Saturday, August 31, 2013

Sand Tarts

 
1 cup butter
5 Table. powered sugar
2 cup flour
2 teas. vanilla
1 ½ cups chopped nuts
Cream butter and sugar

Work flour, vanilla, and nuts into creamed mixture
Form into small balls or crescents

Bake on ungreased sheet

Roll tarts in powered sugar while warm.
350' for 30 min.

Neiman-Marcus Cookie

2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal**
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)
2 tsp. vanilla

Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips, Hershey Bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 112 cookies.

** measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder.

Chocolate Pie

 
3 cups sugar
2 T. margarine
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup corn starch
Pinch of salt 3 cups skim milk
3 egg beaters (or 3 eggs)
1 t. vanilla
9" cooked pie shell

Mix sugar, cocoa, corn starch, salt and milk in a
saucepan. Cook until it starts to thicken,
add 3 egg yolks, bring to a boil stirring
constantly for 5 minutes on medium heat Remove
from heat, add margarine, let cool 5 minutes
Add vanilla and pour into pie crust.

{Meringue}

Beat 3 egg whites and
1 T. cream of tarter
until foamy. 6 T. sugar (one at a time)
Beat until stiff, add 1/2 t. vanilla
and put on pie. Brown under broiler.
Keep refrigerated.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Mocha Velvet Pie

 
8 inch baked pie shell

Filling:

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 eggs
1/2 cup cream, for whipping

Prepare 8-inch pastry shell.

Cream butter in medium-size bowl
and gradually add sugar, creaming well after each addition.

Cool melted chocolate; blend into butter-sugar
mixture with instant coffee and vanilla.

Add eggs, one at a time,
beating VERY WELL after each addition.

(Use an electric beater or mixer,
for you'll need to beat in each egg 5 minutes
to make mixture creamy, thick, and fluffy.)

Turn into baked pastry shell; chill 1 - 2 hours.

Just before serving, whip cream and garnish pie

Cajun-Style Rib-Eye Steak


1 cup vegetable oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

6 small rib-eye steaks, approximately 3 pounds

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper


Begin marinating the steaks a day ahead.


1. Combine oil, sliced onion, garlic powder and 1 tablespoon
black pepper in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add steaks to marinade,

turning to coat. Spoon half of sliced onion evenly over steaks.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler.

Remove steaks from marinade.

Combine paprika, cayenne, salt,
white pepper and 1/2 teaspoon
black pepper in small bowl.

Sprinkle each side of each steak
with 1 teaspoon spice mixture.

3. Grill or broil steaks until cooked through,
about 8 minutes per side for
medium-rare. Cut each steak in half.

Divide steaks among plates. 
 
Serves 6.

Mexican Chicken Salad

 
Dressing:

1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Chicken Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 whole boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch strips
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 (16 ounces) package frozen corn
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1 (15ounces) can black beans, rinsed and drained
5 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped

Salad:
1 package mixed salad green
2 avocados, peeled and chopped
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups slightly crushed blue corn chips
1 cup sour cream
1 jar thick & chunky salsa

1. Mix dressing ingredients and set aside.
2. Heat oil in skillet.
3. Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt, then sauté in pan until no
longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Combined cooked chicken, corn tomatoes, black beans, onions
and red peppers in a large bowl.
5. Stir in dressing.
6. Chill at least 1 hour.
7. When ready to eat, combine chicken mixture with lettuce.
8. Serve along with avocados, cheese,
tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Greatest Queso That Ever Lived

The Greatest Queso That Ever Lived

Ingredients
1 block (32 Oz. Block) Velveeta Cheese
1 package (8 Oz. Package) Cream Cheese
1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel
1 can (10.75 Oz. Can) Cream Of Mushroom Soup
1 pound Ground Beef OR Sausage (or A Combination Of Both)
1 Green Onion *Optional

Instructions
Brown ground beef or sausage (or both) in a pan over medium heat and set aside. Cut up the Velveeta and cream cheese into cubes and place into a crock pot. Pour in the Rotel and the cream of mushroom soup and stir ingredients together. Place the crock pot on low setting for an hour, letting the ingredients meld. After about 30 minutes, add the browned meat and continue to let cook, stirring as needed.

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1 block (32 Oz. Block) Velveeta Cheese
1 package (8 Oz. Package) Cream Cheese...
1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel
1 can (10.75 Oz. Can) Cream Of Mushroom Soup
1 pound Ground Beef OR Sausage (or A Combination Of Both)
1 Green Onion *Optional

Brown ground beef or sausage (or both) in a pan over medium heat and set aside. Cut up the Velveeta and cream cheese into cubes and place into a crock pot. Pour in the Rotel and the cream of mushroom soup and stir ingredients together. Place the crock pot on low setting for an hour, letting the ingredients meld. After about 30 minutes, add the browned meat and continue to let cook, stirring as needed.

Monday, August 26, 2013

White Gravy

This is the best for Chicken Fried Steak or Biscuits, Yum Yum

1/2 cup meat grease
1 1/2 cups flour
salt and black pepper to taste, (I like lot's of black pepper) ..
1 cup milk, for richer, use 1 (8-oz) can can evaporated milk

1 cup water

Heat grease until smokey hot, stirring constantly, and add enough flour until heavy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Brown sauce then turn to lower heat and add milk or evaporated milk and water, continuing to stir constantly to get rid of the lumps.

Cook to desired thickness.

Tomato Gravy Recipe


1 pound bacon
2 tablespoons bacon drippings

2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes with juice reserved
Salt
Ground pepper

Cook the bacon in a skillet or iron pan until done. 

Remove bacon and drain excess drippings from pan. 

Break up several pieces of bacon and drop into pan. 

Place remaining bacon on a serving platter for the breakfast table. 

