Apple Sage and Chicken Meatloaf "Cupcakes" and Carly sings Simon and Garfunkel

Every year about this time my thoughts turn to Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. Thoughts of these lovely aromatic herbs always make me think of the old Simon and Garfunkel version of the song "Scarborough Fair". This song has always sounded somewhat haunting to me. I'm not even sure that haunting is the word I'm looking for. I found this Carly Simon version of the song and I really enjoyed her take on it. I hope you will as well!



What time is it now? Why it's CrAzY CuPcAkE time!


This time we're trying:

Apple Sage and Chicken Meatloaf "Cupcakes" with Sweet Potato Frosting

by theUngourmet

1 lb ground chicken
1 tsp rubbed sage
1 tsp minced dry onion
1 medium apple, peeled and grated
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tsp salt
pinch of nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Fill muffin cup completely full (I got 6 out of this recipe). Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches the proper temperature.

While the "Cupcakes" are baking, prepare the sweet potatoes.
You will need:
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks and cooked until tender
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp (or more) low fat buttermilk
Salt and pepper

Place all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whip until smooth and creamy.

Pull the cupcakes out of the oven and crank it up to 400 degrees. Place a generous scoop of taters on top and sprinkle with panko and herb topping (1 1/2 tbsp of melted butter, 1/2 cup panko, 1/2 tsp rubbed sage, 1/2 tsp thyme).

Place back into the oven for 5-6 minutes until breadcrumbs are nicely browned.



That's all there is to it really. These are super tasty! I really dug the apple and sage with the chicken. Super flavor!

I hope you all will join me for my CrAzY cUpCaKe Challenge!! Make it sweet or make it savory but just be sure to make it crazy! You have until November 19th to send in your recipes.

Hey, I also wanted to say the Biggest Thank You to SITS for featuring my blog yesterday and to all of you who stopped over for a visit and a cupcake! I am trying my darndest to come over and say hello to all of you. :0)

Hope everyone is enjoying their week!

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Stuffing and Mashed Potato "Cupcakes" and a Crazy Cupcake Challenge

This is proving to be a super busy weekend. A weekend full of Halloween fun, parties galore, and a big 13th birthday for my wonderful daughter! She has requested Red Velvet Cupcakes for her party. I really want to do a bit of a twist on them so my mind gears are working overtime to figure that out.

Needless to say, mealtime has been a bit rushed and I've been looking for fun and easy ideas for my Crazy Cupcake challenge. Here is my latest concoction...Stuffing and Mashed Potato Cupcakes.

I really don't have a specific recipe for this one. I just used the cheater stuffing, prepared according to directions.



I cooked up 3 large potatoes and whipped them up with 2 tbsp of butter, some sour cream, salt and pepper.



I pressed an even amount of stuffing into 12 muffin cups and topped with a scoop of taters. I topped each cupcake with a bit of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley and placed into a 400 degree oven for about 7-8 minutes.



These are so darn cute! I think they would be great for Thanksgiving, don't you?!

Speaking of Thanksgiving....How about a little challenge from the Ungourmet!

Send me your most creative CrAzY CuPcAkE recipe and I will put it before my panel of judges (namely my kiddos). The winner will walk away (or rather, be mailed) a few goodies.

I was thinking of this pie crust shield and this awesome spatula. This spatula ROCKS! It is so perfect for scooping out those stuffing and mashed potato cupcakes!

So, send me your recipe idea by either a link in your comment or to my yahoo email. kkautto(at)yahoo(dot)com. I want to pick a winner before Thanksgiving so that the winner can use these prizes while whipping up the big meal.

How about we make the deadline...Thursday, November 19th. That should be enough time to mail out prizes.

Show me whatcha got! :0)

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Chicken and Spinach Lasagna "Cupcakes"

I have made an important decision. I have decided to drive my family nuts by making everything in cupcake form! Doesn't that sound like a whole mess of mealtime fun?

This is my first attempt at Lasagna Cupcakes and I have to tell ya, they were a huge hit!



They are a bit messy and take a little bit more time but it's so worth it!

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Cupcakes

by theUngourmet

1 lb ground chicken
2 cloves minced garlic
8 oz canned petite diced tomatoes undrained
8 oz canned tomato sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp cracked pepper
8 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
1 beaten egg
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 tbsp dried parsley
1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan

Print recipe

Thoroughly cook the ground chicken in a large skillet. Add the tomatoes, sauce, garlic, spices, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Combine the egg, ricotta, Parmesan, and spinach.

Using a glass or cookie cutter that is close to the size of the muffin cups, cut 3 circles out of each noodle for a total of 24 circles.



Place 1 noodle circle in each muffin cup. Layer meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat. Top with a bit of parsley and grated Parmesan.

Cover loosely with a piece of foil that has been sprayed with oil and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes to brown on top.

Let the "cupcakes" sit for at least 10 minutes for easier removal.



I didn't want to let any food go to waste so I tossed any ingredients that didn't fit into the muffin cups into a small baking dish to bake another night.

These are so fun and yummy! I can't wait to make them again!


I also wanted to take a few moments to say a great big thanks for the lovely blog awards that have been passed to me recently! :D

I received this award from Shelly at Experimental Culinary Pursuits. Shelly is a fellow Foodbuzz featured publisher and her blog is just bursting with wonderful recipes. I have just recently discovered this blog and I am loving all of the creativity going on over there! Go and visit Shelly soon!

I was also honored to be passed this lovely award from the Chickenless Kitchen. I love this blog! The Chickenless Kitchen is a culinary super hero and is also a fellow Foodbuzz featured publisher. Don't be chicken go on over and say hello!

Last, but most definitely not least, I would like to thank Palidor at Crazy Asian Gal for this fun award. Palidor has the most out of this world, crazy good recipes. You will love her! Go now and take a good look around.

Well, I guess that wraps up another post. I hope everyone is enjoying their week and eating some good grub!

See ya soon!

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