tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56647993593309240322024-03-15T20:09:18.778-05:00The Muslim Wife's KitchenThe Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-32417976767914239692012-07-18T13:50:00.000-05:002012-07-18T13:50:02.626-05:00Ramadan Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
Has it really been 7 months since the last post? Wow. First, let me apologize for being out of touch. Technical difficulties on my end kept me from posting. And here we are on the verge of Ramadan which means you won't see much activity here (as has been the case in <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/ramadan-mubarak.html">previous</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/ramadan-mubarak.html">years</a>). But I would like to sincerely thank avid readers who continued to read and review recipes. Your support and feedback makes it all worth it!<br />
<br />
Though I don't have any new recipes for you today, I thought a quick Ramadan Meals Guide could be helpful to those of us who haven't prepped any food for the upcoming months (guilty myself!).<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Suhoor</b></u> </h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the rays of the sun have appeared. Though you may have to wake up at a seemingly crazy time of night to eat this meal, whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP IT! It is reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat Suhoor, for there are
blessings in it." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
and "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the
people of the book [Jews and Christians] is the taking of Suhoor". [Muslim]. First and foremost you do not want to miss out on the blessings of this meal and secondly, since most of the world will be observing 15 + hours of fasting, it is important to eat a high-fiber meal that will keep you fuller longer.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/oatmeal-and-maple-biscuits.html">Oatmeal Maple Biscuits</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScEZ5AJUMFc/UAb-_oWmUEI/AAAAAAAACRM/aR6aMET3ow8/s1600/biscuit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScEZ5AJUMFc/UAb-_oWmUEI/AAAAAAAACRM/aR6aMET3ow8/s400/biscuit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/triple-chocolate-muffins.html">Triple Chocolate Muffins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O76A44IymwU/UAb_ABhmE8I/AAAAAAAACRU/5-duWa3_sMY/s1600/choc+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O76A44IymwU/UAb_ABhmE8I/AAAAAAAACRU/5-duWa3_sMY/s400/choc+muffins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-rolls-done-right.html">Cinnamon Rolls</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BIPzpTwg_8/UAb_CFEUzoI/AAAAAAAACRk/WU0zxmAOkXs/s1600/cinn+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BIPzpTwg_8/UAb_CFEUzoI/AAAAAAAACRk/WU0zxmAOkXs/s400/cinn+roll.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/08/cinnamon-suhoor.html">Cinnamon Muffins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQrFOujcQWI/UAb_Ayd6fHI/AAAAAAAACRc/eOAw0Losbbs/s1600/cinn+muff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQrFOujcQWI/UAb_Ayd6fHI/AAAAAAAACRc/eOAw0Losbbs/s400/cinn+muff.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-here-and-i-brought-breakfast.html">Egg-Filled Toast</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj4XUsiIN-o/UAb_C8VB3hI/AAAAAAAACRo/x17-bP91MI4/s1600/frogs+in+a+hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj4XUsiIN-o/UAb_C8VB3hI/AAAAAAAACRo/x17-bP91MI4/s400/frogs+in+a+hole.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/brunchin-on-fruit-pizza.html">Fruit Pizza</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25dp_Mgy2SM/UAb_Fa_R9PI/AAAAAAAACR0/F71Z50WlKlc/s1600/fruit+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25dp_Mgy2SM/UAb_Fa_R9PI/AAAAAAAACR0/F71Z50WlKlc/s400/fruit+pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2012/01/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-muffins.html">Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Muffins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuuresKr6ng/UAb_HPgXr5I/AAAAAAAACR8/ymk5rvA-gqc/s1600/pb+muffin+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuuresKr6ng/UAb_HPgXr5I/AAAAAAAACR8/ymk5rvA-gqc/s400/pb+muffin+good.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><br />Iftaar</b></u></h2>
The meal eaten at the time the fast is "broken" or has ended. This is signaled by the setting of the disk of of the sun, or when the adhan of Maghrib is made.<br />
<br />
Traditionally small snacks are eaten at this time, followed by a larger meal after the prayer. Here are some ideas for quick bites during iftaar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/spinach-bhajiya.html">Spinach Bhajiyah</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAe6cqWC_rI/UAcC7QS0jvI/AAAAAAAACSI/nbb1oO69F5s/s1600/bhajiya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAe6cqWC_rI/UAcC7QS0jvI/AAAAAAAACSI/nbb1oO69F5s/s400/bhajiya.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/spicy-popcorn-chicken.html">Spicy Popcorn Chicken</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNZVNLdpNis/UAcC8ivYIoI/AAAAAAAACSQ/_4c3kKv48Ts/s1600/chicken+bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNZVNLdpNis/UAcC8ivYIoI/AAAAAAAACSQ/_4c3kKv48Ts/s400/chicken+bites.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-donut-holes.html">Pumpkin Donut Holes </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOGKnfPV6pE/UAcC-bzNqgI/AAAAAAAACSg/UvdYoyKVJbk/s1600/donut+holes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOGKnfPV6pE/UAcC-bzNqgI/AAAAAAAACSg/UvdYoyKVJbk/s400/donut+holes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/kibbeh.html"> Kibbeh</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0TQbXq-35w/UAcDAwzCPyI/AAAAAAAACSo/AHYTcMZbzwk/s1600/kibbeh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0TQbXq-35w/UAcDAwzCPyI/AAAAAAAACSo/AHYTcMZbzwk/s400/kibbeh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/pizza-night.html">Mini Pizzas</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uO5LuqbkMxY/UAcDDapeazI/AAAAAAAACS0/f538yKFf8sc/s1600/pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uO5LuqbkMxY/UAcDDapeazI/AAAAAAAACS0/f538yKFf8sc/s400/pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1617592872"> Jalapeno Poppers</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK--h8edDYc/UAcDErnr-SI/AAAAAAAACS8/6hIGFO6h-cA/s1600/poppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK--h8edDYc/UAcDErnr-SI/AAAAAAAACS8/6hIGFO6h-cA/s400/poppers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/chili-and-corn-bread.html">Mini Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfxeYuQHJNE/UAcC9VHuHmI/AAAAAAAACSU/NMcdSHLiWx8/s1600/cornbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfxeYuQHJNE/UAcC9VHuHmI/AAAAAAAACSU/NMcdSHLiWx8/s400/cornbread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/soft-pretzels.html">Soft Pretzels </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Cf1k-FNak/UAcDGoTcdwI/AAAAAAAACTE/bCdMLh-G2nU/s1600/pretzels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Cf1k-FNak/UAcDGoTcdwI/AAAAAAAACTE/bCdMLh-G2nU/s400/pretzels.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/feta-and-spinach-filled-puffed-pastry.html">Spinach and Feta filled Pastry</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjdDzfwA2cY/UAcDJlzwwPI/AAAAAAAACTU/wzu0fHEeEsQ/s1600/spinach+patty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjdDzfwA2cY/UAcDJlzwwPI/AAAAAAAACTU/wzu0fHEeEsQ/s400/spinach+patty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/vada.html">Vada</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEU5owywmrM/UAcDKdXzKWI/AAAAAAAACTc/BqK5WLiKoRA/s1600/vada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEU5owywmrM/UAcDKdXzKWI/AAAAAAAACTc/BqK5WLiKoRA/s400/vada.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/spinach-spirals.html">Spinach Spirals</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGbX7sfPuEI/UAcE98QlUgI/AAAAAAAACTk/VD-6mnkoY14/s1600/sprial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGbX7sfPuEI/UAcE98QlUgI/AAAAAAAACTk/VD-6mnkoY14/s400/sprial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-30488513943487936322012-01-04T23:27:00.001-06:002012-01-04T23:27:53.176-06:00Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXvSCAEbHs/TwUy5cslerI/AAAAAAAACQg/zi2wwulDd8c/s1600/khalid+hajj+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXvSCAEbHs/TwUy5cslerI/AAAAAAAACQg/zi2wwulDd8c/s400/khalid+hajj+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Peanut butter and chocolate. Need I say anymore? I think we all agree they go <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/sweet-kisses.html">together</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/chocolate-peanut-butter-crispy-bars.html">beautifully</a>. It's also the easiest option to turn to when PBJ's are the food of the month in your house and cupboards are full of peanut butter jars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1lM6HdYjQ/TwUzJrBNfSI/AAAAAAAACQs/ylQalO0m5rs/s1600/khalid+hajj+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT1lM6HdYjQ/TwUzJrBNfSI/AAAAAAAACQs/ylQalO0m5rs/s400/khalid+hajj+023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These come together quickly and easily. They make for a fun weekend breakfast addition or are rich enough to stand alone as a weeknight dessert. They store beautifully, making them ideal for lunch boxes or a midnight snack...whatever floats your boat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85_i9hzlhxs/TwU0FU7CB-I/AAAAAAAACQ4/HyHcjwGUvSQ/s1600/khalid+hajj+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85_i9hzlhxs/TwU0FU7CB-I/AAAAAAAACQ4/HyHcjwGUvSQ/s400/khalid+hajj+032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But whatever you do or whenever you eat them, they are screaming for a glass of cold milk by their side. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sAG2k2KTdVE/TwU0oyhs_lI/AAAAAAAACRE/jNmcNn6kkcw/s1600/khalid+hajj+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sAG2k2KTdVE/TwU0oyhs_lI/AAAAAAAACRE/jNmcNn6kkcw/s400/khalid+hajj+037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-mini-muffins-27999?mode=us&scaleto=24.0&st=null"><b>Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins</b></a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour<br />
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
3/4 cup milk at room temperature (I use 2 %)<br />
2/3 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola is my preference)<br />
1 large egg at room temperature<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (feel free to use milk chocolate)<br />
<br />
<span> Directions</span><br />
<span>1. Preheat oven to 350º</span><br />
<br />
<span></span><span>2, Lightly grease a 24 count mini-muffin pan or 12 count regular size muffin pan. Alternatively, you can use muffin liners.</span><br />
<br />
<span></span><span>3. In a bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt.</span><br />
<br />
<span>4. In another bowl, stir together milk, peanut butter, oil, egg and vanilla extract until blended.</span><span> </span><br />
<br />
<span>5.Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.</span><span> Add liquid ingredients and stir just to combine.</span><span> </span><br />
<span>Add the chocolate chips.</span><br />
<br />
<span>6.Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.</span><span> Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into middle of muffin comes out clean.</span><span> Place muffin tin on wire rack and cool for five minutes before removing muffins.</span><span> Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-60888000362690568852011-12-16T04:02:00.000-06:002011-12-29T04:54:42.462-06:00Another Freezer Cooking Session<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
I have been loving this new approach to cooking, alhamdulillah. It especially came in handy when some out-of-town guests stopped by for a while. I know I'm behind with posting my weekly submissions to my freezer, but here's what I did right before my guests arrived.<br />
<br />
I actually split up the cooking over a couple days. I just couldn't dedicate the time I wanted to cooking all in one shot, so I did about an hour of cooking on each day and had several meals to put away in the freezer by the end. Freezer cooking is about convenience, so just do what works for you!<br />
<br />
<br />
Day 1 Plan:<br />
1. 2 batches of <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/pizza-night.html">pizza dough</a><br />
2. prepare veggies for fajitas and pizza<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To get things going, I began by activating my yeast for the pizza dough. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKAWWTG5Lo/TusUYWhZZNI/AAAAAAAACOw/GynIIJ4THDM/s1600/khalid+hajj+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKAWWTG5Lo/TusUYWhZZNI/AAAAAAAACOw/GynIIJ4THDM/s400/khalid+hajj+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While that set and got all nice and bubbly, I chopped up and divided a whole bunch of veggies for fajitas and pizza for the upcoming week. Diced bell peppers freeze beautifully!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59BWIn9OdLc/TusTjta4aHI/AAAAAAAACOo/7kOcp5WDpqA/s1600/khalid+hajj+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59BWIn9OdLc/TusTjta4aHI/AAAAAAAACOo/7kOcp5WDpqA/s400/khalid+hajj+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Done for the day. Simple, but will really pay off later in the week insha'Allah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0KVoF4LsyE/Tvv5dcMuz3I/AAAAAAAACPI/0XgCMC9Fa0I/s1600/khalid+hajj+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0KVoF4LsyE/Tvv5dcMuz3I/AAAAAAAACPI/0XgCMC9Fa0I/s400/khalid+hajj+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Day 2 Plan:<br />
1. Breaksticks<br />
2. whole wheat pasta<br />
3. break fast burritos<br />
<br />
<br />
