23 hours ago
Monday, December 6, 2010
Special Bundle
Christmas time is my busiest month in the kitchen. But this year I have something extra special in the oven...and it won't be ready until the first part of July. Until then I have NO desire to be in the kitchen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Honey Butter
Next time you take fresh rolls out of the overn try glazing (drenching) them in honey butter!
In your mixer dump and mix on high speed for 3 minutes:
1/2 cup real butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Monday, November 22, 2010
Shepherds Pie
This is one of the very few recipes I have that calls for cream of chicken and boxed stuffing, but it is goooood! This is a great way to use your left overs in the fridge. I hate heating up 6 different tupperwares after Thanksgiving. This makes an easy and yummy dish!
In a small mixing bowl mix:
2 cups cooked, shredded turkey or chicken
1 can cream of chicken
In a 9x13 baking dish layer:
turkey/soup mix
1 can green beans, drained
1 package chicken stuffing, prepared
2 cups mashed potatoes (REAL mashed potatoes)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
In a small mixing bowl mix:
2 cups cooked, shredded turkey or chicken
1 can cream of chicken
In a 9x13 baking dish layer:
turkey/soup mix
1 can green beans, drained
1 package chicken stuffing, prepared
2 cups mashed potatoes (REAL mashed potatoes)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Easy Yummy Pizza
I usually make this for General Conference because it is a satisfying meal that takes just minutes.
Buy a loaf of french bread at the grocery store and cut it in half length-wise. Then cut them in half cross-wise. This will give you 4 pizzas. Top them with pizza sauce, peppers, pepperonis, provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, and oregano and basil.
Place the pizzas on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 12 minutes.
I served this with a pre-made salad with crumpled blue cheese and blue cheese dressing.
Buy a loaf of french bread at the grocery store and cut it in half length-wise. Then cut them in half cross-wise. This will give you 4 pizzas. Top them with pizza sauce, peppers, pepperonis, provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, and oregano and basil.
Place the pizzas on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 12 minutes.
I served this with a pre-made salad with crumpled blue cheese and blue cheese dressing.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Grandpa's Cough Tonic
I have been running a fever of 100 to 102 for the past 3 days with a realy bad sore throat and cough. I finally went in to the doctor this morning to rule out Strep. No Strep. It's a viral infection. Doc said there is nothing we can do about it except drink tea and honey. I dropped by the store to pick up the ingredients for my Dad's cough tonic. This stuff really works! Since my parents don't "measure" I tried to get my measurements as close to theirs as possible. Also, I don't think my parents use lemon juice, but I thought I would just throw it in there. Lemon juice is a natural dissinfectant and stimulates the liver to creat bile. This makes it easier for you to digest your food. It is also high in Vitamin C. If you can dissinfect your countertops with vinegar and lemon juice, then you should be able to dissinfect your throat with it, too. Am I right?!
Here is what I did. I made up a strong hot tonic, at the recommendation of my Mother. Then I filled a water bottle with a cold drink. I sipped the hot drink until it was all gone and have been sipping the cold drink throughout the day. Be prepared with a box of tissues or a handkerchief with the hot drink. It was really loosen up all that junk. If you are too wimpy to drink the hot drink, at least smell it. Just smelling it clears up your sinuses! But, seriously, don't be a wimp. Just drink it.
Hot drink
juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
5 T honey
1/2 cup water
2 sprinkles Cayene Pepper
mix the above ingredients over the stove top until steamy. Sip.
Cold drink (not near as strong, thus you can sip it throughout the day)
juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 T honey
1, 1/2 cups cold water
*don't buy the generic brand. Get the good stuff by Heinz.
Here is what I did. I made up a strong hot tonic, at the recommendation of my Mother. Then I filled a water bottle with a cold drink. I sipped the hot drink until it was all gone and have been sipping the cold drink throughout the day. Be prepared with a box of tissues or a handkerchief with the hot drink. It was really loosen up all that junk. If you are too wimpy to drink the hot drink, at least smell it. Just smelling it clears up your sinuses! But, seriously, don't be a wimp. Just drink it.
Hot drink
juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
5 T honey
1/2 cup water
2 sprinkles Cayene Pepper
mix the above ingredients over the stove top until steamy. Sip.
