Busy Brunette Bakerista

Recipe "Re-Post" for 2015 This savory appetizer is one of my most requested dishes and perfect for parties, watching football, or neighborhood potlucks. It's my first "re-post" since I started my blog so enjoy!  Happy New Year! My roommate in college was from Venezuela and her mom would make the most wonderful food when we visited on weekends. I was able to master one of her recipes and have been cooking it ever since.  These little hot dogs are so simple and taste very, very, gourmet. They are great to serve at parties. Keep them warm on the stove or in a small slow-cooker on the low setting for your guests to eat.   Fancy Hot Dog Appetizers 1 yellow onion chopped or minced 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard 8 Tablespoons ketchup 2 Tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 packages (size) of good-quality hot dogs Cut up hot dog links into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Over medium-low heat cook onions until transparent i

I have a mild obsession with tomato soup and this is the best recipe I have ever made. My children like it so much it should be re-named basil-tomato soup. If you like the rich taste of marinara sauce, and the smell of a kitchen in Little Italy in New York, make this soup. Rich Tomato Basil Soup 1 (28oz.) can of whole tomatoes, drained 3 cups tomato juice 2 cups chicken broth 15 – 22 fresh basil leaves (yes, that many) 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (do not substitute) 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter ( 3 / 4 cup), cut up into pieces ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground pepper bread crumbs or freshly grated Parmesan cheese In a large saucepan, combine whole tomatoes, tomato juice, and chicken broth. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in basil leaves until they are wilted.  Let soup cool for 15 minutes in saucepan. Then using a large ladle or measuring cup, transfer soup in batches to blender and process until smooth. As you blend, pour into a s

My parents took a mini-vacation to the Central Coast in California to explore the beaches, go wine tasting, and eat lots of good food! I told them to visit the Brown Butter Cookie Company and they fell in love just like I did. They brought me back two dozen cookies and a new bag!  The bakers there must know a secret, because mine never turn out as good as these.  #brownbutterandsalt Brown Butter Cookie Company Like Share 938 people like this.

Pantry Chili  This yummy chili comes together easily with what you probably have stocked in your kitchen pantry. You can make it on the stove or ahead of time in a slow-cooker. For an extra crunch and salty finish, serve over corn chips. A true crowd-pleaser for a football game, potluck, or team party. 2 T. olive oil 1 pound ground turkey ½ to 1 chopped yellow onion 3 cloves of garlic (pressed or minced) 1 T. chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin pinch of cayenne pepper 1 (15oz.) can of black beans 1 (15oz.) can of pinto beans 1 (10oz.) can of diced tomatoes with green chiles 1 small can of corn salt and pepper to taste ½ cup chopped cilantro 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 1 bag of corn chips (Fritos) In a Dutch oven , heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the ground turkey and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Add chopped onion, pressed garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne and cook over medium-low