Friday, August 26, 2011

Chicken Kiev


I love Chicken Kiev and I have a recipe I have made for many, many, many years......sure sign I am getting old...lol anyhow I seen this one from Alton Brown and since I have loved just about every recipe I have tried from him I want to give it a try.


8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 cloves garlic, minced.....(this is not part of Alton's recipe I just think Chicken Kiev needs fresh garlic.)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning chicken
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 large whole eggs, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
2 cups Japanese bread crumbs (panko), plus 1/4 cup for filling
Vegetable oil, for frying

Combine butter, parsley, tarragon, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in the bowl of a stand mixer. Place mixture on plastic wrap or waxed paper and roll into small log; place in freezer.
Place chicken breasts, 1 at a time, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Squirt chicken lightly with water and squirt the top of the plastic wrap as well. Pound to no less than 1/8-inch thickness. Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper.
Lay 1 chicken breast on a new piece of plastic wrap and place 1/4 of the compound butter and 1 tablespoon bread crumbs in the center of each breast. Using the plastic wrap to assist, fold in ends of breast and roll breast into a log, completely enclosing the butter; roll very tightly. Repeat with each breast. Place chicken in refrigerator for 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Place egg and water mixture in 1 pie pan and 2 cups bread crumbs in a different pie pan.
Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat until oil reaches 375 degrees F.
Dip each breast in the egg mixture and then roll in the bread crumbs. Gently place each breast in oil, sealed-side down, and cook until golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove to a cooling rack set in sheet pan and allow to drain for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Weight Watchers Stuffed Peppers

http://www.weight-watchers-recipes.net/quinoa-stuffed-peppers.html



1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ribs celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoon)
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach,
thawed and squeezed dry
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup quinoa
3 large carrots, grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups grated reduced-fat pepper Jack cheese, divided
4 large red bell peppers, halved lengthwise, ribs removed

Directions:

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add cumin and garlic, and saute 1 minute. Stir in spinach and drained tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.

Stir in black beans, quinoa, carrots, and 2 cups water. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Stir in 1 cup cheese. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour liquid from tomatoes in bottom of baking dish.

Fill each bell pepper half with heaping 3/4-cup quinoa mixture, and place in baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Uncover, and sprinkle each pepper with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes more, or until tops of stuffed peppers are browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Transfer stuffed peppers to serving plates, and drizzle each with pan juices before serving.

Makes 8 Servings

Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories 279, Carbs 36 g, Fat 10 g, Fiber 10 g, Protein 14 g

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Italian Sausage Sandwich

20 Italian sausages
4 large green peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped
onion
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1
cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried
basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
20 sandwich
buns
Shredded mozzarella cheese, optional


In a large Dutch oven, brown sausages a few at a time; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute peppers and onion in drippings until crisp-tender; drain. Return sausages to pan along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, garlic, basil, oregano and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve on buns. Top with cheese if desired. Yield: 20 servings."



Lemon Pie



I have been making this pie for about 25 years now maybe a few more, this is the first Lemon Meringue pie I even made.
I cut this one before it had a time to really set. It was a last minute idea to make and did not have as much time to set as it should have but it was really good. :o)

1 3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juiced
2 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoons butter
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
4 egg whites (I like to use 6 egg whites for more meringue)
1/4 tsp cream of tarter
1/2 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 400
To Make Lemon Filling:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together 13/4 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt mix well, Gradually add 2 cups water, stirring until smooth. Over medium heat, bring to boil, stirring occasionally, boil one minute, until shiny and translucent. Quickly stir some of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolk; stir to blend. Return to pan of sugar mixture. Cook over low heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice and zest. Pour into prepared pie shell.
To Make Meringue:
In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites and cream of tarter until foamy. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie, sealing the edges at the crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.







