3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe

Buffalo Ranch Taquitos

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One of my husband’s all timefavorite meals is Creamy Chicken Taquitos. He has loved taquitos since the first time he opened a box of frozen,processed taquitos *shudder*
Because of his undying love oftaquitos, it was only natural for me to whip up a batch of buffalo chickentaquitos.  Because taquitos are awesomeand so is buffalo chicken!  These weredelicious.  Since bleu cheese and buffalochicken are such a classic combinations, I tried dipping these in bleu cheesedressing, only to be greatly disappointed. It really didn’t add anything, in my opinion, so I’d stick with someavocado instead.

Recipe Notes:*This is a double batch of taquitos.  This way you have some to eat right away andsome to freeze.  In this case, I gave theother half to a friend who had recently had a baby.*For the cooked chicken, I boiled a 2 ½ lb bag of frozenboneless, skinless chicken tenders.*If using a rotisserie chicken instead, simply omit theseasoning salt
Buffalo Ranch Chicken TaquitosAdapted from Pennies on aPlatter
5 cups cooked chicken, cubedor shredded½ tsp seasoning salt1 cup buffalo ranch dressing1 tbsp hot sauce, such asFranks5 green onions, white &green parts sliced1 cup shredded marble jackcheese16 flour tortillas, 6-inchsizeCooking sprayCoarse sea salt (optional)


In a mixing bowl, combine thecooked chicken, seasoning salt, buffalo ranch dressing, hot sauce, onions, andshredded cheese.  Stir until wellcombined.
Place a small amount offilling onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place the uncooked taquitos seam-side down onto baking sheets lined withparchment paper (alternately, place them carefully, seam-side down in a labeledgallon-sized freezer bag and freeze). 
Bake the taquitos at 450degrees F for 10-15 minutes (15-20, if frozen) or until the tortilla is brownedand the filling is heated through.
Makes 16 taquitos



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Ultimint Christmas Candy Cookies

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So remember the realization onSaturday that I had posted four peppermint based recipes in a row?  Well, apparently it doesn’t stop there. 
Shortly after I posted that,Ultimint cookies came flying acrossmy screen.  And know what?  I didn’t have to go out and buy a singleingredient for these cookies.  That’sright, I already had three minty candies on hand! 
Know what else?  I’m pretty sure it didn’t stop there, I thinkI have at least three types of mint chips hiding out around here, too…oh, andcandy canes!
Yep, I definitely have aproblem.
But whatever, I’m embracingit. And these cookies are completely fabulous. They are soft and chewy and chocolaty and minty AND super super easy tomake!  So go ahead, embrace the mint andhave some cookies.
Recipe Notes:*I adapted this from the original recipe by adding water tothe batter.  I think that the type ofcake mix you use will affect the amount (if any) water you need.  I used Pillsbury Devil’s Food Cake Mix.  Since all Pillsbury cakes have pudding in themix, I believe it made my batter much thicker than if I had used a differentmix.


Ultimint ChristmasCandy CookiesAdapted slightly from Couponing and Cooking
1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix1 tsp baking powder2 eggs½ cup canola oil¼ cup water20 Hershey’s Candy CaneKisses, unwrapped1 cup White ChocolatePeppermint M&M’s1 cup Mint M&M’s

Preheat the oven to 350degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat.
Mix together the cake mix,baking powder, egg, oil, and water.  Beatuntil smooth.  Add the kisses and stir onlow for 1-2 minutes or until the candies are broken up slightly.  Add the M&M’s and stir until combined. 
Scoop the dough on to theprepared baking sheets with a 2 tablespoon scoop.  Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10minutes.  Move the tray to a wire rackand cool for 10 minutes before moving the cookies to wire racks to coolcompletely.  Store the cookies in anairtight container.
Makes about 36 cookies

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12 Weeks of Christmas Treats & A New Blog All About Sweets!