Cold drink (not near as strong, thus you can sip it throughout the day)
juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 T honey
1, 1/2 cups cold water
*don't buy the generic brand. Get the good stuff by Heinz.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Fall Fettuccini
I was sick of cooked eggs and toast for lunch. Eggs and toast have been the lunch menu for the last week. Today was the first snow in the valley. I celebrated by using the zucchini on my counter. Hope you enjoy!
In a pot cook according to directions:
speghetti (make a circle by touching your thumb to your pointer finger. enough to fit in this circle)
In second pot heat on medium melt:
1 stick butter (real butter!)
Now add to the hot butter:
1 medium zucchini (you know, the one that's been on your counter for weeks)
Cook the zucchini for 2 minutes and then add:
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
Be patient while you stir this around. You will think the cream cheese will never melt down. It will look lumpy for a while. Just keep gently stirring.
Now add:
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
Stir in your drained speghetti noodles. Enjoy!
In a pot cook according to directions:
speghetti (make a circle by touching your thumb to your pointer finger. enough to fit in this circle)
In second pot heat on medium melt:
1 stick butter (real butter!)
Now add to the hot butter:
1 medium zucchini (you know, the one that's been on your counter for weeks)
Cook the zucchini for 2 minutes and then add:
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
Be patient while you stir this around. You will think the cream cheese will never melt down. It will look lumpy for a while. Just keep gently stirring.
Now add:
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
Stir in your drained speghetti noodles. Enjoy!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Pumpkin Pancakes
These are wonderful for this time of year! Here's a tip for making these. They need a bit longer to cook than a normal pancake. Set your heat a tad lower than you normally do and cook them a minute or two longer on each side. I have tried these with Apple Cider Syrup and didn't think they were that great. Maybe I need to do some tweaking. But these were great served with homemade buttermilk syrup! Click here!
Mix:
1, 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin from the can
2 eggs
2 T oil
2 T vinegar (yes really)
Now add and mix quickly:
2 cups flour (I use 1, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup wheat, 1/4 cup oat flour)
3 T brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
Mix:
1, 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin from the can
2 eggs
2 T oil
2 T vinegar (yes really)
Now add and mix quickly:
2 cups flour (I use 1, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup wheat, 1/4 cup oat flour)
3 T brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
Monday, October 18, 2010
Ruby's Chicken Noodle Soup
Remember the chicken I talked about here? And the noodles I talked about here? Combine them into a real savory soup!
In a large pot throw in:
2 T butter
1/2 cup onion (1/2 onion)
1, 1/4 cup carrots (2-3 carrots)
1/2 cup celery (3 stalks)
Let this cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
Then add:
8 cups chicken broth
3 bay leaves
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Let this simmer for 20 minutes.
Now add:
3 cups chicken, cooked and cut up
Let this simmer for 5 minutes
Now add noodles from one recipe. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a large pot throw in:
2 T butter
1/2 cup onion (1/2 onion)
1, 1/4 cup carrots (2-3 carrots)
1/2 cup celery (3 stalks)
Let this cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
Then add:
8 cups chicken broth
3 bay leaves
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Let this simmer for 20 minutes.
Now add:
3 cups chicken, cooked and cut up
Let this simmer for 5 minutes
Now add noodles from one recipe. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Homemade Noodles
I grew up eating Mom's homemade noodles. Is chicken noodle soup real if it isn't made with homemade noodles? Nope. Not in my book.
The problem is when I ask Mom how to make noodles she says, "you can make them with eggs, but you don't have to." or "You can roll them thin but you don't have to." So I'll ask, "How do you make them?" And Mom will say, "Oh, it just depends on how much time I have and when I'm serving dinner." ....not too helpful. right?
Here is a recipe that turned out just like Mom's. I began making these at 2 in the afternoon. I let them sit on the counter until 5:00 pm. You could make them first thing in the morning and let them sit on the counter all day. You could also make them up an hour before dinner... great, now I'm sounding just like Mom!
In your mixer mix:
3 eggs
1 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of pepper
Now add and mix:
1 cup flour
Now dump the sticky mixture on a well floured counter (about 1 more cup of flour). Knead until no longer sticky.
Roll the dough out until it is 1/8" thick. Take a sharp knife and cut noodle strips. The strips should be 4 inches long and less than 1/2" wide.
