Mix It Up With Jenny

Mix It Up With Jenny

It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Senior Culinary Specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

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Turn On Autumn Aromas

(Family Features) With autumn's arrival, my cooking takes on a new personality. Crisp, cool air and falling leaves propel me into the kitchen, where I enjoy creating tempting, seasonal aromas of cinnamon, apple and butterscotch.

These universally-appealing flavors say "fall" like nothing else. And autumn-inspired treats help make fall memorable. During this colorful season, I love to attend craft fairs and seasonal festivals with my family. Picking out a pumpkin to carve, or coming home with some apple cider and a bushel of apples are favorite activities that are topped off with something homemade from my oven.

Show off your baking talents with either of these recipes-perfect for a post-football game gathering, or to offer at a potluck or bake sale. www.VeryBestBaking.com

Warm and Yummy Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cobbler

(Makes about 15, 1/2 cup servings)

Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cobbler

2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
1 pkg. (16.5 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Refrigerated Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bar Dough
Vanilla Dreyer's Or Edy's Slow Churned Light Ice Cream or whipped topping (optional)

PREHEAT oven to 375º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish or pan.

SPOON pie filling into dish. Crumble cookie dough over pie filling.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is golden brown and edge is bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping, if desired.

TIP: 2 cans (20 ounces each) light or no-sugar added apple pie filling can be substituted for the regular apple pie filling.

Nutrition Information per serving: 210 calories; 45 calories from fat; 5 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 150 mg sodium; 40 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 22 g sugars; 2 g protein

Chocolate Nut Bread

Chocolate Nut Bread

(Makes 24 slices/ 12 slices per loaf

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk 2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

 

COMBINE flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine eggs, milk and vegetable oil in medium bowl. Add to flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pans.

BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool on wire racks.

TIP: If you are looking for even more chocolate flavor, try drizzling the cooled loaves with chocolate! Microwave 1/2 cup semi-sweet morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; knead bag to mix. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of bag; squeeze to drizzle over bread.

Nutrition Information per serving: 280 calories; 130 calories from fat; 15 g total fat; 3.5 g saturated fat; 20 mg cholesterol; 290 mg sodium; 33 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 15 g sugars; 5 g protein

Courtesy of Family Features
Source: Nestlé