Simply Decadent Owner

Simply Decadent Owner
Hey, It's me, Tawnya

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Branching out a bit....

We have been asked quite a few times over the last few years if we do any cooking classes. We always just say that we've thought about it, but really haven't gotten much farther than that. With a new restaurant and a catering business that is quickly growing we weren't sure we could do it. Well, we have decided that we have had enough requests that we would like to branch out and do a little teaching. I have had quite a few suggestions as to what kind of classes and curriculum we should have. Some say casseroles, salads, baking and sauces. Others say how to prepare meat and then make a few sides for a nice put together meal. Well, I would like to have some suggestions from everyone out there. What do you all think? I would like to get a cookbook for them to follow so they have something to take away with them. I love suggestions and I can even take constructive critisism if necessary, so bring it on everyone. I want to give my students the best that I can.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Best Most Wonderful Pumpkin Muffins Ever!!!

I think these have to be the best pumpkin muffins I have ever eaten. They are moist and have the most delicious streusel topping.....mmmmm

Pumpkin Muffins

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup butter crisco
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cream brown sugar and crisco. Beat in eggs. Add canned pumpkin and milk. Mix. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cloves and cinnamon. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Mix well. Apply streusel to tops of muffins. Bake at 350 for approximately 30-35 minutes. (For Jumbo Muffins)

Streusel:
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp melted butter
Mix well and put on top of muffins before baking.

This recipe makes 6 jumbo muffins or 12 standard size. Double to make 12 jumbo or 24 standard. I usually always double and I always make standard size. I also do not use muffin liners, I grease my muffin tins with crisco.

Delicious Caramel Dreaminess

Found this bar recipe a few months ago and can't stop making it, better yet, I can't stop eating it. They are just dreamy!

Caramel Pecan Bars

2 cups butter, cubed
4 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
4 cups chopped pecans
In a large saucepan, heat butter and brown sugar over medium heat until butter and brown sugar are dissolved. In a small mixing bowl beat the eggs, vanilla and butter mixture. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans.
Spread into a greased and parchment lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out with moist crumbs and edges are crisp. Cool on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and cut into bars.

About Me

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Brazil, Indiana, United States
I have a restaurant in Brazil, Indiana named Simply Decadent Cafe & Catering. I also do full event catering along with wedding/party planning. I must admit I am horribly addicted to coffee and wild cherry diet pepsi along with chocolate. I love listening to my MP3 player while I cook and have been known to dance around the kitchen a little. Have to make the kitchen fun don't we? I don't have any formal kitchen training, but have learned a lot over the years from a few fantastic cooks, my grandma being one of them. I love trying new recipes and my customers are always willing to be my taste testers.

Sigma Kappa Party

Sigma Kappa Party
Dessert Buffet