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by Stef | November 6, 2009 · 8:59 am

Amish Friendship Bread

Nothing says friendship like cinnamon sweet bread. While I cannot find anything in my Internet research truly validating the fact that this recipe was indeed started by the Amish, it is fun and delicious nonetheless.

Amish bread1

The bread recipe is a type of sourdough bread, made in a ten-day cycle, originally started through the old fashioned chain letter. To make this recipe, one must get a starter bag, which I was lucky enough to come across from my friend, Corinne. However, I was able to dig up the recipe to create a starter bag. I haven’t tried this myself, so don’t send blame this direction if it doesn’t work.

Starter Bag:

1 package of active dry yeast
¼ C. of warm water
1 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. white sugar
1 C. milk

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes. In large plastic, glass or ceramic bowl (NOT METAL!), combine flour and sugar. Mix thoroughly. Slowly stir in milk and yeast mixture. Transfer to one-gallon plastic bag.

Once you make your starter, or even better, receive one from a friend, its time to start the 10-day process. Please note that once you receive a starter in its first day, you can freeze the bag and use it when you want.

amish bread 2

Amish Friendship Bread Recipe:

Day 1 – receive the starter and do nothing
Day 2 – Mush the bag.
Day 3 – Mush the bag.
Day 4 – Mush the bag.
Day 5 – Mush the bag.
Day 6 – Add to the bag 1 cup each flour, sugar and milk. Mush the bag.
Day 7 – Mush the bag.
Day 8 – Mush the bag.
Day 9 – Mush the bag.
Day 10 – Follow these instructions:

Pour the entire contents of the bag into a non-metal bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups milk and stir. Measure one cup batter into four 1-gallon Ziploc bags and give to friends along with a copy of the recipe. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Add to the remaining batter:

3 eggs
1 C. oil (or 1/2 C. oil, 1/2 C. applesause)
1 C. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 C. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 C. flour
1 large box instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp. salt

Grease 2 large loaf pans. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2-cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Dust the greased pans with 1/2 of this mixture. Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top. Bake 1 hour. Cool the bread until it loosens evenly from the pan (about 10 minutes). Serve warm or cold.

amish bread 3

This recipe makes cinnamon sweet bread, however, a mess of other recipes exist using the same starter bag. With my next starter, I plan to make banana nut bread substituting the vanilla pudding for banana cream and adding 2 mushed bananas and walnuts. I also plan to add chocolate chips in the future. For more variations on this recipe, click here and scroll to the bottom.

All the HAP girls have starter bags, so contact us on our contact page if you are in the Milwaukee area and want to try this for yourself!

stef

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Tagged as amish bread variation, amish friendship bread, amish friendship bread recipe, sweet bread

by Anne | November 4, 2009 · 9:03 am

The Dirty Dozen {Buying Organic}

According to the USDA, organic food is food that is“produced without using most conventional pesticides; synthetic fertilizers; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.” Essentially, organic foods are minimally processed foods that don’t contain much else other than the food itself. Sounds like something I want to feed my family.

Ideally, I would love to purchase mostly organic food, especially produce. However when you look at the price difference between organic and non organic, it is clear that the average households simply cannot afford to buy 100% organic.

organic-choice-lg

Thankfully I have come across this list produced by Environmental Working Group called the Dirty Dozen. It is a list of the top 12 foods that have the most pesticide contamination. Essentially, if you are going to buy some food organic, be sure to pick the produce on this list because it tends to have the highest pesticide content.

The fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list are:

Peaches                    Cherries
Apples                       Kale
Bell peppers      Lettuce
Celery                        Grapes
Nectarines         Carrots
Strawberries           Pears

The EWG also produces a list called the Clean 15, highlighting fruits and vegetables that have the least amount of pesticide exposure. So, if you are going to purchase the foods below, no need to spend the extra and get organic. The foods that made the Clean 15 are:

Onion                    Asparagus          Papaya
Avocado              Sweet Peas         Watermelon
Sweet corn    Kiwi                      Broccoli
Pineapple            Cabbage              Tomato
Mango                Eggplant              Sweet Potato

istock_photo_of_apples Although it will be hard to eliminate pesticides and other unwanted chemicals from our diets entirely, studies have shown that following the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 produce lists can lower your pesticide exposure by 80%! That is a small change that can make a big difference…and won’t break the bank.