Saturday, August 20, 2011

Dinner Rolls














1 cup warm milk (70 to 80 degrees F)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment mix for a few minutes then add dough hoo and beat for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a cloth and let rise, then break into 12 large rolls or 24 small and place on a cooking sheet and let sit for about 20-25 minutes.
Bake for 13-16 minutes at 375 degrees

 

Nilla Waffer



When I was seven and lived in Oregon I was invited to dinner at a friends, it was one of those leave it to Beaver families, they had a nice house a very nice dining room and they sat at the table for dinner. Well almost 40 years later I still remember the dessert she made. I have no idea what she had for dinner just the dessert served in a glass dish. Hey I was only seven. Well I am getting older and for some reason lots of memories are coming back from when I was little and living in Oregon, I think because I have so many wonderful memories living there. We won't talk about the time on Christmas moring we locked my Mom out of the house in the snow. :o) My brother and I thought it was funny, needless to say she had on a nightgown and now shoes. But she does laugh about it now and I do remember her laughing then about it also.  But back to the recipe, it is one from many years ago using Nilla waffers and I bet you all have either had it before or seen the recipe. I had my youngest son make it with me for tonights dessert.

3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup flour
dash salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
45 NILLA Wafers, divided
5 bananas, sliced


MIX 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water 10 to 12 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
RESERVE 12 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard onto bottom of 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cover with layers of 1/3 each of the remaining wafers, bananas and remaining custard. Repeat layers 2 times.
BEAT egg whites on high speed of mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over custard, sealing well to edge of dish.
BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until lightly browned. Cool slightly. Top with reserved wafers just before serving.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Peanut Butter~Oatmeal~Chocolate Chip Cookies

From: For the Love of Cooking

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Using an electric mixer, combine melted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add peanut butter and brown sugar, beating well until thoroughly combined. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth. In a small bowl stir together flour and baking soda, then add to cookie dough and mix just until blended. Using a mixing spoon, stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips.
Scoop balls of cookie dough and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheets.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

1 cup butter or margarine,
softened
2  cups sugar
3 eggs
2 grated lemon peel
2 lemons juiced
1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups vanilla yogurt
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel, juice and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with yogurt (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Lemon Curd Filling

1 3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juiced
2 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoons butter
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten   

Mix, sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt in a medium sauce pan, mix well and add 2 cups water. Cook until thicken add a small amount of hot mixture into eggs and mix. Add egg mixture back into pan and cook for about five minutes. remove from heat and add butter, lemon zest and lemon juice mix well. Set aside to cool.        

Meringue

8 egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tarter.
1/2 cup white sugar
  1. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites and tarter until foamy. Add sugar one tablespoon at a time, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue on cupcake 
  2. Put under the broiler (make sure rack is in on the middle) until golden brown.
 To put cupcakes together

Use a wooden spoon or you can use the cupcake tool like I have to put the hole in the cupcake. Fill with the lemon curd put meringue on top and put under the broiler until light brown. I will post photo Sunday or Monday.

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

spaghetti squash















1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven, and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm. Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sauteed vegetables, cheese and basil. Serve warm
* I like to use the shell of the squash as the bowl.


     

Ribs

This photo was taken with a cell phone so it is not very good.







4 pounds baby back pork ribs
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 clove crushed garlic

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place ribs on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Scatter 4 cloves of sliced garlic over ribs. Cover, and bake for 2 1/2 hours. Cool slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together white sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. Rub spices over cooled ribs. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
In a small saucepan, mix together brown sugar, cider vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion, dry mustard, and 1 clove garlic. Simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered, for 1 hour. Reserve a small amount for basting; the remainder is a dipping sauce.
Preheat grill for medium heat.
Place ribs on grill. Grill, covered, for about 12 minutes, basting with the reserved sauce, until nicely browned and glazed. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.

Pesto

























1 1/2 cups cilantro leaves
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil



Blend the cilantro, basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese,garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.


