poached apples

pple season is nigh!  Bring on the apple crisps, apple pies, apple cider, all the apple things.  This little dessert is kind of like a single serving apple pie, sans crust.  I like apple pie, but this is a bit more fancy looking, like apple pie's sophisticated little sister.  Before making this I don't think I'd ever poached anything and I certainly hadn't thought about poaching apples, just eggs.  The first time I did it I poached the apples too long and they turned into a disintegrating mess but the second time they were just right.  You can poach apples in just water, but I saw quite a few recipes that recommended doing it in apple cider, so I opted for that and I really liked the results.
I've also seen some really amazing looking poached pear recipes that I think I might try next.  This poaching thing is so new to me!  Have you poached anything before?  I still haven't poached eggs, so maybe I should try that, eh?  Eggs Benedict anyone?  
Poached Apples with Whipped Cream
(recipe via epicurious)

6 medium Gala apples (about 3 pounds), cored from bottom, leaving stems on
1/2 lemon
1/2 gallon apple cider
1 cup packed light brown sugar

1. Peel the top third of each apple and rub peeled part with lemon half. Put apples in a large 5-quart pot and add cider and brown sugar. 
2. Bring to a boil, covered, over medium heat (this will take 25 to 30 minutes). 
3. Remove from heat and cool apples in cider, covered, about 1 hour.  While apples are cooling, make the toppings.

Candied Pecans
1 cup chopped pecans
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg white, lightly beaten Pinch sal

1. Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in lower third.

2. Stir together all ingredients with a pinch of salt, then spread out on a baking sheet.  Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes.

3. Transfer to a rack and loosen nuts, then cool (nuts will crisp as they cool).

Whipped Cream
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp dark rum
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

1. Beat cream with sugar, rum, and vanilla using an electric mixer until it just holds soft peaks.

2. Drain apples (you can save the poaching liquid for another use), and put an apple on each plate.  Sprinkle with candied pecans and some cinnamon sugar. Dollop cream next to each apple and for extra decadence, drizzle caramel sauce all over!

submit your project!

ince I started blogging six years ago the internet has become a much larger place, and there are so many more of you with fun, pretty, crafty blogs!  It's getting harder and harder to keep up with all the creative sites and blogs out there, but I've been loving getting a peek at more blogs through my Share Your Story link ups, and thought I'd expand that kind of thing by putting out a call for guest post submissions!  At this time I'm only accepting DIY Projects, Home Tours, Hair & Beauty Tutorials, and Food & Drink recipes.  If your post does not fall into one of those categories it will not be considered.   I'm really excited to see what you guys submit.  I know there are so many amazing creators out there, I feel like I'm constantly discovering new blogs that blow my mind.  The collective creativity and quality that is out there in the blogosphere is so inspiring!

How to submit your post:

  Send 4-6 of your best photos of the project/tour/tutorial/recipe you'd like featured to me at partnership@delightfully-tacky.com.  Please include your name, your blog or business link and a short description of your project, tutorial, recipe, or home!  If your post is a good fit I will e-mail you back within one week requesting more images and the full post instructions (if it's a project, recipe, or tutorial) or with interview questions about your space (if it's a home tour).
  Photos should match quality and look of photos currently on Delightfully Tacky (no vignetting, heavy filtering, text, etc).
  Projects should be unique and not previously posted on any other sites. I can't wait to see what you guys share!

