Saturday, January 12, 2013

whitney's chicken & wild rice soup...

It has been snowing here for the last few days & all I have been craving is this soup & a warm fire!  Today I granted half of my wish & made soup for lunch.  I got this recipe from my niece, it's hearty & delicious, but best of all easy!  I hope it warms your loved ones up as well at it does mine.


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{pic from google images}


1 box Uncle Ben's long grain & wild rice
2-3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded or diced
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 stick butter
1 cup flour
8 cups hot water
3 heaping tablespoons chicken better than bullion
1 cup heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste

In a small pan, cook rice as directed.  Set aside.   In a large pot melt butter & add all veggies.  Season with salt & pepper.  Cook on medium/high for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.   Add flour to veggies & mix.  Continue to cook while stirring until golden brown.  Watch carefully so your flour doesn't burn.  Slowely stir in water & add bullion.  Bring to a boil & cook 1 minute to thicken.  Add chicken, cooked rice & cream.  Heat back up to just under a boil.
Enjoy~

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Karla's Easter Sweet Rolls

Oranges b

Karla's Easter Sweet Rolls

2 Packages yeast

½ cup warm water

½ cup sugar

2 tsp. salt

4 eggs

12 Tbs. butter (melted)

2 cup sour cream

5 ½ cups flour

Soften yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, sour cream, and butter. Add flour gradually. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Once rolls have risen, punch down and divide into 4 parts. Roll each part into circle. Rub circle with melted butter and spread with filling. Cut into triangle and roll up. Place in baking sheet. Let rise and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

As soon as rolls come out of the oven drizzle glaze over entire roll then sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Filling:

1 ½ cup sugar

4 Tbs. orange rind

2 cup toasted coconut (set aside ½ cup to sprinkle on top of rolls at end, see glaze instructions)

Stir ingredients together and set aside.

Glaze:

1 ½ cup sugar

4 Tbs. orange juice

1 cup sour cream

½ cup butter

Boil ingredients on stove for 3 minutes just before rolls come out of the oven. As soon as rolls come out of the oven drizzle glaze over entire roll and then sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

food, friends & great stuff...

come hang out & eat yummy food while checking out the new fall lines from these great companies!  anyone & everyone is welcome... as long as you like cute stuff:)

party invite mj web

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

summer school fruit kabobs & fruit dip...

this sunday for dinner i decided to let my kids assemble the fruit skewers. not only did it keep them out from under my feet, but they were so excited to have a job! after i prepared all the fruit in seperate bowls & put them on the table with the skewers, my 6 year old said-- mom, this is just like at school making patterns. he was so right. i told the kids to make different patterns with the fruit & them tell me what the pattern was. it was both fun & yummy! so let your kids make some "pattern kabobs" & serve them with this yummy dip! everyone will enjoy it!

educational-games-for-kids-21
{picture courtesy of flickr}


{cinnamon & lime fruit dip}

1- 8oz. package softened cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 TBSP brown sugar
zest & juice of 1 lime
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon

beat together cream cheese & sweetened condensed milk until light & fluffy. add all remaining ingredients. whip until combined. chill at least 4 hours, made a day ahead.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

brit's deep fried cauliflower...

i made this last night to go with our pork sandwiches & it was perfect! i can't take the credit for the pairing though, there used to be a super yummy bbq shack by my house that served fried cauliflower & it was a favorite of my families. walking a block was a lot quicker, but this recipe turned out great & finally was able to fulfill that craving i have had since they moved. give it a try! your kids will gobble it up too!

fried cauliflower
{brit's deep fried cauliflower}

1 head cauliflower- washed, dried & cut into bite sized pieces
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 TBSP milk
1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup flour
2 TBSP parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2-1 TBPS seasoning salt
1/2 tsp oregeno
1/4 thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

pre-heat deep fried to 375 degrees.
in a gallon sized ziploc bag, mix all dry ingredients. squish & shake sealed bag to mix. set aside.
in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk & 1/4 tsp salt. toss prepared cauliflower in the egg wash. carefully transfer cauliflower into the ziploc bag with a slotted spoon & shake sealed bag until all pieces are evenly coated.
carefully drop coated cauliflower into your hot oil & cook 4-5 minutes or until deep golden. transfer to paper towel covered plate to drain. serve hot with assorted dipping sauces.
enjoy!

