Author Archives: Julia Ann

Sweet Potato – Cranberry Bread

Sweet Potato – Cranberry Bread

Loaf of Sweet Potato - Cranberry Bread

Loaf of Sweet Potato – Cranberry Bread

The Scoop on Sweet Potatoes

Fresh Sweet Potatoes

Fresh Sweet Potatoes

There are many varieties and colors of sweet potatoes.  The orange of the sweet potato provides the vitamin A, beta-carotene. To get the full benefit of beta-carotene, it is important to have some fat with your sweet-potato meals. Boiling or steaming the potatoes enhances the nutritional value.  Additional nutrients include vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.  The heath benefits of sweet potatoes are anti-inflammatory nutrients, antioxidants and blood-sugar regulating nutrients

How-to for Sweet Potato-Cranberry Bread

For years the only way sweet potatoes were eaten at our house was to have plenty of butter and brown sugar.  Now we enjoy them seasoned with olive oil, thyme or oregano and minced ginger, baked at 425 F for 25 minutes or until tender, in a cast iron skillet.  Add these toyour lettuce salad.

 

Sweet Potato - Cranberry Bread

Julia Ann
Enjoy the versatility of sweet potatoes and cranberries in a tea bread full of nutritional benefits for a snack or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 30 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons fresh grated nutmeg
  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup cooking oil
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Grease and line the bottoms of 2 - 9 x 5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper.
  • Grease the parchment paper and dust pans with flour.
  • Measure and sift the dry ingredients together into a large bowl.
  • Add the eggs, oil, water and sweet potatoes to the dry ingredients.
  • Beat until smooth.
  • Stir in the cranberries and nuts if used.
  • Pour into the 2 greased and floured loaf pans.
  • Bake at 350 F for 1 hour, or inserted toothpick come out clean.
  • Take bread out of the pans while very warm.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap or foil to cool completely.
  • Can be frozen.

Notes

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

 

Slice of Sweet Potato Cranberry Bread

Slice of Sweet Potato Cranberry Bread

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience.

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox®“Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.

 

Roasted Vegetables, Cheese & Crumb Topping

Roasted Vegetables, Cheese, Sausage, Crumb Topped

Roasted Vegetables, Cheese, Sausage, Crumb Topped

The recipe for Roasted Vegetables, Cheese & Crumb Topping is an adaption of a recipe I found on the internet.  Thanks to The Cooking Coach of Amsterdam Private Tasting Tours for sharing her recipe of Roast Vegetable, Ham and Cheese Crumble.

This winter it seems I have been into one dish dinners and of comfort foods for the family.  This is a perfect fit recipe with ample  variety in choice of vegetables, meat or without meat, and cheese.  We all have our favorite fruit crisps or streusels for dessert.  This is a savory crumb topping to be used on other dishes such as chicken pot pie and green bean casserole.

Mixed vegetables to roast

Mixed vegetables to roast

I used the vegetables available in my refrigerator:  leeks, zucchini, yellow onion,  and crimini mushrooms.   Fresh sausage links were cut into bite sizes to dot over the top of the vegetables.

Vegetables, sausage with cheese sauce

Vegetables and sausage topped with cheese sauce.

The cheese sauce was a combination of  mild Colby jack cheese and Asiago Cheese.   The crumb topping was of flour, butter and Asiago cheese.

Before assembling, the sausage was cooked to remove extra fat, and the vegetables roasted at a high temperature to lightly brown and soften the vegetables.  While roasting the vegetables, the crumb topping was made of flour, butter and seasoned with dried thyme, salt and pepper.

