Winners have been announced!

Hey everyone!  Thanks so much for making this giveaway such a success!  Winners have been chosen by rafflecopter and have been announced on each post.  I will be sending you an email if you're one of the lucky winners!  Thanks so much!  I've been cooking up a lot of fun around here and can't wait to share it with all of you! 

Happy Cooking!
Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway # 8- CAMP CHEF

As most of you know... I am a true fan of all things cast iron!  I love all of my cast iron dutch ovens, my pizza pan, pie pan, bread pan, skookie pans, sandwich makers, etc!  That's just to name a few!  :)  I also have 2 triple burner Camp Chef stoves, 2 double burner Camp Chef stoves, a 24-inch Smoke Vault, etc. etc. etc.  Yes!  I have an amazing outdoor kitchen!  When I was talking with Camp Chef, I was so excited to be able to give another cast iron cookware item to one of my lucky readers, because we all know you guys all love them too!  But no... this time Camp Chef wanted to give away something even bigger!  What's your guess?  That's right!  Camp Chef has offered one very lucky From Cupboard to Cupboard follower an EXPLORER DOUBLE BURNER STOVE!!! Valued at $170!  The options with this baby are endless people!!! These stoves are so awesome during canning season!  Keep the heat outside and get your canning done twice as fast! And then use it all year long for your outdoor cooking!  And seriously?  When something happens and your power goes out, you're not out of luck!  You can still cook!  Oh! And the mess isn't in your kitchen!  Camp Chef:  YOU ROCK!!!!

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #7- Leathers Photography

 Melissa of Leathers Photography has offered a giveaway of 2 crochet crowns she makes. They can be made in newborn, infant, child, or adult size and can be made in the color of your choice! Each  item is valued at $12 each, so this giveaway is a total value of $24. So cute! 

Happy Cooking!
Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #6- Salvesen Vinyl Creations

My friend, Bartni, has offered up an awesome giveaway!  She has a vinyl/crafting blog where she makes and posts some pretty darn cute stuff! She also sells Scentsy!  So, she's sharing a little bit of both of her businesses with us!  This giveaway is for a darling Halloween tile and a set of Eskimo Kiss fragranced Room Spray, Car Candle, and Scentsy Bar!  Awesome giveaway and something we can all use, right!  I love Scentsy! 

2 year Celebration Giveaway #5- From Cupboard to Cupboard

Well, I didn't think it was fair that I went without showing my appreciation to my readers!  I can't express enough, the fun I've had over the past 2 years sharing my passion of cooking with others!  I have decided to give away a set of Cupcake Pot Holders of your choice! That's right... I'll make them special just for you! :)  Valued @ $10.

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #4- Hair Flair by Ashley

Ashley is great!  So very talented!  She makes the most adorable hair bows and bottlecap necklaces {for great prices too!}.  I have a bottlecap necklace on it's way to my little girl!  It's so cute! Ashley has offered a bottlecap necklace of the winner's choice! And believe me, there are a whole lot of fun choices!  {I think I'm going to order a cute cupcake one for myself :)}

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #3- Centsless Deals

This has to be one of my favorite couponing and saving sights of all times!  JonnaBeth is always finding some awesome deals and sharing them with everyone... everything from pet items to grocery items, to kitchen appliances! She is AMAZING and hilarious :)! You totally should go watch her episodes of JB TV! You learn alot and laugh alot with every episode!  And she has ever so graciously offered a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card!  Thanks JB!!

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #2- Dru's Fabulous Scents

These are so stinkin' cute!  I can honestly say I've never seen them before, but when Dru sent me the picture... I just fell in love! She is so sweet to donate one of these adorable little guys valued at $25!  The winner will be able to choose the  SCENTSY BUDDYof your choice! The Lion's mane totally makes me want to squeeze him :)

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

2 year Celebration Giveaway #1- Kitchen Kneads

Kitchen Kneads of Logan has sponsored this AWESOME giveaway valued @ $20.00.  This giveaway is for a 12"x9" Epicurean Cutting Board.  I would LOVE to have one {or three} of these! 

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Happy Birthday & S'mores Cupcakes

Wow!  I can't believe how quickly the past two years have gone by.  I have enjoyed sharing my passion of cooking, baking, & sharing all things food with you all!  I only plan to keep sharing and am looking forward to it! Thanks for making it something I enjoy more! I appreciate all of your love and support! :)

I made some cupcakes in honor of my 2 yr "blog birthday"!  After all, it is an accomplishment that should be celebrated right? 

S'mores Cupcakes! Oh my!  They are soooo good!  Of course, they have all the components of a favorite summertime treat of mine!  The bottom of the liner is filled with graham cracker crumbs for the perfect s'mores touch! The rich chocolate cake has the perfect light texture with a huge punch of chocolate flavor.  They are filled with a creamy marshmallow filling and frosted with a graham cracker buttercream!  I mean... seriously!? I don't think there's a better way to celebrate!

