Creole Seasoning Mix

I was fixing a recipe and realized that I did not have a creole or cajun seasoning.  So I searched and found this one.  It is so good, I will never buy a prepared one again.  Thank you Allrecipes!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 5 tablespoons paprika
• 3 tablespoons salt

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and store in container or small mason jar.

Homemade Whipped Cream

This is so easy and is a great topping for pies, cakes, ice cream, whatever you can think.  This recipe can easily be doubled.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup of Heavy Cream (cold)

2 Tbls of powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Place all ingredients in the mixer bowl.  Start on low speed to incorporate the ingredients, then turn to high.  Mix until stiff peaks form.

French Toast

This is such an easy and tasty recipe.  They are so good, don't just eat them for breakfast!  This recipe was inspired by KitchMe.

Ingredients:

4 egg

2⁄3 cup whole milk

1⁄3 cup flour

1⁄3 cup sugar

1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract

1⁄4 tsp salt

1⁄8 tsp cinnamon

8 - 10 slice Texas toast or other thick bread

3 tbsp butter Directions: Combine all of the dry ingredients, then add milk, vanilla and eggs.   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Working in batches, dip each slice of bread in the batter for 30 seconds on each side. Let some of the batter drip off, then place in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Add more butter to the skillet or griddle, if necessary, and repeat with remaining bread. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.

Creamy Tomato Soup

One rainy day I wanted tomato soup but I didn't want the yucky stuff from a can.  So I went searching for a recipe with the ingredients that I had on hand.  I came across this one from Taste of Home.  It was simple, easy and delicious.  This is a good recipe to double and try to do one of my favorite things: cook once, eat twice.  This soup freezes very well and is easily warmed back up in the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, half and half or milk

• 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• Directions:
• In a large saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through (do not boil). Garnish with croutons, cheese, tomatoes and/or onions.

• 
  

• 
  

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Wow!  This is such a delicious and easy frosting.  It easy makes plenty for a two layer round cake.  This icing is so fluffy!  Thank you Cooking Classy for the great recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) butter, at room temperature (I like to use 1 cup unsalted and 1/2 cup salted)
• 3 3/4 cups (448g) powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup (68g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 - 5 Tbsp half and half
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• In a the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter on moderately high speed until very pale and fluffy. Sift in cocoa powder then add in powdered sugar, 3 Tbsp half and half, and the vanilla and mix on low speed until combine, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in up to additional 2 Tbsp half and half to thin as needed. Increase mixer to medium-high speed and whip until fluffy.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache can used on top of cake or many other desserts.  It also makes desserts look expensive and fabulous.  Thank you Rose Bakes for the recipe.

Ingredients:

4 oz semi sweet chocolate (by weight)½ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. First, warm the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. While it's heating, chop the chocolate into small pieces if you're using bars or bricks) and place in a glass bowl. When the cream is heated, pour it over the chopped chocolate and stir until the chocolate it melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow to cool and thicken. {Note: you can also allow this to completely cool and whip it to use as a filling or frosting for piping.} I stuck mine in the frig for about 10 minutes to speed up the process!
2. I've also added in ¼ cup of corn syrup (for added shininess) and vanilla (for extra flavor) but these are not necessary!

One Bowl Chocolate Cake

My husband loves chocolate cake but I will not buy a box cake anymore because of the tons of ingredients that I can't even pronounce.  I have made several chocolate cakes but this one is moist, delicious and so easy to make.  Thank you Rose Bakes for the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare two 8" or 9" round pans (or I've also used a 9"x13" sheet cake pan). Make sure to grease and flour the pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, oil, milk and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed, then stir in the boiling water.
4. Pour into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then flip them out on a wire rack and let completely cool before frosting.