When you are ready to use them thaw in the ice box overnight. These are great for guacamole, homemade baby food, chocolate mousse, truffles and so much more!
Enjoy!
Over Ripe Avocados? Don't throw them out!
Last week there was a great deal at my local grocery for avocados ($1 each!), so I bought a bunch of them! A few were ripe so those were used in my mango salsa a few nights ago. The rest I let sit to finish ripening to freeze! Most people do not realize you can freeze these whole food beauties! Just cut in half and remove the seed. Wrap in saran wrap (a vacuum sealer is the best option if you have one) then place into a freezer safe container or bag. I have never kept mine more than three months so not sure how long they will keep.
Buttermilk Chocolate Bread Pudding
It's beginning to feel more like winter these days in Tennessee and when a new shipment of Guittard chocolate arrived I thought I should make a warm dessert with it. What better than bread pudding? There are so many recipes out there, and this one isn't much different than most. But I put my own spin on it and the end result was a rich, dark chocolate pudding. Not too sweet, which is why the whipped cream is necessary!
As with any recipe there can be substitutions and I listed some. In regards to the chocolate, your preference may be different than mine, and I realize most people do not have bulk, dark chocolate in their pantry! So just substitute your favorite chocolate chips in this recipe. Semisweet chocolate will not turn out the same but that doesn't mean it won't be good! Just cut back on the sugar, maybe by a half of a cup if you use anything other than dark chocolate. But you know your taste, if you like sweet desserts leave all the sugar in regardless!
As with any recipe there can be substitutions and I listed some. In regards to the chocolate, your preference may be different than mine, and I realize most people do not have bulk, dark chocolate in their pantry! So just substitute your favorite chocolate chips in this recipe. Semisweet chocolate will not turn out the same but that doesn't mean it won't be good! Just cut back on the sugar, maybe by a half of a cup if you use anything other than dark chocolate. But you know your taste, if you like sweet desserts leave all the sugar in regardless!
Ingredients:
1 loaf Challah Bread, cut or torn into cubes
2 cups whole fat buttermilk (or whole milk)
2 cups 1/2 & 1/2 (or heavy cream)
1 whole vanilla bean
1 and 3/4 cups dark chocolate
8 egg yolks
3/4 cup cane sugar (plus more for dusting)
Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tbs powdered sugar
1/2 tsp real vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with real butter. Slice the challah bread into 1/2 inch slices. Stack a few at a time and slice off the brown crust on all side. Cut (or tear) into cubes. Assemble bread chunks into the pan.
2. Pour buttermilk and cream into a heavy saucepan. Slice vanilla bean down the center and scrape seeds out with a spoon. Add them to the milk and whisk to break them up. Place vanilla bean pod in the pan. Bring to a soft boil.
3. Remove heated milk from stove top and cover with plastic wrap. Let the milk infuse for at least 30 minutes.
4. In the meantime separate the eggs (you can use the whites for another recipe or omelette's). Add sugar to egg yolks and whisk to combine.
5. If your chocolate is not already in pieces cut it into chunks (this will ensure a quick and easy melt later on). Measure out chocolate.
6. Now it's time to make the custard. Remove plastic wrap from the cooled milk. Remove the vanilla bean pod. Reheat the milk on the stove top to just under boiling. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until combined. Now it's time to temper the eggs. Slowly add a little bit of the hot chocolate milk to the bowl of eggs. This step is extremely important because if you add the hot milk too quickly it will curdle your eggs. So add slowly and whisk. Add the warmed egg mixture to your pan of chocolate milk and whisk.
7. Pour chocolate milk over the bread.
8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and then weigh it down. I used another 9x13 inch pan and inserted more glass dishes. This step pushes the cubes down into the milk so they absorb that chocolate yumminess! Set this aside to rest for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
9. After the bread has absorbed the liquid remove the glass dishes and plastic wrap. Sprinkle the top with more cane sugar (I do this to get a lightly toasted, crispy crust) and bake uncovered for 35 - 40 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime make your whipped cream.