Friday, May 27, 2011

sister hooker's creamy rhubarb pie...

for anyone who is still checking this blog... yes, i'm still here:) with the school year & PTA coming to end, i feel like i have got to get back on the blogging wagon. if anyone is even reading this-- thanks for sticking with me! this is a new one i just made yesterday & i have to say i love it & so did everyone else!!! even my friend jen who doesn't like pie... our friendship is now pending after learning of this news;). anyhoo, it's the perfect combinations of sweet, tart & creamy. give it a try soon! & i know i shouldn't promise, because that's a lot of pressure... but i really will be posting regularly through the summer. i've got quite a few new
recipes backing up!

Country Rhubarb Crostata Recipe
{sister hooker's creamy rhubarb pie}

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel

1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel

3 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
4 1/2-5 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb, sliced about 1/4-1/2 inch thick

Topping

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 375°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie plate as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie (do not trim or flute crust).

In medium bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour and the orange & lemon peel. Stir in eggs and sour cream. Add rhubarb; toss gently. Spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Fold edges of crust over filling, ruffling decoratively.

In small bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until crust is light golden brown. Cool at least 3 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate any remaining tart.

***i made this again yesterday & i doubled the crumble topping...even better!



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

a little st. patty's day yum~

sorry that i don't have a pic of this one. but it is totally worth giving it a shot! this is a delicious dish from my friend mykelle's mom judy. she also brought us this great one. make it this week to celebrate this fun Irish holiday with your family.


ST3
{judy's corned beef & cabbage}

corned beef brisket
cabbage
baby carrots
new potatoes
onion

Cover Corned beef with water. Bring to a boil and then turn to low for 1/2 hour per lb. Add baby carrots, new potatoes, and chopped onions. cook for last 1/2 hour with beef. Add cabbage chopped in blocks for the last 10 min(secure with toothpicks so cabbage doesn't fall apart). Make glaze right before serving so its nice and warm. Pour over corn beef and vegetables for a yummy meal.

Glaze:
1 cube butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup hot or spicey mustard
2 T. vinegar
Bring to boil and then turn off while stirring frequently

Thursday, February 24, 2011

kettle corn 101...

7-kettle-corn,400savorysweetlife
{a little sweet, a little salty}

anyone who knows me knows that i don't ever crave movie popcorn, but i am not kidding anyone if i say i don't love myself some kettle corn! it's a must from the farmers market every saturday! too bad the farmers market doesn't go year round here!
well, no worries- now i can make a batch, or 5:), everyday.(i really did make 5 batches yesterday!)
you don't have to have this little gem that i use, but it will make it much easier & it's not expensive. i got me first Whirley Pop almost 10 years ago as a wedding present from my high school humanities teacher, Mrs. Olsen. i love her! i have since had to invest in another on, but i couldn't live without it. i know you can order them online, but even Bed, Bath & Beyond carries them. so save that 20% off coupon that you throw away every week & go get one;) enough with the dialog- here's the info!

{kettle corn recipe}

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2-1 tsp. salt- to taste
1/3 cup popcorn kernels

over high heat, dump all ingredients into the whirley pop. close lid & turn crank.
let sit until it starts to pop. turn crank until finished popping, only about 30 seconds.
pour into heatproof bowl. let cool completely. add more salt if needed.
enjoy, share & repeat:)

Monday, January 31, 2011

calli's "burrito" chicken enchiladas...

this recipe comes from my friend Calli's kitchen. i am so glad that my friend tyson married her, cause i love her. i am friends with all of her in-laws, but wish i got to see her more:( love ya Cal! & you are going to love here too... as soon as you make these!
they are called "burrito" enchiladas cause they are stuffed with everything you would put in a burrito, but they are rolled, smothered & baked like enchiladas:) & they are perfectly delish!!!! i am eating leftovers of them as i type:) give them a try asap, you'll be so glad you did!

4301658899_aacc3d04b9
{Calli's "burrito" chicken enchiladas}

{Santa Fe lime rice}

1 cup rice, either long grain or basmati
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
juice of 1/2 lime
2 TBSP butter
1/4 tsp cumin
1/3 cup cilantro

melt butter in a pot & add all seasonings & cilantro. add rice & cook over medium heat for 2 minutes stirring constantly. add stock & lime juice return to simmer, turn to heat to low. cover & cook about 30 minutes.
set aside.



