Sunday, February 14, 2016

Lemon Scones

Amazing!

If you're a lemon lover like me, you'll want to try these wonderful Lemon Scones.  Not only are they totally delicious, but they melt in your mouth!    The scones' density is perfect -- not too dense, not too airy -- and they were perfectly moist! 

You can use a food processor or by hand (which is what I did).  Just make sure your butter is cold and work as quickly as you can.  Be careful not to over-mix.  All those little pea-size clumps of butter create structure in the scones and give them a tender, fluffy consistency when baked.  The tartness of the glaze is perfect with the light and slightly sweet taste of the scone.  This recipe is a keeper!

Once you make scones, I promise you'll want to include them in your menu regularly, they're so easy to make!  I included a few tips that I like to use.  


Ingredients:                                                

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes 
*2/3 cup buttermilk, add slowly until just wet enough to stick                          
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Icing Ingredients:
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
*Yellow food coloring (opt.)


Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease a baking sheet pan.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Using a fork, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.   Add buttermilk and lemon peel, stirring just until mixed.  Over-mixing will cause a tough scone, so be careful here.
                                                             
Turn onto a floured surface; knead gently six times.  Shape into a ball and place on prepared baking sheet.

On greased baking sheet, *using your hands, pat dough into a circle about 1/2 in thick and 8-1/2 in. in diameter.  Cut the dough in half then cut the pieces into half again, giving you 4 squares. Cut the squares in half on a diagonal to give you a triangle shape.  Makes 8.

Place 2" apart onto baking sheet

Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until tops are lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with enough lemon juice to make a drizzling consistency.  *Add a drop of yellow food color if desired.

Tips from Grammy:
1.) Scones are best when served fresh out of the oven or on the same day.  For next day eating, reheat them in the microwave for just 8-10 seconds. 

2.) If you don't have buttermilk, just place 1 Tbsp. of vinegar into a measuring cup and add milk (or cream) to 1 cup...stir and use in place of buttermilk.

3.) Don't use a rolling pin, you want scones to be light and fluffy.


Be encouraged!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.”
-Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Chocolate Chess Pie

You need this in your life!

 
Why the name "Chess Pie?"  Well,  as one story goes, a Southern gentleman came home one evening and asked his wife, an accomplished but modest cook, what smelled so good. “It's jes' pie,” she replied. I don't know if this is true, but I think it's a great story! LOL!

I had never had Chocolate Chess Pie, until I moved south and visited a Golden Corral buffet restaurant.  You know, the ones with tons of food, a gazillion desserts and a chocolate fountain.  Well, they also have this chocolate pie that was like eating soft, delicious brownie in pie pastry.  I never even knew the name of it!  All I knew was that once I tasted it,  there was no way I was going to totally fill up on "real" food and miss my favorite piece of pie.  Best way to end a meal! 


This isn't a thick pie, but because it's rich, it works out perfectly.   Add a dollop of whipped cream, and you have the perfect dessert.
 
So, one evening I went in search for what would be the best recipe to make at home...because, this is what I do!  Ha!  Finally, I found a website that had "copycat" recipes, and to my delight, there it was Golden Corral's Chocolate Pie!  Am I happy?  You bet I am!


CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE (Golden Corral Copycat Recipe)
Makes 1 Pie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar                                                      
5 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 9-inch, partially baked pie crust (pre-baked for about 5 minutes)

Preheat oven to 325'F.


Bake pie shell for 8-10 minutes or until bottom crust is just starting to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

Combine the sugar, cocoa, flour, and salt. Blend in milk. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add butter and vanilla, beat until smooth.

Pour into a pre-baked pie shell.

Bake in the oven at 325 degrees for 55-60 minutes. Cool the pie completely before topping with whipped cream.

Homemade Whipped Cream: (if you want to garnish, but it doesn't need it)

2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Combine ingredients in mixer bowl and beat.  Chill bowl and beaters before whipping.


Be encouraged!
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32
 

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Impossible Cheeseburger Pie

The possibilities are endless!

 
Here's a classic Bisquick recipe!  I'm giving you the basic recipe per "Betty's" instructions, but you can easily add so many of your favorite flavors to this pie and make this taste different every time.  For example...how about a can of green chilies?  Bacon and tomato?   Garlic and green peppers?  Mushrooms & Swiss Cheese?  Oh yes, spinach and feta cheese?   Let your imagination go wild!

The last time I made this, my husband walked by, saw me working on posting this recipe, and asked, "Are you making this tonight?"  Of course, I made sure to do just that! But first, I had to check the cheese drawer because I tend to run out fast.

I've been known to double this recipe because my family really enjoys it for leftovers as well.  Oh, and I always add more cheese because...well, just because!  Oh, so that's how I run out of cheese...we love cheese!  Haha! 

Serve it with French Fries, a salad and warm dinner rolls and you've got a quick, yummy meal for all!

This is the original card that the recipe comes from...what fun! 


Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper (opt.)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Bisquick
1 cup milk
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown, drain. Stir in salt, spread in pie plate and sprinkle with cheese.

In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients with fork or wire wisk until well blended. Pour in pie plate.

Bake 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Makes 6 servings


Be encouraged!
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32