11. Place heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. If you have a stand mixer use the whisk attachment, but a hand mixer will work. Whisk on high until the cream firms ups and has stiff peaks. This cream purposely has less sugar and vanilla in it so that it doesn't overpower the flavor of that amazing dark chocolate!
Once the pudding has rested spoon into bowls and top with cream!
Coconut Oil - more uses than in the kitchen
If you are familiar with our Whoopie Pies you know that we use (what we believe is) the best coconut oil on the market. Tropical Traditions
Coconut oil is one of the best oils on planet earth you can eat, bake and cook with. There is a lot of information on the Internet about it's benefits but this article from Organic Facts sums it up best for those of you new to it.
We began incorporating coconut oil in our personal diets after using it in our baked goods and have experienced amazing results! Weight loss, clear complexion and low cholesterol to name just a few!
Lately I've been saving these fabulous jelly jars from our favorite store bought jelly (for two years in a row now I sold all our extra homemade jam and by fall we are completely out!). I've re purposed them for many things and lately they have become our "lotion" jars. We use coconut oil for chapped lips, night cream, body cream and most recently on my surgery incision scars (because of it's antibacterial and soothing elements).
We purchase our oil in gallon containers (did you see the green Pail Opener? It's a must so invest in one when you order by the gallon. It's worth the money as these lids are extremely tight fitting!). I made two jars, one for each bathroom upstairs. Really any unrefined coconut oil will work but if you choose to try Tropical Traditions you can use our referral code and get their cookbook FREE, "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how one can incorporate coconut into their diet.FREE with your first order! Here's how:
When you create an account and fill in your account information, there is a place to choose "How did you hear of us?" In the drop down menu, choose "Referred by a friend." Underneath this will be a place that says: "Referred by (User ID):" Your User ID code is 6253328
It's that simple! Whether or not you order from TT please do your own research on the health benefits of this amazing whole food and test it out on your dry, chapped winter skin. You will see the difference over night!
Coconut oil is one of the best oils on planet earth you can eat, bake and cook with. There is a lot of information on the Internet about it's benefits but this article from Organic Facts sums it up best for those of you new to it.
We began incorporating coconut oil in our personal diets after using it in our baked goods and have experienced amazing results! Weight loss, clear complexion and low cholesterol to name just a few!
Lately I've been saving these fabulous jelly jars from our favorite store bought jelly (for two years in a row now I sold all our extra homemade jam and by fall we are completely out!). I've re purposed them for many things and lately they have become our "lotion" jars. We use coconut oil for chapped lips, night cream, body cream and most recently on my surgery incision scars (because of it's antibacterial and soothing elements).
We purchase our oil in gallon containers (did you see the green Pail Opener? It's a must so invest in one when you order by the gallon. It's worth the money as these lids are extremely tight fitting!). I made two jars, one for each bathroom upstairs. Really any unrefined coconut oil will work but if you choose to try Tropical Traditions you can use our referral code and get their cookbook FREE, "Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!" This book is packed with testimonies and solid research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how one can incorporate coconut into their diet.FREE with your first order! Here's how:
When you create an account and fill in your account information, there is a place to choose "How did you hear of us?" In the drop down menu, choose "Referred by a friend." Underneath this will be a place that says: "Referred by (User ID):" Your User ID code is 6253328
It's that simple! Whether or not you order from TT please do your own research on the health benefits of this amazing whole food and test it out on your dry, chapped winter skin. You will see the difference over night!
Best Window Cleaner
Today I was supposed to test a new Whoopie Pie recipe I created. Ran into one problem...I was missing an ingredient. So I had some extra time to deep clean my kitchen and reorganize a few things. Gallons of coconut oil and 100+ pounds of chocolate isn't so easy to store! During my cleaning extravaganza I ran out of my favorite window and glass cleaner. Most people use vinegar, but my mom taught me to use alcohol. Does a MUCH better job. I typically stick with Eco friendly products at home but for this recipe Dawn is a must! We do use castile soap here but for a Domestic kitchen sometimes you need something a little stronger. And at two drops I don't feel so bad about using Dawn to get the job done right, the first time. With some other recipes I find I use more product than is necessary, often times washing the same window or mirror two or three times. I don't classify waste as Eco friendly!
