Happy Valentine's Day ~ A Giveaway for You

Hello...I wanted to take this opportunity to say "Happy Valentine's Day"!

I would like to extend my 'Valentine wishes' to you by giving away two items:

Baking is my Zen T-Shirt

Baking is my Zen Calendar

HOW TO WIN THE GIVEAWAY:

1- Just drop a note on this blog post with the words "Happy Valentine's Day". That's it!
2- Deadline: 2/21/10 Sunday, at 12 midnight (eastern standard time).
3 - Available only for shipment in the United States.
4- Winner will be announced on my blog on Monday 2/22/10.
5- Winner will be notified by e-mail for address and T-shirt size.
6- T-shirt and calendar will be mailed within a day or two of receiving the address for delivery.

I won't be using a web-based tracker. I'm going to keep it simple. I have a simple method of how I will pick the winner. And...no worries...it will be fair...because that's how I roll. :)

Here is the T-Shirt you'll receive...
Here is the 2010 Calendar you'll also receive...

Peace,
Carmen

Sopapillas...my way ~ It's Dessert Heaven

Do you want to enjoy a delicious dessert that is quick and easy to make?
Well…keep reading. I’ve got a great recipe for you. No baking involved. But, get your fry pan ready.

My sister Edwina and her husband Fred made this dessert at a family dinner one evening. I was skeptical as I saw them make it. But, when I had one bite of this dessert, my eyes rolled back…my head…rocking left and right…slowly…ya’ know how it goes when you are falling in love with what you’re eating at the moment. OMG, heavenly! Some of the elements in this dessert reminded me of fried ice cream.

Now…I would like to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it too! Sopapillas is dough which is fried and sweetened with honey. But, I’m going to "bring it up a knotch" (as Emeril Lagasse would say.

Sopapillas…My Way
By Edwina & Fred

INGREDIENTS:
These ingredients are not measured out. You just add as needed.

Canola Oil
Flour tortilla(s)
Vanilla Ice Cream – * Or use your favorite flavor - I used Vanilla Chocolate Chip
Strawberries – about 4 or 5 (or use as much as you like)
(additional soft fruits can be added: add whole: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Honey
Cinnamon

OPTIONAL: (I use Smuckers Sundae Syrup)
Caramel sauce
Chocolate sauce

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Bowl & spoon (for fruit)
Cookie cutter ( heart shaped) - optional
Tongs or fork
Paper towels & plate
Ice cream scooper
Knife
Plate, fork & knife (to enjoy the dessert)

1. Dice strawberries on cutting board. Add to a bowl. Set aside.
2. Use cookie cutter to cut Tortilla into shapes. (I made heart shapes).
Or, use tortilla as is.
3. Place a paper towel on a plate. Set aside.
4. To fry tortilla: Add oil to skillet. Allow oil to get hot.
5. Submerge the tortilla in the hot oil.
6. Fry until lightly browned. *DO NOT LET THIS GET DARK BROWN.
7. Flip. Fry for just a few seconds more.
8. Remove tortilla from hot oil with tongs. Put on paper towel lined plate.
9. Turn off the flame on stove.
10. Blot the tortilla with another paper towel. (This helps absorb excess oil).
11. Pour a circle of chocolate and caramel sauce on a plate. (optional)
12. Place tortilla on the (sauced plate-optional).
13. Add a scoop of ice cream in the center of the tortilla.
14. Add fruit on top and around the ice cream.
15. Lightly drizzle with honey.
16. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.
17. Get your fork & knife ready to enjoy!

Note; If shaping the tortillas in small heart shapes like I did, you can just pop them in your mouth or maybe take two bites…no fork & knife needed.



What is a Sopapilla?

See recipes below to make traditional Sopapillas:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/CynthiaPineda/Sopapillas/Sopapillas.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-sopapillas.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~osoono/ethnicdoughs/sopapilla/sopapilla.htm

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/sopapillas-recipe/index.html

When you try this, send me an email (bakingismyzen@comcast.net) and tell me how you liked it!
Peace, Carmen