Let the noodles sit on counter for a few hours or all day. Then boil for 3 minutes.
I'll post my chicken noodle soup recipe soon!
The problem is when I ask Mom how to make noodles she says, "you can make them with eggs, but you don't have to." or "You can roll them thin but you don't have to." So I'll ask, "How do you make them?" And Mom will say, "Oh, it just depends on how much time I have and when I'm serving dinner." ....not too helpful. right?
Here is a recipe that turned out just like Mom's. I began making these at 2 in the afternoon. I let them sit on the counter until 5:00 pm. You could make them first thing in the morning and let them sit on the counter all day. You could also make them up an hour before dinner... great, now I'm sounding just like Mom!
In your mixer mix:
3 eggs
1 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of pepper
Now add and mix:
1 cup flour
Now dump the sticky mixture on a well floured counter (about 1 more cup of flour). Knead until no longer sticky.
Roll the dough out until it is 1/8" thick. Take a sharp knife and cut noodle strips. The strips should be 4 inches long and less than 1/2" wide.
Let the noodles sit on counter for a few hours or all day. Then boil for 3 minutes.
I'll post my chicken noodle soup recipe soon!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken
Roasted chicken is something I love but have never been able to do very well. I always guess if the chicken is done and always under cook or over cook. I finally shelled out the $4 it cost for a meat thermometer and I don't think I can ever go back to cooking regular chicken breast without being disappointed. Hmmm, another challenge. I placed the chicken on the top rack and the baked buttered carrots on the bottom rack.
Here is the chicken I bought. It was about 6 lbs. I rinsed it in the sink and then dried it with a paper towel. No guts or gizzards. Pretty clean. Then I slathered the chicken with cool butter -about 6 Tbl. Don't use oil. Why? Have you ever seen Julie and Julia?? Butter is better! I used my hands and got up under the skin.
Then I drenched the chicken in McCormicks Lemon Pepper.
Then, using regular string from my sewing kit, I wrapped the birds legs. Fold the wings under the bird. Really put some muscle into it and you can get them to fold.
Place in roasting pan breast side up!
Place pan in the oven at 375 for about 90 minutes. Baste the bird about 3 times throughout the 90 minutes. The first basting the bird didn't have any juices so I used chicken broth. I actually basted this one every 20 minutes. Then I ended up having to cook it for 2 hours because I kept letting the heat out.
The bird is done when the internal temp reaches 165 to 175.
Let the bird sit for 20 minutes while you make the gravy. I didn't end up with enough drippings for gravy. The problem is my roasting pan was way to large for my small bird. The drippings just evaporated.
Here is the chicken I bought. It was about 6 lbs. I rinsed it in the sink and then dried it with a paper towel. No guts or gizzards. Pretty clean. Then I slathered the chicken with cool butter -about 6 Tbl. Don't use oil. Why? Have you ever seen Julie and Julia?? Butter is better! I used my hands and got up under the skin.
Then I drenched the chicken in McCormicks Lemon Pepper.
Then, using regular string from my sewing kit, I wrapped the birds legs. Fold the wings under the bird. Really put some muscle into it and you can get them to fold.
Place in roasting pan breast side up!
Place pan in the oven at 375 for about 90 minutes. Baste the bird about 3 times throughout the 90 minutes. The first basting the bird didn't have any juices so I used chicken broth. I actually basted this one every 20 minutes. Then I ended up having to cook it for 2 hours because I kept letting the heat out.
The bird is done when the internal temp reaches 165 to 175.
Let the bird sit for 20 minutes while you make the gravy. I didn't end up with enough drippings for gravy. The problem is my roasting pan was way to large for my small bird. The drippings just evaporated.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Baked Buttered Carrots
Here is another recipe I tried from the Food Nanny. I adjusted the time and temperature so I could cook it in the oven with my chicken. I'll post the chicken recipe soon! These turned out so yummy!
peel about 5 carrots. Cut in half length wise and then cut in half width wise.
Place the carrots in a 9x9 baking dish. Cover the carrots with water. Cover the dish with foil.
I placed the dish on the bottom rack so the chicken could sit on the top rack. I baked it at 375 for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When the carrots are done. Drain the water and return carrots to hot baking dish. Dab with butter, salt and pepper!
peel about 5 carrots. Cut in half length wise and then cut in half width wise.