This is really good. It looks gross but it taste good.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Cavity Maker Cookies


















2 cup butter, softened
2 cup white sugar
2 cup packed brown sugar
4 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoons hot water
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 bag of mini assorted candies (snickers, Milky Way, and Mars chopped)
I found a Reese Peanut Butter bar I chopped up, if you cannot find the bar you can chop up about 6 cups
1 cup plain M&M's
* 1 cup toasted Coconut
* 1 cup granola

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips and chopped candy Drop by large spoonful (about 1/4 cup) onto ungreased pans.
Bake for about 12-13 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned
* my 15 year old is really picky so I did not add the coconut or granola to the batter, I rolled the coconut on some and then baked it. Then with some of the other I added the granola in with some of the mix and baked some that way and then I mixed coconut and granola together with some of the other batter. The one with the granola was a hit with all of them and the one with the toaster coconut was a huge hit with other. I love coconut and granola so I liked the ones with both.
You can freeze these or just do what I do and wrap in plastic wrap and baked them as you need/or want.







Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

1 pound sweet Italian (I like to use hot) sausage, casings removed
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef broth
1 cup water
4 large tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup thinly sliced carrots1/2 tablespoon packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini
8 ounces fresh tortellini pasta
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
In a 5 quart Dutch oven, brown sausage. Remove sausage and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
Saute onions and garlic in drippings. Stir in beef broth, water, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Skim fat from the soup. Stir in zucchini and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Quinoa and Black Beans

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.               

Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with chicken broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,               

Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Honey Chicken Kabobs


















1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cloves garlic
5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
skewers

           

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
  2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
  3. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
  4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently

Coconut Chicken Curry















by April's Home Cooking on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 8:41pm
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed, diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat oil and curry powder in a large skillet over medium-high heat for two minutes. Stir in onions and garlic, and cook 1 minute more. Add chicken, tossing lightly to coat with curry oil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center and juices run clear.
Pour coconut milk, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar into the pan, and stir to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.


Tikka Masala

 

 

 

 

 



 

Tikka Masala

by April's Home Cooking on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 8:32pm
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers

1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat a grill for high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Honey Chicken Kabobs

<>
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cloves garlic
5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces skewers
<>
 
<>
<>
 


















 
<>
 
<>
 
<>
 
<>
1
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
2.
Preheat the grill for high heat.
3.
Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
4.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

German Chocolate cake and Frosting

My son is getting ready to turn 20 so I am getting his menu for his birthday dinner ready.     

      1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 3 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

  • 1/2 cup margarine

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

  • 1 cup flaked coconut

  • In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. Spread on cake while still warm.     

    Cake          

     

        4 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate

         1/2 cup water


  • 2 cups all-purpose flour


  • 1 teaspoon baking soda


  • 1/4 teaspoon salt


  • 1 cup butter, softened


  • 2 cups white sugar


  • 4 egg yolks


  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


  • 1 cup buttermilk


  • 4 egg whites



  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line bottom of 9x13 pan with parchment paper.

    1. Microwave chocolate and water on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through. Stir until all is melted and smooth.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, soda and salt. Set aside.
    3. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat after each addition until smooth.
    4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter. Pour into 9x13 inch pan.
    5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool completely, then frost with coconut-pecan frosting.

                  

     

    Tuesday, August 2, 2011

    Chicken Satay

    I don't really like curry but I made these for one of our last camping trips and they were a hit. My son has wants curry for his birthday so I figure this will be one of the dishes I make.

          1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon curry powder

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch strips

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 3/4 cup chicken stock

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • Salt to taste

  • 10 (6 inch) wooden skewers, or as needed, soaked in water for 30 minutes

  •            

    1. Stir together 1/2 cup coconut milk, garlic, 1 teaspoon curry powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar has dissolved. Toss marinade with the chicken, cover, and marinate for at least 2 hours.
    2. Bring 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon curry powder, peanut butter, chicken stock, and 1/4 cup brown sugar to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and soy sauce; season to taste with salt.
    3. Preheat a grill for medium-high heat.
    4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, then grill 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve with warm peanut sauce.

    Sunday, July 31, 2011

    CrockPot Spicy Beef















    Pork would be really good for this also. I used this for tacos but it would be great for burritos.

