Recipe Spotlight

*Potatoes Lyonnaise*

Serves : 24
INGREDIENTS
4 large baking potatoes. peeled & sliced
8 small onions, sliced
8 tbs butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
   Combine all ingredients in oven dish and roast @350 degrees for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

*Cuban Sandwich*

Serves 10....Prep time 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

10 sub or hogie rolls, split lengthwise

20 tbs Dijon Mayo (10tbs Dijon mustard, 10tbs mayo)

bread & butter pickles, sliced

10 oz pork roast, sliced

10 oz ham, thinly sliced

10 oz Swiss cheese, sliced

butter

  Open roll and spread inside with Dijon mayo, then top with pickles.  Layer on pork, cheese and ham.  Lightly butter outside of of roll and place in 400 degree oven until lightly toasted and cheese is melted.  Serve hot.

*Beef Wellington*

Healthy Meatless Recipes

*Barley Risotto with Fennel*

"This easy alternative to a traditional stove top risotto uses healthy whole grains and is seasoned with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and oil-cured olives.  A slow cooker lets you cook a creamy risotto without all the constant stirring.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbs crushed fennel seeds

1 large fennel bulb, cored & finely diced plus 2tbs chopped fronds

1 cup pearl barley

1 small carrot, finely chopped

1 large shallot, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cups water

1/3 cup dry white wine

2 cups frozen French-cut green beans

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/3 cup pitted black olives, chopped

1 tbs fresh grated lemon zest

Fresh Cracked pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

1. Coat a 4-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray.  Combine fennel seeds, diced fennel, barley, carrot, shallot and garlic in slow cooker.  Add broth, 1-cup water and wine.  Stir to combine.  Cook for 3 1/2 hours on low until risotto is thick & creamy.

2. Before serving, cook green beans according to pkg instructions and drain.  Turn off cooker and green beans, Parmesan, olives, zest & pepper...stir.  Serve sprinkled with chopped fennel fronds.

*Black Bean-Mushroom Chili*

Another great Slow Cooker Recipe:

Serves 10



INGREDIENTS

1 lb dried black beans (2 1/2 cups), rinsed

1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup mustard seeds

3 tbs chili powder

2 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp cardamom

2 medium onions, chopped

1 lb mushrooms, sliced

5 tomatillos, husked, rinsed and chopped

1/4 cup water

5 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 8-oz can tomato paste

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped

1 1/4 cups pepper-jack cheese, grated

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

PREPARATION

1. Soak beans overnight in 2-quarts water.  Drain & discard liquid.

2. Combine oil, mustard seeds, chili powder, cumin & cardamom in a 5-quart dutch oven.  place over high heat and stir until spices sizzle.  Add onions, mushrooms, tomatillos and water.  Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegs are juice, 5-7 minutes.  Uncover and stir often until juices evaporate and veg is browned lightly.  Add broth, paste & chipotles, stir to combine.

3. Place beans in slow cooker.  Add vegetable mixture.  Put lis on and cook on high for 5-8 hours or until beans are creamy.

4. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream and a sprinkling of cilantro.

 

Recipe Spotlight

Hunner-Schnitzel in Parmesan Kruste

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts(boneless & pounded)

Kosher salt

Fresh Cracked Pepper

AP Flour

Eggwash

Breadcrumbs

Parmesan Cheese(grated)

Canola Oil

   Lightly salt & pepper chicken breasts.  Dredge in flour, dip in eggwash, then dredge in Parmesan/Breadcrumb mixture.

   Add oil to sautee pan and sautee breasts, on both sides, until golden brown.

   Serve w/ Cranberry Sauce, German Potato salad & Fresh-steamed Vegetables.

   Easy Swedish Meatballs

Homemade Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese Spread is a snack & sandwich staple in the South, but, it can be a little expensive to buy...why not make your own?   It's healthier because you know exactly what's in it....

If you love Crab Meat but you're on a budget Imitation Crab is a nice substitute.  Try this easy Crab Pasta Salad...



Chicago Style Hotdogs Plus

Turning Chicago Style Hot Dogs Into *Chips & Salsa*...

What goes great w/ a hotdog?

BRAVES BASEBALL



Easy Minestrone & A Good Glass of Wine

A chilly winter evening and a warm bowl of Homemade Minestrone Soup...

And nothing goes better with a great dinner than a great glass of wine...



Sushi at Home - *California Roll*

If you love Sushi, like I do, why not make it at home....it's easy and much cheaper than going to a Japanese Restaurant...