Place the carrots in a 9x9 baking dish. Cover the carrots with water. Cover the dish with foil.
I placed the dish on the bottom rack so the chicken could sit on the top rack. I baked it at 375 for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When the carrots are done. Drain the water and return carrots to hot baking dish. Dab with butter, salt and pepper!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Biscuits and Gravy
My friend Courtney introduced me to the cook book The Food Nanny. It is the cutest cook book! It is so much more than a recipe book. It talks about meal planning and shopping. Everything this lady talks about is more support to how I like to do things...so of course I love it!
I just tried this recipe of hers and it is gooooood!! I used the buttermilk biscuit recipe I just posted below here.
For the gravy
In a medium sauce pan brown:
8 oz maple flavor bulk sausage (I like Jimmy Dean)
In a separate sauce pan melt:
1/4 cup butter
using a whisk add:
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
pepper
Mix the flour long enough that it darkens a bit. About 1-2 minutes. Then add slowly:
2 cups milk
1 cup water
Keep whisking. Don't leave the stove to do dishes or change a diaper :) Keep the whisk moving until it bubbles and thickens. Then add the drained sausage and serve over hot biscuits with fresh fruit!
I just tried this recipe of hers and it is gooooood!! I used the buttermilk biscuit recipe I just posted below here.
For the gravy
In a medium sauce pan brown:
8 oz maple flavor bulk sausage (I like Jimmy Dean)
In a separate sauce pan melt:
1/4 cup butter
using a whisk add:
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
pepper
Mix the flour long enough that it darkens a bit. About 1-2 minutes. Then add slowly:
2 cups milk
1 cup water
Keep whisking. Don't leave the stove to do dishes or change a diaper :) Keep the whisk moving until it bubbles and thickens. Then add the drained sausage and serve over hot biscuits with fresh fruit!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Buttermilk Buiscuits
These are the BEST buicuits I have ever had. They really do melt in your mouth. Do not substitute the ingredients. I found this recipe from sisterscafe.blogspot.com. I ate about 6 of these before stopping to take a breath. :-) This is the only recipe I've ever actually measured flour the way you are suppose to. You know, you spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level with a knife.
In a mixing bowl dump:
2 cups flour
2, 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Use a pastry cutter to add:
5 T cold butter
Use a fork to fluff in this mixture:
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 T honey
Place the dough on a floured counter. Roll gently into 1/2 inch thick 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half to make a square. Then roll out to another 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half and use your hands to gently pat into a 3/4 inch thick circle. Cut 14 buiscuits.
Bake at 400 for 12 minutes. Serve hot!!
In a mixing bowl dump:
2 cups flour
2, 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Use a pastry cutter to add:
5 T cold butter
Use a fork to fluff in this mixture:
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 T honey
Place the dough on a floured counter. Roll gently into 1/2 inch thick 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half to make a square. Then roll out to another 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half and use your hands to gently pat into a 3/4 inch thick circle. Cut 14 buiscuits.
Bake at 400 for 12 minutes. Serve hot!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Crispy Southwest Quesadillas with Guacamole dip
Life has gotten busy now that school is in session. I thought music practice ended when I was done with school. Now that I have children in music classes I find that I log about 1 1/2 hours a day practicing along side them. I hope I can at least post one recipe a month. I'll try!
This recipe came from this website http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/ ... I like to make quesadillas instead of wraps. I also replaced and edited a few ingredients. These are super yummy and very filling. If you want to use more legumes and less meat this is a good place to start!
The filling makes a lot! I use half for dinner and then store the other half for another dinner. You could also freeze the filling.
Cook:
1/2 cup rice (makes up 1, 1/2 cups when done)
Add to the cooked rice:
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
spread on tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in half and grill on pancake griddle.
Guacamole
Blend:
2 avocados
1/4 cup cilantro
small tomato
1/2 tsp salt
1 lime, juiced
This recipe came from this website http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/ ... I like to make quesadillas instead of wraps. I also replaced and edited a few ingredients. These are super yummy and very filling. If you want to use more legumes and less meat this is a good place to start!
The filling makes a lot! I use half for dinner and then store the other half for another dinner. You could also freeze the filling.
