Elfin' Good Coconut Caramel Cookie Brownies For SRC

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I've been keeping this secret for weeks and today is the day I can finally reveal... THE BEST TASTING BROWNIES I HAVE EVER MADE!


And they're compliments of Ros and her recipe for Mint Oreo Fudge Brownies over at  The More Than The Occasional Baker.  

Believe me, it was extremely hard to keep this secret!! I made these brownies a few weeks ago for the October challenge of Secret Recipe Club and had to keep it zipped until today, the reveal day!  Thank you so much for sharing this recipe Ros. It truly was the best brownie EVER. I also enjoyed perusing your blog. You have so many wonderful sounding recipes that it took me quite awhile to settle on this one (but I'm so glad I did)!

In order to make Ros' recipe (because she is a food blogger from across the pond) I needed to use a conversion chart to change her recipe from grams to cups. In a few cases with some of the ingredients, I kind of needed to guess at the amounts because the conversions were just a little off with what I'm familiar with. I'm not quite sure why I had difficulties in doing this, but happily my "guesstimations" worked out just fine.

Ros used mint Oreo cookies in her recipe. But what I love the most about these brownies is that you can use whatever cookie you like, so I set off to the store to see what looked good to me.  I settled on these because they reminded me of  girl scout samoa cookies. Can you blame me?

 
ELFIN' GOOD COCONUT CARAMEL COOKIE BROWNIES

1  cup butter 
1 1/3 cups sugar
6 ounces  semi-sweet chocolate chips  
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 package of cookies broken into pieces (or, your call how many or what kind)

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
-Add the sugar and whisk to dissolve.
-Whisk in the chocolate to melt.
-Add the salt and the vanilla extract. Stir.
-Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. (10 minutes)
-In a small bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine.
-Add a small amount of the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs (to temper the eggs) and stir.
-Add the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan of the chocolate and stir well to combine.
-Add the flour and the cocoa powder to the melted chocolate mixture and stir well to combine thoroughly.
-Stir in 2/3 of the broken cookies, reserving 1/3 for the top.








-Butter and flour a 8" square pan.
-Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
-Top with the remaining broken cookies.



-Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes our fairly clean.
-Cool completely on a wire rack and then slice and serve!

 






 

Elfin' Good Coconut Caramel Cookie Brownies For SRC

Caramelized Pear And Bleu Cheese Skillet Souffle #BakeTogether

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There's nothing like waiting until the last minute to crank out a recipe I'd been meaning on making all month.

The good news...I made it just under the wire for October's #BakeTogether

The bad news...My version of Abby Dodge's  Caramelized Pear Skillet Souffle wouldn't win any beauty contests for height, airiness or lightness of being  :)


But luckily, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while this little sweetheart tried as hard as she might to make the "beauty cut", she missed the mark. She did however win the award for amazing taste and a winning combination of flavors!  A "Miss Congeniality" if you will. LOL



CARAMELIZED PEAR AND BLEU CHEESE SKILLET SOUFFLE

For the caramelized pears:
2 firm ripe pears, peeled and cut into 1/2" slices
2-3 tablespoons butter
2-3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
pinch of salt

For the souffle:
2 eggs, separated and at room temperature
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons pear liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
pinch of salt

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

To make the pears:
-In an  8"skillet  over medium low heat, melt the butter and add the sliced pears. Make sure you don't use a larger skillet (like I did) or you may run into the same problem I had of a flat souffle.
-Add the brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
-Cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat until the mixture bubbles and turns a lovely caramel color.
(This will only take a few minutes, so don't walk away from it).
-Remove from the heat place aside while you make the souffle part of the recipe.


 To make the souffle:

-In a medium size bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk in the mascarpone cheese.
-Whisk in the pear liqueur, vanilla extract.
-Switch to a spatula and add the bleu cheese, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well. Set aside.
-In the bowl of your stand mixer whisk the egg whites, starting on low and increasing the speed to high, until soft peaks form.
-Gently fold the egg white mixture into the cheese mixture making sure not to deflate the egg whites.
-Carefully spoon the souffle mixture evenly over the pears in the skillet.








-Carefully (using pot holders), slide the skillet into the preheated oven and cook until the souffle is (hopefully) puffed and golden.  Approximately 7-10 minutes.
-Remove the skillet from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes while you mentally prepare yourself to invert the souffle onto a serving platter.
-Place a large enough serving platter (larger than the size of the skillet) on top of the skilled and USING POTHOLDERS, quickly and without hesitation, flip the skillet (and the platter) to invert the souffle pear side up onto the platter. 


 -Breathe. You've done it and it's not on the floor!


My aim was to make a souffle that was sweet AND savory and happily I think I hit the mark with it.  Abby suggests you serve your souffle right away while it's still puffed up and pretty but since I made mine on a Monday afternoon (and it didn't puff or look that pretty), we ate it as dessert on Monday evening.  What the heck, it's wasn't going to get any flatter than it already was! LOL

We sincerely did enjoy it as it made a lovely ending to an otherwise unexciting Monday meal.

