Monthly Archives: January 2013

Ricotta Pumpkin Pancakes

These were a huge hit at our house and I just happened to have everything I needed to make them.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 extra large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and orange zest. Set aside.

Separate the egg yolk from the egg white into two separate bowls. The yolk should be in a medium-large bowl. Whisk the yolk together with the maple syrup, buttermilk, melted butter, pumpkin, ricotta, and vanilla extract until completely combined.

Add the dry mixture in thirds to the wet, and gently whisk together until a batter forms.

Using a hand-held mixer, whip the egg whites to medium-firm stiffness. If you dip a beater into the frothy whites, and turn it upside down, the peak should droop just a little and hold. Fold the egg whites into the batter in halves using a spatula. There should be occasional pieces of egg white visible in the batter.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Melt a little butter on the griddle and pour the batter to form 4″ pancakes. They will spread just a little, and this size is comfortable for flipping. Don’t flip the pancakes until the sides are visibly firming up, and multiple holes appear in the batter, about 3 – 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or until cooked through.

Serve with butter and maple syrup.

What did the family think? Everyone loved these!

Where did this recipe come from? The Wimpy Vegetarian

photo from Glitter and Ganache

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Filed under Breakfast, Definitely Making it Again, Everybody Ate It, Lent, Vegetarian

Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies

These were our dessert while watching the Fiesta Bowl the other night. We shared some with friends, too, and everyone gave them rave reviews. P.S. Don’t be afraid of the cayenne.

1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cups natural cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon cinnamon
12 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Instructions:
Stir together flour, cocoa, salt, pepper, cayenne and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, cream the butter. Add vanilla, sugar, and beat thoroughly. Beat in egg and gradually add dry ingredients. Blend only until mixed.

Turn dough out on lightly floured cutting board/silpat/counter and — oh yeah: flouring your hands is a good idea too — shape dough into a cylinder about 10 inches long and two inches in diameter. Wrap cylinder in wax paper and place in freezer until firm, about 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Unwrap dough and cut into slices 1/4-inch thick. Place about 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 10 to 11 minutes.

What did the family think? Everyone loved them. They are also, I should note, VERY good with a little vanilla ice cream on the side.

Did I change anything? I was a total wimp and only used half the cayenne. I should have used all of it.

Where did this recipe come from? Food 52

photo from The Baking Pan

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Filed under After School Snacks, Definitely Making it Again, Desserts, Everybody Ate It, Mexican

CrockPot Taco Dip

We decided to have a Mexican-themed dinner last night since we were having a Fiesta Bowl mini-watchparty. We started the night with this tasty dip from the CrockPot It was a huge hit and super easy to make.

Ingredients:
10 oz. can enchilada sauce
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, cut into cubes
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
2-3 tsp. taco seasoning mix (season to your liking)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small jalapeno pepper, minced (I used jarred jalapeños since that what I had on hand.)
Tortilla chips, for dipping

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except tortilla chips) in slow cooker and stir gently. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring twice during cooking time, until blended and smooth.

What did the family think? Everyone loved it! We also had a friend over watching the game and she loved it too! We went through a bag and a half chips.

Did I change anything? I only used 2 tsp of taco seasoning and I think it would have been better with 3 tsp. Also, I had taken the dip out of the slow cooker and put it in a different bowl for serving. When it got cold, I just put it in the microwave to heat it back up and I think it was even better after that.

Where did this recipe come from? About.com

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Filed under Definitely Making it Again, Easy, Everybody Ate It, Mexican, Vegetarian