Cook:
1/2 cup rice (makes up 1, 1/2 cups when done)
Add to the cooked rice:
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
spread on tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in half and grill on pancake griddle.
Guacamole
Blend:
2 avocados
1/4 cup cilantro
small tomato
1/2 tsp salt
1 lime, juiced
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Chicken Salad Sandwich
This is my all time favorite dinner in the hot summer months! Chicken Salad on croissants. I like to serve this with a berry smoothy and fresh strawberries on the side. I like that I can make this up the night before or the morning of. Leftovers are wonderful for lunches for the rest of the week.
In a bowl dump and mix:
4 cups cooked chicken (I use a whole rotisserie chicken from the Deli)
1 cup celery, chopped
1/3 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mayo (I never use miracle whip)
pepper
3/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
In a bowl dump and mix:
4 cups cooked chicken (I use a whole rotisserie chicken from the Deli)
1 cup celery, chopped
1/3 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mayo (I never use miracle whip)
pepper
3/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Monday, July 26, 2010
Peach Cobbler
There are a lot of ways to make a peach cobbler. But this way was easy because I used the bottled peach pie filling.
Sprinkle 2 T flour over the top of pie filling. This helps thicken the filling.
Now for the topping...
In a mixing bowl dump and mix:
2 cups flour
2 T sugar
1 T baking powder
1 tsp salt
Now using a pastry cutter, cut in:
6 T shortening
Add using a fork:
1 cup milk (I use 3 T powder milk, and 1 cup water)
Spoon large tablespoons of this batter over the top of the pie filling. Sprinkle sugar over the batter.
Place in over and bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Bottled Peach Pie Filling
Melanie, this is for you. These pictures are from last year. I bottled these with Mom. It's a little early for peach season. I bottled these on September 20th. So we are still about 2 months off. I found that peach pie filling is a great way to use up your scraps after bottling regular peaches. There are also lots of peaches on the ground half rotten. We just cut off the bad parts and used the good. I'm so glad Mom and Dad have lots of peach trees!
This turned out a lot better than I expected! It was a tad bit runny coming out of the bottle. I fixed this by sprinkling 1 T flour and 1 T cornstarch over the filling before you put the top crust on.
This recipe makes 5 quarts.
19 cups diced peaches
5 cups sugar
1, 3/4 cup clear jel
3, 3/4 water
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup lemon juice
another 1 cup lemon juice
Step 1 - Peel the peaches. (About two large stainless steel bowl fulls) Dip the fruit in boiling water for 60 seconds. Remove and place in an ice water bath. Then peel
Step 2 - Cut the peaches. I like cubed shapes for pie. Leave out the mushy brown spots. Remove pits
Step 3 - Place 19 cups cubed peaches in large oversized bowl with 1 cup lemon juice. The lemon juice is to prevent browning.
Step 4 - Combine water, sugar, Clear Jel, cinnamon, almond extract in the largest kettle you have. Stir and cook over medium high heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles. (You could also use peach juice instead of water if you like)
Step 5 - Add 1 cup lemon juice and boil the sauce 1 minute more. Stir constantly.
Step 6 - Add the drained peach slices and continue to heat the mixture for 3 minutes.
Step 7 - Fill the jars with peach filling. Leave 1/2 inch head space
Step 8 - Process the jars in a water bath for 40 minutes
Step 9 - Lift jars out of water with a jar grabber. Place gently on counter top lined with dish towels. Leave these alone and don't touch or bump for 24 hours.
Don't eat until after Thanksgiving!! That's what Mom always said :)
This turned out a lot better than I expected! It was a tad bit runny coming out of the bottle. I fixed this by sprinkling 1 T flour and 1 T cornstarch over the filling before you put the top crust on.
This recipe makes 5 quarts.
19 cups diced peaches
5 cups sugar
1, 3/4 cup clear jel
3, 3/4 water
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup lemon juice
another 1 cup lemon juice
Step 1 - Peel the peaches. (About two large stainless steel bowl fulls) Dip the fruit in boiling water for 60 seconds. Remove and place in an ice water bath. Then peel
Step 2 - Cut the peaches. I like cubed shapes for pie. Leave out the mushy brown spots. Remove pits
Step 3 - Place 19 cups cubed peaches in large oversized bowl with 1 cup lemon juice. The lemon juice is to prevent browning.
