Chocolate Artisan Bread

I was looking for new recipes the other day, I wanted to make a chocolate bread. I'd had it a few years ago and it was so good. It was a quick bread, almost like a cake or muffin. But during my search I found recipes for different kinds of Chocolate Bread. Some were like the one I was looking for while others were a more traditional yeast bread. I decided to adapt one I had seen. It appears to be very much like my Artisan Bread. Just a chocolate version! Which okay sounds awesome, especially because that means that its super easy to make!  I love it when an idea changes and that change turns out to be something better and easier than what you were planning in the first place!

I like to eat this bread toasted with a little butter on top! YUM! I bet it would be great with a Raspberry Jam and also it also makes a really decadent French Toast! 

Here's what you'll need:

6 cups flour

1/2 tsp instant or active-dry yeast

2 1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup Cocoa Powder

1 cup Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

2 2/3 cup cool water (I added a little more this time a tablespoon or two)

A 6-8 quart heavy covered pot

Here's how you make it:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Add the water and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated; the dough should be wet and sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest 12-18 hours on the counter at room temperature. Mine has taken the full 18 hours every time.  When surface of the risen dough has darkened slightly, smells yeasty, and is dotted with bubbles, it is ready.

Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Place dough on work surface and sprinkle with more flour. Fold the dough over on itself once or twice and, using floured fingers, tuck the dough underneath to form a rough ball.

Generously dust a piece of parchement paper with enough flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the paper as it rises; place dough seam side down on the paper and dust with more flour. Cover with a second piece of parchement and let rise for about 2 hours, until it has doubled in size.

After about 1 1/2 hours, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a 6-8 quart heavy covered pot, such as a cast-iron Dutch oven, in the oven as it heats. When the dough has fully risen, carefully remove pot from oven. Remove top parchement from dough and slide your hand under the bottom parchement; flip the dough over into the pot, seam side up. Shake pan once or twice if dough looks unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes, until the crust is a deep chestnut brown. The internal temperature of the bread should be around 200 degrees. You can check this with a meat thermometer, if desired.

Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy!

DIY Minecraft Chest

Ok parents, if your kids are into video games there is a good chance that you've heard of Minecraft! Man-Child is well obsessed may not be the right word, but he is definitely into the game, he plays it online with friends and by himself. The Hubster and I don't really get it, at all!

But one thing the Hubster does get is building things, and when Man-Child asked him if he would help him build a Minecraft Chest he was all over it! Man-Child decided how big he wanted it and exactly how he wanted it to look. 

They built a pretty straight forward box. 

Materials List:

3/4in x12in x 6ft Board

Nails

Wood Stain

Paint

Piano Hinge

Clasp

Saw

Here's how you build it:

Cut the board into 1ftx1ft boards for a total of 6 pieces. Cut 4 of the boards into an 8in piece and a 4 in piece. Take the four 8 in pieces and make a 1ftx1ft x 8 in tall box glue and clamp and nail. Let dry. Next glue the 12x12x12 piece onto the bottom of the box. Clamp and nail the bottom piece on let dry.
Then make a box with the 1ft x1ftx4in tall box. Glue clamp and nail, let dry. The. Add the remaining 12x12x12 piece onto the top glueing clamping and nailing again. Let dry.

Choose your stain. Tape the outside edges of the boxes using 3/4in tape. Apply the stain and let dry. Remove the tape.
Line the tape up with the edges of the stain, add the tape to every edge of the box. Paint the edges with the black paint. Let dry then remove tape, touch up as needed. 

Sunday Family Dinners: Calzones

I'm sharing this as a Sunday Family Dinner but really the Hubster made it on Saturday! See I have this really great deal, Saturdays are my DAYS OFF! From cooking anyways. Its the Hubsters day to cook for us! Really as a Stay At Home Mom, for me it was important to have a little break. Now that's not to say I never end up cooking but the idea is that I don't have to. He plans the meals and has gotten pretty good at a few things too! He makes the BEST pancakes and really AWESOME Pizza!

He decided to try his hand at a Calzone, and it was a huge hit! They were so good we asked him to make them again the next weekend!