homemade ketchup + fries

ately I've been making lots of sweeter treats with my surplus of berries, but when I saw this recipe for fries, I knew they'd be a perfect companion for the homemade ketchup I'd made with our harvest of tomatoes.  I've tried making baked fries before but with not much success.  Finding that balance of crispy and crunchy, but not burnt, but then also not soggy and starchy, without frying, has proven elusive.   I was pretty optimistic when I saw this recipe and they ended up turning out perfectly!  I'll be trying this same recipe with some sweet potatoes because sweet potato fries are my favorite and hopefully it'll work out.  I'll let you know the results if they're good! Last year when we had our first tomato harvest from the garden I made tons of tomato recipes, and this ketchup was one of them.  It was so good I couldn't wait until I got to make it again.  Of course it was a year later that I finally made it again and it's as good as I remember it being last year.  It's just not even worth it to use the Heinz ketchup after tasting homemade ketchup,  there's no comparison.  Ketchup is one of those things I never even thought about as being something you could home-make, but it's so good.  This recipe makes quite a bit, I think I ended up with about two quart jars full, so if you don't think you'll go through it, either half the recipe, or give some to friends! 
Homemade Ketchup (recipe via Bleubird) 5 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cored and chopped 1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 c apple cider vinegar
4 tsp salt
1 1/2 t ground pepper
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 tbsp molasses

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot.  Add the onion, stirring occasionally until nice and caramelized.  Add the garlic and cook down a bit, stirring making sure it doesn't burn.  

2. Next add the vinegar to de-glaze the bottom of the pot and then add tomatoes and all of the dry spices.   Cook for 20 minutes. 

3. Using an immersion blender (or blend in a blender or food processor in batches), puree your tomatoes until smooth. stir in brown sugar and molasses. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Let the ketchup cool and transfer to bottles or jars with air tight lids.  Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.




Baked Matchstick Fries (recipe via MinimalistBaker) 3-4 russet potatoes
1/4 cup Olive or Canola Oil
Sea salt and/or smoked salt Black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary, roughly chopped


1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Chop potatoes into a long, thin matchstick shape.
2. Line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper, if using foil, spray with non-stick.  Add your matchstick-cut potatoes and drizzle with the oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
3. Spread fries a single layer, spaced so they aren’t touching too much. This will help them get crispy and evenly baked.  Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping at least once so they bake evenly.
4. 10 minutes before your fries finish baking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic. Saute, stirring frequently, until just slightly brown and aromatic.  Remove from heat and set aside.
5. When the fries are finished, remove from oven, sprinkle again with sea salt, and drizzle the garlic on top.  Add the chopped, fresh rosemary and toss to coat!  

peach huckleberry rustic tart

his weekend I was at the most gorgeous wedding and the bride and groom had pies for dessert instead of cake, and all the pies were made by friends and family.  I helped make a couple key lime pies along with some other friends and it was the first time I made key lime pie!  I saved the recipe so I'm going to try it again someday.  I like how people are getting more creative with their wedding desserts than just the standard tiered cake.

I made these little tarts last week before I left for the wedding.  They're a great size for sharing with a friend, or for slicing into wedges and serving as a bite size dessert at a party.  The leftovers saved really well in the fridge too, and were a delicious treat for breakfast!  

Peach Huckleberry Tarts

Galette Dough

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp sugar

¼ tsp table salt

8 tbsp unsalted butter

¼ c  ice water

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into flour mixture using two knives or a pastry cutter, until butter is in small pieces.

2. Add ice water and stir with a fork until the mixture starts to stick together in a mass.  Form the dough into a ball and split in two.

3. Shape each piece into a ball, wrap in saran wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes and as long as overnight.  You can pre-make the dough as well and freeze it to use later!

Frangipane

¼ cup almond paste

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp butter at room temperature

2 tsp rum

1 small egg

In the bowl of a stand mixer or food processor, combine almond paste, sugar and butter. Beat until combined, then add rum and egg and beat until smooth, or until only small lumps remain. 

To make the tart:

Dough

Frangipane

1 peach, sliced

1 cup huckleberries

pinch sugar, pinch salt

1 tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp sugar

parchment paper

1. Toss peach slices and huckleberries with the pinches of sugar and salt. Set aside. 

2. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Remove the dough balls from the fridge.  On a lightly floured work surface, roll one disk out approximately into a 9-inch circle, using flour as needed to prevent sticking. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Transfer dough to parchment paper. 

3. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the frangipane into the center of the tart and spread toward the edges, leaving a 2-inch border all the way around. Arrange the peach slices, overlapping in a circle over the frangipane, then spread huckleberries on top. 

