A Cook's Quest

Yes, it is that time of year.  When food rules and cookies are the gift of the season.  December is the month that my baking goes into overdrive, from the basic sugar cookie, to the best ever chocolate chip cookies and on into the land of no-bakes and bars.  Who doesn't smile a plate full of cookies wrapped with a pretty bow? And don't forget about the big guy who needs delicious treats as he fills those holiday stockings! I'm declaring December 1st through the 24th official cookie making time here on the blog and I will be sharing old recipes that I love, along with some new ones.  Until then check out the recipes I have shared with you already, and get ready to bake away! Cookies and Bars

There is one combination that I adore at Thanksgiving, turkey and stuffing all in the same bite. Add in cranberry sauce or gravy and it is perfection! I made these egg rolls a few years ago and they have become a staple turkey leftover meal every year since. I make these the day after thanksgiving and freeze them individually, or use turkey meat from the freezer and make a quick batch for dinner.  Enjoy! I added this post to Real Food Deals over at Premeditated Leftovers Turkey Stuffing Egg Rolls Recipe Source: A Cook's Quest 1 package square egg roll wrappers leftover turkey leftover stuffing Lay an egg roll wrapper on the counter. Place some stuffing and some turkey on top. Wrap up and seal the edge with water. Fry or bake until golden brown and serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. Total Cost-$2.99 Egg Roll wrappers-$2.99

I have to start with the disclaimer I didn't make these delectable little bites of chocolate peanut butter dellciousness. Br2, my seven year daughter who has inherited my love of making yummy food, made these babies all by herself.  She found the recipe, prepared the recipe, and with hardly any guidance from me she baked these brownies to take to Thanksgiving dinner so that she had her very own dish to bring like, "all the other girls."  They are rich, delicious, and a great addition to any dessert buffet!  We used a brownie mix because at the last minute I discovered I was all out of cocoa, but this brownie recipe  (minus the mint candy) or your favorite recipe would work beautifully with the peanut butter struesel topping.  Enjoy!

Turkey Day is almost here and I can't hardly wait to smell that delicious roasted turkey roasting in the oven.  I love Thanksgiving food, it is not only delicious but the leftovers are the best!  This year I am not hosting the big family dinner, but I did gather some tips that have helped me over the years during my Turkey Day adventures to share with all of you.  I wish you all a Thanksgiving full of easy cooking and family fun! For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. Cooking times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. Consider adding flavor by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables — carrots, celery, onion or garlic work nicely — or by carefu...

I don't know about all of you, but I love, love, love Thanksgiving.  I love cooking dinner, I love having everyone around, I love just hanging out after dinner, and most of all I love the leftovers. Because my family are traditionalists when it comes to holiday meals I stick to a pretty basic turkey dinner.  We don't add new dishes very often sticking to the old standbys and favorites that everyone has.   This year we are going to my sister in law Cindy's house.  I am making a turkey to take to her house because she has a small army coming, and I am also making turkey, stuffing, and gravy for my house because I need leftovers.  I have already started planning some great leftover recipes that I plan on sharing with all of you starting next Friday, but if you have a tried and true turkey leftover recipe I would love to get it from you.  So send me your recipes at acooksquest@yahoo.com , tell me what you do with all those delicious leftovers ...

This meatloaf recipe was sent to me by my friend Randy.  I was told it is the best meatloaf ever!  I love a good meatloaf and the fact that this is basically encased with bacon and baked with a glorious glaze made it a winner before I had even tasted it!  I had to make a few adjustments simply because I didn't plan accordingly but the results were still wonderful.  I'm sure if you follow the recipe as Randy provided it, your results will be even better than mine! If you have a recipe that you love, or that you think I would love please send it me.  I would love to give it a try and feature a delicious dish! P.S. I apologize for the photos.  It gets dark so early now and it is hard to get nice photos with indoor lighting.