    1 (4 pound) chuck roast
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    1 large onion, chopped
    1 teaspoon chili powder
    1 teaspoon Cumin
    1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
    1/4 bottle hot pepper sauce
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    Trim the roast of any excess fat, and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place meat in hot skillet, and brown meat quickly on all sides.
    Transfer the roast to a slow cooker, and put onion over meat. Season with chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, and garlic powder and cumin. Add enough water to cover 1/3 of the roast.
    Cover, and cook on High for 6 hours, checking to make sure there is always at least a small amount of liquid in the bottom. Reduce heat to Low, and continue cooking for 2 to 4 hours, or until meat is totally tender and falls apart and then I would leave it in the broth for at least another hour cooking on low.


      Thursday, July 28, 2011

      Coconut Pie









      3 cups half-and-half
      2 eggs
      3/4 cup white sugar
      1/2 cup all-purpose flour
      1/4 teaspoon salt
      1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
      1 heavy Cream, whipped with powder sugar

      In a medium saucepan, combine half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in 3/4 cup of the coconut and the vanilla extract. Pour into pie shell and chill 2 to 4 hours, or until firm.
      Top with whipped topping, and with remaining 1/4 cup of coconut.
      Note: To toast coconut, spread it in an ungreased pan and bake in a 350 oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.



      Wednesday, July 27, 2011

      Sausage Rice Casserole















      16 fresh pork sausage links (about 1 pound)
      1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
      1/2 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
      1 tablespoon canola oil
      3 cups cooked long grain rice
      4 to 5 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
      1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
      1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
      2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
      1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
      1 teaspoon salt
      1 teaspoon dried basil
      1 cup soft bread crumbs
      2 tablespoons butter, melted

      Place sausages on a rack in a baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and no longer pink. Cut into 1-in. pieces; set aside.
      In a large skillet, saute peppers in oil for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Transfer to a 3-qt. baking dish. Add the sausages and the next eight ingredients.
      Combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 6-8 servings.



         

      Tuesday, July 26, 2011

      Pastry Cream/Custard

      2 cups milk
      1/4 cup white sugar
      2 egg yolks
      1 egg
      1/4 cup cornstarch
      1/3 cup white sugar
      2 tablespoons butter
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract

      In a heavy saucepan, stir together the milk and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

      1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and egg. Stir together the remaining sugar and cornstarch; then stir them into the egg until smooth. When the milk comes to a boil, drizzle it into the bowl in a thin stream while mixing so that you do not cook the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan, and slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the eggs don' t curdle or scorch on the bottom.
      2. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla, mixing until the butter is completely blended in. Pour into a heat-proof container and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled before using.

      Sunday, July 24, 2011

      Jambalaya
















      1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
      1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
      1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
      1 large onion, chopped
      1 large green bell pepper, chopped
      1 cup chopped celery
      1 cup chicken broth
      2 teaspoons dried oregano
      2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
      1 teaspoon Paprika
      1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
      1 pound frozen shrimp without tails
      Fresh parsley to sprinkle on top
      I served this one with pasta but we also like it with rice.


      In a slow cooker, mix the chicken, sausage, tomatoes with juice, onion, green bell pepper, celery, and broth. Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
      Cover, and cook 7 to 8 hours on Low, or 3 to 4 hours on High. Stir in the shrimp during the last 30-45 minutes of cook time.
      I cooked mine on low for 5 hours and it was not done, I have a new crockpot that does not cook the same as my old one did. I really like to cook mine on the stove but I wanted this to be ready when we came home from church so I went with the crock pot. The recipe is good and you might have a crockpot that will be done in the 3-4 hours mine was not done it five hours. This is one of the reasons i did what I wrote below and because some not liking shrimp.
      **I took half of mine out of the pan because some do not like shrimp in my family then I added about 2 T cornstarch to 1/2 cup water and added it to the pot and cooked this for about 20 minuted before I added the shrimp and cooked until the shrimp was done.

