Crock-pot Cube Steak

This past week we had 80 degree temperatures followed up with a hard freeze!  When I went to work one day it was summer and when I left work it was winter.  I think I have whiplash!

With the return of cool (okay cold) weather, my thoughts of food head straight to warming comfort foods, you know things that warm you from the inside out.

Lately, my kitchen time has been limited due to a cabinet refinishing project (you've might have noticed I've missed a few weeks..sorry, I am feeling guilty), I needed to get a little more creative with meal preparation.   To help me, I turned to my crock-pot.  This is one helpful appliance and I should rely on mine more than I do.

This weekend, I purchased cube steaks at the grocery to make this quick and easy recipe (never mind that I had to explain to the fellow behind the meat counter that cube steak was not hamburger steak).

The end result doesn't look stellar on the plate, but you'll quickly forget about the lack of beauty attributes and photogenic qualities once you dig into a gravy slathered bite.  Of course you have to have mashed potatoes to accompany it to take advantage of the wonderful gravy!  Seconds please!

Chocolate Espresso Cake with Lemon Mascarpone

This recipe is one I found on Savoring Time in the Kitchen blog as Torta Caprese with Lemon Mascarpone which was adapted from a magazine.  It looked delicious and kept whispering to me...well, actually it was  screaming loudly.

Knowing I had a friend coming for her annual fall visit, I decided this would be the perfect desert to try while she was here.  Yes, those who know me, are very aware if you spend time at my table, you will be subject to my trying new recipes.  So far I only recall one recipe that wasn't well received by a guest, so my batting average is pretty good.

For my gluten free friends, I think this cake may work for you since it does not contain any flour, but rather uses ground almonds.

I will admit to being a little skeptical of the chocolate and lemon combo.  Both are flavors I love, but typically would not consider putting them together.  However, the lemon mascarpone is so light and subtly flavored, it pairs well with the richness of the cake.  Feel free to double the recipe so you can slather it on thick!