I started off by getting a big ol' pot of water boiling for the pasta.I happened to make cinnamon rolls that morning, so while my water was boiling, I took a portion of that dough and rolled out some breaksticks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EODGa4E80-M/Tvv6UbOh0hI/AAAAAAAACPU/X5c-7qns9f0/s1600/khalid+hajj+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EODGa4E80-M/Tvv6UbOh0hI/AAAAAAAACPU/X5c-7qns9f0/s400/khalid+hajj+019.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My pasta was ready, I set it aside to cool down before dividing it up for the freezer. I started on cooking my scrambled eggs for breakfast burritos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHneJHgVsg/Tvv7F1NRYJI/AAAAAAAACP0/khmw0sdruSA/s1600/khalid+hajj+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHneJHgVsg/Tvv7F1NRYJI/AAAAAAAACP0/khmw0sdruSA/s400/khalid+hajj+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0o2Px2GTk/Tvv7oo_hIhI/AAAAAAAACQA/KAkFIrAHa-4/s1600/khalid+hajj+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt0o2Px2GTk/Tvv7oo_hIhI/AAAAAAAACQA/KAkFIrAHa-4/s400/khalid+hajj+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was the first time I ever attempted breakfast burritos and I wasn't sure my children would like them, so I went easy with the fillings and stuck to (canned) fire roasted tomatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese. But feel free to add beans, sausage and other veggies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up, I assembled the burritos and bagged and labeled all my food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaNoe23yjdc/TvxFn5YmxpI/AAAAAAAACQU/Tqyy8KBRsbE/s1600/khalid+hajj+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaNoe23yjdc/TvxFn5YmxpI/AAAAAAAACQU/Tqyy8KBRsbE/s400/khalid+hajj+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsW1_BtVSao/TvxFhG6AHSI/AAAAAAAACQM/9ranN9fphdI/s1600/khalid+hajj+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsW1_BtVSao/TvxFhG6AHSI/AAAAAAAACQM/9ranN9fphdI/s400/khalid+hajj+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So it took 2 days, but I ended up with a 2 batches of pizza dough, cooked pasta, bread sticks, a week's worth of breakfast burritos and prepped vegetables for two different dinners. Not too bad, alhamdulillah!</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-36475334795568689332011-11-10T23:19:00.000-06:002011-11-10T23:19:22.750-06:00My First Freezer Cooking Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahman Raheem<br />
<br />
I know you can find some pretty fancy and complicated freezer cooking plans out there on the web, but like I sad last time, I just started with what I had on hand. Personally I like doing all this on the day I bring home meat from the halal store. I have to portion out the meat anyways so I might as well throw on some seasoning before I do it.<br />
<br />
So here was my plan:<br />
<br />
1. Shred 2 whole roasted, chickens<br />
2. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-rolls-done-right.html">Cinnamon rolls</a><br />
3. Hotdog roll-ups for kids' lunch<br />
4. Hamburger patties (double batch)<br />
5. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/leftovers-oh-how-i-love-thee.html">prepare veggies for chicken fajitas</a><br />
<br />
<br />
First I made the cinnamon rolls dough and put one batch in the oven to bake. I reserved a chunk of dough aside and took the rest of the dough, rolled into cinnamon rolls, and placed on a baking sheet and stuck in the freezer to <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/tips/how-to-flash-freeze/">flash freeze .</a><br />
<br />
Next up, I prepared my bell peppers and onions for fajitas later in the week. I also diced some onions to have on hand for any last minute meals in the week and also for my hamburger patties.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AObNt2JGCnQ/Tryq84GawpI/AAAAAAAACN4/XFm-AfzLK8Q/s1600/khalid+hajj+160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AObNt2JGCnQ/Tryq84GawpI/AAAAAAAACN4/XFm-AfzLK8Q/s400/khalid+hajj+160.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I started to shred up the chicken from my 2 whole chickens that I had roasted the night before for company. I divided it out into 1 cup portions and put into individual bags. All I have to do later in the week is saute my pre-cut onions and bell peppers, throw in the shredded chicken and my fajitas are done, insha'allah. <br />
<br />
I used the reserved cinnamon roll dough to make hot dog roll-ups. Just rolled out some dough into circles, and placed a halved-chicken hot dog and some cheese in the middle and then rolled up. A quick 15 minutes in a 400 oven and it'll be a quick and fun lunch for the kids, insha'allah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-PJfwttuG8/TrytdAWZ8pI/AAAAAAAACOA/SCDX9DCyJc0/s1600/khalid+hajj+168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-PJfwttuG8/TrytdAWZ8pI/AAAAAAAACOA/SCDX9DCyJc0/s400/khalid+hajj+168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MylHKGyEDnw/TrytjyRRSUI/AAAAAAAACOI/JYAbwI4oHeQ/s1600/khalid+hajj+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MylHKGyEDnw/TrytjyRRSUI/AAAAAAAACOI/JYAbwI4oHeQ/s400/khalid+hajj+172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And last, I mixed up the hamburger mixture. I added in some diced onions, garlic, ginger, parsely and cajun seasoning. Shaped them up, popped in freezer for a flash freeze and they were ready to go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kThg3JHt6GM/TryuxynvNtI/AAAAAAAACOY/bdsuxIefAfU/s1600/khalid+hajj+163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kThg3JHt6GM/TryuxynvNtI/AAAAAAAACOY/bdsuxIefAfU/s400/khalid+hajj+163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kThg3JHt6GM/TryuxynvNtI/AAAAAAAACOY/bdsuxIefAfU/s1600/khalid+hajj+163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cipJrWRG-6Y/TryuguQDmYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lcH4uTffVrA/s1600/khalid+hajj+165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cipJrWRG-6Y/TryuguQDmYI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lcH4uTffVrA/s400/khalid+hajj+165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So all in all, for my first ever freezer cooking session, I don't think it went too bad, alhamdulillah. I also boxed up and froze a batch of cholay I made that morning for brunch. So that was my loot last weekend and we enjoyed the week of warm,home made dinners with minimal work each week night. Let's see how this weekend goes insha'allah!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeT8mTZBb2c/TrywKVJaEqI/AAAAAAAACOg/cFviRi5jlHQ/s1600/khalid+hajj+183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeT8mTZBb2c/TrywKVJaEqI/AAAAAAAACOg/cFviRi5jlHQ/s400/khalid+hajj+183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-46692058721534009202011-11-10T22:38:00.000-06:002011-11-10T22:38:54.237-06:00Freezer Cooking 101<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrxFnpnBTlI/Tryi_nz0z6I/AAAAAAAACNw/w98I0ILr_K0/s1600/freezer+with+30+entrees+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrxFnpnBTlI/Tryi_nz0z6I/AAAAAAAACNw/w98I0ILr_K0/s400/freezer+with+30+entrees+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>image taken from 30daygourmet.com (this is NOT my freezer, hah!)</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
So what is freezer cooking? It's basically prepared and precooked homemade meals made in bulk and stored in your freezer to be taken out and defrosted or cooked through at a later date. Yes, I know, it sounds kinda...silly, right? At least thats what I used to think when I'd hear stories or see pictures like the one above. Since I've been married I never had a reason to precook anything and freeze it, so the idea never crossed my mind.<br />
<br />
Then I had babies and I found in the kitchen around the clock, literally. But that was okay with me because I enjoyed it. So again, the idea of freezer cooking was not at all appealing to me. But then my babies grew up and my responsibilities and duties inside and outside the house changed. My schedule just wouldn't allow me to spend long, leisurely cooking sessions in the kitchen. Even though I want to cook and want to eat homemade food (not store bough, pre-packed frozen meals...eck!), I just couldn't find the time anymore to do much more than a quick meal here or there. All of a sudden freezer cooking sounded like the best thing since homemade sliced bread.<br />
<br />
So I took a stab at it. There are so many online sources to tell how to plan, what to buy, how to store, what to cook and by all means, have a look, but for me I just took what I had on hand, cooked it and stuck it in the freezer. Some people cook enough to last a month (really!) or others enough for a week.I'm a once a week kinda of gal right now because I have a small freezer and really, one week of prepared food is more than enough help for me, alhamdulillah.<br />
<br />
Some additional resources to help you get started:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/04/is-freezer-cooking-really-worth-it.html">Is Freezer Cooking Really Worth It?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/11/the-method-to-my-madness-start-where-you-are-and-learn-as-you-go.html">Freezer Cooking: Learn As You Go </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/category/main-dish/freezer-meals">Freezer Meal Ideas</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-87458235675224985342011-11-10T22:21:00.000-06:002011-11-10T22:21:00.510-06:00Explanations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgOW_7Nf0FU/TryhHM5fQ2I/AAAAAAAACNo/510XY4DUPpw/s1600/eid-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgOW_7Nf0FU/TryhHM5fQ2I/AAAAAAAACNo/510XY4DUPpw/s400/eid-wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
Ok first things first, a belated Eid Mubarak! I pray Allah accepts from us our deeds, ameen!<br />
<br />
Moving on to the obvious: I've kinda been a no-show for a while, I know, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about the MWK! This site is actually very near and dear to my heart but as often happens, life gets in the way and before I know it, its been a month (or two!) since I've updated. Things have just gotten busier and it doesn't look like any of that will change in the near future, Allahu alim. So while I am learning how to adjust to this new hectic schedule of mine, I thought I'd bring y'all along for the ride!<br />
<br />
I'm started playing around with the idea of freezer cooking and though I've only done it once, I've been happy with it so far. I've been following blogs that basically live by it and, to tell you the truth, was quite intimidated by the idea at first. But you can only eat take-out so many times and I actually do miss cooking, so I had no other choice but to embrace my freezer.<br />
<br />
You'll see a new category to the right and insha'allah I'll keep y'all updated with the latest things to come out of my kitchen and freezer.<br />
<br />
It's good to be back :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-38866987862406728262011-10-07T00:09:00.000-05:002011-10-07T00:09:49.650-05:00Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
So sorry for this long absences, but I'm here alhamdulillah! Please bare with me as I get some things in order and will be back to posting soon insha'allah.<br />
<br />
I thought in the meantime I would open up the blog to some Q & A. So please send me your questions or comments about anything food related and I'll do my best to get an answer to you. Just leave it in the comments section or send me an email. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-46376972567974216472011-08-01T10:50:00.000-05:002011-08-01T10:50:09.115-05:00Ramadan Mubarak!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgfPqLZDsNw/TjbIQfmXBeI/AAAAAAAACNk/4oPnr3rxkcA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgfPqLZDsNw/TjbIQfmXBeI/AAAAAAAACNk/4oPnr3rxkcA/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i><b>Ramadhan is the month </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>In which was sent down<br />
The Qur'an, as a guide<br />
To mankind, also clear Signs<br />
For guidance and judgment<br />
Between right and wrong</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Holy Qur'an</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Al Baqarah : 185 </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like last year, the Muslim Wife's Kitchen will be closed during the month of Ramadan to give myself, and everyone else, a chance to take advantage of the incredible blessings available to us. Insha'allah, I'll be back after Ramadan to share some new recipes and ideas with you, but until then, I will still be (kind of) available thru email/comments if you do have any questions. See y'all later insha'allah! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>We ask Allah to accept our efforts and forgive us our sins, ameen! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And because this is a food site, I thought these article would be a great reminder to myself and all the rest of the cooks out there insha'allah! :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_611748410"><i><br />