Caramelized Pear And Bleu Cheese Skillet Souffle #BakeTogether

Un-Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu

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I'd been craving the flavors of chicken cordon bleu for awhile, but not wanting to deal with the labor intensive pounding, stuffing and rolling of the traditional kind I remember from years ago. 

I opted instead to deconstruct (if you will) my chicken cordon blue and instead of stuffing the chicken breasts, I piled the ingredients on top before I popped them into the oven.

I think the results were as flavorful as the traditional kind but maybe not quite as eye appealing as they would have been if they were stuffed.  You be the judge...


I also used a very non-traditional coating for the chicken that I just happen to have in the back of pantry.  It was a half eaten box of cheesy crackers that I knew nobody was ever going to finish (and surprisingly, they weren't stale) so into the recipe they went.

Truth be told, while I was breading the chicken I actually remember my sister-in-law Pam using the same kind of breading for chicken long ago and thinking she was brilliant!  Great minds think alike I guess :)

UN-STUFFED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 box cheesy crackers (I used Cheese-Its), crunched
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon honey
8 slices deli ham
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-In a large, flat dish, crunch up all the cheesy crackers.
-One at a time, coat the chicken breasts with the crunched crackers making sure to press the crackers onto the chicken.
-Season with salt and pepper.
-In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the coated chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until nicely browned on both sides (approximately 3-4 minutes each side)
- Remove the chicken to a casserole dish and wipe out the remaining cracker crumbs from the skillet to prepare for make the sauce.




-In the skillet over low heat, add 1 tablespoon butter, white wine, half and half, honey and tarragon.
-Simmer slightly to reduce the sauce by one third.
-Meanwhile top each chicken breast with 2 slices of ham and grate your cheese.
-When the sauce has reduced, pour the sauce carefully over the topped chicken breasts and top with the shredded cheese.
-Bake for 20-25 minutes uncovered and then cover the pan with foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes so the chicken can cook all the way through and is no longer pink in the middle.



I served mine with some steamed broccoli and a nice side salad to finish. 

Ding, ding, ding. Dinner time! Come and get it!!!



I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on this recipe or if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you. 

Thanks for stopping by my Kudos Kitchen!  See you next time!

Until we eat again!
Renee

Un-Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu

Presidential sized GIVEAWAY

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I'm posting this on my birthday which has always fallen on, or around US presidential election days.

Because this year's polling day is just a mere 3 days after my birthday, I've decided that it would be fun for ME to give a unique and commemorative gift (of the election, not my birthday! LOL) to one lucky reader.


No matter who you'll be voting for, I think these glasses will make great conversation pieces in your home and be treasured keepsakes for years to come.

This year's presidential race is the closest in history and it's anybody's guess who the winner will be! Because of this fact this year's election is a real nail biter and makes this historical race more exciting than ever!

Contrary to what others may do and say on social media and beyond, I'm not here to force my political views or discuss why my candidate of choice is so much better than the other candidate running. That's not my style.

My entire purpose in doing this giveaway is for FUN!  PERIOD!

Plus, it's open to democrats and republicans alike! No judgement or ridicule! Personally I think there has been far too much of that during the past few months anyway, don't you?

So then, if you're interested in "throwing your hat into the ring" for the possibility of winning this pair of Obama/Romney 2012 wine glasses, all you need to do is leave me a comment telling me YOUR NAME and WHAT STATE you live in.

That's it.  As easy as American pie!

*This giveaway is open to US residents only!*

The winner will be chosen early in the morning the day after the election, November 7, 2012 and will be chosen via a random number generator.  The winner will be notified via email.

Feel free to enter as many times as you like but separate entries are required.

For additional information, check out my facebook page!

These glasses are completely dishwasher safe and will come in their own gift boxes.

I trust you'll all get out to VOTE this Tuesday, November 6th!  
I know I will and I'm excited and privileged to do so.
Good Luck and God Bless America!!!

Presidential sized GIVEAWAY

Drive-by Shootings {Photography}

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Reflective Clouds at City Center in Las Vegas

 
 Doesn't it seem that you see the very best things while driving in a car?  That moment you might have been waiting for, but never comes, when you have time and a proper camera at hand.  So what do you do?  Instead of keeping these visions as a memory, I try to get the picture if I can.  I call it my "Drive-by Shooting"!  We've had some great clouds this past week and I found myself gazing up at the sky more often than not this.  So when my husband was driving us to go on an adventure this weekend it was no exception.  I took advantage of the inspirational sky and grabbed my phone and snapped this picture at 65 miles per hour!  It was one that surprised me and did turn out well.  It's also turned out to be one of the favorites of my Instagram followers too.  I loved the type of clouds we had that day.  So interesting.   I loved how the clouds reflected in the mirrored glass at City Center.  I sure am glad I didn't let that moment in time go by without catching it to share with my friends and remember forever.