Here's what you'll need:

Dough:

2 1/2- 3 cups Flour

1pkg Yeast

1/2 tsp Salt

1 cup warm Water

2 TBSP Olive Oil


Filling:

Pepperoni

Genoa Salami

Mozzarella Cheese

Colby Jack Cheese

8 TBSP Pizza Sauce

Here's how you make it:

In a large Mixing Bowl combine 1 1/4 cups Flour, the Yeast, and Salt; add the warm Water and Oil. Beat with an electric mixer, using a dough hook, until combined, scrape down the bowl and then Beat on high for about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed and add in as much of the remaining flour as you can. Continue to knead the dough with the mixer until it is a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Remove from the bowl, form into a ball, then divide into four pieces. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. On a floured surface roll each piece of the dough, into 8 inch circles. Place each circle onto a Pizza Stone. Place 2 TBSP Sauce onto the circle, then top with the remaining toppings on just one half. Using as much as you would like.  Leave about a 1 inch edge. Fold the dough in half, enclosing filling. Roll the bottom edges of the dough up on to the top edges sealing the dough. Cut a slit in the top of each Calzone. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let cool then Serve.

Enjoy

Granny's Fried Pies

A favorite memory of mine is being in my Grannies kitchen watching her make pies. She was hands down THE BEST pie maker. Every holiday she would make several different pies, pecan, apple, lemon meriange, chocolate cream, coconut cream. They were all good. But one of my favorite pies she made wasn't for the big family dinners it was just for us. Fried pies! They were so good! She made different kinds but my favorite was chocolate. They were crispy on the outside, and the chocolate on the inside was all rich and gooey.

Now Granny sometimes used canned biscuits to make her fried pies but I decided to use homemade biscuit dough this time.

Here's what you'll need:

Dough:

2 cups Self Rising Flour

1/4 cup Butter

2/3 cup Milk

Filling: (per individual pie)

3/4 TBSP Cocoa Powder

2 tsp Sugar

1/2 TBSP Butter

Oil for Frying

Here's how you make it:

DOUGH:

Combine the flour and butter in a mixer until it has a crumbly texture. Add in the milk and mix until combined. Form dough into a ball and place ona lightly floured surface. Cut out 3 inch rounds about 1/4 in thick, roll the rounds flat, and very thin.

Assembling the Pies:

Place 1/2 TBSP of the butter into the center top with then top with the Cocoa Powder and Sugar. Fold dough in half and press the edges with the times of a fork. 

In a skillet place enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, heat on medium.

Place the pies into the hot oil and cook until  golden brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and place on to a cookie sheet lined with paper towels. Let cool for a few minutes and then serve.

You can also bake them at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes. They don't get as golden but they are still tasty!

Enjoy

PCS BUCKET LIST

As a military family we move around A LOT! In the last fifteen years we've lived in 7 different states.The longest we've lived anywhere was 3 years. There are always pluses and minuses to every move, it's always hard to leave the friends we make and the homes/places that we get attached to. But it's also great to get to experience a new place and all it has to offer.

Last time we came down on orders to move we realized there were still a few things we wanted to do in the area we lived. So we decided to make a PCS Bucket List. We've lived so many places and sometimes after we leave we realize we didn't do all the things we wanted too! Making a Bucket list gives us the chance to at least attempt to do everything! 

We haven't recieved orders yet, but we are approaching the 3 year mark at this Duty assignment. And we are anticipating orders coming soon or at least we are kind of hoping they are! With that in mind we made our Washington Bucket List, now we've already done a lot of the touristy things here like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Mount Ranier. We added some things that aren't just in Washington but in the Pacific North West. 

As we cross someone off our list I'll share a little about our journey here!

Anything we might've missed? Add it in the comments!

Enjoy

Healthy Meals: Chicken Fajitas

On this quest of mine to eat better which in turn means loosing weight, sometimes I feel like I am having to give up my favorite things. Like Mexican food. It's not traditionally the healthiest food out there. It is probably no definitely my favorite food! I seriously could eat it every day! Usually something with gooey melted cheese on it! Of course that doesn't help the number on the scale go down at all nor is is great for any other aspect of my health. But it is sooo good! Anyway, in order to still get all the yummy flavors I want I need to make healthier options!