</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://islamqa.com/en/ref/11153/food"><i>Extravagance in Food & Drink During Ramadan</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/making-use-of-time-while-cooking-in.html"><i>Making Use of Time While Cooking in Ramadan</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-19087490544261829332011-07-26T11:38:00.001-05:002011-07-26T11:40:11.439-05:00Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhHd4MyU62s/TieYzQ4wkHI/AAAAAAAACM8/LYcFElfRUdU/s1600/july+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMHX4pobpk0/TieabCQLzEI/AAAAAAAACNY/e--BpqcWZQ8/s1600/july+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMHX4pobpk0/TieabCQLzEI/AAAAAAAACNY/e--BpqcWZQ8/s400/july+094.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It only makes sense to follow up something as healthy and good-for-you as<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/blackbean-burger-vegetarian.html"> homemade veggie burgers</a> with ... well, something completely the opposite. But after all those veggies you can certainly reward yourself with one or two (or three or four?) of these fun little treats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhHd4MyU62s/TieYzQ4wkHI/AAAAAAAACM8/LYcFElfRUdU/s400/july+015.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xXuowonCA4/TieZE4HQriI/AAAAAAAACNA/7h_Up_p12Sw/s1600/july+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xXuowonCA4/TieZE4HQriI/AAAAAAAACNA/7h_Up_p12Sw/s400/july+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And speaking of fun, these were a blast to make! I haven't had this much fun in the kitchen since <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/hamburger-cupcakes.html">the hamburger cupcakes</a>. Between the coring (I used a zucchini corer that you can find for dirt cheap at any halal store; an apple corer or plain butter knife would work fine too), filling and swirly-loop design, it was a hoot!<br />
Sure, that last detail probably wasn't necessary at all but let's be honest, we're just trying to recreate a <a href="http://www.lasplash.com/publish/food_and_beverage_goodies/little_debbie_chocolate_cupcakes.php.php">childhood favorite</a> here. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uv-BZySgbU/TieZQCZaAlI/AAAAAAAACNE/TdgQO-LlbY8/s1600/july+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uv-BZySgbU/TieZQCZaAlI/AAAAAAAACNE/TdgQO-LlbY8/s400/july+041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep146aULqgw/TieZeIftDTI/AAAAAAAACNI/qhEu1qPtP_c/s1600/july+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep146aULqgw/TieZeIftDTI/AAAAAAAACNI/qhEu1qPtP_c/s400/july+042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know this is gonna sound silly, but these really aren't that rich or decadent. I used my old fall-back chocolate cupcake recipe so the cake was very light and delicate and the cream filling was a homemade marshmallow cream (super fun to make!) that was also very light. The richest part of the whole cupcake was probably the ganache topping, which was the perfect compliment to the pillow-y like filling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Ws4E7hhX4/TieZxS2a5MI/AAAAAAAACNM/apj4p55GHP4/s1600/july+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Ws4E7hhX4/TieZxS2a5MI/AAAAAAAACNM/apj4p55GHP4/s400/july+043.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu8XTmQQR18/TieaC8OgIEI/AAAAAAAACNQ/t5YVnOmbh6c/s1600/july+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu8XTmQQR18/TieaC8OgIEI/AAAAAAAACNQ/t5YVnOmbh6c/s400/july+081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All in all, this was very easy to make. Sure, it had a few more steps than a "regular" cupcake would require but believe me, it's definitely worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4pEjtg92Sc/TieaMyih1SI/AAAAAAAACNU/TLBcQXzdBfE/s1600/july+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4pEjtg92Sc/TieaMyih1SI/AAAAAAAACNU/TLBcQXzdBfE/s400/july+084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_532224414"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/02/homemade-devil-dog-ding-dong-or-hostess-cake/"><u><b>Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes</b></u></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/chocolate-cupcakes.html">1 recipe chocolate cupcakes</a><br />
<br />
<u>Marshmallow Frosting</u><br />
2 large egg whites<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/4 cup light corn syrup<br />
2 tablespoons water<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Combine frosting ingredients with a pinch of salt in a metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and beat with a handheld electric mixer at high speed until frosting is thick and fluffy, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove bowl from heat and continue to beat until slightly cooled. Use frosting the day it is made.<br />
<br />
<u>Ganache Frosting</u><br />
<br />
1/2 pound fine-quality semisweet chocolate<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
1 tablespoon sugar<br />
1 tablespoons light corn syrup<br />
1/4 stick (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter<br />
<br />
Finely chop chocolate. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan bring cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over moderately low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted. Cut butter into pieces and add to frosting, whisking until smooth. Transfer frosting to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until spreadable. <br />
<br />
1. Core your cooled cupcakes, being careful not to poke a hole out the bottom of the cupcakes, Keep the tops of the cupcakes aside (you can trim them a bit). Carefully pipe marshmallow frosting into each one and replace with a "cap".<br />
<br />
2. Carefully spread a dollop of ganache on each cupcake. Keep aside until the ganache has slightly hardened and set up a bit.<br />
<br />
3. Pipe a swirly design on top using remaining marshmallow frosting (totally optional, but totally fun). <br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b></div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-52046978402388643562011-07-09T22:24:00.000-05:002011-07-09T22:24:40.167-05:00Blackbean Burger (Vegetarian)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span id="goog_1517409054">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP-mWWZaI9k/Tg9TAZT0GmI/AAAAAAAACMY/cdBW0rJo4hU/s1600/34+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP-mWWZaI9k/Tg9TAZT0GmI/AAAAAAAACMY/cdBW0rJo4hU/s400/34+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><br />
<span id="goog_1517409054">I'm not a fan of veggies, yadda yadda yadda, I try to eat more, blah blah blah ; you've heard the story a dozen times. And in my defense, <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/kale-other-leafy-green-stuff.html">I</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/freekeh.html">think</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/aaloo-gobi-potatoes-and-cauliflower.html">I've</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/spinach-bhajiya.html">come</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/eggplant-and-olive-pizza.html">a</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/tabouleh.html">long</a> <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/roasted-fennel-and-red-potatoes.html">way</a>. But when it comes to the world of vegetarian eating, there's one food I have no problem with: the veggie burger.<br />
</span><br />
<span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwdTe_eosA/Tg9S9K_tLcI/AAAAAAAACMU/1b_ABIaAV_s/s1600/34+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwdTe_eosA/Tg9S9K_tLcI/AAAAAAAACMU/1b_ABIaAV_s/s400/34+001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDZ6rPArnxI/Tg9THJ0DZdI/AAAAAAAACMg/S7zbVD1KbiE/s1600/34+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDZ6rPArnxI/Tg9THJ0DZdI/AAAAAAAACMg/S7zbVD1KbiE/s400/34+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm head over heels for any meat-alternative burger (veggie, bean, soy, etc.) and spend a bundle on those frozen soy patties .So you could imagine how happy I was to find out I could get about 12 patties from a .79 cent can of black beans! And now you know that in addition to not being wild about vegetables, I'm also a cheapskate. Moving on...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krd8pnD-moI/Tg9TDwre_OI/AAAAAAAACMc/BpHHfx-oFlc/s1600/34+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krd8pnD-moI/Tg9TDwre_OI/AAAAAAAACMc/BpHHfx-oFlc/s400/34+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1k0nr9T-ns/Tg9TKEg-XHI/AAAAAAAACMk/1-WV7RZuvxk/s1600/34+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1k0nr9T-ns/Tg9TKEg-XHI/AAAAAAAACMk/1-WV7RZuvxk/s400/34+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you've been reading MWK long enough, this may seem like a <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-night-dinner.html">repeat recipe</a> of a black bean burger I tried out a while ago. But trust me, the difference between these two recipes is like night day. While <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-night-dinner.html">that one</a> was boring and tasted like mushy black beans (which basically sums up the recipe quite well), this one has body and is jam-packed full of flavor. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_-iXQXdj8w/Tg9TNieNolI/AAAAAAAACMo/aiNBmM61hvw/s1600/34+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_-iXQXdj8w/Tg9TNieNolI/AAAAAAAACMo/aiNBmM61hvw/s400/34+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gZ3sjfdVDc/Tg9TQ0xvILI/AAAAAAAACMs/eUXMeV3yGCI/s1600/34+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gZ3sjfdVDc/Tg9TQ0xvILI/AAAAAAAACMs/eUXMeV3yGCI/s400/34+023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The original recipe calls for bulghur (which you may remember from <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/kibbeh.html">kibbeh</a> or <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/tabouleh.html">tabouleh</a>) but I didn't have any at the time and opted for cous cous. It definitely worked, though I added almost twice as much as what the original bulhur amount until the mixture came to a consistency that I was happy with.In addition to the mountain of vegetables, this burger actually has some flavor thanks to the BBQ sauce and soy sauce, but feel free to add your favorite spices too (I think Cajun spice would be awesome in this!). I left out the walnuts because I was lazy and it was still great. Definitely give it a try and I'm pretty you won't even miss the meat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gZ3sjfdVDc/Tg9TQ0xvILI/AAAAAAAACMs/eUXMeV3yGCI/s1600/34+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSMUNE645p0/Tg9TgKynG0I/AAAAAAAACMw/isXK3Bt1trw/s1600/june+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSMUNE645p0/Tg9TgKynG0I/AAAAAAAACMw/isXK3Bt1trw/s320/june+076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Black Bean Burgers</b></u></div>(adapted from Food Network Magazine)<br />
<br />
1/3 cup quick cooking barley (bulghur, or twice as much cooked cous cous)<br />
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 small onion chopped<br />
1 small celery stalk, chopped<br />
salt to taste<br />
2 garlic cloves, chopped<br />
5 tablespoon barbecue sauce<br />
1 carrot, finely grated (I just julienned these)<br />
1 cup canned pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1/3 cup bread crumbs<br />
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped <i>(left these out, still came out great!)</i><br />
2 teaspoons soy sauce<br />
2 large egg whites<br />
2 tablespoon fresh parsely<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Prepare burghul (barely, or cous cous, whatever you're using) according to directions, let cool completely.<br />
<br />
2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery and a pinch of salt and cook until golden, about 12 - 14 minutes. Add garlic, 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and the carrot. Cook until the mixture slightly driest out, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and let cool completely <i>( I rushed it and waited until it was warm, but for safety reasons you should let it cool completely)</i>. <br />
<br />
3. Add the burghul (or cous cous), beans, breadcrumbs, walnuts, soy sauce, egg whites, parsley and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the food processor. Pulse until finely ground with some chunks <i>( I pulsed until pretty smooth, that's just my preference)</i>. Form into patties 4" wide and about 1/2" thick. Place onto a wax paper lined baking sheet or tray and refrigerate until firm (1 - 4 hours).<br />
<br />
4. At this point, you can freeze whatever you want until later or cook them off right away. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in batching until golden, about 6 minutes on each side. Serve on toasted buns with the remaining barbecue sauce. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwdTe_eosA/Tg9S9K_tLcI/AAAAAAAACMU/1b_ABIaAV_s/s1600/34+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krd8pnD-moI/Tg9TDwre_OI/AAAAAAAACMc/BpHHfx-oFlc/s1600/34+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDZ6rPArnxI/Tg9THJ0DZdI/AAAAAAAACMg/S7zbVD1KbiE/s1600/34+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1517409054"><br />
</span></div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-30577439950869603812011-06-30T23:23:00.001-05:002011-07-02T11:08:02.478-05:00Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEHFf4zBWhk/Tg1Ji6WQuNI/AAAAAAAACLs/-gYjOLi0RC8/s1600/3+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEHFf4zBWhk/Tg1Ji6WQuNI/AAAAAAAACLs/-gYjOLi0RC8/s400/3+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm always on the hunt for the perfect "chai biscuit", or a cookie to be nibbled on alongside tea. It can't be too sweet, or it'll overpower the subtle, smoothness of tea. And it can't be overloaded with nuts and chocolate chips but have a little more pizazz than a plain old cracker. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ_Fr5scNrk/Tg1Js9oqksI/AAAAAAAACLw/EBBtnixKqvg/s1600/3+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ_Fr5scNrk/Tg1Js9oqksI/AAAAAAAACLw/EBBtnixKqvg/s400/3+062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEsuyQVKHKQ/Tg1J3DBqMGI/AAAAAAAACL0/wMh55aPN5iQ/s1600/3+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEsuyQVKHKQ/Tg1J3DBqMGI/AAAAAAAACL0/wMh55aPN5iQ/s400/3+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tFvVC0xjeU/Tg1KAMHqXTI/AAAAAAAACL4/EKdBq_RBtoA/s1600/3+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tFvVC0xjeU/Tg1KAMHqXTI/AAAAAAAACL4/EKdBq_RBtoA/s400/3+066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There are few things that fit the bill better than a shortbread. It's crumbly and buttery crust is the perfect compliment to a steaming cup of tea (or coffee, whatever floats your boat). It's simple and unassuming, yet can be made exactly to your liking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwAr-EEVDgE/Tg1KGzaxZoI/AAAAAAAACL8/KGtXpxqIss0/s1600/3+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwAr-EEVDgE/Tg1KGzaxZoI/AAAAAAAACL8/KGtXpxqIss0/s400/3+072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1v7VEudmg/Tg1KSUq99yI/AAAAAAAACMA/BSR86E31baE/s1600/3+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1v7VEudmg/Tg1KSUq99yI/AAAAAAAACMA/BSR86E31baE/s400/3+073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Also, they're ridiculously easy to make. In fact, I bet you have all these ingredients in your cupboard already. Go ahead and try whatever jam you love. Though I loved these exactly as they were, I'd be interested in trying a little flaked coconut or sliced almonds in the topping next time. Let me know what combination you try out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXIwGgTZEU0/Tg1KhlVHTnI/AAAAAAAACMI/VcoJRkgoc9M/s1600/3+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXIwGgTZEU0/Tg1KhlVHTnI/AAAAAAAACMI/VcoJRkgoc9M/s400/3+076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.food.com/recipeprint.do?rid=51755"><u><b>Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars</b></u></a><br />
