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{The Pioneer Woman Cooks Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie}

January 8, 2013

 If you are trying to stick to a New Year’s resolution-close your eyes!

This yummy recipe is 100% divine.

I made this fantastic pie for New Year’s Eve.

I could have devoured the whole pie all by myself.

I will have to say the best way to describe the filling is

as Reese’s Pieces.

I have been watching Pioneer Woman Cook’s since its inception

on the Food Network.

I enjoy everything about the show.

I often think it would be very dreamy to leave

this suburban life behind and live on

a ranch with my kids and cook too!

A couple months ago her show aired this Recipe.

Over time I purchased the ingredients and had them stocked up

in my pantry and fridge.

I kept finding excuses {such as trying to be good} to not make this pie.

There are certain recipes I know from the get go that I will have

a problem with and that I will want to eat the whole thing.

So when asked to bring a dessert to New Year’s I thought

this would be a success.

Not to mention I wanted to get rid of one of our two boxes of Trader Joe’s,

Joe’s Joe’s, and yes I used ones from Halloween,

but as the recipe indicates the cream part blends perfectly well.

Throw 25 of these babies into a food processor

{Love these little jack o’ lanterns}

Pulse the sandwich cookies until the cream is fully incorporated into the crumbs.

Just when you thought it was safe to open your eyes,

remove the crumbs and place into a bowl and pour

melted butter over the crumbs and mix together.

Yummy!!!!

This is the base for your pie crust.

Place the pie crust mixture in a pie pan.

 Pioneer Woman says to use the bottom of a measure cup

to flatten it out into the pan,

but I found clean hands seemed to work better.

Place the pie crust in the oven at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes.

While this is baking, the filling can be put together.

I did change out this part of the recipe with reduced fat products.

I used lite cool whip, reduced fat peanut butter,

and 1/3 less fat cream cheese.

I was trying to be somewhat good {wink, wink}

I mixed these products one by one in my mixer.

Mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated and smooth.

Try not to eat this all before its made it into the pie!

Then gently pile on the filling unto the pie crust.

Place into the fridge for 2 hours or until ready to serve.

If you love peanut butter,

this pie is for you.

Its gooey, rich, and chocolaty.

The perfect pie for any day,

or better yet……

Valentine’s is just around the corner.

The perfect way to wow the one you love.

Enjoy!

Filed Under: Food

My Favorite Pasta Recipe

December 12, 2012

Once I am finished with this Blog post, the secret will be out……

my “go to” dish that I love to make and re-create will be a known recipe.

I know we all have one that we make and it’s better each and every time we have it.

It’s a simple one, of course, it’s one I love to make when we have last minute

guests or just because we have all the ingredients that go with it.

This pasta goes extremely well with WINE {smile and heart}.

A red is best, but if you add in an extra dash of red pepper flakes,

then white can taste fantastic with it.

I found this recipe????

To be honest…  I can’t remember its been almost 10 years.

It was during the newlywed phase in my life where I was trying to find

any recipe that was homemade to make my hubby happy

{my Mother-In-Law is an incredible cook from the midwest}.

So it was a bit hard cooking in the beginning.

My husband did not think it was so funny the couple

times I had thought cheese and crackers would be plenty for dinner.

I had gone from living with my girlfriends and enjoying our marathon runs of,

Sex and the City with wine and cheese for dinner.

When I came across this recipe I thought it was quick and it looked very homey.

{Even better it was Italian, as I think I was one in my past life…wink.}

Here is what you need:

* 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

* 2 cloves of chopped garlic

* 1/2 cup shredded/grated Parmesan Cheese

* 1/2 pound to 3/4 pound of pasta {penne works best}

* 1 pound of sausage {I use Chicken Sicilian or Chicken Italian}

{My favorite is the kind from Trader Joe’s}

* 1 lb to 2 lbs or crates of cherry or grape tomatoes

* Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

I first chop up the cloves of garlic, as well as cut the tomatoes in half.

I prefer to use part cherry plus heirlooms when in season.

Then boil some water and cook the pasta for about 7-9 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage.

First remove the casings before cooking the sausage.

{Use a large pot such as a dutch oven as the whole meal will eventually cook in the pot.}

I like to cook my sausage so that it is very brown.

Once the sausage is fully cooked,

place a paper towel down on a plate and place the sausage on top.

Then dump in the olive oil and garlic.

{These brown bits from the sausage are key…they help flavor the sauce}

Cook the garlic until slightly brown, then add the tomatoes.

Sprinkle in some salt to taste and few big dashes of red pepper flakes.

Cook and stir this mixture until the tomatoes have popped,

and a sauce has been made {5-8 minutes}.

After you have completed the sauce portion you add back in the sausages and pasta.

Once all the components are added back in,

sprinkle in the parmesan cheese until fully melted.