Sprinkle flour into the drippings and stir until it is bubbly and brown. This takes about one minute. 

Add the chopped tomatoes and juice and simmer until thickened. This will take about ten minutes if you use fresh tomatoes and five minutes for canned. 

You may season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Serve over hot grits or biscuits. Tomato gravy is also good with other dishes—try it with chicken fried steak, pork chops or fish.

Note:
This recipe will serve 4 not-so-hungry folks. If feeding real hungry folks, cook twice as much.

Texas Style Picante Sauce

Texas Style Picante Sauce 
(it ain't from New York City Y'all ) ...gigglin

3 (14.5 ounce) cans Diced Tomatoes
29 ounces (2 cans full) water
2 yellow onions, minced
1 green bell pepper, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (optional)

Place all ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduced to medium-low and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the tomatoes until the salsa reaches your desired consistency.

Canning Directions:

Cool. Prepare 5 pint jars or 10 half-pint jars. Divide salsa among jars and process in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes.

Texas Steakhouse Spicy Ranch Dip ..

8 fluid ounces prepared ranch salad dressing
1 3/4 tablespoons onion powder
1 3/4 tablespoons lemon pepper
1 1/3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 2/3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 2/3 teaspoons chili powder
2 2/3 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
2 2/3 teaspoons cocoa powder
2 2/3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/3 teaspoons cornstarch
salt

Mix all ingredients together.

Refrigerate.

Homemade Nutella

I cannot keep this in the house because it is gone in a flash.. :)


7 ounces roasted hazelnuts


1 can condensed milk


1 cup powdered sugar


1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder


1/2 teaspoon vanilla


1/8 teaspoon salt


3 tablespoons honey


Preheat oven to 350F.

Place 7 ounces of hazelnuts on a cookie sheet and allow to roast in the oven for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Stir nuts every 3-4 minutes while baking to ensure even roasting.

Remove roasted hazelnuts from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Put the cooled hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until the hazelnuts take on a smooth butter consistency.

Add the 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to the food processor and pulse for about 2 minutes to blend.

Remove the spread from the blender and place into a container with a top.

Place spread into a refrigerator for at lease an hour before serving.

Notes: 

Scrape the sides of your food processor as needed to ensure that the hazelnuts process evenly.

Consider adding cinnamon, chili powder, extra cocoa, almond extra or other flavors to customize your spread.

Use a food processor instead of a blender, as the hazelnuts are too hard to be adequately processed in a blender.

Taste the spread after you've finished mixing it. If you think it's a little too sweet, add a pinch of salt. If you feel that it's too dry, add another tablespoon or two of honey.

If you don't have the time to toast your roasted hazelnuts, you can skip that step. However, toasting the hazelnuts will add even more flavor to your homemade Nutella.

Get creative with how you enjoy your homemade Nutella—don't just stick to toast. Try it with fresh fruit, on shortcake, with pretzels, and more!

Try using peanuts instead of hazelnuts to create a dreamy peanut butter and chocolate spread!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

and French bread toasting in the oven. Rest, relax, eat and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

7 potatoes peeled and sliced ½ inch thick
1 onion thinly sliced
2 carrots thinly sliced
1 cup celery bite sized
8 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup bacon bits
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Peel the potatoes and carrots. Slice potatoes, celery, onions and carrots to bite-size. Sauté the onions, celery and carrots in olive oil until soft. Put all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, bacon bits, and grated cheese.

Makes a lot !!!

Breakfast Cheese Grits

5 cups water
1½ cups uncooked quick grits
¼ cup butter
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
5 eggs
½ cup water
salt and pepper to taste


Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the butter and 2 cups cheese until melted.

Beat the eggs and water in a bowl, and pour into the skillet. Lightly scramble, then stir the eggs into the grits.

Pour the grits mixture into a greased or lined slow cooker to keep warm.

Sometimes I will add cubed ham to the grits or serve sausage patties.

Tacos!!

1 pound lean ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 can vegetarian refried beans (16 oz.)
1 jar salsa (16 oz.)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 onion, chopped
½ cup chopped green pepper.


Preheat oven to 325°.

Brown ground beef, onion and green pepper in skillet. Drain fat. Mix in dry taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Continue to cook and stir for 2 or 3 minutes. Add refried beans to meat mixture and stir well.

Pour browned meat mixture into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish.

Tip: I halve this recipe, put in 2 - 8 x 8 pans and freeze the extra one.

Spread the salsa over the meat and bean mixture. Bake about 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Top with shredded cheese and serve.

Serve with hard taco shells, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, hot salsa and guacamole. Everyone assembles their own tacos.

Mexican Rice

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 package yellow rice
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
½ cup green peppers
1 can Rotel® diced tomatoes and green chiles


Sauté rice, onion, and bell pepper until rice is browned and onions are tender.

Stir in water and tomatoes. Cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Use leftover rice if you have it. Add 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies and ½ teaspoon cumin to the rice. Stir and reheat in the microwave.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

8 bun-length hot dogs

8 hot dog buns

1 15-oz. can chili without beans (such as Hormel)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Pop the hot dogs on a plate and heat in the microwave

 for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through.


Assemble hot dogs in buns and place in a 13x9 baking dish.

 Spoon chili evenly over hot dogs then top with cheese.


