The Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake

This is one of those desserts that you take a bite and automatically close your eyes and take it all in. Cheese cake so creamy and smooth that it just makes you want to delay swallowing! And then with that decadent topping of chocolate, and caramel and nuts. Really. Seriously. Is there anything better?

The Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake

Crust:

1 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 40 cookies)

1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling:

3-8 oz packages Cream Cheese

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon pure vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Topping:

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/4 cup chopped peanuts or pecans

Mix crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter in a bowl and press into bottom of spring a form pan. At this point you can completely wrap the bottom and half way up the sides of the pan with heavy foil to keep any water from seeping in, or you can find a slightly larger sized pan and set your spring form pan inside it.

  

Next place your spring form pan into a larger pan filled a quarter way up the sides with very hot water. In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with and condensed milk until creamy. Add the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix until combined. Remove about a cup of the filling mixture and set aside. Then melt the chocolate chips in the microwave for about a minute or until just melted and mix with the cup of reserved filling.

Pour 1/2 of the white filling into crust, then top it with the filling, then top that with the last 1/2 of the white filling mix. If desired, you can take a knife and gently swirl colors. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15-30 minutes on the middle rack of your oven. Your cake will be done when it is set on the edges but the middle should be a little jiggly. 

Turn off the heat but leave the cake in the oven. Open the door and allow to cool for another hour. Then chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. Remove outer ring from the spring form pan and top with mini chocolate chips and nuts. Then drizzle caramel sauce all over the top and allow to drip down the sides. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Photography is copyrighted and the property of ©Welcome Home 2014

Chewy Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Now how pretty is that photo? Can you almost taste it? Who doesn't love a good brownie with a cold glass of milk now and then? Especially the chewy kind with chocolate frosting on top? I made these this past weekend...just for you my friends. 

Chewy Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Brownies:

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2 cups all purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, vanilla, and salt until well blended. In a small saucepan over medium low heat, begin melting the butter. When the butter is half melted, reduce the heat to low and add the chocolate, stirring until the chocolate is mostly melted. Remove from heat and keep stirring until smooth. Whisking constantly, slowly add the chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture, mixing until well incorporated. Fold in the flour.

Grease and line a 9 x 9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake about 23 minutes, until the middle is just slightly underdone. Place on a wire rack to cool.


























Frosting:

12 oz. (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter or shortening
1/2 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar

In the top of a double boiler, melt the butter and chocolate chips. Carefully stir in the milk until smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar. Spread evenly over the brownies, and let sit until completely set.

To decorate with the swirl as I did in my photo.

Melt white chocolate chips or melts and spoon into a Ziplock bag with a corner clipped, drizzle over the top of the warm glaze in a back and forth horizontal motion. Then pull a tooth pick , knife or skewer through the chocolate- 1st one direction and then back the other to make a fun design on the top.

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Chocolate Filled Croissants

Imagine a cold February morning and these are baking in the oven. The house is filled with the delicious aroma of warm chocolate and pastry and melted butter. There is fresh coffee brewing and the snow is falling.....need I say more? 
Chocolate Filled Croissants

1 (16 oz) package puff pastry, thawed (2 sheets)
5 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips, divided
1 egg
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional for sprinkling)...

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats as I did in the photo.

Open package of Pepperidge Farm pastry sheets and cut each sheet of pastry into 4 (5-inch) squares, making 8 in all. Place 2 tablespoons of chocolate in the center of each square. Reserve about 1/4 cup of chocolate to drizzle at the end. Use more chocolate if you'd like for filling and drizzle. If you want bigger croissants, cut into bigger 2 (10 inch) squares, making only 4 larger ones and fill with more chocolate.

Fold each puff pastry over the chocolate and press to seal.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg together with a splash of water. Brush the top and sides of of pastries with the egg wash and bake until they are golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. They will puff up quite a bit so leave room when you put them in the oven to bake. Sprinkle on powdered sugar if desired.

In a small, microwave-safe bowl heat the remaining chocolate at 50% power in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, and continue to heat it in 30-second increments until it’s melted. Drizzle the chocolate over the pastries. Serve warm! OH MY!

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♥ Custard Filled Neapolitans

I love making little pastries and freezing them for when unexpected guests arrive during the holidays. I just take them out of the freezer and in 10 minutes they are completely thawed. Don't be afraid to make French Pastries. They are all the same basic ingredients starting with puffed pastry and a cream custard filling. These are delicious and easy to make. Serve large ones or cut them into small squares and put them on a pretty tray. 

 

Custard Filled Neapolitans

Puff Pastry:

1/2 of a 17 1/4-ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Unfold puff pastry sheet and trim edges to a 9-inch square. Cut pastry into nine 3-inch squares. Transfer pastry squares to the prepared baking sheets; prick pastry. Bake in a preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until golden. Carefully remove pastries from baking sheet. Cool on a rack. 