<br />
3 cups flour <br />
1 cup sugar <br />
2 large eggs, beaten <br />
1 teaspoon baking powder <br />
1/2 cup butter <br />
1/2 cup shortening <br />
2 teaspoons almond extract <br />
1 (8 ounce) jars raspberry jam<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
1.Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, shortening and butter mix on low speed add beaten eggs and extract can mix with mixer on low or by hand will form a dough divide dough in half and spread half on bottom of ungreased pan 11 x 7 pan pressing dough down with your knuckles spread layer of jam.<br />
<br />
2. Then crumble remaining half of dough into little balls and sprinkle over the entire layer of jam bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes until top layer of dough is lightly browned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-5879052071990288582011-06-20T23:39:00.000-05:002011-06-20T23:39:35.538-05:00Rich Chocolate Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZNlTxbxRfQ/Tdnf4jmsCZI/AAAAAAAACK4/9pCYmusVXt8/s1600/may+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZNlTxbxRfQ/Tdnf4jmsCZI/AAAAAAAACK4/9pCYmusVXt8/s400/may+055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So there are <a href="http://so%20there%20are%20these%20cupcakes%20and%20they%27re%20just%20amazing.%20people%20expect%20me%20to%20bring%20them%20along%20when%20i%27m%20invited%20to%20dinner%20parties%20and%20if%20i%20don%27t%20bring%20them%20out%20with%20tea%20after%20my%20own%20dinner%20parties%20then%20they%27re%20actually%20disappointed.%20and%20i%20can%27t%20totally%20blame%20them,%20they%27re%20pretty%20good%20actually.%20light,%20chocolate,%20moist/;%20just%20great%20little%20cupcakes.">these cupcakes</a> and they're just amazing. People expect me to bring them along when I'm invited to dinner parties and if I don't bring them out with tea after my own dinner parties then they're actually disappointed. And I can't totally blame them, they're pretty good actually. Light, chocolate, moist; just great little cupcakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2EXtD7tbnU/Tdnf_gs_x8I/AAAAAAAACK8/hiTb4UvkvG4/s1600/may+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2EXtD7tbnU/Tdnf_gs_x8I/AAAAAAAACK8/hiTb4UvkvG4/s400/may+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But "light" doesn't translate well when you make this recipe in a larger cake size. It ends up more like pretty dry. So after some research and test recipes I came across this recipe that works great as a cake (haven't tried it in a cupcake size, if you do, let us know!) It's rich, dense and very chocolatey, just like a chocolate cake should be!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75jGDcRJass/TdngVtgVsEI/AAAAAAAACLI/XRgAOA-MWSI/s1600/may+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75jGDcRJass/TdngVtgVsEI/AAAAAAAACLI/XRgAOA-MWSI/s400/may+059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/hersheys-chocolate-cake-with-frosting-113914"><u><b>Rich Chocolate Cake</b></u></a></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients"></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients"><br />
2 cups sugar <br />
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour <br />
3/4 cup cocoa <br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda <br />
1 teaspoon salt <br />
2 eggs <br />
1 cup milk <br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil <br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract <br />
1 cup boiling water </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients"></div><br />
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">Directions</div><div class="section clrfix ingredients"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul></ul></ul></div><div class="section clrfix directions">1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div class="section clrfix directions"><br />
2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.<br />
<ol></ol>3. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).Pour into 2 greased and floured 9" round pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.Cool 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks and cool completely.<br />
</div><div class="section clrfix directions"><div class="section clrfix ingredients"><u>Frosting</u></div><div class="section clrfix ingredients">1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine <br />
2/3 cup cocoa <br />
3 cups powdered sugar <br />
1/3 cup milk </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients">1 teaspoon vanilla extract </div></div><div class="section clrfix directions">Melt butter. Stir in cocoa.Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk, if needed.<br />
<ol start="5"></ol></div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-21377028834590062152011-06-11T23:04:00.000-05:002011-06-11T23:04:28.369-05:00Zucchini & Squash Tart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAdYXZGUjCA/TdncDWmv3pI/AAAAAAAACKg/Fvuq2SiSleY/s1600/may+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAdYXZGUjCA/TdncDWmv3pI/AAAAAAAACKg/Fvuq2SiSleY/s400/may+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It's no secret, vegetables and I just don't get along. The funny thing is, I come from a part of the world that is famous for its vegetarian cooking, and yet, I'm not a big veggie eater. I know all the benefits and I've really tried hard to incorporate them into my diet, but I gotta be honest, it hasn't been going too well. I usually just toss some in to a pasta with a rich sauce or under a layer of cheese on a pizza. But this time I wanted something light and simple.</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CeddtwxYLo/TdncJyE111I/AAAAAAAACKk/fZ1SuMunej4/s1600/may+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CeddtwxYLo/TdncJyE111I/AAAAAAAACKk/fZ1SuMunej4/s400/may+046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRlzoDt0OY/TdncW-dd8PI/AAAAAAAACKs/oXGQFFbbRbI/s1600/may+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRlzoDt0OY/TdncW-dd8PI/AAAAAAAACKs/oXGQFFbbRbI/s400/may+087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
Maybe its the long, hot days or the produce was especially fresh the day I hit the stores, but this tart ended up tasting like a slice of summer on a plate. It was bright and earthy, light yet satisfying all in one bite. It was exactly what I was craving.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9oNcbudZCM/TdnceBkk-pI/AAAAAAAACKw/XO-XHE_qT30/s1600/may+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9oNcbudZCM/TdnceBkk-pI/AAAAAAAACKw/XO-XHE_qT30/s400/may+088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY1vpxY3fJU/TdnbvzFODbI/AAAAAAAACKU/uT9TJ2QdeV8/s1600/may+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY1vpxY3fJU/TdnbvzFODbI/AAAAAAAACKU/uT9TJ2QdeV8/s400/may+031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and just for good measure, I threw in some sliced soy sausage, cuz I'm new-age like that. And also because I needed to use up the last bit I had left in the fridge. The variations on this tart are endless but what I found to be the most important factor was using good produce, a thin crust and herbs. </div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-9sqCGtq0M/TdncQWnrdWI/AAAAAAAACKo/knd1cj_xf4k/s1600/may+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-9sqCGtq0M/TdncQWnrdWI/AAAAAAAACKo/knd1cj_xf4k/s400/may+052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><u><b>Zucchini and Squash Tart</b></u><br />
<br />
1/2 recipe <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/pizza-night.html">pizza dough </a><br />
1 small yellow squash<br />
1 medium zucchini<br />
1 medium tomato <br />
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese (or goat cheese, if you're feeling fancy)<br />
2 teaspoons dried thyme<br />
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary<br />
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (optional)<br />
sliced soy sausage (optional)<br />
salt to taste <br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Roll out dough to about 1/4" thick and so it fits your baking pan.<br />
<br />
2. Spread cream cheese over your dough and top with squash, zucchini, tomato and sausage. Sprinkle herbs and salt over top. Add cheese if you like and bake until bubbly and crust is golden. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-87981433371452674992011-05-23T23:06:00.001-05:002011-06-03T22:44:31.404-05:00Blueberry Crumb Bars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVllgvaarJQ/TddGAzt5JsI/AAAAAAAACJ4/2L12OZULB4g/s1600/april6+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVllgvaarJQ/TddGAzt5JsI/AAAAAAAACJ4/2L12OZULB4g/s400/april6+013.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>One time, while traveling overseas, I got the biggest hankering for a blueberry muffin. It was one of those cases where you've been out of your comfort zone for too long and you start craving the most "regular" of things, which of course you can't get at that very moment you want it. There I was, surrounded by some of the best (and halal!) food the world has to offer and I was craving an ordinary blueberry muffin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnm47E24zOA/TddGWotBa3I/AAAAAAAACJ8/R_lQ-beY0y0/s1600/april6+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnm47E24zOA/TddGWotBa3I/AAAAAAAACJ8/R_lQ-beY0y0/s400/april6+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It got so bad that I ended up making my husband buy me one of those gourmet, froo-froo muffins from some airport cafe nook. Don't ask me how much we paid, its too painful to remember. But the point is, it did hit the spot. It wasn't some extraordinary muffin or something (see above: airport cafe) but just the taste of those juicy jems bursting with flavor with each bite and that comforting aroma of a baked blueberry was enough to fill that craving I'd been having those months prior. And then we came back state side and I didn't anything else blueberry-ish for years. Insaan is funny like that, huh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbuH80ARznI/TddGtMn2Y9I/AAAAAAAACKA/upUprvQyYCk/s1600/april6+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbuH80ARznI/TddGtMn2Y9I/AAAAAAAACKA/upUprvQyYCk/s400/april6+006.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REsLgociMRY/TddG0Wt5mOI/AAAAAAAACKE/ltB4AgVnn8w/s1600/april6+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REsLgociMRY/TddG0Wt5mOI/AAAAAAAACKE/ltB4AgVnn8w/s400/april6+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That is, until I met these <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/07/blueberry-crumb-bars/">beauties</a> and that all-too familiar feeling of blueberries! now! must! have! came over me. This time it was much easier this time to fulfill that desire, and fulfill it I did, alhamdulillah! These came together in no time and shared every good thing that can come in the form of a blueberry muffin but cuter and more bite-sized.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMmb_-mIQTE/TddG7nvbpUI/AAAAAAAACKI/kkluGq7qrDY/s1600/april6+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMmb_-mIQTE/TddG7nvbpUI/AAAAAAAACKI/kkluGq7qrDY/s400/april6+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAgY8V41hLs/TddHB6fmaZI/AAAAAAAACKM/5Zf_7IfgThY/s1600/april6+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAgY8V41hLs/TddHB6fmaZI/AAAAAAAACKM/5Zf_7IfgThY/s400/april6+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'll admit, sometimes I skip over things like zest and juice because I don't have the actual fruit to zest or, who am I kidding, am too lazy to actually zest it. I've never missed it from a recipe, to tell you the truth. But this time I did it, and WOW, could you actually tell a difference. Nothing screamed lemon but there was a bright undertone to the sweet berries that would most definitely be missed if left out. And with berry picking season around the corner, you'll have no excuse not to try these yourself.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>note: I've made these with both fresh and frozen blueberries and they turned out just fine.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuoZ3T1oJxY/TddHKJFuWKI/AAAAAAAACKQ/Bc7WoE5Ity4/s1600/april6+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuoZ3T1oJxY/TddHKJFuWKI/AAAAAAAACKQ/Bc7WoE5Ity4/s400/april6+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><b>Blueberry Crumb Bars</b></u><br />
<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
3 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks or 8 ounces)<br />
1 egg<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
Zest and juice of one lemon<br />
4 cups fresh blueberries<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
4 teaspoons cornstarch<br />
<br />
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.<br />
<br />
2. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, and baking powder. Mix in salt and lemon zest. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter and egg. Dough will be crumbly. Pat half of dough into the prepared pan.<br />
<br />
3. In another bowl, stir together the sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently mix in the blueberries. Sprinkle the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over the berry layer.<br />
<br />
4. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. (This took an extra 10 to 15 minutes in my oven.) Cool completely before cutting into squares.</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-5796142056580338902011-05-20T12:09:00.001-05:002011-05-20T13:05:02.688-05:00Halal Pina Colada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DcJXnDLkj4/Tdab_EVrhCI/AAAAAAAACJ0/3xKZVuIsYn0/s1600/april5+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DcJXnDLkj4/Tdab_EVrhCI/AAAAAAAACJ0/3xKZVuIsYn0/s400/april5+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Though the weather lately may seem to the contrary, spring has officially started. And what better way to celebrate the green grass and sunny skies with an equally sunny drink? Though I love to serve appetizers (basically, a miniature form of my favorite foods), sometimes I'm in a crunch for time to actually prepare any. In those cases espcially, I find a fun drink is more than enough to keep company entertained until the real meal comes out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQMxRLtR3Co/TdabyHmr5lI/AAAAAAAACJs/4ulmOheZ-K8/s1600/april5+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQMxRLtR3Co/TdabyHmr5lI/AAAAAAAACJs/4ulmOheZ-K8/s400/april5+089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Or this drink can stand alone as a dessert, because yes, it is that sweet. Of course, I have no idea if this anywhere close to a "real pina colada" alhamdulillah, but I do know that the coconut and pineapple flavors just sing together. Adjust each amount according to your preference (sweet vs. sour). But you MUST use cream of coconut and NOT coconut milk, they are two very different things, the former being a thick cream and the latter the water from the coconut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F71k2ODDOug/Tdab4pCwYlI/AAAAAAAACJw/ylEbZMOpQcY/s1600/april5+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F71k2ODDOug/Tdab4pCwYlI/AAAAAAAACJw/ylEbZMOpQcY/s400/april5+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b><u>Halal Pina Colada </u></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I found this recipe from a sisters forum, wish I knew the name of the sister who posted it to give her the credit! Also, sorry for the very "rustic" directions, this is one of those recipes that you can really personalize to your taste)</span></i><br />
<br />
1/2 can of Cream of Coconut<br />
large can of pineapple chunks, reserve the juice<br />
half cup of ice cubes<br />
extra fruit for garnish<br />
<br />
1. Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste; add more cream of coconut to make sweeter, more pineapple juice to make more. Garnish with extra fruit. </div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-54513528522166154202011-05-13T23:30:00.000-05:002011-05-13T23:30:41.831-05:00Spicy Popcorn Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJH--RzkMiU/Tc4CkhiUMxI/AAAAAAAACJc/KBPKRfoAuZk/s1600/may+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJH--RzkMiU/Tc4CkhiUMxI/AAAAAAAACJc/KBPKRfoAuZk/s400/may+054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So there's very little doubt that these <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/buns.html">40 minute buns</a> are a super hit (they even made it into the<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/?nobid=1"> top 10</a>!) but did you know they were a replacement recipe for a previous<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/buns.html"> hamburger bun recipe</a>? Since the updated recipe is my go-to one and seems to be for others as well, then most y'all may not know about a recipe buried within the older bun recipe for spicy chicken sandwiches. Have I confused you yet? Let's make it simple: there's a great recipe for spicy chicken sandwiches that doesn't get any attention so how about we shine some light on it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngDiEhvTV40/Tc4C9r6jzaI/AAAAAAAACJg/vPwliouPJ0o/s1600/4+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngDiEhvTV40/Tc4C9r6jzaI/AAAAAAAACJg/vPwliouPJ0o/s400/4+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---y9KRhdtZU/Tc4CW25njaI/AAAAAAAACJU/clcbW7iZM0M/s1600/4+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---y9KRhdtZU/Tc4CW25njaI/AAAAAAAACJU/clcbW7iZM0M/s400/4+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Except, that I'm not going to make the exact same thing (so much for losing the original recipe, AGAIN). I was looking for a side accompaniment to our dinner the other night and decided to do some chicken nuggets for the kids but wanted to kick it up for the grown-ups. Using the spicy chicken sandwich as my guide, I whipped up a batch of these spicy nuggets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25h-N_xckCY/Tc4DdfMQKsI/AAAAAAAACJk/AxT0HdPF2Vk/s1600/4+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25h-N_xckCY/Tc4DdfMQKsI/AAAAAAAACJk/AxT0HdPF2Vk/s400/4+011.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKQ25XJboEM/Tc4Cd0ApZJI/AAAAAAAACJY/CZ_ru9q2Eyo/s1600/may+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKQ25XJboEM/Tc4Cd0ApZJI/AAAAAAAACJY/CZ_ru9q2Eyo/s400/may+042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Of course you can stick to the classic and just do the recipe with larger pieces of chicken. This recipe as written is not spicy enough for us (the heat seems to get lost in the flour, I guess) so if you prefer thinks really spicy then follow my advice and quadruple (yes, that means 4 times!) the cayenne pepper amount like I did and you'll start to notice some heat ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAz5DBg6OEs/Tc4DjhLSNLI/AAAAAAAACJo/fjSGOMxqW7c/s1600/4+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAz5DBg6OEs/Tc4DjhLSNLI/AAAAAAAACJo/fjSGOMxqW7c/s400/4+013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><b>Spicy Popcorn Chicken</b></u><br />
<br />
Enough vegetable oil to deep fry<br />
1/3 cup frank's original red hot pepper sauce <br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (I quadruple this amount, please don't think I'm crazy!)<br />
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper<br />
1/2 teaspoon paprika<br />
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1 chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces (season with salt and pepper to taste)<br />
4 plain hamburger buns<br />
<br />
<br />
1.Heat-up oil for deep frying<br />
<br />
2. Pour the hot sauce in a shallow bowl. In a seperate bowl, mix the flour cayenne pepper, blackpepper,garlic powder. Divide this mixture into two seperate bowls.<br />
<br />
3. Dredge each chicken piece in one bowl of the dry mixture, then dip into the hot sauce and back into a second bowl of the dry mixture. <br />
Repeat until you've coated all the pieces. <br />
<br />
4. Carefully lower pieces into hot oil using a slotted spoon and fry until evenly golden brown. Be careful not to over-crowd your pan or the chicken will not have a crispy crust. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or make one yourself by mixing low-fat mayo and hot sauce. </div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-39069078315711943692011-05-03T20:08:00.000-05:002011-05-03T20:08:53.550-05:00Top Ten<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
Looking through my stats today, I found the top ten recipes with the highest hits and thought y'all might be interested too, so here goes:<br />
<br />
<u><b>The Muslim Wife's Kitchen Top Ten Recipes </b></u><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/grape-leaves-aka-my-most-favorite-food.html">Grape Leaves:</a> They're my favorite food, and apparently yours too!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KclNX-MoytY/TRQL570WlkI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/9O5G7LINUvA/s1600/grape+leaves+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KclNX-MoytY/TRQL570WlkI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/9O5G7LINUvA/s400/grape+leaves+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/cheesecake-brownies.html">Cheesecake Brownies</a> I was surprised to see this come in second place, but I don't blame you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEEMqDwcsuw/S8DQJ7bfP-I/AAAAAAAABWw/Whh1hz2fDxY/s1600/brownies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEEMqDwcsuw/S8DQJ7bfP-I/AAAAAAAABWw/Whh1hz2fDxY/s400/brownies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/fasolia-khadra-bi-banadora-green-beans.html">Fasolia Khadra bi Banadora (Green Beans and Beef </a>: My favorite (and only!) way to eat green beans. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sue-IthGXM/TDOekcVlI2I/AAAAAAAABpc/BoWnFtduGZA/s1600/fawn+012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sue-IthGXM/TDOekcVlI2I/AAAAAAAABpc/BoWnFtduGZA/s400/fawn+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/soft-pretzels.html">Soft Pretzels</a>: The easiest and almost fool-proof pretzel recipe out there!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PR5D7J4-LL0/TTpIM91eAKI/AAAAAAAACAU/1P0HzKsNuuY/s1600/pretzels+006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PR5D7J4-LL0/TTpIM91eAKI/AAAAAAAACAU/1P0HzKsNuuY/s400/pretzels+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/40-minute-dinner-rolls.html">Hamburger Buns:</a>: You'll never buy a pre-packaged bun again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrP_Ylmuln4/S5V4kYiw-tI/AAAAAAAABOs/4JtMXdsieEw/s1600/pictures+090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrP_Ylmuln4/S5V4kYiw-tI/AAAAAAAABOs/4JtMXdsieEw/s400/pictures+090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
6. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/aaloo-gobi-potatoes-and-cauliflower.html">Aloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower)</a>: Classic Indian dish that every non-Indian should know how to make.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMOEUMybED4/S9ZuQrGbllI/AAAAAAAABZ8/7TeI4ZClLjg/s1600/gobi+046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMOEUMybED4/S9ZuQrGbllI/AAAAAAAABZ8/7TeI4ZClLjg/s400/gobi+046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUfbxUL63kg/TVTFfkfVbKI/AAAAAAAACDc/xp2ZhmfV0tg/s1600/feb2+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUfbxUL63kg/TVTFfkfVbKI/AAAAAAAACDc/xp2ZhmfV0tg/s1600/feb2+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>7. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-rolls-done-right.html">Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls</a>: OMG why did it take me years to try these?! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NkvLLtf-30/TSVIv-1sCrI/AAAAAAAAB94/F8pVbzqRt6E/s1600/december1+%252818%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NkvLLtf-30/TSVIv-1sCrI/AAAAAAAAB94/F8pVbzqRt6E/s400/december1+%252818%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
8. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/hamburger-cupcakes.html">"Hamburger" Cupcakes</a>: These are perfect to take along to your next barbeque<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAaRhruRsU/TFJZP43VrGI/AAAAAAAABvs/UsbCidSCSWk/s1600/burger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAaRhruRsU/TFJZP43VrGI/AAAAAAAABvs/UsbCidSCSWk/s400/burger1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KclNX-MoytY/TRQL570WlkI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/9O5G7LINUvA/s1600/grape+leaves+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>9. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/homemade-samosas.html">Homemade Samosa Dough and Filling</a>: No more spring-roll-samosas for me. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUfbxUL63kg/TVTFfkfVbKI/AAAAAAAACDc/xp2ZhmfV0tg/s1600/feb2+019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUfbxUL63kg/TVTFfkfVbKI/AAAAAAAACDc/xp2ZhmfV0tg/s400/feb2+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
10. <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/08/pasta-pie.html">Pasta Pie</a>: An oldie but a good that could feed an army!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGTKRxJN5c/SprbN3OqciI/AAAAAAAAArg/fQ0U-vWWZUY/s1600/pasta+pie+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCGTKRxJN5c/SprbN3OqciI/AAAAAAAAArg/fQ0U-vWWZUY/s400/pasta+pie+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-45691176263784988832011-04-27T22:51:00.000-05:002011-04-27T22:51:03.690-05:00Spinach Spirals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy5LJv4J9iQ/TbeZEtQbF5I/AAAAAAAACI0/ghRclNY_fjo/s1600/april5+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy5LJv4J9iQ/TbeZEtQbF5I/AAAAAAAACI0/ghRclNY_fjo/s400/april5+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I love appetizers; I think they're the perfect introduction to any meal and can serve as a little teaser, a preview if you will, of the rest of the course that is to follow. It's also a sure-fire way to get conversation going for any dinner party. Though the idea of appetizers (or hors d'oeuvres, if you're feeling fancy) can seem intimidating, it's actually much simpler than anyone would think. All you need to do is think of your favorite food and then scale it down enough to be an easy finger food. So you like chicken kabobs? No problem! Cook them up as usual but thread two to three pieces on a decorative toothpick and wa lah, an appetizer! Does your southern heart have a hankering for good ol' <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/chili-and-corn-bread.html">cornbread</a>? Bake them up in a mini-muffin tins and bam! Another appetizer! See? It's easy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M31McarnIKg/TbeZLn1t-TI/AAAAAAAACI4/hmpj_ZZgq2g/s1600/april5+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M31McarnIKg/TbeZLn1t-TI/AAAAAAAACI4/hmpj_ZZgq2g/s400/april5+049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSIXM9WHmgQ/TbeZSdWWQfI/AAAAAAAACI8/OWwMeVvb61E/s1600/april5+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSIXM9WHmgQ/TbeZSdWWQfI/AAAAAAAACI8/OWwMeVvb61E/s400/april5+072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On this particular occasion I went with a traditional <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/feta-and-spinach-filled-puffed-pastry.html">fatayer stuffing</a> that I normally use inside pockets of puff pastry. But by changing up the shape I was able to scale it down and make bite-size portions of a dinner-party favorite. It goes without saying that this can be customized so many ways: mushroom and caramelized onions or some ground lamb with feta, really you can use whatever you want. The beauty of this appetizer is in its beautiful pinwheel presentation. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPNTCeOUl28/TbeZZJOSB5I/AAAAAAAACJA/df6GSpCt6iI/s1600/april5+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPNTCeOUl28/TbeZZJOSB5I/AAAAAAAACJA/df6GSpCt6iI/s400/april5+075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtL6X2WMaD0/TbeZf6xRmhI/AAAAAAAACJE/bCmBq0WprLg/s1600/april5+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtL6X2WMaD0/TbeZf6xRmhI/AAAAAAAACJE/bCmBq0WprLg/s400/april5+078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Some tips on working with puff pastry:<br />
