31 Songs for Your Halloween Playlist

Happy Halloween!

I feel like I've already had a great Halloween and it hasn't already happened. My family hosts a wonderfully big Halloween Bash before the actual Halloween night every year. With seven kids and lots of grandkids this party gets fun and everyone is into it with costumes, great food, games and fun.

We have a great white chicken chili (recipe coming), cornbread or rolls, homemade root beer complete with dried ice, a doughnut eating contests for kids and adults, candy fishing, skeleton games and more. I love it.

I won't be dressing up tonight but I will be enjoying the pumpkins we carved and a great Halloween play list I've created on Grooveshark. I can't take any of the credit for this playlist, because it comes from a couple places. First off, one of my absolute favorite bloggers, Stephmodo, made this list and then I've gathered other songs from around the internet. Please enjoy.

1. Superstitious, Stevie Wonder
2. Abracadabra, Steve Miller Band 
3. Trick or Treat, Otis Redding (favorite!)
4. Black Magic Woman, Santana
5. Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead, Ella Fitzgerald
6. Thriller, Michael Jackson
7. Spooky, Atlanta Rhythm Section
8. Witchy Woman, the Eagles
9. Moondance, Van Morrison
10. Ghost, Indigo Girls
11. Harvest Moon, Neil Young
12. Witchcraft, Frank Sinatra
13. Moon over Bourbon Street
14. Monster Mash, Robert Walsh
15. Zombie, Cranberries
16. Howlin' For You, The Black Keys
17. Frankenstein, Edgar Winter Group
18. Werewolves of London, Warren Zevon
19. Spooky Jookie, Man Man
20. Bone Machine, Pixies
21. I Put a Spell on You, Screamin' Jay Hawkins/Creedence Clearwater Revival
22. Bela Lugosis Dead, Bauhaus
23. Pyscho Killer, Talking Heads
24. Ghost Riders in the Sky, Johnny Cash
25. Nightmare on My Street, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
26. This is Halloween, Marilyn Manson
27. Halloweenhead, Ryan Adams
28. Hollow, Bjork
29. Vampire Bat, Wesley Willis
30. Halloween, Sonic Youth
31. A Wolf at the Door, Radiohead


What songs do you like to listen to on Halloween?

Sources:
Planning a Halloween Party...Grown Up Style from Stephmodo
Halloween Playlist for Cool Kids from Huffington Post

***Not all songs are family-friendly.

Utah Local Love: Mountain West Burrito in Provo, Utah

I've been on a quazi-search for fantastic burritos. Little did I know I would find them in a tiny restaurant located in a gas station. It was love at first read when I saw these words "We don't own a can opener!" These burritos are fresh beyond belief and always made with local, organic ingredients and always from scratch.

Plus, hey...they are just dang good.  I enjoyed the 'half and half' variety with chicken and veggies with half black and half pinto beans. Yum!

I've got Jill K to thank. I have been driving by the place forever and finally after some tweets and tempting photos from Jill, I was persuaded.

Check it out!

Don't forget to visit my new Project Domestication Facebook page.


Mountain West Burrito
1796 N 950 W, Provo, UT
Open everyday: 10 am - 9 pm
Facebook Fan Page


More Utah Local Love Posts
Pumpkin Bread Bowls from Provo Bakery in Provo, Utah
Ike's Creamery in Provo, Utah
The Awful Waffle in Provo, Utah
Station 22 Cafe in Provo, Utah
Miss Arepas & Limeade Stand at Provos Farmers Market in Provo, Utah
Beer-Battered Fish Tacos from Red Butte Cafe in Salt Lake City, Utah
Tin Angel's Famous Bread Pudding in Salt Lake City, Utah
Kouing Aman from Les Madeleines in Salt Lake City, Utah
Coney's Frozen Custard in Orem, Utah
Allred Orchards in Provo, Utah
Strawberry Vanilla Bliss Cupcake from The Chocolate in Orem, Utah
Cupcake Chic Cupcakery in Orem, Utah

Tuesdays with Dorie: Apple-Cheddar Scones {Catch-up}

Apples. Apples. Apples. I am taking full advantage of apple season. The other day I rode my bike down to my favorite local apple stand for the best jonagolds ever! I was sad I rode my bike cause I wanted to get a big box instead of bag. But hey, there will be time for that.

