Recipes
Desserts
Spiced Plum Cobbler
Plum delicious is my assessment of this easy cobbler that combines plums, spices, and a topping of buttery, cornmeal-infused batter. Perhaps it was the addition of sour cream to the batter that added to the richness of the dish, but it meant that the cobbler was great even without ice cream or a whipped cream topping. The whole dessert was easy to assemble. Warm out of the oven, spicy plums riffed off of the rich and sugary topping. The only change I would make is to add a bit of cornstarch to the sugar added to the plums. My plums were very juicy and could have benefited from a little thickener.
Desserts
Maple Walnut Cream Tart
A tart of maple-kissed whipped cream with a meringue crust, topped with candied walnuts.
Desserts
Chocolate Pomegranate Truffles
I love this recipe -- these truffles present beautifully and I love the use of pomegranate molasses with the chocolate. The chocolate has a slight fruity tang and the interiors of the truffle get almost a reddish hue from the pomegranate. The pomegranate sugar has a nice subtle tang -- I see myself using this sugar in other recipes, what a great idea! I would certainly make these again and am considering making these as gifts for the holidays!
Beef
Slow Cooker Enchiladas
As a busy wife and mother of two young sons, I rely on this handy recipe for slow-cooker enchiladas. I layer enchilada ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it. With a bit of spice, these hearty enchiladas are especially nice during the colder months.
Beef
Meatball Cabbage Rolls
My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried.
Beef
Enchilada Meatballs
Enchilada meatballs are a twist on the usual potluck dish, with cornbread and taco seasoning delivering Tex-Mex flavor and feel. This recipe is easy, inexpensive and a hit for any occasion.
Beef
Arizona Chicken in Acorn Squash
Give stuffed acorn squash a taste of the Southwest with this comforting recipe. We love the crunch of the toasted almonds, heat of green chiles, and creamy texture of avocado.
Desserts
Helen Getz's Springerles
Springerles are typically made using either springerle molds or a springerle rolling pin (but you don’t have to have them, so don’t give up). After patting (or rolling) out the dough, you use the mold or springerle rolling pin to imprint the top of the dough with shapes and designs.
Beef
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Satisfying enough for a dinner or even a big snack, stuffed poblano peppers add a little heat to your weekly menu and pack a whole bunch of protein.
Beef
Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
This delicate dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash.
Beef
Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers.
Desserts
Shangri-La Rice Pudding
Aptly named, one bite of hardlikearmour’s Shangri-La Pudding, transports you to another world. Fragrant coconut, fresh ginger and lemongrass gently bubble away with rich and nutty Bhutanese red rice to create a beautiful pink-hued rice pudding that is sweet up front, with spicy (ginger) and floral citrus (lemongrass) notes that linger on the palate. Although hardlikearmour suggests enjoying this at room temperature or chilled, I preferred it warm, still steaming.
Beef
Beef Daube Provencal
This dish is perfect on cold winter days, especially after we have been out cutting wood or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try it here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Desserts
Cold Oven Pound Cake
A go-to cake for all occasions? With ingredients I always have on hand? This I had to try. I was intrigued by the unusual mixing and baking techniques. The fairly stiff batter needed some coaxing to get it distributed evenly in the pan, but once it was in, it baked up beautifully with a wonderful caramelized exterior and a moist, non-crumbly interior that has just the right amount of sweetness. Cut into chunks, it was a fabulous and sturdy dipper for chocolate fondue; when toasted, it browned without drying out and took cake to a whole new level.
Beef
Roast Beef Caribbean Style
This recipe took first place in the 2011 South Dakota Beef Cook-Off. Cooking the roast uncovered for the first 30 minutes gives it a crusty exterior similar to barbecued brisket, and the flavorful sauce adds just a hint of heat.
Desserts
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
The oatmeal part of the recipe comes from "Ruth's Oatmeal Crisps," winner of the 1966 Kentucky State Fair cookie contest. I added cocoa, chocolate and walnuts, and left the golden raisins and pecans on the cutting room floor. The shortening makes this a super crisp cookie. Seek out organic shortening.
Desserts
Sage-Candied Walnuts
This is the kind of adult walnut confection that should be served at your favorite cocktail bar. Don't be afraid to up the sage by half or reduce the sugar a little depending on your taste. Either way, you'll be munching on these til kingdom come. Highly addictive.