Cover dish with aluminum foil

(tenting if necessary to keep the foil from touching the hot dogs)

and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or

 until cheese is melted. Uncover and serve.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

MARYLAND CRAB CAKES

FOR ALL YOU CRAB CAKE LOVERS!! HERE YA GO!! YES!
 MARYLAND CRAB CAKES:

 INGREDIENTS:
 1 large egg
 2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (I like Hellman s Real)
 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (I like Maille brand)
 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 ¼ cup finely diced celery (you ll need one stalk)
 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
 1 pound lump crab meat*
 ½ cup panko (I like the Whole Foods 365 brand for this recipe)
 Canola oil

 DIRECTIONS:
 1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

 2. Combine the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, celery, and parsley in a large bowl and mix well. Add the crab meat (be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage) and panko; gently fold mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat. Shape into 6 crab cakes (about ½ cup each) and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

 3. Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat and coat with canola oil. When oil is hot, place crab cakes in pan and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Be careful as oil may splatter. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

 Quick Tartar Sauce

 Ingredients:
 1 cup mayonnaise
 1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
 1 tablespoon minced red onion
 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 Directions:
 Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.


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www.skinny90.com
www.winwithchrisnow.com
 
1 large egg...

2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (I like Hellman's Real)

1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (I like Maille brand)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup finely diced celery (you'll need one stalk)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

1 pound lump crab meat*

½ cup panko (I like the Whole Foods 365 brand for this recipe)

Canola oil

 Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

 Combine the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, celery, and parsley in a large bowl and mix well.
 
 Add the crab meat (be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage) and panko; gently fold mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat.
 
 Shape into 6 crab cakes (about ½ cup each) and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

 Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat and coat with canola oil.
 
 When oil is hot, place crab cakes in pan and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Be careful as oil may splatter.
 
 Serve immediately with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Quick Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced red onion
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Jello Shooters

 
http://www.southern-recipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Holiday-Jello-Shots4.jpg
 
( For adults only ) Don't add tequila or triple sec for the kiddo's )
 
1 Large (6 ounce) box lime jello gelatin

2 cups boiling water

1 cup cold water

3/4 cup clear tequila

1/4 cup triple sec

Blend all ingredients in a large mixing bowl that is heat resistant.

 Gently pour in boiling water and stir well.

 Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to cool to room temperature.

 Spray inside plastic condiment cups with cooking spray and use a measuring cup to pour into condiment cups about 1/4 inch from top rim.

 Apply plastic condiment cup lid and refrigerator 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

SPICY HONEY CHICKE

 
 SPICY HONEY CHICKEN 

YOU CAN ADJUST SOME INGREDIENTS TO MEET YOUR OWN DIETARY NEEDS.

INGREDIENTS
- Skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tsp. coconut or olive oil
RUB
- 1 Tsp. garlic powder
- 2 Tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 Tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 Tsp. coriander
- 1 Tsp. Sea salt
- 1 Tsp. cumin
- 1/2 Tsp. chipotle chili powder
GLAZE
- 1/2 c. Honey
- 1 Tbsp. Cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS
- Combine the rub spices in a bowl, mix well. Drizzle oil over chicken breast and coat well. Toss chicken with spice rub to coat all sides. Grill chicken for 4-6 min. on each side. While chicken is grilling. Warm honey in microwave so it's not thick. Add the vinegar and mix well. Brush glaze well on chicken on both sides. Grill until chicken is cooked fully, Enjoy !!

YOU CAN ADJUST SOME INGREDIENTS TO MEET YOUR OWN DIETARY NEEDS.

- Skinless chicken breast

- 2 Tsp. coconut or olive oil

RUB

- 1 Tsp. garlic powder

- 2 Tsp. chili powder

- 1/2 Tsp. onion powder

- 1/2 Tsp. coriander

- 1 Tsp. Sea salt

- 1 Tsp. cumin

- 1/2 Tsp. chipotle chili powder

GLAZE

- 1/2 c. Honey

- 1 Tbsp. Cider vinegar


- Combine the rub spices in a bowl, mix well.
 
 Drizzle oil over chicken breast and coat well.
 
Toss chicken with spice rub to coat all sides.
 
 Grill chicken for 4-6 min. on each side.
 
 While chicken is grilling.
 
 Warm honey in microwave so it's not thick.
 
Add the vinegar and mix well.
 
 Brush glaze well on chicken on both sides.
 
Grill until chicken is cooked fully, Enjoy !!
 
 

Homemade Salsa

STOP!! Don't buy all those store made salsa's with all the nasty preservatives in it. You can easily make your own and it will taste much better then the stuff you've been getting in the store. 

 Simple and delicious: Chop 5-6 Roma tomatoes,1 small onion and 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro. Mince 2 seeded Serrano or Jalapeño peppers and 1 clove of garlic. Add 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together and let sit overnight for flavors to meld.

 PLEASE SHARE :) To SAVE this recipe, be sure to click SHARE so it will store on your personal page. ***Don't forget to LIKE our page.***
Thanks Ms. Della
 
STOP!! Don't buy all those store made salsa's with all the nasty preservatives in it.
 
 You can easily make your own and it will taste much better then the stuff ...you've been getting in the store.

Simple and delicious:
 
 Chop 5-6 Roma tomatoes
 
1 small onion 
 
 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro
 
 Mince 2 seeded Serrano or Jalapeño peppers and 1 clove of garlic.
 
Add 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.
 
Mix everything together and let sit overnight for flavors to meld.

PLEASE SHARE To SAVE this recipe, be sure to click SHARE so it will store on your personal page.
 

Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Ingredients
1/4 pound bacon, diced   I bake it first in the oven so that it is  done  and browned then I dice it and place in the crock pot.
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or if you use a new potato or Yukon gold then halve)
1/2 pound cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (shredded is fine)
salt and pepper
butter
Green Onions (optional)
Instructions
Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished   this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes   also to keep them from getting discolored or mushy.
Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and dot with (real) butter.
Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter.
Cover with remaining foil.
Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours   depending on your crock pot).
Add cheese for the last 20   30 minutes and enjoy!

by Melissa at Stockpiling Moms

1/4 pound bacon, diced – I bake it first in the oven so that it is "done" and browned then I dice it and place in th...e crock pot.

