Creamy Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is one of my most favorite things to eat.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I found this recipe a while ago, gave it a try and this is by far my most FAVORITE one.  I know the picture of it looks a little strange.  But trust me, this stuff is AWESOME!!

Creamy Rice Pudding
*1 cup uncooked rice (I use long grain)
*1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
*1 cup water
Bring to a boil in saucepan, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is done (about 20 minutes).  All liquid should be absorbed.  Set aside. 
*3 tablespoons cornstarch
*1 cup sugar
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*2 1/4 cups half and half
*1 cup milk
*2 beaten eggs
*2 tablespoons butter
*2 teaspoons vanilla
Mix cornstarch, sugar and salt in a 3 quart saucepan.  Add half and half and milk, cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, pour a small amount of hot mixture into eggs while stirring constantly to prevent eggs from cooking.  Pour egg mixture back into pan and cook another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.  Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla stirring gently to mix.  Add rice to pudding mixture (add the rice depending on how you like your pudding.  If you like more rice add almost or all.  If you don't like  too much rice in your pudding, don't add that much).  Cover and store leftovers in fridge....if there is any :)

Symphony Bar Cookies

I know these have been around for a while, but in my family, they are a favorite.  I am lucky to keep them around for an hour before they are gone. 

Symphony Cookie Bars

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, soft
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped heath bars (8 small or 1 large)

In a bowl add flour, soda and salt.  Whisk together and set aside.  Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla.  Mix well.  Add flour mixture then stir in candy bar bits.  Chill dough for 30 minutes.  Roll into 1" balls, place 2" apart on cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes

Family Movie Night

Sundays seem to be the only time that we are able to have time as a family without friends here too late.  We pick a good movie, I make treats and we sit to enjoy good food, family and a good movie.  Tonight we are watching Karate Kid.  I made a cake from a box....GASP!!  I know....BAD baker but in my defense, my kids LOVE to have the seasonal cakes and frosting that you get from Betty Crocker.  They say they like homemade better :)

Tonight we are having cake and ice cream with homemade fudge and caramel sauce (that's why it deserves a spot on my blog :) )

Hot fudge sauce
1 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups sugar
1 12oz can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine butter, cocoa, sugar and evaporated milk in saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. 

  Carefully pour mixture into a blender and blend for 2-4 minutes.

*I have made this before and not blended it, it does make a difference when you do*




Caramel Sauce

1 cube butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup half and half
dash salt
1 tablespoon vanilla

Heat first ingredients over stove on medium/low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Cook for 7-10 minutes until mixture starts to thicken.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Cook for one more minute.  Put in fridge for a few minutes to set then serve over ice cream or other desserts.

Chip and Dip day

Hope that everybody was able to enjoy National Chip and Dip day! 

Sugared Tortilla Triangles

One more recipe in honor of Nationl Chip and Dip day :)


Sugared Tortilla Triangles

4 8" round flour tortillas, room temperature
melted butter
cinnamon
sugar

Brush room temperature tortillas with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over top.  Cut into triangles, place on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake in a 325 oven for 15-20 minutes or until crisp. 

Quick Salsa Recipe (Sorry no picture yet)

In honor of Nationl Chips and Dip day, here is my quick salsa recipe....Enjoy!

2 cans diced tomatoes
1/3 onion, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro (you can use more or less depending on your taste)
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small can green chilies
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon onion salt
dash of pepper

Put all ingredients in a blender, give a couple of pulses until blended to your liking.  Store in refrigerator for up to a week. 

Working on things

I wanted to let you all know that I have not forgotten about my blog.  I am getting everything all organized to get it up an running.  Maybe I should have waited to start it, but I was SO excited that I finally decided to do it, I couldn't wait any longer and I had to get it going.  I promise you all by the weekend, there will be some recipes, tips and tricks for you!  Thank you for being patient

theculinarychic

Getting started

Here I am doing something that I have wanted to do for a while.  I have always loved to be in the kitchen, watching and learning. I remember watching my grandma cook and I remember thinking, I want to be like that someday.  It wasn't until I was married and had kids that I really got into baking and cooking and it has just grown from there.  I have been in charge of preparing food for PTA luncheons, I have worked at a cupcake shop, taken cake decorating classes and made MANY birthday cakes and dinners for friends and family. My recipes are a mix of everything.  I make just about everything from scratch, but occasionally I throw in things from box mixes.  I don't have a favorite meal or thing to cook, I enjoy doing it ALL :) So come along with me on this cooking/baking journey and I promise, you wont be disappointed.

theculinarychic