Fried Apple Rings with Maple Glaze

apples

What You Need:

3/4 C of flour
1 egg, beaten
1/4 C of maple syrup
1/4 C of buttermilk
3 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into rings
Oil for frying

How to Make It:

Whisk together the flour, egg, syrup and buttermilk.
Dip the apples into the mixture, coating both sides.
Pour 2 inches of oil into the deep fryer.
Heat the oil to 375 degrees.
Fry the apples a few at a time for 2 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Drain on paper towel and continue until all the apple rings are fried.

Makes 4 servings

When deep frying in batches always be sure the oil reaches the desired temperature before adding more food to fry. These apple rings are a mighty tasty side dish addition to any meal. Turn them into a great dessert by dusting them with a little confectioner’s sugar.

Chocolate on Chocolate Angel Food Cake

chocangel

chocangelWhat You Need:

1 C + 1 T of flour
1 1/3 C confectioners’ sugar
1/3 C of unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 t ground ginger
9 large egg whites
1 t of cream of tartar
1/4 t of salt
1 T of vanilla extract
1 C + 2 T of sugar
8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 T light corn syrup
1 C heavy cream

How to Make It:

Place the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Sift together the flour, confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder
Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into a separate mixing bowl.
Add the salt and vanilla.
Use an electric mixer on medium speed and whisk together until soft peaks form.
Place the mixer on high speed and slowly add in 1/3 of the sugar mixing as you add.
When the sugar is mixed in slowly add another 1/3 of the sugar.
When that sugar is mixed in, add in the remaining sugar and mix until medium peaks form.
Fold in the flour mixture until moist and blended in well.
Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cake bounces back easily when lightly touched.
Invert the cake on a wire rack but leave the cake covered with the pan until cool.
To make the glaze place the semisweet chocolate into a mixing bowl.
Pour the syrup over the chocolate and let set.
Place the heavy cream in a saucepan.
Place the pan over medium high heat and bring it to a steady boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Unmold the cake and turn it right side up.
Spoon the glaze over the cake allowing it run down the sides.

Makes 8 servings

Remember not to grease your angel food cake pan. It is important for the egg whites to stick to the sides of the pan so the cake can rise. Make your cake an eye catcher by garnishing it with maraschino cherries or candied ginger.

Making Heavenly Desserts with a Pressure Cooker

cheesecake_fruit

cheesecake_fruitMaking scrumptious desserts couldn’t be easier than with a pressure cooker. Baking takes time but with a pressure cooker you can have a heavenly dessert in no time. Pressure cooked desserts taste better and are much healthier. These recipes are a great place to start your baking experience with a pressure cooker.

Easy Fruit Glazed Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 4 tbsp. bread crumbs
• 2-8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 6 tbsp. sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 cups water

Preparation:

Butter a 7 inch spring form mold or other baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and set aside. In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, cream, vanilla, lemon zest, flour and sour cream. Beat in the eggs and egg yolks and pour mixture into the baking dish.

Center the uncovered pan on a piece of 24” long aluminum foil. Cover the top of the pan with another piece of foil and pinch around the edges to seal. Create a handle by scrunching up the ends of the foil over the top of the pan. Set the trivet in the pressure cooker and pour in the water. Lower the foil covered pan into the pressure cooker and place on the trivet. Lock the lid into place and bring to pressure. Lower the heat and cook for 30 minutes at 15 psi. Remove from heat and release the pressure using the natural release method.

Remove the pan from the pressure cooker using the foil handle. Loosen the foil and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, arrange fruit topping or fruit preserves in thick layer over the cheesecake.

Quick Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• Cinnamon to taste

Preparation:

Melt the butter in the pressure cooker and stir in the rice coating it well with butter. Pour in the two cups of milk and water. Blend in the sugar and salt.

Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure. Lower heat and cook for 12 minutes at 15 psi. Release pressure using natural release method and remove lid.

In a small bowl, combine egg, evaporated milk and vanilla. Stir a little of the hot liquid from the pressure cooker into the egg mixture then return to the remaining mixture in the pressure cooker. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring constantly until the rice pudding begins to bubble. Immediately remove from heat and allow to cool 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Transfer to individual dessert bowls, and refrigerate to continue cooling. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Biscuits

cinny-rolls

cinny-rollsIngredients:

1/4 C of sugar
1/4 C of pecans, chopped
1/2 t of cinnamon
2 C biscuit mix
1/2 C of cold water
3 T of butter, melted

How to Cook It:

The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees.
Blend together the sugar, pecans and cinnamon and then set aside.
Using the direction on the package prepare the biscuit mix using the cold water for the recommended liquid.
Shape the dough into a ball and put on a lightly floured piece of wax paper.
Flatten the dough ball into a 1 inch thick circle and then divided into 12 pieces.
Roll the 12 pieces into equal size balls.
Coat the dough balls with the melted butter.
Roll the balls in the pecan sugar mixture coating them well.
Place the balls into a circular baking pan with the sides touching.
Bake in the preheated oven 15 minutes or until a light golden brown.

Top with a powdered sugar and milk glaze while still warm for a special treat.

Makes 12 biscuits

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes