Apple/Pear Crumble Round Up

It is apple season!  I love apples, I pretty much have one every day.   I haven't gone picking yet because my favorite apple has not peaked.  I am a fan of the Jonagold apple and it is a late September apple.  It is a mix of Jonathan and Golden Delicious.  It was two years ago that I got hooked on them.   I personally think they are the best, so I am looking forward to getting a few large baskets. I am looking forward to making sauce, baking and eating.

Do you have a favorite apple?

To me an apple crumble is an apple must.  It is simple, crunchy, sweet and delicious.  It is just apples and crumbly goodness.  The crumble part can take on so many different forms which makes it even more fun.  I honestly probably make some form of apple crumble 2-3 times a year.  For me it never gets old.  Get me a big scoop of crumble with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and I am set.

Apricot, Cranberry and Almond Spelt Oat Bars.

I spent the few days last week working on a cake for a friends 3rd birthday.  I hadn't made a cake in a few months so it was fun to get back in the groove. I have a few more cakes to work on in the next several weeks, one more thing to add to the busy list.

This past weekend we had our first trip of the season up to the cottage.   I don't know why we go this weekend every year, the bugs are terrible.  We basically go from car to boat to cottage and stay indoors for 3 days and then go from cottage to boat to car.  It is too annoying to be outside, especially for me.  I find the bugs love me and my dark hair, no matter how many light coloured clothes I wear.   I think after long cold winters, we are just so happy summer is here and we're dying to get to the cottage.   Even if we are stuck in doors it is relaxing and fun.

This was our first cottage trip with the little one.  As if we didn't bring enough baggage before, PAH!  Add baby stuff and add three more bags plus baby.   I can't imagine how that will change with a second child in the mix one day.  Maybe I need to improve my packing skills.

Since I was away the last few days with no Internet I was unable to tell you this fun news.
I’m participating in a Good Old Fashioned Recipe Blog Swap! Julie {White Lights on Wednesday}, Kelley {Miss Information} and Rachel {i love my disorganized life} have paired up 30 incredible bloggers to trade blogs for the day.

Brianna from Flippin Delicious and I will be sharing a fabulous recipe on each other’s blogs {but we can’t tell you what they are, because they’re a secret!}. Be sure to visit both of us on May 27th, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any deliciousness!

These bars are a perfect cottage snack or anytime snack.  

Apricot, Cranberry and Almond Spelt Oat Bars.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup spelt oats
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped apricots
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 pear, grated
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray a 10 inch square pan wit non stick spray. 

2) In a large bowl combine oats, almond, dried fruit and cinnamon. 

3) In a large measuring cup , whisk together honey, almond milk, apple and vanilla

4) Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and mix until well combined. 

5) Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.   Let cool and refrigerate until firm.  Slice into squares. 

Now I know why people make their own granola bars.  So much better!

Maple Cheddar Apple Crumble

 A few facts about me.


1. One year ago I did not like hot drinks, mostly coffee and tea. The taste of both were just so unappealing to me.  Even hot chocolate was hit or miss.  I actually drank that with a spoon.

2. Present day I now drink green tea on a daily basis and actually enjoy it.  Coffee is still on the no way list.  Weird?  During my last trimester of pregnancy my naturopath gave me this special tea that was supposed to help with uterine health etc.   Since I am a good patient I did what she said and drank it every day.   This tea slowly broke me down.  It was not the best tasting tea so I think when I have other teas now they are quite good.    The funny thing is for the last week, I get my water hot, pop in the tea bag, put my cup on the table near the couch and forget.   I have done this five days in a row.   I am seriously losing my ability to remember.

3. My new favorite sound is laughing baby.  I just can't get enough of it.

4. I make an apple crumble almost every major holiday.  I love to try different versions every now and then and decided to for Easter.  Since cheddar and apple are common combination I thought I would try and throw some in the mix.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cherry Scones

Today's post is for the Lady the behind the Curtain Challenge.   This month's challenge was bake something with Chocolate and Cherries.  That worked out well for me I have been wanting to make Chocolate Cherry Scones for quite some time now.   Who doesn't love Chocolate for breakfast especially Today also being Valentines day. I also tried my best to make them as healthy as possible, used oats and whole wheat flour, no cream and not a lot of sugar.    Just perfect.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!