Oh! And of course, had to add the zebra liners! Afterall, I kinda made them for me, right? :)

S'mores Cupcakes
adapted from Your Cup of Cake
From Cupboard to Cupboard.com

Chocolate Cakes:
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup boiling water

fine crumbed graham crackers

Marshmallow Cream Centers

4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup marshmallow cream
1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar

Graham Cracker Buttercream

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup fine graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp vanilla
2-3 Tbsp milk

Preheat oven to 360 degrees.  Line cupcake liners.  I got 32 cupcakes from my batch. (high altitude will get more than the 24 of lower altitudes). Mix sugar, brown sugar, and oil for 3 minutes until smooth.  Add sour cream and vanilla and stir well.  Add eggs one at a time and mix only until incorporated.  In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add dry ingredients and boiling water to sugar mixture alternating between the two.  Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner.  Shake pan to spread evenly.  Fill liners 3/4 full and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on wired rack.

For Marshmallow Cream Centers: Beat cream cheese, marshmallow cream and powdered sugar.  Add more powdered sugar to taste.  This mixture should be kind of runny.  Remember it's made from marshmallow cream and it will thicken in the cupcake! When cupcakes are cooled, cut out a small area from the center of each cake and pipe marshmallow cream into each cupcake.

For Graham Cracker Buttercream: Beat cream cheese and butter until light and creamy.  Add powdered sugar, vanilla and graham cracker crumbs.  At this point, the buttercream will look like cookie dough.  Add milk a little bit at a time until the buttercream consistency is reached.

Pipe onto cooled, marshmallow filled cupcakes and top with a square of a chocolate bar!

Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Our Favorite Chicken Nuggets

A few years ago, while camping, we were trying to come up with a way of using up the chicken breasts we had left for lunch before we went home.  We went thru all the cupboards in the camper and the only thing Mom and I found was Krusteaz Pancake Mix.  So, we decided we'd use it for the breading and deep fry the chicken in the dutch oven.  Oh boy!  It was so good!  So, this is a play on that recipe that we used way back when :) 

By marinating the chicken in the milk and egg mixture, it seems to trap the moisture in the chicken and these nuggets are so juicy and moist, not to mention t-e-n-d-e-r!   And my favorite way to eat them... dip them in HONEY!  Oh yummy! 



Our Favorite Chicken Nuggets
From Cupboard to Cupboard original recipe

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bitesize chunks
2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups pancake mix of choice
1/2-1 tsp salt (this can be omitted if you're watching your sodium! :) )
1 tsp pepper

Trim your chicken breasts and cut into bitesize chunks.  In a medium bowl, mix together milk and eggs.  Add chicken and make sure all chicken is coated.  Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.  When you are ready to start cooking your chicken, heat oil to 360 degrees.  Mix pancake mix, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. (I use a pie pan).  Take your chicken out of the milk mixture several pieces at a time and drain.  Drop into flour mixture and coat well.  Drop in hot oil and cook until browned.  Serve while warm with your favorite dipping sauce!


Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Ideas for "sharing" your zucchini crop ...

I have to admit, usually during this time of year, I'm out in my HUGE garden picking boxes and boxes full of zucchini, wondering "what can I do next with this?". However, this year, I took a much-needed break and didn't even plant a garden.  Oh! I miss it soooo much!  Yes.. even the work! Believe me, next year THERE WILL BE A GARDEN!  Anyhow.. back to the point of my story... I don't like to see beautiful produce go to waste.  I like to find a use for it.. even if it is chicken feed, it's still a use:)  I did learn that I have one horse that will eat yellow zucchini but she won't touch any other kind of squash.  She's cool like that! :)  Wow!.. I am having a problem with getting off the subject.. So, back to it! In finding different ways to use my zucchini, I became quite a menace to others at times, tee hee!  I had neighbors that would find some zucchini tied together with some raffia or jute with one of these sweet little tags...

I loved the thought of making people laugh, whether or not they really wanted zucchini or not!  And sometimes, if I had an abundance of zucchini bread, I'd add it to a basket, with zucchini, a cute kitchen towel, and this tag...

So, if you have some extra zucchini that needs to be put to good use, try one of these fun ideas!  Afterall, it will make someone's day! :)

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Tea's Fried Zucchini

Fried Zucchini is one of my favorite summertime dishes!  I try to tell myself that it's okay to eat a bunch because it's a vegetable, right?  I use this method to bread chicken, chicken-fried steaks, mozzarella sticks, pretty much anything deep-fried.  You get the picture right?  It's really not hard and there's not much to it.  No specific measurements and you can change it up to your liking by adding your own spices....or, just leaving it like this!

I like to call this my 3-dip method....

First: Rinse your zucchini.  Cut it into even 1/4 inch slices.  Set aside...

