My Cooking Spot

When Girl Meets Kitchen



Happy National Acorn Squash Day – Cinnamon Hazelnut

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final-sqaush

 

September 7th is national Acorn Squash day. Who knew? I assume that means that it is the beginning of squash season and to me, that means the beginning of fall. I love fall, and I am so excited that it is almost here, I say almost, because I am in Phoenix, and it is still quite a bit hot in these parts.

This acorn squash recipe is the epitome of fall, and even the holiday’s really. It makes me feel all warm and cozy inside just thinking about it. This recipe is so easy and crazy good. If you get a chance to pick up some acorn squash, you should definitely try it. It is not too difficult either. Most of the time is the roasting. But once you taste it, it is literally melt in your mouth, buttery, sweet, crunchy goodness.

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Classic Grilled Cheese with Bacon

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bacon-grilledcheese

It is Friday afternoon, and I could really go for a buttery, cheesy grilled cheese. But not just any grilled cheese. I like to add a little bacon. Sometimes I like to add some other items like tomatoes, arugula or even an occasional avocado slice or two.

But not today. Today I just want the creamy cheese on a buttered piece of bread with a few slices of crispy bacon. Sometimes, you just need some bacon.  I also need my sandwich as quickly as possible. I have a craving, and it needs to be satisfied and in my lips N.O.W!

I was surprised to find out that a lot of people are not aware that you can cook some crispy and delish bacon in the microwave in just a few minutes. When I am in a hurry and need some bacon asap, I just throw some pieces in a microwave and they crisp up just perfectly.

bacon

 

To cook the bacon in its microwave perfection, start by placing 2 paper towels over a paper plate. Add a few pieces of bacon on the paper towels. Make sure not to crowd the bacon. Place in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Check the bacon and turn the bacon over. Cook for another 1 minute on high. Check the bacon, and if it needs more time to crisp up, keep cooking for 30 second intervals and check each time. Every microwave is different, so your cook time may be different. It takes me about four – five minutes to get the best crispness.

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In the meantime, you can start on your grilled cheese. Add some butter to a pan and turn to medium heat.  I usually use about 1/2 tbs and let it melt. I also butter the outside o the bread. Place the buttered side of the bread into the hot pan. Place your cheese on each side of the bread, and just for a little more richness and stringy cheese, I add a little shredded cheese. Can’t have too much cheese if you ask me.

grilledcheese

 

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16 Cooking & Food Tips You Want to Know

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cooking

 

We could all use some tips to make things a little easier when it comes to cooking and in the kitchen. At least for me anyway. Here are 16 tips for food and in the kitchen.

1.  To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

2. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.

3. Use a meat baster to “squeeze” your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you’ll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time.

4. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

5. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispy treats in the pan and the marshmallow won’t stick to your fingers.

6. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.

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The Best Cinnamon Funfetti Pancakes

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My Mom’s pancakes are my all-time favorite pancakes. Whenever I go out to a restaurant, I don’t typically like ordering pancakes, because I know they can never compare to my Mom’s.  A little biased? Yes, but I can’t help it.  So what’s this delectable secret to why my Mom has the best pancakes? Aunt Jemima Pancake mix. Wait, she uses boxed mix? There’s no way that can be better than from scratch. Well, on a level, I agree with you that nothing’s better than scratch, but after tasting my Mom’s pancakes, I have a new faith in boxed-based recipes. See, this recipe doesn’t just follow the box instructions; it improves upon a solid pancake foundation.

funfetti

The two secret, but crucial, ingredients in this box-based mix are applesauce and vanilla extract. For some reason boxed mixes forgo the flavoring step, and I feel like that really limits the recipe.

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I add just a tablespoon or so of cinnamon applesauce, some vanilla extract, and just a dash of almond extract, to really make this recipe shine. Add some sprinkles for a colorful, fun element, and you’ve got a party!  A breakfast party, that is.

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