Cook-i-licious Caramel Apples

Before I begin with this Cook-i-licous treat, I want to give a huge thanks to Goodie Girl Cookies for sending a goodie girl swag bag full of tasty cookie flavors.  It has been so fun testing different recipes.  The Caramel Apple cookies has to be my favorite thus far.  I looked at the box and thought…”Why not just make caramel apples rolled in the cookie crumbs??”  And I did just that.  I hope you enjoy the recipe.

~XOXO

Makes up to 12

Time: 5-6 hrs

Ingredients:

Goodie Girl Caramel Cookies (1 box)

Granny Smith Apples

2 (14oz) cans of sweetened condensed milk

Wood Dowel Sticks (Can use Popsicle Sticks or Wood Skewers)

Parchment Paper (Baking pan size sheet)

Peel the paper wrapper from the cans of sweetened condensed milk.  In a deep boiling pot, place the cans at the bottom and add warm water.  Ensure to cover the can with water.  Set to a boil for 3hrs.  You will have to add water when the water line goes below the top of the can.  Turn off stove, remove cans from pot and set aside on a towel to cool (up to 1hr). Remove can lids, add the caramel to a bowl, and set aside. This process is called Caramel in a can.

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Rinse boiling pot, add warm water, and apples (Stems removed).  After 2-3 mins, remove apples and dry clean with a paper towel.  Once the apples are dry, add the wood dowels and set aside.

Roll out and cut a sheet of parchment paper and rub butter all over it.  This is help the caramel apples not to stick.

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Crush the Caramel Apple Cookies (as much of the box you desire) and place in a bowl.

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Take each apple and roll into the caramel covering almost to the top.  Scrape the bottom with a mini spatula to remove the access caramel sauce.  Roll or sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the caramel apple.  Set each apple onto the parchment paper.

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Refrigerate for 15-30 mins to allow the apples to set and become firm.

Enjoy!

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Easy Peasy Totchos

While we can’t forget about Taco Tuesday, we have to admit that whenever someone says Nachos a gathering is in order.  I thought it would be fun to take away the tortilla chips and add tater tots to the dish and create Totchos.  These totchos can be a hit at the dinner table.  This is one recipe that can call for endless toppings for you and your guests.  Give totchos a try during your next gathering or Taco Tuesday night.

 

~XOXO

Ingredients

1 2 lb bag ( 32 oz) of Tater Tots

1 lb Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)

Taco Seasoning ( 1 package)

1 cup of shredded cheddar ( or add to your desired cheesy goodness)

5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies ( 10 oz can drained and reminder set aside for later use)

*Sour Cream (used as topping when done)

 

Heat Oven to 450 degrees F (Or according to package instructions)

Place 3/4 tater tots bag onto a baking sheet using a single layer method (ensuring the tots are not on top one another).  Place in over and bake of 25 mins or according to package instructions.  Turn oven off.  Remove ( using pot holders or gloves) tater tots from oven and set aside.

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Place a medium sauce pan on medium heat.  *Optional.  I added 1 tsp of avocado oil to the pan.  Add the ground beef and cook until well done ( breaking up and chopping the meat).  Drain or spoon any access oil from the pan.  Add taco seasoning and (drained) diced tomatoes.  Stir.  Turn heat to low.

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Arrange the tater tots onto a plate adding the neat mixture and shredded cheese.  To melt the cheese, I simply put the plate into the microwave for 60 – 90 seconds.  You can also place the plate back into the oven for 3-5 mins as the oven will be still hot and cooling off.

Add a dollop of sour cream or any other topping you fancy.

Enjoy.

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Chicken Cordon BLY!

Our first visit to The Pinewood in downtown Decatur, GA was a lovely experience.  Using the Resy app, we were able to make reservations for Brunch with no issues.  I have a new found love for a dish called the Chicken Cordon BLY!  The mouth-watering crispy chicken is topped with ham and swiss cheese while being sandwiched in between two slices of a cheddar waffle.  I complemented the dish with a drizzle of maple syrup which added more perfection.  The Pinewood brunch is a winner!  Thanks to the staff for being so welcoming and fun.  Give The Pinewood a try for Brunch on your next visit to Decatur, GA.

