Category Archives: Baked Goods

Downeast Maine Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

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This recipe for pumpkin bread is not my own however I did decide to add chocolate chips on my own because everything is better with chocolate! You can find this recipe all over the internet but it is one of my absolute favorites because it is moist and packed with pumpkin flavor. I also love that it makes 3 loaves which means its great to share with friends. If you’re in the mood for some festive fall flavors – this bread is for you!

Downeast Maine Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Makes 3 loaves

  • 1 (15oz) Can pumpkin puree
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 (12oz) bag chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Stir in bag of chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pans.
  3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
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Simple Scones

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IMG_9141

One of my weaknesses is baked good. I love them all, sweet, savory I just can’t stay away. I try not to buy or make them however because if they are in my house, I will eat them all. One treat I will make are scones. Maybe because they are so simple, or maybe because they are so delicious – its hard to say. I have another great fall recipe for scones, these cranberry orange ones from my Morning Glory Farm cookbook are to die for. This recipe is one that my mother always makes, she got it out of the cookbook “Perfect Recipes for having people over.” I love that this recipe uses raisins instead of currents which give the scones some extra sweetness. Also the sour cream gives these a perfectly flaky texture. You’ll love these anytime of day! Enjoy.

Simple Scones (Makes 8)

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 2 Cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, frozen

Directions:

  1. Place oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk sour cream and egg in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Mix flour 6 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and raisins in a medium bowl. Grate butter into flour mixture, using large holes of a box grater; toss to combine.
  4. Stir in sour cream mixture until large clumps of dough form. Use your hands to press dough against sides and bottom of bowl to form a ball.
  5. Place dough on a lightly floured work surface and pat into a 7 1/2 inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake until golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for a least 5 minutes. Serve hot, warm or room temperature.

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

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IMG_5593Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (or so I am told!) but I never seem to have time for it! During the week I am always running out the door in a rush, which leaves little time for scrambled eggs and bacon. I am always thinking of easy, on-the-go ideas that I can throw in my bag and eat at my desk or in the car. These no bake energy bites are perfect for those busy mornings. I was inspired by a local coffee shop that has similar bites when I was making these little peanut butter gems! Just two or three is enough to hold me over until I am able to blend up a smoothie or tie me over until lunch. Even better I love stuffing a few in a zip-lock bag and bringing them on the mountain with me when I am skiing or hiking! The best part about them is they taste just like a cookie… but they are healthier!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (dry) old-fashioned oats
  • 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
  2. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1″ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  3. Makes about 20-25 balls.

Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Breakfast Cookies

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IMG_4852Whoever said cookies aren’t a breakfast food, lied. Cookies are great for breakfast especially when they are packed with protein and deliciousness like chocolate chips and oats! I had some old brown bananas and I was really bored of making banana bread. I mean seriously- what else can you do with over ripe bananas other than freeze them for smoothies or make banana bread?

Now you can make gluten free, vegan and healthy cookies that are easy to pack for breakfast on the go, crumbled over yogurt or for an afternoon snack. There are lots of other ingredients you could substitute into the cookies too. Try some dried cranberries instead of chocolate chips (or WITH chocolate chips!) add pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. The options are endless! Plus what better way to get your picky eaters to get their whole grains and fruits in the morning?? A kid turning down a cookie for breakfast? That has never happened! Happy baking!

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3 cups rolled oats (quick or regular)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Other optional ingredients- pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, coconut, raisins

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350
  2. Place the oats in a blender or food processor and blend until oats are consistency of flour- if there is still larger chunks of oats, that is OK.
  3. In a large bowl combine mashed bananas, oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips and whatever else you want. Mix to combine.
  4. Place dough (it will be very sticky!) on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
  5. Store in a plastic zip lock bag or wrap and freeze them individual. Makes 12-16 large cookies.

Bacon & Spinach Mini Quiches (Gluten Free)

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IMG_3240Happy summer solstice! A few days late but who is keeping track, right? Especially when the weather has been so beautiful, warm and sunny! I love this time of year when it stays late out until 10pm, it makes me feel really productive, like I have a few extra hours in the day! Even though summer has officially started and school is out for the year, us adults still have to work (big bummer) Oh to be a kid again! The morning “rush” is as usually in our house hold through the summer and I’m not one to skip a meal! And lets be honest, skipping breakfast because you’re in a hurry is a recipe for disaster!