This apple-cheddar scone recipe by Dorie Greenspan from her cookbook, Baking From My Home to Yours is one of my very favorite scone recipes. In fact, it's as if I saved the best for last. Because now I've made all of her scone recipes.

These apple-cheddar scones are full of perfect scone flavor, buttermilk, dried apples and cheddar cheese and cornmeal! They've got a great texture that brings even more interest to your mouth. They are the perfect morning starter or afternoon snack.

This Tuesdays with Dorie recipe was originally picked on June 30, 2008. I'm playing catch-up and posting it now. You can find the recipe on The Floured Apron's blog. Be sure to check out the TWD blog and see how the others liked it. When I make it again, I'm going to cut the cheddar cheese into chunks instead of shredding it.

Wondering what all this Tuesdays with Dorie stuff is? Read this post.

PS: My Project Domestication Facebook page is up. I'd be happy if you'd check it out and like it. No pressure. ;)

Tuesdays with Dorie: Apple-Coconut Family Cake {Catch-Up}

I really don't think I've come across a Tuesdays with Dorie recipe that I haven't enjoyed. But every once in a while I'll make a recipe from Baking from My Home to Yours that is incredible! This Apple-Coconut Family Cake was delicious.

It was light and fluffy, full of apple, cinnamon and vanilla flavor. I loved it. And to top it off, you glaze apple jelly all over. Everyone that tried it loved it. I will definitely make it again. It was so easy to make.

This Apple-Coconut Family Cake was originally chosen December 14, 2010. I'm playing catch-up right now. Wondering what all this Tuesdays with Dorie stuff is? Read this post.

By the way. I have a Project Domestication Facebook page up and running. I'd love for you to like it! You'll get all sorts of teaser shots and other musings from me in real time. :)

Tuesdays with Dorie: A Fig Cake for Fall

Fall in Utah this year is real. I'm not kidding, I don't remember the last time I saw red on the mountains this far into October. I love it. I'm still crossing my fingers that we can make it past Halloween till the first major snow fall.

I love bakings seasonally and this week's Tuesdays with Dorie recipe selected by Cookie Rookie is all fall. You can find the recipe on her blog, but let's talk about the fig cake a little more.

I have never purchased fresh figs in my life. It is pretty rare for me to even eat fresh figs, so I was excited to try something new. I found the figs at Harmon's Grocery, if you are local and need to find some yourself.

The cake has very earthy, texturally-pleasing flavors. It includes cornmeal, honey, lemons and figs of course. The cake itself isn't too sweet, so I was happy that Dorie made the port-honey-lemon sauce to go along. I substituted the port with Pomegranate juice and it was delicious! I also served mine with sweetened whipped cream. It was fun to try something new. Be sure to check the leave your link posts by all the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Toasted Almond Scones {Catch-Up}

There is quite the collection of scone recipes in Baking from My Home to Yours. Today I'm sharing Toasted Almond Scones. I've come a long way with my scone-making skills since I first tried my hand at them less than a year or two ago. I'm not perfect by any means, but there has been definite improvement.

These Toasted Almond Scones were some of my favorite. The flavor is so focused yet complex. You get almond flavor from toasted almonds throughout and on top of the dough, plus a little boost more of flavor from pure almond extract. I thought that addition put these into the true almond category. I think back to other treats I've tasted or made that called for excessive amounts of almond extract...and they had it all wrong. Dorie knows what she is doing here. Subtly is the key.

