Jumbo Streusel Muffins

It's getting near the time that we bring out those left over cans of pumpkin from last year!  I always seem to have a can or two so today I decided to try this Star butter flavored Olive Oil with my Pumpkin muffins to see how they turned out!  Oh My Goodness!  They are so moist and the topping is to die for!   I made a dozen of the jumbos because they are just the right size for that mug of hot coffee!  You can't have more muffin than coffee nor can you have more coffee than muffin, right? These are the perfect size.  I have even added a link for the size I used so that you can order it for only $8.95 at Amazon! 

Jumbo Streusel Muffins

3 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cloves

2/3 cup Star Fine Foods Butter Flavored Olive Oil 

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1-15 ounce can pure pumpkin (not pie filling and not puree)

2/3 cup water

Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

4 tablespoons melted butter

pinch of kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees put your muffin liners in your muffin pan.  I used a jumbo tin and jumbo lines. (See below).

In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients and set aside, (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves).  Set aside.

With an electric mixer, combine the oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin. Mix until not quite combined. Finish mixing with a rubber spatula. Add water and blend until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and again mix with the electric mixer until just combined enough to moisten. Finish mixing the batter with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 with the batter. Set aside while you make the topping.

Stir together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, butter, and salt.  I use my finger tips so that I don't break up too many lumps.  Top each muffin cup with a spoonful of topping, spreading so the tops are evenly coated and press down slightly. 

Bake at 350 for 25-32 minutes.  If you decide to make regular size muffins change the time to 18-24 minutes for regular size muffins, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.  Makes 12 jumbo and 20-24 regular muffins.

You can find Star Fine Foods Butter Flavored Olive Oil at these stores: Raley’s, Walmart, Stater Bros., 

Food Maxx and online at http://bit.ly/ButterFlavoredOliveOil.

Click on this link and check out this great price for a Wilton 6-Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan at Amazon!  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NBSI32/ref=as_li_ss_sm_fb_us_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=399837&creativeASIN=B000NBSI32&linkCode=shr&tag=welchome08-20&linkId=REHMMTJFY6HJ3QH6&=aps&qid=1410804660&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=jumbo+muffin+pan 

Need liners for your jumbo pan?  Click here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RQ3YXM/ref=as_li_ss_sm_fb_us_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=399837&creativeASIN=B000RQ3YXM&linkCode=shr&tag=welchome08-20&linkId=YKWN763ZMKRCBG3C&refRID=1WGNPKXTKMFQN7N9WQKY

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home 2014

Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for my recipes and photography using their wonderful products. This post is sponsored by STAR. I am compensated for my time and work and I am sent products as I request them. However, all opinions of the product stated in this post are 100% my own. I truly love their products!

THE WELCOME HOME KITCHEN ONLINE MAGAZINE IS HERE!

One of the many never before seen recipe in the magazine!

It's finally here! And as promised, it is gorgeous and bright and colorful and informative, and fun, and full of brand new recipes you have been waiting for! 

The first issue has now been released and I know you'll love it.  You'll find recipes of course.....lots of them. Most are from my Mom's collection with big vibrant pictures to match every dish. I have how to's and lots of kitchen tips and advice. I have a Recipe Swap Corner and in our first issue we learn step by step on how to make a wonderful recipe from one of the fans here at Welcome Home!

I have a Fur-Baby corner of course...and an Ask the Cook segment where I answer a tough question each month from one of the readers. And we have fun gifts and gadgets and other cool items at discounted prices when you buy through Welcome Home.

Each issue is just full of great recipes and how to's and I am certain you will instantly see the value that your $2 a month brings. And it's exclusive. It's only for you. It is so private that no one can even find it out there unless you know me....or know of me. Unless you know my mission and why I do what I do at Welcome Home you will never see this online publication. As always, some of the proceeds from The Welcome Home Kitchen Magazine will help me save the lives of dogs and cats who are killed unnecessarily while waiting in Kill shelters for someone to come and adopt them. And some of the proceeds will help me feed the homeless.

That's right....only subscribers who pay the $24 annual subscription (only $2 an issue) will be able to see this online publication....it's that private. So, there are some steps I will walk you through next so that you can see it for the first time in just a few minutes.

IMPORTANT:  First set up a Gmail account.  You can keep the email address and account you have now.  This gmail account is just your key to the magazine.

Step 1: If you do not already have a free gmail address, you want to create one first. This is the most important step.  You do NOT have to change your existing email address. What you have now can stay the same. You just need to create a new Gmail account to access the magazine IF you do not already have one.Get paper and pen so you can remember what username and password you choose and then go to this link and create a new Gmail address:  https://accounts.google.com/SignUp

Again, you can keep your same email address to use as you always have. This is Gmail address is just the key to get to the magazine.

