Browned Butter Lemon Pasta - A 15 Minute Meal

Yesterday I posted an Authentic Italian Meat Spaghetti Sauce so today I wanted to post a vegetarian Italian pasta dish. Trust me though you don't need to be vegetarian to fully appreciate this pasta. 
I didn't know exactly what kind of pasta I wanted to make, and then I realized I had some lemons I needed to use up while they were still fresh. Also, browned butter is a great way to add flavor to simple dishes so I decided why not combine the lemon with some browned butter. They seem as though they were made to go together. The great thing about this pasta is that it's elegant, full of fresh flavor, incredibly simple and it can be made in 15 minutes. Have guests over and impress them with this delicious, flavorful pasta. No one needs to know how easy it was =). Enjoy!

Who knew almonds made such pretty little flowers...

Browned Butter Lemon Pasta
Yields about 3-4 servings


Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 - 1 tsp lemon zest (use 1 for stronger lemon flavor)
2 Tbsp Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbsp lemon juice 
8 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 oz freshly, finely grated Romano cheese (1/2 cup)
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)


Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile, brown butter in a small saucepan (for a tutorial on how to properly brown butter, see link here), set aside. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and lemon zest and saute until lightly golden. Stir in bread crumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until golden (they will toast quickly), remove from heat. Pour garlic mixture into brown butter mixture along with lemon juice, and whisk to combine. Once pasta has cooked through, drain well and return to pasta pot. Pour browned butter mixture over pasta, season with salt and pepper to taste (I'd recommend being somewhat generous with the pepper), add romano cheese, basil and almonds and toss mixture to evenly coat. Serve warm (note that the lemon flavors will tone down and blend in after pasta has rested just a few minutes). 


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - Authentic Italian Style

Do you want to mimic at home that amazing meat sauce they make in the Italian restaurants? Well look no further =). In my opinion I think there are a few key steps in creating that authentic, thick, richly flavored, meaty sauce. I've learned a few things trying to imitate that amazingly delicious pasta sauce that I get at a few of my favorite Italian restaurants. One of them being, you need to cook the sauce low and slow, 5 hours minimum. If you want great sauce you're going to have to have a little patience. This is one of those made with love recipes =). I think Roma tomatoes are best. A few weeks ago I made a similar sauce, entirely from scratch. I'm talking fresh Roma tomatoes, boiled, peeled, seeded and crushed them. It took far too much time and effort only to realize the next time around canned Roma tomatoes were better. They don't seem as acidic. The flavors of the fresh basil and parsley in this recipe lend it fresh from the garden flavor. I didn't want to use fresh herbs for the entire recipe (that would be pretty pricey if you don't have an herb garden) so I chose fresh basil and parsley because they are my favorites in this recipe. Be sure to brown the meat and veggies (brown, not burn), that browned flavor is an important part of the sauces rich, robust flavor. The carrot may seem like a random ingredient but I've heard that it adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce therefor you won't have to add any sugar. It also lends a good color. I know I packed a lot of herbs into this recipe, but it will help you use up those spices sitting in your spice cupboard before they lose their freshness. 

I hope you love these pasta sauce. I would highly recommend serving it up alongside a loaf of fresh Crusty Rustic Bread (it takes about 3 minutes to prepare the no knead dough) spread with whipped garlic butter, and possibly a simple side salad with a copycat recipe of Spaghetti Factory's Pesto Salad Dressing.  I love Italian food! Enjoy!

Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85% or 90%)
1 medium carrot, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 (28 oz) cans crushed Roma tomatoes (I recommend Contadina)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried sage
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 - 1 cup chicken or beef broth, to thin sauce if desired
freshly, finely grated Romano and Parmesan cheese or Mizithra cheese for serving

