Would have had more but he complained about us being out of milk to drink, he loves his milk. We go through a gallon in about 3 days. He prefers milk with sweets, so do I. Kinda cuts the sugar.

LD

Upside Down Ideas

Upside down cakes! Wow, that was a brilliant invention! It makes it so much easier to make spectacular cakes, especially fruity ones!

The classic pineapple is what I'll be making later this week. But There is a whole world of opritunaty in the upside down area. Berrys, banana-chocolate, chocolate chip, citrus, apple, or even just brown sugar and nuts!

The recipes always follow a basic pattern, the messy good stuffs goes at the bottom of the pan, and a basic cake recipe goes on top. Best your cake include extra eggs, like 3, due to the variations I've seen of one not rising well. 

I'll be posting my madness methods and plenty of pics upon completion of my P.U.D.C. (Pineapple Upside Down Cake). For now, our pineapple must further ripen. Its likely I'll be going GF on this one. Heads up. Hugs!

Bestest Brownies - Part 2

LANI'S DARK FUDGE (GF) BROWNIES

Hi, Have you met me? My name is Lani and I can not EVER leave well enough alone! Even if I get rave reviews from everyone, and hubby loves it, I must continue trying to PERFECT it. This "it" was my brownies. I desired them to be more brownie-ish and slightly toned down on the "punch you in the face fudge" texture. But still deeply chocolately. 

THESE ARE 100% GLUTEN FREE! YIPPY! 

But not 100% guilt free, lol, dark as they are, there is sugar and crisco/butter involved! 

3 eggs

1 cup white

3 tbsp dark brown

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup Pamela's GF Baking mix

1/2 cup butter/crisco

+ 1 tbsp butter or oil ...

to add in melting chocolate if desired

2 oz semi and 2 oz unsweetened chocolate chopped

(or even one ounce more if you like)

1/4 cup dark cocoa powder

large pinch of salt

nuts, add ins and espresso or coffee optional.

pre heat oven to 400

prepare square pan with foil tightly wrapped both ways, spray.

set up your double boiler, once water in pot boils turn off - add glass bowl on top and put in chocolate. stir stir stir. on the side, sift together flour, salt, and cocoa. set aside. keep eye on slowly melting chocolate. now cream together butter, and sugars, until ...well ...creamy, lol. then add vanilla and eggs, mix together. add flour mix in parts, stiring in, then slowly stir in melted chocolate. 

pour into prepared pan and cook, 25 mins. (varies by pan, oven, altitude, etc) test with toothpick, quickly, then cover with foil. let sit 30 mins, then remove, wrap with plastic and let cont cooling to the touch with saran wrap. cut with pizza cutter or knife, whatever. wrap well, and save or serve. 

serve warmed with cold vanilla icecream, yum!

GF Snickerdoodles!

SNICKERDOODLES

Yup! I decided to make some super yummy slightly crispy and chewy SNICKERDOODLES, GF! I BASICALLY followed the LAND O LAKES RECIPE  but though I did stray SLIGHTLY, I'd suggest to follow theirs. As I do not recall what exactly what it was I did. I forgot to note it. 

PICS

NOTE : WATCH FOR BROWNING! Do not let them get to brown. Though they still taste great (like cinnamon toast crunch) It takes away some of the chewy texture.

the end!

Quick and Easy, Diet Friendly Treats

Quick Foods, That WON'T Bust Your Diet!

It is said by many that we should eat more than 3 times per day. Admitably, this is not easy to do! Three times fits better in a busy schedule than 6 does!  Espcially with the "every 2 hours" and "no eating 2-3 hours before bed" rules adding to it. And if that was not enough, your trying to "stay healthy", for whatever reason. Be it intolerance, diet, fitness, illness, etc. So now you gotta fit all these rules together in a timely neat lil' package!

Easier said than done!

there are however, a few things I can reccomend to those of you who are ok with the types of foods I'll be listing. Who are likely to be on a lesser restrictive diet or plan. 

