Comfort Foods and Indulgences

French Toast Muffins

muffin-french-toast-22 I like to wake up early, while the house is really, really quiet and have a little “me” time. Generally, I make myself a cup of tea, read the NY Times and the LA Times food and life style section (on line), read my emails and check out my favorite blogs. I love that 1 hour in the a.m. right before all the turmoil and chatter begins.

Yesterday, I was reading Sprinkle Bites and she had posted a recipe for French Toast Muffins. Before I had finished reading the post, I was on my way into the kitchen to make these for the family for breakfast. I love, love, love one bowl recipes. To not have to drag out my mixer and all its parts is truly a wonderful thing. This is one of those recipes. Easy, quick, pantry ingredients and scrumptious.

World's Best Grilled Cheese

bestgrilledcheese I don’t know who creates these things, but apparently April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Holiday or not, grilled cheese sandwiches seem to appeal to everyone. It’s one of my favorite lunchtime treats –especially when there almost nothing left in the refrigerator – there’s always cheese and bread. Comté cheese, with its complex, nutty, caramelized flavor pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar. If you can’t find it, you can use all cheddar. Choose high quality sandwich bread – white, wheat or sourdough all work well. Serve on its own, with mixed greens, or my favorite – creamy tomato soup.

3 tablespoons butter, melted
4 thick slices white, wheat, or sourdough bread
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 ounces Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, grated
2 ounces Comté cheese, grated

Heat a heavy 12-inch cast iron skillet over low to medium-low heat. Meanwhile, spread ½ teaspoon of mustard on the two bottom slices of bread and then sprinkle evenly with the grated cheeses. Top each with a remaining bread slice, pressing down gently to set.

Brush sandwich tops completely with half the melted butter; place each sandwich, buttered side down, in skillet. Brush remaining side of each sandwich completely with remaining butter. Cook until crisp and deep golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes per side, flipping sandwiches back to first side to re-heat and crisp, about 15 seconds. Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half with a knife. Serve warm. For two.

– Recipe courtesy of Cook Like James

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Pie

Broccoli-Bacon-and-Cheese-Pie I'm calling this a pie. Yes, it resembles a quiche, but I prefer to call it a pie. It seems more manly that way. Plus I wanted a more rustic looking version that does not require rolling anything out or having to make actual dough.

The crust here is cheese based, you just press it in the pan and it's ready to go...no skills required. While quiche is often served for just breakfast or brunch, this is definitely perfect for dinner too.

It's not eggy or flavorless. In fact it's bursting with all kinds of tastes and works great for leftovers. Enjoy this one over the weekend!

Creamy Shrimp Creole Soup with Bacon-Cornmeal Dumplings

creamy-shrimp-creole-soup-with-bacon-cornmeal-dumplings If you are looking for the perfect Mardis Gras inspiration, Creamy Shrimp Creole Soup with Bacon-Cornmeal Dumplings could not be a more perfect choice to round out your celebration.

The gorgeous color is the first giveaway to the over the top flavor. By using all the right ingredients, salt and pepper aren't even necessary...it tastes fantastic as is, and by the way, it is spicy.

We always have a few Mardis Gras dishes this time of year but don't nearly indulge in all the flavors of the South often enough. They really awaken your taste buds.

Don't worry if you've never made dumplings before, they are so easy to throw together, a couple imperfect rolls and they are good to go.

The dumplings take on the color of the soup and have a nice smoky flavor with the addition of bacon. I hope you'll give it a try!

Melt in your Mouth Pumpkin Cake

For many years, we had always hosted the neighborhood Halloween Party. On the night of Halloween, everyone showed up in costume attire to chow down on big vats of homemade chili, corn muffins, and slaw or large trays of baked ziti, Caesar salad, garlic balls, and some sort of festive cocktail. It really depended upon my mood and how many were expected to show up.

One year, a friend of mine brought over a huge tray with a pumpkin like cake on it. I couldn’t figure out what it was. A layer of pumpkin like mousse atop some sort of crust over a sprinkling of pecans.

I took one bite and I was addicted. I can’t really call it a cake, even though it is made with a cake mix. It is kind of like a pie, but not really. Her mom called it “Pumpkin Delight” and I have to say, it is delightful. For years, I followed the recipe. Would never have thought to have changed it. But with me being conscious about what I put in the food that I make, thus what ultimately goes into my kids bodies, I decided to test this recipe using more whole ingredients.

Comfort Foods and Indulgences