Join Me in My Addiction!

Thank you for visiting my blog...and for allowing me to share with you my addiction. I love to collect recipes. I love to read cookbooks. I have been collecting recipes for as long as I can remember, and on any given day there are one or two (or more!) cookbooks residing on my nightstand!

This blog is chronicling my adventure as I fulfill my resolution of trying (at least) one new recipe each week. I hope that you enjoy!

I invite you to join me in my journey, simply by clicking the "Join this Site" link below. And please feel free to comment on any of the recipes, and pin away. Thanks, I look forward to sharing with you!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Pink Chantilly with Cranberries - 150 Best Desserts in a Jar Cookbook Review



Recently, I received a copy of 150 Best Desserts in a Jar by Andrea Jourdan to review from Robert Rose.  I was super excited to check out this book, as I have seen a growing trend of jar desserts all around, and have really wanted to try some out!  I've been keeping my eye for for some good deals on mason jars...I don't can or make jam (at least not yet...) so if my trips to garage sales, etc don't come through  then I might have to raid my Grandparents' pantry ;-)

There is a fantastic variety of recipes in Jourdan's book - everything from warmed to freezer desserts.  And I am so inspired!  I have my eye on several recipes to sample, such as the Nutmeg-Spiked Peach and Blueberry Cobbler (I love love love peaches and blueberries), Blackberry Bread Pudding, Chocolate Gingerbread, and the Cold Strawberry Orange Soup.  I think my hubby (who loves all things Banana flavoured) would like the Banana Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce and the Grilled Banana and Whisky Sauce.

Here is the recipe that I decided to try first!

Pink Chantilly with Cranberries


Filled with antioxidants and loaded with vitamin C, cranberries are very healthful. However, we hear so much about their health benefits that we sometimes forget how truly delicious they can be. This recipe is certainly the simplest and one of the most beautiful ways to serve cranberries.

•           Four 8-ounce (250 mL) tall jars
•           Blender
•           Fine-mesh sieve
•           Electric mixer
Pink Chantilly with Cranberries

1 1⁄2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen (375 mL)
3 tablespoons confectioner’s (icing) sugar (45 mL)
2 cups frozen cranberries, thawed (500 mL)
1⁄2 cup maple syrup (see Tips below) (250 mL)
1 1⁄2 cups heavy or whipping (35%) cream (375 mL)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (15 mL)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 mL)
1⁄2 cup cranberry juice (125 mL)
Mint leaves

1. In blender, purée raspberries and confectioner’s sugar. Transfer to a fine-mesh sieve placed over a bowl and press mixture through. Discard seeds and set raspberry purée aside.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook cranberries and maple syrup, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. In a large bowl, using electric mixer at high speed, whip cream, granulated sugar and vanilla until soft peaks begin to form. Beating constantly, slowly add cranberry juice and half the raspberry purée.

4.Spoon remaining raspberry purée into jars, dividing equally. Top with whipped cream mixture, dividing equally. Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.

5. When you’re ready to serve, remove jars from refrigerator and top with cooked cranberries. Using a long spoon, mix delicately. Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings 


Tips
Make sure to use real maple syrup. Maple-flavored and other table syrups contain a lot of granulated sugar or corn syrup and do not cook the same way. It’s worth every penny to get the real thing.
Make this recipe just before dinner for a quick and happy treat.

VERDICT:
What a nice, light and tasty treat!  We thought this was perfect after our "heavy" meal of spicy ribs, baked potatoes and such.  And this would be great for a summer treat and for a dinner party.  3 out of 4 loved it (only the oldest son didn't, but he doesn't like anything with whipping cream...though credit to him, he did try it!).  I look forward to making this again!


Excerpted from 150 Best Desserts in a Jar by Andrea Jourdan © 2013 www.robertrose.ca May not be reprinted without publisher permission.




Recipe Recap #14

Hello friends! I hope you are well today :-)  Welcome to this week's "Recipe Recap" where I am looking back at the recipes posted here at Addicted to Recipes for the week of April 28, 2012 to May 4, 2012.  Here is the recipe:


Sweet and Sour Chicken | Addicted to Recipes

Hmmm, now that I am seeing this one again, I remember how much my boys enjoyed this...I should make it again!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Apple Streusel Muffins

It feels like it has been a while since I have posted a recipe about muffins.  Gotta fix that!  Need to try more new muffin recipes!  This week I wanted to use up some apples, and came across this recipe for Apple Streusel Muffins.  Here is the recipe:

Apple Streusel Muffins (Source: Company's Coming, Muffins and More)

TOPPING
Apple Streusel Muffins | Addicted to Recipes

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter

Combine the three topping ingredients - rub together until crumbly.  Set aside.

