Apple Pear Cake

I had a sack full of fresh apples just waiting to be made into something delicious.  I looked through my recipe books and found this recipe. It is from the Taste of Home Winning Recipes cookbook.  The cake is extremely moist and dense and is like a apple spice cake.

Apple Pear Cake

2 cups  shredded tart apples
2 cups shredded peeled pears
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup raisins 
1 cup chopped pecans
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Combine dry ingredients, stir into the fruit mixture.

Pour into a greased 9x13 in baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 TBS milk

1/2 tsp vanilla soy milk

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Beat in the milk and vanilla; frost cake. Store in refrigerator.

Look for another apple recipe tomorrow!

Mini-State Fair

The last family day of the summer was supposed to be spent in the pool with a few cold beverages.  Instead it rained all day. Don't get me wrong Kansas REALLY needed the rain. So instead of bitching we moved the party in the garage watched the NASCAR and still enjoyed some beverages.  

Chef Daddio made a state fair menu consisting of fried everything- fish, fries, onion rings, macaroni & cheese, and even cookies. 

Hayden and Birkley played in the rain.

Rowan and Birkley shared "kisses".

Circus Brian entertained Birkley.

Matt & Dominic were probably talking about engines, tires, jeeps or something along those lines.

The caged monkeys played well together and then tried to escape!

Hayden (poser on left) started breaking out some old roller blades and scooters. The Coleman's couldn't pass on an opportunity to create their own signature poses and show off their moves!

High Five for Friday

1. Thanks to DVR I'm still watching the Olympics!
2. Two paint projects completed at my house this week! The kitchen and spare room got fixed up a bit. (more on that some other day)
3. My friend Amber and I went and got pedicures this week. I hadn't gotten once since the beginning of summer. So nice to treat yourself everyone once in awhile.
4. Started playing Song Pop this week and can't stop even though I'm only average at the game.
5. It's Friday and I get to wear jeans. Some days/weeks that's a big deal!


How lame? No pictures. Maybe next week.

Recipe: Walnut-Grape Chicken Salad

This is one of those recipes that when I first saw it I thought there would be no way I would like.
It's low in calories, high in protein, and call for olive oil mayo. Psshhh! It's gonna be gross.
{Insert open mind}
I made this in a cooking class and got to try it and loved it. It is now in my recipe box and can be added to yours.










Walnut-Grape Chicken Salad
serves 4-6
2 cups diced cooked smart chicken
1/2-1/2 cups 2% Greek yogurt
1-2 TBS olive oil mayo
1 cup seedless red grapes, sliced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 rib celery, diced
1/2 cup walnut pieces
salt & pepper to taste
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
1 TBS agave nectar or honey

Combine all ingredients. Stir in more agave/honey or yogurt/mayo if needed. Serve the chicken salad mixture on lettuce leaves, croissants, bread or whatever fits your fancy.

Nutrition: 140 calories, 8 grams fat, 10 grams carbs, 2 g fiber, 19 g protein