....Ever After

Upon reaching Cinderella’s home the royal group was greeted with sickeningly advances.  It seems the sisters had set their sights on each securing royal chances.  The first pushed her way beside the Prince to sit and try the slipper, but her foot was so long in the toes, there was no way it would fit her.  The next sister felt that she had won the crown and prince’s love, so she snatched the shoe from the messengers grasp and forced her heel in with quite a shove.

 At just that moment the night’s magic wore off and the shoe turned into dust. Such detail was a blessing, for the prince was filled with distrust.  The flustered Prince bid adieu to the group and left discouraged from the day. He mounted his horse and turned to lead his troupe away. Unbeknownst amid the clamor still within the house, the faithful messenger had snuck away. He had gone around to the kitchen, to see if the smell of cinnamon would all secrets betray.  The Prince was angry, his courier was nowhere to be found, but stopped short when he beheld his love standing tied and bound.

 Cinderella heard the horse’s sigh, as she struggled with the ties. She looked upon the brave steed’s back, and there her prince did find. He knew Cinderella at first glance for he knew real love was blind.  While Cinderella’s family glowered at her kissing their royal guest. The happy couple felt he had undoubtedly been blessed.

Sweet Cinderella was freed the stool and chain were dashed. They headed to the castle, a happy wedding come to pass. The Prince and his new princess lived on through sin and storms. Their joyful marriage filled with hope, made “Happily Ever After,” the norm.

  Now if you are still wondering about the aftermath of that fateful time.  Just know the smell cinnamon warms the halls of the castle as the new queen bakes something divine.

Cinderella’s favorite recipes

Appetizer

Cinnamon Spiced Nuts- ie. Step- sisters coated in  Cinnamon- the only way to make an evil step sister tolerable.

1 egg white added to 1 tsp. water beaten together until frothy

4 cups whole almonds, cashews, or pecans.

½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon mixed in a small bowl.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  Line a jelly roll pan with parchment, or foil and set aside. Toss  nuts with the egg white mixture then add the sugar mixture little bit little while still tossing the nuts lightly until well coated.  Spread the nuts out in a single layer on the prepared pan and bake for 30 min, then stir and bake 15 minutes more. Remove from oven and let cool on pan.

Before bed Strata- Ie  This fabulous breakfast dish allows Cinderella to get breakfast on ready while she takes care of all the other chores she has in the morning.  Just get it ready before bed and preheat the oven when you wake it will be ready in just under an hour.

8-10 1 inch slices of day old bread- Italian or French work best

 3T softened butter

  1 container-8 oz. ricotta cheese with excess liquid pour off.

Zest one lemon then cut in half and juice set aside separately

1 T cinnamon mixed with 1/3 c sugar

 1 pint fresh blueberries- 2 cups

1 ¾  c half and half

6 eggs well beaten with 1 t. real vanilla extract

 Butter on one side of all bread slices.  Arrange half of the slices in a 9 inch square pan.  In mixing bowl combine ricotta zest and juice, and sugar mixture until well combined. Spread over bread then sprinkle with half of berries. Cover with remaining bread slices butter side up.  Beat eggs with half and half until no streaks of egg, then gently pour over the entire pan ensuring total coverage by pushing bread into the mixture.

Cover the pan and place in fridge overnight, at least 2hrs.  Remove pan from fridge.  Preheat oven to 325 F. Bake on middle rack for 50-55 min. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into.  Serve with remaining blueberries,  syrup, or softened cream cheese.

Spiced Bacon

12 slices thick cut bacon- or your favorite brand.

2 Tb granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay all bacon slices out on large rimmed broiler pan or sheet pan.  Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Bake 6 min, then rotate pan and bake 6-9 min longer depending on preference of crispness.

Wishing eyes- Cinderella’s take on the famous Buck-eyes

½ c soft butter

1 c. Almond or Peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

 ½ tsp. cinnamon.

 ½ c. graham crackers crushed finely

 Combine above ingredients. Slowly add 4 cups powdered sugar with a pastry blender or 2 butter knives (alternately this recipe can be totally prepared in a large food processor.  Place in air tight plastic container and chill thoroughly.  Once mixture is stiff, it can be formed into 1 inch balls and dipped in melted white chocolate or white confectioner’s coating. To melt chocolate chop finely and place in a metal bowl above ( not touching)  very hot water or barely simmering water on the stove stirring constantly- have an adult to help in this process to make sure no water gets in the bowl on the top. Let candies dry on wax paper/ parchment until coating has hardened.

Yummy Savory Cinnamon Seasoning- great with chicken lamb or pork

1 Tb. Ground Cumin

2 Tb chili Powder mix- this is not cayenne pepper

1 Tb Allspice

 1 Tb Black Pepper

1 tsp. white pepper –optional

1 tsp.  ground cinnamon

3 Tb salt

Mix all spices together in small bowl.  Sprinkle on meat prior to sautéing, grilling, or baking in your favorite method.