Category: MISC
House UPDATE ~ Chronicles of a bungled Real Estate deal ~ Kitchen continued
YAY
– the flooring finally arrived. We have lived with a painted subfloor for so long, but I really hate it. I’m so excited we’re finally able to put down the new floor even if it does mean sooooooooooooo much work. We found an awesome deal on some solid oak tongue and groove 3/4 inch flooring. We had a few issues with the delivery and have been waiting for this for an additional 2 weeks. It was absolutely beautiful the week it was supposed to be delivered. Yesterday was COLD and SNOWING (a wet yucky snow) and the delivery showed up at 7AM instead of 9:30AM and he wouldn’t put the pallet in the garage or even the driveway, but dropped it in the street so it had to be unloaded by hand IMMEDIATELY in the wet snow at 7AM before coffee. The delivery man said it was a $75 charge for every 10 minutes he was there (a fact we were not informaed of, but you can bet I will be discussing with the seller).Before we put in the first nail we lined up the boards between the arch and an entire row on each side to be sure this was the right decision.
Chicken Turnovers aka Chicken Empanadas
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 large bunch green onions, chopped
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup guacamole
1 can refrigerator biscuits, grand size
1 cup shredded shredded cheddar cheese
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine in large bowl the salsa, guacamole, green onions, chicken and cheese.
- On a floured board between wax paper layers, roll out each biscuit to about double the original size.
- Fill each biscuit with chicken mixture and fold over into a moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly to seal.
- Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping.
MARSHMALLOW CARAMEL BALLS & GARLIC AU GRATIN POTATOES
1 cup butter
1 cup eagle brand condensed milk
54 Kraft caramels
Large Marshmallows
Rice Krispies
- Melt the butter, milk and caramels in a large double boiler.
- *Dip each marshmallow in the caramel mixture.
- Immediately roll the caramel covered marshmallow in the rice Krispies.
- Place on wax paper.
- Refrigerate.
*It’s easier to use sucker sticks.
These can also be dipped in melted almond bark for an out chocolate coating.
GARLIC AU GRATIN POTATOES
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons butter
2 pounds potatoes, washed, and sliced thin
1 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 cup VERY hot water
1 heaping teaspoon Better than Bouillon Beef Base
- Preheat oven 400 degrees.
- Grease baking dish and then dust it with the garlic powder.
- Dry the potatoes on paper towels.
- Layer the potatoes and cheese alternately finishing with a layer of cheese.
- Whisk together the hot water, beef base, salt and pepper.
- Gently pour the beef mixture over the potatoes, coating them evenly.
- Bake 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Thursday Thirteen ~ Eating establishments and their definitions
- BISTRO ~ A bistro, sometimes spelled bistrot, is a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. The concept developed in Paris, France. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Slow-cooked foods like braised meats are typicaland usually serves wine.
- CAFE~ A café is a restaurant that does not offer table service. Customers order their food from a counter and serve themselves. A café menu traditionally offers things such as coffee, espresso, pastries and sandwiches. Cafes originated in Europe and are strongly associated with France. They are known for their casual, unhurried atmosphere. Outdoor seating is another trademark of a café. Panera Bread is an example of a popular bakery-café chain. The term bistro is sometimes interchanged with café. A bistro is actually a café that offers full meals (albeit, cheaper than a full fledged sit down restaurant).
- RESTAURANT ~ business establishment serving food and drink
- FINE DINING ~ Just as the name implies, fine dining is used to describe a much more upscale restaurant, one that offers diners an elegant atmosphere with high quality service. The chefs in fine dining restaurants are usually professionally trained, and the food is fairly expensive, but worth it.
- TAVERN ~ A tavern is, loosely, a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and, more than likely, also be served food.
- PUB ~ Short for Public House, pubs date back hundred of years to Europe, especially Great Britain. Pubs have a timeless appeal, for their laid back atmosphere. Brewpubs offer beer made in house, as well as a wide selection of other beers and ales. Pubs can offer full menus, as well as appetizers. Many casual style restaurants have a separate pub side to their establishment.