4.  Finish the tart by folding the exposed border over the tart onto itself, crimping to make a folded-over border. Chill tart in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.  Repeat with second dough ball to make a second tart.

5. Once the tarts have chilled for 10-15 minutes, take them out and brush the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle sugar over entire tart. Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden. 

6. Let cool for five minutes on tray then slide parchment paper and tart onto a cooling rack and let cool 20 minutes before serving.  Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're feeling fancy!

getting started on your essential oil journey

Interested in getting started on your own essential oil journey?  I hope so because that's probably why you clicked the link over here.  Or you're just curious about it.  Either way, yay!
The kit I started with and recommend everyone to start off with is Young Living's Premium Starter Kit. It is the kit of all kits. There are other options to choose from, and I will mention them below, but this $150 kit is by far the most bang for your buck!  It comes with 5ml bottles of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Frankincense, Peace and Calming, Thieves, Purification, PanAway, and Valor. What I love about this kit is that it gives you the ability to try many of the oils in the smaller bottles.  I mean, a bottle of Frankincense at the discounted price is over $70. Along with those 9 oils, you get a 5ml bottle of Stress Away, 2 sample packs of the top five oils, (lemon, peppermint, lavender, peace and calming, and thieves), Plus you also get the diffuser added in there!  So awesome (The diffuser is one of my favorite ways to use the oils!).


The wholesale member price alone for the diffuser is $75 (retail it's almost $100!). Total no brainer. This is why I recommend the $150 kit. You can’t beat getting 10 oils, 2 samples of the top five oils AND the diffuser for that price. The other two kits they offer are $40 and $75 don't make quite as much sense to me. The $40 kit comes with the samples, but not the diffuser or the set of 9 oils pictured above (not super helpful for starting off using essential oils, right?). The $75 kit comes with the diffuser and samples and stress away, but no kit of 9 oils. My issue with the $75 kit is, so you have the diffuser, but only a 5ml bottle of stress away and some sample packs to diffuse, you will obviously have to be buying more oils to use that diffuser, so why not just get 9 super practical oils for $75 more. The only time I recommend the $40 kit is if someone is anxious to get started and budget just doesn’t allow the $150 kit.  But!  People who ordered the $40 kit usually end up getting the $150 kit that month or the following month. So again, if budget allows, the larger kit is just the best value, hands down.


If you want to get going with Young Living for your essential oils, here's how you do it!  First, you are not signing your life away if you become a member. If you would like to purchase Young Living Essential Oils, you can do so by ordering retail from a member (like me!), or you can become a member and get the oils at 24% off.  Once you buy your starter kit (I’ll explain those later), you are NEVER required to order a certain amount each month. You are NEVER required to tell others about Young Living. You should NEVER be bothered by people to work it as a business. You simply are now able to purchase at the discounted price. Think of it like a SAMS Club or COSTCO membership. You pay a small fee to become a member to get cheaper prices, the only thing different is SAMS or COSTCO will give you a card, YL gives you a kit of oils and a diffuser.

To be honest, when I heard that Young Living was set up like a Multi Level Marketing company I was less than enthused.  I'd had experience with one in the past and it forced me to spend WAY more money every month than I could ever make back by selling and it was so disheartening.  I wasn't a fan of the whole MLM thing, but once I realized Young Living doesn't force you to buy hundreds of dollars in product every month just to keep your membership, you don't have to sell anything, and I actually like the product, I was on board.  Ugh, so refreshing.  All that is required to keep your Wholesale Member status is to spend $50/year on product, which I happily did about a week after my premium kit came because I wanted to try more oils!

Now that you aren't freaked out anymore about becoming a member, this is how you sign up! There is a visual you can follow here and step-by-step directions below.

Step 1: go to https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1691741&enrollerid=1627216

Step 2: make sure “Wholesale Member” is marked off instead of “Retail Customer.” Wholesale Member is the only way to get access to the kit and the 24% discount you get afterwards. It’s really important!

Step 3: make sure my member numbers are in the blanks (they should be entered in there for you if you entered with that link in step 1) 1627216.