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or if you use a new potato or Yukon gold then halve)

1/2 pound cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (shredded is fine)

salt and pepper

butter

Green Onions (optional)

 
Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished – this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes – also to keep them from getting discolored or mushy.

Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and dot with (real) butter.

Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter.
Cover with remaining foil.

Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours – depending on your crock pot).

Add cheese for the last 20 – 30 minutes and enjoy!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Mz. Bizkits Goulah

This is my own recipe, it is great when you need a big pot of something.. Along with a pan of cornbread and a salad, or just a bowl full with a few crackers if you wish.. Whatever you do or don't do, it is awesome.. :)  Also you can make as much or as little as you want.. Just adjust accordingly.
 
2 lbs. ground chuck
1 onion, diced
 Saute until meat it done. Drain grease off.
 
Add 1 tbsp. chili powder
ttbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
 
Let it simmer a minute to soak op the flavors.
 
Meantime boil
 
1 lb. of macaroni
 
When done, drain off water and add to meat mixture.
 
Stir gently for a minute, then add 1 large can of V-8 juice..
Or if you prefer you can use a large can of tomato juice. Like like the
 V-8 best because it has the veggies in it..
 
Let it simmer about 10 to 15 minutes... Covered, stirring often.
 
Enjoy !!!
 
 

Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas

I take it back.. this is my favorie dish.. So hsrd to decide because it is all good :)


¼ lb. extra-lean ground burger (beef, venison, moose, buffalo, or poultry)

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon cream cheese

½ tablespoon ranch dressing

1 tablespoon green onions, thinly sliced

3 slices jarred fire-roasted pickled jalapenos, roughly chopped

½ tomato chopped

½ teaspoon fresh cilantro

1 cup medium shredded cheddar cheese

1 (10") flour tortilla

olive oil spray


Garnish:

1 tablespoon sour cream

Pinch of chopped fresh cilantro

1 tomato wedge

In a small skillet, brown the burger. Add the taco seasoning and water and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Spray one side of tortilla with olive oil, and flip over.

Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions together in a small bowl. 

Spread sauce (on the un-sprayed side) on half of the tortilla. 

Top sauce with seasoned burger mixture, sprinkle with jalapenos, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. 

Fold the tortilla in half, and cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on each side, about 6 minutes total. 

Slice quesadilla into four triangles, plate, and garnish with dollops of sour cream and a pinch of chopped cilantro, with a tomato wedge alongside

Chile Relleno Casserole

This is my favorite dish.. Next to the meatless version :)

8 poblano chiles

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 28-ounce can tomatoes

Salt

1 pound Mexican chorizo (or other spicy sausage)

1 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves

12 eggs

1/3 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 cup Monterey jack or mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat broiler. 

Lay chiles in a single layer on a broiling pan (not a baking sheet that will warp in the heat of the broiler) or on a rack in a roasting pan. 

Position the chilies one to two inches from the broiler element. 

Cook until chiles are blistering and black, a few minutes on all sides. 

Turn chiles over and broil until blistering and black all over. 

Alternatively, you can blacken the chilies directly over a gas burner. 

Put chilies in a paper bag or thick plastic bag. Let sit 15 minutes.

While the chilies are cooling, heat olive oil in a large sautée pan, on medium. 

Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. 

Add the garlic and cook for a minute more. 

Add the tomatoes (break up any whole tomatoes before adding to the pan). 

Add a pinch of salt. 

Bring to a simmer and lower the heat to low. 

Gently simmer for 15-20 minutes. 

Remove from heat and set aside.

Carefully peel and discard the blackened skin off of the chilies. 

Cut off the stem ends, remove the seeds and discard. 

Set chiles aside on a layer of paper towels to dry.

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook chorizo, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°. 

Pour tomato sauce into the bottom of an 8x12 inch baking dish (the tomato sauce should be the consistency of a thin spaghetti sauce. If it is too thick, thin it out with a little water).

In a large bowl, mix chorizo, cotija, and oregano. 

Stuff chiles with sausage mixture and lay them on top of the tomato sauce in the pan.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. 

Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. 

Sprinkle chiles with half of the jack or cheddar cheese. 

Pour egg mixture over chiles and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake until top starts to brown and the eggs are set but still soft, about 30 minutes.

Tex-Mex Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

2 pounds ground beef

3 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

4 cups water

1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar2 tablespoons cooking oil

12 (6 inch) corn tortillas

4 cups shredded American cheese


Preheat the oven to 350* .

Heat the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook, stirring to crumble, until no longer pink.

Drain off grease and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

 Mix in the tomato sauce and 2 cups of the water.

 Simmer over low heat.

Mix the remaining water with the flour and sugar until flour is dissolved; stir into the simmering meat sauce.

 Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.

While the sauce is cooking, heat oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Warm tortillas in the hot oil until pliable.

 Fill each tortilla with a little bit of cheese, and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish, reserving some of the cheese to sprinkle on top.

 Pour the meat sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.

 Top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Onion Rings!

Photo: Restaurant Style Onion Rings!

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 quart oil for frying
 salt for seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Separate the 1/4 inch slices of onion into separate rings.
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Coat onion rings in the dry mixture completely and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine egg and milk and whisk until completely combined.
Dip the flour-coated onion rings into egg-milk mixture and place on a wire rack to let excess egg-milk mixture drain.
While onion rings drain, pour Panko bread crumbs into a shallow dish. Dip egg-milk coated onion rings into Panko bread crumbs until completely coated. Spoon crumbs over the top to cover as necessary.
Place in hot oil and cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side until it reaches a nice golden brown color. Flip them over to cook the other side.
Place on a paper towel to let any excess oil drain off. Sprinkle each onion ring with a little bit of salt.
 
1 large onion cut into 1/4 inch slices

1 1/4 cups flour...

