Saturday, August 1, 2020

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Caramel Apple Slab Pie has a thin and flaky melt in your mouth crust topped with juicy apples and a crisp topping. It is drizzled in homemade caramel and perfect for feeding a crowd!

 This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is one of the best versions of an apple pie.  The smell of cinnamon and apples baking together is just amazing.  Then, it gets even better when it’s time to simmer the ooey gooey caramel mixture on the stovetop and drizzle it over the pie.  Every bite is heavenly with the flaky crust, crunchy topping and soft juicy apples all drenched in rich, sweet cinnamon-apple flavor.  Delish!

This Caramel Apple Slab pie might just be one of my favorite desserts everrrrrrrrr.  The great thing about this slab pie is that it can feed a small army. So it is perfect for upcoming family gatherings and get togethers. Everything about this slab pie is amazing and you and your small army will love it as much as we did. 🙂


What’s In Caramel Apple Slab Pie?

This dessert is just screaming all of my favorite things about fall. From the thin and flaky melt in your mouth pie crust, the fresh juicy apples, and the crisp topping, to the sweet caramel drizzle on top.  All of the best tastes of fall are rolled up into one amazing dessert!


All-purpose flour: Adds strength and structure to the crust.

Salt: Just a pinch.

Shortening: Butter-flavored shortening will create a more tender, flaky dough.

Cold water: Add in a few drops at a time until your dough is the perfect texture.

Sugar: Every good dessert has it!

Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet and savory warm spice to the apple mixture.

Granny smith apples: These apples are perfect for baking, and need to be peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (10 cups).


Crumb Topping:

Rolled oats: Quick-cooking oats give the perfect crunch in the topping.

Brown sugar: Measure it packed to get just the right amount of sweetness.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumb topping and binds it together.

Butter: Use unsalted for more control over saltiness of the dessert.

Homemade Caramel:

Brown Sugar: Rich molasses sweetness!

Butter: Rich taste and makes a chewy caramel texture.

Half-and-half: Makes the caramel smooth and creamy.

Vanilla: Brings out the other flavors and adds a rich depth to the flavor.

Salt: Just a pinch!

How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie from Scratch:

This dessert comes together simply and will get rave reviews every time!  Take your time on the dough and work through each section and in no time you will have a huge hit dessert ready to enjoy!


Prep: Start by spraying a 15x10x1 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Then, preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Make dough: In a large bowl combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork. Repeat using 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it is moistened and knead the dough into a ball.

Place dough in baking pan: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Wrap it around the rolling pin and unroll it into the prepared baking pan. Ease dough into the pan and up the sides, being careful not to stretch it. Trim dough to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pan. Fold dough edge over and flute as desired.

Combine apple mixture: In an extra-large bowl combine the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, cinnamon and apples. Toss until coated. Spoon the mixture on the dough and spread evenly.


To Make the Crumb Topping:

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together quick-cooking rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top of apples.

Bake: Place in a preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender. If it is starting to brown to fast, cover the top with foil the last 5-10 minutes. Cool slightly.


To Make the Homemade Caramel:

Mix all ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat, mix ingredients together. Continue to cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker. Then, turn off heat. Serve warm or refrigerate until cold. Finally, drizzle on top of apple slab pie.

Apple slab pie in the baking dish.


Caramel Apple Slab Pie Quick Tips:

When I made this I intended to just make an Apple Slab Pie. But as soon as it came out of the oven, it was begging me to drizzle some homemade caramel on top. I was glad that I did because it added such a delicious finishing touch!

Caramel Sauce: For best results cook the glaze slowly until it thickens to prevent separating. Additionally, whisking constantly will keep it from clumping.

Dough: Keep the dough cold and don’t over handle. Because the dough is cooler, it will be firmer, easier to roll out, and will shrink less as it cooks in the oven.

Rolling the dough: Add more flour to the dough as you are rolling it out to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin or the surface.

Leftover dough: Bake any leftover trimmings separately, then drizzle with caramel or sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon sugar for a special treat.

Apples: Try to cut the apples into similar sizes for the most even baking.  Using an apple slicer is helpful, but it is not hard to do by hand if you don’t have a tool to help.

Serve: Be sure to finish this delicious dessert with a topping of cold vanilla ice cream!

Cutting a piece out of a caramel apple slab pie.


