Category: MISC

As we head into this holiday weekend I realize that I have been soooo focused, toooo focused on merging these blogs of mine together and updating the recipes that I forgot to take time to smell the roses or even the coffee and just breathe for awhile!

We’ve had some amazing and weird looking UFO like sunsets recently as you can see from the picture below.

But, that said I CANNOT wait to leave the desert for the final time! We’ve finally decided on where to go and after a stop to help family and re group we will be close enough to do our research and find a new home.  It’s been a long time coming!

It’s been super hot here this week and we’re all feeling a little lethargic from all the indoor time. Even Whiskey who is normally full of energy is oblivious this week.

Personally I’m choosing to look forward to cooler weather by

 I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend.  
Don’t forget your BBQ recipes and laughter.

BROCCOLI GREEN BEAN ALMOND SAUTE’

BROCCOLI GREEN BEAN ALMOND SAUTE’

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons White Balsamic Vinegar
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/3 pound green beans, trimmed
1 broccoli crown, chopped small
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons slivered almonds

  • Heat olive oil in large skillet.
  • Add vegetables and saute’ until tender.
  • Add soy sauce and white balsamic vinegar.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt and white pepper.
  • Add almonds, blend well and heat through.
  • This dish is good hot OR cold!

DECONSTRUCTION: HOW STUFFED CARROTS BECAME A CARROT CASSEROLE

I’m always on the look out for great ways to spice up vegetable recipes.  I found what sounded and looked like an awesome recipe in a magazine for a carrot side dish.  I was excited to make it, but then oh so disappointed.  They looked pretty, but they tasted awful.  So, we sat around the dinner table deconstructing AND reconstructing the recipe!  My family is so good at dinner conversation.  Well, maybe not, but at least they tell me what they don’t like and then help turn it into something they will like.


The original recipe:
BAKED STUFFED CARROTS
12 medium carrots
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons grated onion
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
1/8 teaspoon paprika

  1. Place carrots in a skillet. Add 1 inch of water.  Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until crisp tender.  Drain.

  2. Cut a thin lengthwise slice out of each carrot.  Scoop out carrot, leaving a 1/4 inch shell, set shells aside. Place the removed carrot in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped.  Transfer to a large bowl; add mayonnaise, onion, horseradish, nutmeg, salt and pepper.  Spoon into carrot shells.

  3. Place in a greased 13 inch x 9 inch baking dish.  Combine the crumbs, 1 tablespoon butter and paprika; sprinkle over carrots.  Drizzle with remaining butter.

  4. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. 
Do you remember Gilligan’s Island Season 3, episode 20?  No, I didn’t REMEMBER the number or season either, but I remember the episode well.  Gilligan discovers a crate in the lagoon and pries off the lid, which falls face side down of course, and inside are all these beautiful seeds.  Mary Ann immediately plants a garden and they all have their favorite vegetables.  Because the seeds are radioactive they produce bigger and “better” vegetables that gives each castaway a special ability.  These were 2 1/2 inches in diameter!

I present to you the Gilligan’s Island Carrots:
THE RECIPE WORTH MAKING:
BAKED CARROT CASSEROLE
12 medium carrots

1/4 cup mayonnaise1 large bunch green onions, minced3 cloves garlic, minced1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon white pepper1/4 cup dry bread crumbs2 tablespoons butter, divided1/8 teaspoon paprika

  • Place carrots in a skillet. Add 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes or until crisp tender. Drain. Cool.

  • Slice carrots into 1 inch lengths and then into 4 pieces each.

  • In a small skillet melt 1 tablespoon of butter.  Saute’ onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Drain of fat.

  • Transfer to a large bowl; add mayonnaise, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

  • Toss with cooled carrots until well coated.

  • Place into a greased 9X9 baking dish. Combine the crumbs, 1 tablespoon butter and paprika; sprinkle over carrots. Drizzle with remaining butter.

  • Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until tender.

BAKED ONIONS with BROWN GRAVY

BAKED ONIONS with BROWN GRAVY

2 large onions (I used a Vidalia and a Red)
1 1/2 cups prepared brown rice
2 slices multi grain bread, staled and crumbed
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic
1 JUMBO egg, beaten
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Spray baking dish with PURE.
  • Halve onions. Cut a flat spot on the bottom of each and remove all the insides except for the 2-3 thickest outer rings. Place onion cups in baking dish.
  • Chop onion insides into fine pieces.
  • Prepare brown rice and set aside.
  • In a large skillet melt butter.
  • Saute’ onion until tender.
  • Add garlic and saute’ until fragrant.
  • Add bread crumbs, prepared rice, cheese, beaten egg, salt and pepper taste.
  • When well blended and egg is cooked fill the onion shells and place remaining rice mixture around the sides.
  • Prepare gravy and pour all over the onions and rice mixture.
  • Bake 1 hour.

BROWN GRAVY
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon minced garlic, jar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons Better than Beef Bouillon
salt and black pepper to taste

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk together the hot water and bouillon. Set aside
  • Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, until the mixture is golden-brown and fragrant.
  • Add the garlic and cook a few seconds more.
  • Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce the heat to a low simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until desired consistency.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.

ASPARAGUS with LIME BUTTER

5-6 spears of asparagus per person
2-4 tablespoons butter

1 lime, juiced 
 
  • Clean and snap asparagus.
  • Spray a flat cookie sheet with PURE.
  • Arrange asparagus in a single layer.
  • In a small bowl melt the butter.
  • Add the lime juice and whisk well.
  • Pour lime juice evenly over the asparagus.
  • Increase oven temperature to broil.
  • Broil asparagus until just done.
  • Turn off oven and serve both dishes immediately.

CHICKEN SALAD

CHICKEN SALAD
3 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup sliced celery
1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
4 large sweet pickles, minced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
a dash of lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

CHICKEN SALAD

  • Mix all together and chill.
  • Serve over sliced tomatoes along with fruit and deviled eggs for a complete meal.

AVOCADO CITRUS SALAD

AVOCADO CITRUS SALAD
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled & sliced
2 medium oranges, peeled & sectioned
1 medium pear, cored & thinly sliced
1 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup snap peas, halved
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
8 cups torn salad greens
1/2 cup peanut oil
Juice of one lemon
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste

  • Whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, lemon juice and salt until sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  • Pour the dressing mix over the avocados and let sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Toss remaining ingredients in salad bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over salad and gently toss to coat well.
  • Serve immediately.

CREAMED SWEET CORN SOUP

SWEET CORN SOUP
Avocado oil
7 ears sweet white corn, kernels removed
1 large leeks, whites only, chopped
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Juice of 1 lime

  • In a large stock pot saute’ the corn, onion and leeks until translucent, 5 minutes or so.

  • Add sugar and cook a few minutes more.

  • Add stock and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or so.

  • Add heavy cream and simmer 15 minutes more.

  • Whisk together water and cornstarch until well blended.

  • Add lime juice, salt, pepper and cornstarch mixture until well blended.

  • Puree and strain.

  • Enjoy.

SPLIT PEA SOUP


SPLIT PEA SOUP

1 Honey Baked Ham Bone
2 cups ham pieces
3 quarts water
1 small bag baby carrots, chopped
5 large stalk celery, leaves included, chopped
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cups split green peas
2 cups split yellow peas
1/4 cup barley
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
1/4 teaspoon basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper & white pepper mix
1 bottle beer – Mystery ingredient

  • In a large stock pot, bring ham bone* & water to a boil. Boil until the meat is falling off the bone, about 1 – 1 1/2 hours)
  • Remove the bone and let cool enough so you can cut the meat off the bone.
  • In the mean time add the carrots, celery, onion (4 cups total) and seasonings to the water and return to a slow boil for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • While the vegetables are boiling, rinse the peas and pick out any bad ones.
  • Cut the ham pieces off the bone. Refrigerate the ham pieces and discard the bone.
  • After the vegetables have cooked 45 minutes or until tender, add the peas and barley. Cook for another 1 1/2 hours.
  • Add the beer and ham pieces back in and cook another 1 1/2 hours.