My Toasted Almond Scones turned out just as scones should and we ate them in no time. I enjoyed mine with a bit of butter and jam. These would also be great with your favorite honey. If your looking for a lovely scone recipe and happen to be a fan of the almond, give these Toasted Almond Scones a try.

The Tuesdays with Dorie Group originally made these on February 21, 2011. You can find the recipe on the blog Living out West. Make sure you read the other TWD baker's blogs who made this because they made some fun variations.

Wondering what all this Tuesdays with Dorie business is? Read this post.

See my other scone posts here.
See my other posts that include almonds and almond extract here.

Utah Local Love: Ike's Creamery in Provo, Utah

Every time I visit my sister in Houston, Texas we head straight to the ice cream isle at her local grocery store and stock up on Bluebell Ice Cream. I love this stuff. It's seriously some of my very favorite ice cream. One trip we even visited the factory!

I've always been a bit frustrated that Utah wasn't part of their distribution area. But now, Provonians and Utah County Folks alike can enjoy Bluebell Ice Cream anytime they like at the new IKE's Ice Cream Parlor at the Provo Beach Resort. Right after it opened we made a special trip and I was able to snap a photo with my cell phone. I enjoyed two of my favorite flavors: chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies and cream.

Ike's Creamery at Provo Beach Resort
4801 University Avenue
Facebook Fan Page
http://www.provobeachresort.com/
801-224-5001


Have you tried Bluebell Ice Cream?

Tuesdays with Dorie: Caramel-Topped Flan {Catch-Up}

Hi. My name is Becky. I love to bake and have been baking recipes from Baking From My Home to Yours about every other day. Sometimes when this happens I make mistakes.  About two week's ago I made the Caramel-Topped Flan recipe. Everything was going great until I got ready to put that baby in the oven. I even made the caramel perfectly!

I didn't have my tea kettle out so I decided to just pour the hot water from my saucepan. As a result I got a bit of water on top of the flan. Blast. Okay, not bad. So I set my timers and decided to head upstairs and lie down for a second. An hour or so later I woke up!

Yes, you read that right! I let my flan bake for like 70 minutes instead of 30-ish. I was so refreshed, yet crazy. I guess I must have been super tired and not heard a timer. I was pretty disappointed but the flan was still pretty good. The caramel was pretty much a top crust and I got some syrup out of it. I look forward to the time when I make this again. I will definitely not be taking a Sunday nap while it is in the oven. Lesson learned.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Rum-Drenched Vanilla Cakes {Catch-Up}

I've found my favorite pound cake recipe! This recipe for Rum-Drenched Vanilla Cakes is a keeper. It's made with no electronic appliances, just a whisk and rubber spatula. You melt the butter, use real vanilla beans and/or extract and bake to perfection. I used a combo of fresh, plump vanilla beans and pure vanilla extract. Results were great.

I don't keep alcohol on hand but I did have some homemade vanilla made with rum so I used that in my recipe. I also love how the recipe makes two loaf cakes. This is perfect for me since I'm always looking to share-slash-giveaway my baked goods.

If you are on the search for an excellent and easy-to-make pound cake recipe look to Dorie Greenspan's Rum-Drenched Vanilla Cakes in my favorite cookbook, Baking from My Home to Yours.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Ginger-Jazzed Brownies

These ginger-jazzed brownies I made for Tuesdays with Dorie were so good that I wasn't able to style some photos in good light. They must have disappeared to quickly. So here you are friends, a picture of them right out of the oven and sliced. My apologies.

But I must say this. Make these Ginger-Jazzed Brownies. They have an awesome heat from both fresh minced and ground ginger. The ginger in these brownies pairs great with chocolate and it becomes according to my notes, "the best batter. ever."

You can get the recipe off of Bubie's Little Baker's blog by Hindy. Or go with my usual recommendation and buy Baking from My Home to Yours. Make sure to read all the other TWD baker's blogs to see how they liked the Ginger-Jazzed Brownies.