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 cup milk

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 quart oil for frying

salt for seasoning

Heat oil to 350 degrees F.

Separate the 1/4 inch slices of onion into separate rings.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
 
 Coat onion rings in the dry mixture completely and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine egg and milk and whisk until completely combined.

Dip the flour-coated onion rings into egg-milk mixture and place on a wire rack to let excess egg-milk mixture drain.

While onion rings drain, pour Panko bread crumbs into a shallow dish.
 
 Dip egg-milk coated onion rings into Panko bread crumbs until completely coated.
 
 Spoon crumbs over the top to cover as necessary.

Place in hot oil and cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side until it reaches a nice golden brown color.
 
 Flip them over to cook the other side.

Place on a paper towel to let any excess oil drain off.
 
Sprinkle each onion ring with a little bit of salt.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Plese Feel Free To Follow This Blog..

 
I am doing it for you.. Thank You..
Mz. Bizkit :)

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

3 lbs. chicken parts, skinned
6 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 oz. bread crumbs

1 oz. Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten

2 tbsp. water

In a bowl, mix flour and salt.

In another bowl, mix egg and water.

In yet another bowl, mix crumbs and cheese.
Dip chicken in first bowl,

then second bowl,

then third bowl.

Put chicken in 9" x 13" pan

sprayed with Pam.

Bake 1 hour at 375*

CROCK POT CHICKEN OR TURKEY PIE

3 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey


2 cans (14 1/2 ounce each) chicken broth


1/2 teaspoon salt


1/2 teaspoon pepper


1 stalk celery, thinly sliced


1 medium onion, chopped


1 bay leaf


3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed


1 package frozen mixed veggies (16 oz)


1 cup milk


1 cup flour


1 teaspoon pepper


1/2 teaspoon salt
1 9-inch refrigerated pie crust


In Crock Pot, combine chicken,


broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper,


celery, onion, bay leaf, potatoes,


and mixed vegetables.


Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours


or on high 4 to 6 hours.


Remove bay leaf.

Pre heat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl, mix milk and flour.


Gradually stir flour


and water mixture into Crock Pot.


Stir in pepper, poultry seasoning,


and salt/ Remove the liner from Crock


Pot base and carefully place 9-inch pie crust


over the mixture.


Place the crockery liner inside


preheated oven and bake (uncovered)


for about 15 minutes,


or until browned.


If your liner is not removable,


put the mixture in a casserole dish,


cover with the pie crust and bake as above.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Thank you Ms. Della
 
Apple Cinnamon Loaf

1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 apple, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside.  Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated; add vanilla extract.

Combine flour and baking powder together in another bowl; stir into creamed butter mixture. Mix milk into batter until smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.  Next add half the apples and half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apple mixture into batter. 

Pour the remaining batter over apple layer; top with remaining apples and add more brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apples into batter; swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a finger or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

http://www.luicucina.com/2013/08/apple-cinnamon-white-cake.html
 
1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2/3 cup white sugar...

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 apple, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
 
 Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
 
 Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside.
 
Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
 
 Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated; add vanilla extract.

Combine flour and baking powder together in another bowl; stir into creamed butter mixture.
 
Mix milk into batter until smooth.
 
 Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
 
 Next add half the apples and half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture.
 
 Lightly pat apple mixture into batter.

Pour the remaining batter over apple layer; top with remaining apples and add more brown sugar/cinnamon mixture.
 
 Lightly pat apples into batter; swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a finger or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

Cheesy Baked Dip

If you ever have to bring something to a potluck or if you are asked to bring an snacky type dish to someone's house...this Everyone would LOVE!!
(not exactly low cal...but ok for low carbers if they used pork rinds for dippers...and of course all the guys out there  )

Cheesy Baked Dip

8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
16 oz. cheddar cheese, grated (sharp or mild)
4 oz. chopped green chilies
Green onion (suit your own taste)
1 c. chopped ham
1/2 pound chopped bacon
1 round bread loaf, hollowed out

Mix first seven ingredients together and put into the hollowed out bread loaf. Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for one hour. Serve with leftover bread or chips...
from:triedandtasty.com

';�� ��';
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`*.�.*';'? ';�.* Don't forget to Share this recipe with all your friends....and so you can find this great idea when you want to use it! @[186862851474648:69:Gabriele's Skinny Friends]

8 oz. sour cream

8 oz. cream cheese

16 oz. cheddar cheese, grated , mild

4 oz. chopped green chilies

Green onion (suit your own taste)

1 c. chopped ham

1/2 pound chopped bacon

1 round bread loaf, hollowed out

Mix first seven ingredients together and put into the hollowed out bread loaf. Bake at 350* uncovered for one hour.
 
 Serve with leftover bread or chips...

Streusel Mix

Thanks Granny
Streusel Mix

1 1/4 cup flour				
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed	
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon   	
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt				
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350° F.   In a large bowl stir together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and salt.   Add butter and blend with fork until crumbly.   Stir in pecans.   Press palm full streusel, clump together and cook on baking sheet for 25 minutes, until firm and golden brown.   Cool.   Coarsely chop and store in an air tight container.   Use in Coffee cake, pies, pancake batter, cookies or as a topping for ice cream.
@[100001126562834:2048:Granny's Favorites Cookbooks]
 

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ...

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, soft

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350° F.
 
 In a large bowl stir together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and salt.
 
 Add butter and blend with fork until crumbly.
 
 Stir in pecans.
 
 Press palm full streusel, clump together and cook on baking sheet for 25 minutes, until firm and golden brown.
 
 Cool.
 
 Coarsely chop and store in an air tight container.
 
 Use in Coffee cake, pies, pancake batter, cookies or as a topping for ice cream.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE



1 1/2 cups of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 pound of Jimmy Dean's or other country sausage

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

6 large eggs, well beaten

1 cup milk

Place hash browns in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

In a skillet, brown and crumble the sausage.