Storing Caramel Apple Slab Pie:

It is highly unlikely this dessert will last long without being devoured.  It is SOOO GOOD that no one can get enough of it!  However, if you do end up with leftovers this slab pie will store well.  Simply keep it in the baking pan, let it cool completely and cover it loosely.  Then, store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  If you are making an apple pie ahead, you can freeze it for 3-4 months and thaw in the refrigerator before baking.


Pro Tip: Keep a batch of uncooked crumble topping in the freezer to bake and sprinkle on anything. It makes a great last minute dessert topping that is absolutely heavenly!


Close up on a piece of caramel apple slab pie.

PREP TIME 40 MINUTES

COOK TIME 45 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR 25 MINUTES

AUTHOR ALYSSA RIVERS

SERVINGS 25


A thin and flaky melt in your mouth crust topped with juicy apples and a crisp topping. It is drizzled in homemade caramel and perfect for feeding a crowd!


Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup shortening butter-flavored

8 tablespoons cold water

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 1/2 pounds granny smith apples peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (10 cups)


Crumb Topping:

1 cup rolled oats quick-cooking

1 cup brown sugar packed


1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter

Homemade Caramel:

1 cup Brown Sugar

4 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup Half-and-half

1 Tablespoon Vanilla

Pinch Salt


Instructions

Spray a 15x10x1 inch pan with non stick cooking spray and set aside. To make the dough, In a large bowl combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork. Repeat using 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it is moistened and knead the dough into a ball.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 19x13-inch rectangle. Wrap it around the rolling pin and unroll it into the prepared baking pan. Ease dough into the pan and up the sides, being careful not to stretch it. Trim dough to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pan. Fold dough edge over and flute as desired.

In an extra large bowl combine the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, cinnamon and apples. Toss until coated. Spoon the mixture on the dough and spread evenly.

To make the crumb topping:

In a large bowl, stir together quick-cooking rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top of apples.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender. If it is starting to brown to fast, cover the top with foil the last 5-10 minutes. Cool slightly.

To make the homemade caramel:

Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker. Turn off heat. Serve warm or refrigerate until cold. Drizzle on top of apple slab pie.


Nutrition Facts

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Amount Per Serving

Calories 294 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 127mg5%

Potassium 126mg4%

Carbohydrates 46g15%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 29g32%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 221IU4%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 29mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Friday, July 31, 2020

Chicken Tetrazzini

Easy and delicious Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini - Chicken and pasta in a creamy sauce with lots of flavor. It's a family favorite dinner meal!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 710 kcal

Author Kristyn Merkley


Ingredients

16 oz linguini cooked

1/2 cup butter softened

4 chicken breasts cooked and diced

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 cups sour cream

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated

2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded


Instructions

Cook noodles according to box instructions. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup butter, cooked chicken, soup, sour cream, salt, pepper and chicken broth. Mix well and then add in cooked noodles.

Spray a 9x13 pan and pour in noodle mixture. Sprinkle cheeses on top. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. 

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

BAKED SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND EGG BREAKFAST TAQUITOS

Baked taquitos are my FAVORITE. There is no reason to fry a taquito ever again, okay!! They get plenty crispy by baking them and they are so much healthier that way. These breakfast taquitos were fantastic.

PREP TIME 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME 10 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES

AUTHOR JENN H

SERVINGS 7 TAQUITOS

A baked taquito that is crispy on the outside and loaded with flavorful breakfast ingredients on the inside.


Ingredients

1/2 Lb sausage

2 cups spinach fresh, chopped

1/3 cup diced green bell pepper

6 large eggs

2 tablespoon Feta cheese crumbled

1/2 cup shredded cheese shredded, any flavor (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey, etc. . . )

1/2 cup salsa plus more for serving

7 medium tortillas corn or flour

cooking spray

kosher salt


Instruction

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. When sausage is almost cooked through, add the chopped spinach and bell pepper and saute for a few minutes. Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk and add to skillet. Stir occasionally until eggs are just barely cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in the Feta cheese.

Microwave tortillas for 30 seconds or until pliable. Divide filling between tortillas. Top each with a little shredded cheese and salsa. Roll up tightly and place, seam-side down, on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil (this makes for a much easier clean up). Spray tops of taquitos lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Serve with extra salsa for dipping. Makes 7 taquitos.