Directions:
In a large non-stick sauce pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Crumble ground beef into pot (approximately 1 inch pieces). Brown beef, stirring occasionally (I was always taught to stir constantly but this makes your beef gray, let it brown on bottom and only stir occasionally) and breaking up beef as you stir, until cooked through. Drain ground beef, reserving 1 Tbsp fat in pot. Place browned beef in a food processor and pulse until finely ground, about 15 seconds, set aside. 
Saute carrot and onion in reserved fat over medium high heat until golden, about 4 minutes, adding in garlic during the last minute of sauteing. Remove from heat (this will reduce splattering) and stir in 2 cans crushed Roma tomatoes, remaining 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, sage, bay leaves, salt, pepper and browned beef. Return pot to low heat and simmer uncovered, 5 - 8 hours (yes minimum of 5 hours), stirring occasionally. 
Add broth to sauce to thin sauce if desired (at about 4 hours sauce will be pretty thick so if you want it any thinner just add broth to desired consistency. Also, once it reaches the thickness you want you can cover it with a lid to reduce further condensation). Remove bay leaves and serve sauce warm over pasta garnished with grated cheeses and additional chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Okay, so this is officially the longest post I think I've ever done. It's taken a few days for this one and I've been thinking of what I'd put in these Cinnamon Rolls for a long time . I've been wanting to create my own cinnamon roll recipe for months and yesterday I finally decided it was time. So, let me explain a few things. The first batch I made was delicious but I knew it could be just a bit better. It was flavorful, tender, moist, fluffy. Basically it had nearly everything I could ever ask for from a cinnamon roll, except they just weren't big and grand enough. So today I woke up bright and early and made a second batch, and in my opinion, perfected them. Words nearly can't describe the goodness of these cinnamon rolls. I have never sunk my teeth into a cinnamon roll so good. I'm sorry, I know that sounds SO bragish but it is true. This is what I work for. These are why I love my job. I get to wake up and create something delicious, then slowly savor every last little bite of it and then share it with everyone so you can try it too. 

Following I've posted both recipes, the first batch and the second batch. The ones you're going to want to try are Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls but maybe down the road you will want a smaller version and you could try the Second Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls. Hopefully soon I will be posting those in portable cupcake form because I tested and they fit perfectly in cupcake liners. Just to let you know, the majority of the pictures are from batch 1 (2nd Best) and the birds eye view shots of the cinnamon rolls are batch 2 (Best Ever). The 1st batch made a prettier roll I thought, just not quite as amazing as the 2nd batch. I hope you love these melt in your mouth Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do. Be sure to try a fresh one warm out of the oven (rather than letting it cool for hours). Enjoy!

Oh and about all the "secret ingredients" don't leave any of them out. They all work together, one ingredient complimenting the other. The cocoa isn't noticeable it just excites the flavor of these rolls. The cornstarch helps give them amazing texture. The use of two oils, butter and vegetable oil, creates a fluffy roll while giving them that rich buttery flavor. The vanilla extract, I think every cinnamon roll recipe needs it =). The nutmeg, aren't cinnamon and nutmeg just made to go together? The combo of yeast and baking powder, a friend gave me a cinnamon roll recipe once that did this and I thought it was genius, so I adapted that method. The heavy cream in the icing, its where the creamy and fluffy comes in to the icing. This may seem like a random recipe but it all comes together wonderfully to create these...

Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Yields 12 large rolls

Ingredients:

2/3 cup whole milk

1/4 cup butter, cold and diced into cubes

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 large egg yolk, at room temperature

3 3/4 cups bread flour, divided

1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar

4 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp cocoa powder

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 recipe Cream Cheese Icing, recipe follows

Directions:

In a medium saucepan combine whole milk and 1/4 cup diced butter. Heat mixture over medium heat until butter melts, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in buttermilk and vegetable oil (this should bring mixture down to 105-110 degrees, if not allow mixture to cool to 105-110 degrees). Pour milk mixture into the bowl of an electric stand mixer and using whisk attachment, stir in yeast. Allow mixture to rest 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, egg and egg yolk. Stir mixture until blended. Switch mixer to a hook attachment, then add 3 1/2 cups of the bread flour and knead mixture on low speed until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes (dough will be sticky). Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. 