Drain and place on top of hash browns.
Sprinkle with cheeses.

In another bowl,
beat the eggs and milk.

Pour over potatoes, cheese and sausage.

If necessary, use a fork to make sure
the egg mixture trickles down to the hash browns.

Bake at 350 degrees about 50 minutes.


Thai Cucumber Salad


1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon lime zest

1/2-1 small jalapenos, seeded and minced

1 seedless cucumber

1 small red bell pepper

1 medium carrot

1/2 small red onions

1-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped

salt and pepper
 
 
  Whisk the first 7 ingredients
(lime juice through jalapeno) in a large bowl. 

Season with salt and pepper. 

Trim the ends from the cucumber. 

Split lengthwise in half. 

Slice very thinly. 

Toss into the dressing. 

Halve the red pepper vertically,
core and remove seeds and white membranes. 

Slice the pepper, horizontally, into very thin strips.

 Add to the dressing and toss.

Peel the carrot and trim off ends.

Slice diagonally into very thin slices.

Add to the rest of the salad.

Peel the onion and cut in half horizontally

Then slice vertically into very thin strips.

Add these to the bowl
and toss everything together until well mixed.

Set aside for at least one hour,
stirring occasionally
(this can be marinated for up to 8 hours,
but refrigerate if marinating
for longer than 2 hours).

Cherry Dump Cake

 
 
1 can crushed pineapple, with juice
 
1 can cherry pie filling
 
¾ cup chopped nuts (I use pecans.)
 
1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
 
1 stick butter (I use salted.)
 
Use a 9×12-inch pan, ungreased.
 
Spread in layers, crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, chopped pecans (reserving (1/4 cup), dry cake mix, butter (cut-up in small pieces) and remaining pecans.
 
Bake about 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown on top.
 
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

CROCKPOT- CHINESE PEPPER STEAK

1-1 1/2 lbs boneless beef round steak

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 Tbls. hoi sin sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1 tomato, seeded, peeled & diced

2 red or green bell peppers, cut into strips

3 Tbls. cornstarch

3 Tbls. water

1 cup fresh bean sprouts

4 green onions, finely chopped

Cooked Rice

Trim fat from steak; slice into thin strips.

Combine steak, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce,
hoi  son sauce and sugar in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW about 4 hours.

Turn control to HIGH.

Add tomato and bell peppers.

Dissolve cornstarch with water in a small bowl
and stir into steak mixture.

Cover and cook on HIGH 15-20 minutes
or until thickened.

Stir in bean sprouts, sprinkle with onions.
Serve with rice.

CROCK POT CHILI

2 onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic

(can use minced kind that comes in a jar)

1 lb. lean hamburger

2 Tbs. chili powder

cumin to taste (or leave out)

2 cans (16 oz. ea.) tomatoes

2 cans tomato soup

2 cans kidney beans, drained

salt and pepper to taste

optional: shredded cheese and/
or sour cream for topping

Cook onions and garlic in 2 Tbs. oil
till onions are yellow.

Add hamburger and cook till browned.
Stir in chili powder and optional cumin;
cook 2 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in crock pot,
combine remaining ingredients.
 
Stir in browned meat mixture.

Cover and cook on Low setting for 8-10 hours.

To serve: ladle chili into bowls.

Top with optional shredded cheese
and/or sour cream, if desired.
 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Fried Oysters with Chipotle-Lime dipping sauce

Thank you Texas :)


Ingredients for the fried oysters:

1 pint shucked oysters
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup finely crushed saltines
1/2 cup cornmeal
Salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste
Oil for frying
Sliced limes for serving


Drain the oysters, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid. Pat the oysters dry.

In a bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk and reserved oyster liquid. In another bowl or a plate, stir together the crushed saltines and the cornmeal. Add to both the egg mixture and the breading mixture a sprinkle of salt, black pepper and cayenne, to taste.

In batches, dip the oysters into the breading, then into the eggs and then back into the breading again. Place breaded oysters on a large plate or sheet. Repeat until all the oysters are coated.

In a large, heavy skillet heat 1/2 inch of oil on medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees. Cook the oysters for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the fried oysters are light brown. Depending on the size of your skillet, you will probably have to do in several batches. Drain on paper towels. Serve with chipotle-lime dipping sauce and sliced limes (recipe follows).

Yield: 4 servings


Ingredients for the Chipotle-Lime dipping sauce:

1/2 or 1 (depending on how hot you like it) canned chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt to taste


Mix together the finely chopped chipotle, adobo sauce, mayonnaise, cilantro lime juice, and cumin. Taste and add salt, and adjust seasonings.

Oh No My Cinnamon Rolls


4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup white sugar2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4-6 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

for Sugar glaze:

1 cup sugar, divided
½ cup melted butter, divided
¼ cup light corn syrup or honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

for Filling:

½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup walnuts (or your nut of choice), toasted and roughly chopped
1 cup chocolate chips



In a stand mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand 1 minute to allow yeast to bloom. 

Attach dough hook to mixer (the paddle attachment also suffices) and blend in sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, butter, and cinnamon. 

Blend in 3 cups flour and then the salt, and knead with dough hook for at least 3 minutes, allowing dough to come together. 

If dough is still clinging to sides of bowl, add more flour ½ cup at a time, allowing 1 minute of kneading in between each addition. 

It's best to err on the side of too little flour since an excess would make the dough (and consequently, your rolls) tough. 

When dough has come together and is somewhat silken, transfer it to a greased kitchen counter and knead until dough is velvety and blistered, about 6-8 minutes. 

Transfer dough into a large, greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or enclose bowl in a large plastic bag. 

Let dough rise 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size. 