View all my brownie recipes here. It's insane!

Tuesdays with Dorie: Classic Banana Bundt Cake {Catch-up}

If you've got ripe bananas sitting on the counter and don't feel like making banana bread, I've got a recipe for you to try! It's Classic Banana Bundt Cake and it is yummy. It's made with sour cream or plain yogurt and has a nice lemony white icing. It mixes and bakes up like a dream and is sure to please.

You can get the recipe from The Food Librarian's blog. Make sure to check out all her bundt cake recieps! She loves bundt cakes! Be sure to stop by all the other TWD baker's blogs too.

And...here's a link to all the bundt cakes I've made!

Tuesdays with Dorie: Flaky Apple Turnovers {Catch-up}

If ever a picture misreprented a baked good it would be this one for Flaky Apple Turnovers.

Dorie's recipe for Flaky Apple Turnovers is one of my absolute favorites in the entire Baking from My Home to Yours cookbook. Holy cow, the flaky sour cream dough was amazing. The filling was simple and absolutley perfect for fall. I was able to pick apples the same day I made these.

You can get the recipe on Jule's Blog. And see how the other TWD bakers liked it here.

Not sure what Tuesdays with Dorie is? Read this post.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Black & White Chocolate Cake {Catch-up}

 

The thing with Tuesdays with Dorie is that you never really know what you are getting into each week. Some weeks you'll have a simple quick bread that requires no more prep work than setting out a few eggs. 

  

  

Then some weeks you'll get a cake like this Black & White Chocolate Cake. A cake like this takes lots of work. You have the yellow buttermilk cake itself, then in between its layers are dark chocolate pastry cream and a white chocolate whipped cream. Then you top the cake with chocolate curls to your liking. Making and assembling a cake like this takes time, so it's best if you break it up into two or three days.

I made the cake for a dessert party. It was great! However, I must say I think I enjoyed it best the next day. I think a long chilling time past the recommended 3 hours is best. If you make it chill it minimum of overnight. It's best that way.

If you love cake and have a need to celebrate (or not) try this Black and White Chocolate Cake. It loaded with black and white chocolate, super moist and decadent.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Basic Biscuits

Biscuits and Gravy, y'all!

That's what I decided to make with my Basic Biscuits for this week's Tuesdays with Dorie bake! Okay, my husband and I actual teamed up on this. He made the sausage gravy (slightly adapted version of the Pioneer Woman's recipe) and I made the Basic Biscuits. It was a delicious Sunday brunch.

These are exactly what Dorie titles them...a basic biscuit. You can use them for many purposes and they'll get the job done. They were flaky, soft, buttery and delicious!

You can find the recipe on Jennifer's blog, Cooking for Comfort. Be sure to check out all my fellow TWD baker's blogs to see how they liked these Basic Biscuits.

Tuesdays with Dorie: Orange Berry Muffins {Catch-up}

If you're looking for a great morning breakfast muffin you've got to give Dorie Greenspan's Orange Berry Muffins a try. These delicate, orange and blueberry muffins are a keeper. They are tender and perfectly balanced. I even sprinkled some sugar in the raw on top of them before I baked them off. And a big plus, you can pretty much make these anytime if you keep some key ingredients--orange, blueberries and buttermilk-- on hand like I do.

I have to tell you a few secrets. I don't always have fresh blueberries on hand, but 95% of the time I will have frozen blueberries, which work great in this recipe. And, I don't always have buttermilk on hand, but I always have this buttermilk subsititute in my fridge. It's called Cultered Buttermilk Blend and has been such a lifesaver.