{chicken}

1 pound chicken, cooked & shredded
you can cook the chicken any way you want. My favorite way is to boil it on the stove, it takes about 25 minutes. I have also cooked it in the crockpot for about 3 hours on high, or just cut up one of the already made chickens from Costco.



{sauce}

1 cup salsa verde
1 package buttermilk ranch
1/3 cup cilantro
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayo
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 Tbls fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 cup sugar

Put in a blender and blend away
( I usually do one and a half of this for the six burritos. I love the sauce so I like more of it then the recipe calls for.)


{Burritos}

6 burrito size tortillas
shredded cheese
1- 15 oz can black beans, drained
rice, recipe above

I put the chicken, rice, beans and cheese in the tortillas. wrap them up cover them with sauce and then put them in the oven on 350 for 40 min covered with tin foil, then I take the tin foil off sprinkle more cheese on top and then cook them for another 10 minutes:)

** i like them topped with pico, avocado & sour cream:)

Monday, January 10, 2011

a little more cpk yum...

while on my long vacation from blogging, i did actually go on vacation. one of my purchases- the last of the cpk cookbook trilogy:)
i bought my first cookbook from california pizza kitchen in 1997, my senior year of high school, while on vacation with my friends. i was a food nerd even way back then:) since then i have made lots of food from it & the other i bought a few years later. now, they have a new family cookbook & it included one of mine & my kids favorites... yep, there mac & cheese. super easy, super tasty & oh so not healthy! so if any of you are trying to be better this year with your eating, maybe stop reading now. still with me??? make this, as easy as box mix, mac & cheese today!

MacVel
{cpk's mac & cheese}

1 large bag- fussili pasta
2 lbs. velveta cheese, cubed
1 quart heavy cream
2 tsp. salt

cook pasta in salted until el dente. drain & set aside. in the same pot combine cream, velveta & salt. stir continually until cheese is melted & smooth. add cooked pasta & mix. serve immediately.
**for leftovers- reheat one bowl at a time in microwave. add 1-3 tsp. of water per bowl. cook 30 seconds, stir & cook another 30 seconds or until heated through.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

last minute neighbor & friend gifts... from your kitchen~

here are some recipes that i got from some of my fellow members of THE HIVE. all of them look delicious, so i though i would feature all of them & there great blogs! in no particular order...

Rice krispie bars 023
{caramel marshmallow rice crispy treats}

these are a little labor intensive, but just look at them! you can find this recipe here @ City Home/Country Home.

next up...

Reindeer Corn Bark
{reindeer corn cookie bark}

this is so fun & different! it is also a great way to get the kids in to kitchen for some cooking fun. over at the Home Based Mom, you can grab this recipe & lots of other fun holiday bark recipes!

drum roll please...

White Chocolate Candy Cane Fudge M
{mindika's white chocolate & peppermint fudge}

what is Christmas without fudge??? & this is such a great mix of flavors! head on over to Mindika's Moments to find this & lots of other great recipes for the holiday!

just wait...

mint cookies
{confessions of a bake-aholic's chocolate mint cookies}

i love everything over at Confessions of a bake-aholic! she does such a great job!!! & this recipe is no exception. cookies are a must have during the holidays! & this is a great choice.

& last but definitely not least...

Stacked-BLOG-336x450
{mel's perfect almond roca}

almond roca is one of my favorite candies! & this is a great recipe for a great toffee! she does different nut toppings for different variations. of course my favorite is her almond roca, but i wouldn't turn down any of them:) head over to mel's kitchen cafe to get this and many other great recipes!

hopefully these yummy treats will make it to from your kitchen to your friends & neighbors home! i wish all of you a happy holiday season, covered in sprinkles, glitter & of course- flour:)!

Monday, November 15, 2010

amy's pumpkin cookies with a twist...

i love this recipe! it's easy, delicious & different:) give it a try for an easy after school treat for your kids... you'll look like the best mom ever without too much effort.

DSC_1900
{amy's white chip & macadamia pumpkin cookies}

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 TBSP warm milk

1 tsp baking soda

1 TBSP vanilla


2 cups white chocolate

1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts


Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, egg.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg.

Dissolve baking soda in milk and stir in.

Add flour mixture to pumpkin and mix well.

Add vanilla, chocolate chips, nuts.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 min or until slightly brown.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Give and Get is Here!