         

      Friday, July 22, 2011

      Gluten Free Bars














      This is another wonderful recipe from Hugs and Cookies

      http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hugs-Cookies-xoxo/361999659991#!/notes/aprils-home-cooking/gluten-free-bars/253803367964397

      I have to admit I did not use anything gluten free. But the recipes from Danielle is the one I posted below. Go on over to Hugs and cookies xoxo and check out all her wonderful recipes. I don't think I have ever baked so many things off one blog before. :o)
      1 BOX BETTY CROCKER GF CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MIX
      1c. chopped GLUTEN FREE pretzels (I LIKE SNYDERS OR
      GLUTINO)
      10 caramels
      1T. HEAVY CREAM
      3c. peanut butter cups, CUT IN
      HALF OR QUARTERS
      1/2c. CHOCOLATE chips of your choice!

      Step 1: PREPARE GF COOKIE MIX ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS ON
      BOX AND PRESS MOST INTO AN 8X8 PAN LINED WITH NONSTICK FOIL. RESERVE SOME FOR
      THE TOPPING!


      Step 2: Crush 1 cup of GF pretzels roughly with hands and
      put on top of dough.

      Step 3: Roughly chop 3c. peanut butter cups and
      layer on top of the pretzels.

      Step 4: Microwave 10 caramels and CREAM
      till melted, about 1 minute. Pour on top of peanut butter cups.
      Mmmmm!

      Step 5: Crumble on the rest of the cookie dough that you reserved.
      Bake about 25 minutes AT 350 till golden and cooked through. Let cool to room
      temp.

      Step 6: Melt 1/2c chocolate chips-milk or semisweet and drizzle
      across the top when COOLED. Eat up

         

      Thursday, July 21, 2011

      Pirate Cake



















      Sunday I had this sweet little blonde hair blue eyed boy run up to me with a cooking magazine in his hands and say,
      "Grandma, will you make me this cake'" how could you not say yes to such a sweetie. Mommy and Daddy are having a date night tonight and Noah is coming over to Grandma and Grandpa's tonight, well he is really coming over to play with Uncle Jacob and Uncle Danny but as long I make a cake he will at least say a few words to me before going off to lay with his Unle Jacob for the night. For you who do not know, Noah is 3 and Jacob is 15, Jacob will drop everything when Noah comes over, if he has a choice to go with his friends or see Noah he will pick Noah, if we go some place and he does not want to go all we have to say is Noah is coming and he will change his mind. Noah has been the center of Jacob's life from the moment he held him a few minutes after his birth, the first words he said to Noah were "I am going to teach you to be so evil." I am glad to say he has not done that. Jacob is a very good 15 year old so I am not too worried, now he is a huge joker so for Noah's Mom's sake I hope that does not rub off on him. For an example, I was using the church bathroom one day during the week and Jacob decided to used a chair and locked me in the bathroom, after a few threats and yelling for my husband to make him open it I was let out. My whole family loves to play jokes but I think Jacob might be the worse well, his Dad might be a little worse. :o)

      Wednesday, July 20, 2011

      Italian Chicken















      6 Boneless chicken breast, I think I will use boneless thighs next time.

      Olive oil

      1 large red onion

      1 large yellow onion

      6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

      2 green bell peppers, chopped

      1 pound baby Bella cut in ¼

      1 can chopped tomatoes

      1 jar spaghetti sauce

      Salt

      Pepper

      1 tsp. Oregano

      ½ tsp. Tarragon

      1 tsp. Italian spice

      2 T. Corn starch

      1/8 cup water


      Slice chicken breast in have so you have two thin pieces,
      salt and pepper each slice. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and fry until
      lightly brown on each side but not all the way cooked. Cook a few pieces at a
      time, remove to a plate. All onions, garlic, peppers, mushrooms and cook for a
      few minutes. Add chicken back to pan with the onion mixture. Add can tomato,
      spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, Tarragon and Italian spice cover with
      lid and cook for about 20 minutes.

      Remove lid and mix corn starch with water and add to pan to
      thicken sauce, stir carefully so you will not break up the chicken and cook for
      about five minutes more.
      Serve over pasta or rice.