Read more about Organic food and how to reduce your risk at the Environmental Working Groups Shoppers Guide to Pesticides.

anne

6 Comments

Filed under Cook, Family, Garden

Tagged as Buying Organic, The best organic produce, The Dirty Dozen

by kkregel | November 2, 2009 · 10:05 am

Haute Destination: New Orleans

They don’t call New Orleans the Big Easy for nothing. On my first trip to one of America’s best culinary destinations, I quickly found that it couldn’t be easier to eat your way through this city. For anyone that’s a fan of bold, spicy foods, interesting cocktails and top-caliber restaurants, New Orleans is a trip to put on your list. Here’s a quick look:
New Orleans Cafe du Monde beignets

New Orleans French Quarter is where all the magic (and maybe a little voodoo) happens. The only way to start your day there is with Cafe du Monde‘s fluffy, sugar coated beignets and a tall cafe au lait.

New Orleans Acme Oyster House and Seafood Gumbo

Seafood is everywhere, but no place does oysters like Acme Oyster House. Their savory seafood gumbo and hush puppies were equally tasty.

Mother's Restaurant New Orleans and Po'Boy Sandwich

Our friend Val, a New Orleans native, insisted that we hit up Mother’s Restaurant in the business district. While the ambiance is nothing fancy, one bite of Mother’s overflowing shrimp po’boy with a healthy dose of Louisiana hot sauce and you understand why this place is a legend. In the corner, Bill sips a mint julep at Oak Alley Plantation.

We also sampled delicious BBQ shrimp and buttery grits at Marigny Brasserie, duck spring rolls and pecan pie at Mr B’s Bistro and of course the classic hurricane at Pat O’Briens.

After coming home (and hitting the gym!) I pulled out my jambalaya recipe to get one last taste of New Orleans. This jambalaya is an easy and nearly one-pot dish for anyone craving some Creole flavors at home.

New Orleans Style Jambalaya
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
3 Tbsp butter
1 C white rice
2 1/2 C low sodium chicken broth
2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks (cajun seasoned work great)
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled
3 andouille or smoked sausages, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
thyme
1/2 tsp cajun spice, pepper
salt, cayenne pepper to taste

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, saute onions, green pepper, celery and butter until vegetables are softened. In a separate saute pan, begin cooking chicken and sausage. As vegetables soften, add tomatoes, rice, broth and garlic. Season with spices, adding cayenne to taste. Simmer on medium low while meat cooks.

When meats are almost cooked, add shrimp and cook through. Incorporate meats into the stockpot and stir well. Taste and add extra seasoning needed. Simmer until rice is cooked, about 10-15 minutes.

jambalaya

PS: In the Milwaukee area? We’re hosting a HAP Launch Party at The Home Market and you’re invited! Check out the link for details and if you’re coming or have questions, feel free to post a comment on our Contact page! Hope to see you there!

katie

4 Comments

Filed under Haute Destinations, Main Dish

Tagged as beignets, Creole food, jambalaya, jambalaya recipe, man-friendly, New Orleans food, seafood, shrimp po'boy

by Stef | October 30, 2009 · 8:52 am

Chipotle Sloppy Joe with Simple Slaw

My husband is somewhat of an anomaly and does not particularly like your regular old lunch lady sloppy joe sandwich. So I decided to switch it up a little and create this Chipotle Sloppy Joe with Simple Slaw from Cooking Light.

Sloppyjoe

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
1 small presliced Vidalia or other sweet onion
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1 pound lean ground sirloin
1 prechopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
Whole wheat hamburger buns

1. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion to pan; cover and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; set aside.