I know this isn't food, but who doesn't love a deal just as much???
plus, you can make your non-profit feeding america:)

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

Thursday, November 4, 2010

sticking with the apple theme:)

this is one of my favorite fall dessert recipes! it is light, satisfying, but not too sweet! a zeppole is like an Italian doughnut. fried & crispy on the outside, light & fluffy inside. i prefer mine with some whipped cream, maybe even cinnamon whipped cream! give them a try this weekend!

6a010536946c53970c0120a889bf78970b-800wi
{sweet apple zeppole's}

1 large apple, peeled & grated- about 1 1/2 cups

1/4 cups sugar

1 stick butter

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

4 eggs

Vegetable oil for frying


Cinnamon Whipped Cream


1 cup whipping cream

2 TBSP powder sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla


In a medium sauce pan combine the butter, salt, sugar & water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat & stir in flour. Return pan to medium heat & stir constantly until mixture forms a ball. About 3-5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, add eggs one at a time. Incorporating each egg completely. Beat until smooth. Add grated apple & stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate while mixing whipped cream.

Combine all cream, sugar & cinnamon. Beat until thick & fluffy. Add vanilla & stir until combined.


Meanwhile pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until oil is ready... *check tip.

Carefully drop a rounded TBSP of dough, 4-5 at a time, into hot oil. Cook until golden & puffed up, turning once or twice. About 2 minutes each side. With a slotted spoon, remove from oil, drain on paper towels, toss with cinnamon sugar. Transfer to serving dish. Serve cinnamon whipped cream on side for dipping.

* press bottom tip of a wooden spoon onto the bottom of the pan. if bubbles come from the bottom of the pan around the spoon handle, the oil is ready:)

Monday, October 25, 2010

more fall flavors...

with the perfect apple crisp! the tart apples with the sugar & spices. don't forget the crunchy topping! i promise that it is fall heaven!!! make this for your halloween parties this week!

G-apple-crisp_1
{perfect apple crisp}

  • 10 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 egg white
1/4 tsp salt

in a small bowl, mix together white sugar, 1 TBSP flour, cinnamon & nutmeg. toss with apples. Place apples in an ungreased 11x17 glass or ceramic baking dish. set aside

in a large bowl, mix oats, 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder & soda, butter, egg white & salt. mix until all combined. spread evenly on top of apples.
bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until bubbly with a golden topping. let cook 5-10 minutes. serve with good vanilla ice cream.

Monday, October 18, 2010

flavors of fall... pumpkin spice cupcakes~

i made this recipe up yesterday for my hunny's birthday dinner & they couldn't have turned out better! not to mention they are easy peasy:) these are perfect for all fall long! ditch the pie & make these instead;)-

photo-5
{pumpkin spice cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting}

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
1- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
2 1/4 cup flour
1 TBSP cinnamon
2 tsp. all spice
1 TBSP baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

in a large bowl, beat together sugars & oil. add eggs & vanilla. beat until incorporated. mix in pumpkin & buttermilk & beat well.
in a small bowl whisk together all dry ingredients until combined. add to pumpkin mix & beat until combined & creamy.
grease or line 24 muffin cups & fill 2/3 full. bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. let cool, top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting & sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

{cinnamon cream cheese frosting}

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 bag powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 tsp. cinnamon
2-4 TBSP water

beat together cream cheese & butter. add half the powdered sugar, salt, cinnamon & vanilla. beat until incorporated. add other half of sugar & water. beat on medium high until light & fluffy. pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes & sprinkle with cinnamon sugar:)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

the perfect pair... or should i say pear?

pears are in season & this is the perfect salad for fall! the sweet juicy pears with the crunchy pecans & salty cheese all works so well together, add a great tangy honey dijon dressing & you've got an amazing side dish for any fall get together! come over & get all the details!


Two Isolated Pears
{fresh pear & gorgonzola salad}

fresh spring mix salad greens
fresh pears, thinly sliced
toasted or candied pecans
crumbled gorgonzola cheese


~creamy honey dijon dressing~

1/2 cup good dijon mustard
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
2 TBSP sugar
1-1 1/2 cups oil

mix all ingredients except oil in the blender or food processor. blend until combined. slowly add oil in a slow steady stream until emulsified. serve on the side of the salad.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

bear's white bean chicken chili...

now that the weather is really getting colder i have been craving soup almost everyday! this is a great recipe i got from my sister-in-law & she got it from her sister-in-law:) it is also great because it's a crock pot recipe! yummy & easy... perfect! you can also make variations on this. change up your toppings, be creative! & stay warm:)

White Chicken Chili 1 500

{Bear’s White Chicken Chili}


2 cups chicken broth

3 frozen chicken breast

1/2 white or yellow onion, chopped

2 cans mild diced green chiles, undrained

2 cans great northern beans, undriained

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

sliced jalapeno peppers, optional

Cook in crock pot on high 3-5 hours. About 1/2 hour before serving, cut up chicken and put back in crock pot.