Oatmeal Yogurt Cranberry Cookies and a GIVEAWAY

So if you are not new to my blog you may have noticed it looks quite different.   It was time for a change.  I wanted something that was jut mine and unique. I connected with Sarah from Becoming Martha, this is her Etsy Shop - Cece Bella Designs.  She was so wonderful to work with - easy,  patient, creative and quick.   I am so happy with what she has done, and hope you enjoy my new pretty blog.  I will also have a new tab with a recipe index coming soon.

I got a new baking toy for Christmas and I love it.  If you have a kitchen aid mixer you need one of these.   It is a special beater blade that wipes down the sides of the bowl as it spins.

It obviously doesn't get everything but it does work quite well and it will now be my permanent blade.   Since I am so happy with my new blog design and happy with my beater blade I am GIVING AWAY TWO beater blades.   Check down below for entering.

So I love yogurt covered cranberries.  Have you tried these?  They are highly addicting, to the point I eat handfuls and then realize the bag is empty.  Dangerous.   I decided I would attempt some baking with them to see what happens.   The result is these wonderful oatmeal cookies.

10 days of Cookies - Day 8 - Nutella Haystacks

We had one more Christmas dinner to attend on Thursday night.   A dinner with our extended family - two of our friends and their family.  We sometimes get together with them Christmas eve but one of our friends parents and sister were in Cuba until boxing day so they moved their dinner.  It worked out really good for us as we wouldn't have been able to attend Christmas eve due to family commitments   This dinner was nice as well as our friends cooked up some filet mignon with several tasty sides.   Sammie behaved herself and we had a great time.   One of these friends is our nutella loving friend,  so I always feel it is my food blogging duty to bring him some nutella based treats.    Of course being the unorganized person I am these days I was ill prepared and did little planning.   I then remembered one of my favorite cookies that my mom makes and put on a nutella spin!

Nutella Haystacks

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup nutella
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 3 1/3 cup quick oats

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Combine butter, milk, sugar and cocoa powder in a medium-large sauce pan.   Bring to a simmer for a few minutes until sugar is dissolved.
2) Remove from heat and add vanilla, peanut butter and nutella. Stir together until melted together.
3) Stir in oats, potentially adding more if mixture seems too wet.
4) Using a small scoop place rounds a parchment lined baking sheet.  Fill sheet and place in fridge until cool and set.

MEG's RATING : D-EEEE-LICIOUS!

Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake

So apparently I am so out of it.   I didn't even realize it has been over a week since I last posted.  Not that I have done nothing the last week,  I have almost been non stop.    My birthday was Friday, so I spent the day over the border shopping with my sister and her friend.  I managed to pick up some baby clothes, some clothes for me and a playpen.   I have yet to find Biscoff spread,  what aisle does that normally sit in?  Do they sell it at Target?

The rest of the weekend involved multiple family dinners for Thanksgiving, cleaning and finishing up the nursery.  I got all my decals and photos up on the walls so now I just need to add a few small accessories and buy some drapes.  It's all coming together...just a few more weeks until baby.

This week also involved my yearly addiction to check out Cirque du Solieli.   This years show was called Amaluna.   This was the 6th Cirque show I have seen.  I find them hard to pass up when they are in town.  The shows are always so creative and unique and the performers are quite simply amazing.  I can't even imagine the training they must go through.   Just crazy.  Unfortunately this one was not my favorite or close to it. . Given my wide comparison range I just felt the acts in this one, although still impressive were not a big as I have seen at others.  The clowns were also more annoying than funny.   I think my favorite so far was either La Nouba, (Disney World) or Mystere (Las Vegas).   I highly recommend both if you are ever in either of these places, although Vegas as several others that I hear are quite cool.   Anyone have any favorite cirques they would recommend?

With all the family dinners that were going on this weekend I did manage to get some baking done.   One great one and one fail.  The great one would be this post, the fail would be a bubble bread loaf that rose beautifully and then somehow just died in the oven.  Frustrating!


