I cannot even believe it's already the Christmas season!! This year has went by so fast, and to be honest, I don't like it!! It means my boys are growing way too fast. But, I guess that's life and I'm truly thankful for the life God has blessed me with. I have an amazing family who I love to pieces!! Last weekend we celebrated a late Thanksgiving with my paternal grandparents. My mom made a delicious meal and I brought the dessert. I was going to make a pumpkin roll but I just wasn't in the mood. So, I went on a hunt for a dessert using cranberries. I had a whole bag in my fridge and I was afraid they would go to waste. I came upon this recipe and let me tell you, it is the yummiest cake I've ever eaten!! I made another this weekend and I've already been asked to make one for Christmas!!
Here is the recipe!! Enjoy!!
A lot of people I'm sure have heard of Porcupine Meatballs. For those of you who have no idea what they are I'll explain. Basically, you make up your meat ball mixture and add uncooked rice to it. As the meatballs cook the rice pokes out a little sort of like porcupine quills. They are super delicious and one of my favorite "comfort food" type dishes. The only problem with them is they take so long to make and cook. Sometimes you just need a quick, filling, and delicious supper. Here is a quick and easy version!!
Note: All ingredients can be adjusted to your family's size. I make a lot because I have three boys who have hollow legs!! haha Plus, we love leftovers!! Porcupines in a Skillet 1-2lbs Ground Beef or Turkey 1 pkg. Onion Soup Mix 1 14.5oz Tomato Sauce 1 15 oz Can Diced Tomatoes 2 Cups Water 1 Cup Rice (not Minute Rice) 1 Head of Cabbage (Optional) In a large skillet brown ground beef until completely cooked through. Drain off any grease. Next add Onion Soup Mix, Tomato Sauce, and Diced Tomatoes. Mix well. Lastly add Water and Rice. Cook on Medium Low Heat until Rice is tender. Serve alone or over cooked cabbage. If you like cabbage I highly recommend it!! It is perfect with this meal. I also suggest you stay close to the stove and stir often. If you would like to see my video demonstration watch this video!!
Ahhhhh Fall. I can see you in the distance, but the weather here in Southern Ohio has been anything but fall like. Still, this time of year makes me so excited for the coming season. Fall is hands down my favorite. I love to find and create new recipes from all the harvest fruits and veggies!! This year I've received an abundance of apples from my grandparents. They visit a local apple orchard quite often and they know how much my boys, (and I) love apples. This past week they brought us a 1/2 peck of Gala apples. I thought it would be a great idea to make some applesauce. I haven't made any for several years and I knew my boys would love it. So, that's just what I did!! In fact, they loved it so much it was gone within a few days and I've already been requested to make some more!! I love it when that happens!! This recipe is super quick and easy, but at the same time oh-so-delicious!! I won't say how I know this, but it's especially good warm on a hot biscuit with melted butter!! ;) So, here's how you make it!! First thing you need is a lot of apples. Or, just a few. It all depends on how much applesauce you want to make. In my case I'm using 9 apples. The last time I used six and that just wasn't nearly enough.
Next, peel, core, slice apples fairly thin, and add them to your pot.
Add about a cup of water to your pan. You can also use Apple Cider or Apple Juice!!
Next up is the Brown Sugar. I love using brown sugar over white sugar. It just gives the applesauce extra warmth and I love the color as well!! I used 1/2 cup, but you can use more or less.
Awww look!! A brown sugar cupcake!! ;)
Next is the spice. I love, love, LOVE Cinnamon so that's what I use. Honestly, I didn't even measure. I'd say a good tablespoon....... or two. Whatever spice you like feel free to add it. After all, you are the boss of your applesauce. :)
Let it cook on low for about 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
Next thing you'll want to do, which I totally didn't take a picture of, is dump all of this into a food processor. I let mine sit for a few minutes to cool down before I processed it though. Then blend to whatever consistency you like.
That's it!! Quick, easy, and perfect for Fall!! Oh and by the way, I'm pretty sure this will be served in Heaven over a hot, buttery, biscuit!! ha ha ha Hope you give this recipe a try. If you do let me know how you liked it!! Have a great day!! God Bless, Emily Check out my video!!
These cupcakes are perfect to take on a picnic or for a special treat at home. My boys love them!!
Strawberry Cupcakes Ingredients 5-6 Large Strawberries chopped very finely. 1 2/3 cup + 1 Tbsp All Purpose Flour 1/4 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Baking Powder 1 Cup Granulated Sugar 1/2 Cup Butter Melted 1 Large Egg 1/4 Cup Strawberry Yogurt 3/4 Cup Milk 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 muffin cups with cupcakes liners. Set aside Chop strawberries very finely. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl mix melted butter and sugar until combined. Stir in egg, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Slowly mix dry ingredients until you have a thick, smooth batter. Fold in strawberries. Divide batter into you cupcake pan. Note: I was able to get 22 cupcakes from this recipe. You may get more or less depending on how big or small you would like your cupcakes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until top of cupcakes spring back when lightly pressed.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Ingredients 1 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream 2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 1/3 Cup Strawberry Jam Directions Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla together on high speed until you get stiff peaks. Add the strawberry jam and beat for a few more seconds until combined.
Cupcakes should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. But, if you're anything like us you'll be lucky if they last one day. :) Please Watch my videos below!! Enjoy! xx Emily oo
