Archives for September 2016

chocolatemousse September 30, 2016 Leave a Comment

Mulled-Cider Recipe

The leaves are beginning to turn and the smell of Fall is in the air. While standing in an endless line of other weekend apple pickers anxiously waiting to purchase the spoils of a day spent looking for “just the right one” a warm and welcoming aroma began to fill my nose. Just ahead off to the side was another line and I didn’t even have to read the sign to know exactly what that intoxicating smell was….mulled cider…..yummmm. I can’t deny, on a chill, Fall day, there is nothing quite as good as a mug of hot mulled cider. Better still is homemade mulled cider. With that in mind and, since it is National Mulled Cider Day, I thought I’d share my own homemade recipe. Hope you all enjoy!

Mulled Cider

16 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider
4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 oranges, peels and juice
8 whole cloves
6 star anise

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

Hard Mulled Cider

8 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider

2 bottles red wine (pinot noir or a lighter red are best)
4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 oranges, peels and juice
8 whole cloves

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

Remember, I LOVE comments. Let me know what you thought, share ideas, your own recipes, ask for tips, tricks. Go for it! We will respond!

chocolatemousse September 27, 2016 Leave a Comment

How Our Fresh, Pre-Made, Meals Can Save You BIG $$$

Each week we post our menus. This is a great service for those of you who are still getting into the swing of the school year and could use just a little help and extra time. You may think this awesome service will break the bank… but actually, not only will it save you time, it will also help you be healthier AND save you money! Pull out your calculators to check my math…

First – How much is an hour of your time worth? Let’s say $30/hr. For you to make dinner you need:

10 Minutes Menu Planning

10 Minutes Market List

30 Minutes Round Trip to/ from Market

20 Minutes Shopping at Market

10 Minutes Put Groceries Away

40 Minutes Cook

15 Minutes Clean-Up

That’s 135 Minute or 2.25 Hours or $67.50 a day or $472.50 in a week. That is only your time!

Now let’s include the cost of groceries… the average family of 4 spends $146 a week on groceries just for dinner. Then add the gas expense and miles on your car.

All those numbers work out to $88.36 for 1 dinner for 4 people… or $22.09 each!

Our meals average $12 per portion. All the ingredients I use are fresh, local, and organic grade. Each meal is complete with protein, vegetables, and starch and are approximately 400 calories. So ask yourself the question….”why isn’t your dinner being delivered to your door?”

chocolatemousse September 23, 2016 Leave a Comment

Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe

It’s a fall tradition to consume Cider Donuts. Freshly pressed Apple Juice makes for a light, apple-scented treat. The cider adds more than flavor, though; its acidity makes the baked goods more tender. Here is my homemade apple cider donut recipe.

Fresh apple cider doughnuts! Picture by Megan.chromik and availablee at https://www.flickr.com/photos/17796522@N08/3950745212 — Fresh apple cider doughnuts!
Picture by Megan.chromik and available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/17796522@N08/3950745212

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 large eggs

3.25 cups all-purpose flour

1.25 teaspoons table salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon

.5 teaspoon freshly ground ginger

.25 cup low-fat buttermilk

.5 cup apple cider (or juice)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Corn oil (for frying)

Cinnamon sugar for dusting

Instructions

Beat sugar and butter until mixture is pale and fluffy.
Add eggs.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
Pour buttermilk, cider, and vanilla into sugar mixture.
Add flour mixture and combine gently just until fully moistened.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and dust with flour. Turn dough out onto one baking sheet and pat into 3/4-inch-thickness. Sprinkle dough with additional flour, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
Remove dough from the freezer; cut out about 18 – 3″ doughnuts with holes. Place cut doughnuts on the other baking sheet as you go and return to the freezer for 5 minutes.
Line a plate with a few layers of paper towels and set it nearby. In large pot, heat 3 inches of oil to 370° (test with an instant-read thermometer). Drop 3 or 4 doughnuts into the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until browned on one side, about 1 minute; then flip and cook until browned on the other side, about 1 minute longer.
When doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, sprinkle all over with cinnamon sugar
Enjoy!