Step 4 - Combine water, sugar, Clear Jel, cinnamon, almond extract in the largest kettle you have. Stir and cook over medium high heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles. (You could also use peach juice instead of water if you like)
Step 5 - Add 1 cup lemon juice and boil the sauce 1 minute more. Stir constantly.
Step 6 - Add the drained peach slices and continue to heat the mixture for 3 minutes.
Step 7 - Fill the jars with peach filling. Leave 1/2 inch head space
Step 8 - Process the jars in a water bath for 40 minutes
Step 9 - Lift jars out of water with a jar grabber. Place gently on counter top lined with dish towels. Leave these alone and don't touch or bump for 24 hours.
Don't eat until after Thanksgiving!! That's what Mom always said :)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Honey Lime Fruit
This is a summer favorite! I like to layer the fruit instead of dumping and mixing. If you dump and mix the fruit then you may end up with bruised bananas and browned kiwi. Before you layer your fruit give the sliced banans a lemon bath! Just fill a bowl with lemon juice (bottled) and then dump your bananas in gently. Scoop out with slotted spoon.
Layer:
1 banana
4 strawberries
1 kiwi
handfull of blueberries
Honey Lime Dressing
then layer 2 more times! (3 bananas altogether)
Honey Lime Dressing:
3 T honey
1 lime juiced
Layer:
1 banana
4 strawberries
1 kiwi
handfull of blueberries
Honey Lime Dressing
then layer 2 more times! (3 bananas altogether)
Honey Lime Dressing:
3 T honey
1 lime juiced
Saturday, July 3, 2010
4th of July Pie
Happy Birthday to my recipe blog!! One year ago today I started out on my venture to collect a vast and varried collection of recipes. I wanted to become more comfortable in the kitchen. Since last July 3rd we have eaten speghetti once! It was delicious, too. In fact I would dare say we have eaten something new every week. This is also my 130th post! Over 130 yummy recipes!
I can't claim this idea as my own. I found this idea on ourbestbites.blogspot.com -one of my favorite cooking spots! I did add my own flare and I used my mom's pie crust recipe for this yummy treat.
Pie Crust
Mix in large bowl:
4 cups flour (I used 3 T wheat flour in the 4 cups)
pinch of salt
Using a pastry cutter mix into flour:
2 cups shortening
Using a fork fluff slowly into mixture:
1 cup ice cold water
Roll dough out and cut out circles 2 inches larger than your muffin tin circles. I used a cereal bowl to mark my circle. Then I used a butter knife to cut out circles. Shape the rims how your mama taught...or just do the best you can ;)
Fill your tins with blueberry and cherry pie filling.
Using a cookie cutter cut out stars to place on top of filling.
Using your finger dab the dough with milk.
Then sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 375 for about 30-35 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes. I lifted out the pies using two butter knives resting under each individual pie rim.
I can't claim this idea as my own. I found this idea on ourbestbites.blogspot.com -one of my favorite cooking spots! I did add my own flare and I used my mom's pie crust recipe for this yummy treat.
Pie Crust
Mix in large bowl:
4 cups flour (I used 3 T wheat flour in the 4 cups)
pinch of salt
Using a pastry cutter mix into flour:
2 cups shortening
Using a fork fluff slowly into mixture:
1 cup ice cold water
Roll dough out and cut out circles 2 inches larger than your muffin tin circles. I used a cereal bowl to mark my circle. Then I used a butter knife to cut out circles. Shape the rims how your mama taught...or just do the best you can ;)
Fill your tins with blueberry and cherry pie filling.
Using a cookie cutter cut out stars to place on top of filling.
Using your finger dab the dough with milk.
Then sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 375 for about 30-35 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes. I lifted out the pies using two butter knives resting under each individual pie rim.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Rotini Salad
Simple Summer Supper
Boil & drain according to directions on box:
12 oz garden rotini
Add and toss:
1 large bunch fresh broccoli, cut small
16 oz bottle Italian salad dressing
14 oz jar artichoke hears, quartered and drained
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Place in fridge for several hours.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Gallo Pinto
This is a Costa Rican dish. Super easy and versatile. There are hundreds of ways to cook this. I found this one was very easy. I start the rice first so that it is ready to go. For 3 cups of rice you will use 3 cups of water and 1, 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice. If I had celery on hand I probably would have thrown that in, too.