Step 2: Under the cover photo collage here at the blog, click on the tab that says, MY STORE. Or click on this link:  http://www.welcome-home-blog.net/p/my-store.html

Step 3:   Click on the little tab that says BUY FROM 2CO

Step 4: Enter your name and your new Gmail address and your other information and then go to the next step. Enter your payment information for the $24 annual subscription. You can choose a credit card you'd like to use or you can click on PayPal.  If you do not want to use either method, contact me at intelesales@aol.com and we can make other arrangements.  Please rest assured that this is the safest online payment processing system online today.  No need to worry.

Step 5: Complete your order and within seconds you will receive a receipt and email confirmation at the Gmail address you created and typed in when you were ordering.

Step 6. Within a few minutes, as soon as I get your purchase confirmation, I will send you an invitation to become a private member of The Welcome Home Kitchen to your new Gmail address. Click on the orange button that says ACCEPT.  You must still stay logged into your gmail account when you go to the magazine.  Then you will be directed to the link of the new magazine. And you're all set.

Step 7:  Each month....around the 1st of the month, you will be notified that a new issue has just been released. You will always have access to all past issues just by visiting and each month will shown so you can go back and find whatever you are looking for.

And it will only get better. As I listen to your suggestions, I will add new features. Like contests and give-a-ways. Best recipe submitted by a fan. Best fur baby picture submitted by a fan. An open forum for you to chat with other members and so much more. I am open to new ideas and suggestions! Please help me save lives...and enjoy this bright new magazine today.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Espresso Butter Cream Frosting

I call these my grown up cupcakes and they are always a big hit for those who love chocolate and coffee flavors blended together....or those who love Mocha. These were a huge hit this weekend for my friends Baby Shower. I think you will be surprised at just how good they are! 

Vanilla Cupcakes with Espresso 
Butter Cream Frosting

Cupcakes:
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1 1/4 cup Sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3/4 cup whole milk

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add a third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated. Add half of the milk and mix well. Next add another third of the flour, mix, and then add the remaining milk. Finally, add the remaining flour and continue beating until well mixed. Using a measuring cup and pour batter into a lined or greased cupcake pans.

Espresso Buttercream Frosting

3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
pinch of fine grain sea salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon instant espresso granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water
3-6 tablespoons heavy cream

In a large bowl, sift together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Slowly add in confectioner’s sugar/cocoa powder mixture, and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, 2 tablespoons heavy cream and espresso/water. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add an additional 1 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Topping:

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate covered coffee beans

Place semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat the chips on 50% power in 30 seconds increments until chocolate is melted. Drizzle over cupcakes and finish with a couple of chocolate covered coffee beans.

Photographs are copyrighted and the property of ©Welcome Home.

Panko-Crusted Fried Green Tomatoes

I love these things and I can hardly wait until the end of summer when I can go to my garden find the perfect tomatoes and fry them up!  I grew up eating them and loved the way my Mom use to make them with a crusty corn meal coating. But I wanted to try them coated in crispy panko this time and boy am I glad I did!  Moist and juicy on the inside with just that light crunch to make them so delicious!  My Mom would have loved them this way!

Panko-Crusted Fried Green Tomatoes

3 tablespoons of Star Fine Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Vegetables
1 tablespoon of butter
3-4 medium-sized firm green tomatoes
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 cups panko bread crumbs

Slice green tomatoes about 1/2 inch think and lay them out on a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and set them aside for about ten minutes.  

In a medium-sized bowl combine flour, salt, garlic powder and black pepper, stir to combine well. In another medium bowl whisk the eggs with the milk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

First dredge the tomato slices in flour mixture, shaking off excess.  Dip in egg mixture making certain to completely coat the tomato slice.  Dip in panko breadcrumbs turning to coat evenly. 

In a large heavy skillet, melt the oil and the butter over medium high heat until it starts to sizzle lightly. Fry in the tomato slices until crisp and golden brown on each side.  Drain on paper towels, serve! 

You can find Star Fine Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Vegetables at these locations:

Raley’s, Savemart, Food Lion, select Walmarts and online at http://bit.ly/ArbequinaEVOO.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home 2014


Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for my recipes and photography using their wonderful products. This post is sponsored by STAR. I am compensated for my time and work and I am sent products as I request them. However, all opinions of the product stated in this post are 100% my own. I truly love their products!

Chicken Caprese

Sounds like something you would order at a nice Italian restaurant doesn't it?  I make it at home and it is one of the easiest and most delicious dishes you'll ever make. Tender succulent chicken covered in pesto and topped with vine ripened tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.  It’s so good!  It's my go to recipe I make when I have dinner guests I really want to impress. Serve it with a nice Cesar salad and a side order of roasted asparagus and you've made a meal to remember! 

