Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans

The perfect summer salad bursting with delicious sweet and savory flavors from apples and grapes, crunchy pecans and shredded chicken all smothered in creamy pesto mayo combo!

It seems like forever since I posted. I do apologize my dear readers for that hiatus. We've been on a month-long holiday in Europe in June which extended up to the first week of July. Thereafter, it took me a little over a week to get over the jet lag and pure exhaustion. I have only been getting back into the swing of things recently and thankfully,now, I feel human again!! Hurrah! :)

Dutch Baby Pancake with Spiced Apples and Bananas

Delicious and easy to make Dutch Baby Pancake loaded with cinnamon spiced Apples and Bananas! So yummy and perfect for breakfast or brunch!

I have been desiring to make Dutch Baby Pancakes for the longest time but for whatever reason, I never got to. Sad. However,this day was meant to be the day to do it. Sophie, my little girl, approached me this morning and asked me what was for breakfast. She was usually content with cereals or oatmeal and anything with yogurt but today she requested something different. When I mentioned pancakes, she was immediately delighted. I told her, when the idea of Dutch baby pancake popped into my mind, that she may have to wait a little because this is not the regular pancake and it required some baking. She seemed excited about the idea of a new kind of pancake so didn't mind waiting a little at all.

Overnight Apple Oatmeal with Praline Topping

Cinnamon flavored oatmeal with apples and a buttery, crunchy praline topping is a delicious fall or winter breakfast or brunch dish!

We are back this month with another 30 Day Recipe Challenge for the fall season and our main ingredient for September is the yummy, juicy Apple! For those of you who are new to our blog, in the 30 Day Recipe Challenge, I join with some amazing food bloggers and we create delicious recipes using a chosen main ingredient. We have a month to come up with the most mouth-watering and tasty recipe that would highlight said main ingredient.

30 Delicious Apple Cakes for Every Occasion

To celebrate Fall and Apple season, here's a delicious collection of 30 DELICIOUS APPLE CAKES!  Look no more!

Best Apple Crisp

A few days ago our very kind neighbors gave us a bag of apples. They were quite a lot and we knew we wouldn't be able to eat it all of it in one go so I had to think of other ways to enjoy these juicy apples. I have made several recipes using apples before and didn't fancy simply re-creating them. I was suddenly in the mood for doing something I haven't done yet.

Dutch Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie....who can resist this delicious fall favorite? I surely can't! I definitely crave this delicious dessert especially in Autumn but sometimes I don't feel like going through the trouble of making a pastry dough from scratch or even using a store bought one. Thankfully, these delicious apple pie bars come to the rescue!

Cranberry Pecan Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

The other day I went to the grocery for some food shopping. I got excited when I saw some fresh cranberries already being sold. You see, I love baking with cranberries! I love the tangy flavor it imparts to baked goodies particularly sweet breads and cakes. I got myself a pack and decided that I should make my favorite Cranberry Orange Bread when I get home or at least pretty soon. However, as it sometimes happen, I forgot to buy some oranges. I was frustrated because I was really craving some nutty cranberry bread at that time. What was I to do?

Fresh Apple Cake

I walk my little boy William to school everyday and we are grateful that the school is less than a 5-minute walk. In our usual route, I pass through one of our neighbor's front yard which has a big Apple tree. One day in  October I was walking back from school, I saw our neighbor picking up some apples that came from the tree. At this time she has placed a sign by the tree which asked anyone who happens to pass by to pick a bag of apples.

Gluten-free Apple Brown Betty

We went to Boston a few months ago at a time when we were considering whether or not we would move to Connecticut. Naturally, while there, we checked out some of the historical sites particularly the Old State House. There weren't many of us there as it was winter time - really just 4 of us in the museum including the tour guide. I tried to listen though I have done the tour before and occasionally nod when the guide said something to encourage her and let her know that at least one person was listening to her talk.

Apple and Pomegranate Upside Down Cake

It's the season for baking and I simply cannot resist making another holiday cake! I have this tried and tested recipe for Upside Down Cake that I have made many times over with various fruits and they always come out great. Last year, I made the Cranberry Upside Down Cake which not only looks gorgeous it's also truly scrumptious. I thought for a change that I will experiment with Apples - however that would feel more like an autumn cake rather than a Christmas one. To add in the festive red color of Christmas, I decided to sprinkle/dot the base of the cake with pomegranate seeds - after all - pomegranates are quintessential winter fruits that appear on our groceries just before the Christmas season.