In a small mixing bowl, using a fork, whisk together 3/4 cup light-brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder and nutmeg, set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup bread flour, cornstarch and baking powder. Pour flour mixture over risen dough and return to stand mixer and knead mixture, using the hook attachment, until smooth and elastic (resist the urge to add more flour, dough should be slightly sticky). Roll dough out on a  lightly floured surface to a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. Using the back of a spoon, spread 1/3 cup melted butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over melted butter, coming within a 1/2 inch of all edges, and spread into an even layer. Starting on the 16 inch side, roll dough up snugly to opposite end. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces (its easiest to cut in half, then cut halves into halves, then cut those halves into thirds). Arrange rolls in a buttered 13 x 9 inch baking dish, then cover dish with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size about 1 hour. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (you can do this during the last 10 minutes of rising). Bake rolls in preheated oven for 23 - 26 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven, allow to cool 5 - 10 minutes then cut rolls and spread generously with Cream Cheese Icing. Serve warm. Store in an airtight container and rewarm in microwave if desired.

Cream Cheese Icing

6 oz. 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese (aka Nuefchatel Cheese, regular Cream Cheese works too)

6 Tbsp butter, softened

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 - 2 Tbsp heavy cream or sour cream 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, whip together cream cheese and butter until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in heavy cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar and whip mixture until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. 

 Yes, I will have one tea cup full of frosting please =)...

2nd Best Cinnamon Rolls
Yields 12 rolls 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole milk
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup buttermilk
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder

2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup butter, melted

1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows

Directions:
Add milk and 3 Tbsp butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter has melted (if milk begins to bubble remove from heat and stir until butter melts). Remove from heat and stir in buttermilk and vegetable oil. Pour milk mixture into an electric stand mixer and using whisk attachment, whisk mixture until cooled to 105-110 degrees. Stir in yeast and allow to rest 5 minutes. Whisk in granulated sugar, salt, egg and vanilla. Add 2 1/4 cups bread flour to mixture and using a hook attachment, knead mixture until it's smooth and elastic (dough will be sticky). Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow dough to rest until doubled in size about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. 
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together light-brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder and nutmeg, set aside. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup bread flour, 1 Tbsp cornstarch and baking powder. Pour flour mixture over risen dough and return to electric stand mixer, then using dough hook, knead mixture until smooth and elastic. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface, to a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. Using the back of a spoon, evenly spread 1/4 cup melted butter over dough, then sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over melted butter and spread into an even layer. Starting on the 16 inch side, roll dough snugly to opposite end. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange rolls in a buttered 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap and allow rolls to rise until doubled in size about 1 hour. 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls in preheated oven for 20-23 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and allow rolls to cool about 5-10 minutes then spread Cream Cheese Icing over Cinnamon Rolls. Serve warm. 

Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:
4 oz 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese (regular would work too)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp heavy cream (could be substituted with half and half)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, whip together cream cheese and butter until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in heavy cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar and whip mixture until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. 

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Healthy Protein Smoothies

A healthy breakfast smoothie that tastes like dessert, I will take one of each flavor please. I'm a firm believer that healthy foods don't need to taste like cardboard, indeed they can be just as delicious as their unhealthy competitors. I don't know if I've mentioned before but I always like to have a healthy, low calorie breakfast and lunch, then at dinner I splurge a little and always have dessert. I exercise 6 days a week because I think it's a good balance for me. I watch Food Network while I run on the treadmill, it always keeps me going =). For breakfast I try to keep it around 300-400 calories 6 days a week (every Sunday I make a big brunch and splurge), so I like to have banana oatmeal, whole grain cream of wheat, whole grain cereal with almond milk or these smoothies with almond milk. Yes, I've made the change over to almond milk. I didn't believe it when I heard some random fact of how many people prefer the taste of almond milk to milk until I tried it myself. I always buy the Vanilla or Original flavor that's 60-70 calories per serving (I always check the label because some have tons of added sugar therefor a lot more calories. I never buy unsweetened). Don't get me wrong though I still love milk, I just prefer almond milk a little more and the fact that has less calories than milk is a definite bonus. The almond milk goes great in these smoothies. 
I love how these are healthy AND delicious! They are packed with protein and antioxidants and they are a good source of fiber. Thanks to that protein and fiber these smoothies will fill you up and keep you going. Pictured is 1/2 serving sizes, so yes, you get two of those glasses per serving listed! Enjoy these smoothies and share! Pass along a nutritious treat.