The Tuesdays with Dorie group originally baked Orange Berry Muffins way back on January 29, 2008. You can find the recipe on


If you like muffins, feel free to browse these other muffins I have made.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins 
Savory Corn & Pepper Muffins
Egg Muffins
Faux Coffee Break & Chocolate Muffins
Zucchini & Feta Muffins
Citrus-Current Sunshine Muffins
Great Grains Muffins
Apple Nut Muffin Cake

Tuesdays with Dorie: Quintuple Chocolate Brownies {Catch-up}

Way before I ever joined Tuesdays with Dorie in August 2008, the group made these Quintuple Chocolate Brownies. It was actually the second recipe for the group, originally baked and posted on January 8, 2008! Doesn't that sound like ages ago?

In these Quintuple Chocolate Brownies you get not only one, two, three, four...but five different types of chocolate all in one brownie. I love chocolate and I love brownies, so I was very excited to try this recipe.

Here's a breakdown of the chocolate used in the Quintuple Chocolate Brownie recipe:
- unsweetened cocoa powder mixed in the batter
- unsweetened baking chocolate melted into the batter
- bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, coarseley chopped and melted into the batter
- milk chocoalte chunks or chips stirred into the batter before baking
- white chocolate turned into a glaze to top the Quintuple Chocolate Brownies after baking

The brownie recipe was easy to put together and the most time is just measuring and chopping the chocolate. The only issue I had with the recipe was with the glaze/white chocolate ganache. It truly was more of a runny glaze that didn't really cover the brownies like the picture in the book. My recommendation is to double the recipe and reduce the cream so it is thicker. That is what I will do next time I make these decadent and showy brownies.

Give this Quintuple Chocolate Brownie recipe I try. It is excellent! It's definitely not your everyday brownie. You can find the recipe on the founder of Tuesdays with Dorie's blog, Slush. Thanks, Laurie!  But hey, as always go out and purchase Dorie's Baking From My Home to Yours. It is the best baking cookbook you will every buy. Hands down!

I'm gathering quite the collection of brownie recipe from all my adventures. Peruse if you'd like.
Tuesdays with Dorie - Classic Brownies
Cook's Illustrated - Chewy Brownie
Tuesdays with Dorie - White Chocolate Brownies
Tuesdays with Dorie - Brownie Buttons
Tuesdays with Dorie - Rick Katz's Brownies for Julia
Tuesdays with Dorie - Tribute to Katherine Hepburn Brownies
Tuesdays with Dorie - Chipster-Topped Brownies
Peppermint Bark Brownies - Take 2
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Tuesdays with Dorie: Carmel-Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake
Cherry Fudge Brownie Torte
Tuesdays with Dorie: Brrr-ownies

Tuesdays with Dorie: Apple Nut Muffin Cake

 

Fall baking is in full swing. I have been using apples, plums and raspberries in excess lately. I love it! And this week's Tuesdays with Dorie recipe was all-flavorfully fall. I loved it. I couldn't get enough of the fresh tart apples I had just picked the day before.

This apple nut muffin cake recipe includes cinnamon, plump raisins and pecans. And to make it even better you add pure vanilla and pure almond extracts. I think the small amount of almond extract really pulls out cool flavors from the apples. Definately a winner at our house. It was delicious warm and at room temperature.

If you'd like to make this apple nut muffin cake, grab the recipe from Katrina's blog. Or better, yet, purchase my favorite cookbook: Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan.

Next week: Basic Biscuits (I've already made them and even topped 'em with Sausage Gravy!)
My most recent post: The History of Cupcakes
Last week: Flip-Over Plum Cake
Latest Catchup recipe: Chocolate Pudding
1 year ago: Double Apple-Bundt Cake
2 years ago: Split-Level Pudding
3 years ago: Caramel-Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake

The History of Cupcakes

Have you ever wondered about the history of cupcakes?

Well as a lover of that adorable, individual-sized treat. Let me guide you to a very cool infographic about the history of cupcakes. Head on over to my other blog, Utah Loves Cupcakes .

This infographic covers everything from the first-ever cupcake recipe, to how many cupcakes are consumed each day in the United States and information on the growth of the cupcake industry. Super interesting.