Cool down with Dunkin' on Cinco de Mayo!!

An awesome invitation to try some sweet sips at participating Broward county Dunkin Donuts! Certain locations will offer guests complimentary frozen and specialty iced beverages from now through June 14.  

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Dunkin' Donuts, America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, will offer a one-day only special of a FREE Small Café con Leche with purchase of a small Café con Leche. (participating Dunkin’ Donut locations from Miami through the Treasure coast**see coupon below**)

Sampling will continue from Monday, May 7- Thursday, June 14 from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

CoolDDown Sampling will take place at the following Dunkin’ Donuts locations:


·      7135 W. McNab Rd., North Lauderdale, FL 33068
·         9901 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
·         2770 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33069
·         5141 South University Drive, Davie, FL 33328
·         12397 Sheridan Street, Cooper City, FL 33026
·         9121 Pembroke Rd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
·         7003 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024
·         7125 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313

Maple, Caramel Sea-Salt Blondies

This is a crowd pleasing, home-run treat. There is a little bit of everything- the salt, the sweet, the chocolate- all in one. Although there seems to be several steps to making these Blondies, this really is, quite an easy recipe to make. It is a whip-it-up kind of dessert.

This recipe is for a substantially sized batch. You can adjust the amounts depending on how many you would like to serve. This bacth will yield about 25 blondies.

Ingredients:

3 sticks melted butter
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon table salt
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
about 20-25 caramel squares- cut in quarters
Coarse sea salt (for topping)

For topping the blondies you will need an additional cup and a half of milk chocolate chips and the coarse sea salt.

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease one 8x8 pan and one 9x13 pan-- as a little trick I use the wrapper that the butter was in, to grease my pans. There is usally enough left on there to do the job. No waste!
You could use just one large pan but will need to acccount for the additional thickness cooking time.


Melt the butter in a saucepan, transfer to a large bowl-then add the brown sugar and mix well, using a whisk.

When the brown sugar and butter are blended well, add the maple syrup, vanilla and the the eggs-one at a time. (Make sure the mixture has cooled enough to add the eggs...you don't want the heat from the butter to cook the eggs.) Stir well. Then add the flour mixture, in 3 parts, stirring well after each addition. Finally, add the caramel and chocolate chips.

 

Pour 1/3 of the mixture in to the 8x8 pan and the remainder in to the other pan. Spread evenly.

 About 15 minutes into baking, take the pans out of the oven and sprinkle with sea salt. You don't want it to cook in completely but you want the blondies to be sticky enough that the salt stays put.

Return pans to the oven until a toothpick comes out just clean. Make sure not to overcook, better to take them out a touch too early and have them a little extra gooey than to overbake them into a brick.

 In a microwave safe bowl, take the rest of the chocolate chips and heat in 30 second segments, stirring between each reset. When completely smooth and evenly melted, remove and spread over top of the blondies.





Let cool until chocolate has become solid. Cut into 1.5" sqaures.

As a caution- If you plan to refrigerate these, make sure you have ample time to let them soften again. The caramel could be too hard for your teeth.
Enjoy!!

Dunkin Donuts Autumn Awesomeness

I love seasonal goodies! I admit it, show me anything holiday or seasonally themed and you've got my attention. Keeping it is the challenge. Whether it's a pumpkin treat around Halloween and Thanksgiving or a Chocolate Peppermint concoction at Christmas- I need quality product at an unbeatable price. The best bang for my buck!! Thankfully I don't have to look far. Dunkin Donuts has sweets, treats and the coffee I need to get me through my hectic day. Living in Florida it's nice to have a change of season right in my coffee cup, even if I can't bundle up and go on a hayride or pick apples in the orchard.

Dunkin’ Donuts now features an array of  autumn inspired creations of delicious food and beverages, available at participating locations. The fall line up includes a Pumpkin Coffee and Latte (available in both hot and iced), new Pumpkin Packaged Coffee available in a special 8-oz size, Pumpkin Donuts, Munchkins™ and Muffins. The brand has also introduced a new Caramel Apple Donut, and for traditional autumn refreshment, Apple Cider served hot or iced.