Apple Crumble Caramel Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

• 2 cups vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake

• 4 large apples
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 - 8oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Your favorite caramel sauce

Crumble

• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 brown sugar
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/3 cup butter,  cool but slightly softened

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F.   Combine crumbs and cinnamon in a medium bowl.  Add melted butter and mix to combine and coat the crumbs.  Press into a 9 inch springform pan, lined with parchment.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Set aside and let cool.
2) Peel and core the apples. Chop into slices.  Toss with lemon juice.  In a medium saute pan, on medium heat at butter.  Once melted add apples, brown sugar and cinnamon and cook for about 5-8 minutes until apples sofften but are not mush.   Remove from heat and set aside.

3) Make the crumble :   In a large bowl combine all the crumble ingredients except the butter.  Mix together.  Then cut in the butter with your hands.  The mixture will darken and be slightly combined and clumped together in small pieces.

4) In a food processor, add cream cheese (in chunks) and granulated sugar.  Process until almost smooth, chunks are broken down.   Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla and process until well combined. Scraping down the sides as needed.
5) Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease the sides of the pan with butter, 3/4 of the way up.  Take 2/3 of the apples and put on top of the crust.   Drizzle with caramel sauce.  Top with 1/4 cup of crumble.
6) Cover the apples with the cheesecake mixture and smooth out.
7) Bake the cheesecake on the middle rack for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300F and bake for 35-40 minutes.  Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit for 20 minutes in the oven.  It is okay if the cheesecake cracks, it get completely covered.  Remove from oven to cool further.
8)  Preheat the oven to 400F. When the cheesecake has come back to room temperature.  Top with remaining apples in the center, drizzle with more caramel sauce and cover with the crumble.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crumble has started browning.
9) Let cool before slicing.  Drizzle with more caramel sauce when serving.

I honestly was a little worried about how this would turn out but I was so pleasantly surprised.   Even my Dad thought it was quite good and he is a hard dessert person to impress.   The process to get this done can be a little lengthy but well worth it.

MEG's RATING : D-EEEEE-LICIOUS.

Check out Sweet Bella Roos link up party for other "Pin" worthy recipes.

Nectarine Cherry Crumble

UGGH!  Is all I have to say.  This week has been exhausting.  I worked 4 10 hour days and then today wasn't a short as I was hoping.   Every night I got home and after a walk outside or my work out I really just wanted to sit and do nothing.  I also don't want to sit in front of a computer anymore after 10 hours of screen starting so my ability to sit and write this post was non existent.   I don't know why I seemed surprise I have been in finance for almost 10 years now you think I would get used to budget season.   Every year it is still no fun.    In short I am really happy it is Friday and looking forward to what I think will be a fairly relaxing weekend.  Some furniture shopping, some baking and maybe a movie.  I can already see myself de-stressing.    Next week is also a short work week for me as we will be at the Cottage for an extended long weekend with some friends.  Cottage weekends always lead to some baking and blog posts so I should be back on track soon.

In my continued love for cherries and my new love for nectarines,  I combined them for this quick dessert.   I like when nectarines and peaches are hard as opposed to soft,  I like pears that way too.   Much easier to eat.

Nectarine Cherry Crumble

INGREDIENTS:

Crumble

• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup flaked oats
• 2/3 brown sugar
• 1/2 cup hemp hearts
• 1/2 chopped almonds
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 

Fruit

• 2 cups pitted cherries, havled
• 2 small nectarines, chopped 
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) In a large bowl combine all crumble ingredients except the butter and mix together.  
2) Work in the butter to the crumble mixture so it darkens and clumps together.

3) In another bowl combine the two fruits, add cornstarch, sugar and cinnamon and mix together. 

4) Place fruit mixture in a 8-9 inch round souffle dish.   Add the crumble, mixing some of it into the fruit, leaving enough to cover the top.  

5) Bake at 375F for 40-45 minutes.   Fruit will be bubbling, top will be golden.  Serve warm!

MEG's RATING: D-EEEE-LICIOUS!

Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and a Rollercoaster Weekend

So I have done some baking lately but haven't had any chance to post anything.   I haven't really been near my computer since Wednesday night.   It has actually been several days of a few highs and a very low low.