MUFFIN
1 1/2 cups flour
1.2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil
3/4 cup shredded apple (you can peel or leave peel, whatever is your preference.  I'm a peeler)

Preheat oven to 400F.  Prepare muffin tins (I use liners).

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and set aside.

In another bowl, mix the egg, milk and oil.  Beat well.  Stir in the apple.  Add the wet ingredients tot he dry ingredients, stir until just moistened.  Fill muffin tins 3/4 full.  Sprinkle the topping on top of the muffins.  Bake for 18-23 minutes or until muffins are done.

VERDICT:
Yum! I love muffins, as does my family.  That's why I am a bit of a "Muffin Lady" of sorts.  This mama loves her muffins! :-)

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday #60 - Features

Another week of fantastic recipes shared by YOU!  I am so appreciative that you share your beautiful recipes with me and all of my readers.  Thank you!  

Congratulations to this week's features!

If you are featured this week, please grab a BUTTON from my button page!

I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes


I just love scones.  And blueberries.  These sound so good!
Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cream Scones from Sumptuous Spoonfuls

Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cream Scones - Sumptuous Spoonfuls

We always buy the big bags of snap peas from Costco, and I am always looking for something new to do with them...thank you Suzanna!
Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Miso Dressing from Galley Kitchen

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

My boys have been asking for meatballs...and this sauce sounds amazing.  Going to have to give it a try!
Bourbon Meatballs from Sunflower Supper Club

Bourbon Meatballs

I don't think I even need to comment on these.  Other than...oh wow...
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Chimis from i heart eating

salted caramel apple cheesecake chimis


Thanks everyone for sharing your wonderful recipes!  Don't forget to come and share more at this week's Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party!

Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #61

Hello friends!  


You may have noticed that my recipe posts have been a little slow the last few weeks...life has been busy, but don't fret, I have been cooking away and trying new recipes.  I just need a few (uninterrupted) hours to sit down and prepare some posts.  There are many good recipes coming, I promise!  In the meantime, I am still happily hosting the weekly recipe link party and am loving every recipe that gets shared on my blog.  I am always so inspired by everyone's posts - thank you so much!

Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #61 is now live, I hope you will come by and share your recipes!

Have a fantastic week!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday #59 - Features

This week I think I have a nice mix of flavours for my features.  Each of them appealed to me for different reasons - which I will note below.  Congratulations to everyone for sharing another set of fantastic recipes!

If you are featured this week, please grab a BUTTON from my button page!

I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes


Pancakes and waffles are staples in our house, and sometimes we need to shake them up a bit.  This post offers some great variations!
50 Pancake and Waffle Recipes from Growing Up Gabel

50 Pancake and Waffle Recipes

I've been searing for a recipe just like this...and now I have one!
Rosemary Parmesan Bread from Sugar Cookies to Peterbuilts

Rosemary Parmesan Bread

I have ALWAYS wanted to try these! And they look so pretty :-)

Mexican Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

These.look.awesome.  I wish I had Lizy's talent!

Puzzle Heart Cookies

I am a huge cinnamon roll fan.  And cupcakes.  This sounds like a perfect marriage!
Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes from With a Blast

Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Thanks everyone for sharing your wonderful recipes!  Don't forget to come and share more at this week's Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday #58 - Features

Food glorious food! Recipes glorious recipes!  Oh how I love all the goodness that you share with me each week!  Thank you!

I am back, and featuring YOU!  And I had such a HARD time picking just a few of your recipes to feature, that this time I picked a whole stinkin' bunch!  Some that I know I would love, some that I immediately thought of my boys as ones they would love.  THANK YOU for sharing!

If you are featured this week, please grab a BUTTON from my button page!



I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes


Where to begin?  Breakfast!  I love breakfast, and I too love English McMuffins :-)
English McMuffin Breakfast Casserole from Hot Eats and Cool Reads

English McMuffin Breakfast Casserole

As soon as I saw this post, I knew it would be one my hubby would ask me to make again...and I haven't even made them yet!
Jalapeno Popper Pops from Lady Behind the Curtain

Lady Behind The Curtain - Jalapeno Popper Pops

A mouthful of a name for an appie, but totally one my boys would love!