           Check out Chef Stan Frankenthaler’s recipe highlighting fall’s bounty of flavors. He makse it easy for you to spice up the season right in your own kitchen. One of my favorites is:

Caramel Apple Donut Tart (serves six) 

Ingredients:

·         4 Apples (a mixture of Granny Smith and Macintosh)

·         Cider Caramel (see recipe below)

·         Medium Dunkin’ Donuts Apple Cider (14 oz)

·         1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar

·         4 Tablespoons Butter, plus 2 Tablespoons for Ramekins

·         4 Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Apple Donuts

·         6 Ramekins

Preparation:

·         Heat oven to 350F.

·         Using the 2 Tablespoons of butter, lightly grease each ramekin.

·         Prepare the caramel sauce (below).

·         Peel the apples, cut each in half and then slice into thin crescent shapes.

·         Layer the apples into the bottom of each ramekin, making sure to begin layering around the outer edge in a circle and finishing in the center. Place a second layer on top (the apples in the end will be the top of the dessert, so you want to make sure to keep them layered nicely).

·         Cut each donut in half, creating two crescent shape pieces. Taking each half, slice into thirds, again each piece should be crescent shaped. Set aside.

·         Once the caramel sauce is made, divide among the 6 ramekins and pour the sauce over the apples.

·         Top the apples and caramel sauce with the donuts. Layering the donuts again around the edge, crescent side out (preferably the glazed side of the donut facing out), covering the entire top of the dish.

·         Cover in aluminum foil, bake for approximately 30 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10 minutes.

·         Remove the dishes from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

·         Using a knife, gently run it around the edge of each ramekin.

·         Using a plate in one hand place on top of the apple donut tart, with the other hand, flip the tart and plate over. Remove the ramekin, the apple donut tart should slide right out and you will now have the apples on top.

·         Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. 

Tell us what your favorite coffee and baked goods combo is!

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a Dunkin' Donuts gift card. Winner will be chosen at random. Contest closes at 12pm on Monday, November 14, 2011.

Don't forget to check out http://www.dunkindonuts.com/ for the latest and greatest. Also, the DD Rewards program is awesome!! I have already received coupons for a free coffee just for signing up!! SCORE!

Pet-A-Palooza and National Deli Success

 This past weekend National Deli raised $500 for the National Canine Cancer Foundation from their hot dog sales at Saturday’s Pet-A-Poolza!! 

AnnaDishes would like to know about your favorite dog! Leave a comment below and tell us all about your best friend, what is so special about them!?

 One winner, chosen at random, will win a $10 Publix gift certificate.

Contest closes at 12pm on November 2, 2011.

 Lou Ann Best, Twiggy the amazing water skiing squirrel and Nat Deliman 



 Nat Deliman and Clifford the Red Dog

Valerie and Chris Pikes of the National Cancer Canine Foundation

South Florida based National Deli is the official sports arena hot dog and the Official Hot Dog of the Bank Atlantic Center, the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida; Roger Dean Stadium — home to Florida Marlins’ and St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training games; and in the most famous arena of all, New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

National Deli hot dogs are now available at Publix Super Markets in South Florida. More than 200 Publix stores from Vero Beach to Miami are now carrying the locally-made deli-style franks as well as their own line of all-natural Grade A mustard.   The National Deli mascot, Nat Deliman often visits local hospitals and charities to lend his support for those in need. In short, he's no ordinary Frank! Please visit him on Facebook at www.facebook/natdeliman to like him and learn more about Nat and his whereabouts.

Flourless Paleo Pumpkin Bread

I love treats and sweets. I am obsessed with pumpkin during the autumn months. I am trying my hardest to avoid sugar and starch. So in an effort to enjoy somethine that encompasses all of the above, while pleasing my tastebuds and my waistline- came the inspiration for this "bread". It's a no guilt, full flavor autum treat that takes almost no time to put together.

