Cinnamon-Scented Roasted Chicken with Apples

In a review of a recipe from one of the giveaway prizes....

CINNAMON-SCENTED ROASTED CHICKEN
with APPLES

3 red apples, sliced
2 tblsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (3-1/4 to 2-1/2 lb) whole chicken

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Spread apples out on a baking pan.
• Combine butter, orange zest, cinnamon, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Wash chicken and blot dry. Using poultry shear or knife, remove the backbone of the chicken. Place the chicken split-side down on the apples.
• Rub 1/2 the butter mixture on the chicken underneath the skin, and then rub the remaining butter mixture over top of the skin.
• Roast the chicken until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F, about 40 minutes [I had to cook it more like 60 minutes].
• Tent the chicken to keep warm and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Cut chicken into pieces and serve with apples and the juices.

This recipe can be found in this amazing cookbook:

And don't miss a chance to enter this amazing giveaway! SOOOO many ways to enter!

OXO Cookie Press

As part of the fabulous giveaway, OXO sent a few of us their cookie press to try out and to create a recipe to share with all our wonderful readers.

My first impression (to be honest here) I was was a little bummed they sent a cookie press. I have one already, another popular name brand. And I wasn't that fond of the brand either...so I put it in the back of my cabinet and haven't used it since. So getting the OXO cookie press, I knew I had to create a cookie, as we promised on receiving their product. (So I did!)

First of all, I absolutely loved seeing all the different shapes that came with the basic set, but they also sent an additional case with more shapes....talk about SWEET! The kit came with a little instructional booklet that had a few recipes in the back. Out of experience, I knew I had to stick to something close to those to make sure the cookies kept their shape after being pressed on the pan. Kinda like making sure you use a good shortbread cookie recipe for cookie cutters.

So I dove into the kitchen and came up with a simple solution. I used the provided "Butter Cookie" recipe and then ADDED a kool-aid packet to change up the flavor. It worked! And there are SO many options! [recipe posted below]

After making the dough came the cookie press. I loved how easily the device came apart and together, and there wasn't any tiny pieces to try to keep up with. The entire device was very simple, easy to use. The shape disks were the winners here....the "other" cookie press disks had angled holes so it had to go in the press the right way otherwise it was all a mess. OXO created theirs without having to worry about that. (except the "words" disks...but those are easy to figure out which way to put in in order for it not to come out backwards) So that is definitely a plus!!

The device was so easy to "load" and then to use. Every single "click" there is a cookie. Its actually a really cool device, and so many options and designs to choose from. And however not all the parts are dish-washer safe, the "major" playing components are. But it was easy enough to clean by hand that I didn't need to stick it in the washer anyway.

So over all, I LOVE this cookie press. The other one I have is going to the thrift store. There are so many different flavor combinations I want to try, so it will be on my counter for a while. But here is the recipe from the booklet plus the koolaid pouch.

BUTTER COOKIES

   

1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, at room temp
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet kool-aid, your choice of flavor [I used black cherry! yum!]

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, continuously beating. Beat in kool-aid packet until well blended.
• Gradually add flour, beating until well incorporated.
• Place dough in cookie press with desired disk. Press dough out onto an ungreased baking sheet.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges. Rotate baking sheet halfway through baking time. [I didn't, and they still turned out fine!]

My favorite disk was the rose one! Add sprinkles before putting them in the oven for a special touch!

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET 

A COOKIE PRESS FOR FREE!

A Loving Giveaway (Feb 7th-14th)

Welcome to A Loving Giveaway!

Hosted by:

Ground Beef Budget, Cookin' for my Captain, Noshing With The Nolands, Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends, and Knead to Cook.

Five Bloggers have come together to bring you one huge giveaway! Below you will find 10 wonderful Gifts, for 10 lucky winners! We have a diverse assortment of goodies, so we are sure you will find something you want to win! US Residents only (sorry!).

Prize #1

Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking $9.99 US Yankee Publishing Inc.

Prize #2

Noshing With The Nolands Apron $28.95

Prize #3

Silpain Half Size, Measuring 11 5/8 by 16½ inches, $26.70 US

Prize #4

One case of single serving Chobani yogurt $15.00

Prize #5

Taste of Treme Cookbook $21.95 US Ulysses Press

Prize #6

Savory Pies Cookbook $16.95 US Ulysses Press

Prize #7

Fresh and Healthy Dash Diet Cooking Cookbook $17.95 US Ulysses Press

Prize #8

OXO Cookie Press $29.99 US

Prize #9

$25 Walmart Gift Card

Prize #10

$50 Williams Sonoma Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway starts 2/7/13 at 12:01 AM, and ends 2/15/13 at 12:01 AM.

All of the prizes are listed on the Rafflecopter form below, and all winners will be chosen at random. Entering the giveaway qualifies you to win any of the prizes. There is not a way to enter to win a specific prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway Mandatory Entry must be completed, or all optional entries will be rendered invalid. The number of eligible entries received, determines the odds of winning. By entering, you are giving permission to use your email to contact you in regards to prizes. Your information will be protected and never shared. Giveaway is open to US residents only. All entries will be verified. Winner will be selected in a random drawing. Winner will be notified by email, and have 24 hours to respond with shipping information. If no response after 24 hours, a new winner will be selected. The winners of this contest will be announced within 14 days after the contest end date. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or in associated with Twitter, Facebook or any other entity unless otherwise specified. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Disclosure: All prize shipments will be handled independently by the contributors and/or sponsors.

Wordless Wednesday {linky}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

The little Elf on the Shelf has become a huge sensation this year. We started our Elf, MARKLE, a couple years ago, and he has gotten into many funny situations! Here are a few of my favorites from the past!

