Tag Archives: easy_entertaining

Schofferhofer Grapefruit Brie Apple Crisp

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Beer, grapefruit, brie and grandma’s apple crisp? What the what?” Welcome to the delicious world of craft beers! This Schofferhofer Grapefruit Brie Apple Crisp will conjure up some of those wonderful grandma’s cooking memories, but it will also bring you into the new (ish) & exciting world of craft beer, and all the fabtastic foods you can create. Alone, this Schofferhofer Grapefruit hefeweizen is refreshing to the taste buds and nose, worthy of any spring fling or summer pool party. With some fresh fruit and brie, it becomes Oscar worthy. Because of the brie, this dish can be used as either an appetizer or dessert. I personally tried some for breakfast, and it was incredible. Because I run on the hedonistic side, I also tried equal parts of Schofferhofer Grapefruit and champagne. Move over mimosa, there’s a new sheriff in town! YUM!!! I hope that you get as much enjoyment out of this recipe as I have!

Ingredients

5 lbs Apples, peeled, cored & cut into wedges
12 oz brie, cut into very small cubes
1/2 cup Schofferhofer Grapefruit
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbs tapioca
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into very small cubes

Combine apples and next 6 ingredients. Pour into greased 9×12 baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients in food processor by pulsing and just until combined. Drop over apple mixture. Bake at 350 until topping is browned and filling is bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving. It’ll be VERY hot! Enjoy!

 

 

Brie, Prosciutto & Balsamic Caramelized Onions Flatbread

20140306_150115

Brie, Prosciutto and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Flatbread

I was hungry. That’s how this happened. I was simply hungry. I looked in the fridge and noticed there was brie that was at the “need to be consumed or else” phase. I just happened to pick up pizza dough at the deli yesterday. I recalled there was prosciutto in the “spare” fridge on the back patio. The final piece was sweetness. How do I add sweetness without ruining the savory of the flatbread? Glancing around the kitchen and in the cupboards, I noticed red onions and balsamic vinegar. BOOM! The final piece fell into place.20140306_150211

I’ll warn you: this flatbread borders on insanely good. The brie isn’t overwhelming. The onions aren’t overwhelming. It is over the top with flavors that work together like a symphony. Ridiculous, I say! Shhhh, don’t tell anyone how simple it is. Be prepared. It’ll knock your socks off. Feed people a salad first so they don’t eat it all! :)

Ingredients

1/2 prepared pizza dough (from the bakery or deli)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
1 Tbs butter
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 large red onion, chopped
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 lb Brie, rind removed and chopped
6 oz Prosciutto, coarsely chopped

Roll out or stretch pizza dough until very thin. Place on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, and dust lightly with kosher salt. In sauté pan, heat butter and the 1 Tbs olive oil over medium heat, until butter is melted. Add onions and cook until they begin to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Be careful with adding the vinegar; the fumes can be powerful if you breathe them in. Combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, and reduce for about 10 minutes. Assemble the flatbread: layer brie pieces, then prosciutto (it should cover the flatbread almost entirely), and finally the caramelized onions. Bake in 400 degree over for 18 to 20 minutes.

Copyright © Henriettibles 2014 All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without Henriettibles’ express consent. Backlinks are allowed.

 

Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ Turkey Roulade

Shugga Taps 2005After ringing in the New Year, all that debauching from the Holidaze has given you “buyers remorse”. Packed on a few pounds, eh? I know I did my fare share debauching pound packing! So, we’ve all decided we’re going to exercise every day, eat right, drink less. Torture is what I call it!

Believe it or not, you can actually come up with some pretty tasty recipes that won’t pack on the pounds, but they will give you plenty of taste. One such creation is the Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ Turkey Roulade. The flavors in Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ will remind of currants and plums. Think how well those flavors go with turkey. Once you’ve prepared this delightful treat, pair it with Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ (should be served in a brandy snifter at 55 degrees); you’ll immediately get a hint of peach aroma that works magic with the turkey roulade - but be careful, this Sweet Release packs 10% alcohol! Let the good times roulade!

Ingredients

  • 1 whole (2 halves) turkey breast, boned and butterflied (5 pounds)
  • 1/4 pound bacon
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed Oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 1/2 cups finely diced sweet onion
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 bunches fresh spinach, stems trimmed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons granulated garlic
  • 3 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix
  • 1 1/4 cups dried pomegranate (or cranberries)
  • 1/2 cup Lagunitas Brown Shugga’
  • 2 tablespoons brandy
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 extra-large egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy over medium-high heat. Remove bacon and chop. Add onions and garlic to pan and saute until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until caramelized around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes more minutes. Add the spinach, grapeseed oil, butter,1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted and any juices have evaporated from the pan. Transfer to a colander to drain and set aside until cool enough to handle. Once cooled, squeeze lightly to release any excess liquid, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the chopped bacon, stuffing mix, pomegranate, Lagunitas Brown Shugga’, brandy, pine nuts, chicken stock, egg and remaining teaspoon of salt. Mix well (I use my hands!).

Lay the butterflied turkey breast skin side down on a cutting board. Sprinkle the meat with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Spread the stuffing in a 1/2-inch-thick layer evenly over the meat, leaving a half-inch border on all sides. Place any leftover stuffing in a buttered baking dish and bake for the last 45 minutes of roasting alongside the turkey. Starting at 1 end, roll the turkey like a jelly roll and tuck in any stuffing that comes out the sides. Tie the roast firmly with kitchen twine every 2 inches to make a compact cylinder.