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut oil

1 can organic pumpkin

½ cup honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 ripe banana

½ cup coconut flour

½ cup coconut milk

6 eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.

In a standing mixer whip coconut oil and can of pumpkin. Add in other ingredients on at a time. Add eggs one at a time. Pour into loaf pan and place in center of oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool.

Wrap and refrigerate. Reheat for breakfast and top with coconut "butter".

Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cake with Spiced Mascarpone Buttercream

2 3/4 Cups Cake Flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 sticks butter

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cups golden brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons honey

1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup  whole milk

1 can pumpkin (I used organic, plain from Whole Foods)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.

Sift dry ingredients into a medium bowl. Set aside.

Combine butter and sugars and cream until the reach a light, whipped texture. Add eggs one at a time.Then honey and sour cream.

Mix in sifted flour mixture. Alternate dry ingredients with milk in 3 additions, ending with the milk.
Then beat in pumpkin. Mix until everything is well blended. Divide batter between the two cake pans.
Place in oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean from the middle of the cake. Take cakes out of oven and let cool for a few minutes until you are able to handle them long enough to flip onto the cooling rack. Let cool completely.

For the Frosting:

3 sticks softened butter

1/4 cup light brown sugar

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 or 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp cinnamon

8 oz. mascarpone cheese

1 can dulce de leche (set aside for when you assemble the cake)

Whip softened butter with the brown sugar. Add in the powdered sugar and whip well. Add in other ingredients. Reduce the speed on the mixer and mix in the mascarpone. Your frosting should hold a stiff peak.

If the frosting seems to loose- add more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add a bit of heavy cream.

Take the cooled cakes and place on cake stand. Poke holes on the top of each cake by piercing with a fork a few times. Spread a layer of dulce de leche on the bottom layer of the cake. About 3/4 of the can. Use the other 1/4 for the top layer of cake.

Take about 1/2 a cup of the frosting and spread on the bottom layer, on top of the dulce de leche. Top with other cake- dulce de leche should be frosting side down. The top of the cake should be dry.

Take the remainder of the frosting and spread evenly over the cake. If you have in icing bag you can pipe a design as you like. If there is any of the dulce de leche left you can garnish the top of the cake.

**If you can't find Dulce de Leche in a can at your supermarket, it is very easy to make. It is usually located either in the ethnic aisle or near the condensed milk.
To make your own at home- buy one or 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Fill your crock pot high enough that the cans are completely submerged. Remove labels from the cans. Place in the crock pot on low for 8 hours. This is a great time saver if you put in at night and when you wake up it's ready to go! Would also be delish on pancakes.

Roasted Yellow Pumpkin and Acorn Squash Soup -or- A Bowl Full of Sunshine

Sometimes in my CSA(Community Supported Agriculture) Organic Buying Club, I get vegetables that I might not think to buy in the store. Sometimes (if it is something i know I don't like) I give them away to friends, other times I get the chance to experiment with new or forgotten things. In this case, I got two acorn squash and one yellow pumpkin, I knew I wanted to try something different with them. I have cooked with squash and pumpkin many times in the past but, would have never thought to buy them at this time of year. I am guilty of being a hungry shopper at times, I buy what I know I want to eat. I like to experiment and try new things but sometimes I am just on autopilot at the grocery store. That is one of the reasons I love this buying club- it breaks me out of my broccoli boredom.

If you are in South Florida and are interested in joining a Buying Club, take a look at Ms. V's Organics. It is so convenient, you get a box or half box of produce and there are different pick up days or, you can opt for delivery. The produce is always fresh and delicious. I honestly don't have any complaints on quality or quantity. You can even order grass-fed beef and other products from her. One stop, healthy, ethical shopping!
If you aren't in South Florida- take a look and see if you can find one in your area. It is definitely worth it!