My weekend practically started on Thursday,  I had to work from home to go to two doctors appointments.  One was my monthly check up with my midwife.   She went through my test results, standard check up and check the heartbeat.   Everything is A.O.K.  My second appointment was Ultrasound number 2.  This is where they take pictures of everything and check out every inch of the baby.   This also happened to be the ultrasound where baby can reveal it self.   I am a planner so there is no way I could wait until November to find out what this little bun is going to be.   The ultrasound tech was also nice enough to tell us no problem.  So baby is a.... oops sorry you will have to wait for my reveal dessert post.    

This started of the weekend great,  we got the news and we were heading up to the cottage Thursday night for a few days.  Spent three days up there enjoying the beautiful weather and got in some serious relaxation.   We came home Sunday night and cuddled up to a movie.   Monday we met our good friends for lunch to give them a reveal dessert as well.   Lunch was nice but this is when the side track started.  

When I was in my early twenties I bought myself a bulldog puppy - Bosco. (Who would be called by many names in his lifetime)  Let me just say they are by far the cutest puppies ever.  At this time I lived with my Dad and my sister.   Over the years though as I got together with my now hubby and moved in with him I couldn't take the dog with me so he stayed at my Dad's house. My sister took over the mommy reigns and took care of him for me for the last 5 years. Although I did make sure to visit quite often. I got a message from my sister Monday afternoon she was taking the dog to the vet as he was not his usually self and something seemed wrong. So for about two hours I was back and forth with her over the phone getting updates on what was going on. In the late afternoon I sadly got the call from her I needed to come say my goodbyes, we had to put him down because of cancer. Way too unexpected. The rest of the night is a complete blur. I just remember my husband dragging me out on a walk to get my mind off of it and going to bed with some heavy eyes and a headache. He wasn't well trained but he was perfect. Losing a pet is like losing a member of your family. It's never an easy thing so please give your pets a big hug for me.

Quite the roller coaster weekend in deed.  Work happened to be crazy busy this week so I did get a lot of distraction.    A week since I baked these cookies here is finally the post.

Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

(Adapted from Scientifically Sweet)

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup gluten free flour mix
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup xylitol or granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup crunchy or smooth natural peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup Reese's pieces.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt in a medium bowl. 

2) In a large bowl or mixer bowl, beat together butter, sugar and xylitol until well combined.  Beat in peanut butter until just combined.  

3) Add in egg and vanilla and beat together. 

4) Add in oats, mix together and let sit to allow oats to slightly hydrate.

5) Add flour and mix together until almost incorporated.

6) Add Reese's pieces until just combined

7) Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. 

8) Preheat oven to 350F.  Cover baking sheet with silpat or parchment. Using a small to medium scoop place rounds on baking sheets and flatten slightly.   These cookies don't spread too much.  Bake for 10 -12 minutes.   Let cookies cool on rack a minute or two.     Transfer to a wire rack to cool.  

Okay,  so when I went to write up this recipe I realized I did it wrong but these cookies still turned out really good.   I would have preferred a bit crispier as these did remain quite soft, they might have been crispier if I followed the recipe properly. It is hard to go wrong with the chocolate peanut butter combination.  

MEG's RATING: D-EEEE-LICIOUS

Raspberry Quinoa Muffins

I am back from the sun and relaxation.  It was a great trip and Barbados is a beautiful island.   I spent most of my days at the pool reading, going through 2.5 books.  We did manage to squeeze in a rum and history that took us on a tour of the island, some kayaking and catamaran trip.  Unfortunately my plan for turtles was swatted by a cruise ship over feeding turtles and some motion sickness in the water, so I sadly saw none.   Here are a few pics,  I oddly didn't take that many and just had the temperamental point and shoot.

This was a plantation we stopped at on our island tour.   Lots of old cool things in side.

These are some old shoes.  Look how thin they are.

This was the cabinet of old cameras.  There was two of these.   Very Cool.

We stopped at one of the many churches on the island.   This church had the tree of life in the cemetery,  I had to hug it. 

This is the East side of the Island.   A litte more rough and rocky.

This is the west side of the island at our resort.  Calm, sandy and wonderful.

Now back to reality and work. Ughh...who wants that.   The first few days back have been miserable and I have been one cranky lady in the office.   I am sure it is just first week back blues or maybe I just need some baking to get me back to normal.  I finally got this blog post out so I must be getting back on track.  This weekend will involve baking and some photo/recipe pinning.   Here are some healthy muffins to get me back on track after a week of a lot of desserts.