Roast Vegetables, Cheese Crumb Topping

Baked Roasted Vegetables, Sausage, Cheese Sauce and Crumb Topping

Roasted Vegetables, Cheese & Crumb Topping

Julia Ann
Savory blend of roasted vegetables with sausage, cheese sauce with a crumb topping of flour and cheese to make a one-dish dinner, just add salad.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 3 -4

Ingredients
  

  • VEGETABLES
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 leeks cleaned, halved and cut into 3 inch lengths
  • 2 zucchini cut into quarters length ways and cut into 3 inch lengths
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • I /2 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 1 fresh sausage link cut into inch pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • CHEESE SAUCE
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups low-fat milk
  • 6 ounces grated Colby cheese
  • 3 ounces grated Asiago cheese
  • CRUMB TOPPING
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup Asiago cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cover baking tray with aluminum foil, spread out vegetables and drizzle with the olive oil, mix to coat with the oil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and partially tender.
  • CHEESE SAUCE
  • Melt the butter in a heavy pan.
  • Add the flour, stir with a whisk, it will be thick.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking to smooth out the lumps.
  • Cook over low heat about 2 minutes, stirring with wooden spoon.
  • Add the cheeses to melt and stir occasionally.
  • CRUMB TOPPING
  • Mix the flours.
  • Grate in the butter or cut with pastry cutter until resembles course cornmeal.
  • Stir in the cheese, thyme leaves black pepper and salt.
  • TO ASSEMBLE:
  • Pour the roasted vegetables into a shallow oven proof dish.
  • Spread the mushrooms and cooked sausage on top of vegetables.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables.
  • Sprinkle the crumb topping over all.
  • Add a sprinkling of cheese if desired.
  • Bake 400 F 20 25-minutes until browned and bubbling..

Notes

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox®“Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Now it is your salad choice with the Roasted Vegetables, Sausage, Cheese Crumb.

 

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.  All rights reserved.

Sweet Cherry Crisp

Bing cherries make a Sweet Cherry Crisp dessert

Cherry Crisp Dessert

Cherry Crisp Dessert

Remember the children’s song, “Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?” Cherry Crisp takes the fuss out of making the pie dough for a quick and easy dessert.  Frozen or fresh bing cherries makes a sweeter pie than the summer pie cherries.

Cherries provide some Vitamin C which is lessen when cooked.  Try adding  fresh cherries in a recipe for salsa to be served on meats and poultry.  Instead of wine use cherry juice.  Dried cherries can be used in place or raisins or cranberries.

Sweet Cherry Crisp

Julia Ann
Sweet fresh or frozen bing cherries makes a Cherry Crisp to enjoy after dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 24 ounces of thawed pitted bing or sweet cherries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut up

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Use a 9-inch square baking dish or 9-inch deep pie plate.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt and lemon zest.
  • Add cherries and lemon juice, stir to just coat.
  • Pour into the baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together 1/4 teaspoon salt, oats, flour and brown sugar.
  • Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle the crumbs over the fruit.
  • Bake 25 minutes or until fruit is bubbling hot and the topping is browned and crisp.

Notes

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes, for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® brings you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® All rights reserved.

Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

Hot from the oven Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

Hot from the oven Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

There are several bread recipes in the recipe list.  I like bread and toast and I like the making of bread. I enjoy the kneading of the dough and the competition with myself to see how close to “store bought” I can make it without all the preservatives.  It doesn’t mold, we don’t have it long.  To that I thank my husband, he likes fresh home-made bread.

The Rise of Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

Yes, I like the kneading of the bread, however, I wanted to be a little speeder and have less aches and pains from carpel tunnel and arthritis in my hands.  I found a Basic White Bread recipe which I adapted to the whole wheat bread, kneading with the mixer. For lack of a better name and to quickly identify  the recipe  is the “Mixer Whole Wheat Bread”.

16 slices of Mix Whole Wheat Bread

One loaf makes 16 slices of Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

I changed the sugar to honey, the butter to olive oil, and make a blend of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour with a tablespoon of milled flax seed added.   It makes two 9 x 5 loaves.    It will also made 1 loaf and 10 hot dog buns.

Home made hot dog buns.

Home made hot dog buns.

Granted they aren’t “perfect” buns, but the hot dog did fit into some of them.  Next time I will perfect the shaping.  I used a link from King Author Flour to learn the shaping, which was helpful.

