Cinnamon Sugared Nuts - Oh My!

Hey, do you know what will be here in just a few weeks?  Two big events.  The first is the Super Bowl and the second is Valentine's Day.  It's time to start thinking about that Super Bowl party and what you will serve or take to share.  And what about that special someone, your Valentine?  Or in our case, many Valentines?  What will you do for them?  Well, I have an answer for you that is soooooo good and easy to make.

First, lets talk about nuts.  Do you like them?  We happen to LOVE them (maybe a little too much).  Did you know that eating a handful of nuts every day can help you live longer?  It's true!  Really.  Check this link - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/20/foods-that-help-you-live-longer_n_4612048.html.  Studies show that eating 1/4 to 1/3 cup of nuts a day can increase your longevity.  I am not sure they are talking about THESE nuts in particular, but they are so good and surely they count a little.  Never mind the sugar and cinnamon coating.  Cinnamon is good for you at least.

I made these nuts at Christmastime for stocking stuffers and I almost forgot to take a picture of them.  This is what I had left when I remembered, so use your imagination just a bit.  I always make candies, cookies, carmel corn, and nuts to put in decorative bags to give as extras for everyone.  These are SO dangerously good and are always such a hit.

You know when you are walking through a shopping mall and smell those German roasted nuts that they sell at kiosks?  The ones that smell like heaven?  That's what these are like.  Oh Em Gee.  Delicious.  And, slightly dangerous because it is impossible to control the consumption of said nuts.  But, they would be perfect for a Super Bowl party and for Valentine gift giving.  Here is what you need:

5 cups pecan halves
1 cup almonds or cashews (I used cashews - delish)
2 egg whites
2 TBSP water
2 cups granulated sugar
2 and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit

Line 2 large baking sheets (with sides) with parchment paper and spray with non stick cooking spray.  (You will understand why this is necessary after making them.  Don't skip this step.)

Mix nuts in a large bowl and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and water on medium high until stiff peaks form - about 4/5 minutes.  Add the sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until well combined.  Put the nuts in the egg white mixture and stir to coat completely.  Spread nuts over the baking sheets and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Allow to cool completely and enjoy - that translates to try not to eat them all at once.  Seriously.

You can store these at room temperature for a few weeks covered.  Like there will be any left in a few weeks.  That's funny.

You might want to make a test batch before the Super Bowl or Valentine's Day just so you will know how good they are.  Next blog post, I will show you a perfectly beautiful container you can make to put these in for gift giving.  Everyone will be so impressed and grateful for all your culinary and craft skills.  Y'all come back now.  You won't want to miss the tutorial.

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

I always loved Christmas time when we would have a bowl full of mixed nuts in the shell and we would spend time around the table with a nutcracker, eating the nuts.  I liked them all, especially filberts better known as hazel nuts.  donna

Chocolate Macaroon Bundt Cake - A Superbowl Must

If you don't love coconut, read no further.  This recipe is not for you.  If you do love coconut, come on in  - this recipe has your name ALL over it.  If you like Almond Joy's, coconut bonbons, macaroons, or anything that has coconut in it you are going to love this cake.

By the way, you probably want to make this cake for Superbowl Sunday.  Why?  Because it is so good.  It's somewhat like "chocolate heaven on a fork" good.  It's like "where has this been all my life" good.  It's "why haven't I made this before" good?!   Did I say it was good?  Not.  Kidding.

I don't usually post on Friday night, but the last two days have been super busy helping Daughter #2 and her family move.  Whew.  What a job.  Grandma is T. I. R. E. D. today.    On top of that, it is cold here in middle Tennessee and it was a day for comfort food.  We have been grabbing things here and there between cleaning and unpacking.  Time for some home cooking.

Tonight, I made one of our favorites - Shepherd's Pie - and for dessert Chocolate Macaroon Bundt Cake.  Is it comforting?  In every conceivable way.  Is it easy?  Yes.  Is it fabulously delicious?  Oh my heaven's yes.   Here is what you need to make this treat:

1 Devils Food cake mix - make according to directions on the box

Filling

2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
2 TBSP flour
2 tsp vanilla

Mix all together and put aside.  I used a whisk.

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP milk
1 cup chocolate chips

slivered or sliced Almonds, optional

Put a sauce pan on the stove and melt the butter at medium low.  Add the chocolate chips, powdered sugar and 1 TBSP of milk at a time until the chips are melted the the glaze is thin enough to pour.  If you need a little more milk, add sparingly.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Make the cake mix according to directions on the box.  Pour half the batter into a lightly greased non-stick Bundt pan.

Use a tablespoon and drop mounds of the coconut filling all around the center of the cake batter, spreading it out evenly by lightly tapping with the spoon, making sure it does not touch the sides of the cake pan.  

Pour the rest of the cake batter over the coconut filling.

Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes and turn onto a plate to cool completely.  Drizzle with the chocolate glaze.  Decorate with slivered or sliced almonds if you wish.  (I wished).

This is a view from the top.

Look at all that icing puddling in the center of the cake.  Yum.  Yum.

Now, a cross section of the interior of the cake.

Look at that super tunnel of coconut that is sweet, and chewy, and fantabulous.

Isn't it pretty?  Don't you want a piece?  If you were here, I would gladly share.  Since you aren't here, looks like you need to make one for yourself, your family, and all your friends.  They are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  Don't you want to run your finger through those big puddles of chocolate at the base of the cake?  Come on, I know you do.  That's what icing is for.  MMMMMMMMMMMM.

In order to enjoy the food, er game, on Sunday, it would be nice to have a fabulous dessert to go along with all the other scrumptious food that will most likely be available.  Maybe you have to take a dish to a party, perhaps you are the host.   Either way, this is a wonderful cake that will make you happy no matter who wins.  Gooooooooo team!  Can't you tell I'm a major football fan?  I try, really I do.

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

I'm old enough to remember the first Superbowl and this year is #47.  I was 17 (do the math).   It was not the big deal it is today, with parties and food and celebration.  It really has developed into a phenomenon that is lots of fun.  Hope your team wins!  Enjoy the halftime show!  Eat some cake.