Monday, November 7, 2011

Halloween 2011

The kids got good use of their costumes this year with three days of Halloween fun. Friday was the parties at school. The kids got to dress up and parade for each other and for parents that came to watch. Tristan and Laura got to dress up too.

Saturday we had the trunk-or-treat at church. It was cold, but the little trunk-or-treaters didn't notice the temperature since they were busy filling their buckets.

On Halloween the kids went trick or treating with Emily and Tommy, our next door neighbors. They filled their bags with more candy than we could eat in a year.

Tristan wore his Lighting McQueen racecar driver suit every day the week before Halloween. If you push a button on the front of his suit, it makes a noise like a car revving up and there are little lights that flash. And isn't this the cutest little pink butterfly? Both of their costumes came from Once Upon a Child. What a find!

Cooper is a ninja and Ethan is Harry Potter.

Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

CI'S TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

CHEWY, FUDGY TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Published May 1, 2000.

Why this recipe works:

TO DEVELOP A RICH, DEEP CHOCOLATE FLAVOR FOR OUR FUDGY BROWNIE RECIPE, WE ULTIMATELY FOUND IT NECESSARY TO USE THREE TYPES OF CHOCOLATE: UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE LAID A SOLID, INTENSE FOUNDATION; SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE PROVIDED A MELLOW, EVEN, SOMEWHAT SWEET FLAVOR; AND COCOA SMOOTHED OUT ANY ROUGH EDGES INTRODUCED BY THE UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE (WHICH CAN CONTRIBUTE A SOUR, ACRID FLAVOR) AND ADDED COMPLEXITY TO WHAT CAN BE THE BLAND FLAVOR OF SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE. WE FOCUSED ON FLOUR, BUTTER, AND EGGS TO A...(more)

MAKES SIXTY-FOUR 1-INCH BROWNIES

Either Dutch-processed or natural cocoa works well in this recipe. These brownies are very rich, so we prefer to cut them into small squares for serving.

INGREDIENTS

5	ounces semisweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2	ounces unsweetened chocolate , chopped
8	tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into quarters
3	tablespoons cocoa powder
3	large eggs
1 1/4	cups granulated sugar
2	teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2	teaspoon table salt
1	cup unbleached all-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick vegetable cooking spray. Fold two 12-inch pieces of foil lengthwise so that they measure 7 inches wide. Fit one sheet in bottom of greased pan, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; overhang will help in removal of baked brownies. Following illustration 1 below, fit second sheet in pan in same manner, perpendicular to first sheet. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of almost-simmering water, melt chocolates and butter, stirring occasionally until mixture is smooth. Whisk in cocoa until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in medium bowl until combined, about 15 seconds. Whisk warm chocolate mixture into egg mixture; then stir in flour with wooden spoon until just combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, spread into corners, and level surface with rubber spatula; bake until slightly puffed and toothpick inserted in center comes out with a small amount of sticky crumbs clinging to it, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours, then remove brownies from pan using foil handles (see illustration 2, below). Cut into 1-inch squares and serve. (Do not cut brownies until ready to serve; brownies can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated up to 5 days.)

CI'S CLASSIC BROWNIES

CLASSIC BROWNIES

Published March 1, 2004.

Why this recipe works:

WHEN DEVELOPING AN OLD-FASHIONED, CHEWY CHOCOLATE BROWNIE RECIPE, WE FOUND THAT SUCCESS LAY IN THE DETAILS. SUBSTITUTING CAKE FLOUR FOR ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR MADE OUR BROWNIES TENDER, WITH A DELICATE CHEW. PLENTY OF UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE GAVE OUR BROWNIE RECIPE GREAT FLAVOR WITHOUT MAKING THEM OVERLY SWEET. DETERMINING THE PROPER BAKING TIME WAS ALSO IMPORTANT: TOO SHORT A TIME IN THE OVEN, AND THE BROWNIES WERE GUMMY; TOO LONG, AND THEY DRIED OUT. FINALLY, TOASTING THE NUTS BEFORE SPRINKLING THEM OVER...(more)

MAKES TWENTY-FOUR 2-INCH-SQUARE BROWNIES

Be sure to test for doneness before removing the brownies from the oven. If underbaked (the toothpick has batter clinging to it), the texture of the brownies will be dense and gummy; if overbaked (the toothpick comes out completely clean), the brownies will be dry and cakey.