- GRILL ~ a restaurant where food is cooked on a grill
- CHOP HOUSE ~ a restaurant that specializes in steaks
- COFFEE HOUSE ~ is an establishment which primarily serves prepared coffee or other hot beverages
- BUFFET ~ a meal set out on a buffet (piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room) and drawers at which guests help themselves
- DINER ~ A small and inexpensive type of restaurant
- CAFETERIA ~ a restaurant where you serve yourself and pay a cashier
- BRASSERIE ~ a small restaurant serving beer and wine as well as food; usually cheap or a café doubling as a restaurant with a relaxed setting, which serves single dishes and other meals.
Is Spring really around the corner? Or is this going to be another bad April Fool’s Joke?
Tuna Salad Sandwiches

1 rib celery, minced
2 green onions, sliced thin
3 sweet pickles, finely chopped
1/8-1/4 cup mayonnaise
salt & pepper
tomato slices
juice of 1 lemon
fresh croissants**
jack cheese (optional)
sliced avocado (optional)
- Drain tuna very well.
- Mince celery, slice green onions and chop sweet pickles.
- Toss all together and sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
- Add mayonnaise as need to desired consistency.
- Slice open croissants*
- Put a slice of tomato on the bottom.
- Add a heaping scoop tuna salad.
- Add a thin slice of jack cheese.
- Place a thin slice of avocado on top of cheese. If you can’t find a good firm, but ripe avocado just mush it up with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper and it tastes great.
Everything you always wanted to know about CHOCOLATE, but were afraid to ask…
CHOCOLATE DICTIONARY with some definitions from WIKIPEDIA
- BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE is chocolate liquor (or unsweetened chocolate) to which some sugar (typically a third), more cocoa butter, vanilla and sometimes lecithin has been added. It has less sugar and more liquor than semisweet chocolate, but the two are interchangeable in baking. Bittersweet and semisweet chocolates are sometimes referred to as ‘couverture’ (chocolate that contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter); many brands now print on the package the percentage of cocoa (as chocolate liquor and added cocoa butter) contained. The rule is that the higher the percentage of cocoa, the less sweet the chocolate will be.
- COCOA POWDER There are two types of unsweetened baking cocoa available: natural cocoa (like the sort produced by Hershey’s and Nestlé using the Broma process), and Dutch-process cocoa (such as the Hershey’s European Style Cocoa and the Droste brand). Both are made by pulverising partially defatted chocolate liquor and removing nearly all the cocoa butter. Natural cocoa is light in colour and somewhat acidic with a strong chocolate flavour. Natural cocoa is commonly used in recipes which call for baking soda. Because baking soda is an alkali, combining it with natural cocoa creates a leavening action that allows the batter to rise during baking. Dutch-process cocoa is processed with alkali to neutralise its natural acidity. Dutch cocoa is slightly milder in taste, with a deeper and warmer colour than natural cocoa. Dutch-process cocoa is frequently used for chocolate drinks such as hot chocolate due to its ease in blending with liquids. Unfortunately, Dutch processing destroys most of the flavonoids present in cocoa.
- DARK CHOCOLATE is produced by adding fat and sugar to cacao. It is chocolate without milk as an additive. It is sometimes called “plain chocolate”. The U.S. Government has no definition for dark chocolate, only “sweet chocolate”, which requires a 15% concentration of chocolate liquor. Sweet chocolate is not necessarily dark chocolate as there is no restriction of milk in it. European rules specify a minimum of 35% cocoa solids.
- MILK CHOCOLATE is chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk added. The U.S. Government requires a 10% concentration of chocolate liquor. EU regulations specify a minimum of 25% cocoa solids. In the 1870s, Swiss confectioner Daniel Peter invented the process of solidifying milk chocolate using condensed milk, which was invented by Henri Nestlé in the 1800’s. Hershey process milk chocolate, invented by Milton S. Hershey, founder of The Hershey Company , is able to be produced more economically, by being less sensitive to freshness of the milk. Although the process is still a trade secret, experts speculate that the milk is partially lipolyzed, producing butyric acid, which stabilizes the milk from further fermentation. This compound gives the product a particular sour, “tangy” taste, to which the American public has become accustomed, to the point that other manufacturers now simply add butyric acid to their milk chocolates.
- SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE is often used for cooking purposes. It is a dark chocolate with a low (typically half) sugar content.
- SWEET COOKING CHOCOLATE aka GERMAN CHOCOLATE is similar to semi-sweet chocolate, but it contains a higher proportion of sugar and is used primarily for baking.
- UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE is pure chocolate liquor, also known as bitter or baking chocolate, mixed with some form of fat to produce a solid substance. It is unadulterated chocolate: the pure, ground, roasted chocolate beans impart a strong, deep chocolate flavour. With the addition of sugar, however, it is used as the base for cakes, brownies, confections, and cookies.
- WHITE CHOCOLATE is a confection based on sugar and fat (either cocoa butter or vegetable oils) without the cocoa solids.
CHOCOLATE HANDLING TIPS
- Chocolate will burn easily so be careful not to use high heat. Using a double boiler is almost always the best way. It is always advisable to chop or grate chocolate before melting. If chocolate becomes dry and grainy, it can be rescued by adding 1 tablespoon of real butter per pound of chocolate to make it fluid again.
- Be sure to use dry utensils. Even a drop of water can cause your chocolate to thicken into a stiff mass. Once again it can be rescued though with the butter.
- Unsweetened chocolate will liquefy when melted while semi-sweet and milk chocolates will hold their shapes until you stir them.
- When melting chocolate in the microwave, make sure to do it in small amounts of time on medium heat, stirring each time until desired thickness is reached. Chocolate will burn very fast in the microwave.
COMMON CHOCOLATE MEASUREMENTS
- 2 ounces chocolate chips = 1/3 cup
- 3 ounces chocolate chips = 1/2 cup
- 4 ounces chocolate chips = 2/3 cup
- 6 ounces chocolate chips = 1 cup
- 1 pound unsweetened cocoa powder = 4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
CHOCOLATE SUBSTITUTIONS
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate = 3 tablespoons cocoa + 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips = 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate + 7 tablespoons sugar + 2 tablespoons butter
STORING CHOCOLATE
Make sure to store chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool and dry place., 60-78 degrees. Try not to store your chocolate in the refrigerator unless you live in an unusually warm climate and really have to. Chocolate will absorb other odors so if you do need to refrigerate it, be sure to wrap it very tightly. If exposed to the cold and moisture the chocolate will oxidize and separate leaving a dry and grainy substance with a gray layer. If the chocolate becomes too warm, the cocoa butter will melt and rise to the surface forming an oxidated layer. When you melt it, it will reconstitute and return to the normal color.
Wish List Wednesday
Amazon’s review of The Hummingbird Bakery Cook Book: Tarek Malouf opened the first Hummingbird Bakery in London’s fashionable Notting Hill district in 2004. This cookbook allows you to step inside this unique bakery and bring its trademark butter cream swirls, sprinkles, and layer-cake slices into your own kitchen. The Hummingbird’s Cupcakes fly off the shelves faster than any other cake. Who can resist an adorable Vanilla Cupcake topped with candy-colored butter cream frosting and scattered with sprinkles? Take Cakes to the next level with some mouthwatering recipes. Red Velvet and Carrot are both favorites at the Bakery, and the Hummingbird Cake is a sweet, sticky triumph of banana and pineapple. Open Pies, pies with tops on, delicate pies and no-holds-barred pies: There’s no shortage of options. Try Lemon Meringue with its mountain of golden fluffy meringue atop a rich, tangy lemon cream. You’ll find favorite Pecan Pie here too. When you need a sweet fix, Brownies & Bars hit the spot. Rocky Road and Muesli Bars are always popular and make welcome additions to a packed lunch. There can’t be much that beats a homemade Blueberry Muffin with your first cup of coffee in the morning. Finally, there’s something childishly satisfying about a big, chewy Cookie studded with chocolate chunks–there’s something here for every king of cookie fiend. *Classic bakes are back in vogue and this book provides 50 simple recipes for everyone’s favorites–from Vanilla Cupcakes to Key Lime Pie. *”If you haven’t tasted a Hummingbird Bakery look-too-good-to-eat cupcake, you’ve definitely missed out.” Marie Claire
Amazon’s Review of Baking Unplugged: Tired of complicated baking recipes that call for expensive equipment, complicated techniques, and hard-to-find ingredients? Baking, Unplugged comes to the rescue with a collection of simple, back-to-basics recipes for everything from muffins and breakfast pastries to cookies, pies, cakes, and puddings. These are baked goods just like grandma used to make, made from scratch with basic ingredients and standard kitchen equipment. The book includes 114 recipes in all, as well as basic instruction on ingredients, how to read a recipe, and how to set up an “Unplugged Kitchen.” Recipe chapters include Treats for the First Half of the Day; Cookies and Bars; Cakes; Fruit Pies, Fruit Tarts, and More; and Creamy Desserts. The recipes include favorites such as Blueberry Muffins, Uncommonly Good Pancakes, Sour Cream Crumb Cake, Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies, Caramel Turtle Bars, Moist Vanilla Pound Cake, Cherry-Berry Pie, Classic Tiramisu, and Anytime Bread Pudding, and many are illustrated in a 16-page full-color insert.