Scrumptious Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard Sauce

This Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard Sauce does not need much introduction. It is a show-stopper, indeed. So pretty to look at - my hubby says it looks like it came from a Patisserie! When you make it you are sure to impress your guests and they will think you really fussed over it. It's not really difficult (you don't even need a mixer though you may use one for convenience) and it's guaranteed to please apple lovers and even those who may not care much for them. This fall season this delicious cake has become our family's new favorite sweet treat - after all, I already made this 3 times and looks like I will be making this some more! :-)

Tinolang Manok (Opo Squash and Ginger Chicken Soup)

Nowadays, we are trying to eat a little healthier than usual (with occasional sweet treats of course!) and so I have decided to look back on my heritage to try and make more Filipino style dishes that are both nutritionally more beneficial and flavorful, too. In the Tagalog Region, where my little island belong, a lot of our food are soup-based - with veggies and meat added in and lots of garlic, onion, tomatoes and ginger added for flavor!

Apple and Lime Green Smoothie

This week I have started a Detox Diet using Dr. Oz' 3 Day Detox Cleanse. It's all liquid for three days and am now surviving :-) my second day. Amazingly, I didn't feel as hungry as I thought I would be though caffeine withdrawal did give me some headache. And I must say it's quite a challenge not to want to chew on food especially when I see a lot of yummy food everywhere! :-)

Baked Apples in White Wine (Mele al forno)

Ever since I made the Baked Pears in white wine recipe, I have been quite in-love with fruits baked in wine! They are a great way to make fruity desserts that are relatively lower in fat than those which are bathed in cream and sugar. It's truly delicious, too!

This time I tried using apples instead of pears and I baked them in a spiced wine sauce - Italian style!

Sweet-Tart Apple Walnut Salad

In winter, it can be difficult to eat well. The cold weather almost makes you want to reach out to whatever is nearby and that may not be necessarily a healthy snack but since it's sitting on the counter top or looking at you when you open the fridge, it's so easy to grab them and let go! But since the cold weather brings a lot of sickness and bugs and viruses, it's important to keep yourself healthy and assist your body in fighting infections. While there is no cure-all for the common cold you can certainly help your immune system by eating right. And greens are always good for you!

Thankfully, we can still find salad greens around the supermarket and some of them are organic and pre-packed. I actually found this recipe at the back of the package of one of those pre-packed salads. I thought it sounded great so I adapted it. It was wonderful! Now who can say, salads can't be delish? Add some lovely fruits, a little nuts and sprinkle with cheese - voila and you have a salad that's easy to prepare and scrumptious too! Serve it with your favorite dressing though my honey and I love a simple Balsamic Vinaigrette with it (he makes his own version though we always have a bottle handy for days when you don't have time to whip up one!). Have a great lunch!

Ingredients

1 pack or bag (5-6 oz) of Three-lettuce salad blend (baby red leaf, baby green or red romaine or little gem lettuce combos, etc) or make your own combo
2 medium Gala apples, cored and sliced
3/4 cup or 3 oz, chopped Walnuts
1/3 cup craisins or raisins
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (homemade* or store-bought)
1/2-3/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

This is how my husband makes his simple Balsamic Vinaigrette - Mix together 2 Tablespoons each of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. He doesn't sweeten it at all but if you wish add - 1/2-1 Tablespoon (or to taste) of honey or maple or even agave nectar as sweetener. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Procedure

In a large salad bowl combine the lettuces, apples, walnuts and craisins/raisins. Gently toss together to mix well. Sprinkle the Feta cheese on top. Drizzle with the Balsamic Vinagrette and mix gently. Serve immediately.

 

Next time I will try crumbled Bleu Cheese with it and also add some green or red grapes! Oh yum!

 



 

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Spiced Applesauce Cake

I love to experiment on making bread and cakes that are low-fat and yet without having to sacrifice on taste. Sometimes, low-fat baked products can be like that - low-fat, yes, but tasteless, too or overly sweet to compensate for the lack of fat. Surely, there must be a way where you can still produce a lighter version of a bread or cake but without having to miss its delicious taste. I know it's possible because I have one recipe that has no oil or butter in it and yet still comes out as amazingly delicious - my Apple Praline Bread. Proof? It's the second most popular recipe in Manila Spoon and those who have made it have given me great feedback that they simply loved it!

