My version of Chef Billy Parisi’s Apple Cake

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Apple Cake Recipe with Oatmeal Streusel

This looked so fabulous to me this morning, so I decided I would give it a try. As I began to gather the ingredients, I realized this was going to be a typical Deana baking fiasco.

I love to cook, I just don’t like to shop. When I want to make something, and I am missing a few ingredients, I scour my cupboards and frig for substitutions that will suffice. Sometimes (most times) I add extra things that I like. Once in a while it works, and today was no exception. Billy‘s recipe calls for sour cream, of which I had none, so I pulled out my last lemon cream pie yogurt. Have you seen the prices on Honey Crisp Apples?  Highway robbery! 2 Gala’s and 1 Granny Smith would have to do. I didn’t have Almond meal for the streusel, but I did have Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods Flax seed meal, and thought the nutty favor would be perfect.

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I had planned on making a batch of granola today, but I didn’t have enough oats for that so the whole oats, shredded coconut and pecan halves all went into the streusel instead.

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I always have self-rising flour in stock, so I used that in place of the all purpose four and baking powder. I left the salt out too, since I had bought salted butter to make rice krispies treats. The batter came out so rich and creamy!

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I greased the cast iron dutch oven with coconut oil, and spooned the thick batter into the pot. I had the streusel ready, and crumbled it over the top, completely covering the batter.

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I baked it at 350 for 30 minutes before I checked the batter, and it was not done. i put 10 more minutes on the timer and checked it again, still not done, but after another 10 minutes, I took it out and let it rest on the stove. For that final 20 minutes, I  put my flat cast iron skillet under the dutch over,  because I was worried that the bottom would over cook.

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It turned out perfect, I was a little surprised, actually. The topping was perfectly toasted and crunchy & delicious. The bread of the cake was so moist and soft and perfectly cooked. the bottom was not burned! Yeah 🙂 It turned out so good! The one thing I didn’t make was the caramel drizzle and I didn’t have ice cream, but it was still delicious, and there’s lots left and the weekend’s not over yet 😉

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Please visit Billy’s website for the complete recipe: http://www.billyparisi.com/apple-cake-recipe-oatmeal-streusel/

Like Billy Parisi’s Facebook to see his posts!

This cake is definitely Holiday Gift-Worthy. Make up the caramel sauce, and put it n a pretty little jar with a ribbon and the recipe on a card. Viola! Merry Christmas ❤

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Salsa Fresco

A thirty minute drive from Pecos, is the tiny town of Coyanosa. There’s not much there, but if you’ve ever heard of the Famous Pecos Cantaloupes, that’s where they come from! There used to be just a road-side stand, but now they have a big brick Farmers Market. Several varieties of watermelons, melons, onions, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and even honey are available. You better hurry if you want Okra, because it goes fast! We bought a watermelon, an Israel Melon, a bag of Red Onions, a bag of tomatoes, a bag of Long Green Chili, a bag of jalapenos, and two cantaloupes. We’ve been eating fresh salsa all day 🙂

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If you ever get out to West Texas, be sure to stop by https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mandujano-Brothers-Produce/110654835624738?fref=ts

CAN YOU PICTURE THIS?

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i JUST LOVE THIS IDEA FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY!

An old picture frame will do unless you want to make your own. My

sister-in-law came home to a surprise party her girls whipped up for

her. They strung rope and used wooden clothes pins to hold the photos.

One photo, of which, she immediately took down! We all have that one

school picture we reaaaally don’t like! Awww the awkward years 🙂

This idea would be good for so many other occasions too: Country Wedding,

Family Reunion, Anniversary Party, Sweet 16, even the Office Christmas Party!

Had To Share 🙂

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I Love Fall Colors!

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Can you think of anything more wonderful than the aroma of New Mexico Green Chili roasting?

The smell is heavenly and the color is fantastic! Fall is my favorite time of year ❤

I roasted these babies in my hubby’s BBQ pit on a lovely day last Fall. Once they’re nicely toasted I douse them in cold water so the skins come off easier and they’re not so hot to handle. Quart-size zip lock bags are the perfect storage compartment until it’s time for you’re favorite recipe. Roasted long green chili keep well in the freezer. When your recipe calls for green chili, take them from the freezer, slice, dice or stuff ’em and enjoy a little taste of The Land of Enchantment!