Meanwhile, spray two 13×9-inch Pyrex glass pans or any similarly sized pans with cooking spray. 

In each pan, add ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup butter, 1/8 cup corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside. 

Turn out risen dough onto a greased kitchen counter or nonstick mat. 

Gently punch dough down and let rest for 10 minutes to prevent it from shrinking. 

Pat (or use a rolling pin) dough out into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. 

Layer the Filling ingredients onto the dough, leaving a ½-inch space from the edge – this will prevent the filling from spilling out. 

Starting with the edge closest to you, roll up the dough into a snug jellyroll. 

Carefully push in any filling ingredients that desperately try to escape. 

Cut dough into 1-inch thick slices and arrange in the prepared 13×9-inch pans. 

Depending on how large your rolls are, you may or may not have any space left over in your pan(s). 

Cover pans with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for about 40 minutes. 

When the rolls are almost flush with the top of the pan (usually it only takes about 30 minutes before this happens), preheat your oven to 350°. 

Bake for about 25-35 minutes or until buns are golden and the caramel glaze is bubbling contentedly. 

Invert buns onto a parchment paper-lined serving plate or baking sheet. 

Give the rolls a few minutes to cool –Hope You Enjoy Them!

Chocolate, OH MY !!!

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter/margarine
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tsps vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 12 oz. bag Reese's peanut butter chips
1 12 oz. bag of Hershey's Special Dark chocolate chips


Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in medium bowl.

In a separate large bowl beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy.

Beat eggs into butter mixture.

Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture until well blended.

Stir in both bags of chips.

Freeze mixture for two hours.

Spoon out desired amount onto aluminum covered cookie sheet and back for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

NOTE: Reece's Peanut Butter chips can be replaced with white chocolate chips or any other chocolate chips.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Cooking Oils

Coconut Oil

Thanks to its versatility, transcendent flavor and plethora of health benefits, coconut oil has become the "must-have" oil for chefs around the world.  Cooking with coconut oil is almost fool-proof due to its high smoke point, and it imparts a rich flavor with subtle hints of tropical paradise into every dish.  It can be substituted for almost any other oil at a 1:1 ratio and is commonly used in baked goods and sautés.

Coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat--one of nature's best sources of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly absorbed by your body to deliver a natural boost of energy (not stored as fat).

You can buy coconut oil in two forms: refined and virgin.  Virgin coconut oil retains its natural scent and taste of fresh coconuts, while refined coconut oil has a more bland taste due to the refining process.  Both have a shelf life of up to 2 years.
Olive Oil

Olive oil is a traditional cooking staple in many kitchens.  It's commonly used for sautéing and often appears as an ingredient in salad dressings and bread dips.  Its flavor is often used in Mediterranean-style dishes.  Like many other oils, it's available in several varieties including virgin and refined.
Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) is made by cold-pressing flaxseeds, a blue-flowered plant that is grown on prairies in western Canada and northern U.S.  This oil is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, but because it has a low smoke point (225°F), it's best to use on cold dishes like in dressings, dips, smoothies, etc.  It has quite a short shelf life, and even if it's kept refrigerated, it only lasts a few weeks.
Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is quickly gaining popularity due to its high smoke point, which makes it great for sautéing and stir-frying, and its likeness to olive oil when used in salads and with vegetables and dips.  It can be stored away from heat and light for up to one year, and is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.  Avocado oil has a smoke point of 491°F.
Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is unique in color, as it ranges from red to gold to green.  It's commonly used in salad dressings, especially when combined with olive oil or honey.  Many people also find its unique taste a good fit for dessert recipes.  Since it has a relatively low smoke point of 320°F, direct heating is not recommended.
Macadamia Nut Oil

Macadamia nut oil is a non-volatile oil that comes from the macadamia nut, a native Australian nut.  This oil is great at high heats and has a healthier unsaturated to saturated fat ratio--even better than olive oil!

It can be stored unrefrigerated for one to two years, and is compared to olive oil's simple productions process, which makes it a more naturally processed oil.  The smoke point of Macadamia nut oil is 410°F.
Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is extracted from English walnuts, which are also known as Persian walnuts.  It's light-colored and carries a delicate scent and flavor.  It has a short shelf life of six months, and has a fairly low smoke point of 320°F.

Walnut oil is considered most valuable when it's used in cold dishes like salad dressings.

Walnut oil features essential fatty acids and antioxidants.  The walnut itself also delivers a number of health benefits, but it takes a smaller serving size of walnut oil to deliver the same benefits as walnuts.  For example, a 35-gram serving of walnut oil provides the same nutritional benefit as 50 grams of walnuts.
Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is a dark to clear light green color with a grassy, nutty flavor.  The darker the color of the oil, the grassier the flavor and the more natural vitamins and antioxidants.

This oil is best on salads or vegetables, and due to its low smoke point, is not suitable for frying.

Best stored for up to two years in a cool, dark place in a dark glass bottle, hemp seed oil is unique in that it has a 3:1 ration of omega-6 to omega-3 EFAs, which matches the balance of EFAs that is required in our bodies.
Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is known as one of the world's first condiments.  Toasted sesame seed oil is preferred in East Asian cooking, and features a deep golden-brown color.

Cold-pressed sesame oil is more widely used in Western cultures, and has a higher smoke point.  The toasted variety is often added to dressings, marinades and dips, and cold-pressed oil is more suitable for stir-frying and even deep frying.

It's best to store sesame oil in a cool, dark cabinet or fridge.
Safflower Oil

A flavorless, colorless oil, safflower oil is nutritionally similar to sunflower oil, and is a great substitute for sesame seed oil in stir-fries.  The high smoke point makes it great for sautéing, baking or frying.