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Hooray!  We’ve made it through 12 Weeks of ChristmasTreats.  While I’ve enjoyed this project,I will admit that it ended up being a bit more daunting than I’danticipated!  Despite the sometimesfrantic cookie making, I really did have fun with all these treats!
Today I have to pleasurerecapping the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats and of introducing my new blog,Amy’s Confectionery Adventures, with a very fun set of Gingerbread Houses.  Here’s a little teaser!

Pop on over to Amy’s Confectionery Adventures to see a lot more!
I’ve recently been feelinglike Amy’s Cooking Adventures has been going two different directions.  The goal of this blog was to share recipesthat anyone can recreate, targeted especially to busy moms (since I am one!)
But at the same time, I alsocame to realize my love of cake and cookie decorating.  I wanted to showcase those creations as well,but I’ve always questioned whether or not Amy’s Cooking Adventures was theright platform.
Finally, I decided that thecakes and cookies needed their own place to shine.  And so, last week, Amy’s Confectionery Adventures was born.
Since I want to compile all ofmy cakes and other desserts in one place, you’ll see some “blasts from thepast”.  But you’ll also see so manyawesome new creations that I simply haven’t had time to share!  I just can’t wait! 
This blog will stay more orless the same and I would love to see you all over at Amy’s Confectionery Adventures, too!
And now (finally) here’s thatChristmas Round Up I promised!



1.      Easy Snowman Cookies2.    Snickerdoodles3.    Butterscotch Hot Chocolate     4. DIY Vanilla Extract



   5.    Chocolate Lava Cake6.    Dark Chocolate Toffee-Nut Clusters7.    Mocha Almond Biscotti8.     Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles



9.      Peppermint Patties10.    Homemade Peppermint Oreos11.     Peppermint Creams12.     Ultimint Christmas Candy Cookies


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Elfie's Antics: The Final Week and Then Some

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Day Twenty-One
Elfie was having a sing-along with Woody

He even had his own "Elfie-sized" guitar!



Day Twenty-Two
Elfie was playing Santa.  Complete with Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDEERE!! Ha!



Day Twenty-Three
Elfie colored a little picture of a few of his Elf friends



Day Twenty-Four
Elfie was enjoying an Elf's 4 food groups: Candy, Candy Corn, Candy Canes, & Syrup.



Day Twenty-Five
Elfie was playing with the boys' car...and letting us know how many days until Christmas!



Day Twenty-Six
Eflie would never had forgiven himself if he didn't redecorate all of our trees...



So the last one was decorated with Daddy's neckties!



Day Twenty-Seven
Eflie was caught eating cookies and playing with frosting!  Oh no!




Day Twenty-Eight

Elfie was repelling down to the basement from the first story!




Day Twenty-Nine
Elfie had a big race track set up with some of his friends!



Day Thirty
It's Christmas Eve already.  Elfie left a note saying goodbye.  He also brought a magic key so Santa can unlock the front door (since we don't have a chimney).  



See you next year, Elfie!




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Whole Wheat Bread Bowls

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When I was growing up, therewas a huge street fair every fall. Several streets were blocked off as all sorts of vendors unfurled theirawnings and displayed their wares.  Andof course, one entire street was dedicated to food trucks and stands.  It is there that my mom took me, every year,to one truck that served Wisconsin Cheese Soup in fresh Bread Bowls.  We’d take out bread bowls on their flimsypaper plates and squeeze onto a crowded bench to quickly eat the hot soup anddevour the bread bowls.
It’s been many years sinceI’ve made it home for the street fair, but those bread bowls stick in mymind.  And since I’ve discovered my lovefor baking, I decided it was high time I made some bread bowls.
The recipe itself isn’t allthat different from other bread recipes, it’s rather the handling of the doughthat makes a loaf of bread into a bread bowl. Also, the second baking to seal the inside helps create a very sturdybread bowl.

Recipe Notes:*Measure the olive oil in a measuring spoon just before thehoney, then the honey will slide right out!*When using a stand mixer to knead dough, never go higherthan speed 2 or low.*The vital wheat gluten helps keep the whole wheat flourelastic and less dense.  It is found inmost grocery stores in a small box near the flour.