~XOXO

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The Chicken Cordon BLY! | Savory herbed cheddar waffle, crispy chicken, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, crystal chicken gravy, home fries

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HUEVOS RANCHEROS VERDES | 2 poached eggs, pork chili verde, shaved parmesan, red beans, corn tortillas

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Bottomless Mimosas!

The Pinewood

254 WEST PONCE DE LEON AVE.

DECATUR, GA 30030

404.373.5507

Photos By: Haus of Kelley, LLC | Instagram @hausofkelley

Visit Me on Instagram @thefrenchlilly

 

 

Peach Cobbler Tini

I am the family’s go to person when comes to “What’s for dessert??” requests.  And everyone’s favorite request is Peach Cobbler.  It all started about 5 years ago and I read a recipe on allrecipes.com for a Southern Style Peach Cobbler.  After baking my first cobbler, I was hooked and over the years have added my own spin to it.  Baking is so good for the soul.  It allows you to relax, focus and put nothing but love into the pan.  I dressed up this sweet and sassy dessert with vanilla ice cream and a martini glass.  I hope you give the recipe a try.

~XOXO

Ingredients:

5-7 Whole Peaches: Makes up to 2 lbs (If not in season, canned or frozen will do)

Sugar 1 cup

All Purpose Flour 1 cup

Brown Sugar 1/2 cup

Nutmeg 1/8 tsp

Cinnamon 1/2 tsp

Cornstarch 1 tbsp

1 stick of Unsalted Butter (Cut into cubes)

Lemon Juice 1/2 tsp

Vanilla Extract 1/2 tsp

Almond Extract 1/4 tsp

Salt 1/4 tsp

Baking Powder 1 tsp

Hot Water 1 tbsp

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F

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Fresh Peaches: Remove skin and pit.  Cut each peach into 6-8 slices.  Place in bowl.

Removing Skin Tip: Boil Peaches for up to 60 seconds.  Remove and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.  Skin should easily peel.  *(No worries if the peaches started to cook, it’s a learning process)

If using Canned or Frozen peaches, drain or thaw thoroughly.

In same bowl with peaches: add lemon juice, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cinnamon.  Mix well and place into baking pan or dish.

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Bake Mixture in oven for 15-30 mins.

In a mixing bowl: add flour, butter, 1/2 white sugary, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 vanilla extract, 1/4 almond extract, baking powder, and salt.  Place on stir or level 1.

As the mixture blends, carefully add the hot water.  The mixture should resemble a sand-like texture.  Open the oven and pull the baking pan rack forward (not removing pan completely) and spread the topping over the filling.  Place rack back in oven and continue to bake.

Bake for 45 mins.  The peach cobbler should be golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let sit for at least 15 mins.  Serve with your favorite ice cream.  Enjoy.

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Option: Set the table and use a stylish glass for guests

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The Fudgie Boozie Shake

I was recently introduced to some awesome cookies called Goodie Girl Cookies.  These cookies are so tasty and the best part is that they are gluten free.  I was inspired to take these cookies to next level and whip up an adult milkshake.  I call it the Fudgie Boozie Shake.  This shake is good for a relaxed evening on the front porch or back deck.  Here’s the recipe and I hope you give it a try.

 

~XOXO

Ingredients:

Butter Pecan Ice Cream (2 scoops)

Bourbon (You decide the amount)

Milk (1/4 cup)

Hot Fudge Topping

Goodie Girl Cookies (Fudge Stripped)

Take about (4) cookies and place in a clear bag (sandwhich bag) and smash cookies with a dough roller.  You can also give them a rough chop on a cutting board.  Set aside.