- keep the dough chilled until ready to use. If the dough gets too warm then it becomes sticky which makes it not only super-hard to work with, but you also went get that trademark golden rising from the dough.<br />
- if you're finding it hard to cut the pastry into spiral, pop the rolled up cylinder into the freezer for about 4 minutes to firm-up a bit before cutting.<br />
- cut your spirals with a sharp serrated knife (like a bread knife) for the cleanest cuts.<br />
- there's no need to grease your pan as there is plenty of butter in the dough to keep it from sticking. But if you do choose to use a cheese that will melt easily (like mozzarella) then it may be best to use parchment or wax paper to contain the mess. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQx6Ufk_neU/TbeZniWd1UI/AAAAAAAACJI/MgoY6xEekYg/s1600/april5+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQx6Ufk_neU/TbeZniWd1UI/AAAAAAAACJI/MgoY6xEekYg/s400/april5+099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Spinach Spirals</b></u><br />
<i>(Adapted from <a href="http://www.puffpastry.com/recipedetail.aspx?recipeID=24044">here </a></i><i>makes about 24 spirals) </i><br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
1 package puff pastry, thawed<br />
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
3 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 teaspoons sumac<br />
1/2 teaspoon garam masala (or ground cinnamon and ground cloves if you don't have garam masala)<br />
2 tablepoons pomegranate syrup<br />
3 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, chopped<br />
1/4 cup parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup mozzeralla cheese<br />
1 tsp garlic powder<br />
4 tablespoons melted butter<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Thaw both sheets of puff pastry according to box directions but make sure to keep refrigerated until you're ready to use. In a skillet over medium heat, saute onions and garlic until fragrant; about 3 minutes. Add thawed and drained spinach and cook for 3 more minutes. Add sumac, garam masala, pomegranate syrup and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder with the melted butter and brush on to an unrolled puff pastry sheet. Sprinkle the entire sheet with half of each cheese. Followed by half of the spinach mixture and half of the sun-dried tomatoes.<br />
<br />
3. Starting from the end closest to you, roll the puff pastry sheet up in a tight roll. Continue rolling and pinch the seams when you reach the end. Cut into 3/4" slices with a serrated knife and place on a baking sheet. Bake in pre-heated oven at 400 degrees until spirals are golden and puffy. Repeat with remaining ingredients on the second puff pastry sheet.<br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-37520676661641147982011-04-22T23:03:00.006-05:002011-04-24T22:46:11.451-05:00Oatmeal and Maple Biscuits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNorxOFdtzk/TbTuW81BKII/AAAAAAAACIw/kO7wmY1q3o4/s1600/biscuit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNorxOFdtzk/TbTuW81BKII/AAAAAAAACIw/kO7wmY1q3o4/s400/biscuit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Growing up, I was not a breakfast person; I would rarely eat anything before rushing out the door to school (I know, I know, shame on me). The weekends were the same story, unless grits were involved in which case that'd be about the extent of my breakfast. Now that I'm a parent, alhamdulillah, I take breakfast more seriously. No, I still don't eat it regularly but I do make sure my children do. I'm also not a fan of cold-breakfasts (see above: grits) and try to get something warm and filling in those growing bellies each morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moPxw5hfwIY/TbI5k9nqYjI/AAAAAAAACII/4E2tznCevPA/s400/april5+017.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T03exf0yvfw/TbI5roMSnQI/AAAAAAAACIM/MaesnAChhFs/s1600/april5+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T03exf0yvfw/TbI5roMSnQI/AAAAAAAACIM/MaesnAChhFs/s400/april5+018.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now before you go and get visions of a niqaabi June Cleaver let me tell you we have plenty of mornings of cold cereal around here, because that's just life. Mornings just always seem to be a bit chaotic and though I want something hearty and hot to serve my family, it needs to be easy and quick. All that and still yummy, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB-3jrJ_o70/TbI5yBmnIYI/AAAAAAAACIQ/3XyUTjPodbU/s1600/april5+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB-3jrJ_o70/TbI5yBmnIYI/AAAAAAAACIQ/3XyUTjPodbU/s400/april5+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKikK74wimQ/TbI54vuiceI/AAAAAAAACIU/HTLRBEHklBQ/s1600/april5+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKikK74wimQ/TbI54vuiceI/AAAAAAAACIU/HTLRBEHklBQ/s400/april5+023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's exactly why these biscuits* are the new family favorite: they come together quickly, the kids love them and I don't have to worry about speculatively halal ingredients as is often the case with canned biscuits. But please don't even began to try and compare these to anything that pops out of a can. Thanks to the oatmeal these are hearty, thick and crumbly yet don't feel like a hockey puck sitting in your tummy. They have a slightly sweet crumb thanks to the syrup (DO NOT try and substitute any mrs-aunts-butter-jemima-junk for pure maple syrup!) but are still subtle enough to be slathered with your <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/">cheesecake leftovers</a>. Wait...cheesecake? Huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-YKVjijOo/TbI5-qhYr7I/AAAAAAAACIY/-R7lGueGpmU/s1600/april5+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qD-YKVjijOo/TbI5-qhYr7I/AAAAAAAACIY/-R7lGueGpmU/s400/april5+024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ_nYBj8tgg/TbI6EyoxfAI/AAAAAAAACIc/vANwYrNbmJ0/s1600/april5+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ_nYBj8tgg/TbI6EyoxfAI/AAAAAAAACIc/vANwYrNbmJ0/s400/april5+026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yes, you heard me right. Strawberry cheesecake for breakfast, just without the chesecake part. That strawberry topping is perfect atop these biscuits straight out of the oven. You can easily swap for any other fruit, fresh or frozen. Refrigerate the sauce over night for best consistency. You can keep it for a few days in the fridge, though it didn't even last one day in our house, but anything beyond that may not be the best thing since this faux-jam is pectin and preservative free. Warm maple biscuits with homemade strawberry jam, now that's a breakfast I can get used to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6UykH8K37A/TbI6LZozjAI/AAAAAAAACIg/0FMSDMixBeE/s1600/april5+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6UykH8K37A/TbI6LZozjAI/AAAAAAAACIg/0FMSDMixBeE/s400/april5+029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i> (*the original recipe calls these scones but seeing as I'm all unrefined and can't tell the difference between a scone and a biscuit, plus my kids ended up calling this is a biscuit, I just went with the more American-y sounding of the two. Either way, it's delicious)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/03/oat-and-maple-syrup-scones/">Oat and Maple Biscuits</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0714844659/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=smitten-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0714844659">Breakfast Lunch, Tea: The Many Little Meals of Rose Bakery</a><br />
Yield: about 8 - 10, depending on your biscuit cutter size<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting surface<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 cup rolled oats (I used quick-cooking)<br />
1 very heaped tablespoon baking powder<br />
1 very heaped tablespoon granulated sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon table salt<br />
Scant 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces<br />
1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk<br />
1 egg, beaten (for glaze)<br />
<br />
Directions <br />
1.Preheat your oven to 400°F and butter a baking tray<br />
<br />
2. Whisk the flours, oats, baking powder, sugar and salt together in a large bowl. With a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.<br />
<br />
3. In a small dish, combine the milk and syrup, then add these liquid ingredients to the butter-flour mixture. By hand or with a rubber spatula, bring everything together to form a softish dough. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk but not enough that the dough is sticky. I usually end up adding another 1/4 cup milk but whatever you do, add in small amounts until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.<br />
<br />
4. On a lightly floured surface, pat or roll the dough out until it is 1 1/4 inches tall. Using a 2-inch cutter, cut the dough into rounds and place them on the prepared tray so that they almost touch. Glaze the tops with beaten egg and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the scones are lightly golden. The scones will stick together, so pull them gently apart when they’ve cooled a bit.<br />
<br />
5. Serve warm plain, drizzled with honey or slathered with jam.<br />
<br />
Strawberry Jam<br />
<span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> <span class="name"> strawberry, mashed</span><br />
<span class="name"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> sugar<span class="ingredient"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value"> </span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span class="value">3 </span> <span class="type">tablespoons</span></span> cornstarch<span class="ingredient"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value"> </span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span class="value">1/3</span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> water<br />
<br />
1. B<span class="instructions">lend sugar and cornstarch together in a small saucepan.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="instructions">2.</span><span class="instructions">Stir in water and strawberries.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="instructions">3.</span><span class="instructions">Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">4.<span class="instructions"> Boil and stir for 1 minute. Cool thoroughly before storing in a container and refrigerating. Keep in fridge overnight for best results. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div></div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-10062027031749990312011-04-20T16:07:00.001-05:002011-04-22T23:06:53.231-05:00Strawberry Cheesecake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="ingredients"><div class="table-row-gray"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem</span></span></span></div><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXq8rOxR548/Ta8uXFbSBfI/AAAAAAAACHY/uInyaAduqCs/s1600/april5+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXq8rOxR548/Ta8uXFbSBfI/AAAAAAAACHY/uInyaAduqCs/s320/april5+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While planning out the menu for a dinner party, I mulled over several dessert options; should I go classic with <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/chocolate-cupcakes.html">cupcakes</a>? Rich with <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/macaroons.html">macaroons</a>? Fruity with an <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/orange-yogurt-cake.html">orange cake</a>? But then a thought came to me, a very sweet and creamy thought: cheescake. It's been entirely way too long since I've <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/cheesecake.html">made one</a> and technically, those were more along the lines of cheescake <b>bars</b> and not an actual <i>cake. </i>Whats the difference, you ask? The topping of course! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5RcrtQkglo/Ta8uj7PX4uI/AAAAAAAACHg/hfc3KHTn7pk/s1600/april5+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5RcrtQkglo/Ta8uj7PX4uI/AAAAAAAACHg/hfc3KHTn7pk/s400/april5+077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ9eqLO_CK8/Ta8uqS1uweI/AAAAAAAACHk/YqjTYNfn3a0/s1600/april5+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ9eqLO_CK8/Ta8uqS1uweI/AAAAAAAACHk/YqjTYNfn3a0/s400/april5+080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Another detail to tweak on a cake, that can't be done with bars, is that mile-high crust that New York Cheesecakes are known for in particular.I followed the <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/04/new-york-cheesecake/">Smitten Kitchen's</a> notes on getting that high crust to creep up the sides but opted for a 'lighter' cheesecake recipe. Well, if you can call four packages of cream cheese light, that is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctuqioGsSAE/Ta8uxk99yvI/AAAAAAAACHo/zteR_qx8fxg/s1600/april5+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctuqioGsSAE/Ta8uxk99yvI/AAAAAAAACHo/zteR_qx8fxg/s400/april5+081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLk0HAYwOhQ/Ta8u5bqFqSI/AAAAAAAACHs/rLAsJiP7K8g/s1600/april5+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLk0HAYwOhQ/Ta8u5bqFqSI/AAAAAAAACHs/rLAsJiP7K8g/s400/april5+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now I have to admit, I was skeptical about the topping. I can not stand canned pie-filling versions mounded on top of a cheesecakes, it's way too artificially sweet and seems like such a tacky way to finish such a timeless dessert. But I did have some frozen strawberries on hand (though the stores are full of beautiful fresh ones) so I was willing to try out a simple recipe. I figured if it didn't turn out good we can save it to serve over something else (more to come on that later insha'allah!). Turns out, it was a perfect fruity and slightly sweet compliment after all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4-w0f_wNbk/Ta8vAUYvnlI/AAAAAAAACHw/yfTEcyCfczs/s1600/april5+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4-w0f_wNbk/Ta8vAUYvnlI/AAAAAAAACHw/yfTEcyCfczs/s400/april5+087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz_Jz1mjKWE/Ta8vHZ44LHI/AAAAAAAACH0/2xiOCtp6ofE/s1600/april5+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz_Jz1mjKWE/Ta8vHZ44LHI/AAAAAAAACH0/2xiOCtp6ofE/s400/april5+090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There are a lot of tips and tricks out there on how to get a perfect, crack-free cheesecake but I don't try and mess with those. As long as it tastes good in the end, I don't mind a crack or two. And besides, when you're gonna top it off with this super simple sauce, no one's going to know about any secret cracks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hn82T-aRhyQ/Ta8vUIyIizI/AAAAAAAACH8/4B0-7dpxrXA/s1600/april5+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hn82T-aRhyQ/Ta8vUIyIizI/AAAAAAAACH8/4B0-7dpxrXA/s400/april5+093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="textarea"><br />
<span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner"><u><b>Philadelphia Cheese Cake </b></u></span></span></span><br />
<span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner">Ingredients </span></span></span></div><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner"> </span></span></span></div><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"><span class="ingredientNodeInner">1-1/2 cups </span><span class="ingredientNodeInner">Graham Cracker crumbs (I went with Deb's suggestion at used 15 whole graham crackers and whole stick of butter)</span></span></span> </div><div class="table-row"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">3 Tbsp.</span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">sugar</span></span></span> </div></div></div><div class="table-row-gray"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">1/3 cup</span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">butter</span>, melted</span></span> </div></div></div><div class="table-row"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">4 pkg.</span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">Cream Cheese</span>, softened</span></span> </div></div></div><div class="table-row-gray"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">1 cup</span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">sugar</span></span></span> </div></div></div><div class="table-row"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">1 tsp.</span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">vanilla</span></span></span> </div></div></div><div class="table-row-gray"><div class="column1"><div class="textarea"><span class="ingredientNodeIndent" rel="v:ingredient"><span class="ingredientNode"> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">4 </span> <span class="ingredientNodeInner">egg</span>s</span></span></div><div class="textarea"></div><div class="textarea"><div class="recipeMakeItText"><div class="stdContBlock"><div class="textarea"><span rel="v:instructions"> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Heat</span><b> </b></b>oven to 325°F.Mix graham crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours. (I left it in the fridge overnight for best results)</span><br />
<br />
<span rel="v:instructions"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/strawberry-cheesecake-1149">Strawberry Sauce </a> <br />
</span></div></div></div><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> <span class="name"> strawberry, mashed</span><br />
<span class="name"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> sugar<span class="ingredient"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value"> </span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span class="value">3 </span> <span class="type">tablespoons</span></span> cornstarch<span class="ingredient"></span><span class="amount"><span class="value"> </span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span class="value">1/3</span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> water<br />
<br />
1. B<span class="instructions">lend sugar and cornstarch together in a small saucepan.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="instructions">2.</span><span class="instructions">Stir in water and strawberries.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="instructions">3.</span><span class="instructions">Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/strawberry-cheesecake-1149#ixzz1K6EjeTub" style="color: #003399;"></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">4.<span class="instructions"> Boil and stir for 1 minute. Cool thoroughly before spreading over cooled cheesecake.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div></div><span class="instructions"> </span><span class="instructions"> </span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><br />
</div></div></div></div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-44400322428906165882011-04-08T23:55:00.002-05:002011-04-22T23:07:06.536-05:00Chewy Cocoa Brownies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrstM4Pcuu8/TZ_ky_C5PTI/AAAAAAAACG8/u5Mr2aPqw7E/s1600/march+2+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrstM4Pcuu8/TZ_ky_C5PTI/AAAAAAAACG8/u5Mr2aPqw7E/s400/march+2+062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've recently made a discovery; a ground-breaking, life-changing discovery. I figured out why I wasn't happy with my usual, go-to brownie recipe (the <a href="http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/164841/bakers-one-bowl-brownies">Bakers one bowl recipe,</a> in case you were wondering); I didn't like them because they didn't taste like boxed brownies, which in my opinion are some of the yummiest brownies around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfA205gRtYc/TZ_j3rHRKrI/AAAAAAAACGo/zchDT2XU2W4/s1600/8food+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfA205gRtYc/TZ_j3rHRKrI/AAAAAAAACGo/zchDT2XU2W4/s400/8food+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDBjaOiP2bg/TZ_kR8YRjwI/AAAAAAAACGw/bAPipNVnW1Q/s1600/march+2+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDBjaOiP2bg/TZ_kR8YRjwI/AAAAAAAACGw/bAPipNVnW1Q/s400/march+2+055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wpfSOawO4g/TZ_j-DRkGcI/AAAAAAAACGs/n69GmvN7aPw/s1600/8food+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wpfSOawO4g/TZ_j-DRkGcI/AAAAAAAACGs/n69GmvN7aPw/s400/8food+%252810%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I just assumed it was the missing chemicals, preservatives and HFCS and so I stayed content with my mediocre, made-from-scratch-love-and-lot-and-lots-of-sugar version. Then I stumbled upon a recipe or two for cocoa brownies and thought to myself, cocoa shmoco, how different could it really be? Like I said before, <i>life changing</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNuAJyxEEaQ/TZ_klU683WI/AAAAAAAACG0/vdEHfBndM4o/s1600/march+2+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNuAJyxEEaQ/TZ_klU683WI/AAAAAAAACG0/vdEHfBndM4o/s400/march+2+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm_m9-Thf-w/TZ_kr0A-nSI/AAAAAAAACG4/TsIlKxkv44k/s1600/march+2+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm_m9-Thf-w/TZ_kr0A-nSI/AAAAAAAACG4/TsIlKxkv44k/s400/march+2+057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Cocoa brownies are fudgier and chewier than their melted-chocolate brownie cousins. Albeit they're thinner but still pack a sharp, chocolate punch.These are basically as close to "from-the-box" as you can get without getting it from the box. And to top it all off, it can be made all in one bowl, too!I can finally say, without any hesitation, that I love this recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNWEFwM5-QA/TZ_jw9ZJDtI/AAAAAAAACGk/Tkaceom5SFk/s1600/march+2+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNWEFwM5-QA/TZ_jw9ZJDtI/AAAAAAAACGk/Tkaceom5SFk/s400/march+2+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/01/best-cocoa-brownies/">Cocoa Brownies</a><br />
Makes 16 larger or 25 smaller brownies<br />
<br />
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter<br />
1 1/4 cups sugar<br />
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoonsunsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
2 large eggs, cold<br />
1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />
<br />
<br />
1.Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.<br />
<br />
2.Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot. It will look gritty and grainy, but don't worry, it'll smooth out once the eggs are added <i>(I do this step in a microwave)</i><br />
<br />
3.Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Stir in the nuts, if using. Spread evenly in the lined pan.<br />
<br />
4.Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter (don't bake until it comes out clean, or else you'll have dry brownies), 20 to 25 minutes.<br />
<br />
5. Let cool completely on a rack.Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil liner, and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares. </div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-59858317974990897032011-04-04T15:22:00.001-05:002011-04-04T16:17:37.355-05:00Chipotle Chicken Tacos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
One of my favorite lazy Sunday afternoon activities is watching back to back episodes of Cooks Country. One of the beauties of PBS is their day-long marathons of a specific show, and I'm not one to complain of a full day of cooking shows! On one such afternoon, a particular recipe really caught my eye and after coming off my <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/03/general-tso-chicken.html">Cooks Illustrated high, </a>I decided I was ready to jump back into a multi-process recipe with a slew of exotic ingredients.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPLyccZNDIU/TZi7Xdgm40I/AAAAAAAACGI/GK-ZWRulpJg/s1600/march3+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPLyccZNDIU/TZi7Xdgm40I/AAAAAAAACGI/GK-ZWRulpJg/s400/march3+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m79Eowujf6Y/TZi7eONy-EI/AAAAAAAACGM/Ym66Yq1Hw5U/s1600/march3+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m79Eowujf6Y/TZi7eONy-EI/AAAAAAAACGM/Ym66Yq1Hw5U/s400/march3+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Ok, so yellow mustard isn't exactly what you'd call <i>exotic</i>, but the chipotle in adobo sauce...wow. And can someone tell me why it's taken me so long to embrace the chipotle? It's my new favorite ingredient, by the way, making an appearance in everything from stuffed bread to chili. And despite its actual description (smoked jalapeno in adobo sauce) there not at all spicy which did leave me a tad disappointed. But that didn't last long as I was taken in by the smoky-sweet complexity of this little pepper. It transformed the whole dish from a regular chicken taco to something that sings on your taste buds! Forgive me if I'm being overly dramatic, but this little can has really changed the scope of my cooking...for the better, alhamdulillah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5D3NkQqVXE/TZi7k3029BI/AAAAAAAACGQ/tXwjPtWGssg/s1600/march3+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5D3NkQqVXE/TZi7k3029BI/AAAAAAAACGQ/tXwjPtWGssg/s400/march3+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98AEtT5o4g/TZi7sEMRioI/AAAAAAAACGU/CVV-5nFTnWI/s1600/march3+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98AEtT5o4g/TZi7sEMRioI/AAAAAAAACGU/CVV-5nFTnWI/s400/march3+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Like the General Tso, this dish takes a couple more steps than I would normally like, especially when a simple one-pot chicken fajita is a weekly staple around here. But variety is the spice of a life and when that variety has a hint of a adobe in it, well, then wonderful things happen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DcImZ8HY00/TZi7zO2jtxI/AAAAAAAACGY/iMtfauOXb3U/s1600/march3+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DcImZ8HY00/TZi7zO2jtxI/AAAAAAAACGY/iMtfauOXb3U/s400/march3+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epyLGIESc40/TZi752mvTxI/AAAAAAAACGc/HW2rzcQ1xHA/s1600/march3+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epyLGIESc40/TZi752mvTxI/AAAAAAAACGc/HW2rzcQ1xHA/s400/march3+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I paired these with some <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/oven-fries.html">country fries</a> and<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/jalapeno-poppers.html"> jalapeno poppers</a>, but their bold taste is enough to eat on its own. Left over filling would be amazing on some crispy salad too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnDsC5vQ_8E/TZi8A79_D3I/AAAAAAAACGg/G9u3lUR8cp4/s1600/march3+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnDsC5vQ_8E/TZi8A79_D3I/AAAAAAAACGg/G9u3lUR8cp4/s400/march3+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><b>Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe</b></u><br />