Right before serving, add:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 block cream cheese


top with extra sour cream, cheese, avacado, cilantro, corn chips, pico, ect.


Fast version:

Grill chicken. Bring all other ingredients to a boil. Boil until beans and onion are tender. Add chicken and serve as above.


Friday, October 8, 2010

dustin's peanut butter chip cookies...

i have been looking for a great peanut butter cookie recipe for a while & i got it from the most unexpected source! one of my brothers bff's, or should i say- my little girls "boyfriend":) dustin has been my brothers friend for as long as i can remember & he has been avi's boyfriend, in her eyes since she has been about 2. everyone loves dustin, & now you will love him too for sharing this recipe.

peanut_butter_chip_cookies
{dustin's peanut butter chip cookies}

Oven Temperature: 375 degrees

Makes about 50 Cookies

Cooks in 7-10 Minutes


Tips:

The cookies taste the best when they are made all in the same day. The batter is still really good after 24 hours, but it is best if mixed and cooked within the first 24 hours.

If you hate hard/stiff cookies, try placing an additional empty cookie sheet at the bottom of the oven to protect the cookies from direct heat of the elements. Next, place the cookie sheet with cookies, closer to the top of the oven than the bottom.

Take the cookies out just before they appear to be done, as they will continue to cook after they are taken out of the oven. (If the cookies are undercooked, you can place them back in the oven a little bit longer. It's better to undercook the cookies than to overcook them. The reason for this is that you can always cook the cookies longer if needed.)

Try only a few cookies at first to see how they will react to your oven.


Ingredients:

2 Cups Margarine (Must be room Temperature)

2 Cups Peanut Butter

2 Cups Sugar

2 Cups Brown Sugar

4 eggs

5 Cups of Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 teaspoon Salt

3 teaspoons Baking Soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

A bag of Reese's Peanut Butter chips.


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375.

Mix ingredients 1-4 together.

Once the ingredients are mixed together, slowly beat the eggs into the mixture.

After the eggs have been added, slowly add the rest of the ingredients to the mixture.

When the mixture has been mixed, add enough Reese's Peanut Butter chips to the batch so that you have about 3-4 chips in each cookie. (Feel free to add more.)

Please shape the cookies to about the size of a small shaped ice cream scooper. (Depending on the oven, you may need to increase or decrease the size of the cookies.)

Place the cookies on a cookie sheet, and place them in the oven for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes flatten the cookie with a fork or spoon. Once you have finished flattening the cookies, allow the cookies to cook for another 3-5 minutes until lightly brown around the edges.

When the cookies have finished cooking, take them off of the hot cookie sheet, and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes (really to your preference).

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

lellie's crazy yummy carrot cake...

this is a recipe from my sister, which is surprising since she has been know to make some sketchy things, but this recipe is nothing short of perfection! it is amazingly moist & really versatile. the cake itself has no butter or oil in it, but leave it to us to make sure we pack the calories in with the caramel sauce & frosting:) you could skip the caramel & make a lower fat frosting & really cut the calories... if that is your thing;)

carrotcake4
{lellie's carrot cake}

3 cups grated carrots, steamed
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/3 cup apple sauce
2 3/4 cup sugar
6 eggs or 3 whole eggs & 3 egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
3 cup flour
1 cup chopped nuts, plus more for top if desired

grate carrots & steam in a zip & steam bag. place in mixing bowl. add all wet ingredients & sugar. beat until well combined. sift in all dry ingredients & mix until again. stir in chopped nuts.(batter will be very wet! don't worry, it'll be fine) pour batter into a greased & floured
11 x 16 glass baking dish or 2 9" rounds. bake at 350 for 40-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. poke holes in cake & pour hot caramel sauce over. let cool & top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

{salty caramel sauce}

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 TBSP heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8-1/4 tsp. salt... to taste

combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan. bring just to a boil. remove from heat & pour over hot cake.

{cinnamon cream cheese frosting}

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
3-4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

beat all together until light & fluffy. spread over cooled cake.