Banana Berry Oat Smoothie
Yields 1 large smoothie


Ingredients:
1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein, divided (I used So Delicious brand with 5g added protein)
1/4 cup quick oats
1 (5.3) oz Strawberry or Blueberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1/2 overripe banana, chilled
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, chilled
5-6 ice cubes


Directions:
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana and blueberries. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.


Nutrition:
366 calories per serving, 21 grams of protein 


Note: if you want an even colder smoothie, stir the oatmeal after microwaving and allow to cool at least 5 minutes before blending into smoothie.


Pina Colada Smoothie
Yields 1 large smoothie


Ingredients:
1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein, divided
1/4 cup quick oats
1 (5.3) oz Vanilla or Strawberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1/2 overripe banana, chilled
1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple, chilled
1/4 tsp coconut extract
5-6 ice cubes


Directions:
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana, pineapple and coconut extract. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.


Nutrition:
364 calories per serving, 21 grams of protein


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Casserole. There I said it. I've always had a hard time with casseroles which is why I rarely make them. We've all had our fair share of bad casseroles, I know you know what I'm talking about. The kind where it seems like someone just threw whatever random leftovers they had sitting in the back of their refrigerator into one dish to create who knows what. I think those bad casseroles have given a bad rap to all casseroles. I wanted to call this Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake but that just sounds silly so I just need to overcome my fear of casseroles and call it what it is. My mom did make one casserole I often crave, it's a Chicken Broccoli Rice casserole, I will have to post it in the future. 
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a casserole to remember. I love the combination of flavors in chicken cordon bleu, but really who wants to spend all that time pounding, layering and rolling chicken? That's why I decided to create this dish. You simply layer everything in one baking dash toss it in the oven and BAM! =) This dish gives a new meaning to the word casserole. Try it and you'll know what I mean. This isn't your great aunt Sally's modge podge, miss match, what in the word is that casserole. This is a flavorful, well blended, fancy casserole (because you know how I like to keep things fancy =).  I hope this becomes a favorite in your home as I know it's going to be in mine. Enjoy!

Cheesy, perfectly golden breadcrumb goodness...

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Yields about 6 servings


Ingredients:
1 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
8 oz ham, finely chopped*
3 oz freshly, finely grated Swiss cheese (3/4 cup)
1 oz freshly, finely grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sauce:
1 3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed
1 tsp prepared yellow mustard (if you like Dijon mustard you can use that instead)
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt, and then to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place diced chicken in an even layer in a buttered 11x7 baking dish, set aside. To prepare sauce: in a mixing bowl (I just mixed it all in the liquid measuring cup after measuring the milk out), whisk together milk, lemon juice, prepared yellow mustard, onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and garlic powder. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, once melted whisk in flour and cook stirring constantly for 1 minute. While whisking, pour in milk mixture, then cook stirring constantly until mixture just begins to gently boil and has thickened. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream. Pour mixture evenly over chicken and use a spatula to spread into an even layer. Sprinkle ham over sauce then sprinkle grated Swiss and Parmesan cheese evenly over ham layer. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Panko bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/8 tsp pepper then pour in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and toss bread crumb mixture to evenly coat. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over cheese layer. Bake casserole in preheated oven for 30 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm. 


*I used left over spiral sliced ham and I diced it into chunks then tossed them in the food processor and chopped them for about 10 seconds to get really small pieces. Basically any good quality ham would work as long as it's honey or smoked ham.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Apple Pie Bars

Any day is a good day for apple pie, right? To me apple pie isn't just a Fall and Thanksgiving dessert, I want apple pie all through out the year. Why have such a good thing only once a year? Also, why stick with an ordinary pie? I love turning things into bar form. These are everything you get in an apple pie but in perfect, hand hold-able, individual bars. These are one of my favorite things I've blogged yet. I'm so excited with how well they turned out. Sometimes the things I make for this blog can only be titled as an experiment (an obviously I don't post them, in case you were wondering) because they end result doesn't turn out how I want it to. These however, are something to brag about =). Just like a regular apple pie these do require a bit a work but I'm telling you it is so worth it! You can serve these warm with vanilla ice cream or allow them to cool almost entirely and drizzle them with the creamy vanilla glaze (it will remind you of a toaster struedle only a thousand times better. Got a craving for apple pie? You're going to want to try these delicious Apple Pie Bars! Sweet, deliciously spiced, gooey apple filling is surrounded by a flavorful, flaky buttermilk crust then it's finished with a delectable, silky vanilla glaze, do things get much better =)? Enjoy and share!