It's a great source of monounsaturated oleic fatty acid, and can be store for up to six months when kept in a dark, air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Interestingly, there are two types of safflower oils that are each used for different purposes when cooking.  Monounsaturated safflower oil can be used for hot dishes due to its high smoking point.  Polyunsaturated safflower oil should not be used for high heat cooking--rather, it's best on salads, in sauces or on veggies. 

Due to its lack of flavor, safflower oil is best when you don't want a lot of flavor added to your dish, or mixed with other, more flavorful oils.
Red Palm Oil

Not to be confused with palm kernel oil, red palm oil is derived from the reddish pulp of the fruit of the oil palms.  Its recognizable red color comes from its high beta-carotene content, which exists in most fruits and vegetables but is covered up by the green chlorophyll in plants.

Red palm oil has a juicy, fruity flavor that is very different from most cooking oils.  It has a fairly high smoke point (425°F), which makes it a great option for high-heat cooking.

Red palm oil has been used for centuries in African countries, and remains a popular choice when cooking African dishes.
Ghee

Originating in South Asia, ghee is a clarified butter that is made by boiling butter and removing the residue (mostly water).  Spices are added for flavor and it is often used in south Asian and Indian cuisine.

Its smoking point is 482°F, which is above most vegetable oils and what makes it great for deep frying.

Traditional ghee comes from buffalo milk in India and Pakistan.  Ghee has a long shelf life and as long as it's kept in an airtight container, needs no refrigeration.

Friday, August 9, 2013

MAKE A ROUX

This is an important ingredient for making alot of Cajun dishes.

1 cup flour (always use all-purpose)
1 cup cooking oil

Start cooking on high fire; lower fire when mixture begins to brown, stirring constantly. Brown until Roux becomes the color of a penny. Add warm water to make gravy.

Note: (Start with a small amount of Roux to avoid making gravy too thick and greasy. Any Roux left over may be saved in refrigerator for future use).

Make your own CAJUN SPICE

Us Texan's love us some Cajun Food. You can ajust the heat if you don't like your food to have a bite. People think Cajun Food is hot, but really it is spicy, Not Hot :)

1/2 cup paprika
2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black Pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. tarragon
1 tsp. ground thyme

Just mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight jar with a lid. Use according to your taste.

RED BEANS & RICE

1 pound red beans,
(wash, and soak in water overnight)
3 cups water
2 cloves garlic - chopped
1/2 cup celery - chopped
1 large bay leaf - crushed
1 medium onion - chopped
1/2 cup cooking oil
Salt and pepper
1 pound smoked sausage - sliced
2 tablespoons parsley - chopped
Steaming rice

Place beans in cold water in a 4-quart pot. Add garlic, celery, bay leaf, onion, and oil and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Add water as needed, stirring occasionally.

Add salt, pepper, sausage, and parsley and continue cooking over low heat for about 1 hour. Serve over a mound of steaming rice.
Serves 6 - 8.

STUFFED BELLPEPPERS

6-10 large bell peppers, wash,top,and clean
4 cups cooked rice
24-32 ounces tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can diced rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
1-2 tablespoon minced garlic
  cajun seasoning to taste
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground sausage

1.Brown ground beef and ground sausage, drain grease.

2.Add seasonings, veggies, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

3.Simmer till veggies are tender.

4.Meanwhile, cook rice and set aside.

5.When meat sauce is done, skim the top of about two cups of tomato gravy and put aside.

6.Add rice in a little at a time to ensure mixture.

7.Stuff peppers and place in large baking dish.

8.Cover with reserved gravy.

9.Bake at 350 for approximately an hour -- or till tops are nice and brown and peppers are tender.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Peach Cobbler ( A Oldie But Oh SO Goodie )

This is an oldie but goodie!!

I first found this recipe in a church cook book over 28 years ago, at West Lake Assembly of God, LA so easy and simple! for peach cobbler
 
 1cup of sugar
 1cup of flour
 1cup of milk
 1stick of butter melted
 1 large can of sliced peaches
 Tip: also berries work great too!

 In a mixing bowl mix the flour, sugar and milk together until well blended. set aside.
 Pour melted butter into the bottom of your pan. Pour the peaches and the juice in the pan. Pour the flour,sugar and milk mixture over the peaches, do not stir it. Bake on 350

1cup of sugar

1cup of flour

1cup of milk

1stick of butter melted

1 large can of sliced peaches

Tip: also berries work great too!

In a mixing bowl mix the flour, sugar and milk together until well blended.
 
 set aside.

Pour melted butter into the bottom of your pan.
 
 Pour the peaches and the juice in the pan.
 
 Pour the flour,sugar and milk mixture over the peaches, do not stir it.
 
Bake on 350• for approx 40 minutes.
 
 Enjoy.

Venison Chili

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 1/2 pounds venison, cut into cubes

1 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers

2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook venison, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned. Transfer to a slow cooker and stir together with chiles, beans, broth oregano, cumin, salt and paprika. Cook on medium 4 to 5 hours.

Squirrel Dumplings


3 squirrels

1 cup chicken broth

Water

Salt, black pepper
 

Dumplings (recipe below)


Place the squirrels in a large pot. 

Add chicken broth, then add enough water to barely cover the squirrel pieces. 

Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Simmer until the meat is tender and falling from the bones. 

Transfer to a plate or bowl, allow to cool, and remove the meat from the bones. 

Discard bones.

Return the squirrel meat to the pot, and bring the liquid to a simmer. 

Add dumplings you have previously prepared. 

Cover; boil gently for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the broth has thickened. 

Dumpling :

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon parsley flakes

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup milk


Combine flour, baking powder, salt and parsley flakes. 

Cut in shortening. 

Add enough milk to make a stiff dough. 

Shape the mixture into a ball, and roll to a thickness of 1/8-inch on a lightly floured surface. 

Cut into 1-inch strips, and drop into boiling squirrel stock.