Not in Season Peach Cobbler

It happens every year... I want Peach Cobbler in the dead of winter when there are NO fresh peaches. This year I found the trick...store bought mix that calls for canned peaches! I thought I would share it with you---as It's a great trick and actually VERY yummy! I found the mix at Bi-Lo in the baking aisle next to the biscuit mix. It was easier than making brownies and will satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

I should be on a Diet... Boston Cream Pie

As I write this blog today... I'm sitting here sucked into watching an infomercial on a new weightless plan. How convenient!
Brian and I have been talking about which route we want to take in loosing weight...as we both have put on weight since we got married in January. He blames me and the fact that I cook so good for the reason he's gained weight. I would have to agree with him. I cook because it's an outlet for stress for me. But Unfortunately, when I cook...we eat!
We celebrated Brian's 33rd Birthday last week with a Boston Cream Pie! It is a dessert favorite of both of ours...so I thought I'd attempt making it for him. It was sinfully good! I was a little fearful at first to make it...as I've never made custard before. But it was surprisingly easy.

Boston Cream Pie

Recipe from Food Network

Prep Time: 20 min

Inactive Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Level:Easy

Serves:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix

Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
• 6 egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons instant flour (recommended: Wondra)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Ganache:

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

Bake 2 cakes according to package instructions in a 3-inch deep cake pan. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, take a long serrated knife and slice each cake in half to form 4 separate disks.

Pastry Cream:

Pour the milk, 1/4 cup sugar and the vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat. Combine the egg yolks and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl and whisk until light in color. Add the flour, vanilla extract and the salt to the egg yolks and mix to combine. When the milk just begins to boil, remove from heat. Very slowly temper the hot milk into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. When about half of the milk has been added, pour all of the yolk mixture into the saucepan over medium heat. Using a whisk, mix as it heats, making sure to reach all of the corners of the pan when stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture will be thick. Remove from heat and add the butter. Strain the pastry cream through a fine strainer. Put it into a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the cream. Refrigerate to chill for at least 1 hour before using.

Ganache:

In a small saucepan, over low heat bring the cream to a boil. Add the chocolate to a small bowl and pour in the hot cream. Stir until smooth, then allow to cool slightly.

Pie:

Spread cooled pastry cream on the top of 3 of the cake layers. Put each disk of cake on top of each other, leaving the last cake disk untouched. Press the cake firmly. Put the cake on a wire rack with a sheet tray underneath. Pour the slightly cooled ganache on top of the cake being sure the ganache covers the whole cake. Allow to cool in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Put any remaining pastry cream in a piping bag with a star tip and use to decorate the top. Slice the cake and serve.

Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Spread

Yum, Yum, Yum... I LOVE me some Good Pimento Cheese! I decided to make some tonight but with a few twists...and I gotta tell ya...it's AMAZING!

I have really been on a white cheddar kick lately..so I thought I would incorporate it into this recipe...and I must say, I think it really adds some character. I also used chopped roasted red peppers instead of pimento's. It's a great twist to an old classic.





Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Spread

1 8oz. Block of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
1 8oz. Block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup chopped Roasted Red Peppers (in the jar)
3/4 cup Mayo (I used Duke's)
2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Black Pepper (to taste)

Grate Cheese.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.
Chill overnight or for several hours before serving.
Serve with Crackers, as a Sandwich or on a Burger.