2. Remove 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from can; set aside. Remove 1 chipotle chile from can; chop and set aside. Reserve remaining chiles and adobo sauce for another use.

3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add beef to pan; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in chopped chipotle chile, adobo sauce, tomato paste, and next 3 ingredients (through tomato sauce); cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture over bottom half of each bun, and top evenly with onions and top half of bun.

This meal tastes great with pickles and a simple slaw. To make the slaw, combine 1/3 cup light or olive-oil mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or the Splenda equivalent, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add 3 cups packaged cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw, tossing well to combine.

sloppyjoe2

This dish received two thumbs up and the leftovers were even taken to work the next day for lunch!

***TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE FOR THE NOVEMBER 3-WAY INGREDIENT! (10/30) Vote Today!!!***

stef

1 Comment

Filed under Cook, Main Dish, Quick & Easy

Tagged as Chipotle Sloppy Joe, Healthy Sandwich Recipe, Simple Slaw

by Anne | October 28, 2009 · 6:47 am

Quick Pasta Carbonara

I love quick and easy recipes and this pasta dish from Kraft has become one of my staple weeknight meals. Although it has very few ingredients, it is quite rich and satisfying and can be made in a snap!

Plus, it’s got bacon in it. Everything is better with bacon.

Pasta Carbonara

½ lb. fettuccine noodles
4 slices bacon
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
¾ cup milk
1 cup frozen or canned peas
½ tsp. garlic powder

Cook noodles as directed.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of the drippings in skillet. That is usually about what is left in the pan after cooking 4 strips of bacon.

Add the remaining ingredients to the bacon drippings. Go ahead and just dump them all in there. No need to add one at a time and stir until combined. This is a quick and easy pasta dish, remember? And I promise it will turn out just as good.

Cook the mixture on low heat until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended and heated through, stirring occasionally. While that mixture heats up, chop the bacon.

Drain the pasta and place it in large bowl. Add cream cheese sauce and the bacon then mix it all together. I usually save some bacon to sprinkle on top.

Mmmmm, so easy and so good.

anne

The Perfect Mojito

After spending the weekend eating fabulous Creole foods in New Orleans (which I’ll be talking about next Monday!), I came back to a sunny and warm Wisconsin afternoon. Since it was probably one of the last we’ll see for awhile, it just begged for one of my favorite guilty pleasures: Mojitos.

Delightfully refreshing, tart and boozy, mojitos are a traditional Cuban cocktail that make a great pairing for any spicy, Latin meal or just a warm, Indian summer evening. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that they’re often a specialty drink at restaurants…you can easily make this mojito recipe at home.

mojito

Mojito
2 oz white rum
3/4 of a lime
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
ice (crushed is nice but cubes work too)
handful fresh mint leaves
splash of lemon-lime soda

For the perfect mojito, make each cocktail in its own glass or make two using a cocktail shaker.

mojitomuddler

Combine mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a pint glass or cocktail shaker. Slice lime into quarters and fully squeeze two quarters over the mint and sugar.

Use a muddler to muddle together the ingredients until mint leaves are broken up and sugar is dissolved.

mojitoprep1

Add ice and squeezed lime slices to the glass. Pour in rum and splash of soda. Shake or stir well. Squeeze another lime quarter over the top and add remains to glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

katie

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Tagged as cocktail

by Anne | October 23, 2009 · 6:45 am

Apricot Jalapeno Pulled Pork

It is not easy to have a tasty and nutritious dinner on the table every night. We are all busy and don’t always have the time on weeknights, or weekends. to make the kind of meals that we would like to eat.

One thing that I do religiously that helps me prepare quick and delicious meals is make large portions of staples on the weekends ,when I tend to have a little extra time, and freeze them. That way, I can just pull out the frozen meal, reheat it and make some easy sides.