See more of his mischief by clicking any of the pictures. =)

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Don't forget to enter the fabulous 2012 Holiday Gift Extravaganza!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Please follow Cookin' for my Captain via GFC, FaceBook or Networks Blog!

~Leave a comment if you're a new follower, so I can return the follow!
~Grab the WW button if you want to...

...and add your "Wordless Wednesdays" up below!

Wordless Wednesday [w/ LINKY]

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (w/ LINKY)
NEW FOSTER BABIES

A litter of 4 kittens came to the shelter. They've had no human interaction, but are young enough to learn that humans aren't so scary. They are about 5 weeks old, 2 males and 2 females. I took 2 of them and my friend and other foster-mommy took the other 2.

Her's are "Nick" & "Noel"

These are my babies: "Holly" & "Jolly"

Holly

Jolly

Don't miss this amazing giveaway going on right now! So many prizes and SOOO many ways to enter!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Please follow Cookin' for my Captain via GFC, FaceBook or Networks Blog!

~Leave a comment if you're a new follower, so I can return the follow!
~Grab the WW button if you want to...

...and add your "Wordless Wednesdays" up below!

2012 Holiday Gift Extravaganza!

I've had the pleasure to participate in this fabulous giveaway going on this week! We have a ton of gifts and a few from sponsors that I've had on my blog recently. I'm really excited to share this! Good Luck!

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Extravaganza!

Hosted by:

Ground Beef Budget, In The Kitchen With KP, Cookin' for my Captain, Noshing With The Nolands, Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends, Knead to Cook, Shawn's Plate, StuckAtHomeMom.com, and The Giveaway Gals!

Nine Bloggers have come together to bring you one huge giveaway! Below you will find 18 wonderful Holiday Gifts, for 18 lucky winners! Black Friday may have their sales and discounts, but these awesome deals are FREE! We have a diverse assortment of goodies, so we are sure you will find something you want to win! To get the party started, we are giving away five different cookbooks. Anyone loving Italian food knows Lidia of Lidia's Italy. We have one copy of Lidia's Favorite Recipes Cookbook, ARV $24.95 .   We have one copy of the Gooseberry Patch Cookbook -The Christmas Table, ARV $16.95.   We have one copy of the Gooseberry Patch Cookbook - Quick and Easy Christmas, ARV $16.95. Both Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. You can see more information about Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.   Next we have one copy of the Holiday Slow Cooker Cookbook, ARV $15.95. A great gift for that crock pot chef on your gift list.   Out final cookbook we are giving away is The I Love Trader Joe's Vegetarian Cookbook, ARV $17.95. Who doesn't love their veggies?   As food bloggers, we needed to share some incredibly yummy gourmet treats you don't want to miss! Up first, we have the set of one 16 oz jar of Mixed Hot Pepper Rings, and one 16 oz jar of Hot Pickled Garlic from The Carolina Sauce Company.   Next we are sharing a set of 3 savory teas from Millie's Savory Teas. You can see more information about Millies Savory Teas on Facebook.   Maybe some sassy assorted sauces and flavored mustards from Saucy Mama are the treat you really want to win! You can find more information about Saucy Mama on Facebook.   We love sharing these sweet gift cards! Who doesn't love a gift card to buy what you really want, or use it as a gift for that hard to buy for cousin.

one $25 Home Goods gift card

one $25 Walmart gift card

 

one $25 e-gift certificate for www.igourmet.com, US residents only

  Our Foodie Blogger group giveaway would not be complete without including some must have kitchen items. We have one Silpat half sheet baking mat.   Next up, one Noshing With The Nolands Apron, ARV retail $28.95 (Canadian). A great item that will keep your holiday clothes spot free while you cook.   One Christmas Theme Flour Sack Towel, ARV $12.00 from Sweet Bohemian Life, kathryngreenwald.etsy.com, www.sweetbohemianlife.etsy.com   Key Candles lovely Evergreen Soy Tealights. The tealights are handmade from soy and paper-core wicks. They have a creamy green color and they smell like evergreen trees. Perfect scent for the upcoming holiday season.   A set of 2 Nelons CD's brought to you by The Nelons. An Evening In December (pre-release) & Come On Home - New Release, ARV $29.98 will surely get your guests in the holiday spirit during your next get together.

Mott's Clamato Prize Pack - 5 clamato drinking glasses, 4 coupons, clamato branded plastic ice tub, rimming tray, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and Mott’s Clamato Caesar rimmer. This will certainly make your next brunch a smashing success!

And finally our GRAND PRIZE!

A fabulous breakfast bonanza from Torill's Table! Chef's Choice Waffle Iron ARV $85, three Waffle Mixes ARV $9.95 each, Ladle ARV $4.99, and Whip ARV $7.99. This set will go to one winner. Can't you just smell the baking goodness and maple syrup?

Giveaway starts 11/26/12 at 12:01 AM, and ends 12/06/12 at 12:01 AM.

All of the prizes are listed on the Rafflecopter form below, and all winners will be chosen at random. Entering the giveaway qualifies you to win any of the prizes. There is not a way to enter to win a specific prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway Mandatory Entry must be completed, or all optional entries will be rendered invalid. The number of eligible entries received, determines the odds of winning. By entering, you are giving permission to use your email to contact you in regards to prizes. Your information will be protected and never shared. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. All entries will be verified. Winner will be selected in a random drawing. Winner will be notified by email, and have 24 hours to respond with shipping information. If no response after 24 hours, a new winner will be selected. The winners of this contest will be announced within 14 days after the contest end date. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or in associated with Twitter, Facebook or any other entity unless otherwise specified. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Disclosure: All prize shipments will be handled independently by the contributors and/or sponsors.