Mexican Meatball Appetizers

Again, another one for my hubby.  He loves baked beans.  I bet my kids would even eat these!
Root Beer BBQ Baked Beans from Sugar Cookies to Peterbuilts

Root Beer BBQ Baked Beans

This sounds like a good meal!
Savory Ham and Swiss Cornbread Bake from Jazzy Gourmet Cooking Studio

Savory Ham and Swiss Cornbread Bake by Jazzy Gourmet

Oh this sounds tasty.  I love bread.  I love apricots.  I have never combined the two...
Apricot Cinnamon Bread from Mainleybakes

 Apricot Cinnamon Bread

I have always loved Boston Creme donuts, and these look even more amazing!
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes from i heart eating

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Just in case you missed my recipes from the week of Scrumptious Sunday #58, here they are:


Easter Bunny Carrot Cake



And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY, closing very soon!



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday #57 - Features

Once again, this week I am spending some time featuring YOU...I am behind on my link party features, so I am continuing to stop the press for my recipes to showcase YOUR recipes!  Every week YOU INSPIRE ME with all the fabulous ideas that you share, and featuring you is my way to thank you for continuing to fuel my addiction.  There will be several fantastic recipes featured this week, here we go with the features from Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #57!


If you are featured, I invite you to please grab a BUTTON from my button page!


I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes


I love scones.  I love blackberries. These look wonderful!
Blackberry Vanilla Scones from Butter with a Side of Bread

Blackberry Vanilla Scones

I adore cake pops, but honestly, I suck at making them!  I wish I had the talent that these bakers have!

10 Spring Cake Pop Recipes

I am dreaming of summer just thinking about this recipe!
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars from Lady Behind the Curtain

Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

My Mom LOVES raisin pie, and Kathe's version is a little different than the one I grew up with.  This looks so good!
Sour Cream Raisin Pie from Kathe with an E

Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your recipes!  Stay tuned as I feature more of YOUR recipes this week!

If you didn't get a chance to check out my recipes posted the week of Scrumptious Sunday #57, here they are:


Blueberry Raisin Wheat Bran Muffins

and a GIVEAWAY!


Recipe Recap #13

Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday to you!  Here we are, back with another week of Recipe Recap! This week looking at April 21 - 27, 2011!

Here they are:

Roasted Broccoletti

Roasted Broccoletti | Addicted to Recipes



Apple Brown Betty Muffins

Apple Brown Betty Muffins | Addicted to Recipes

Monday, April 22, 2013

Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

At a recent family dinner I wanted to change up our potato dish.  Scalloped Potatoes are usually a hit, and I shook up the standard scalloped potato recipe a little, and I really loved the results.  Here is my recipe:

Smoky Scalloped Potatoes

5 cups potatoes, washed, peeled and sliced thinly
Smoky Scalloped Potatoes | Addicted to Recipes

1/3 cup onion, minced
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Dash red chili pepper flakes
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika

Preheat oven to 350F.

Prepare a 9 x 13 baking or casserole dish (lightly greased).

In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour.  Add in the milk and whisk again.  Add in the minced onion, salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, cayenne and chili pepper flakes.  Cook on low until smooth and boiling.

Reduce heat, add in 1 1/3 cups of cheddar cheese.  Stir to melt the cheese (this will only take a moment).

Evenly place half of the sliced potatoes into your prepared baking dish. Spoon 1/3-1/2 of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.  Evenly place the remaining potatoes over the first layer and cover with the remaining cheese sauce.  Top with the remaining grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle with paprika.

Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are done.

VERDICT:
Unless they were lying to me, these potatoes were a hit with the family (including my parents and brother and sister-in-law and kids).  I really really likes the smoky flavour of these potatoes, as did my hubby.  They had just enough kick to shake up our standard scalloped potatoes.  Another winner in my books :-)

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #60

Addicted to Recipes
Hello friends! I sure hope that this post finds you well.  It's been another busy week in our house...we have a few family members feeling under the weather, add in the usual school, daycare, jobs, chores, the start of the outdoor soccer season, and of course the dreaded income taxes (spent most of my weekend working on those!)...