This Apricot Jalapeno Pulled Pork recipe from Real Simple is the perfect thing to make and freeze into portions.

apricot pork

Apricot Jalapeno pulled pork

2 – 2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork loin roast

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves

2 jalapenos, sliced into rings and seeded

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Take 2 large sheets of aluminum foil and lay them one directly on top of the other. Be sure to place one directly on the other and do not off-set them at all. This will prevent juices from leaking out all over your oven.

Place your pork in the center of the foil and season it with the salt, pepper and ground cumin. Then, spoon the jam over the pork and coat all sides. Finally, scatter the sliced jalapeno’s around the meat.

Fold the double layer of foil around the pork and crimp the edges to ensure it is sealed tightly. Place it in a glass baking dish and roast until fork tender, about 4 hours. While it is roasting, keep in eye out for juices that always seem to find a way to escape. No matter how carefully I wrap my pork, some always seem to get out. If this happens, the juices that come out can begin to burn. It won’t ruin your meat, but it may char a little on your pan, so just be sure you keep an eye out for that.

When the pork reaches an internal temp of 160 degrees, carefully unwrap it. You will want to reserve the juices in a separate bowl. Then, discard the foil and using 2 forks, shred the pork. Transfer to a bowl and put the cooking juices and jalapenos over the pork.

At this point, I usually divide it up into 3 or 4 portions, depending on how much it made. One portion I will keep to make pulled pork tacos, and the rest I will divide up into freezer safe bags and freeze for later use. I try to use up anything I freeze within a month.

To make the tacos, I serve the Apricot Jalapeno Pulled Pork on warm flour tortillas, with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

pork up close

I am going to spend the next couple weeks using up this delicious pork in a variety of different recipes. I will be sure to share those recipes with you as well!

anne

3 Comments

Filed under Cook, Main Dish

Tagged as dinner

by Stef | October 22, 2009 · 8:04 am

Water & Earth: At Home with Stef

After “virtually” spending time in each of the HAP girls’ homes, their talent as modern homemakers is even more apparent to me than it already was from their fabulous blog posts day after day. Now that I have examined all of their decorating choices, I can safely say that each one of these women has done a spot-on job of honoring their essence with their domestic style, and they didn’t even know it!

Home1

Stef brings us a new element to have some fun with: Water (The Philosopher). When she told me she thought she was a Water with underlying Earth, I practically jumped for joy because I knew I wouldn’t have to do any reaching to find her essence in her home. I had already seen so much of those particular energies, so her tuned-in designing really made my job easy.

Home2

The first display of Water energy comes in the deep, dark tones throughout the house. There are consistent touches of black, deep brown, and even a little blue; colors that create the mysterious and serene vibe that Philosophers thrive in. Water energy is also present in ethnic accents that look like they have a story, like a few of Stef’s artistic pieces in the living room and library, I especially love the black vintage doctor’s satchel on the office shelves, which begs to be a topic of conversation.

home3

There is also an inviting feeling of warmth in Stef’s home, thanks to a strong presence of Earth energy. Plush sofas, earthy wall décor, and boxy shaped coffee tables contribute to the cozy vibe. My favorite display of Earth comes via the rich orange accent pillows in the living room in a Watery-shaped paisley print. I also love the plethora of books stacked throughout the home, which serve as the perfect mix of Water and Earth energy – makes me want to cozy into the corner section of one of the fluffy sofas with the perfect thought provoking read.

Catherine’s Picks for Stef:

Water:

Flowy fabrics
Deep, cool tones like black and navy
Mysterious, interesting, and creative styling
Ethnic pieces

Earth:

Warm or earthy tones like brown, orange, and beige
Nubby textures
Square or boxy shapes
Traditional, vintage, or cozy styling

Stores to try: Design Within Reach, Etsy

cat-picks-stef

Equestrian Saddle Hook , Morning Croissant Robe, Graceful Damask Chair, Design Within Reach Flocks Pouf, Weathered and Worldly Globe

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Tagged as home decor

by Anne | October 21, 2009 · 10:13 am

Earth & Metal: At Home with Anne

Considering that I’ve had years to familiarize myself with Katie’s Woody Metal essence, I’ll be honest – looking at her home through an elemental perspective was a breeze. While I haven’t had the same privilege with Anne and Stef, I have been following their domestic personalities, thanks to HAP! Today, I get to take a look at Anne’s home, and how it honors her essence!