Cream Filling:

1/4 cup granulated or superfine sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup half and half or light cream
2 slightly beaten egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whipping cream

In a heavy, medium saucepan stir together sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly stir in half-and-half or light cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Slowly stir about half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks. Return all to saucepan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap and cool just until warm without stirring. In a small mixing bowl beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into warm pastry cream.

For Vanilla Glaze:

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons boiling water

In a medium mixing bowl combine confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Stir in enough boiling water to make a glaze of spreading consistency; set aside.

Chocolate Drizzle Topping: 

1 1/2 tablespoons melted semisweet chocolate

Use the tines of a fork to separate each pastry square horizontally into 2 or 3 layers. (I did 2 layers in the photo). Spread about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of the pastry cream on the bottom layer. Top with middle pastry layers if making 3 layers. Spread another 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of the pastry cream on each middle layer. Finally, top with remaining pastry layers. Spread glaze over top of napoleons, then drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill up to 1 hour. If you want the effect I have used in the photo, simply make lines with the chocolate and then run a thin skewer or long toothpick through the drizzled chocolate.

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"No Need For The Grill Ribeyes."

I call these my "No Need For The Grill Ribeyes."  

Why?  Because you don't need one to get that incredible flavor and tenderness!  A big juicy Ribeye steak just doesn't get much better than when it is cooked in a hot skillet. Don't get me wrong, I think a grilled steak is awesome, but when you can't always grill you can get the same incredible taste by using ...this stove top method.  

Now it's not just about throwing a steak in a frying pan. It's about flash searing to keep the juices and flavors in. And you'll need a large heavy skillet for this. Preferably a big cast iron skillet that is well-seasoned.

No Need For The Grill Ribeyes Steaks 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Take your steaks out of the refrigerator and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle Montreal Steak Seasoning on both sides of each steak. Allow them to sit on the counter at room temperature for about an hour before you're ready to cook them. This will get rid of the cold spots and your steak will cook evenly.

Heat the olive oil in a 12-14 inch skillet over medium high heat. You do not want to crowd them or they will steam and not sear.

Once the skillet is VERY hot you are ready to add the steaks carefully to the hot sizzling oil. The oil should just start to ripple across the bottom of the pan and it just be just starting to smoke a little. One way to test it is to sprinkle a tiny bit of water dances and if it sizzles across the skillet, you'll know it is ready for the steaks.

Cook the steaks on the first side on medium high heat for about 2-3 minutes or until they have caramelized well.  Do not touch them while cooking. You want a nice sear on each side to lock in the juices.  Using tongs, flip the steaks on the other side without moving. Allow the steaks to cook another 2 minutes or so for medium rare as shown.  If you want medium well, add one more minute to each side.

Once they have seared on both sides, put the skillet in the oven and bake at 400 to 450 degrees for 2 more minutes.

Once your steak is at the desired temperature, place it on a plate and tent it with a sheet of aluminum foil and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

How I Know My Steak Is Perfect

 I have used this "hand"  method for years when checking my steaks ...

For Rare Steaks: touch the middle of the steak with your fingers. It should have a similar feel as when you touch your cheek. It should have plenty of give and cushion.

For Medium Steaks: touch the middle of the steak with your fingers. It should have a similar feel as when you touch your chin.

Well-Done Steaks: touch the middle of the steak with your fingers. It should have a similar feel as when you touch your forehead.

Temperature and Descriptions if you like to use a thermometer

Rare: Bright red center with outside brownish-gray. The center will be warm, but not hot. (approximately 125 degree core temperature)

Medium-rare:  Reddish-pink instead of red. (approximately 130 degree core temperature)

Medium:  A band of pink through the middle of the steak as shown in photos. (approximately 140 degree core temperature)

Medium-well: Very slight hint of pink in the middle. Otherwise, it will be primarily cooked through and will feel quite firm. (approximately 155 degree core temperature)

Well-done: A well-done steak should show no hint of pink whatsoever. Its center will be grayish-brown throughout and the outside will be nicely charred. (approximately 165 degree core temperature)

The perfect meal!  Serve with a nice side salad and baked potatoes or even chunky steak fries as shown in the photos.

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The Faded Rose

The Faded Rose

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read, 
beneath the long, branches of an old willow tree. 
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, 
for the world was intent on dragging me down.

And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, 
a little boy approached me, all tired from play. 
He stood right before me with his head tilted down 
and said with excitement, "Hey! Look what I found!"

In his hand was a flower, and a pitiful sight, 
With its petals all wilted from no rain and no light. 
Wanting him to leave and go off to play, 
I faked a small smile and then shifted away.

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side, 
and then he declared with overacted surprise; 
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. 
That's why I picked it; just for you."

