Foodie Pen Pals - March 2013

It's that time again!  I love Foodie Pen Pals.  This month, I received a package from another first-timer, Sarah of Sarah Eats Austin.  She did a fantastic job!  I also sent a package to Aimee of JustUs4Carters.

I sent some of the usual: homemade chocolate chip cookies, Mom-made triple berry jam, Amish microwave popcorn, and something from Hunter's Honey Farm (honey teriyaki sauce).  I also sent some rosemary olive oil, my favorite flavor of Pocky (almond crush), and a pair of hand made earrings.

I loved Sarah's package!  I'm a big fan of Texas and things that come from Texas, so this was really fun to get.  She sent two homemade jams - grapefruit and strawberry - and one local fig jam.  She also sent two bottles of local fruit tea.  Growing up with a tea-loving Southern mom, this was a special treat!

Thank you, Sarah and Aimee, for another great month of Foodie Pen Pals!  If you want to know more about FPP, just visit Lindsay's blog at The Lean Green Bean.

Always,
BeccaBot

Irish Nachos for Lauren

Just a quick post!  I instagrammed a photo of my dinner, Irish Nachos, tonight, and my friend Lauren asked for the recipe.  So, here it is!

Here's What You'll Need:
About 5 or so medium golden potatoes
3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
Parsley
Garlic Powder
Dried Basil
Coarse Salt
Seasoned Salt
(Or whatever seasonings you like)
Grated Cheddar
Sour Cream

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Wash and scrub each potato.  Slice off the ends and any eyes.  Slice each potato about 1/8 inch thick.  Place the slices in a large ziploc bag and add oil and seasonings.  Here's the fun part: shake!  Once the slices are sufficiently coated, spread evenly on a cookie sheet.  Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until done.  Plate and top with cheddar and sour cream.  Garnish with parsley flakes and enjoy!

Always,
BeccaBot

Foodie Pen Pals - February 2013

 
This was literally the best Foodie Pen Pals package I have ever received!  Ruby A. knocked it out of the park for her first time with FPP!  I sent a package this month to Melissa from The Valentine RD.  Her blog is very cool, and I would totally recommend checking it out.

I sent Melissa chocolate chip cookies (what else?), watermelon blossom honey from Hunter's Honey Farm in Martinsville, Amish microwave popcorn, and a jar of my mom's triple berry jam.  Also, Melissa mentioned that Valentine's day was her birthday, so I included a pair of handmade earrings!

Ruby sent me an insane amount of things this month!  I got roasted seaweed snacks (pretty excited to try these!), an organic chai chocolate bar, chocolate almond milk (yay!), some handmade and gourmet chocolate, mango snacks (my favorite fruit!), organic peppered beef jerky, fancy French sea salt, a tea sampler, natural flavorings for baking (!!!), and HOMEMADE gluten free, oat choco chip dried blueberry, cherry walnut cookies! Yes! So yummy!  And, she sent it all in a cool, eco-friendly reusable bag!

 

I you want to know more about foodie pen pals, or are interested in joining, visit Lindsay's blog at www.theleangreenbean.com.

Always,

BeccaBot

Foodie Pen Pals - January 2013

I was so happy to get back to Foodie Pen Pals after a month off.  This month was really great!  I received a package from Kiersten of twenty-six for a twenty-something and sent a package to Jessica M.

I sent Jessica homemade chocolate chip cookies, Amish microwave popcorn, Indiana maple syrup, homemade strawberry jam, and honey barbecue sauce from Hunter's Honey Farm.

I got an awesome, Maine-themed package from Kiersten!  Along with a box full of chocolate (love!), she sent me adorable lobster pasta, maple honey caramel sauce from Stonewall Kitchen, and HOMEMADE blueberry peach jam!  She made the jam with blueberry she picked in her own back yard!  How cool is that?!  I loved this package.  Thank you so much Kiersten!

As always, you can find information about joining Foodie Pen Pals at www.theleangreenbean.com!

Always,
BeccaBot

Chocolate Ricotta Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This week, I knew I definitely wanted to make cupcakes because I got a really cool cupcake carrier for Christmas, and I hadn't used it yet.  As you know, I looove chocolate.  I wanted to do something other than plain chocolate cupcakes, though, and we had some ricotta in the fridge, so...voila!  Chocolate ricotta cupcakes.

Here's What You'll Need:

For the Cupcakes:
1/2 cup butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
5 ounces ricotta cheese
2 3/4 cups flour
3 packages of Nestle pre-melted chocolate

For the Frosting:
3/4 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup milk
4 squares unsweetened Bakers chocolate, melted

Preheat to 375 degrees.  Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla.  Stir in eggs and ricotta cheese.  Slowly mix in flour.  Lastly, add the chocolate (or equivalent cocoa powder).  Fill each lined cup about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until done.

While your cupcakes are baking, make the frosting.  In a large bowl, whip the butter.  Add sugar and milk/vanilla alternatively.  Finally, add the chocolate.  If I had it to over again, I would have used cocoa powder or pre-melted chocolate for the frosting because not all of the chocolate melted, and I got chunks of it in the frosting.  Honestly, I only used it because I needed to finally get rid of it.

I got to use my new cupcake carrier that I got for Christmas!

I would recommend just spreading the frosting on with a spatula.  I used an unfortunate decorating tip that ended up looking like...poo.  Not good.  Still tasted super delicious!  Hope you guys enjoy these!

Always,
BeccaBot

Mini Biscuit Pizzas

It's good to be back, guys!  I didn't intend to take so much time away from the blog, and I apologize.  This week, I was in a little bit of a hurry, so I made a quick recipe inspired by Pillsbury.  These are a delicious snack or kid-sized entree if you don't have time to make your own dough.

Here's what you'll need:
1 Can of Large Flaky Biscuits
Pizza/Pasta Sauce
Frozen Shredded Cheese
Dried Oregano
Dried Basil
Toppings of Your Choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease or line a large cookie sheet.  Take each biscuit and press flat.  Place them on the cookie sheet at least an inch apart.  Top with sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings.  Sprinkle with oregano and basil.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.  These also reheat really well - just pop in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

These are super easy and so delicious!  I hope you enjoy making them!

Always,
BeccaBot

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

This week, I made everyone's Christmas gifts - cookies!  So, I don't have any recipes for you this week, just a wish that you all have an amazing Christmas.

Always,
BeccaBot