*I always save my honey baked ham bones after the meat is all cut off. I then freeze them and save them for future soups. I always get at least 2 cups of meat off when I boil the bone.

This makes a huge batch and I always freeze it in several batches (3-4) for future easy weeknight meals. In this case it will be a big batch when everyone is here at Christmas.

TODAY’S TRIVIA as heard by hubby on an old game show – Campbell’s soup used to fill the bottom of the bowl with marbles so the vegetables would be at the top giving the appearance of more vegetables in each bowl of soup. That trick was not done here – what you see is what you get.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN ENCHILADA CORN CHOWDER

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN ENCHILADA CORN CHOWDER
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
3 cups shredded chicken*
3 cups Green Giant frozen shoepeg corn
4 cups water
1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
10 ounce can Old El Paso Red Enchilada sauce
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups heavy cream

  • In slow cooker whisk together the water, enchilada sauce, bouillon, salt and pepper.
  • Melt butter and saute onion until translucent. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add chicken pieces and corn.
  • Cook on low 3 hours.
  • Add rice and cook 3 more hours.
  • Add cream and heat through.

LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP with BUTTERMILK BISCUITS with MAPLE BUTTER

LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP
3 tablespoons butter
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups hot water
1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
6 large Yukon potatoes, peeled 3 potatoes diced and 3 potatoes finely grated
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced thin

  • Whisk together the hot water and bouillon base.
  • Melt butter in a skillet and saute onion until tender.
  • Stir in flour until golden.
  • Gradually add 1 cup of the broth.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Cook and stir until thickened.
  • Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining broth and blend well.
  • Add in the bacon, potatoes, salt, pepper, basil and thyme.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in heavy and sour cream and heat through.
  • Garnish each bowl with green onions and cheese.
  • Serve with buttermilk biscuits and maple honey.

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS with MAPLE BUTTER (a little lighter and sweeter with the maple butter)
BISCUITS
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons Crisco
1 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 egg
BUTTER
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Spray an 8 inch cake pan with PURE.
  • Sift together the 1 cup of the flour, cake flour, salt, baking powder and soda.
  • With a pastry blender cut in butter and Crisco until mixture is coarse and crumbly
  • Stir in buttermilk.
  • In a mixing bowl add the remaining 1/2 cup flour.
  • Drop the dough 1/4 cup at a time into the flour.
  • Shape into balls.
  • Arrange all the balls in the pan.
  • Beat egg with water. Brush tops of dough.
  • Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
  • To make this ahead of time do all steps except the buttermilk, cover and refrigerate until needed.
  • Stir syrup into butter.
  • Transfer to wax paper.
  • Top with another sheet of wax paper.
  • Press into a 1/4 inch thickness and freeze for 10 minutes.
  • Using a rolling pin roll smooth.
  • Remove top sheet of wax paper and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  • Using small cutouts, cut butter into desired shapes.
  • These can be made ahead of time and frozen.

FRITOS NACHOS

FRITOS NACHOS
Chili – I use Chicken, Black Bean or Black Bean “Kitchen Sink” Steak
Fritos
diced Jalapenos
Beer Cheese Dip (optional)
Shredded Jack and Cheddar Cheeses
Crispy Bacon
Diced tomato
Diced green onion
sour cream
*optional charred finely chopped hot dogs

  • Layer:
          FRITOS
          CHILI
          CHEESE
          BACON
         TOMATOES
         GREEN ONIONS
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
  • Plate and add a dollop of sour cream.
  • Enjoy.