Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake

I adore chocolate cake, and this recipe is one of my absolute favorites. Normally, I think a cake tastes better on the first day it's baked, but this one's chocolate intensity is even better on the second day.

This is fancy enough for a holiday, family reunion, or any time you want people to be in awe of your fabulous baking skills. It really is that good.

Recipe for Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

1 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon brewed coffee

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 whole eggs

1 egg yolk

1 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk

1 cup plus 2 tablespoon canola oil

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted

 

For the glaze:
 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

 

Directions:

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan and set aside.

Put brewed coffee and cocoa powder in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking frequently.  Remove from the heat and let come to room temperature.

With an electric mixer,  mix together sugar, salt, baking soda, eggs and egg yolk on low speed for about 1 minute.  Add the buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract and mix on low again for another minute.

Add the flour and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add the cooled cocoa mixture and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes.  The batter will be very loose.  Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted in the cake comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan about 30 minutes, and then invert onto a cake plate.

 

To make the glaze, in a medium bowl whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.  Add 2 tablespoons of milk and all of the vanilla extract.  Whisk to combine.  Mixture may be thick.  Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick but still pourable.

Slowly pour glaze over cake, guiding the glaze with a spatula.

 

Serves 8-10.

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I've made several different kinds of soups this past winter, but this potato broccoli cheese soup is my favorite.

It's such a hearty, delicious, and filling soup that actually tastes even better warmed up the next day. I love getting broccoli into my recipes anyway I can, as it's one of my favorite vegetables, and so good for you.

You can use whatever potatoes you have on hand, and don't even need to peel them. I do recommend using half-and-half for extra richness, but milk will work, too.

Recipe for Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cubed, unpeeled potatoes
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups half-and-half (or milk) divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Sauté onion, carrots and celery in a large pot until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add broth, broccoli, potatoes, and seasonings, heat to boiling.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes. Heat soup to boiling, stir in combined 1 cup half-and-half and flour, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute.
Stir in remaining 2 cups half-and-half, reduce heat to medium, and add cheese stirring until melted.

Makes 6 entrée servings.

Enjoy!!

Green Olive Dip With Lindsay Olives #sponsored

When I was growing up, I can recall that there was always a bowl of olives on the table for everyone to enjoy. Whether it was a summer barbeque or part of our Thanksgiving appetizers, we always made sure to include Lindsay Olives.

Their great taste inspired me to make this delicious Green Olive Dip. I used Lindsay's Naturals California Green Ripe Olives. These are canned with only water and sea salt, and have a smooth, mellow flavor.

Lindsay Olives has been in business for over 100 years in California. I'm from California, and I love using great products from my home state.

While I always enjoy eating a handful of olives straight from a bowl, there are really many ways to use them in recipes. They enhance pasta, salads, pizzas, and so much more. They can also be used as the bases for fabulous dips, using both black or green olives.

We had some friends over to watch a movie last week, and this Green Olive Dip was so easy to make, and serve.

 The rich buttery green olives were perfect for making this dip, and I included whole wheat tortilla wedges, and a variety of crackers to go along with it.

To give it even more edge, I sprinkled red pepper flakes on top, but this can be optional.

My guests loved it, so did I, and it's a recipe I'll be making again soon. It will be perfect for the summer when I can bring it to picnics or the beach.

Recipe for Lindsay Olive Green Olive Dip

Ingredients:

2 6 oz cans of Lindsay Naturals California Green Ripe Olives
1 green chili, chopped
juice of 1 lime
8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste
red pepper flakes to sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a blender. Pulse into a rough paste, checking frequently to make sure you don't over blend it.
Put into a bowl and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve with warm tortilla wedges or crackers.

Enjoy!!


*I was provided with products from Lindsay Olives, and all opinions are my own.

Peppa Pig My Birthday Party DVD Review and Giveaway #sponsored

What is it about these charming pig characters that make my grandchildren love them? And the funny thing is, I love them too!

Peppa Pig is a cartoon that is sweet and loveable, and I watch it right along with the kids whenever it is on.

Peppa lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig. She loves having adventures with her family and friends, and Grandma and Grandpa Pig.

This My Birthday Party DVD includes the title episode, which is adorable and typical "Peppa", and 13 other episodes.

Fancy Dream Party, Grandpa Pig's Boat, School Play, and At The Beach are just a few of the titles that are included in this DVD.

There are also never before seen exclusive extras like Learn The Alphabet and Learn To Count.

Whether your children are Peppa Pig fans, or they have never watched, they will love this fun and sweet 14 fun packed episodes of Peppa's adventures.


We are happy to be giving away one copy of Peppa Pig My Birthday Party to one of our readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 17, 2014 and ends on March 31, 2014 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.

Chicken and Bacon Alfredo Casserole

Casseroles are one of my favorite dinners to make. They are usually pretty easy to put together, and when they are combined with a simple salad and warm bread, you have a delicious meal.

This chicken casserole has bacon in it, and makes it all the more yummy. Who doesn't love bacon, right??

I made this on a busy weeknight, and my family loved it. The recipe is simple, and while it was baking, I made a salad with red onions and Italian dressing. So good!!

Chicken and Bacon Alfredo Casserole

Ingredients:

6 strips bacon
2 1/2 cups uncooked penne, or tube shaped pasta
2 small skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 16 oz. jar alfredo sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cooked green beans
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Fry the bacon until crisp, let drain on paper towels.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta as directed, drain, and place into a large bowl.
Add the bacon, chicken, green beans, green onion, alfredo sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Stir together until mixture is well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
Put mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish, and sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Serves 6.


Enjoy!!