*Stay tuned for more *Sushi Recipes*

Crock Pot - Pot Roast

Before getting the Pot Roast ready...It's time for breakfast...

1. Crimini Mushroom & Cheese(colby & feta) omelette

2. Pork Chop w/ Homemade gravy

3. Toasted bagel w/ butter & Sugar-free Strawberry Jam



Crock Pot - Pot Roast...

For sides maybe a) steamed broccoli b) julienne carrots sauteed in butter, honey & balsamic glaze:

Finished Dish...

Fun with Larry & Vickie

How we spend our time together...



Recipe Spotlight

Basil, Tomato, Cream Cheese Frittata

*serves 12*

12 eggs

1/4 tsp dried sage

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp dried thyme

kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

1 tbs unsalted butter

4 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced

1 cup fresh basil, chopped

8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

Whisk eggs, salt, pepper and sage/thyme/oregano.  In large , oven ready, skillet melt butter. Sautee tomatoes for 1 minute, lower heat & add basil sauteeing until limp.  Pour egg mixture in and top w/ cream cheese.  Cover and cook over low heat approx. 20 minutes or until set on top....or cook until bottom is set and finish cookin under broiler until set.

Blueberry Pie

*serves 8*

Filling:

4 cups fresh blueberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup AP flour

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tbs lemon juice

3 tbs unsalted butter

Your favorite pie shells

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine dry ingredients ans stir in blueberries.  Pour mixture into crust, sprinkle w/ lemon juice and dot w/butter.  Cover w/ lattice top. Bake for approx. 35-45 minutes.  Serve w/ ice cream or whipped topping,

A Quick & Yummy Snack

Olive Oil & Rosemary Triscuits w/ Homemade Pimento Cheese, Shrimp, Olives & Spicy Cocktail Sauce.
 

Recipe Spotlight

Black Bean Salsa...

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 can kernal corn, rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can "Rotel"

1 small red onion, diced

1 jalapeno, seeded & diced

1/21 tsp diced garlic

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tsp kosher salt

2 tbs lime juice

1 tsp fresh cracked pepper

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)

Combine all ingredients, mix well and chill for at least 1 hour

Serve w/ favorite tortilla chips

French Crepes...

2 cups A/P flour
3 tbs sugar
6 eggs
6 tbs unsalted butter, melted & cooled
2 cups milk
2/3 cups water
1 tsp salt

1. In a food processor place flour, sugar and salt.  Add eggs & process with pulsing action.
2. Add butter, milk & water.  Pulse to combine.
3. Pour batter into container and put plastic wrap on top of batter.  Plastic wrap will prevent skin forming on top.  Refrigerator for 1 hour.
4. Heat a non-stick pan.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray.  When hot, ladle enough batter to thinly coat surface.  Cook on one side for about a minute, then flip and cook again for a minute.  Remove and let cool.
***note*** You can fill each crepe with sweet or savory items like mixed berries, chocolate, flavored cream cheese or anything you like.  Crepes can be stored in fridge for up to a week.

 

Sunday Dinner

Sunday Dinner : Pork Chops & Rice...



More Super Bowl Party Snacks

*Steeler Popcorn...Cheesehead Skewers...Nachos Supreme*



Recipe Spotlight

Apricot-Filled Blueberry Muffins

1 12oz pkg. frozen blueberries

OR

2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

2 1/4 cups Bisquick

2/3 cup milk

2 tbs sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup apricot jam

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.  Reserve 1/2 cup blueberries for garnish.

In large bowl combine Bisquick, milk, sugar, cinnamon and remaining 2 cups blueberries.  Stir just until soft dough forms.  Turn dough surface dusted w. Bisquick, knead 5 times.  Roll out 1/2 inch thick, cut w/ 3" cutter.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

To serve : Slice biscuits in halves, spread apricot jam on bottom halves; cover w/ tops.  Serve with reserved blueberries & whipped cream(optional).

Super Bowl Party

Planning a Super Bowl Party?   Wings & Sliders are great snacks, guaranteed to please your party guests...

Don't forget the celery and Blue Cheese dip!!!

What To Do With The Ham Bone

   When you bake a ham for your family and dinner is finished.  The leftovers are wrapped up and put away...What do you do with the ham bone?  You could save it for soup or beans.  In my house there is only one thing I can do with the bone...Give it to Stumpy...

Stumpy is One Happy Dog!!!

