Fried Brussel Sprouts

Like fried cabbage? Then you are in for a treat. This is easy and most kids are actually surprised that it tastes better than it looks! I add about 2 tablespoons sugar simply to soften the taste and make my kids happy. But it is delicious without the sugar, and when I leave it out, I don't tell them and they never say a word!"

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 (12 ounce) package fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste (optional)
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place bacon pieces in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, leaving grease in the skillet.
2. Cook onion in the bacon grease in the skillet until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and toss to coat in the bacon grease. Cook and stir until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper; sprinkle in bacon pieces.

Chai-Spiced Pound Cake

Featuring our newest blend of aromatic baking spices, this perfectly tender cake mimics the flavors of a cup of ever-popular chai tea. Just lightly sweetened with both brown sugar and honey, it's an ideal treat for a cold autumn afternoon.

Notes for others:  bake in a bundt pan as the recipe calls for.  50 minutes may be too long.

Ingredients

• 16 tablespoons (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chai spice; or 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons cardamom, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon clove, and 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup sour cream or yogurt, full-fat preferred
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until smooth and somewhat lightened in color; this will take about 2 minutes at medium speed of an electric hand or stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for a minute or two and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl between additions.
4. Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend (or spices).
5. Measure the flour by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Gently but thoroughly stir half the flour into the butter/egg mixture. Add the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla, stirring to combine. Finally, stir in the remaining flour. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat briefly, to incorporate any sticky residue.
6. Thoroughly grease a 9- or 10-cup Bundt pan. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a cake tester, bamboo skewer, or long toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven, and cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a rack to finish cooling.
8. Cool completely before slicing. Store any leftovers, tightly wrapped in plastic, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.