But alas, this week's party is up and running!  Yay!  I am so excited to see what you bring to this week's recipe link party!

Here is the link!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday #56 - Features

This week I am spending some time featuring YOU...I am behind on my link party features, so I am stopping the presses for my recipes to showcase your recipes!  Every week you inspire me with all the fabulous ideas that you share, and featuring you is my way to thank you for continuing to fuel my addiction.  There will be several fantastic recipes featured this week, here we go with the features from Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #56!


If you are featured, I invite you to please grab a button for your website!

If you are featured this week, please grab a BUTTON from my button page!
I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes

I love smoothies, and this one sounds interesting!
Pina Colada Oatmeal Smoothies from The Better Baker

Pina Colada Smoothie

Ummm...nice summer drink calling my name.  And easy!
Simple Strawberry Riesling from Willamette Valley Wonder Woman

Simple Strawberry Riesling

These look light and tasty!

Avocado and Chicken Spring Rolls

I've been searching for good donut recipes!
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts from i heart eating

Baked Carrot Cake Donuts

You had me at Maple :-)

Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Maple Syrup Glaze

If you missed my recipe posts from the week of Scrumptious Sunday #56, here they are:
Parmesan Baked Potatoes (currently my hottest recipe!)

Chicken Vegetable Soup with Homemade Noodles
Caramelized Brussel Sprouts


I sure hope you will come back tomorrow and see who else is being featured as I continue my series featuring YOU!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Recipe Recap #12


Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday to you!  Here we are, back with another week of Recipe Recap! This week looking at April 14-20, 2011!

This week it's a recipe and a makeover that we are looking back on...

Loaded Oatmeal Cookies


Loaded Oatmeal Cookies | Addicted to Recipes



Boy's Bedroom Makeover

Boy's Bedroom Makeover | Addicted to Recipes

See you next week!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Cheddar, Chive and Sundried Tomato Bread

I love bread.  I have always loved bread, especially the fresh baked kind.  (Hint hint, Mom if you are reading!)  Having said that, I have never made traditional homemade bread before.  It's on my to-do list, just not quite yet.  In the meantime, I decided to experiment with a quick bread to go with a recent Sunday dinner.  And I loved it.  Of course, it WAS bread!

Here is the recipe:



Cheddar, Chive and Sun-Dried Tomato Buttermilk Bread (Source: Mix & Bake)

Ingredients:
Cheddar, Chive and Sun-Dried Tomato Buttermilk Bread | Addicted to Recipes

2 1/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

60g freshly grated parmesan
60g grated cheddar cheese
8 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup mixture of fresh chives and parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 cup buttermilk

Egg wash (optional) made from 1 egg yolk beaten with 2 tsp water

Sea salt, for topping

Preheat oven to 350F. 

Generously butter a loaf pan and dust with flour. Set pan aside.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper and dry mustard powder into a large bowl. Add both cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, chives, parsley and thyme.  Mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add in the oil and buttermilk.  Mix until well combined.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir together to form a thick, sticky batter. Scrape the batter and spread evenly into the prepared tin.

Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash and then sprinkle sea salt on

Cheddar, Chive and Sun-Dried Tomato Buttermilk Bread | Addicted to Recipes
top of the loaf.

Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean. When done, remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack.  Serve, and enjoy!


VERDICT:
Fresh bread is almost always so freakin' good, and this bread was no exception.  The original recipe calls for olives, but the majority of us in my house don't care for olives, so I skipped those.  I suspect that they would be a nice addition if you like olives :-)  The loaf of bread last 2 days in our house, and even on day 2, it was still so very good.  Will be making this again!

Have you found me on Bloglovin' yet?  You should follow me there!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #59


Addicted to Recipes
Hello and good morning friends!  I hope you are enjoying your weekend. We certainly are, it`s our oldest`s birthday weekend...we have family visiting, yesterday we hosted a small family birthday party and today we are hosting a 'school friends' birthday party.  This is our first year having two small parties - how do you celebrate your little ones' big days?  Comment below and let me know!

I'm off to prep for more party fun...I would love for you to head over to this week's recipe link party and share what's cooking in your house!  THANK YOU!

Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party #59 is now live...pop on over and share your recipes!

PS - Canadian friends, don`t forget about the Bear Paws Morning Snack Prize Pack that I am giving away...