Caprese Salad from the Garden

The tomatoes are ripening and the basil smells wonderful. Time for Caprese Salad. The farmers market had wonderful tomatoes so we were inspired.

Don't forget to try the other wonderful salads in Tastes & Treasures cookbook too.

Ingredients:
Tomatoes sliced
Basil leaves
Mozarella cheese sliced
Drizzle of Olive Oil
Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar

Directions:
Arrange on platter and wait for compliments!

Historymaker Jack Pfister an Arizona Legacy

Four years after his passing, the stories continue to be told about the community service and outstanding work Jack Pfister did for Arizona. Honored as a Historymaker in 2003, Jack was presented that evening by ASU President Lattie Coor. Interesting that 11 years later, Lattie Coor will be join the illustrious group of Historymakers in Feb 2014. www.HistoricalLeague.org

An Arizona Republic newspaper article written by Kathleen Ingley on July 28, 2013 featured Mr. Pfister, "His suit was business basic. His glasses were standard black. His smile was genial. Jack Pfister looked unassuming, more like an affable favorite uncle than a high-profile executive. But few Arizonans have had as much power and influence for as many years."

Kathleen Ingley, a former editorial writer at The Republic, is writing a biography of Jack Pfister. For more information about Jack and to share memories, go to jackpfister.com.

Breakfast or Dessert? French Toast Casserole

This reminds me of the Sticky Buns recipe on page 78 in Tastes & Treasures cookbook. The recipe was given to the Historical League by historic El Chorro Lodge.

It is also one of those great recipes you can make ahead for company.

Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter
2 cup corn syrup
1 loaf French bread, sliced
5 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
Garnish: powdered sugar, maple syrup

Directions:
Melt together brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a saucepan over low heat; pour into a greased 13" x 9" baking pan. Arrange bread slices over mixture and set aside. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla; pour over bread, coating all slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Sprinkle with powered sugar; serve with warm syrup. Makes 6-8 servings

Options: To make Peachy French Toast - Omit the corn syrup. Put a layer of peaches down on the brown sugar mixture. Then add the bread.
Options: Add 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

Tastes & Treasures cookbook has several recipes using lemons- Very Lemon Bread page 119, Luscious Lemon Loaf page 198, Lemon Rub Pie page 178 and more.

This new one sounded too good not to try.
Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

Ingredients:
1 pkg yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker, get the kind that makes a 9x13 size) Ingredients called for on back of cake box
2 pkg (3.4oz each) instant lemon pudding
1/3 c. sugar
2 c. cold milk
1 1/4 c. water

2 Tbsp. powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare cake as directed on package.
Pour into a greased 9x13 pan.
Beat dry pudding mixes, granulated sugar, milk and water with whisk 2 min.; pour over batter in dish.
Don't spread it. You'll fail.
Place baking dish on baking sheet. (Baking sheet will catch any sauce that might bubble over sides of dish as dessert bakes.)
Bake 55 min. to 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.)
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve warm.
Refrigerate leftovers.

Tips:
For stronger lemon flavor, add the zest and juice from 1 lemon to pudding mixture before pouring over batter in baking dish.
Try serving this topped with fresh raspberries or blueberries.
If you don't fancy lemon, you may substitute vanilla flavor instant pudding.
Thanks to Mandy's Recipe Box.

Earthquake cake

With a name like this, who can resist? Chocolate, nuts, coconut . . . all in one moist, delicious cake. We also love Chocolate Icebox Cake from historic El Chorro Lodge found in Tastes & Treasures cookbook on page 80.

Earthquake Cake
Ingredients:
1 Cup Flaked Coconut
1 Cup chopped Pecans
1 Box German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of one 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
2. Layer coconut and pecans in the bottom of pan.
3. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions and pour over pecans and coconut.
4. Combine cream cheese, butter or margarine, vanilla and confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth. Pour over cake mix. Use a knife to "marble" the two layers.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or more - check it to make sure the bottom part is cooked with the toothpick test - so the toothpick does not have gooey cake on it from the bottom.
Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top to the hot cake after you remove it from the oven.

Thanks to Hillbilly recipes

Mini Pizzas

Mini pizzas are wonderful for quick snacks, small meals and parties.

Tastes & Treasures cookbook has many appetizer recipes including a yummy mushroom appetizer found on page 27.

Mini Pizzas
Ingredients:
1 refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 small bunch fresh basil
1 medium tomato

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. And line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so they won't stick.
Place pizza dough on a well-floured surface and stretch gently into about a 12″ x 8″ rectangle.
With a round cutter or a cup of some sort, cut dough into 18-20 rounds; place rounds 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Top each with pizza sauce, cheese, basil and tomatoes .
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
More topping suggestions: red sauce, broccoli, roasted red peppers, basil pesto.

Brownie Cookie Dough Delight

Fast and Fantastic - for that chocolate lover in you.

Tastes & Treasures cookbook has a recipe for  Espresso Brownies page 163. (Or try a box mix for a short cut). When you have more time, also try Chocolate Peanut Treats on page 162.

Brownie Cookie Dough Delight
Preheat oven to 350;
Smoosh refrigerated cookie dough into the bottom of each well.
Place Reese cup upside down on top of cookie dough (or an Oreo).
Top with prepared box brownie mix, filling 3/4 full.
Bake for 18 minutes and enjoy warm or cool.
YUMMMMM.