*What to do with the left overs? I added a large dollop of sour cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This filling makes great toquitos!! Place a couple tablespoons of filling on a flour tortilla and roll up tight. Place the rolled tortilla seem side down on a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Dip in sour cream. My kids loved these!
Heat:
3 T oil
Add to hot oil and saute for 7 minutes:
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
After 7 minutes add and mix well:
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ginger
2 T worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups cooked rice
Now add and mix well:
2 cans black beans, drained
hand full of cilantro, chopped fine
*What to do with the left overs? I added a large dollop of sour cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This filling makes great toquitos!! Place a couple tablespoons of filling on a flour tortilla and roll up tight. Place the rolled tortilla seem side down on a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Dip in sour cream. My kids loved these!
Heat:
3 T oil
Add to hot oil and saute for 7 minutes:
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
After 7 minutes add and mix well:
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ginger
2 T worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups cooked rice
Now add and mix well:
2 cans black beans, drained
hand full of cilantro, chopped fine
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sloppy Joes
This meal is particularly good with a handfull of potato chips, watermelon or cantelope and grape juice!
Dump the following in large pot and brown:
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped fine
Once the ground beef is all cooked brown, drain. Return all the above back into the pot and add the following:
1 cup ketchup
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 tsp salt
6 oz can tomato paste
1 T brown sugar
1 T mustard
Simmer on low for one hour. You could also dump it into the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Just make sure you cook your ground beef first.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day Breakfast
I have posted this recipe before. But I revamped how I serve it! This was such a delicious breakfast. I would definitely order this at a restaurant. Click here for the German pancake recipe.
Serve with fresh raspberries and blueberries. The berries taste divine with this buttermilk syrup!
Buttermilk Syrup
In medium sauce pan dump:
1 stick butter
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar
Slowly bring this to a boil. Stir often.
After the syrup comes to a boil stir constantly for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat and add:
2 T pure maple syrup
1 tsp baking soda
Friday, June 18, 2010
Creamy Potato and Ham
I try not to turn my oven on in the summer time. I try not to make soup either. But this turned out really yummy, so I'll make an exception!
In a large pot bring to a boil:
2 cans chicken broth
Once the broth is boiling add:
4-5 potatoes, cubed
2 celery stocks, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped (I used baby carrots)
Simmer the vegies for about 17 minutes. While this is simmering make your white roux.
In a saucepan melt:
1/2 cube butter
Once the butter begins bubbling add:
1/4 cup chopped white onion
Let the onion cook for about 7 minutes. Then add and whisk:
3 T flour
1/4 tsp salt
Once the flour is worked in add slowly:
2-3 cups milk
Whisk the milk until the roux begin bubbling. Then continue to whisk for another 2-3 minutes. Yes, your arm may get tired. But it is worth it :)
Once the roux is done slowly add it to your pot with the cooked vegetables. Do not drain the chicken broth. Just add the milky roux to the brothy vegies. Give a couple stirs with your wooden spoon.
add:
2 cups chopped ham
Monday, June 14, 2010
Macaroni Ham Salad
Summer time is here and that means I am getting burned out in the kitchen. I like this easy supper. I can whip it up in the morning and there is no cooking involved. I used some left over chopped ham from Easter that I had in the freezer. I had just made this salad when I took the picture so the peas are still frozen. When you make it up and let it sit for about 10 minutes the peas will defrost.
Cook and then drain:
1 cup dry macaroni
Dump the macaroni in a mixing bowl and add:
3/4 cup cheddar, cubed
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 T green onion
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup pickles, chopped fine
2 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped ham
Easy Easy Easy!
Cook and then drain:
1 cup dry macaroni
Dump the macaroni in a mixing bowl and add:
3/4 cup cheddar, cubed
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 T green onion
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup pickles, chopped fine
2 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped ham
Easy Easy Easy!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Shredded Beef Navajo Taco
Cook and shred one beef chuck roast. I like to cook mine for about 7 hours at 280 in a stainless steel pot with a tight stainless steel lid.