Monday, July 27, 2020

Lemon Bars

 How to Make Lemon Bars

CRUST

1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, room temperature

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour


FILLING

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour

2/3 cup (160ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

9×13 pan (I love this recipe in an 8×10 pan as well, the crust is wonderfully thick)

aluminum foil

Room temperature ingredients are key! I teach you how to quickly warm up butter and eggs here. Out of eggs? Check out some Egg Substitutes to try in this recipe!

Lining your pan with foil is optional. You can also use parchment paper, I would just make sure it extends up over the sides for easy bar removal.

Only have 2 lemons but want to get as much juice as possible? Take the lemon and roll it on the counter roughly, pressing hard on the lemon. This will help to loosen up the juices before extraction.

Try to get your crust as even as possible! In case you were wondering how to make lemon bar crust, I will share my secret! I press the crumbs into the pan then go back with a hard flat surface (like a drinking glass) and press down on the crust. This helps to create an even surface.

Feel free to use only 1/2 cup of lemon juice the first time you are making these bars. I just happen to like that awesome extra lip-smackin-kick of the real lemon juice and like to use a lot!

Make these bars Gluten-Free simply by using an interchangeable Gluten-Free flour. I used Namaste Perfect Flour Blend and it worked beautifully.


How to Store Lemon Bars

While these bars can be kept out at room temperature for several hours, they should be refrigerated if you can’t finish off the pan the same day you make it. If you know that you are going to be storing them, try to only cut off the pieces you need, not cutting up the entire pan into bars. (Hint: This also means nice crisp cuts when you serve them cold!) I usually place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the bars and then cover with foil. Lemon bars can be stored for several days in the refrigerator.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Baked Sausage, Spinach and Egg Breakfast Taquitos

 Baked Sausage, Spinach and Egg Breakfast Taquitos


PREP TIME 15 minutes

COOK TIME 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME 25 minutes

AUTHOR Jenn H

SERVINGS 7 Taquitos

A baked taquito that is crispy on the outside and loaded with flavorful breakfast ingredients on the inside.

Ingredients

1/2 Lb sausage

2 cups spinach fresh, chopped

1/3 cup diced green bell pepper

6 large eggs

2 tablespoon Feta cheese crumbled

1/2 cup shredded cheese shredded, any flavor (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey, etc. . . )

1/2 cup salsa plus more for serving

7 medium tortillas corn or flour

cooking spray

kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. When sausage is almost cooked through, add the chopped spinach and bell pepper and saute for a few minutes. Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk and add to skillet. Stir occasionally until eggs are just barely cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in the Feta cheese.

Microwave tortillas for 30 seconds or until pliable. Divide filling between tortillas. Top each with a little shredded cheese and salsa. Roll up tightly and place, seam-side down, on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil (this makes for a much easier clean up). Spray tops of taquitos lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Serve with extra salsa for dipping. Makes 7 taquitos.

Nutrition Facts

Baked Sausage, Spinach and Egg Breakfast Taquitos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 288Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 174mg58%

Sodium 708mg30%

Potassium 298mg9%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 1222IU24%

Vitamin C 9mg11%

Calcium 134mg13%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

 

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

Satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings with these easy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Crunch Balls! This delicious candy is great for the holidays and cookie trays!

 Prep Time10 minutes

 Total Time10 minutes

 Servings48

 Calories171kcal

 AuthorTrish - Mom On Timeout


Ingredients

2 cups crunchy peanut butter

1/2 cup butter 1 stick - softened

3 cups powdered sugar 3 to 4 cups

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups crispy rice cereal

16 oz chocolate candy coating CandiQuik

1/4 cup salted peanuts roughly chopped - optional


Instructions

Combine peanut butter and butter together in a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined.


Stir in vanilla extract.


Gradually add in the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time until mixture is nice and smooth and you can easily form balls.


Stir in crispy rice cereal.


Shape into 1 inch balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes on a waxed paper lined baking sheet. (You can also freeze for 20 minutes.)

Melt candy coating following melting directions on package.


Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate using a toothpick or dipping tools (I use these.)


Transfer to wax paper and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top immediately.


Let candy stand until the chocolate is firm.


Store in an airtight container.


Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Monday, July 20, 2020

Baked Cabbage Steaks

 Baked cabbage steaks preheat oven 400 wash and remove outer leaves trim stem off, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inch steaks brush both sides with olive oil, garlic salt, and pepper both sides bake 30 to 40 minutes I like mine at 40 min so edges start to brown delicious and calorie friendly