Steak House Style Creamed Spinach

If you like creamed spinach you know how good it tastes, trying to make it LOOK appealing is something else entirely..... :)

And if you don't like it, you'll probably want to skip this post entirely..... :p

This version is my favorite, it's very similar to the kind served at Ruth Chris' Steak House; perfect with grilled steaks, roast chicken, or roasted meats. But it's also vegetarian friendly.

Like many cooks I usually add a little fresh nutmeg to most cooked spinach dishes and this one is no exception. But I also add minced shallot, a bay leaf and one whole clove to lend an interesting nuance to the usually plain tasting dish.

I like to serve it in individual au gratin dishes for neater serving on the plate. Sometimes I sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan and place under the broiler.

The broiled cheese finish firms it up a bit for those who may be squeamish about the texture of plain creamed spinach.

If

If you would like a printable copy of the recipe, please click HERE.

If you're still with me... thank you for stopping by today!

Merry Christmas !

From our Home (and Kitchen) to Yours. :) ~

What do we love about Christmas;
Does our delight reside in "things" ?

Or are the feelings in our hearts
The real gift that Christmas brings.

It's seeing those we love,
And sending Christmas cards, too,

Appreciating people who bring us joy
Special people just like you .

Best wishes for a very happy holiday, friends !

* Poem by Joanna and Karl Fuchs

Caramel Popcorn with Fleur de Sel

I first learned of the basic recipe for this utterly delicious caramel popcorn from my friend Em on her blog The Repressed Pastry Chef. Em's blog was one of the very first I began following, even before I started blogging myself ~ it still remains a favorite.

Unlike some caramel popcorn recipes this one does not require a candy thermometer, you just mix and boil the simple caramel ingredients for 5 minutes, then stir in a little baking soda and vanilla and pour the mixture over the popcorn, place in the oven and slow roast, stirring occasionally until the corn is evenly coated and nicely crisped.

I am not a huge fan of caramel popcorn, but I LOVE this version.

Crispy and light, not heavy or sticky. I think you might love it, too.

The recipe calls for peanuts (an optional ingredient), I used pecans this time. You could use most any nut you like.

The popcorn made according to the recipe is delicious, and is not overly sweet. Since I tend to prefer salty tastes over sweets, I took the liberty of sprinkling the finished caramel popcorn with Fleur de Sel. Perfection!

This is a delightful snack and makes a nice little gift at holiday time, too.

If you would like a printable copy of the recipe you can find it

HERE on my recipe blog.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate !

Thank you for stopping by to visit my blog today ~

I appreciate any comments you would like to share.

Silky Cauliflower and Cheddar Cheese Soup

I love a warming soup on a cold, rainy or snowy day, do you?

This one goes together rather quickly, and there is no long simmering.





Even if you or yours don't care for cauliflower you may like it prepared this way. It's the way one of my favorite aunts used to make it for me.





It is reminiscent of that childhood favorite good old macaroni and cheese ~ without the macaroni. Kids have been known to love this soup, adults too.:)




I like to use sharp cheddar and add a little extra cayenne pepper to make it slightly spicy, but of course you can use a milder cheddar and skip the hot pepper if you prefer.




I usually serve it with buttered toast or crispy English Muffins, it's so good!

If you think it is a soup you might like, you can find a printable copy of the recipe on the OUaP recipe blog ~ click HERE.

Thank you for stopping by today!

Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese-Coconut Frosting

My favorite cupcakes in two-bite size ~ the recipe I use for the cupcake batter is Nigella Lawson's recipe for Fairy Cakes.

The bonus is that the batter is made in the food processor; it nearly goes together in the blink of an eye.







And the cream cheese frosting is Ina Garten's with coconut. I halve the recipe and there is plenty for 24 of these mini-cupcakes.





Because it is the Christmas season I decorated them with the tip-leaves from my organic mint to resemble holly, and tiny cinnamon candies known as "Red Hots" (tm) to represent red berries.



These are the perfect size for a tea-snack, a kids party, or a holiday dessert buffet.




They also make a nice little gift on a pretty plate for neighbors and friends.




Of course if you don't care for coconut you can substitute with a generous sprinkling of confectioners' sugar, or just omit the extra toppings.

If you would like a printable copy of the recipes, you'll find them on my recipe blog.

Click HERE.

Thank you for stopping by today!

I always am very appreciative of any comments you share with me.

...:)

A Christmas Breakfast Table ~ Tablescape Thursday

Welcome! I'm serving up a Christmas Breakfast in the dining nook. It's so chilly outside, but the fireplace is crackling and warm ~ please pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable.

Lots of pictures today, so the page may take a few moments to load. Thank you for your patience ~ I'll keep the chit-chat to a minimum. :)

Here we are in the cozy dining nook, again at the antique claw-foot table.

This round table has inserts (leafs) which convert the table from round to oval shape. Then 10 to 12 can be seated comfortably around the oval, and I much prefer taking meals here than in the formal dining room.

This time I went with a red and white theme, and kept it casual ~

skipping tablecloth and place mats.