Chicken Caprese

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons Star Fine Food Olive Oil with Roasted Garlic

1/2 cup or more of basil pesto (make your own or use your favorite brand)

2-3 ripe tomatoes, sliced (Roma tomatoes are perfect for this dish)
1 block fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into rounds
fresh basil--I used a mini leaf basil but you can use any kind

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Mix breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons of garlic olive oil and set aside.

Rub each chicken breast with a little olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to taste.  Lay chicken breasts flat on baking sheet. 

 Spread about a tablespoon of pesto sauce on top of each breast.  Next, lay slices of tomato and cheese on top of each breast and top each tomato with about a tablespoon of moistened breadcrumbs. 

Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for  about 30 minutes or until temperature reads 165 degrees.

Homemade Fresh Pesto Sauce

1/2 pound (about 3 cups) of basil leaves, washed and dried
4 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
3/4 cups walnut halves
1-1/4 cups Star Fine Food Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp salt
1  1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic 

Heat walnuts and pine nuts in skillet over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes constantly stirring until golden brown . Remove from heat and allow to cool. Chop the garlic cloves finely, sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on top and mash to a fine paste with a fork. Place garlic and half of the basil leaves in the bowl of a food processor and Process for 15 seconds. Add the rest of the basil leaves and with the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan cheese and toasted nuts and puree for one more minute.  Makes about 2 /2 cups.

You can buy Star Fine Food Infused Olive Oils at Walmart, Raley's, Savemart and online at http://bit.ly/STARGarlicOO.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home 2014


 Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for my recipes and photography using their wonderful products. This post is sponsored by STAR. I am compensated for my time and work and I am sent products as I request them. However, all opinions of the product stated in this post are 100% my own. I truly love their products!

♥ Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

For all you chocolate and raspberry lovers out there...here is the perfect cupcake. Rich chocolate cupcakes so moist...and then that little raspberry surprise inside. Topped with a wonderfully light butter cream frosting! You'll love these cupcakes!

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
3/4 cup hot water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoon. coarse salt
1 1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 1/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 Tablespoon plus 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together cocoa and hot water until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Melt butter with sugar in a saucepan over med-low heat, stirring to combine. Remove from heat, and pour into a mixing bowl. With an electric mixer on med-low speed, beat until mixture is cooled, 4 to 5 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla, then cocoa mixture, and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream, and beating until just combined after each.

Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filing each 3/4 full. Bake until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 min. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool 15 minutes; turn out cupcakes onto racks and let cool completely.

Once cooled, then core the cupcake and fill with raspberry filling. I use an apple corer to make the hole for the raspberry filling. I use a piping bag or small spoon to fill the cupcakes with the filling. Then frost with buttercream frosting.

Raspberry Filling                                                                                 

1 (10 oz.) bag of frozen raspberries, thawed
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Puree the raspberries in a blender. Press the puree through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Heat the strained raspberries in a small pot with the sugar and cornstarch until mixture boils, stirring constantly until thickened.

Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5-6 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.

 Photography is the copyrighted and the property of Welcome Home.

MEMORIES OF HOME

SALE:  So here's my big news for today! My newest book, "Memories of Home", was just released and is now available in both print and E-book format. This photo of my delicious Peach Fritters is just a sample of what's in the new 100 page book!  And today through August 25th you can take an additional 25% off any this and any other PRINT book...softcover or hardback! Just enter the word SUMMERTIME25 at the time of checkout.

I feel this is my best book of the entire 6 book series of Welcome Home cookbooks and this one might likely be my last. So much work goes into these books that I think I am never going to do another one...but I do. Because I have to...because when you buy them, you help me save lives. But we'll see if I continue with the series!

I really think it is my best work yet, with never seen before recipes that are some of my favorites. These have never been on Facebook, the webpage or any place on the Internet so each recipe will be a delicious surprise for only those who buy the book. Over 100 pages with recipes you've never seen before!
The pictures are beautiful, the colors are vibrant in both the E-book and the print versions, and each recipe has a full color photo that shows the completed dish. Each book is handmade to order with beautiful heavy glossy papers and top notch binding. And they ship all over the world for one low price.

Most important, your purchase will go toward helping me save the lives of dogs and cats who are killed unnecessarily while waiting in Kill shelters for a new home. Over 6 million dogs and cats are killed each year in this country. We can change that. We can make a difference in the lives of some of these precious souls. We can be the voice for those that cannot speak. I personally hand deliver my donations from you in the form of prepaid veterinary services or in gift cards for food, toys, blankets, vitamins and whatever else they need. I only support the fur-babies, not advertising costs or fundraising efforts or any other administrative costs. So please give and consider a book your bonus!

If you order before August 25th, you can take an additional  25% off the price of any softcover or hardback book. Only 50 books will be released this month so be ready with the code or you'll miss the discount. Enter SUMMERTIME25 (all caps) at check out.