Ingredients:
2 Acorn Squash
1 Medium Yellow Pumpkin
3 Cups (No Sugar Added) So Delicious Coconut Milk (You can substitute this for regular milk if you prefer)
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2+ Tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt &Pepper

**If you don't have or can't find a yellow pumpkin you can substitute for 2 additional Acorn Squash- for a total of 4.
**This recipe yields a good bit of soup. Somewhere around 6 bowls (depending on size).

Preheat oven to 350.

Half the squash and pumpkin and clean out seeds. Using your hands rub a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the squash and pumpkin. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Cut the pumpkin into similar sized pieces in relation to the acorn squash. You want to be sure they cook evenly. Roast for 30-40 minutes- it will be done when the texture is soft and there is no resistance from a fork or testing utensil. Cooking times will vary.

Remove from the oven- and let cool slightly. You need to make sure the temperature is comfortable to handle. Consider keeping a pot holder handy in case it's too hot.
Scoop the meat out of the squash and place in a food processor.

Turn on and slowly add the coconut milk and olive oil. Blend until smooth, creamy and thin enough to resemble soup.

You may have to do this in two steps depending on the size of your food processor.

Transfer the soup to a pot and stir over medium heat. Add more Coconut Milk if necessary.

Be careful not to let the soup boil too hard- you don't want it to separate.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe is made to be dairy free but you can top with a dollop of creme fraiche as a garnish.

It is delicious as both a hot and cold soup.

If you want to add a little something extra in terms of flavor composition, try adding crumbled bacon pieces when serving. Tasty!!

Happy Dishing!!

New to South Florida! Grub Hub and a tasty giveaway!

As much as I try to cook at home, there are times when we crave a hassle free, no clean up, delicious meal delivered to our door. New to the South Florida foodie scene is Grub Hub. I was introduced to this amazing new site recently and I couldn't be more excited. When you want your favorite restaurant's noshings with out the trek, you need GrubHub. 

As a special introduction to AnnaDishes readers, GrubHub would like to offer first-time users $10 off their initial order by visiting Grub Hub here. (Through September 4, 2011)

 This site is just launching in the Miami area and will continue to add new restaurants to the line-up, so don't  be discouraged if there aren’t a smorgasbord of places that offer pick up or delivery through GrubHub in your neighborhood just yet….there will be more soon!

 Miami’s diverse cultural makeup, combined with its international allure as a leading vacation destination, makes it one of the fastest growing culinary markets in the country. GrubHub.com is now available to help Miami area diners explore more local restaurants- right from the comfort of their homes. 

GrubHub shows diners neighborhood restaurants that deliver or offer pick-up and allows you to order online or through its free app for iPhone or Android. Diners can also use the service to compare menu prices, read diner reviews or find unique coupon offers.  So whether you’re a Miami local who would rather avoid digging through your menu drawer or a tourist fed up with overpaying for room service, GrubHub is the one-stop spot for finding and ordering delivery or pickup food.

Here’s how it works:

1.Type in your address
2. Choose your preferred restaurant, cuisine or food item
3. Include any special instructions and confirm your order  
4. Enjoy a delicious restaurant meal with out ever having to leave the comfort of home.                   

GrubHub is helping family owned restaurants grow their business during these challenging economic times by sending them an average of 20 percent more delivery and pick-up orders.

In addition to the generous offer to save $10 on you first order, GrubHub would like to offer one of AnnaDishes readers the opportunity to win a $25 Gift Certificate to try out some of the fabulous options.

To enter the contest- leave a comment stating that you have done the following:

(One entry for each of the following.)

1. Follow @AnnaDishes on twitter
2. Like AnnaDishes on Facebook
3. Follow the AnnaDishes Blog
4. Tell us what you would like to try from GrubHub.

Contest ends Thursday August 18th at 12:00pm.

Cheers!