These quiches are great for a quick breakfast, lunch or snack, especially when time is of the essence. Make them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer for later, they are easy to reheat in the microwave and off you go! They are also great for school lunches and after school snacks but don’t let your kids know I’m already talking about back to school… (even though you moms out there are probably already looking forward to it!) These taste delish even when you’re not in a rush… My favorite way to eat them is paired with a big ol’ Bloody Mary or mimosa on a Sunday morning! Enjoy!

IMG_3242Easy Bacon & Egg Mini Quiches (Makes 10-20 depending on the size of your tin)

Ingredients:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, garlic powder, pepper, and parsley until fully combined. Add Parmesan, cheddar, spinach and bacon, mix well.
  2. Spray muffin tins (I used mini and smaller sized ones) with cooking spray. Be sure not to miss any spots so the quiche does not stick! Fill muffin tins about 3/4 of the way full. Place them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
  3. Serve warm or these can be easily frozen and heated up in the microwave for a quick breakfast on the go.

Paleo Cornbread Minus the Corn

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IMG_0513Good Morning! It’s another chili morning here in Park City- I was all ready to post another soup recipe because that is basically what I have been living off the last two weeks. Soup and more soup. Don’t worry I have an awesome black bean soup coming your way soon.. but first I thought you’d enjoy a little something to go along with your soup, chili or stew… and what better than “cornbread”?

Ok, so I was pretty skeptical about this recipe, how can you make CORNbread, you know… without the corn? Well turns out its possible and its also pretty delicious! The first time my friend Kim made this recipe for me I had no idea it didn’t have any corn in it. 10 minutes later I had successfully eaten half the plate and asked for the recipe to make some more! There’s really only one way for you to understand just how epic these muffins are – you must make them for yourself! Almond flour can be found at your local natural food store or Whole Foods- make sure the ingredients say “blanched almonds” it really does make a difference!  IMG_0511Paleo Cornbread Minus the Corn (Serves 4-6)

Recipe from Our Paleo Life

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Almond Flour
  • ¼ cup Coconut Flour
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 Tbsp Ghee, melted (clarified butter- can be found in the baking section at Whole Foods or other specialty stores)
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • ½ cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F
  2. Grease a muffin tin or baking pan (8×8) for a baking pan lining it with parchment paper or other non-stick covering is easiest.
  3. Blend all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Using a hand whisk, add all the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend well.
  5. Using a spoon fill muffin tins 3/4 full or pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes for muffins or 25-30 minutes for baking pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
  6. If you used parchment to line the pan, grab the flaps and lift the bread out of the pan. Cool and slice.

Key Lime Pie

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photo 2-43Happy hump day y’all! You’ve made it through half the work week and lets be honest you deserve a treat for working so hard! There’s pretty much no better way to treat yourself or celebrate than with pie… and more specifically deliciously tart and perfect key lime pie! Last night I was celebrating because our coed rec league softball team went undefeated in our regular season (9-0!) So we are heading into the playoffs ranked #1! We played a double header under beautiful pink Park City skies! photo-604Doesn’t get much better than that! Oh wait it does… Key Lime Pie! This is my all time favorite go to recipe that was passed on to me by a friend. I have tired many variations of key lime pies and this one hands down always wins.

It is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, it’s so satisfying and refreshing! I have also made it a few different ways, both as a pie and as individual mini tarts! The pie version is definitely less time consuming since you’re not packing the graham cracker crust into each little individual cupcake tin, however the result of the mini tarts is quite chic! Top these little babies off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and booyah you’re the most popular person at the party!

Key Lime Pie (Serves 8)

Ingredients For the Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about one sleeve of graham crackers, finely crushed)
5-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Key Lime Filling
3 Large egg yolks
1 14oz can sweeten condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh squeezed key lime juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated key lime zest
For the Whipped Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan or large cupcake pan (you may need to do a few batches with the cupcake pan if you only have one). Bake in oven for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown (don’t allow it to get too brown).
  3. Meanwhile, In the bowl of your electric mixer (you can use a hand mixer or kitchen aide), with the whisk attachment beat the egg yolks until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add the sweeten condensed milk and beat until you have a light and fluffy mixture (4-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the limejuice and zest.
  4. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the filling has set. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once it has completely cooled, cover and refrigerate until serving time. (Pie can be made at this point and stored in fridge over night).
  5. Just before serving, make the whipping cream. In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form, add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Place mounds of whipping cream on top of the pie filling.