Add to the shredded beef:
1 can green chilis
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup salsa
1 T chili powder
2 T brown sugar
Serve on scone with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Cilantro Lime Dressing:
In a blender blend:
1 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup cilantro
1 sprig green onion
1 lime juiced
1/4 cup salsa
salt and pepper
For the scones I use my mom's bread recipe. Click here. I take the dough and cut a small portion and form a flat round in my hand. Then fry the dough for a couple minutes on each side. Allow the dough to cool on a paper towel.
Add to the shredded beef:
1 can green chilis
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup salsa
1 T chili powder
2 T brown sugar
Serve on scone with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Cilantro Lime Dressing:
In a blender blend:
1 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup cilantro
1 sprig green onion
1 lime juiced
1/4 cup salsa
salt and pepper
For the scones I use my mom's bread recipe. Click here. I take the dough and cut a small portion and form a flat round in my hand. Then fry the dough for a couple minutes on each side. Allow the dough to cool on a paper towel.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cashew Chicken
In a large bowl mix:
2 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp worch...sauce
Now dump into the bowl:
2 very large chicken breast halves or 3 smaller ones, sliced into small thin strips
Now using tongs pick up the chicken pieces and fry them in a dutch oven style pan. I used 3 T butter. You may need to add more butter with each batch of chicken.
Once you have cooked up all the chicken and removed the pieces onto a clean plate you will have a bit of left over chicken sauce in the bowl. add to this:
2 T cornstarch
2 cups hot chicken broth
Add this to the dutch oven and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until thick. Add chicken back and:
1 cup cashews
serve over hot rice
2 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp worch...sauce
Now dump into the bowl:
2 very large chicken breast halves or 3 smaller ones, sliced into small thin strips
Now using tongs pick up the chicken pieces and fry them in a dutch oven style pan. I used 3 T butter. You may need to add more butter with each batch of chicken.
Once you have cooked up all the chicken and removed the pieces onto a clean plate you will have a bit of left over chicken sauce in the bowl. add to this:
2 T cornstarch
2 cups hot chicken broth
Add this to the dutch oven and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until thick. Add chicken back and:
1 cup cashews
serve over hot rice
Friday, May 14, 2010
Pound Cake
I will always choose pound cake over angel food cake. It is a personal preference. I have been on a berry high lately. I promise I'll come up with something that involves something other than berries.
In your mixer mix on high for 2 minutes:
1 cup butter
2, 1/2 cups sugar
Now add one at a time:
6 eggs
In a medium bowl whisk by hand:
3 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
In a small bowl mix:
1 cup sour cream or vanilla yogurt
2 tsp vanilla or lemon extract
Now add half the flour mixture to the mixer. Then add half the sour cream mixture to the mixer. Then the last half of the flour mixture and then the last of the sour cream mixture. Mix well after addition.
Pour the batter into a well greased and floured bundt pan.
Bake at 325 for 60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on the counter. Then remove from pan. Serve with strawberries and hand-whipped whipping cream.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Blueberry Syrup
I had an almost empty bag of frozen blueberries in my freezer. I decided to throw them in my sauce pan and I came up with a wonderful blueberry syrup. My favorite so far! I am loving pancakes and syrup right now.
In a saucepan dump:
2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
Stir and turn heat to medium. Stir occasionally while you make your pancake batter. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Stir in:
1 T lemon juice
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
English Muffin Breakfast
This is more of an idea than a recipe. If you are still eating left over ham from Easter like I am, then you will appreciate the idea.
I pulled out my griddle and cooked an egg well-done while the english muffin sat next to the eggs on the buttered grill. Put a slice of cheese on the cooking egg to melt.I like using Wonder Bread brand of muffins. The no name brands were too dry. Lay your sliced ham on the grill for a second to heat up.
Put together your sandwich and enjoy!
I pulled out my griddle and cooked an egg well-done while the english muffin sat next to the eggs on the buttered grill. Put a slice of cheese on the cooking egg to melt.I like using Wonder Bread brand of muffins. The no name brands were too dry. Lay your sliced ham on the grill for a second to heat up.
Put together your sandwich and enjoy!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Whole Wheat Muffins
I found this recipe from the sisterscafe blog. Of course. I get most of my muffin recipes from them. This muffin is so sweet it tastes like dessert. My children loved them!
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
1 cup brown sugar
add:
2 cups whole wheat flour (fresh ground)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
I like to use cupcake wrappers but you could just grease your cupcake tin.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
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