RUM CAKE

It is that time of year again when I need to take out my kitchen aid mixer and start making batches of rum cakes for the annual Christmas bazaar. My cakes range from $3.00 small $6.00 medium $12.00 large, 10% of my proceeds goes to Doernbecher. This will be my 3rd year selling and I have gotten better each year. I am excited to use my bakers rack that I have acquired couple months ago.

Also my friend at work made me some cute business cards that says: Ms. Buntz "famous rum cake". I have taken 2 days off before the bazaar to ensure that I have ample time.

DINNER IS IN THE PANTRY

Dinner went fairly well in fact I even had time to make cookies. When I was about to take some picture my camera did not work! Great! I saved extra batter for tomorrow. I am blessed to just guess my measurements but I am sure that if you take your time in your kitchen and enjoy what you make not make it because you need to make dinner you will adapt to my style of cooking.

TURKEY POT PIE

Tonight I will be making turkey pot pie for dinner. I have been making soups lately because of the weather. I took turkey from the freezer and placed it in the refrigerator to thaw. I have cubed my celery,carrots,onions. This will make it easier for me when I come home. I will not me making my pastry shell. I have bought a store brand version to test. The price seemed reasonable and it will save me time. I am off to make pancakes for the boys before they go to school this morning. I will not post the recipe yet until I actually make the pie.

DIP PARTY

We are having another party at work. The difference with having a party here in Oregon as oppose to Saipan is that I don't spend an arm and a leg with what I bring to work. I don't need to impress anyone and no one gets offended with what I bring we all work around with a theme for the party and everyone brings something to complete the theme. We are all within budget and I like that. Next week we are having another dip party this was a hit with the last party and with our dwindling economy a dip party fits. I will be making a Cranberry and Pecan Cheese log. I got the recipe off the box of Rosemary & Olive Oil flavored Triscuit. Yummy

Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Log

1 tub (8 oz.) Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 T. orange zest
1/2 c. coarsely chopped Planters Pecans toasted
TRISCUIT Rosemary & Olive Oil Crackers
MIX cream cheese, cranberries and zest, shape into 6-inch log
COAT with pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap
Refrigerate at least 30 min. Serve with crackers
Makes 1 1/2 cup cheese spread or 12 servings 2 T spread and 6 crackers each

I will post pictures when I actually make this tasty spread

CHEATING WITH A FLING

Tonight after my boys recital I decided to take them out for pizza so I am cheating on my blog. I was not in the mood to "heat & serve" from the freezer. We went out to Padington's pizza and you know me when I eat out I say that I am "cheating" and if I order drinks or dessert that is considered "having an affair" so tonight with the boys I did a little of both and it was fun! and yummy!

FRESH APPLE PIE

I bought apples from a fruit stand on Saturday and when I came home from work I noticed I still had 2 bags of apples left and my boys were not eating them so I decided to make apple pie or my version of apple pie. It turned out great this was my first apple pie and it was a HIT with my son Paethon. Paethon is my finicky eater so if I get his seal of approval then I am sure my apple pie was good

Bobbie's Apple Pie

• 3 c. fresh green tart apples preferably granny smith
  
• 1 t. pure vanilla
• 2 T. brown sugar
• cornstarch for coating the apples
• 2 T. cold butter cubed
  

I am not a fan of measuring cups I just estimate when I am lucky its perfect but sometimes it lacks an ingredient or two. Cut your apples to your desired size. Add vanilla & brown sugar. Coat apples with cornstarch until apples are fully coated then add 2 T. more. Pour into pie plate or if you noticed I placed my pie shell on a cookie sheet. Cut 2 T. cold butter into cubes and top on apples before covering with another pie pastry shell. Using a fork poke your pie before baking to release any steam. Bake @ 300 degrees for 30 minutes then turn up to 350 degrees for another 20 or until the crust turns a beautiful brown color



Cut your apples to desired size or slice if preferred



Mix apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla (pure) & the secret ingredient cornstarch top with cold butter


Cover the apple with pastry shell and sprinkle brown sugar on top.You can brush the top with an egg wash ( 1 egg 2 T. water mix) for a glow finish but I prefer the simple sugar approach


30 minutes into the baking @ 300 degrees



Slice of fresh and yummy apple pie OMG I can taste the difference. I will start making my own version.



Even yummier with whipped cream! I highly recommend you try this recipe it will make you change your mind with the store bought version

DIP PARTY

Change of plans with my empanadas. We will be having a dip party at work. My friend husband will be bringing us sandwhich & drinks...mojito here I come! So for the branch we will be bringing all sorts of dips and chips, crackers, pita's & all the good stuff. I have not decided what dip to bring.