March 23: Fruit Pizza

CRUST:

2/3 cup butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 2/3 cup all purpose flour

Beat together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add flour and combine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into 12 inch greased pizza pan and bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes until crust starts to brown. Let cool.

FROSTING:

8 ounces softened neufchatel (light cream cheese) cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Beat above ingredients until smooth. Spread "frosting" evenly on crust and top with slices of fresh fruit. I like to use strawberries, red grapes, and kiwi fruit.....but be imaginative!

Conversation starter: If you could be amazing at any sport, what would it be and why?

March 18: Apple Butter

9 medium apples, cored, peeled, and sliced (4 pounds)
1 1/4 c. apple cider
3/4 c. apple cider vinegar

Suggestion: use Jonathan, Winesap, King, or Gravenstien apples. Makes about 5 pints.

In a large pot, cook the above ingredients together on medium heat until apples resemble apple sauce. Put mixture through a strainer. (I use electric beaters...I like little chunks.)

For each c. of pulp, add 1/2 c. brown sugar. To the entire amount add 1 Tbs. cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves, 1/2 tsp. allspice, and 1 tsp. nutmeg.

Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Continue to cook until a small drop on a plate leaves no rim of liquid separating around edges. Pour into hot, dry, sterilized jars (Pint or 1/2 pint....no larger). Wipe rim. Use hot, clean NEW lids and screw metal bands on tightly. There is no need for water bath or paraffin, just make sure the lids seal. (When you push down, there should be no popping noise.) Cool on folded dish towel.

Conversation starter: If you could change one thing about your school or your job what would it be? Why?

January 23: A surprising favorite: broiled grapefruit

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”
John Gunther

Broiled Grapefruit

We had something similar to this on our first anniversary at a bed and breakfast on Pender Island, part of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. This is a great starter dish for a formal brunch.

5 grapefruits, cut in half horizontally

1 cup walnuts

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. cinnamon

Preheat broiler. Cut around each triangle section of the grapefruit half so your guests won’t have to dig! (There’s nothing worse than squirting yourself or your neighbor in the eye with grapefruit juice!) In food processor, briefly process walnuts, sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Arrange grapefruits on a large jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top each grapefruit with crumbled mixture, pressing down to make sure it stays put. Broil until tops bubble and turn brown. Serve immediately. Makes ten.

Conversation starter: When was the last time you couldn't fall asleep? Why was it hard? What helped? What didn't?

 

January 14: An easy, amazing dessert using overripe pears

This recipe was born from overripe pears I couldn't bear to throw away. My kids love this dessert!

Pears a la Mary

5 pears, halved, cored and peeled

3 Tbs. butter

5 Tbs. raspberry jam

3/4 cup chocolate chips

3 Tbs. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbs. butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

slivered almonds for garnish

Saute pears in butter in non-stick pan until they are browned. In the meantime, spread a dollop of raspberry jam in a 5 inch circle on a dessert plate. Place chocolate, powdered sugar, vanilla, butter and cream in microwavable container. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave 30 more seconds. Stir. Repeat until melted through. Place two pear halves on top of jammed plates. Drizzle chocolate over. Top with nuts.

Conversation starter: What's your favorite pair of shoes right now? What was your favorite pair three years ago? Why?