Gourmet Caramel Apples

After a weekend of picking apples in Door County, WI, I have enough apples to last me through winter. I decided to make gourmet caramel apples and send some love and goodness to my family via snail mail. I have two siblings in college and two young ones at home still…so these little treats were very well received. These gourmet apples are everywhere in Cedarburg, WI. All you need are apples, caramel, and any exciting treat or candy you can think of to roll into the gooey caramel.

Gourmet Caramel Apples (6 servings)

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, stems removed
• 1 package (14 oz) individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 Tbsp milk
• ½  tsp vanilla
• 6 wooden craft sticks 
• Toppings: M&Ms, candy corn, lightly salted peanuts, sprinkles, white chocolate (melted), semi-sweet chocolate (melted)

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Press wooden craft sticks into the top of each apple.
3. Slowly melt caramels and milk in a large saucepan over low heat.
4. Add vanilla, and stir until combined.
5. Working one at a time, roll apple in caramel until well coated. Dip each apple in assorted candy, nuts, and sprinkles.
6. Place apples on prepared baking sheet.
7. When caramel has cooled, drizzle melted chocolate on apples. Set aside until chocolate has set.

 

Lemon Rice Soup

Lemons, even used in just the smallest bit, can transform a meal from okay to spectacular. Some of my favorite foods include this acidic fruit - lemon curd, kale with lemon juice, lemonade, and lemon shrimp. The citrus taste is addicting. Lemon rice soup is one of my favorites, and despite making 8 servings, this batch lasted less than 24 hours. I used to think that the recipe was too extravagant to prepare, but in fact it is quite easy.

Ingredients:

• 16 c. vegetable broth
• 1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 c. shredded carrots
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 c. chopped celery
• .5 tsp ground white pepper
• .75 c margarine
• .5 c all-purpose flour
• 1 c. white rice
• 16 slices of lemon
• 8 egg yolks (omit for completely vegan option)

Directions

1. Melt .25 c margarine in a large pot. Add onions and slightly toss in butter.
2. Combine vegetable broth, lemon juice, carrots, onions, celery, and white pepper. Bring to a boil on high, then simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend the remaining butter and flour together. Gradually add it to the soup mixture. Stir frequently as it simmers for 10 minutes more.
4. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add hot soup to the egg yolks, stir constantly. Add enough soup to double the egg mixture in the bowl.
5. Pour egg mixture into the soup pot and heat through. Add the rice, and cook for 10 more minutes.
6. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices.

Cranberry Nut Granola

Last week, I taught my first class of college students about the importance of healthy snacking throughout the day. We reviewed a slew of recipes or quick-grab and go ideas. More importantly, we reviewed the energy that healthy snacks provide by keeping metabolism steady throughout the day…preventing that famished feeling you might feel at the end of the day. This is one of my favorite granola recipes. I change it a little every time, adding different nuts, dried fruits, and or extracts. It is so easy to make too! So, grab your coffee or tea, and bask in the simplicity of this treat.

Ingredients:

Syrup:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp almond extract

Oat mixture:

• 3 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted peanuts
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a small saucepan, stir sugar and maple syrup until sugar dissolves. Set aside, and allow mixture to cool.
3. In large bowl, whisk egg whites, spices, and extracts. Stir in sugar mixture.
4. Add oats, nuts, brown sugar, and fruit.Bake for 30 minutes. Turn over granola. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until granola is golden brown

 

Moroccan Vegetable Soup

It’s officially fall. To keep the windows slightly ajar and feel the crisp autumn air, I concocted a dish to counter the chill in the air with a warm, sweet-smelling soup. Using the last of my zucchini, some farm-fresh kale, and a few root vegetables, the aromas from this soup will surely keep you warm. The typical spices in Moroccan-style dishes are warm and sweet. Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric – all have amazing health benefits. Add more spices to this soup for added flavor and a kicked-up health benefit, if you’d like.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 small yellow squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 sweet potato, skin on, diced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1/8 tsp curry powder
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 large bunch of kale, leaves torn (about 4-6 cups)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Mix in zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet potato cubes. 
2. In a small bowl, combine spices. Add to sautéed onions. 
3. Add chicken stock and water. Allow mixture to simmer until sweet potatoes are soft (about 25-30 minutes). 
4. Stir in kale, and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).