      Tuesday, July 19, 2011

      Taco Salad















      My husband use to teach the single adults at our old church and we use to have a blast with them, we have

      so many wonderful memories. We had a party at our condo once with about 40 young adults and one of the kids Jason was in the back room jumping off the bunk bed with my girls, they did not tell me about that until after the party.


      We had a Olympic day at the park on one of our outings and I can still remember Chris racing on the tricycle and having to drink all the juice out of the baby bottle to win the race.


      Pizza outing and in the busy pizza place Art standing up on a chair to give thanks and the whole place went
      quiet. I believe all these young adults are now married with families of their own. I hope they know how special they were to us. There were so many more but if I mentioned them all it would take me forever to write this. When I make Cheddar Bay biscuits I think of Linda, the first time I had them was when she made them and they were so much better then Red Lobsters. :o)


      We had an a lot of great memories with them and every time I make this salad I think of Leigh-Anne, we had a
      pot-luck and she made this taco salad and since then it has been a favorite of my kids as well as my husband and myself. I may not make it the same as Leigh-Anne did but each time I make it I think of her. tacos. She is now married with four of her own children.


      I make this taco salad different every time.
      Maybe I can get Leigh-Anne to post her recipe here. :o)



      Here is the recipe I made today.

      Ground beef, cooked and drained (I always use taco seasoning but was out today)
      Kidney Beans
      Cheese, shredded
      Lettuce, chopped
      Chopped tomatoes, I add these after because most of my kids do not like tomatoes.
      Cucumber sliced thin (this is the first time I did this, I was out of olives)
      Cilantro
      Red onion, diced
      Pace Salsa, we like ours hot
      Tub sour cream


      Doritos, squeeze while in bag to
      break up.

      Mix salsa and sour cream together
      and chill. You depend on how much sour cream, salsa you want, I like more salsa
      then sour cream.

      Mix all the other ingredients
      together besides the chips, add sour cream salsa dressing and mix then either
      mix in the Doritos or sprinkle on top.

      What I remember the most about
      Leigh-Anne making this was mixing it is a trash bag because she made such a
      large amount. :o)

      Milkyway Bars









      OK here is the link to the recipe, I am warning you right now if you gain lots of weight after joining this page it is your fault not mine and if you drool all over your keyboard and it shorts out that is also all your fault. :o)
        http://www.facebook.com/note.php?reated&&note_id=251265118218222#!/pages/Hugs-Cookies-xoxo/361999659991
        CRUST:
         1 1/2c. FLOUR      
             1/2C. PLUS 2T. CONFECTIONERS SUGAR     
             1 1/2 STICKS SOFT BUTTER  ELECTRIC MIX ALL TILL CRUMBLY/COMBINED AND PAT DOWN EVENLY INTO A 9X13 PAN LINED WITH NONSTICK FOIL.
        BAKE AT 350 FOR 15-20 MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTLY GOLDEN. 
        CARAMEL:
          12 OUNCES CARAMEL BITS (NO UNWRAPPING WITH THESE!) (OR USE 40 WRAPPED CARAMELS)
          5 T. BUTTER
          1 CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
          MICROWAVE ALL OF THESE TOGETHER UNTIL SMOOTH. GO 30 SECONDS-ONE MINUTE AT A TIME AND STIR IN BETWEEN. 
        TOPPING:
        1 BAG OF MILKY WAY MINIS CUT INTO 4 SLICES EACH. CAN ALSO USE MILKY WAY DARKS OR ANY OTHER CANDY YOU WANT LIKE PB CUPS!    LET CRUST COOL 5-10 MINUTES AND THEN POUR ON THE CARAMEL. PLACE THE CANDIES ON TO DECORATE AND CHILL COMPLETELY BEFORE CUTTING. THESE ARE EASY TO CUT WHEN VERY COLD AND SHOULD REMAIN IN FRIDGE UNTIL READY TO EAT. (CARAMEL WILL GET TOO GOOEY IF LEFT OUT.)