INGREDIENTS

1	cup pecans or walnuts (4 ounces), chopped medium (optional)
1 1/4	cups plain cake flour (5 ounces)
1/2	teaspoon table salt
3/4	teaspoon baking powder
6	ounces unsweetened chocolate , chopped fine
12	tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into six 1-inch pieces
2 1/4	cups sugar (15 3/4 ounces)
4	large eggs
1	tablespoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut 18-inch length foil and fold lengthwise to 8-inch width. Fit foil into length of 13- by 9-inch baking dish, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhang pan edges. Cut 14-inch length foil and, if using extra-wide foil, fold lengthwise to 12-inch width; fit into width of baking pan in same manner, perpendicular to first sheet. Spray foil-lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. If using nuts, spread nuts evenly on rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside.
4. Melt chocolate and butter in large heatproof bowl set over saucepan of almost-simmering water, stirring occasionally, until smooth. (Alternatively, in microwave, heat butter and chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on high for 45 seconds, then stir and heat for 30 seconds more. Stir again, and, if necessary, repeat in 15-second increments; do not let chocolate burn.) When chocolate mixture is completely smooth, remove bowl from saucepan and gradually whisk in sugar. Add eggs one at time, whisking after each addition until thoroughly combined. Whisk in vanilla. Add flour mixture in three additions, folding with rubber spatula until batter is completely smooth and homogeneous.
5. Transfer batter to prepared pan; using spatula, spread batter into corners of pan and smooth surface. Sprinkle toasted nuts (if using) evenly over batter and bake until toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of brownies comes out with few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours, then remove brownies from pan by lifting foil overhang. Cut brownies into 2-inch squares and serve. (Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.)

TECHNIQUE

LINING AND LIFTING

1. Line the baking pan with two sheets of foil placed perpendicular.
2. Use the foil handles to lift the cooked brownies or bar cookies from the pan.

CI'S CHEWEY BROWNIES

CHEWY BROWNIES

Published March 1, 2010. From Cook's Illustrated.

Why this recipe works:

TO DEVISE A PROPERLY CHEWY BROWNIE RECIPE, WE FIRST HAD TO DISCOVER THE PERFECT RATIO OF OIL TO BUTTER. WE THEN COMBATED GREASINESS BY REPLACING SOME OF THE OIL WITH EGG YOLKS, WHOSE EMULSIFIERS PREVENT FAT FROM SEPARATING AND LEAKING OUT DURING BAKING. WE FOUND THAT UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE PROVIDES THE STRONGEST CHOCOLATE FLAVOR. FINALLY, FOLDING IN BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE CHUNKS JUST BEFORE BAKING GAVE OUR CHEWY BROWNIES GOOEY POCKETS OF MELTED CHOCOLATE AND ROUNDED OUT THEIR COMPLEX FLAVOR.

MAKES TWENTY-FOUR 2-INCH BROWNIES

For the chewiest texture, it is important to let the brownies cool thoroughly before cutting. If your baking dish is glass, cool the brownies 10 minutes, then remove them promptly from the pan (otherwise, the superior heat retention of glass can lead to overbaking). While any high-quality chocolate can be used in this recipe, our preferred brands of bittersweet chocolate are Callebaut Intense Dark Chocolate L-60-40NV and Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar. Our preferred brand of unsweetened chocolate is Scharffen Berger. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

INGREDIENTS

1/3	cup Dutch-processed cocoa
1 1/2	teaspoons instant espresso (optional)
1/2	cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water
2	ounces unsweetened chocolate , finely chopped (see note and related illustration)
4	tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter , melted
1/2	cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2	large eggs
2	large egg yolks
2	teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2	cups (17 1/2 ounces) sugar
1 3/4	cups (8 3/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4	teaspoon table salt
6	ounces bittersweet chocolate , cut into 1/2-inch pieces (see note)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Referring to directions in Making a Foil Sling (related), make sling using the following steps: Cut 18-inch length foil and fold lengthwise to 8-inch width. Fit foil into length of 13 by 9-inch baking pan, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhang pan edges. Cut 14-inch length foil and fit into width of pan in the same manner, perpendicular to the first sheet (if using extra-wide foil, fold second sheet lengthwise to 12-inch width). Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Whisk cocoa, espresso powder (if using), and boiling water together in large bowl until smooth. Add unsweetened chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted. Whisk in melted butter and oil. (Mixture may look curdled.) Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated. Add flour and salt and mix with rubber spatula until combined. Fold in bittersweet chocolate pieces.
3. Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted halfway between edge and center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool 1½ hours.
4. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Return brownies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

CI'S GUACAMOLE

CHUNKY GUACAMOLE

Makes 2 1/2 to 3 cups. Published May 1, 1999.

To minimize the risk of discoloration, prepare the minced ingredients first so they are ready to mix with the avocados as soon as they are cut.

3	medium avocados , ripe, (preferably Hass)
2	tablespoons minced onion
1	medium clove garlic , minced
1	small jalapeño chile , minced (1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4	cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
1/4	teaspoon table salt
1/2	teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
2	tablespoons lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Halve one avocado, remove pit, and scoop flesh into medium bowl. Mash flesh lightly with onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and cumin (if using) with tines of a fork until just combined.
2. Halve and pit remaining two avocados, and prepare. Gently scoop out avocado into bowl with mashed avocado mixture.
3. Sprinkle lime juice over diced avocado and mix entire contents of bowl lightly with fork until combined but still chunky. Adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary, and serve. (Can be covered with plastic wrap, pressed directly onto surface of mixture, and refrigerated up to one day. Return guacamole to room temperature, removing plastic wrap at the last moment, before serving).

