Sharing Old Fashioned Desserts and Comfort Food, come on over to see what's baking!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Thanksgiving Favorite Recipes

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's all about the food and family, and remembering all that we're thankful for, all the important stuff :)
Here is a compilation of favorite Thanksgiving recipes from cooking magazines and food sites that have become family favorites

Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
 
Potato Mushroom Gratin
  
Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole
 
Turkey Butter or Candy Molds
How to make them:
 
Paula Deen's Green Bean Casserole
http://shar.es/IXhIG
or
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
http://shar.es/I3ywq
  
Sourdough Bread Stuffing
 
Salt-Roasted Turkey with Lemon and Oregano
 
Helpful Turkey Roasting Guide from Butterball:

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Chocolate Cream Pie with Oreo Crust, Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings

I have a weakness for desserts that are both chocolate and vanilla, when the two meet each other it's just all good, all sweetness and goodness.  Rich dark chocolate is contrasted and softened by the lighter mellow white vanilla.  Take the Oreo cookie for example ~ the cookie is so good but it wouldn't be as good without it's perfect partner ~ that creamy vanilla filling.  Well this pie is the perfect marriage of chocolate and vanilla ~ a chocolate Oreo crust ~ filled with a rich and silky creamy chocolate filling ~ covered in a sweet vanilla whipped cream topping ~ garnished with bittersweet chocolate shavings = Chocolate and Vanilla Creamy Goodness!
 
 
Recipe
1 premade Oreo cookie pie shell - found in baking aisle
Filling
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 Tbsps instant espresso
2 cups half and half
4 large egg yolks
3 oz bittersweet chocolate baking chips
2 Tbsps unsalted butter
Topping
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Bittersweet chocolate shavings
Instructions
In a large saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch and espresso.  In a large bowl whisk together the half and half and yolks.  Gradually whisk egg mixture into sugar mixture in pan set to medium heat.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, boil for 1 minute while whisking constantly until thickened.  Remove from heat. 
Microwave the baking chips in a small microwave safe bowl on high for 3 - 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval.  Whisk butter and melted chocolate into sugar mixture until smooth.  Pour into Oreo crust.  Place plastic wrap directly onto filling - to prevent a film from forming.  Chill in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.  Before serving prepare the fresh whipped cream:  Chill mixing bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer in the freezer for about 5 minutes.  Remove and pour chilled heavy cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla into bowl.  Whisk on high speed for about 1 minute, or until a creamy consistency is achieved, watch it carefully.  You'll know it's ready when you can form stiff peaks using a spatula.  Pipe whipped cream decoratively over pie, or spread with an offset spatula.  Sprinkle chocolate shaving overs whipped cream as desired.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
 
Enjoy!!


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