Mixer Whole Wheat Bread

Julia Ann
A hearty whole wheat bread, excellent for toast; makes 2 loaves and easily kneaded in the mixer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Breads
Cuisine American
Servings 2 loaves of 16 slices each

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3 -4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon milled flax seed
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast or 2 packages of dry yeast

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour and salt.
  • In a bowl combine the milk, water, oil and honey.
  • Heat in the microwave 40 seconds, test for temperature and reheat as needed to 105-115 degrees F.
  • Heat the bowl of the mixer with hot water to warm it before adding the heated liquid.
  • Check the temperature of the liquid before adding yeast.
  • Sprinkle the yeast into the milk/water mixture, stir briefly, allow to set 10 minutes to proof, that is to bubble up.
  • Add the 4 1/2 cups of flour. Mix with the mixer on low (2 on Kitchenaid mixer) for 1 minute,.
  • Begin adding the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing another 2 minutes.
  • Mix the dough until it rolls into a ball cleaning the sides of the bowl. It may needed push down off the hook and under the dough.
  • Continue "kneading" for another 2 minutes.
  • Oil a large bowl, put the ball of dough in bowl, rolling it around to oil it all over.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, place in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour or double in size.
  • Grease 2- 9 x 5 inch bread pans.
  • When dough is doubled, punch down.
  • Pour dough onto a lightly floured bread board, let rest 5 minutes.
  • Divide dough in half.
  • Form each half into a rectangle 9 x 14, roll up in jelly roll fashion.
  • Seal the bottom and the ends.
  • Place into the pan, with the ends touching the pans.
  • Cover with plastic wrap.
  • Place in a warm place to rise near double in bulk, about 45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven 400 F.
  • Gently brush the top of the bread with oil before baking.
  • Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the sides pull away from the pan.
  • Remove to a rack, take out of the pan to cool.
  • Brush again the top and sides with oil to get a softer crust.
  • Wrap in towel until completely cool.
  • When cool, wrap in aluminum foil.

Notes

After removing bread from the pan, I put the bread back into the oven, heat turned off, to brown on the bottom for about 3-5 minutes.-------------------------------Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experiences. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com
All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice®    bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2020 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.  All rights reserved.

 

 

Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch Brownies

Favorite brownies are not brown at all!

As I was looking through the food communities, I have to say I would like to have the inclination to do “pretty” fancy cake decorating, or super ornamental cupcakes.  However, it was a Butterscotch Brownie which spoke to me,.   Like “pick me” and “bake me, I’m delicious.” And I did and they were.

The recipe which caught my eye was by Linda Larsen of Busy Cooks Expert.  As she described the Butterscotch Brownies as an easy and super quick dessert.  I did add a cup of whole pecans to be broken up by the mixer.  Instead of icing, when brownies were done, I dotted the top with 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, put back into the oven for a few minutes, then used a spatula to spread the chocolate over the Butterscotch Brownies.  The edges were thick, crunchy and chewy and an extra treat without the chocolate icing.  The biggest problem – they didn’t last long.

A great snack or dessert for all ages –  Butterscotch Brownies.

Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch Brownies

Julia Ann
A chewy Butterscotch Brownie, easy and quick bar cookie to be enjoyed for snacks, desserts and in lunch boxes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 36 bars

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup whole pecans or break into pieces.
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven 350 F. Grease a 9 x 13" cake pan or put parchment paper on the bottom of pan and grease. (This protects the pan from knife scratches when using a coated baking pan.)
  • Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a small bowl.
  • Whisk to blend, set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a sauce pan or microwave.
  • Pour melted butter into mixer bowl.
  • Add the brown sugar and beat until blended.
  • Add eggs and vanilla, beating until combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients, beating to blend.
  • Stir in the whole pecans, breaking with the mixer.
  • After brownies are baked, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
  • Return to hot oven for 5 minutes or until chocolate begins to melt.
  • Spread the melted chips over the brownies.
  • Cool and cut into squares.

Notes

This is a recipe is by Linda Larsen, Busy Cooks Expert. --------Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch Brownies

Just add a glass of cold milk………

See Also         Netta Belle’s Choice Chocolate Cake

                         Skillet Chocolate Fudge/

 

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice®  bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-20 18 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.