The e-book will be priced at $14.99 and available to download to any Android Smart Phone, Desktop computer, laptop, iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone. We will help you download your new e-book if you message us.

 Here is the link for the e-book for $14.99: http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/481864-memories-of-home

 Here is the link to the print book:
http://www.blurb.com/b/5464341-memories-of-home for the print book.

Remember to type in SUMMERTIME25 for an additional 25% off the price at checkout!  Sale ends August 25th.

INTRODUCING: The Welcome Home Kitchen Online Magazine!

It's finally here! And as promised, it is gorgeous and bright and colorful and informative, and fun, and full of brand new recipes you have been waiting for! 

The first issue has now been released and I know you'll love it.  You'll find recipes of course.....lots of them. Most are from my Mom's collection with big vibrant pictures to match every dish. I have how to's and lots of kitchen tips and advice. I have a Recipe Swap Corner and in our first issue we learn step by step on how to make a wonderful recipe from one of the fans here at Welcome Home!

I have a Fur-Baby corner of course...and an Ask the Cook segment where I answer a tough question each month from one of the readers. And we have fun gifts and gadgets and other cool items at discounted prices when you buy through Welcome Home.

One of the many never before seen recipe in the magazine!

Each issue is just full of great recipes and how to's and I am certain you will instantly see the value that your $2 a month brings. And it's exclusive. It's only for you. It is so private that no one can even find it out there unless you know me....or know of me. Unless you know my mission and why I do what I do at Welcome Home you will never see this online publication. As always, some of the proceeds from The Welcome Home Kitchen Magazine will help me save the lives of dogs and cats who are killed unnecessarily while waiting in Kill shelters for someone to come and adopt them. And some of the proceeds will help me feed the homeless.

That's right....only subscribers who pay the $24 annual subscription (only $2 an issue) will be able to see this online publication....it's that private. So, there are some steps I will walk you through next so that you can see it for the first time in just a few minutes.

IMPORTANT:  First set up a Gmail account.  You can keep the email address and account you have now.  This gmail account is just your key to the magazine.

Step 1: If you do not already have a free gmail address, you want to create one. Get paper and pen so you can remeber what username and password you choose and then go to this link and create a new Gmail address:https://accounts.google.com/SignUp

Step 2: Under the cover photo collage here at the blog, click on the tab that says, MY STORE

Step 3:   Click on the little tab that says BUY FROM 2CO

Step 4: Enter your name and your new Gmail address and other information and then go to the next step. Enter your payment information for the $24 annual subscription. You can choose a credit card you'd like to use or you can click on PayPal.

Step 5: Complete your order and within seconds you will receive a receipt and email confirmation at the Gmail address you created and typed in when you were ordering.

Step 6. Within a few minutes, as soon as I get your email confirmation from 2Checks, I will send you an invitation to become a private member of The Welcome Home Kitchen to your new Gmail address. Click on the orange button that says ACCEPT.  You must still stay logged into your gmail account when you go to the magazine.  Then you will be directed to the link of the new magazine. And you're all set.

Step 7:  Each month....around the 1st of the month, you will be notified that a new issue has just been released. You will always have access to all past issues just by visiting and each month will shown so you can go back and find whatever you are looking for.

And it will only get better. As I listen to your suggestions, I will add new features. Like contests and give-a-ways. Best recipe submitted by a fan. Best fur baby picture submitted by a fan. An open forum for you to chat with other members and so much more. I am open to new ideas and suggestions!Please help me save lives...and enjoy this bright new magazine today.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I love a soft and chewy cookie.  Maybe a little crispy on the outside edges but definitely moist and chewy in the middle.  My Mom used to always store her cookie dough overnight in the refrigerator because she said it always gives you a better tasting and softer cookie.  You could always find several batches of cookie dough in our refrigerator and every now and then she would let us pinch off a little and eat it!   You will love these cookies! 

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Star Fine Foods Butter Flavored Olive Oil

⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

1½ cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup pecans, chopped

In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla with a stand or hand mixer until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Add the wet and dry mixtures together and then stir  in the oats, raisins and nuts.  Transfer dough to a sheet of plastic wrap and form a ball. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Using a scoop, measure out  2 inch balls of chilled cookie dough and arrange on the cookie sheet leaving two inches between each ball.  Flatten the dough ball just a bit with your fingers.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks slightly undercooked. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the warm baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

You can find Star Fine Foods Butter Flavored Olive Oil at these stores: Raley’s, Walmart, Stater Bros., Food Maxx and online at http://bit.ly/ButterFlavoredOliveOil.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home

Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for my recipes and photography using their wonderful products. This post is sponsored by STAR. I am compensated for my time and work and I am sent products as I request them. However, all opinions of the product stated in this post are 100% my own. I truly love their products!