Apple Pie Bars
Yields 12 generous bars or 24 mini bars


Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbsp salted butter, cold and diced into cubes
1/4 cup +2 Tbsp buttermilk, chilled
1 egg yolk


2 1/4 lbs granny smith apples (about 6 medium apples)
2 1/2 Tbsp orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg


1 egg white
1 1/2 Tbsp Raw Turbinado sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 recipe Vanilla Glaze (optional), recipe follows


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To prepare pie crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour and salt. Cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and egg yolk to mixture and stir until mixture comes together and you are able to form a ball. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough while preparing apple filling.
To prepare apple filling:
Peel, core and dice apples into thin and small pieces. Place diced apples in a large mixing bowl. Add orange juice and 1 tsp vanilla and toss apples to evenly coat. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, granulated sugar, light-brown sugar, 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour flour mixture over apple mixture and toss to evenly coat, set aside.
To assemble pie:
Divide pie dough into 2 equal portions. Roll one portion into a 13x9 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Lift rolled dough into an ungreased 13x9 inch baking dish (the easiest way to do this is to fold the dough in half and then fold in half again, then transfer folded dough to one corner of the dish and unfold to it's original shape to cover entire baking dish). Toss apple mixture once more and pour into baking dish over pie crust. Roll remaining dough into a 13 1/2 x 9 1/2 inch rectangle and place rolled dough over apples (folding and unfolding as previously noted). In a small mixing bowl whisk egg white until foamy, brush egg white over top pie crust (you will only need about half of the egg white). In a separate small mixing bowl whisk together 1 1/2 tbsp Raw Turbinado sugar with 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over top pie crust. Bake in preheated oven 50 - 60 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a toothpick. Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Drizzle with optional glaze or serve with vanilla ice cream. Store bars in refrigerator in an airtight container, rewarm in microwave if desired.


Vanilla Glaze


Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp half and half (milk could be substituted)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract


Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, whisk until smooth. Add an additional 1/2 Tbsp half and half if you'd prefer a thinner consistency.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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White Chocolate Coconut Rice Krispie Treats

Alas, Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats have met their match. I didn't know if I could ever have a Rice Krispie Treat I liked as much as those... that is until these came along. I've been wanting to make a coconut Rice Krispie Treat for some time now, who knows why I waited this long to try it. Basically, I love coconut anything. It's like an instant upgrade to whatever it's added to. It turns ordinary Rice Krispie Treats into gourmet, extraordinary Rice Krispie Treats. Once you try these you will likely agree that marshmallows and coconut were made to go together. Try these soon because I'm nearly certain you're going to fall in love with these irresistibly delicious and incredibly quick and easy White Chocolate Coconut Rice Krispie Treats! 

White Chocolate Coconut Rice Krispie Treats
Yields about 15 squares


Ingredients:
3 Tbsp butter
1 (10 oz) bag marshmallows - about 40 large marshmallows or 4 cups miniature
1/2 tsp coconut extract
5 1/2 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted (I crumbled mine up a little after toasting)


Directions:
Grease an 11x7 baking dish, set aside. Melt butter in a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat and whisk in coconut extract. Add Rice Krisipies cereal and optional macadamia nuts and toss mixture until evenly coated. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and using a buttered spatula, spread and gently press mixture into an even layer. 
Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power, in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Spread melted white chocolate evenly over Rice Krispie Treats. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and gently press coconut into melted white chocolate. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and allow chocolate to set and harden at room temperature before cutting into squares (alternately you could speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set) or cut and serve immediately for ooey gooey marshmallow, melty white chocolate Rice Krispie Treats (my favorite, but I love melted candy bars so maybe don't go with my judgement =).