There you have it…..my favorite Pasta Recipe!

Hope you like it!

Enjoy it with a lovely side salad or oven baked kale with garlic,

and of course don’t forget your wine! {wink, wink}

Filed Under: Food

Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Ball

December 4, 2012

Next week I have a wonderful girls night to attend.

My friend puts on a “Favorite Things” party for her friends.

It is a wonderful night… it definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit

{details, to follow after the event, don’t want to spoil favorite thing…shhh!}

Usually there is a large turn out.

A few of us offer to help with the appetizers.

My easy go to, and a huge crowd-pleaser is:

“Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Cheese Ball.”

{I know its not the actual picture as it is in preparation for next week.}

 This dessert tastes like Heaven, well if Heaven could be consumed.

This recipe was passed down by a lovely lady that is part family in my book,

Debbie Rock aka, “Miss Dixie” as I believe she must have some

“Southern Roots” somewhere in her lineage {smile wink}.

She has taught me a thing or two about entertaining.

This happens to be one her recipes that she has taken a liking to along the way.

Here is the recipe:

{Please don’t judge in regards to what goes in this magnificent ball}.

Caution!!

If anyone asks whats in it, don’t tell, as no one’s thighs need to know!!

Ingredients:

{Again keep to yourself and close your eyes}

* 8 ounces of block cream cheese-I use 1/3 less to feel better about it

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

*1/4 teaspoon vanilla

* 3/4 cup powdered sugar

* 2 tablespoons brown sugar

* 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

* 3/4 pecans

Mix together all ingredients except for the pecans.

Mold into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Place in the fridge for 2 hours.

When you are ready to serve, take it out and roll the ball in the pecans.

Serve with chocolate, regular, or mini graham crackers.

I love to place this beauty on one of these:

{Photo via Anthropologie}

Along side some of these refreshments:

{Photos via Pinterest}

Now that looks fabulous!

{I need to have a party!}

Enjoy!

Filed Under: Food

Food and Wine Pairings

November 30, 2012

Its hard to be creative when bringing a host/hostess gift to an event.

May it be a dinner, a girls get together, or just a friendly gift in general,

I know that I am always thinking of what to get.  Usually my go to for a social event is wine.

{Not too much as one must be a lady at all times, wink wink}.

More often than not the host/hostess will enjoy it and or will use if at the event.

Luckily, I am blessed with a neighbor that is in the wine industry.

Steve Thomas, {Vice President of National and Retail Sales} of Vintage Point, “Partners in Wine”.

His company represents quite a few labels.  It is a smaller company so they are able to focus

on independent wine producers and the specialty trade that supports them.

With such a wealth of knowledge living across the street,

I thought “Bingo“,  Steve would be a wonderful resource for the holiday season.

The perfect person to find out which wines to pair with food.

Of course the wines that he suggested are the wonderful ones he represents.

They are all incredibly grand and taste worthy.

I have purchased quite a few of them over the years,

as well as I have been a guinea pig trying a few of them out.

{Oh no don’t twist my arm}

Now with not much ado, here are his suggestions:

A dinner party and or appetizer party must start off with a good luck toast,

Luna Pinot Grigio, pairs well with most appetizers and or a great way to start ones palate off.

Hints of Asian spice full-bodied texture carry through a delicious lemony finish from the Albarino grape.

{Photo via Luna Vineyards}

***Steve’s wine suggestion for cheese and crackers and the possible inclusion of prawns:

BR Cohn “Napa Valley” Grieve Family Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v,

Gary Farrell “Sonoma County” Russian River Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v.

{Photo via Gary Farrell Winery}

Both wines have notes of honey and vanilla and varietal fruit.

Light and crisp, perfect for an appetizer event!

***Steve’s great suggestion for chicken and or poultry would be a bold.

 Earthy and buttery tones that go well with a poultry dish such as:

Creamy chicken and risotto.

His Chardonnay choices are Garnet “Sonoma Coast”, and Educated Guess, Napa Valley.

{Photo via Educated Guess}

Pinot Noir’s blend wonderfully with salmon or turkey.

His suggestions are, Garnet “Carneros” Pinot Noior-2010 v,

Gary Farrell’s “Sonoma” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir-2010 v.

***Steve recommends for a heavy meat dish such as steak,

a bold Cabernet Sauvignon is good choice to pair with such a meal.

The wines that would be a fantastic choice are:

Educated Guess “Napa Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon 2010-v,

Hidden Ridge “Sonoma County” Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007-v.

Ending your meal with a dessert or sipping wine can help to round out the meal.

Any of these wines can be presented as hostess gifts.

Pinterest, has some creative gift wrapping ideas for wine.

{Photo via Pinterest}

So the next time you have a gathering to attend to,

 you won’t be full of empty ideas in the wine department.

