Saturday, December 9, 2017

Granola

1 c almonds
3 c old fashioned oats
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/3 c light brown sugar
1/3 c honey
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 c dark chocolate chunks
3/4 c Crunchies fuit

Preheat oven to 350
In a blender, blend 1/2 c of almonds until finely chopped (not powdery)
Finely chop the remaining 1/2 c almonds with a knife
Combine the oats, salt & brown sugar with the almonds in a bowl & stir to combine
Combine honey & coconut oil & heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Stir to combine & add vanilla.
Pour the honey mixture over the oats & toss.
Spread oats evenly on parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for 5 minutes, stir them & then bake them again for additional 5 minutes.
Remove the granola & parchment paper from baking sheet & set aside to cool.
Once completely cool you can break the granola into clusters.
Add in the dark chocolate & dried fruit.

Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust
3/4 c graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp light brown sugar
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1.5 tsp vanilla

Swirl
3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 to 1/3 c heavy cream

Filling
2 8oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 c sugar
1/2 c canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 c heavy cream
5 eggs

Preheat oven to 275. Combine ingredients for the crust & press into the bottom of a spring form pan.
Prepare the swirl by melting the chocolate with the cream in a double boiler. Stir until smooth & then set aside, keeping it warm.
To make the filling, cream the cheese & sugar.
Add the pumpkin, spices & cream.
Add the eggs, one at a time.
Pour filling over crust.
Drizzle a spiral pattern with the chocolate on top & draw it through the batter with a knife.
Place cheesecake in larger baking pan with sides & pour 1/2 inch boiling water into pan.
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the center is firm & not soupy.
Cool at room temperature, then chill at least 2 hours.

Conrad's Swedish Pancakes

6 eggs
1 c milk
1 c yogurt
1 c flour
4 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Mix everything together really well. More milk may be needed. Batter is better if it's on the thin side.
Pour in pan & cook.

Sandy's Salsa

1- 28 oz. can peeled plum tomatoes (or diced)
2 cans Rotel
2 bunches cilantro
2 jalapenos, seeded
5 cloves garlic
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. pepper
1 fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. sugar
1 red onion

Put all in blender or food processor. Pulse 30 seconds.