Quinoa Raspberry Rhubarb Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup Whole Wheat flour
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup cooked Quinoa
1 1/4  tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup pureed dates
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup fresh or frozen rhubarb

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Soak 1/2 cup of pitted dates in hot water. Let soak half an hour and puree until smooth.
2) Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a muffin pan with 12 paper liners
3) Combine whole wheat flour, oats, quinoa, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Stir together.
4) In a large bowl or mixer bowl beat together oil, dates and honey until well combined.
5) Add egg and vanilla, mix to combine
6) Stir in dry mixture until almost combined.
7) Fold in raspberries and rhubarb gently to minimize the raspberries from breaking and running.
8) Using a 1/4 cup scoop, fill the muffin liners, two thirds full.
9) Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then place on wire rack to cool completely.

I love fruity muffins.  

MEG's RATING : D-EEEE-LICIOUS!

Apricot Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies

So I have finally booked my trip to Barbados and we are leaving in less than two weeks.   Talk about last minute.   The price didn't change for the last few weeks so we decided to sit on it for a while.  I have also just been on the fence about booking since the weather has been so nice.  In the end it is not just the weather , it is the getaway, no distractions, no work,  just relaxing.   So I am now looking forward to the pool, reading, the turtles, and maybe the shopping.    The nice thing about booking late is that you also don't have a long countdown to get there, my countdown is only 10 days.   Sweet.

Unfortunately this cuts into my Easter baking plans as I will lose a full week of potential creations.  Hopefully I can squeeze in some baking this weekend.  I already have one idea in my head.  I do also want to bake some treats or granola bars to bring with me on the trip.   These cookies might be one of them.

Oatmeal Cookies with Apricots and Pistachios
(adapted from Cooks Illustrated)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F.  In a large bowl or your mixer bowl beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. 

2) Add in eggs one at a time beating on low. 

3) Combine flour, salt, baking powder and cinnamon in a small bowl, then stir into wet mixture.

4) Stir in oats, apricots and pistachios.  

5) Using a small ice cream scoop, add the rounds to a parchment/silpat line baking sheet.   Bake until cookies are turning golden on the edges, 10-12 minutes.   Let cool on a wire rack, store in a airtight container.

I think these are the best oatmeal cookies I have ever made. I don't know what else to say.  I am going to make them again this weekend.

MEG's RATING : D-EEEEE-LICIOUS

Pear Cherry Crumble Pie

Did anyone watch the Golden Globes last night?  I sat here staring at my screen for quite some time not writing any thing.   Every time I tempted to write something I lost my train of thought and then got distracted again by pretty dresses and handsome men.

Something about pears..don't remember, George Clooney arrived.  Dried Cherries, blah blah, don't remember Adam Levine showed up.   And then I was laughing at Ricky Gervais.   Not mean and still funny.

Back to crumble pies...,  I love any kind of crumble.  Any fruit, any nut,  bring it on.   Crumbles are easy,  almost impossible to screw up, sweet, tart, nutty and crunchy all in one bite.  What's not to love?

What are your favorite crumble flavours?

Pear Cherry Crumble Pie
(adapted from Fine Cooking)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Pie Crust - pre-made or homemade (whatever you have time for - mine was pre-made)

Crumble

• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed

Filling

• 4-5 Barlett pears, peeled, chopped & cubed
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Combine dry crumble ingredients in a medium bowl and mix together.  Add butter and mix together with your hands, mixing together moistening the crumble.   It will get darker as the butter is absorbed.

2) Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl and toss together to coat the pears with the
sugar/cinnamon.

3) Take 1/2 cup of the filling and mix it in with the pears.   Add filling to the pie dough.

4) Top the pie with remaining crumble.  Bake @ 350F for 50 minutes on a baking sheet.
5) Let cool slightly, serve warm with ice cream.    Pie can be reheated if not served right away.

And all the remained was an empty silver tin.  This might be one of my favorite combinations to date.  This might have to replace my holiday apple crumble.

MEG's RATING - D-EEEEE-LICIOUS