Birchermuesli

This recipe is a great, delicious version of Mueslix that you just have to make!! A few years ago we were in Chicago and stayed at the Drake Hotel. This cold oatmeal was set out in beautiful glasses on a buffet that also included meats and cheese along with typical continental fare. It was so delicious that I looked forward to having it each and every morning. When we returned home, I emailed the chef and he was kind enough to share the recipe! I will provide what was sent to me and below, I will share my version. So very good!

The recipe:

Birchermuesli
A Swiss Health Food Item; Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner; Summer or Winter

For Ten People:

2 Cups oatmeal  (I used Quaker quick oats)
3/4 cup whole milk  (I used skim)
1 cup finely grated hazelnuts or almonds (I used almonds)
1/2 c sugar
2 lbs. apples-grated with the skin on*
2 lbs. pears- grated with the skin on. *
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used vanilla)
Honey to taste ( I did not use this)
Seasonal fresh fruit: berries, peaches and cherries
1/2 cup raisins  ( I did not use)

Whipped cream, rasberries, mint leaf-to garnish ( I did not use)

1. Soak the oatmeal in the milk for about 15 minutes
2. Add nuts and sugar
3. Mix apples, pears, lemon juice and yogurt and add to the oatmeal milk mixture
4. Add a little honey and some seasonal fresh fruit
5. Garnish with whipped cream rosette, rasberry and mint leaf
6. Enjoy your meal "en guete"!

* Dr. Bircher created this dish and he insisted on using apples and pears with the skin on.

** In my latest version I used 2 apples, 2 pears, a generous handful of blueberries, a handful of both red and green grapes, which were sliced.

Bean Burritos

I have been so caught up with Olympic Fever, that I have not posted anything on here for quite a while! Sorry about that.

Since I am feeding my sport fix right now, easy recipes are definitely being made to feed everyone else! In fact, Cracker Chicken is in the oven as I type. This has me thinking of another easy meal that we like to have...it's one of those recipes that can be made in a flash and if there are any leftovers, can be easily made into another meal or hearty snack.
The original recipe for Bean Burritos according to my recipe card shows baking at the end. I have not done this step in years, but will share the recipe in its entirety in case you opt to do that. It is good either way!

The Recipe:

1/2 Medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (19oz.) can Black Beans, undrained
1 Cup Salsa
2 TBSP Cilantro (fresh), chopped (if dried, 1 TBSP)
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Cumin
2 TBSP Canola (or vegetable) oil
4 Burrito size tortillasft
3/4 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour Cream (optional)

In medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in beans (and liquid), 1/2 Cup salsa, cilantro, chili powder & cumin; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8" square baking dish with non-stick spray.  Spoon 1/2 Cup bean mixture into center of tortilla and roll. Put seam side down in dish. Repeat. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve with remaining salsa and sour cream.

Again, I have not baked these. I actually place the cheese inside, roll and serve as is. You can have the sides and even include guacamole if you like. I usually have about 1 1/2 cups of this left over and I will make nachos the next day by placing tortilla chips on plate, top with bean mixture and cheese. Cook in oven or microwave until cheese is melted.

Chocolate Chip Cake

This was not on the family favorite recipe list...but it is now! I was looking for a quick easy dessert to serve after dinner last week to celebrate the end of mid-term exams.  I pulled out a cookbook that I have had for ages Kitchen Keepsakes by Bonnie Welch & Deanna White. My husband and I used to go to Vermont every weekend to explore antique shops and would always stop in The Jelly Mill establishment while in Manchester. This is where I purchased this cookbook and have kept it handy because my favorite apple pie recipe is included, which I will share later.

This was a last minute idea, so I do not have pictures, but I will take them the next time I make this cake. And there will be a next time!

The recipe:

1 1/2 Cups boiling water
1 Cup oatmeal ( I used Quaker Oats- Quick Oats)
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup shortening ( I use Crisco)
2 eggs
1 1/2 Cup Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. cocoa ( I use Hershey's)
1 Cup chocolate chips (I use Nestle Toll House)
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Pour boiling water over oatmeal in small bowl and let stand 10 minutes.  Cream sugars & shortening in separate bowl; add eggs and beat until smooth.  Add oatmeal and mix well. Add flour, soda, salt and cocoa. Beat 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips ( I used the mini chips). Pour into greased and floured 8 x 12" pan.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chips ( I used mini) and 1/2 cup nuts*** over top.  Bake in 350` oven for 35-40 minutes.

***I have this after the nuts because I do not like chopped nuts in my cakes. So this is purely a preference thing and I just wanted to let you know that the original recipe did include them.

This cake came out warm and gooey and was very good! I believe my family invented their own favorite take on this too-

Take 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream and place in bowl with 1 piece of cake. Microwave for 15-20 seconds. Mash and stir the ice cream and cake together. Apparently, this made "THE best dessert EVER".