Little jingle bell wreaths and candy canes as favors.

The cabinet is made by a local artist and furniture maker Chris Hart, she designed this one around the antique paned window, latch and hinges.

I'm a long time collector of her pieces. In fact, much of the furniture and art objects in my house have been made by Chris.

I adore her work, and you can see evidence of her one-of-a-kind pieces all throughout my house. :)

Please see the link at the bottom of the page to visit her on-line studio.

Throughout the year I use this particular cabinet for display and storage.

During the various holidays I add a few additional decorative touches;

Hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments for this time of year.

Santa in his gift laden sleigh, a little silver vase with faux red berries, and a little glass Christmas stocking ornament.

Some antique copperware, espresso cups and saucers, a coeur à la crème mold, and fresh linens.

It must be Frosty himself. :)

We live out in the country, in the wooded forest, so a pick-up truck for the "Country-Themed" tree seems essential!

It's by Christopher Radko and displayed here

in French creme brulee ramekins, of course!

It's the kind of pick-up truck you see around here frequently.

Santa taking a rest.

Simple and inexpensive centerpiece ~ a battery operated pillar candle in

glass hurricane vase set atop a white charger. Decorated with Douglas Fir branches from the property, candy canes and a few more hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments.

Some years we decorate several themed trees and place them throughout the house ~ this year only one tree and a small one in the kitchen.

But I still pull out some of the other ornaments for decorations around the house. This wooden Santa usually graces the Country Christmas Tree in the I love the hand pounded stars and moon on his hanger.

The silver-plated antique pitcher is very special to me.

It is a water pitcher from the restaurant my grandfather owned and operated in

San Francisco in the 1930's and '40s. My father worked as a server there through high school, and when I use it I like to remember that their hands held it long before I was born.

The silverplate flatware is from the old Martha Stewart by Mail online store (from about 9 or 10 years ago.) She always offered such high quality merchandise,

I was sad when the online store ceased operations some years back.

I forgot to mention that the candle is a plain one, I just wrapped red ribbon around it to suggest a candy cane pattern, carrying out the theme.

Tablescape Thursday is hosted by

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Please click the link to visit Susan's blog and find a list of all of this weeks participants.

Sources:

Merry Christmas plates/chargers: Nell Hill, as well as Home Depot

Red and White Scalloped Bowls and Plates: Crate and Barrel

Silverplate flatware: Martha Stewart by Mail (about 9 or 10 years ago)

Napkins: April Cornell

Ruby Red Goblets: Pottery Barn

Clear Pressed Glass Goblets: Dollar Store

Art Deco Silverplate Pitcher: Family antique

Trifle bowl, holding Red globe ornaments: Neiman Marcus

Glass Hurricane: Inexpensive, I believe it was from Big Lots

Handblown Glass ornaments ~ Collected over the years

Silverplate napkin holders: P.O.S.H. Chicago

Red Jinglebell Wreaths: Crate and Barrel

Red and White Cabinet: Chris Hart Studio

Click link, then left sidebar on her homepage to see examples of Chris' fabulous work.

Fair warning though, if you see something you like, BUY it now because her works are one of a kind, and extremely popular.

Thank you for stopping by today, I'm so happy you could make it.

Please remember, there is always a place at the table for you so please come back often. ~ m.

Individual Dutch Babies ~ Oven Baked Puff Pancakes

Probably most everyone is familiar with the puffy oven-baked pancakes known as "Dutch Babies". I've posted about them before (HERE.)

They have been a favorite at our house for many years and usually I make the big, spectacular kind, baked in a large pan.

But sometimes for a special breakfast I'll bake individually sized portions in smaller pans like these 6.5-inch diameter Lodge cast iron skillets. I originally bought a bunch of these little skillets for a tapas party we had, but they are a great size for preparing or serving other foods as well.

The ingredients for the Dutch Baby batter is exactly the same; Eggs, Flour, Milk and Butter. Some like to add a little vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt and/or sugar ~ that's up to you.

The method is very simple; preheat the oven to 450 to 500 degrees (F), place the pan(s) into the oven to heat. While the pans are heating whisk or blend the batter ingredients together; I always combine and whir everything in the blender. Add butter to the pans and allow it to melt, then pour the batter into the melted butter.

In about 10 to 20 minutes the oven pancakes will have puffed and browned dramatically. If you like the eggy taste and texture bake for the shorter amount of time, if you like them slightly crispy as I do, allow them to bake a little longer and they will brown nicely.

Top them with anything you like; this time I chose time blueberries and raspberries with a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of Confectioner's sugar. Maple syrup, honey, yogurt, cinnamon apples, or any fruit or fruit syrup are also delicious; you can offer a selection and allow everyone to add the toppings of their choice at the table.

I do like the larger Dutch Babies for a dramatic show, but the individual size allows more of the delectable crispy edges per portion. :)

If you would like a printable copy of the recipe, click HERE.

For another of my posts about the spectacular size Dutch Babies ~

click HERE.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by ~ I would love if you would leave me a comment!