Step 4: Fill out all the information. It will ask you for your ss# but this is only for legal purposes so that you have the ability to bring in a paycheck (YL is a referral based business). If you never sign anyone up, your ss # will never be used.  I never want to pressure people into the business end…EVER. I want you to use and love your oils as a member whether you work the business end or not.

Step 5: Make sure you write down your pin, user name and password when you choose it because you’ll need that in the future to log into your account.

Step 6: Select the “PREMIUM STARTER KIT”  (It should be the first option). This is the one with the everyday oils kit and the diffuser. It will be $150. The other kits do not include the oils starter pack.

Step 7: Scroll down through the “Essential Rewards Kits” and click “no thank you, I plan on enrolling in Essential Rewards later” (you are not obligated to sign up for Essential Rewards at this time, but it does have some great benefits, but to be honest, I always tell new members to get the kit, try the oils out, and then talk to me before your next purchase. Then we'll see if ER is right for you).

Step 8: Click “I Agree” and “Next”

Step 9: Confirm your enrollment information (you should see my name as your enroller and sponsor, or the person who referred you).

Step 10: Add any oils, capsules, or products that you would like in addition to your kit if there are any that you would like.

Step 11: Check out and you are DONE! WOOHOO!

Yay! You are a member!  I remember how excited I was to receive my starter kit.  Much ripping open of boxes occurred.  Your membership will stay active as long as you spend at least $50 in a calender year. You do not have to continue to “renew” your membership…that kit was a one time thing and you will remain a member as long as you spend that $50 a year. Which trust me…will never be a problem.

While you are waiting on your kit to arrive…why don’t you go over and start reading How To Use Essential Oils. This is a great way to start learning all about the essential oils so you can start using them the minute they arrive.


Essential Oil Disclaimer:
I do not claim to be a medical practitioner.  I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe any medical treatment or advice.  You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your medical practitioner before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins.  The following safety precautions are guidelines only.  You should consult with any aromatherapist about essential oil usage and always inform your primary care physician what you are using as they may not be conducive with his/her prescribed therapy and medications.

Essential Oil Rules for Safety:
1. Keep Essential Oils in a secure place away from children and pets

2. Use a variety of essential oils and rotate those which you use often to avoid sensitization and irritation.  If you use a blend for 3 days, take a minimum of 3 days off and use an alternate blend for those 3 days.

3. The following essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy:  Single oils: Basil, Birch, Calamus, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Hyssop, Idaho Tansy, Jasmine, Lavandin, Mugwort, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme, Wintergreen. Synergistic use the following with caution: Single oils: Angelica, Cedarwood, Chamomile (german/blue), Cistus, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Cumin (black), Cypress, Davana, Fennel,  Bay Laurel, Marjoram, Mountain Savory, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rose, Spearmint, Vetiver, Yarrow.

4. Read and follow instructions carefully.

5. Always take precautions with using Aromatherapy.

6. Unless otherwise stated, never use essential oils on your skin without diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil.  A skin test is recommended prior to use.  If you experience any soreness, redness, or irritation do not use the blend.

7. If an essential oil or essential oil blend gets into your eye, flush the eye immediately with a carrier oil or cold milk.  Seek medical attention if the stinging and/or irritation continues.

8. Do not use more than 2 drops of the following oils when used in a bath the first time: Aniseed, Black Pepper, Camphor (rectified), Citronella, Clove, Eucalyptus globulous, Ginger, Juniperberry, Peppermint, Sage, Spearmint, Thyme.

9. If allergic to certain foods, do not use essential oils or carrier oils that come from those foods.

10. The following oils should be avoided if you have epilepsy: Cajeput, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Peppermint, Rosemary.

All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site are for reference purposes and are not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed heath-care professional.  I do not advise you use the information contained within this website, or any other site for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis, without talking to your doctor.  Actual product packaging and materials may contain different information than shown on this website.  Contact your health care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.  Information and statements regarding our products have not been evaluated by the FDA.