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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Cheesecake Swirled Lemon Butter Cake

Cheesecake collides with lemon butter cake and creates this rich, creamy, lemony, dense and irresistible cake that won't easily be forgotten. This cake is full of that fresh, zesty lemon flavor and with its cheesecake combination its sure to satisfy that decadent dessert craving. There are several ways to serve this cake which I listed below. You could even come up with your own variation, maybe something blueberry or coconut. Anyway you serve this cake, at room temperature or chilled, with or without sweetened whipped cream or simply with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, I think you are really going to enjoy this recipe!

Cheesecake Swirled Lemon Butter Cake
Yields about 10 servings


Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest


1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract


Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip together cream cheese and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Add in egg yolk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest and mix until combine, set aside. 
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside. In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip together butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in egg. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Add in dry ingredients and mix just until combine. Pour cake batter into a buttered 9 inch springform pan and spread mixture into an even layer. Pour cream cheese mixture over cake batter layer and spread cream cheese mixture into an even layer (you don't need to swirl the cake, it did it on it's own while baking). Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes until edges are golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting into slices.
I tried serving and eating this a few different ways:
1. Serve warm garnished with lots of powdered sugar
2. Allow to cool at room temperature 30 minutes, then cover and chill 1 hour. Slice and serve with sweetened whipped cream and optional fresh raspberries.
3. Allow to cool at room temperature 30 minutes, then cover and chill 1 hour. Slice and serve with raspberry sauce and sweetened whipped cream.

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Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Copycat Recipe

If you've ever tried a Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake then I have the feeling you are really going to love this post. My family is obsessed with Sprinkles Cupcakes. Their Red Velvet Cupcake is simply irresistible. It is one cupcake that is truly hard to compete with, but I was definitely up for the challenge. On my recent vacation to Southern California I was sure to stop by Sprinkles in Newport Beach so I could refresh my memory on just exactly what that rich, sweet and even velvety cupcake tasted like so I could come home and create my own Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Copycat recipe. I LOVE making copycat recipes at home. It gives me such a fun challenge in the kitchen. Everyone who tried these cupcakes said they tasted just like Sprinkles! If you don't believe them, try for yourself. These are without a doubt melt in your mouth amazing! Not low fat by any means but worth it, I loaded the butter in these babies (just like I assume Sprinkles does). Enjoy and share (if you wish =)!

Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes 
Yields 15 insanely delicious cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup salted butter, firm but not cold*
1 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp red food coloring
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp distilled white vinegar
1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and baking soda, set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, with an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in eggs one at a time stirring after each addition. (Now stand back and change out of any nice shirt you have on and) Add red food coloring and vanilla extract and mix until combine. In a small mixing bowl (or in the measuring cup you used to measure milk), combine milk and 1 tsp vinegar. Add milk mixture and flour mixture to cupcake mixture, alternating in two separate batches, mixing until combine after each addition. Divide batter evenly among 15 paper lined muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake in preheated oven 18-21 minutes until toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool about 2 minutes in muffin tin, then transfer to wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container to cool completely (this just helps them retain more moisture). Once cooled completely, spread generously with Cream Cheese Frosting (just as sprinkles does, lots of frosting!).

*I warmed the butter in the microwave for about 9-10 seconds on HIGH power in a small microwave safe bowl, basically you don't want it softened but not cold either. Just in between the two. Also, alternately you could use unsalted butter and add 1/4 tsp salt to the recipe. I just always keep salted butter on hand so I wanted the recipe to use salted. So if you use salted you don't need to add any salt to the recipe.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted butter, firm but not cold (if using unsalted add 1/8 tsp salt)
6 oz cream cheese, cold (I recommend using Philadelphia brand in this recipe)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Red and blue food coloring, for decor (optional)

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, using and electric mixer, whip together butter and cream cheese until pale and fluffy (about 1 minute on high speed, then 3-4 minutes on medium high speed). Mix in vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. If doing optional infamous Sprinkles Cupcakes dot on top then scoop out a few tablespoons frosting into two separate bowls and tint with food coloring (lots of red in the one and barely any blue in the other). Spread a small circle of red on top followed by a small light blue, use a toothpick to spread if needed (it helped me get a more circular shape around the edges with its finer point).

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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