Green Eggs & Ham Quiche

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photo 3-24Can you believe its almost May?! May is such a great month because there is so much to celebrate! First off Cinco de Mayo… since my favorite day of the week is Taco Tuesday and I drink margaritas like they’re water, it’s my ultimate holiday! Then comes Mother’s Day and who doesn’t like celebrating mom? Moms are the best!

Finally, we kick off summer (and the right to wear white pants!) with Memorial Day! It’s a pretty action packed month. If you’re looking for an extra special way to show mom how much you care this year, make her a delicious meal! Mother’s Day is a great day to show mom how much you love her with homemade brunch and Bloody Mary’s (in bed?!) Now that sounds like a great morning! photo-574I feel like sometimes quiche is thought of as a wimpy ladies luncheon dish but serve this delicious spring dish along side a bacon Bloody Mary and you won’t hear anyone complaining! It is also a fun dish for kids to make because its super easy (the hardest part is sauteing the asparagus and onions)! photo 2-31Plus its a spin off the Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham” read the book, make the quiche and you might even get the kids to eat some of it! So whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, brunch, lunch or Mother’s Day extravaganza (really whatever you want!) this quiche will be a hit! photo 2-32Green Eggs & Ham Quiche (click for printer friendly version)
Ingredients: (Serves 8-10)

  • 1 9-inch Pillsbury refrigerated pie-crust (from a 15-ounce package)
  • 2 12-ounce boxes frozen Stouffer’s spinach souffle (microwave for half the suggested time to thaw but not cook)
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups cups (6 ounces) grated mozzarella cheese (you can substitute Pepper Jack for some added spice)
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced ham, prosciutto or bacon (if using bacon, cook before adding it) if you are vegetarian you can leave this out
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • fresh ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375° F. Unroll the pie-crust and press it into a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. In a medium skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 2-3 minutes, add asparagus and saute until just tender and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes more.
  3. Combine the spinach souffle, eggs, cheese, ham and asparagus mixture in a large bowl. Add a few turns of fresh pepper and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell.
  4. Bake until set in the center and the crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes.

 

 

Chocolate Bark

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Cherries, Apricots & Peanuts

Howdy friends! Its been another long break from blogging- I hate going too long with out posting something but I’ve been traveling a lot and busy getting the last of my holiday shopping finished. I was up until 1am last night wrapping my holiday gifts so I could ship them back East in time for Christmas. I thought I was so on top of things until I realized there was only one week until Christmas!

It’s not hard to believe that I love giving edible holiday gifts! Delicious holiday treats like cookies, candy and chocolates are always a welcomed gift at my house and people always appreciate a homemade gift. But lets be honest, with how busy the holidays get, finding time to bake 30 dozen cookies to give to all your friends isn’t always in the cards! Chocolate bark however only requires about 20 minutes of “cooking” and prep time before leaving it out to harden and voila… you’ve got a beautiful, homemade gift that everyone will love! I’ve always been intimidated with chocolate bark until I read this article from Food52 on how to make chocolate bark without a recipe- turns out its SO easy!

Peanut Butter, Pretzels, Cherries and Coconut

So I decided to experiment with two kinds and they both turned out great! The first bark is a classic made with dark chocolate, cherries, apricots and roasted peanuts. Feel free to swap the peanuts for almonds, cashews or pistachios or the cherries for dried cranberries or blueberries! The second bark I made was a dark chocolate and peanut butter swirl with cherries, coconut and pretzels. The salty sweet comb was to die for! Whip up a batch to bring to your holiday party this weekend, its sure to be a hit!! Enjoy!