I am a huge fan of casseroles.  Not only are they a simple way to stretch your food budget but they are tasty, easy to prepare, and most store wonderfully in the freezer for future meals.  Last weekend I made a ham for dinner knowing that it would provide at least three to four meals for my family.  Typically I make a scalloped potato type of dish with bits of ham scattered through out, but this time I wanted something a little different.  I found this casserole recipe and knew it would be great.  Some of my favorite ingredients are matched up, baked together and served as a warm, cheesy, flavorful casserole. Because casseroles are so versatile, you can take this recipe and mix things up a bit.  Use a different cheese, use turkey instead of chicken, or add some steamed veggies.  Anyway you do it, I think everyone in your house will love it. 

In the early days of this blog I shared with readers how much I enjoy vinegar and what it can add to a recipe.  This recipe is defintely one that I will make again and this time uses apple cider vinegar.  This vinegar is used for everything from home remedies, weight loss cures, cleaning, and cooking.  I much prefer it in the later, but I will tell you it does great things for cutting through grease, and mopping floors. This chicken recipe reminds me a little bit of the Onion Chicken in Balsamic Sauce that I made moths ago.  The vinegar, juice and honey pair together creating a sauce that is perfect with the chicken, and even more tasty with mashed potatoes. This is one of those recipes where the family stops talking as they eat, and where I hide the leftovers so ensure I get to eat them for lunch. 

This recipe comes from my sister in law Cindy.  It seems to be one of her staple recipes, gracing the table at many of the gatherings she hosts at her home.  After eating more slices than I should have, I asked her for the recipe to feature in Reader Recipes. What I love about this cake is that is very easy to chage.  Maybe you want a thick cake, bake it in a 9x13.  Maybe you want a round cake, bake it in an 8 inch round pan.  Maybe you want cupcakes...well you get the idea.  It can be made into any size pan, you can frost it, eat it plain or top it with whipped cream.  Every time it turns out moist and full of flavor.  A perfect addition to any holiday meal!

There are a few things I don't mess with.  Bedtime for the kiddos, the kind of peanut butter my husband eats, my face wash,  and Mel's "best ever" recipes.  I have learned that all of these things are the way they are in order to make my life better, easier, and tastier.  This cake is one of my favorite recipes from Mel's blog.  I have searched high and low for homemade cake recipes that have the texture of a box cake, you know the light and airy crumb that is uber moist and tasty on its own or topped with frosting?  This recipe fits the bill, plus I can pronounce every ingredient! It is chocolatey.  It is delicate and light.  It is simple to make.  It freezes beautifully.  It makes a TON of cake.  It is fabulous with Peanut Butter Frosting which you all know is one of the perfect combinations for dessert at this house. I changed nothing about the recipe.  Follow it as Mel has given it to us, and you will be a hero ...

I truly don't know of a better meal on a cold day other than soup and bread.  Warm, filling, easy to prepare and budget friendly, soups and stews are a mainstay in my kitchen.  We eat them at least once a week, sometimes twice a week in cold weather.  I love pairing them with bread bowls , a simple dinner roll , or a slice of oatmeal bread.  This broccoli cheese soup came from Mel at My Kitchen Cafe , and like always happens with her recipes, I was thrilled with the outcome.  The true beauty of this soup is it can be made to your specific tastes.  I used all cheddar cheese because it was what I had on hand, added more onion because I like a lot of onion, and loaded it down with a ton of broccoli because my kids LOVE broccoli, ( I know it sounds strange but they truly love green veggies). For other great savings ideas go check out the Real Food Deals over at Premeditated Leftovers!

As I have told you all before, anything made with peanut butter is usually a winner in this house.  I've heard of peanut butter frosting many times before, but never made it.  When I found a chocolate cake recipe that had been declared, "the best ever," I knew I was going to match it with this peanut butter frosting.  This recipe is easy, fast and delicious.  The salty flavor of the peanut butter pairs really well with any sweet cake or cookie.  Not to mention it is fast and easy to prepare.