The flower before me was already dead, 
no longer vibrant of it's colors of red. 
But I knew I must take it, or he'd never leave. 
So I reached for the flower thinking that's just what I need.

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, 
he held it mid-air without reason or plan. 
It was then that I noticed how I'd been so unkind. 
It was then that I'd noticed the little boy was blind.

My voice quivered as I thanked him for what he had done. 
I told him he'd picked the very best one. 
"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play, 
unaware of the impact he'd made on my day.

I held that old flower up to my nose 
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose. 
I sat there and wondered how he managed to see 
such a self-centered woman sitting under that tree.

How could he have sensed my self-indulged plight.
Perhaps God had blessed him with a truer sight. 
Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see, 
the problem wasn't the world; the problem was me.

~Unknown

Cheese Bread

I baked bread this past weekend...a few loaves of different kinds that I wrapped up and stored in my freezer for those cold winter mornings when I feel like some warm homemade bread with a cup of coffee. My Mom was a bread baker and I have always followed her recipes as well as her methods and techniques. They are easy and delicious....especially this homemade cheese bread....I love this with scrambled eggs!

Cheese Bread

1 tablespoon active yeast
1 cup lukewarm milk (about 110 degrees)
2 tablespoon butter, melted and cooled
3 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Combine yeast ,sugar and milk, stir and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve. Add the melted butter to the mixture after it has cooled.

Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until you form a rough dough. You want the dough to be soft and tacky but not too sticky. If the dough seems too dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water.


























Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 1 or 2 minutes to make any final adjustments, then form the dough into a ball.

Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. I usually spray my plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray before I cover the bowl. Let it rest at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes or until it doubles in size. Punch down the dough with your fist and then knead in 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, distributing it as evenly as possible.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch bread loaf pan. Fold the dough, form into a loaf shape in the pan, tucking the ends under. Leave in a warm place until the dough rises above the rim of the pan. Sprinkle top with the remaining half cup of shredded cheese. Bake for 50 minutes on center rack in oven.

Remove from the pans and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

NOTE: If you don't plan to bake your bread the same day, make sure you allow it to rise in the refrigerator overnight. The dough should double in size in the refrigerator.

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Rotini Meatball Casserole

I just love pasta. I love how you can take a few ingredients and turn them into something so divine that you close your eyes as you savor every bite!  Like this one:  It starts off with your basic pasta (I like Rotini for this one), and ends up loaded with incredible meatballs, a rich chunky tomato meat sauce and tons of cheese. This is a keeper my friends!

Rotini Meatball Casserole

For the Meatballs

1 tablespoon Star Fine Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pound ground chuck
1/2 ground pork
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or more if  needed)
1  1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Shape into small meatballs. Heat olive oil and butter in skillet and sear meatballs on all sides. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes until cooked through. Remove from heat onto a plate and set aside.

Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 (26 oz) jar Ragu Chunky Tomato, Garlic, Onion

Brown ground beef in large heavy skillet until no longer pink. Drain and return skillet to burner and reduce heat to low. Add sauce and simmer for 15 minutes until heated through.

Casserole

1 box (16 oz) Rotini
4 cups Mozzarella cheese

Boil Rotini as directed on package and drain well.  Return to pot and turn off heat.  Mix in meat sauce and stir well. Pour into a 9 x 13 casserole and arrange meatballs on top of casserole.  Top entire casserole with cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until cheese has melted and casserole is hot and bubbly.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home 

You can buy Star Fine Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil at the following locations:    Raley's, Save Mart, Food Lion, select Walmarts and online at:  http://www.starfinefoods.com/our-products/olive-oil/extra-virgin-olive-oil/

 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!

♥ Clam Chowder with Oyster Crackers

I love hot soups and stews and chowders when the weather starts to turn cold and I usually make them up and freeze them so I can have them as often as I like. I especially love cream soups and chowders like this one that I made for you over the weekend.

Thick and Creamy Clam Chowder

6 -7 pieces bacon, cut into small pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 (5 ounce) cans baby clams
reserved juice from the 2 (5 ounce cans) of baby clams
6 -7 potatoes, cubed or diced into small pieces
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste

Add bacon to a heavy soup pot or dutch oven and cook on medium high until crispy. Add onion and cook until tender. Next add all the clam juice from both cans of baby clams and stir until blended. Add potatoes and cover. 

Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Keep stirring every few minutes to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Finally, add the clams, soup cream and milk and stir. Then add the butter and simmer soup for about 45 minutes on low heat until thick and creamy.

If you want a thicker base, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of cold water and stir into chowder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Allow to cook for another 20 minutes until you get the consistency you want. Stir occasionally while simmering. Serve in soup bowls or bread bowls and sprinkle with a few oyster crackers. 

Photograph is copyrighted and the property of ©Welcome Home 2014