Classic Chocolate Bark

  • 16 oz (4 bars) Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet baking bar
  • 3/4 cup chopped apricots
  • 3/4 cup chopped salted peanuts
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries
  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray, set aside.
  2. Melt the chopped chocolate bars in a large Pyrex bowl set over a pot of boiling water until a few large chunks still remain. Remove from heat and continue stirring until all the large chunks have melted. Using a rubber spatula, pour chocolate onto baking sheet with parchment paper and spread evenly.
  3. Generously sprinkle apricots, peanuts and cherries over the chocolate. If you prefer to add more or less of each feel free!
  4. Set aside and let the chocolate cool for at least 2 hours. Chop into 1″-2″ pieces. Serve at room temperature and Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark

  • 8oz (2 bars) Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet baking bar
  • 8oz (2 bars) Ghirardelli semi-sweet baking bar
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 cup chopped pretzels
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries
  • 3/4 cup dried coconut
  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray, set aside.
  2. Melt two of the 60% chocolate bars in a large Pyrex bowl set over a pot of boiling water until almost smooth. Remove from heat and continue stirring until all the large chunks have melted. Using a rubber spatula, pour chocolate onto baking sheet with parchment paper and spread evenly.
  3. Return the bowl over the boiling pot and melt the two remaining semi-sweet chocolate bars with the 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth. Pour this mixture on top of other chocolate mixture and swirl using a fork or spatula.
  4. Sprinkle the chocolate with pretzels, cherries and coconut.
  5. Set aside and let the chocolate cool for at least 2 hours. Chop into 1″-2″ pieces. Serve at room temperature and Enjoy!

Best Ever Birthday Carrot Cake

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photo-384You know that cake you ask for every year on your birthday, the one that makes you feel special and loved and happy all at once? The kind of cake you go back for seconds, not only because its YOUR birthday but its YOUR favorite cake and its freaking delicious. This carrot cake is THAT cake for me, my mother’s best ever birthday carrot cake.

1/2 cup coconut and raisins
2 cups of shredded carrot
Combine it all
Ready for the oven!

Today isn’t my birthday, (although you might have seen in my last post, Ski Boots in the Kitchen just turned 1!) but I decided I needed a little slice of heaven! Whenever I go to a restaurant and they have carrot cake on the menu, I have to try it. Let me tell you good carrot cake is hard to come by and I am usually disappointed because its not as good as PomPom’s recipe.

3 layers of goodness
Let the crumb layer harden in the fridge for 1 hour before spreading the final layer of frosting
the ‘crumb layer’

There are two places that know how to do it right- one of the best carrot cakes I’ve ever had is at Bol in Vail, Colorado and the second runner up is from the Deer Valley Bakery (they made my carrot cake wedding cake… can you tell yet I’m slightly obsessed?) but that’s it. If you come across a restaurant that has better carrot cake than these two places call me, I’ll fly anywhere just to try it.

Long story short, I’ve been tasting cakes made with carrot for years and this one will forever be my favorite not only because its outrageously delicious but it brings me back home and its always made with love! Happy celebrating and cake eating- Enjoy!

Best Ever Birthday Carrot Cake (click for printer friendly version)

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup honey
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup white flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup powdered milk
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 small can (8oz) crushed pineapple and juice
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (optional)

For the frosting:

  • 1 8oz. block of cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 (1/2 cup) stick of butter at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1lb box confectioners sugar

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees
  2. Grease, flour and line with parchment paper 3, 9″ round cake pans
  3. Using a hand mixer, combine oil and honey in a bowl. Add eggs one at a time, blend in vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and powdered milk.
  5. Blend the sifted dry ingredients with the honey, oil and eggs. Stir in remaining ingredients (grated carrots, crushed pineapple, coconut, raisins and chopped nuts).
  6. Pour batter into the 3 prepared baking pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let them cool completely on racks until ready to ice.
  7. While the cake is cooling, using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar and vanilla in a bowl.
  8. When cake has fully cooled, place the first layer on a cake plate, spreading a thin layer of icing between each layer of cake. Spread a thin layer of icing around the outside of the cake and place in the fridge for 1 hour. This is called a “crumb layer” this will keep all the crumbs stuck to the first layer of frosting giving you the perfect looking cake when you frost the final layer! For more directions on how to perfectly frost a cake see here. Enjoy!