Blueberry Apple "Crisp"

So, I have a hard time passing up a good sale, and if it's at the grocery store that's even better because food doesn't clutter up the house - well, at least not for long. For this recipe, it was blueberries. Buy 1 package get 2 free??? Yes. I will buy 1 get 2 free. And I'll figure out what to use them for later.

Here's the recipe I found for a Blueberry Apple Crisp http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blueberry-Apple-Crisp/Detail.aspx Now, if you read the reviews, some people are completely outraged because this isn't a true crisp. It's more of a cobbler. I was not offended because this recipe has almost 5 stars on AllRecipes.com, and let me tell you, it deserves all those stars! It was AMAZING.

**PLEASE NOTE: The measurement of brown sugar is INCORRECT. It says 2 T. It really needs 1/2 CUP, which is what I used. Yeah... much better.

This was easy to make and wonderful to eat. Eat it warm with some vanilla ice cream - oooooo! So good!

NEXT TIME: As many reviewers suggested, I'm going to try other fruit combos... blueberry peach, pear raspberry - yes, the possibilities are endless. I can hardly wait for another irresistible sale! I hope you find some sale ingredients to make this for less money because it needs to be made over and over again!

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

Have you ever started making something and said to yourself, "Oh no. This can't be right. This is gonna be gross." Well, that's what I said while I was making this, but thank goodness I was SO WRONG! This is surprisingly easy and good! It comes from The $7 A Meal Cookbook by Linda Larsen.

RECIPE
1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg spaghetti pasta (I used whole wheat... adds more nutty flavor)
2/3 c chicken stock (or water) (I used chicken stock)
2/3 c peanut butter
1 t ground ginger
2 T brown sugar
3 T soy sauce
1/8 t cayenne pepper
1 c chopped peanuts
1/2 c reserved pasta cooking water

*to make this even spicier, you could add a minced jalapeno pepper, or some crushed red pepper flakes if you have some on hand

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender, about 5 min.
2. When water comes to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, add stock, peanut butter, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce and cayenne pepper to onions. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring for 3 min.
3. When pasta is done, drain, reserving 1/2 c pasta cooking water. Add pasta to saucepan; cook and stir until pasta is coated, about 1-2 minutes. Add reserved cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve immediately.

See what I mean, sounds a little gross, but really, it's good!

NEXT TIME
This needs chicken and some veggies. I think I'll get some cabbage and those tiny carrot sticks... does that make sense? Maybe I should look up some other recipes to figure out the veggie aspect of this dish. :)

5 Minute Chocolate Cake in a Mug

So, I assume you've heard about the blizzard... or the blizzaster, or snomg or snowzilla or whatever other made up word you've heard. Let's just say it was CRAZY! Over 50 mph wind gusts and almost 20" of snow here in Chicago. My husband is a police officer and worked last night. He said it was awful and probably the hardest shift he's ever worked. It took him over an hour to get to work (he had to leave in the middle of the blizzard) - a trip which usually takes him 15 minutes. There were abandoned cars in the middle of the street and the only way to get to work was to drive on sidewalks! It took him over 2 hours to get home due to some massive accidents on the expressway. Then when he finally got to our street there was a semi jackknifed a block away. Overnight there was one call after another to help citizens stuck on the road. There was one call that was a domestic, but there was no way to drive to it. Because they are required to respond, he and his partner had to walk 3 blocks in the blizzard and snow up to their knees (they can't wear snow pants, mind you), then when they get back to the car they have to dig it out. Hopefully the people weren't just fighting over what channel to watch on TV (because they do that... and then call the police... no joke). Here are some pics of our patio.

  This is a before pic - we got about 1.5 inches the night before the blizzard. This is our fire pit, grill in the corner and a little of our steps.

Here's after... you can't see the last 3 steps or the fire pit

There's our grill... covered in a snow drift

Anyway, I thought I'd post a recipe perfect for a snowed in day like today, although it's not new to me. You should have everything in your house (that is if you went to the store before the storm hit!).

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) *I don't recommend chocolate chips... maybe peanut butter??
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

-Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well with a fork.
-Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
-Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
-Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
-Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on High.
-The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
-Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired (it takes a while to cool if you leave it in the mug... be careful!).
-EAT! This can serve 2 people if you want to share the calories!!

Disclaimer, it doesn't look pretty, but it's good in the tummy! This may be this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! So, make with caution (and don't tell Michelle Obama ;) ).