Now prepare your breading station....
Plate #1... Put approximately 1/2 cup flour and add some seasoning salt and garlic powder...
Large Bowl... Beat 2 eggs.  Add approximately 1 cup of milk or buttermilk and mix together...
Plate #2... Put 1/2 cup italian seasoned bread crumbs and 1/2 cup panko crumbs on plate and mix...

Heat your oil to 350 degrees.  I have a deep fat fryer that keeps the oil at a constant temperature. If you don't have one, then make sure and use a thermometer.  You don't want to burn these beauties do you?

Place your zucchini slices in the flour mixture first.  You want the zucchini to be coated in the flour.  Now dip the pieces in the milk mixture.  Don't leave them in. I like to do them one at a time to save the flour from settling on the bottom.  Make sure both sides are coated evenly. Then take them out and place them in the crumb mixture.  Press the crumbs onto the zucchini, turning them over to ensure all are coated well!

Place in the preheated oil and fry until golden brown.  Take out and place on a plate covered with paper towels to drain any excess oil.  Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.  I like ranch dressing or cocktail sauce.

Enjoy!

...Because I did :)

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Super Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Another scrumptious zucchini recipe!  Oh, this cake is so moist and has the PERFECT amount of chocolate!  Another excellent way to use up some of that bountiful zucchini crop! Tip: Instead of making a 9x13 pan, try making a couple 8 or 9 inch pans and share one!

Super Chocolate Zucchini Cake
adapted by From Cupboard to Cupboard

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup oil
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups grated zucchini
1/2-3/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2-3/4 cup chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups flour
4 Tbsp cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Cream butter, oil and sugar.  Add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk and blend well.
Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.  Mix then stir in zucchini.  Pour into greased and floured 9x13 pan (or two 8 or 9 inch pans). Sprinkle with nuts and chocolatechips.  Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes...

Happy Cooking!

Teauna

Zucchini Season........Carrot & Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

It's that time of year again!  The gardens are producing like crazy and everyone is wondering what in the world they can do to get rid of their zucchini crop!  I know, I know... there's only so much one can do with zucchini! Well, I think you may be surprised!  Over the years, I have grown an amazing garden, but with moving this year, we just didn't get one planted.  I haven't missed taking care of it so much, as I've been keeping plenty busy, however I can't believe how much I have missed the produce! And as funny as it may seem, I really miss my Zucchini!  Well, that was, until, some great friends heard my cry for help!  I now have zucchini coming out my ears.  Don't get me wrong... I am NOT complaining!  I am excited! 

As you may have read... my Grandma passed away the first part of August.  She was the zucchini bread and zucchini cake queen!  And she always had some to share.  I decided that I should take on this tradition as my own.  I want to keep her traditions alive as well as I can.  So, I thought I'd bake some zucchini bread, cake, brownies, etc. and share them with those that I love!  I seriously can NOT believe how many great recipes are out there! In the past, I have made mock apple crisp with zucchini and no one knew the difference.  :) My Mom makes zucchini relish and bottles it and it is yummy! I have learned that zucchini is a vegetable, that while not having much flavor of it's own, will take on the flavor of what you cook it with or season it with.  For instance, if you seeded, peeled and sliced zucchini, adding it to a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, applesauce... you get the picture... it's going to take on the flavor of an apple crisp and it provides the texture of the apple!  It was seriously really good!(If I ever find where I hid the recipe, I'll share). If you steam zucchini with another vegetable, it will take on the flavor of  that other vegetable! So, really, zucchini is quite fun! Because it can be used in so many different way!

So, I've decided to try some new recipes, and also share some of my favorites with you.  Recipes using ZUCCHINI!  I hope you enjoy them.  I have plenty to share, so stay tuned for more!

___________________________________________________________________________

Today's recipe I want to share is one from Better Homes and Gardens. I found it on Pinterest!  Have you got the hang of Pinterest yet?  Well, at first I thought it didn't make sense, but then, realized that there are endless ideas on there!  And I have found so many new recipe and decor ideas!  Love it! { If you do have a Pinterest account, click the button in my right sidebar and follow me on Pinterest!} This recipe is like the best of two of favorite things... Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread! And it's soooo good!  It's chock full of goodness and flavor!  I just love the way that zucchini can add moisture, then add carrots and oh my!... Yummy!  Of course, once you add the Cream Cheese Frosting....extra YUMMY!!!

Carrot & Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

by From Cupboard to Cupboard

2 eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups shredded carrot

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp baking soda

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
splash of milk if needed

Or use your own favorite cream cheese frosting!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla.  Don’t worry about clumps of the brown sugar, those will dissolve as it sits while you prepare the remaining ingredients.  Then fold in the carrot, zucchini, and walnuts
2. In another bowl combine add the flour, baking powder, ginger, and baking soda.  Whisk to blend together.
3. Add to flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Spread batter into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
4. Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
5. Once the cake is cooled prepare the frosting.   In a medium mixing bowl, beat the fosting ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.  Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars.  Makes 36 bars.

Happy Cooking!

Teauna