Whole Wheat Bread BowlsAdapted slightly from How Sweet Eats
2 cups warm water (about 115degrees F)2 tbsp active dry yeast2tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp honey2 tbsp vital wheat gluten3 cups whole wheat flour2 ½ - 2 ¾ cups all purposeflour1 ½ tsp salt1 egg + 1 tsp water, whisked

Place the water, yeast, oliveoil, and honey into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk the mixture lightly with a fork and let sit for 5-7 minutes oruntil the mixture is light and foamy.
Add in the salt, vital wheatgluten, whole wheat flour, and half of the all purpose flour.  Fit the mixer with a dough hook and beginmixing on low setting 1 or 2.  As the doughcomes together, slowly add the remaining flour as necessary.  The dough will be slightly tacky.  Knead the dough in the mixer for 8-10 minutesor until the dough ball is smooth and satiny, but still a bit tacky.  Remove the dough from the mixer.  Knead in a bit more flour, if needed.
Spray a large bowl generouslywith non-stick spray.  Add the dough andturn to coat.  Cover the bowl with a dampkitchen towel and set aside in a warm, draft-free place (I use the “proof”setting on my oven) for 1 ½ hours or until the dough has at least doubled insize.
Preheat the oven to 425degrees F.
Punch down the dough and cutinto 4-5 equal pieces (mine were each 8 oz or so.  I had 5 pieces) and form them intoballs.  I bring the edges of the doughtogether and pinch the seams at the bottom to form a nice ball. 
Place the dough balls on abaking sheet, cover with the damp kitchen towel and let them rise for 20-30minutes.
Form the dough into tighterballs, once again bringing the sides down and pinching the seams on the bottom.  Brush each dough ball with the egg wash.  Gently score the top of each loaf with a verysharp paring knife and place immediately into the preheated oven.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the bread isdeeply browned (convection ovens will take closer to 30 minutes, so adjust accordingly).  Allow the bread bowls to cool completelybefore slicing.
When ready to use, slice thetops off each bread bowl.  Cut a roundout of the center, leaving about ½ inch on all sides (including thebottom).  If desired, brush the inside ofeach bowl with olive oil and bake at 350 to seal the inside of the bowl beforefilling with dip or soup.
Makes 4-5 bread bowls

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2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba

Virtual Christmas Party

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Everyone loves a Christmas party, so to wind up the last weekof my 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats, I invited some of my favorite bloggingfriends to come together for a Virtual Christmas Party!  Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!
It’s that time of year whenChristmas parties abound, and you are all invited to ours! 
So sit back, relax, andperuse.  We’ve got a bit of everything toshare with you today, just click the links below the pictures to meet all ofour wonderful participants and their contributions.



1.     Amyfrom Amy’s Cooking Adventures & Amy's Confectionery Adventures: Gingerbread Houses 
2.   Heather from Join Us,Pull Up a Chair: Garlic & Feta Dip 
3.   Steph from Steph’s Bite by Bite: Sticky Baklava  
4.   Carrie from My Fave Finds: Peppermint Christmas Wreath  


5.    Jane from The Heritage Cook: Triple Chocolate Hot Cocoa 
6.   Shatzi from Love & Laundry: Eggnog Bars 
7.    Julie from White Lights on Wednesday: Marshmallow & Oreo Bars 
8.   Jessica from The Thriftiness Miss: Snickerdoodle Dip 


9.   Meg from Nutmeg Place: Cranberry Orange Scones 
10.  &11. Pamela from Pamela’s Heavenly Treats:  Candy Cane Peppermint Cupcakes & Red Velvet Cupcakes


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Easy Rudolph Sugar Cookies

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Need one more quick, easycookie recipe before Christmas?  Have Igot the cookie for you!  These are quick,easy, kid-friendly, and the perfect Christmas Eve project (you know – for when thekids are all squirrely about the presents?)
I whipped up these cookies formy son’s Preschool Polar Express Party and we have just enough left for Santato enjoy!
Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Rudolph Cookies
1 recipe basic sugar cookies(follows)Red hots or similar cinnamoncandyChocolate chipsLarge pretzel twists, broken