One of those healthier options is Fajitas! They are so great! It's all the yummy-ness from Mexican food that I love with out all the extra calories that don't love me back! 

You can choose to have the fajitas with or without a tortilla without is a little more calorie friendly, but I don't think a tortilla will ruin your diet either! 

Here's what you'll need:

2-3 Chicken Breasts

Bell Peppers (I used the mini sweet peppers)

1/2 Onion, Sliced

2 tsp Fajita Seasoning

Fajita Seasoning:

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

2 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Sugar

Here's how you make it:

Slice chicken into strips. Slice Peppers into rings or strips, removing the stem and seeds. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with Cooking spray, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add in the peppers and onions, sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the top and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, and the onions are translucent. 

Serve with salsa and tortillas(optional)

Enjoy

Chocolate Covered Drunken Strawberries

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! I've got a little treat for you! It doesn't matter if you have a Valentine or not you are going to want to make these yummy Strawberries! It doesn't matter if you are going out on a date, staying in for the night, or maybe having a girls night with your fellow single ladies, make these!

They are super simple and sure to please!

Here's what you'll need:

12  large Strawberries

1 cup Flavored Vodka (I used Vanilla, but Chocolate or Whipped Cream would be great too!)

1 cup Chocolate Chips (I used semi sweet but again use what you like/have)

Here's how you make it:

First rinse and remove the stems from the strawberries. Then place them into a bowl. Pour the Vodka over the berries. Let the berries soak for at least an hour and up to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the vodka flavor to be. I let mine soak for 2 hours. Remove the strawberries from the Vodka and set aside. Strain the Vodka back into the jar ( don't wanna waste that). Meanwhile melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler (you can do it in a microwave at 30 sec intervals stirring between each one) stirring until all the chips are melted. Then line a cookie sheet with wax paper, dip the strawberries into the chocolate about 3/4 of the way up. Place onto the cookie sheet and then place in The refrigerator until ready to serve. They will keep for up to 3 days in a air tight container.

.

Enjoy!

Belgium Waffles with Berry Syrup

When we got married one of our wedding gifts was a heart shaped waffle maker! I love it! It's lasted us for 15 years and I keep thinking it's going to give out and it hasn't yet, which makes me so happy. I actually think I may cry if/when it does finally break! I'm kinda sentimental like that!

Anywho, because we have that waffle maker every Valentines day since we got married I've made waffles! It makes it feel like a special meal even if it's the same waffles I make any other time! 

This year I thought I would jazz things up a bit and try a new waffle recipe. I just learned that Belgium waffles are actually a yeast based dough, who knew right? So I wanted to try that, now my waffle maker isn't a Belgium waffle maker but I really wanted to try this recipe anyway!

Then I decided since it's for Valentines Day they are going to need something more than just traditional maple syrup. I decided a berry syrup would be about right, and to top it all off a little whipped cream! YUM! I mean it is Valentines Day and you know that means that calories don't count! *wink*wink*

Here's what you'll need:

Belgium Waffles:

1 pkg Yeast

1/4 cup warm Milk

3 Egg Yolks

2 3/4 cups warm Milk

3/4 cup Butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup Sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

4 cups Flour

3 Egg whites

Berry Syrup:

1 cup mixed berries (I used frozen strawberries and blueberries)

1/2 cup Sugar

Here's how you make it:

Waffles:

In a small bowl dissolve yeast and 1/4 cup warm milk, let stand until creamy. In a large bowl whisk together the egg yolks, butter and 1/4cup of the warm milk. Stir in the yeast mixture, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in the remaining warm milk and flour alternately. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form then fold into the batter. Cover the bowl and place in a warm place. Let rise for an hour until doubled.
Preheat the waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Place a 1/2 cup of batter into the center of the waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Or if your waffle iron is like mine until the light goes off. Serve immediately or place in a warm oven until ready to eat.

Syrup:

In a sauce pan combine the berries and sugar, heat over medium heat. Stirring as the sugar dissolves. Keep stirring until the berries break apart and the sauce thickens to a syrup consistency. 

To Serve:

Place hot waffles on a plate and drizzle with the syrup and then top with whipped cream. 

Enjoy!