You'll need a 32 oz spray bottle, water (I prefer spring as our local water is hard and leaves deposits), Dawn and rubbing alcohol. Fill the bottle with water up to the top where the narrow neck just begins. Add two drops of Dawn dish detergent (I found the blue one in this photo works best). Then add rubbing alcohol in the "neck" of the bottle (from the bottom to the top of the neck). Gently swish it altogether and you're done!
Try this out and please let me know how it works for you!
You'll need a 32 oz spray bottle, water (I prefer spring as our local water is hard and leaves deposits), Dawn and rubbing alcohol. Fill the bottle with water up to the top where the narrow neck just begins. Add two drops of Dawn dish detergent (I found the blue one in this photo works best). Then add rubbing alcohol in the "neck" of the bottle (from the bottom to the top of the neck). Gently swish it altogether and you're done!
Try this out and please let me know how it works for you!
What's the Big Whoop?
What's the big whoop? It's our much anticipated deal for 2012! I have been approached by many coupon deal sites, some of which I regularly use, but as a small business it just isn't financially feasible. I wanted to offer something great for my customers this year and decided to do my own! It began with a single deal but then we reached 600 on our Facebook page so I've added one more deal! For those of you that have weddings, birthdays and other social events this year you will want to stock up on these! Think ahead for Valentine's Day, Graduation Parties, Baby and Bridal showers, Birthday parties, Tailgates, Fourth of July picnics and Christmas!
Information is listed below, rules and restrictions apply.
Pay $30 for $50 to spend on any Pink Sugar Bowl menu items
Details:
You may purchase up to three (3) of each deal above or any combination. For instance you can purchase up to three (3) $50 vouchers and three (3) $30 vouchers or a combo of those, not totaling more than six (6) per person.
This deal is through me and I will process the payment and supply you with a receipt of purchase. These may also be purchased as gifts and for an additional $1.50 per recipient/mailing address a gift certificate can be mailed to them. Or emailed to them for free!
These are available in increments of $50 and $30 and the entire single certificate value must be redeemed at time of order. But if you buy three $50 you do not have to redeem all $150 at one time, you can break it up into three separate $50 orders. Subsequently if you are having a large event you can redeem all of them at once and apply to a single order.
Information is listed below, rules and restrictions apply.
Pay $30 for $50 to spend on any Pink Sugar Bowl menu items
OR
Pay $20 for $30 to spend on any Pink Sugar bowl menu itemsDetails:
You may purchase up to three (3) of each deal above or any combination. For instance you can purchase up to three (3) $50 vouchers and three (3) $30 vouchers or a combo of those, not totaling more than six (6) per person.
This deal is through me and I will process the payment and supply you with a receipt of purchase. These may also be purchased as gifts and for an additional $1.50 per recipient/mailing address a gift certificate can be mailed to them. Or emailed to them for free!
These are available in increments of $50 and $30 and the entire single certificate value must be redeemed at time of order. But if you buy three $50 you do not have to redeem all $150 at one time, you can break it up into three separate $50 orders. Subsequently if you are having a large event you can redeem all of them at once and apply to a single order.
- This cannot be combined with any other offer or discount deal that may occur in 2012.
- Tax, delivery and shipping are not included. This applies to baked goods only.
- Paid Value is either $30 or $20 and never expires.
- Promotional Value is either $50 or $30 and expires on December 20, 2012.
- Redeemable February 10, 2012 through December 20, 2012.
- Special order restrictions still apply. Minimum of one dozen per flavor/menu item required. Some flexibility may be available, inquire when ordering.
To order: I use Square credit processing and will do all orders over the phone. You can call me to place your order 615-335-1593 or email me your order and include your full name and telephone number. I will call you to arrange payment and confirm email address for receipt. Please DO NOT email credit card information to me. I will get that verbally over the phone.
If you have any questions at all feel free to call 615-335-1593 or email me at pinksugarbowl@gmail.com
Feel free to pass this deal onto your friends and family. It will be available through January 31st!!!
~ Deana
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)