Like...

Nuts

Try them mixed with things. Many kinds many flavors, and unless your allergic to all nuts, most people have at least one they like to eat. Nuts are loaded with (listen carefuly to the first ford here..) HEALTHY fats. YES THATS RIGHT - HEALTHY! Your body actually NEEDS fats to function properly, so don't hold out on it! These fats help digestion, brain power, hair/skin/nails, blood cholestoral levels, and more! 

Ideas? I like a simple quick fix, I mix 2/3 (or up two twice as much) Emeralds Cocoa Roast Almonds, with Ghirardelli's 60% Cocoa Chocolate Chips in a baggie and munch away! You can either set up serving size amount by calories, or, like me, just munch (or "graze") whenever you get a chocolate craving. This method can be applied to all kinds of mixes! Look up recipes for ideas. Like almond cherry granola mix. Or walnuts and dried fruit. Peanuts are full of protien so through them in. Toasted, shelled, seasoned, whatever you like! 

Fruit and Wine? 

According to the show "The Doctors", one of the healthiest (as well romantic, yummy and enjoyable) snacks you can eat, esp ladies, is chocolate (pref dark) dipped fruit and red wine. You can chocolate dip just about any fruit for this. Or just eat the fruit fresh with the wine. For added calcium you can pick a matching cheese (you can pick healthy like mozzarella, swiss, feta, etc.) , especially since fruit is not very filling. Very hydrating and great for your skin and body, but not filling. But if your watching calories, you can stick to just the fruit and wine if you would prefer. 

Spread and crackers

Get yourself some great crackers, be they wheat, multigrain, seed, butter, soda crackers, or graham. You can put everything from various nut butters to various dips. Or even pita chips, or other chip variety  There are yogurt dips, tuna spreads, veggies spreads and dips, bean dips, hummus, onion dip, even healthy versions of various cheese dips. Just about anything can be made into a dip or spread. Bananas and a couple other fruits like avocado, most veggies like squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, onion, spinach, corn even, most meats, all cheeses, and any beans available just about! Also, anything can be added into a dip. Nuts, fruits, veggies, whatever! So you can either buy some or look up recipes and make your own. Either way, with so many options it shouldn't be hard to stay within your diet/plan rules if you must!

Smoothie

Smoothies are relatively simple. Loud, but simple - and fairly quick to boot.

A simple smoothie is basically made up of fruit, yogurt and juice/milk.

Smoothie recipes can be found far and wide! you can made chocolate, pb, even veggie ones... eew, but you could. Healthy (if you make it that way) and yummy!

Grab and Go?

Try pre-packaged items, or easy to grab fruit. There are a wide assortment of healthy "bars" you can find. Even the picky people can often find one that fits them. Or make if you can't! there are recipes! There are vita-cookies and muffins. There are low-no sugar packaged fruits. Or just the real deal fresh! Fresh veggies can be a grab and go if there are ones you like. Example, celery, carrots, radishes (hubby eats them raw), etc. We enjoy pre-packaged mozzarella sticks (string cheese) as a great grab and go. There are nutrition shakes, liquid food i guess you can call it, like ensures or special k's version. Pre-packaged crackers (healthy), or nuts. Just make sure you steer clear of tempting processed fat filled options! 

Salads

these CAN be quick and easy! Unless your my husband! (acts like each one he makes is going to a photoshoot or art gallery...takes FOREVER placing EAH peace JUST SO. lol) 

Start with a basic leaf and add anything! Fruit, other veggies, cheese, meats, breads, beans, nuts, seeds, etc. Then top with a dressing that won't turn this salad into the calorie equivant or a big mac, and TADA!

ALSO, salads can be made of fruits, beans, eggs, meats, and pastas. so just look up ideas or play! Keep in mind your trying to be healthy!

Dessert anyone?

