Very Simple Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Cream

First whip up this Yellow Cake, but substitute molasses for orange juice, and use only 3 eggs.

Or use a package yellow cake mix, but it will need molasses as well.

Then add a package of Jello's Gingerbread pudding, plus about 1 1/2 c. milk.

Top with whipped cream.

Yummy!

Really Good Carrot Soup

Really (Really) Good Carrot Soup

For soup:
2 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 lb carrots, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• Kosher salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 4 cups chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth (homemade or reduced-sodium canned)
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, sliced

For meatballs:

• ½ lb ground turkey
• ¼ cup grated ­Parmesan or pecorino cheese
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsp milk (or water)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Make soup: Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, garlic, ½ tsp salt, and red pepper flakes and sauté, stirring, until vegetables begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in broth, scraping up any bits stuck to bottom of pot. Cover pot and simmer until carrots are tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make meatballs: Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper, and roll into 1-inch balls, spreading them out on a platter. 3. Puree soup in a blender, or with an immersion blender, until smooth. If using blender, return soup to pot. Bring to a simmer. Add meatballs and let simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add spinach and simmer until wilted, about 1 minute. Season servings with salt and pepper to taste.
   from Parade Magazine online, created by author of Smitten Kitchen blog

Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts

ingredients:

3-4 tbsp. coconut oil
1/2 lb brussel sprouts
about 3 glugs balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. brown sugar

1. wash and cut off ends/stems
2. add to 3-4 tbsp. very hot melted coconut oil
3. fry to crispy, a couple of minutes
4. cover and let steam 3-5 min.
5. add balsamic reduction (slow cook with brown sugar until less acidic)