Spicy Maple Pecans

I come from a family of pecan growers. I love those little tasty nuts! :)
So does my Granny. She gave me plenty of them at Christmas time when I was down in FL for a visit. I heard that she liked spiced or sweet pecans. So, for her birthday in February I said I would make her some. Well, now it is about 3 weeks after that and I am just getting around to making/sending them. But, these are so good - so please get them out of your house quickly!

I found this recipe on Hannah's blog (I love her simple yet beautiful photography) and halved it:

1/2 lb pecan halves, unsalted
1 1/2 T unsalted butter, melted
2 T real maple syrup
1/2 T light brown sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/3 tsp cayenne pepper

375. Pan with shallow sides, spray pam. Mix all together to evenly coat. Bake for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently. I only burnt 2 so that is good!

Super Bowl Food

Wow, it seems like the Super Bowl was so long ago! And it was only Sunday (2 whole days). It is amazing how fleeting things in life are that are totally not important!

I went over to a friend's house and we both made some stuff we liked, but also picked conferences and made food for that team.

I had the NFC (Saints) and made bourbon chicken (it was sweeter than I wanted it to be, but I have leftovers). Lorrie had the AFC (Colts) and she had oreos (commercials) and Orville Redenbacher - because it is in IN.

The nachos and oreos were fave part for me.

Taste of Chicago - Grand Lux Cafe

We thought the bags looked pretty familiar when we walked in - we were right - this place is owned by the same folks who own Cheesecake Factory. You know its going to be good. And it was next door to Ann Taylor - so how bad could it bed? And it had a wait at 4pm? We only waited about 15 minutes and when we walked out - it was about an hour wait. Glad we got there early!

I was not anticipating a sit-down nice restaurant when I heard about this place from a friend just based on the name alone. I'm so glad we stopped there.

We had their bread - very good. I took lots of photos. I dropped my knife and fork - silly me. The tables were completely on top of each other, but people know how to dine. I couldn't tell you what the other folks were talking about at their table. Most of the time people talk so loud at restaurants. Our first waiter wasn't all that, but halfway through they changed shifts and our waitress was much better.

To start off with - the Edamame: stir fried with Spicy Szechwan Sauce. SO GOOD! Better than Chais in Durham (gasp!)

Then, Janel got the soup of the day - a chicken chowder with veggies. I took a bite - good and warm on a cold day.

I got the mini goat cheese and mushroom pizza. This was not mini (about 7 inches by 3 inches) and was only 4.95 and was AMAZING. I would go back there every time and order this.

For dessert (and take home): New Orleans Beignets Served Warm with Three Sauces (a creme anglaise (close your eyes and savor the warmth and richness good), chocolate, and raspberry. They were warm and yummy. Thanks Kathy for the suggestion.

This place was definitely the best place I ate all weekend and I would gladly go there again! :)

Pillsbury Christmas Giveaway

Christmas giveaway - does it get any better - free gifts from Pillsbury and My Blog Spark.
I just need your help.
The following two recipes - I have been given crescent roll coupons from Pillsbury - you need to decide which one you would like me to add a "kim davidson" twist to.
Crescent Bacon-Cheese Tartlets

Crescent Holiday Tree


I'll make it, put the recipe and pictures on here, and maybe it will get chosen for Pillsbury's www.
You can play a part - just leave a comment saying which one you would like me to make. I'll tally the vote on Friday, make the recipe while I'm home over Christmas (so I don't eat it all), and then randomly pick a winner. You will get 2 free coupons from Pillsbury (who can't eat more crescent rolls) and 3 pretty white platters (oval, useable year round, stackable). They are great. I loved getting my box today!

Hot Cheesy Corn Dip

Got this recipe from closet cooking and also Emeril - but changed it a little. This was great served with Tostito Gold chips - and hot while the cheese is still gooey!

1 bag frozen corn (12 oz), thawed
2 T butter (1 each)
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1 green onion (white and green), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, chopped
s/p to taste
1 block monterey jack cheese
1/3 cup light mayo
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 handfuls of grated 2 % sharp cheddar cheese.

Saute the corn in 1 T butter for about 5 minutes. Set aside. Saute pepper and onions about 2 minutes in other pat of butter. Add rest of veggies, for another 2 minutes. Mix all together with the rest of everything - topping it with the cheddar cheese. 8x8 pan, lightly sprayed with pam. 20 minutes at 350. Yummy - and definitely has a kick!

Sarah's Simple Hummus

My friend Sarah gave me an awesome recipe for hummus while we were in seminary and even though I have tweaked it over the years, I love her easy and simple recipe that is adaptable to many tastes. Thanks Sarah!

2 cans chick peas, drained
1/2-2/3 cup water
2 cloves garlic (to taste)
lemon
olive oil
salt
3 heaping tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)

In food processor - puree these in steps



garlic and water
1 can at a time of chick peas
tahini
lemon and salt (I just used 1/2 of a jumbo lemon - its juice of course!)
olive oil to taste


I like enjoying mine with carrots or celery, pita bread, or chips. It is healthy and full of protein.
Sarah also has given me recipes for curried chicken and rice and turkey enchiladas! Maybe I'll make those some and share the wealth! Thanks Sarah!

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mom and I found mushroom caps on sale at Publix this week so we picked them up and decided to make stuffed mushroom with them. We had some for lunch today. I don't have any party to make them for.

Stuffed Mushrooms

12 mushroom caps - remove stems, wipe down, chop stems
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
splash of worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup italian style bread crumbs
1/4 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp water
s/p

Heat butter over medium heat, saute garlic and onions. Add in mushroom stems. Remove from heat. Immediately add in bread crumbs and cheese, salt and pepper. Stuff mushrooms. Put in a 7x11 dish and put 2 tbsp water on the bottom. Bake for 20 minutes at 350. These have a stronger flavor than most - not as mellow, so I like them better.