Not all desserts have to be evil! There are so many people out there creating ways to eat dessert healthy! Like the above Black Forest Trifle, for example! an easy quick fix! Get healthy brownies, berries, whipped cream and sugar free dark chocolate pudding and its easy peazy! One of my faves is to take the whip cream and sugar free pudding and make instant mousse! 

There are pre-packaged healthy desserts everywhere now. Most common ones say "100 calorie" or "low fat" or something on them. Or google search healthy dessert recipes (or click that) and it can open a world of new recipes and ideas! Even if its simply buying soy icecream or frozen low fat yogurt. In fact the ice cream isle has a few lines of healthy options! Or try this - Eating Well has a list of quick and healthy ideas! So don't limit yourself!

I hope that this has helped you see that the two or three missing meals from your schedule do NOT have to be a burden or unpleasant. They can be simple, quick and yummy!

Have a blessed day!

LD

Cooky Cheesecake - Experiment

Becca's B day Cheesecake, by Lani, Cookie Cheesecake

Well, lets discuss this before I reveal my recipes. 1st off, I need to do a few things differently next time. I did some reading about the perfect cheesecake tips, and realized I did a few things wrong. Which is why my cheesecakes texture was not as flawless dense and smooth. 

Recipes?

My inspiration came from pictures, but I could find no recipe. So I used "Cheesecake Factory Reciipe" I got from ABC News. as my base cheesecake part. and decided on The recipe on the bag for Pams Baking Mix as my cookie crust. I added frozen cookie dough bites to the top of the cheesecake also. The cheesecake had fantastic flavor. And being that I have never done this I decided not to play with the recipe this time. Though I did use some tips from Williams sonoma also. Jacob loved the cheesecake part, but likes chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips more, so he let us eat the cookie part. 

I already know the changes I need to make, and where I went wrong. The cream cheese only set out like under an hour. So it was not really blending well, so i had to mix more than I wanted, resulting in air in the batter. Also, resulting in unmixed "lumps" (small) so that it was not like the texture of store bought, but more how most ppl cook it from home. Also, I need to develop a plan for the cookie crust. I left it not fully cooked when adding the mixture, knowing it would be cooking further an hour with the cheesecake, but it slid from under the mixture to the sides. Still yummy, but made the cheesecake harder to serve. 

I won't stop till I achieve what I consider THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE. So any chance I get, any reason, I will try to make one to perfect my technique. After my reading, I feel more confident about the next one. 

All in all, A SUPER DELICIOUS EXPERIMENT! Everyone loved it so much it was gone in under two days! I made it that night, then it was gone by the next evening. So I'm glad that even though it was not a 10 in appearance that everyone apparently thought it about that in taste! YAY!

XOXO

LANI D

Cookie Dough Cheesecake?

Monkey (my lil' sister....who is bigger than me by 2.5 inches...lol) is having a bday the 8th of august. She knows how much my familt enjoys cooking, each one of us, and is going to milk it for all its worth via two bday dinners. 1 at Tina and Dans with smoked salmon and a mystery dessert featuring cherries. 2 a la Lani (me) at my mothers house feauting the star of the show ... a cookie dough cheeecake.

Looks rather rich, but I love cookies and cheesecake! Now to figure out HOW. Most of the pictures I find that look right do not include recipes, not to mention, I am only willing to work with the cheesecake recipes I have been researching. To get the "store bought" results. Alot of recipes use no cook cheesecake. But I want real cheesecake.

My dilima lies in the cookie "dough" staying that way, and still cooking the cheesecake. Also, the crust being cooked but not over cooked. I'm sure I'll crack it by the time its due. I still need to plan a dinner menu as well. I'm thinking Spicy Molasses Glazed Chicken, some kind of Risotto or Mashed Sweet Potatos, and a simple Mandarin Salad (with baby spinach and raddicho, nuts maybe pecans or almonds, and cheese like goat, feta or asiago.)

I'll have to think about it some more though.

I'll update!