Cinnamon bread tree

Sharon found a recipe for a festive looking cinnamon bread.

As written the recipe makes four trees each of which would serve 8-10.

I found this approach simpler than the more traditional cinnamon roll.

Crispy Phyllo Spinach Tartlets

First attempt at crispy phyllo spinach tartlets turned out to be "a learning experience" that turned out well enough in the end. I have not worked with phyllo much in the past and didn't realize that it required thawing which takes many hours to do right. I tried to accelerate the process in a 200 degree oven, but I think this resulted in drying out the dough and creating a lot of tearing.

The filling was tasty. I am tempted to try some dried cranberries in place of the sun dried tomatoes next time. I didn't have a good tartlet pan so I used some Corelle bowls. This made four large tartlets, which seemed like two servings worth. Next time I would use the small bowls.

The leftovers were ok, but these were much better fresh.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts -- FAIL

I tried out a recipe for roasted brussels sprouts but something went horribly wrong.

I tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted them at 400 for 40 minutes. Maybe they were a little smaller and more open than "traditional" brussels sprouts, but they ended up really charred.

I turned them when they still had 15 minutes left, I turned them and they were starting to show some color.

Stuffed chicken thighs

Had a first go at chicken thighs stuffed with a spinach parmesan stuffing.

Overall, I liked how the chicken turned out. It produced a lot of sauce, so it would have been good to serve over something that could use the sauce (rice, pasta, steamed veggies, ...).  I also think it would have presented better sliced in 3 or 4 slices to show off the stuffing.

Persimmon Apple Crisp

I adapted a recipe from Chow for apple crisp to make a persimmon apple crisp that went over very well at a little gathering we had yesterday. I wanted to make this both gluten free and tree-nut free, so I went with oat flour rather than wheat flour in the topping.

Experimental semi-paleo Waffle recipe

Having tried a recipe for almond meal waffles that were only partially successful (didn't hold together well, and didn't have quite the right mouth feel), I decided to experiment today. My dear wife got me Cooking for Geeks and The Science of Good Food for my birthday, both of which I consulted for waffle wisdom. I also googled around a little.
My plan was to try half wheat flour / half almond meal, leaven by whipping the egg whites and yolks (seperately) and a pinch of baking soda / powder,  use bacon drippings for the fat and salt, and experiment a little with the liquid. When beating the egg whites I added a teaspoon of sugar per a suggestion I found online.
So, this is what I ended up with...

Waffles Vorax:

Ideas for a holiday party

Starting to plan for a holiday party. 
Here are some ideas Sharon found...

Hot spinach artichoke dip

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/hot-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/index.html

Beef mole
http://theviewfromthegreatisland.blogspot.com/2012/11/beef-and-pumpkin-chili-mole.html

Whole menu
http://www.finecooking.com/menus/elegant-make-ahead-christmas-dinner-holiday-menu.aspx

Make-Ahead Christmas Recipes
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/make_ahead_christmas_recipes

Crispy Phyllo Spinach Tartlets -- done
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/crispy_phyllo_spinach_tartlets.html

Stuffed Chicken Thighs Braised in Tomato Sauce
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/stuffed_chicken_thighs.html
Tried this. Worked ok. Would be better served over something that could use the sauce. 

Roasted Fall Vegetables in Cheddar Crust
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/roasted_fall_vegetables_in_cheddar_crust.html

Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole
http://mavensprintablerecipes.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-ahead-sweet-potato-casserole.html

Apple Sausage Stuffing for Your Turkey
http://www.kitchenwitchmaven.com/2009/10/apple-sausage-stuffing-for-your-turkey.html
Tried this twice. Pay attention to not letting it burn on top (if cooking on the side).

Chocolate hazelnut snickerdoodles
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-hazelnut-snickerdoodle-cookies-recipe/index.html


Rainbow Tie-dye Christmas Wreath Bundt Cake
http://www.cookingwithsugar.com/rainbow-tie-dye-christmas-wreath-bundt-cake/

A Christmas Baking Tradition: Tree Breads -- done
http://www.madeitonmonday.com/2010/11/christmas-baking-tradition-tree-breads.html

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
http://www.madeitonmonday.com/2010/11/christmas-baking-tradition-tree-breads.html

Colorful Swirl Cookies
http://ouritaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/colorful-swirl-cookies.html

Festive Cabot Cheddar Tree
http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes/recipe.php?id=194&catID=59

Reindeer Feed
http://www.butterwithasideofbread.com/2012/07/reindeer-food.html



Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-hazelnut-biscotti-recipe/index.html

In the queue: things I want to try ...

Here is a running list of things I want to try sometime soon...

• chocolate brownie cookies
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Zucchini bread pancakes
• Almond zucchini bread
• Another almond zucchini bread
• Gnudi
• Italian Meringue -- from Cooking for Geeks
• Make simple syrup of 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water to 240 degrees. Set aside.
• Whisk 3 egg whites to soft peak. Slowly pour in sugar syrup while whisking.
• Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Bacon fat biscuits 
• Bacon fat whole week pancakes
• Bacon fat tortillas
• Bacon fat brownies
• Super easy cider
• Paleo pumpkin pie

Cooking veggies in the fireplace

Had a fire in the fireplace and decided to experiment with roasting some veggies in the coals.

Scrubbed two potatoes, an apple, and a carrot and rubbed them with some bacon drippings.

Placed them on a sheet of aluminum foil with a couple sprigs of rosemary.

I tried setting the potato in front of the fire, but it didn't really get hot enough.

So as the fire was dying down to coals, I just set the thing in against the inside wall and piled a bunch of hot coals on top.

I should have waited until it reached 210 degrees, but the coals seemed to be cooling off, and I was ready to eat at 204. This left the potatoes a little crunchy, but still cooked. The carrots were ok. But the Apple was amazing with a noticeable hint of rosemary.