STEP-BY-STEP

Dicing the Avocado

1. Use dish towel to hold avocado steady. Make 1/2-inch cross-hatch incisions in flesh with a dinner knife, cutting down to but not through skin.

2. Separate diced flesh from skin using spoon inserted between skin and flesh, gently scooping out avocado cubes.

America’s Test Kitchen is a 2,500-square-foot kitchen located just outside of Boston. It is the home of Cook’s Country and Cook’s Illustrated magazines and is the workday destination for more than three dozen test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes until we understand how and why they work and arrive at the best version. We also test kitchen equipment and supermarket ingredients in search of brands that offer the best value and performance. You can watch us work by tuning in to America’s Test Kitchen (www.americastestkitchen.com) on public television.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

CI'S CLASSIC GRANOLA

CLASSIC GRANOLA

Makes 7-8 cups. Published July 1, 1994.

1	cup walnuts , broken into 1/4-1/2-inch pieces
3	cups rolled oats
1/2	cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2	cup blanched almonds , halved
1/4	cup sesame seeds
1/4	cup sunflower seeds
1/4	cup maple syrup
1/4	cup honey
1/3	cup canola oil
1	cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to center position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix first 6 ingredients together in large bowl.
2. Heat maple syrup and honey together with oil in small saucepan, whisking occasionally until warm. Pour mixture over dry ingredients; stir with spatula until mixture is thoroughly coated. Turn mixture onto an 11-by-7-inch jelly roll pan, spreading mixture in an even layer.
3. Bake, stirring and respreading mixture into an even layer every 5 minutes, until granola is light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Immediately turn granola onto another jelly roll pan to stop cooking process. Stir in raisins, then spread granola evely in pan; set on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Loosen dried granola with a spatula; store in airtight container.

CI'S HUMMUS

HUMMUS

Makes about 2 cups, serving 8 to 10. Published February 1, 2005.

Tahini can be found in Middle Eastern markets as well as the international foods aisles of many supermarkets.

	(15 ounce) can chickpeas , drained and rinsed
1	medium clove garlic ,minced or pressed through a garlic press
3/4	teaspoon table salt
	pinch cayenne pepper
3	tablespoons lemon juice , from 1 large lemon
1/4	cup tahini
1/4	cup virgin olive oil
1/4	cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

Process all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, about 40 seconds. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until the flavors meld, at least 30 minutes; serve cold. (The hummus can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

CI'S SLOW-COOKER BLACK BEAN SOUP

SLOW-COOKER BLACK BEAN SOUP

Serves 6 to 8. From The Best Make-Ahead Recipe.

Serve this soup with minced red onion, sour cream, and hot sauce, if desired. If the soup becomes too thick as it sits, thin to the desired consistency with either water or broth.

PREP-AHEAD TRIPS: You can store the following ingredients together:
1. Cook the vegetables as described in step 1, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerator.
2. Pick over and rinse the black beans and refrigerate.

2	tablespoons vegetable oil
3	medium onions , minced
3	celery ribs , chopped medium
2	medium carrots , chopped medium
6	medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
5	teaspoons ground cumin
1/2	teaspoon red pepper flakes
	Salt
3	cups water
3	cups low-sodium chicken broth
1	pound dried black beans (about 2 1/4 cups), picked over and rinsed
2	medium smoked ham hocks
2	bay leaves
1/4	cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
	Ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, cumin, pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker insert and stir in the water, broth, black beans, ham hocks, and bay leaves until evenly combined. Cover and cook on low until the soup has thickened and the beans are tender, 8 to 10 hours. (Alternatively, cover and cook on high for 6 to 7 hours.)
3. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Remove the ham hocks and transfer them to a plate to cool. Meanwhile, puree 2 cups of the soup in a blender until smooth, then stir back into the slow cooker insert. When the hocks are cool enough to handle, remove any meat, discarding the skin, fat, and bones, and add the meat back to the soup. Stir in the cilantro, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

CI'S SLOW-COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

SLOW-COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

Serves 6 to 8. From The Best Make-Ahead Recipe.

Dried green peas can often contain small stones, so make sure to pick them over carefully.

PREP-AHEAD TIPS: You can store the following ingredients together:
1. Cook the vegetables as described in step 1, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
2. Pick over and rinse the split peas and refrigerate.

2	tablespoons vegetable oil
2	medium onions , minced
2	medium carrots , chopped medium
2	celery ribs , chopped medium
	Salt
4	cups water
4	cups low-sodium chicken broth
1	pound green split peas (2 1/2 cups), picked over and rinsed
2	medium smoked ham hocks
3	bay leaves
1	tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves , or 1 teaspoon dried
1/4	teaspoon red pepper flakes
2	tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
	Ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker insert and stir in the water, broth, split peas, ham hocks, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper flakes until evenly combined. Cover and cook on low until the soup has thickened and the peas are tender, 10 to 11 hours. (Alternatively, cover and cook on high for 6 to 7 hours.)
3. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Remove the ham hocks and transfer them to a plate to cool; when cool enough to handle, remove any meat, discarding the skin, fat, and bones, and add the meat back to the soup. Stir in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.