valentine party popcorn

Have I mentioned that I love Valentine's Day? Oh wait, yes I did.  I have a slight problem when it comes to "impulse buying" at the grocery store, so this recipe was a great way to use all the Valentine's cuteness I found. It's almost endlessly customizable, so I may make a football version for the Superbowl party we're going to on Sunday.  As soon as I figure out who's playing. :) 

The recipe as written makes enough to overflow out of two freezer size ziplocs.  I think dried cranberries or cherries and pecans would be fun additions as well!  It wouldn't be overkill to use a whole bag of M&Ms - that's what I originally planned to do - but let's not talk about what I did with them instead, ok?

Valentine Party Popcorn
Ingredients:
2 bags lightly salted popcorn, popped
4 cups pretzels, broken into pieces (not crushed)
½ bag Valentine M&Ms
2 bags candy melts (I used pink and white)
2 oz heart-shaped sprinkles

Directions:
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.  Divide popcorn, pretzels, and M&Ms between the two baking sheets and toss to combine.  Melt 1 bag candy melts according to package directions, then use a fork to drizzle evenly over the mixture on both baking sheets.  Sprinkle quickly with half the sprinkles.

Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and allow to set for about 10 minutes.  Melt the second bag of candy melts.  Take the mixture out of the refrigerator and toss, then repeat with the second round of candy and other half of the sprinkles. Chill again for about 10 minutes, then toss and eat up!

Source: inspired by She Wears Many Hats

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chicken and rice soup

I'm warning you in advance, this soup is not pretty to look at.  However, it is delicious, and Lane and I were both sad when the leftovers were gone.  I am normally pretty disappointed with homemade soups - somehow I always end up comparing them to dishwater?  But not this one.  It hits the spot on a frigid winter night and has earned a permanent place in my recipe rotation.  I bet it would be good with corn in it, so I'll probably add that along with a red pepper next time.  And maybe carrots.  And I'll double the recipe so it lasts longer.  Get ready to feel warm and full!

I promise it's good; I don't know why it is so green.

Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice
2 cups cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken and shredded it, didn't really measure)
2 quarts chicken broth
4 tbsp. butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 jar pimientos, drained

Directions:
Cook rice according to package directions, until the water is absorbed.  Set aside.

Melt butter in a dutch oven or large stock pot over medium heat.  Add veggies and stir around until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.  Stir in the chicken and broth and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors combine.  Add in the rice just before serving.

I topped mine with a little jack cheese for the picture, but the rest of the time I ate it plain and I think it was better that way!

Source: adapted from Annie's Eats, originally adapted from Pioneer Woman

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valentines chocolate chip cookies

I think Valentine's day is my favorite holiday- but that might be just because everything is pink, red, and heart shaped.  My favorite!  I put our Valentine's wreaths (yes, plural) out just as soon as I took down Christmas, and I like to think the bright colors are keeping us out of the winter doldrums! I also have a small obsession with conversation hearts, but that is a story for another day.

I saw these Valentine chocolate chips at the store and thought they were a great excuse to make Lane's favorite dessert, so I got out the cookie recipe that I've been wanting to try for a while.  The recipe calls for melted butter, which is so much easier for me to accomplish than room temperature butter.  The dark chocolate chips made these cookies extra decadent, and I really can't eat more than one!  They are delicious, chewy, and so so rich. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an after dinner treat. 

Valentine's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
12 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled until warm
1 cup brown sugar, packed 
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups valentine's chocolate chips (or any chips that you like!)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.  In another bowl, beat together the butter and sugars until combined.  Beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla.  Add the dry ingredients into the wet and mix on low until just combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll about a half cup of dough into a ball.  Holding the ball with your fingertips, break it into two equal halves.  Place onto prepared cookie sheet with jagged edges facing up.  Leave at least 2-3 inches between each ball (I fit 8 on a cookie sheet at a time but it was close.)  Bake approximately 11-14 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time.

Cool cookies on cookie sheets for at least 5 minutes, until you can lift without breaking. Transfer to a wire rack and cool.

Source: Baking Illustrated

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baking resolution

I can't count how many times I've "resolved" (nowhere near January 1st), to bake less.  I associate baking with all the sugar, butter, etc that comes with it, so an easy fix to "get healthier" is usually to quit baking. 

To me, baking is a unique challenge - measuring everything correctly, making sure it all comes together in the right consistency, then making it pretty.  I don't know, it's different than cooking and I like it more.

So for this January 1st, I decided I'd stop trying to force myself to stop liking something, and take my love for baking to a more practical level.  I started yesterday with a loaf of homemade oatmeal wheat bread, and I've got some hamburger buns and tortillas on the way this week.

 We'll see how it goes, but while I have time (and nothing but time), I'm going to try to use my hobby for something besides cakes, frostings, and cookies.  Sounds like a fun project!

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