Healthy Desserts: Avocado Chocolate Pudding

I love AVOCADOS! In Guacamole, on sandwiches, in salads, with tuna salad, seriously love them, however I've never used them in a dessert? But I've seen lots of recipes for making a pudding with it,which to be honest doesn't sound all that great. I am on a quest however to eat better and sometimes that means trying new recipes and if they happen to end up being delicious well then it's a win-win!

You may be wondering if this is a win-win situation, well sort of. It was good, not great but good and if you are really trying to be healthy this is defiantly an alternative. For me I think the honey is the wrong sweetener, maybe agave would've been better? And make no mistake you can still taste the avocado. The Hubster liked it he ate his whole bowl full, Man-Child didn't like it at all and I was on the fence. It was good but I felt like it was missing something? It had the right texture for pudding but the flavor was just a little off. I for sure plan on trying it again and switching some things up! I'll let ya know when I do!

Here's what you'll need:

2 ripe avocados

2TBSP Coco Powder

1/8cup Milk

2TBSP Honey

1oz semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

1tsp Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

Here's how you make it:

Remove the skin and pit from the Avocados, place into a food processor and purée until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until combined, and creamy, scraping down the side as needed. Continue to purée for about 2 minutes. Serve Immediatly.

Enjoy

Letters

One of the things my Grandma was so good at was sending cards. Her Christmas cards were always the first ones we got every year, and she always sent us cards for every holiday, Valentines, St. Patricks Day, Easter etc. This past year since she passed away, it's one of the things I've missed the most!

Our society has really gotten away from the hand written note or cards. We send emails and text or just tag everyone in a Facebook status. Which is great and I love how we can all stay so connected but I think we are missing out on that personal touch. 

This year I've decided to get back to it. I'm going to send out more letters more cards to my friends and family. Because I know nothing beats getting a letter in the mail from someone you love! It's really a little piece of them for you to hold onto.

I've also decided that I want these to be unique, not just a store bought card or a plain piece of paper but something I've made. So I'm going to attempt to paint or draw all my cards. Yikes! An artist I am not so friends and family if you get one of these cards, be kind and know it was made with love!

Here's my first one! 

Enjoy!

Seasonal Eating: Cauliflower

Can you believe it's already February? It's hard to believe that at this time last year I had just said goodbye to the Hubster and was settling into our deployment routine. This year he's home and we are getting into the routine of being in a new Company.

I'm still getting into my routine at home and still trying to figure out how this seasonal eating stuff works! I would love to tell you we are eating only seasonal vegetables and fruits but we're not! I imagine this will get easier as the year goes on, and more produce is available. The winter months are so lean, I'm sure this is why canning used to be such a big deal! How I wish I had a garden and the know how to can things for myself! One day!

I decided to focus on Cauliflower this month, it's one of only two vegetable in season right now. I've seen the recipes for Cauliflower Pizza and I've been intrigued I mean really make the crust from cauliflower? I'm no stranger to using cauliflower in place of things, I've made cauliflower mashed "potatoes" and I've replaced the milk in Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower before too and they've all turned out ok. But really cauliflower as a crust? I was so leery, but it turned out so well! I decided to make "breadsticks" Man-Child LOVED them, he wanted me to make more! The Hubster said it was good but he didn't have seconds, which is my clue that he doesn't LOVE it! He said he'd try it again though. So I may have to play with it some and see if I can improve on it! 

Here's what you'll need:

CRUST:

1/2 head Cauliflower

1 Egg

1 cup Mozzarella, shredded

1 tsp Italian Seasoning

1/2tsp Garlic Powder

1/2tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

TOPPING:

1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded

Pinch of Italian Seasoning

Pinch of Garlic Powder

Here's how you make it:

Shred the Cauliflower until it is a fine crumble. Place into a large bowl and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Let the Cauliflower cool. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 400 degrees. After the cauliflower is cool add in the remaining ingredients. Grease a pan or use a non stick pan, I used my pizza stone. 

Form dough on the pizza stone into a 9"-12" circle. Bake for 15minutes, or until golden brown. Then remove the crust and add the Cheese topping. Turn the heat to Broil and return he crust to the oven and bake for 3-5minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Cut into strips and serve immediately.