Basic Sugar CookiesAn Amy’s Cooking AdventuresOriginal Recipe
½ cup unsalted butter,softened¼ cup salted butter, softened1 cup granulated sugar2 eggs1 tsp vanilla extract½ tsp salt2 ½ (+ ½ cup, as needed) cupsall purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350degrees F.
Place the butters and sugar inthe bowl of a stand mixer.  Cream themtogether until light and smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at atime, until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl, as necessary.  Stir in the vanilla and salt.
Slowly add the flour, addingadditional flour as necessary.
At this point, the dough canbe flattened into a disc and refrigerated for up to 1 day before using.  I prefer to use it right away when it is niceand pliable.
Roll the dough onto agenerously floured rolling mat.  Forreindeer cookies, used a pizza cutter to cut the dough into a large rectangleand then into triangles.
To make the reindeer, place ared hot on one point of the triangle for a nose.  Place two broken pretzels over the remainingpoints, and add two chocolate chips for eyes in the center.
Bake in the preheated oven for8-10 minutes or until the cookies are firm and just beginning to brown alongthe edges.
Makes about 30 reindeercookies

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Elfie's Antics: The Final Week and Then Some

To contact us Click HERE



Day Twenty-One
Elfie was having a sing-along with Woody

He even had his own "Elfie-sized" guitar!



Day Twenty-Two
Elfie was playing Santa.  Complete with Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinDEERE!! Ha!



Day Twenty-Three
Elfie colored a little picture of a few of his Elf friends



Day Twenty-Four
Elfie was enjoying an Elf's 4 food groups: Candy, Candy Corn, Candy Canes, & Syrup.



Day Twenty-Five
Elfie was playing with the boys' car...and letting us know how many days until Christmas!



Day Twenty-Six
Eflie would never had forgiven himself if he didn't redecorate all of our trees...



So the last one was decorated with Daddy's neckties!



Day Twenty-Seven
Eflie was caught eating cookies and playing with frosting!  Oh no!




Day Twenty-Eight

Elfie was repelling down to the basement from the first story!




Day Twenty-Nine
Elfie had a big race track set up with some of his friends!



Day Thirty
It's Christmas Eve already.  Elfie left a note saying goodbye.  He also brought a magic key so Santa can unlock the front door (since we don't have a chimney).  



See you next year, Elfie!




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Looking Back...My Favorite Recipes of 2012

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It’sthat time of year when we all reflect on the past year.  2012 was a big blogging year for me, withlots of delicious recipes coming out of the kitchen.
Hereare a few of my favorites!
January
Sweet:
Take 5 Brownies
Savory:
Soft & Crispy Steak Tacos


February
Sweet:
Ground Hog Pudding Cups
Savory:
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs


March
Sweet:
Thin Mint Irish Cream Coffee
Savory:
Two Hour Buns


April
Sweet:
Piping Sugar Cookie Dough
Savory:
Crispy Oven Baked Fries


May
Sweet:
Creme de Menthe Cupcakes
Savory:
Chipotle Sour Cream Dip for Sweet Potato Fries


June
Sweet:
Salted Caramel Brownies
Savory:
Simple Cheese Enchiladas


July
Sweet:
S'mores Frappuccino
Savory:
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus


August
Sweet:
Slice of Heaven Cupcakes
Savory:
Lemon-Herb Chicken


September
Sweet:
Salted Caramel Vanilla Pumpkin Latte
Savory:
Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad


October
Sweet:
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Savory:
Chicken Tortilla Soup


November
Sweet:
Dark Chocolate Toffee-Nut Clusters
Savory:
Homemade Flour Tortillas


December
Sweet:
Peppermint Patties
Savory:
Homemade Asiago & Everything Bagels



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