Fiery Desert Sunset

Another favorite example of seizing the moment with a "Drive-by Shooting" was just a few months ago.  I was driving back from a photo shoot out at the Dry Lake.  Driving home, as we came around the corner from Boulder City into the Las Vegas Valley, I was stunned to see such a fire in the sky.  It was absolutely the most incredible Fiery Sunset I have ever seen.  The sky actually had that "End of The World" look to it.  Amazing!  Of course Sunset's never last that long and are ever-changing so you must take the picture while you can.  You can actually see my silhouette in the car window.  I am thankful for technology being such that we have so many ways to take a great picture.  Yes it's true that memories can last forever but having a picture makes the memories come alive over and over again.  So do you have any great photography moments or drive-by shootings, or was your big photo opportunity the one that got away?

Nature Walks {Fitness}

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Morning Views from the Walking Trails at Pittman Wash

 Fitness Friday
Happy Fitness Friday everyone!  Active or not, walking and hiking around on trails in your own home town is something that anyone can do.   Here are some ideas found in my hometown.  I'm sure you could find someplace similar in yours.  Whether I like it or not, Fall is nearly here.  Yes I am that one person that never wants Summer to end or to give up that famous Summer Sizzle heat that Las Vegas is known for.  The good news is that early mornings are now cool enough to go outside and enjoy some fun!  It all started last Friday when Mr. Hat and I decided to do our fitness walking outside that morning instead of inside at the gym.  Fresh air, beautiful views, other friendly people on the trails, and seeing a few little wild creatures along the way made for an interesting morning.  The City of Henderson has turned a natural wash area into miles of trails called the Pittman Wash Walking Trails. ~free activity 

Walking the trails at Springs Preserve

 I enjoyed being outside on Monday and enjoying the Labor Day Holiday at Springs Preserve.   Exploring, walking the nature trails and then dining on the terrace with an incredible view of Las Vegas.  It is always fun to hike around in such a historic place as the spot that started it all for Las Vegas.  It was a last minute decision that turned out to be a perfect afternoon. ~free activity for trails and many areas, fees for museums but check their website for opportunities of free days

Rock Climbing at Calico Hills

A spur of the moment rock climbing adventure turned out to be the best idea ever on Saturday.  I am so lucky to live near such beautiful locations to explore.  I'm thankful for perfect weather to explore in and the freedom to explore where and when I want to.  America is a great country and we need to remember that the next adventure is only as far away as your own backyard.  Just outside of Las Vegas a favorite spot to rock climb and hike is Calico Hills Trails.  This is located one exit before the Red Rock loop turn off.  ~free activity

Clark County Wetland Park with grassy fields from recent rains.

Last week found us exploring , hiking and taking pictures near Duck Creek at the Wetland Park.  Recent rains have made it so beautiful there and alive with birds, bunnies and other wildlife.  The trails are fun for both biking riding and hiking.  If you arrive early in the morning you can spot many different variety of birds.  ~free activity

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area with a tiny Las Vegas in the background!

Thursday morning I was able to take an early morning hike back up to Red Rock Canyon, this time hiking on the Red Rock side of the mountain, from Calico Hills.  I am still amazed at the beauty, colors,  textures and designs of the sand stone mountains found there.   ~small entry fee or buy a pass, check their website for opportunities free days

Huge Boulder found at Red Rock

I love finding such HUGE boulders and find my self trying to put the puzzles together of where these rocks would have been fuzed together million years ago.  I had the chance this time to take a friend, who is a first time visitor from France, to see the incredible rocks.  They are always amazed by the beauty, colors, and size of the Red Rock Canyon.  I love seeing it through new eyes!

Red Rock Canyon Caves and Tunnels

Every time I go rock climbing up at Red Rock it seems to be that we never take the same path twice.  This trip up we explored some great views like this, saw some interesting windows in the rock and a small cave.  We only hiked  up about halfway to the top this time, but got some great pictures.  Due to the recent rain we have had in Las Vegas, there were some ponds of water and a tiny trickling waterfall.

High on a Mountaintop!

Yes sometimes last minute trips to the mountains after pilates class, finds you without proper footwear and you can either pout about it and not go, or have fun climbing and take that perfect "Toe Peek" shot!  Yes proper footwear is best for hiking, walking and climbing outdoors.  It could be helpful to keep an extra pair of shoes in your car, but then you would probably not even take your own car on the day you need it anyways.  So there you have it!  So many fun and free activities that everyone will enjoy, and right in our own backyard, here in Las Vegas too.  When going on a nature walk some other things to have with you are water, sunscreen, cell phone, energy bar, and the perfect hat!  SO tell me... where will you explore next?