(serves 6, taken from Cooks Country)<br />
<br />
12 flour tortillas (6-inch)<br />
3 tablespoons butter<br />
4 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce<br />
1/2 cup orange juice<br />
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro<br />
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)<br />
1 teaspoon yellow mustard<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
Optional taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and sour cream<br />
<br />
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap the tortillas in foil and heat in 350 degree oven for fifteen minutes.<br />
<br />
2.In a large skillet melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chipotle and cook about 30 seconds. Stir in the orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup cilantro. Bring mixture to a boil, and then add chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken over and continue to simmer in the covered skillet until the chicken is done (160 degrees) about 5 to 10 minutes more.<br />
<br />
3.Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm and let it rest. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high and cook until the liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from the heat and whisk in the mustard. Set the skillet aside.<br />
<br />
4.Uncover the chicken and using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the remaining cilantro and stir until everything is well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with tortillas and desired taco toppings.</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-8158724713410552312011-03-27T12:41:00.000-05:002011-03-27T14:44:59.621-05:00Lagan ka Murgh (Slow Cooked Creamy Chicken)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6glPxxyM4w/TY91A6oscAI/AAAAAAAACF0/lZip5OU33fA/s1600/november+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6glPxxyM4w/TY91A6oscAI/AAAAAAAACF0/lZip5OU33fA/s400/november+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Comfort food can mean so many different things to so many different people. Personally for me, comfort food is are those dishes that remind me of my mothers cooking. And not just the taste of her food, but everything that went along with it: the warmth of the stove-top light against the rising steam of whatever was bubbling away on the stove, the sounds of the metal pots and pans, and the smells, oh those smells. The freshly ground spices, toasted aromatics and swirling fragrances seemed to fill every corner of the house and even though I use all the same spices in my own cooking, they just don't seem to smell the same when she's not here. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbPNgIjz4GU/TY91HGXLPLI/AAAAAAAACF4/2s2o0VGmiyM/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbPNgIjz4GU/TY91HGXLPLI/AAAAAAAACF4/2s2o0VGmiyM/s400/Picture+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLtJcHbPkr8/TY91ZpC_7hI/AAAAAAAACF8/6moala8hhWU/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLtJcHbPkr8/TY91ZpC_7hI/AAAAAAAACF8/6moala8hhWU/s400/Picture+006.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But every now and then when I'm cooking, and the stove-light is on and metal lids are clinking and clanging away, I get a whiff of those old-time memories and it makes me so happy. This dish did that for me. I don't know if it was the traditional slow-cooked method of the chicken or if I was just really missing her at that moment, either way, this was my comfort food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtbl00n-Q8/TY91gJgvsQI/AAAAAAAACGA/v9FZXGGNeY8/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtbl00n-Q8/TY91gJgvsQI/AAAAAAAACGA/v9FZXGGNeY8/s400/Picture+007.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roeY4AzPXtY/TY91mSsuAlI/AAAAAAAACGE/7IKatGj50cc/s1600/Picture+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roeY4AzPXtY/TY91mSsuAlI/AAAAAAAACGE/7IKatGj50cc/s400/Picture+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All the heavy memory-lane references aside, this is actually a very easy 'beginner-Indian-cooking' meal as the main technique is slow-cooking over a low flame. I'm blessed to have my mother visit often, alhamdulillah but for those in-between times when I'm really craving her food, at least I know I can turn to some of my own comfort food.This recipe comes from my dear friend at <a href="http://zaiqa.net/?p=5191">Zaiqa</a> who's recipes almost always makes my mouth water, masha'allah. Make sure you take a look over there for lots more delicious recipes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFmakguBmcM/TY906p63mDI/AAAAAAAACFw/jmwAwZw7G70/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFmakguBmcM/TY906p63mDI/AAAAAAAACFw/jmwAwZw7G70/s400/Picture+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://zaiqa.net/?p=5191"><u><strong>Lagan Ka Murgh (Slow-cooked Creamy Chicken curry in Aromatic Spice) </strong></u></a><br />
<blockquote>White Poppy Seeds1 tbsp <i>(I used the black ones I had on hand)</i><br />
Cashews – 1/8 cup (<i>confession, I didn't do this and it was still delicious!)</i><br />
Warm milk – 3/4 cup<br />
Chicken – 8 chicken leg pieces ( boneless chicken cut into bite size pieces)<br />
Thick Yogurt – 1/2 cup<br />
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp<br />
Red chilli powder – 2 tsp<br />
Salt – 1 1/2 tsp<br />
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp<br />
Canola oil – 4 tbsp<br />
Onions – 3, medium sized, finely sliced<br />
Cloves – 4<br />
Green cardamoms – 4<br />
Dried Bay leaf – 1<br />
Tomato – 1, large, pureed<br />
Garam masala powder – 3/4 tsp<br />
Cilantro – 2 tbsp, finely chopped</blockquote><br />
Method:<br />
1. In a small cup, add poppy seeds and cashews. Pour in warm milk and let soak for 20-25 minutes. Later puree it into a smooth paste.<i>(I didn't do this step but wish I had, and plan on doing it next time insha'allah. That being said, the dish was still delicious)</i><br />
<br />
2. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, salt and red chilli powder. Mix well and keep aside for 30-40 minutes.<br />
<br />
3. In a lagan or any thick bottomed vessel at medium high heat, pour oil and as soon as it is hot, add the sliced onions, two pinches of salt and fry while stirring constantly until they are golden brown in color. Add cloves, cardamoms and bay leaf. Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade and mix well. Add the prepared cashewnuts+poppy seeds+milk puree, and the tomato puree and mix well. Simmer, cover and let it cook slowly for 30-40 minutes. Keep stirring it every once in a while. You will see the oil will start to leave and the gravy will get thicker. Once done, sprinkle garam masala powder and chopped cilantro. Mix well and serve immediately. </div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-11181582814333112712011-03-21T15:30:00.001-05:002011-03-21T15:30:48.743-05:00Cheese Crackers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><i>(warning: all pictures in this post are downright horrible; my camera was out of commission and I had to resort to my grubby camera phone. I'm hoping to make this recipe again in the near future and promise to get better pictures insha'allah, until then, these will just have to do!)</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RBLOkELufYs/TYa-VTDTqQI/AAAAAAAACFg/aEoLQhgLMPs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RBLOkELufYs/TYa-VTDTqQI/AAAAAAAACFg/aEoLQhgLMPs/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was never so much into those little yellow gold fish crackers...they just didn't taste cheesy enough for my liking (and its no secret how much<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/03/cheesy-loaf.html"> I like cheese</a>), and I've never understood how kids seem to be addicted to them either.. Cheez-its were a bit more up my alley but its not like I was crazy about them or anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcwPLbWyqqU/TYa-WFFoKzI/AAAAAAAACFs/WEzx9p_6P6E/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcwPLbWyqqU/TYa-WFFoKzI/AAAAAAAACFs/WEzx9p_6P6E/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But now I have kids of my own and though they don't each goldfish crackers(too much doubt about it being halal) they do love crunchy little snacks. So when I first saw this recipe, I thought of them. When I first tasted it, I thought of only myself eating the whole bowl. Only kidding (sort of)! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wR5YVQuWwD4/TYa-Vn7JEvI/AAAAAAAACFo/NKFupPwmLwE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wR5YVQuWwD4/TYa-Vn7JEvI/AAAAAAAACFo/NKFupPwmLwE/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Don't get intimidated by the idea of making crackers from scratch, they come together so easily and have so few ingredients you'll really be amazed. I suggest rolling them slightly thinner than the recipe calls for to decrease any major puffing. Skewering holes into the pre-baked crackers also keeps puffing to a minimum, you can see I went a little crazy with my holes; one or two per cracker would be just fine, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h44cMZAaoXE/TYa-VhCswoI/AAAAAAAACFk/cs28gUQX_QQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h44cMZAaoXE/TYa-VhCswoI/AAAAAAAACFk/cs28gUQX_QQ/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I originally made these for a play date but I gotta say, the adults seemed to enjoy them just as much as the kiddos. They kept well for a couple days in a sealed container but remember, they're homemade meaning no preservatives or chemicals so don't expect them to stay crisp and fresh for so many days. Happy crackering!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oEl0tWCmyAI/TYa-VDWCRHI/AAAAAAAACFc/Su_PqUL9qEw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oEl0tWCmyAI/TYa-VDWCRHI/AAAAAAAACFc/Su_PqUL9qEw/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/03/whole-wheat-goldfish-crackers/#more-7210"><b>Whole Wheat Crackers</b></a><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups coarsely grated) sharp cheddar<br />
4 tablespoons softened butter<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour <i>(I used an entire 3/4 cup of white whole wheat flour)</i><br />
1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/8 teaspoon onion powder <i>(I didn't have any and used garlic powder instead)</i><br />
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon table salt <i>(your cheese will be plenty salty on its own so only add a pinch)</i><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, running the machine until the dough forms a ball, about two minutes.<br />
<br />
If the dough feels warm or worrisome-ly soft, wrap it in waxed paper or plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. This also makes it easier to transfer shapes once they are rolled out.<br />
<br />
On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out 1/8-inch thick. Form shapes with a cookie cutter, dipping it in flour from time to time to ensure a clean cut. Gently transfer crackers to an ungreased cookie sheet with a 1/2 inch between them. Bake the crackers on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are barely browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and set the cookie sheet on a rack to cool.</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664799359330924032.post-14633296046713896782011-03-14T09:06:00.001-05:002011-03-14T09:07:14.683-05:00Cheesy Loaf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem<br />
<br />
It's no secret I love <a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/40-minute-dinner-rolls.html">this</a> dough, I mean, who wouldn't? It comes together so quick and doesn't even need to rise yet still yields soft and fluffy rolls, alhamdulillah. I've already done one<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/jalapeno-cheese-pull-apart-bread.html"> spin-off</a>, figured another wouldn't hurt! This ooey, gooey cheesey loaf of bread was the result of last minute company and the best thing to accompany the boiling pot of pasta on the stove I was getting ready for them. I had intended it to be a braided-bread type of thing, but it rose while cooking and spread out, resembling nothing of the original breading it went into the oven with. The middle of the loaf looked so empty and sad that I had to fill it with something and what better than some cheese? I sprinkled on some in the last 5 minutes of baking and there you have it: a very easy cheesy loaf. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIN20TMnDYk/TX4em4mTqSI/AAAAAAAACFY/PNWmNSr4rp8/s1600/cheesy+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZIN20TMnDYk/TX4em4mTqSI/AAAAAAAACFY/PNWmNSr4rp8/s400/cheesy+bread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Cheesy Loaf</b></u><br />
<a href="http://muslim-wife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/40-minute-dinner-rolls.html">1 batch of 40 minute roll's dough</a><br />
1 tsp of seasoning/toppings of your choice (I used poppy seeds and Italian herbs)<br />
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese<br />
<br />
1. Prepare dough according to directions. Roll out into a log and slice lengthwise into three strips. Connect strips together at the top by pressing dough together and begin to braid, tuck ends in underneath. Allow to rest on baking sheet.<br />
<br />
2. Brush with an egg wash and top with your seasoning (optional). Bake 25 - 30 minutes (keep an eye on it!).<br />
<br />
3. In last 5 minutes, remove loaf and sprinkle the middle with cheese. Return to oven and continue baking until cheese is bubbly and melted. Allow to cool 5 mintues before cutting. <br />
<br />
</div>The Muslim Wife's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433614248020769360noreply@blogger.com3