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Take a Mason Jar and add some hot fudge topping to the top rim and bottom of the jar.  Add the smashed cookie bits to the top rim and set in the freezer for 15-30 mins.

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In a blender, add the butter pecan ice cream, milk, and bourbon.  Blend smoothly.  Pour milkshake into mason jar.  Top with whipped cream and extra cookies!  Enjoy!

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Photos: Haus of Kelley, LLC

Got Signature Drinks??

At Haus of Kelley, we love the concept called signature drinks. We get excited when clients want to customize their drink menu to something festive that matches the theme of the event.

Having a signature drink at your event is a creative and fun way to keep the guests engaged. It is also a great conversation starter because no conversation has ever started with salad.

Drink Name: Coceaux Mangeaux

Recipe:

2 oz Coconut Rum

1 oz Amaretto

1 oz Mango Juice Blend (*We used Simply Tropical)

1/4 teaspoon Grenadine

Put ingredients into shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into cocktail glass. Top drink with cotton candy. Be sure to gently place the cotton candy on glass so it will not touch the liquid (it will dissolve if done incorrectly)

Cotton Candy: Gotta B Sweet/ HomeGoods

Picture Frame: IKEA

Want more suggestions??

Say hello@hausofkelley.com

Cherry Glazed Wings

I tried a new sauce recipe for our 4th of July BBQ and I must say it was very tasty. I made a simple cherry sauce for my husband add to the wings on the grill. Here’s the recipe:

Marinate the wings in the seasonings or marinade of your choice. Refrigerate until ready for grilling.

Prep grill. When ready, lay wings evenly and cover.

In a medium sauce pan, Add:

About 20-25 Whole Cherries (Pull all stems)

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Pomegranate Juice (*Orange Juice will work as well)

1 teaspoon Cornstarch

Let the ingredients come to boil on medium low heat. Once boiling, stir and turn down to low heat for 8-10 mins. Strain sauce into a heat safe bowl while gently pressing remaining compote with the back of a spoon (whole cherries should be separated or separating from the seeds at this point). When all juice is extracted, discard compote from the strainer. Using a basting brush, brush the wings with the sauce and continue grilling. (This should be done toward the end to avoid any food burning)

Allow glaze to cook on wings for at least 8-10 mins.

Lastly, brush on your BBQ sauce of choice and serve. (We used Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ Sauce)

Enjoy!

Matcha Matcha Love!

I finally had the opportunity to try a drink trend that is all the rave. During my first visit to Upbeet on Atlanta’s west side, I ordered a Matcha smoothie and fell in love.

Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. (Source: Wikipedia)

Upbeet’s decor has a cool and calming vibe. And the Hip-Hop and R&B music playlist is right on point. This will be my new place for Matcha smoothie goodness and relaxation after a good workout.

Upbeet

west midtown

1071 Howell Mill Road

Suite A

Atlanta, GA. 30318

15 – Minute Blueberry Sauce

Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy blueberry sauce. This sauce would be a great topping for breakfast, brunch, and desserts. Today the sauce was used as a topping to French Toast.

Recipe

1 Cup of Blueberries

1/2 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of orange juice

1/2 Tsp of corn starch (adds thickness)

1/8 Tsp of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan on med-low heat. Let sauce simmer to boil for 5 mins. Stir and turn to low for the remaining 5 – 7 mins. Sauce should be thick and coat spoon. Turn off and set aside to cool. Use topping on your desired dish.

Rosie’s Cafe

This Brunch venture was such a beautiful surprise. Rosie’s Cafe located on Northside Drive was such a pleasure with great food. Rosie’s Cafe provides free wi-fi so you can work, snap, instagram, or tweet your heart’s content while enjoying a good cup of joe. The breakfast platter is only $6.99 and will have you asking for the biscuit recipe (I really did ask lol). If you are in the Atlanta area, give Rosie’s Cafe a try.

~XOXO

The Breakfast Platter $6.99

Rosie’s Cafe

48 Northside Dr

Atlanta, Ga. 30313