Amazon’s Review of Kneadlessly Simple: For years, countless home cooks have shied away from baking their own bread because they were intimidated by all the mess, the experience, and of course, all the kneading required. Now, with Nancy Baggett’s revolutionary new Kneadlessly Simple method, even complete novices can bake bread quickly and easily in their own homes, with no kneading and no kitchen mess. The secret is in Baggett’s slow-rise method, which allows the yeast to grow slowly and develop the same full, satisfying flavor of traditional bread, without any kneading at all. The technique calls for minimal ingredients, often mixed in one bowl with one spoon, eliminating all the mess of traditional bread recipes, and it can be used to produce a wide variety of breads, from Whole Wheat Boules and English Muffin Loaves to Raisin Bread and Caraway Beer Bread. With this innovative new method, anyone who can read, measure, and stir can now make delicious, fine-textured yeast bread at home. This book will differ from others on the same subject because Nancy Baggett is an experienced food writer who understand home baker’s needs. While techniques by other experts may sound similar, they still require messy dough handling. Nancy Baggett’s technique is the simplest one yet, and it’s virtually fool-proof.
Coconut Butter Thins ~ Tuesdays with Dorie
This week Jayne of The Barefoot Kitchen Witch chose the Coconut Butter Thins on page 145. I really wanted to make these, but we are in the middle of installing 400 square feet of kitchen flooring piece by piece so I’m not doing much cooking this week, but will be back next week.
Monday Musings
Hosted by Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers
Fountain of youth ~ the chocolate continues to flow…
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Jumbo egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt chocolate until smooth. Set aside.
- Beat egg whites with salt until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar and keep beating until stiff peaks form.
- Add vinegar and vanilla.
- Add chocolate and nuts.
- Drop onto greased cookie sheet.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack.
- Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.
HOT FUDGE SAUCE
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Bring water to a boil and add butter.
- Sift sugar, cocoa, flour and salt together.
- Add dry ingredients to saucepan and cook until thick, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir vanilla in.
- Serve immediately.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat as necessary in microwave.
CHOCOLATE BALLS
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 Jumbo egg
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cream sugar and butter together.
- Add the egg, chocolate, salt and flour, mixing well with beater.
- Form into walnut size balls.
- Bake on an un-greased cookie sheet 10-12 minutes. DO NOT over bake.
- Sift powdered sugar over the cookies while still warm OR for more decadence allow cookies to cool and coat in white chocolate almond bark.
CHOCOLATE VELVET & COFFEE CREAM FROSTING
This is a great looks and tastes like you worked all day (but you didn’t) dessert to serve at buffet or holiday.
CHOCOLATE CREAM
8 ounces sweet chocolate
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 envelopes KNOX unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Melt chocolate pieces with 1 1/2 cups milk in a double boiler.
- Dissolve the gelatin into the remaining milk.
- Beat the chocolate mixture until smooth.
- Add in the gelatin mixture, sugar and salt.
- Cool mixture until it begins to thicken.
- Add in the light cream, vanilla, almond flavoring and whipped heavy cream.
- Mix until smooth.
- Rinse Bundt pan in COLD water.
- Pour mixture into Bundt pan.
- Chill until firm.
FROSTING
2 teaspoons instant coffee, finely ground twice
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
shaved sweet chocolate
- Sprinkle the coffee over the cream.
- When coffee has dissolved add the vanilla and whip the cream stiff, adding the sugar as you beat.
- Unmold the chocolate cream onto a flat platter.
- Pour the coffee cream over top and garnish with shaved chocolate.


