With this in mind, instead of using fresh apples I decided to try using Applesauce (saves me time as well in chopping and peeling apples especially if I use the store-bought one!) paired with Greek yogurt to add flavor and moisture to the cake. To add more texture, extra crunch and nuttiness - I also added some chopped walnuts to the mix and to make it even better have thrown in some raisins for good measure. Of course, I don't want to fail to mention that all the lovely spices added also give the cake another flavor dimension that shines but does not overpower. I was happy with the overall result. It was moist and flavorful (and the nuts and raisins really worked well!).

Now, if you want a more cake-like texture, feel free to use butter or oil instead of the yogurt. But if it's a healthier and lower-fat version that you like then the Greek yogurt addition is for you! I love this with tea and I think it's great as well paired with your early morning coffee.



Can you see all the lovely nuts and raisins above? I think these make the cake really tasty! Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup unsweetened Applesauce
1/2 cup greek yogurt (regular or low-fat version)*
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (add an extra 1/8-1/4 cup if you want it really sweet)
1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
3/4 cup or 3oz chopped walnuts
1/2-3/4 cup raisins
Confectioners' (icing) sugar for dusting

*If you prefer the regular cake version, you can use  1/2 cup butter (softened or room temp) instead of the yogurt.

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a round cake pan with a non-stick spray. You may also use a loaf pan if you prefer.

Whisk or sift together all the dry ingredients (flour, leavening agents, spices and salt). Set aside.

Using medium speed on an electric mixer, beat together the eggs, applesauce and yogurt until well combined. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract (if using) and continue to beat just until everything is mixed well.

If opting to use butter instead, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add the applesauce, yogurt and vanilla extract (if using) and continue to beat just until it's incorporated.

Turn speed to low and carefully add in the dry ingredients. Scrape the sides with a spatula as you add the flour. Beat just until combined. Do not overbeat. Stop the mixer. Fold in the walnuts and raisins.

Pour the batter into a round cake pan or a loaf pan.  Bake for about 40-45 mins (in a round cake pan - probably 50 minutes or so in a loaf pan) or until a tester comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging to it. Cool for about 20 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a serving plate and dust with icing sugar, if desired. I love having a slice while it's still warm and with a cup of tea. If you're not watching calories - serve warm with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top! Delish!

It will keep for a few days provided you store it in a tightly closed container or tupperware so it doesn't dry out. Have a slice with your favorite tea or coffee and it's wonderful with some butter spread on it, too!

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Apple Praline Bread

Last year, I was reading the local newspaper (Holland Sentinel) when I chanced upon this lovely bread recipe. It was the winner for the Apple Recipe Contest sponsored by the Downtown Holland Magazine, a publication of the Holland Sentinel. Upon reading it, I knew I just had to try it. It was such a delicious  recipe. The praline topping with crunchy nuts and buttery sauce is totally divine. If only to taste the topping, you gotta make this. Surely, this has become our favorite fall bread.

This recipe was adapted from the Apple-Praline Bread Recipe from the Holland Sentinel.

 

 Ingredients

1 cup sour cream or yogurt                        

1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups baking apples or 2 small-medium ones (sweet-tart variety is great for this), peeled and finely chopped
1 cup nuts (walnut or pecan or a combo), divided

For the praline sauce:

¼-1/2  cup brown sugar and ¼-1/2 cup butter 

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a  9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat together the sour cream/yogurt, sugar, eggs and vanilla on low speed for a couple of minutes until well blended.

Stop the mixer and then add in the flour, leavening agents and salt. Continue to beat on low until well combined.

Fold in the apples and half the nuts into the batter. The apples here still look big as this was my first attempt but then the second time around, I chopped them finely so the bread is easier to cut (not breaking apart) once it has cooled down.

Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan.

Sprinkle the rest of the nuts on top and then press them lightly into the batter. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in the loaf pan for about 20-30 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. So it doesn't get too dark, I suggest using a light colored loaf pan.


For the praline sauce:

In a small sauce pan,  place the butter and brown sugar. Using medium heat, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and then simmer lightly for about one minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and then drizzle over the bread. Cool completely.

What a lovely fall bread! 

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Psalm 46:1-4

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4