When Anne told me that she is pretty sure she’s an Earth (The Peacemaker) with underlying Metal (The Perfectionist), I had to chuckle to myself. I had just previously been familiarizing myself with the details of her home and immediately saw an overwhelming amount of those very energies…

new room

decorative pieces

Since Earths are often nurturers, they also tend to be family oriented. One of the main themes that’s evident in Anne’s home is her devotion to her family. The walls are adorned with a collage of gorgeous family photos in their milestone moments – the wedding, and time with their baby Isla, who indirectly also influences the décor in their home. Everything is baby proof, without sacrificing sophisticated style of course!

picture wall

books

Earth is also present in the home’s color scheme, which is one of the best ways to bring your essence into your home style. From the neutral shades of the walls to the brown accents in the curtains and some furniture pieces, the palette is spot on for Anne’s essence. The colors in her home also bring in her Metal underlying essence through the lovely touches of white in various details, and pastel blue accents like the stack of soft wedding/love themed leather photo albums which contribute a nice touch of luxury while still keeping true to the family theme. My favorite display of Earth + Metal is the polka dotted vase with rocks in the bottom. Rocks are the quintessential Earth object, and polka dots are the token Metal pattern! How “traditionally perfect.”

vase

Catherine’s Picks for Anne:

Earth:
– Warm or earthy tones like brown, orange, and beige
– Nubby textures
– Square or boxy shapes
– Traditional, vintage, or cozy styling

Metal:
– Light colors like pastels and whites
– Anything metal or metallic
– Elegant, classy pieces
– Round shapes

Stores to try: Anthropologie, Pottery Barn
cat-picks-anne

Clockwise from top: Vintage Velvet Drapes, West Elm Pebble Rug, Sophie Conran Celadon Tea Set, Anthropologie Letizia Cardigan, French Flour Sack Pillows

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by kkregel | October 20, 2009 · 8:00 am

Metal & Wood: At Home with Katie

I’ve known Katie since we were in braces and I can attest to her Metal essence with a side of Wood. To my 7^th grade envy, she was always the most meticulous, crafty and active chick of the bunch. Much as we tried, no one could quite master her perfect handwriting or the way she pulled off the teal Five Star binder (how did it just look better on her arm?). Katie’s Metal essence has turned her into the Martha Stewart that she is and the active, growth-oriented Wood supports her as she masters each new project. Watch out, because Katie’s elements are the perfect recipe for success.

Not surprisingly, Katie’s essence in her home brings one word to mind: Perfection. Metal comes through everywhere, from elegant framed Parisian scenes to classic white moldings and a curved crystal chandelier fit for Gatsby himself.

katiechandelier katiemantle

Even the details ooze Metal – from the stack of high-end books on the coffee table to the elegant door knobs, which I imagine are one of Katie’s favorite details in her house.

katieentry

katiebed

Katie’s underlying Wood is more subtle. Of course, the actual wood floors and wooden furniture like her dining room and coffee tables make a statement. But my favorite way to bring Wood energy into your home is by bringing the outside in with plants. Katie brings her garden inside with beautiful vases of sedum placed throughout different rooms and tomatoes ripening on her window sill.

katiebathroom

katietomato

Not only does Katie’s home really honor her authentic self, but it’s balanced with some wonderful intentional energies. The homage to her husband’s hunting with antlers placed throughout the home is a fun way to add some Fire and perfect for the rooms they entertain in! She has also brought nurturing Earth energy into all the best places – the soft, nubby rug in the living room and warm orange tones in the kitchen make me want to sit down for a nice big cup of cider. Earthy intentions are key for Katie as she settles into family life with her husband!

katieantlers