Place the stuffed turkey breast seam side down on the rack on the sheet pan. Brush with the melted butter, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and roast at 325 for 1 3/4 to 2 hours (150 degrees F in the center). Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Carve 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve warm with the extra stuffing.

Gravy

Saute 2 tbss minced shallots and 1/4 cup dried pomegranate in 1 tbs of butter until shallots are translucent. Add 1 cup of Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ and allow to reduce until about half. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Combine 2 tbs softened butter and 2 tbs flour; mix until smooth. Add to broth mixture. Whisk until slightly thickened and smooth. Serve over roulade.

Copyright © Henriettibles 2014 All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without Henriettibles’ express consent. Backlinks are allowed.

Post Road Pumpkin Ale Bars with White Chocolate Pumpkin Ale Cream Cheese Frosting

It’s October. It’s not the ghosts and goblins that remind us, it’s the pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin PostRoadlattes, pumpkin coffees that remind our taste buds that it’s October. This is a recipe that I started making about 15 years ago. I’ve altered it over the years, a beautiful and decided to make a tasty addition of Post Road Pumpkin Ale to make a grown up and more sophisticated version. If you’ve got mini loaf pans, that would be a great way to make some fabtastic gifts for the holidaze. Just fill the pans at half you would for bread. I promise you, not only will your kitchen smell heavenly, these mouth watering pumpkin bars will be all treat, no tricks!

Post Road Pumpkin Ale Bars with White Chocolate Pumpkin Ale Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup sugar
1 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (preferably clear)
1 Tbs Post Road Pumpkin Ale
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp fresh ground nutmeg
8 oz chopped white chocolate (small but not fine)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheet/jelly roll pan (approximately 15 x 10). Beat butter until fluffy. Add sugars and beat until mixture is creamy. Add pumpkin, vanilla and Post Road Pumpkin Ale until combined. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices and gradually beat into butter mixture. Fold in white chocolate and walnuts. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until pick comes out clean. Cool in pan.

Frosting

11 oz white chocolate (good quality), melted
12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 Tbs Post Road Pumpkin Ale
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (preferably clear)
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
2 Tbs powdered sugar

In medium bowl, cream together melted white chocolate and cream cheese. Add cinnamon and cloves. Stir in pumpkin beer and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar. Beat until lump free. Spread on baked pumpkin bars. Allow to set and serve.

Copyright © Henriettibles 2013 All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without Henriettibles’ express consent. Backlinks are allowed.

Perfect Pie Crust Recipe

For some reason, many folks find the prospect of making a pie crust from scratch to be very daunting.

© Karcich | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
© Karcich | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Often times, people who aren’t afraid to make pie crust, really shouldn’t be doing it. The first secret for a great pie crust recipe is FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS PRECISELY!

Baking is a science; if you don’t use precise measurements, you’ll end with a science project gone wrong. You know that commercial that the volcano science project explodes all over the kitchen ceiling?

Okay, it probably won’t explode all over the kitchen ceiling if you aren’t precise, but you get the gist. Purchasing a bra requires knowing the precise size; would you purchase a bra without knowing measurements or what size to purchase? Or shoes? And so it goes, you shouldn’t bake without precise measurements. And don’t substitute! People tell me all the time that they can’t bake; as the conversation progresses, I find out not only did they not follow the directions precisely, they also made non compatible substitutions. Okay, enough of the lecture!

If you want to use this crust for something savory, add some fresh herbs when you add the butter, just not a lot of it. You want just a hint of flavor, not overwhelming flavor. The savory crust is great to use in making an amazing chicken pot pie.

Some folks use half butter and half shortening. I prefer butter all the way, baby! I love the buttery, flaky taste of this crust and I bet you will, too! This pie crust recipe is enough for two bottom crusts, or a bottom and top crust, or about 2 dozen tartlets.

Ingredients

2 1/2 Cups flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup COLD, UNSALTED butter (if it doesn’t say “unsalted”, don’t use it!)
1/4 cup ice water

Directions

Combine flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Cut butter into small pieces (I sometimes do this ahead of time and leave in frig so it stays cold. You’ll be surprised how quickly the heat from your fingers can warm it up.) and add to the processor bowl. Process until it resembles coarse meal or large grains of sand (should be about 10 seconds). With processor on, slowly pour ice water through the feeder until the dough holds together - it should not be wet or sticky! Divide the dough in two and fatten each into a round disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. When chilled, roll out on lightly floured surface to desired diameter.

Copyright © Henriettibles 2013 All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without Henriettibles’ express consent. Backlinks are allowed.

Butter Pecan Bourbon Cake

Bourbon. You know it. You love it. Now you’ll really, really want it! Two great tastes combined in one luscious cake, our Butter Pecan Bourbon Cake by Henriettibles.

What’s not to love? This cake is as easy to make as it is good to eat. Every party I take this cake to, it disappears in the blink of an eye. If you’re taking it to a party, you might want to make two so you have some for yourself!
bourbon bundt
Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix
  • 1 pkg vanilla pudding - the type you cook, not instant
  • 4 eggs - when baking, eggs should be at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup Jesse James Bourbon Whiskey

Directions:

Beat all with electric mixer until combined. Pour into greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake at 325 for 60 minutes.*

*If you really like pecans, put some in the bottom of the Bundt pan before adding batter.

Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter 283847_258559834170076_4848477_n
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

Melt all in saucepan, bring just to a boil. Pour over cake as soon as it comes out of oven. Allow to cool slightly (be sure to allow the syrup to all absorb into the cake) in pan before turning out on to a serving plate.

Copyright © Henriettibles 2012 All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without Henriettibles’ express consent. Backlinks are allowed.