Making an Omelette

   We decided to have an omelette for breakfast.  The nice thing about an omelette is you can put whatever you like in it.  Decided on Mushrooms, shrimp, horseradish and mozzarella...

   Once you have your ingredients prepped it's time to make the omelette.

1. Butter & olive oil in your sautee pan

2. Sautee the mushrooms, shrimp & horseradish

3. Add the eggs & let them start to set up

4. When set you need to flip it over.  There are two ways to do this:

a) Toss & flip

or

b) Use a spatula

5. Add the cheese

   Now all you have to do is fold your omelette onto a plate and add your side dishes.  In this case it's fried potatoes and buttered toast w/ homemade plum jelly.

   How does a diabetic finish off a nice breakfast like this....



Fighting A Cold

   We...the human race...have been fighting the Common Cold forever!  Before the advent of "Modern Drug Therapy" our ancestors tried many remedies.  I don't recommend that your try these at home:

1. Smear goose grease on your chest and wrapping it with flannel.

2. Rubbing the soles of you feet with tallow and turpintine...and holding them against a wood stove.

3. Getting passed three times uinder a horses belly.

4. Having a fish skin tied to your feet.

5. Cupping...Followed by blood-letting.

6. Going to sleep wearing a pair of cold, wet socks with a pair of thick, dry socks on top of them.

7. Stuffing your nostrils with cut garlic cloves.

8. Pressing a warm, peeled hard-boiled egg to your forehead.

9. Eating snakeskin.

Cookies Made Easy

   I've heard people say they would love to bake cookies for the family...but it's time consuming and difficult.   With this recipe baking your own cookies is a snap:

*White Chocolate Chip Filled Cookies*

ingredients:

1 pkg. Devil's Food cake mix(pudding type)              2 eggs

12oz pkg. White Chocolate Chips                              2/3 cup butter(melted)

1/4 cup water

   In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except chips. Mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonful or small scoop onto cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degree for 10-12 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack!

Filling:

8 oz pkg Cream Cheese

1 stick butter (soft)

1 tsp Vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar.

     

    Cream butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Mix in vanilla & sugar.  Spread in one cookie and top w/ another.



To Brine or Not To Brine

  Vickie has requested Pork Chops & Rice for our upcoming Sunday dinner.  Have you ever had a Pork Chop at a restaurant and wondered how they get those chops so tender and moist...when you cook them at home they are dry and tough!
   The restaurant's secret is brining the chops.  This was standard practice at every kitchen I worked in.  Brining is a simple technique which will help you cook a great Pork Chop at home...

I've got our Pork Chops and I'm ready to brine them.  In my brine I use Kosher salt, Bay Leaves, Black Peppercorns, Sugar, Red Pepper Flakes & Onion:

Put chops in brining solution and put in the fridge for at least 2 days.  Sunday I'll pan-sear them and finish them in the oven!

   One of our favorite snacks are "White Chocolate Candy Balls"!  You can give them as gifts or, in our case, put them in a container and snack on them whenever you get a sweet craving.  Here's my recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs          2 sticks Butter(melted)

1 cup Peanut Butter                              8 oz Powdered Sugar

8 oz Coconut Flakes

*mix all ingredients together ; form into small balls*

Topping:

1 (12oz) White Chocolate Chips

1 block Paraffin(wax)

*melt in double boiler.  Dip balls in mixture. Lay out on wax paper*



The Day Moves Into Night

   The day has now moved into night!  Stumpy and I have finished dinner and retired to the computer.  I've seen alot of commericials & infomercials for "Flat-Abs" but never for "Fat-Abs"!  So I have made one:



Another day...Another day!

   February 2nd...Wednesday starts as always with Fluff(the cat) wanting in and Stumpy(our Corgi-mix) wanting out.  Got a pot of coffee made and got to work prepping and cooking food for the week.  Started out w/ a Shrimp & Crab salad then went thru the cabinets and the fridge to see what was on hand.  When I was working in professional kitchens this was called making a walk-in special!
   Found ground chuck...mozzarella cheese...salsa....sour cream...and some whole grain pasta.  Decided to make a Southwestern Beef and Mac&Cheese casserole.  That's food for the week and something nice for the wife to take to work.  Now Breakfast for me & Stumpy! 

1pm break time...made a short video featuring food I have prepared and a visit from, possibly, the finest Culinary team ever assembled:



   To wrap up the day...the usual household duties : Dishes, Laundry and getting my baby's dinner ready for work.  Homemade pimento cheese sandwich, turkey & white cheddar on a bagel and some of the casserole.