Holiday Baking

Hello friends (all two or three of you!)

I've been a derelict blogger again, but I'm going to try and make it more of a priority in 2011.  It was a good holiday season filled with lots of family, friends, and of course, food.  I did a lot of baking, nad I'm pleased to say that most of it came out successfully.  The favorite dish was Monkey Bread.  This very tasty sweet treat has several variations, but I did mine simply, and it took a couple of tries to get the propotions correct.  But, when I got it right..... it came out beautifully!


 Monkey Bread1 cup sugarPillsbury biscuits (4 of the cans of small biscuits or 2 Grands Cans)1 teaspoon of cinnamon3/4 cup butter1/2 cup brown sugar Cut biscuits into quarters.  Mix cinnamon and sugar and place in large ziplock bag.  Add biscuit quarters and shake to coat.  Put biscuit pieces in a greased bundt pan.   Melt butter and mix with brown sugar.  Pour over biscuits and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.   It comes out glazed, gooey, and delicious. 


I also made a chocolate pecan pie (courtesy of the Neelys from the Food Network).  I actually didn't try this pie, brought it to Christmas dinner, and it seemed like a crowd pleaser!

Chocolate Pecan Pie

 I also made my favorite Bananas Foster Bread from Cooking Light Magazine.  This recipe always turns out so incredibly moist and delicious.  The best banana bread I've ever had.







Finally, the easiest, most decadent chocolate truffles from Claire Robinson's Food Network Show 5 Ingredient Fix.  I omitted her 5th ingredient, coconut, because I can't stand it.  It tasted fabulous without.  You could also dust it with cocoa powder or chopped nuts. 

Chocolate Truffles



 So, what to expect in 2011?  I'm hoping to focus on more fast, easy, and HEALTHY recipes!  I began 2011 with some delicious Indian Spiced beans yesterday (served with jasmine rice), and my favorite pot roast for dinner.  Here's to more great food and conquering my kitchen!