Happy Holidays!

Filed Under: Food

The Cookie Swap

November 26, 2012

We are exactly four weeks away from Christmas!

It’s hard to believe the holiday is already upon us!

What is it about this season that makes it all seem to go by so fast?

Hopefully you’ve had time to slow down

and really appreciate this wonderful time of year {smile}.

One way to soak up the excitement of the season and spread joy is to host a cookie swap!

It is a festive, yet simple gathering you can plan with a few of your closest friends and family.

the history…

The cookie swap has been around for at least the last 70 years.

It was typically a “ladies only” event hosted by relatives, friends, neighbors,

women’s groups, social clubs, churches and schools.

Ladies would make cookies to share and then trade and package them at the party.

the basics…

{INVITE FRIENDS}

A rule of thumb is to invite double the amount

of guests that you hope to come.

You should plan on mailing invitations,

or emailing them out,

approximately three weeks

in advance {the time is now, my friends}! 

The above image is a darling online

invitation from Pinng!

{CHOOSE & COORDINATE COOKIES}

Each guest makes only one type of cookie

{make sure you coordinate ahead of time

the various types of cookies being made

so that there are no duplicates}.

{GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS}

Each guest brings one dozen cookies per guest

in attendance plus one extra dozen for sampling

{for example… if there are 7 guests total in attendance, each guest brings 8 dozen cookies to share…

if you have more guests than that, feel free to scale back on the amount of cookies}. 

In addition, have each guest bring copies of their recipe to hand out

{you may also want to consider having guests bring a few canned goods to support your local food drive}.

{PREPARE COOKIE DISPLAY}

As the hostess, make sure that you have prepared an area to display the different types of cookies.

Use items like decorative cake stands, trays and plates to hold the cookies in preparation for the swap!

You can also print out cards to present the names of the cookies.

{STOCK PACKAGING MATERIALS}

Prepare an area for packaging the cookies and stock tags, stickers,

ribbons, twine, tissue and cellophane to decorate boxes or paper plates.

You can also ask guests to bring a few of these lovely items.

{Image Via: Dust Jacket Attic}

{FINISHING TOUCHES}

Provide coffee, tea or other drinks along with a few tasty finger foods for guests to enjoy

while sampling, swapping and packaging the cookies!

cookie recipe ideas…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies {Image & Recipe Via: Bakers Royale}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles {Image & Recipe Via: Love and Olive Oil}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salted Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Bars {Image & Recipe Via: Annie’s Eats}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monster Cookie Bars {Image & Recipe Via: Bakers Royale}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thumbprint Cookies {Image & Recipe Via: Martha Stewart – Cookie Swap Favorites}

Filed Under: Food

Ina’s Cranberry Apple Cake

November 19, 2012

It’s no mystery that my little Sophia and I love Ina…

she is afterall the amazing Barefoot Contessa.

I’ve been wanting to try this simple recipe for some time…

{Ina’s Cranberry Apple Cake}

With Thanksgiving approaching,

it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try it out.

The recipe is super easy, and has very basic ingredients with perhaps

the exception of fresh cranberries that you may not have on hand.

{Here is what you need}

* 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems

* 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced

* 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

* 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (2 oranges)

* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

* 1 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

* 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

* 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  * 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

* 1/4 cup sour cream {I actually substituted with unsweetened almond milk}

* 1 cup all-purpose flour

* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

** chopped walnuts {optional, but delicious!}**

{Directions}

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice,

and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment,

beat the eggs on medium-high speed for 2 minutes.

With the mixer on medium, add 1 cup of the granulated sugar,

the butter, vanilla, and sour cream and beat just until combined.

On low speed, slowly add the flour and salt.

Pour the fruit mixture evenly into a 10-inch glass pie plate.

Pour the batter over the fruit, covering it completely.

Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar

and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the batter.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake

comes out clean and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

{Here’s the Scoop}

It’s the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert.

I agree with many of the reviews on food network that it is almost more cobbler-like,

or maybe even a bread pudding consistency.

You won’t believe how good your house smells when it’s baking!

Upon first bite, I instantly could taste bursts of tangy cranberries…

hints of cinnamon and vanilla…

and the taste of fresh orange combined with the tart apples.

It’s the perfect combination of zesty and sweet!

I think you and your guests will LOVE it!

P.S. I may be enjoying this tomorrow morning with a cup of coffee {wink}.

It could totally be considered a delicious coffee cake!

Filed Under: Food

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About

bioSara and Nicole are sorority sisters that simply “happened” to end up in the same small town. They have many things in common, which have set the tone of their blog. They hope that you will join them in their journey of motherhood, dreams that may be, the daily life, and their passion for cooking, yoga, fashion, and design!

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