UPDATE ~ 2009 is almost over and I know 2010 will be better!

So it was recently pointed out to me, albeit indirectly, that I need to get back on track. My recipes lack their behind the scenes stories, I don’t seem to have the zest for photography and quite honestly I’m just plain exhausted. I have just needed the motivation to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
So for the update: We moved west after the investment house last September to help out hubby’s elderly folks. FIL has back problems and MIL has Dementia/Alzheimers and were living alone at almost 90. We knew it would be a challenge, but didn’t plan on them being so set in their ways. They told us they wanted to move back closer to the majority of the family, make changes to better their lives, etc… but we see after these past few months that is not really the case – as FIL says they are now in a “wait and see” mode. Sad, but true. So, we will be moving on soon to put our own lives back together. Hubby is dealing with job applications and military red tape and I’m just hanging on day to day as chief cook and bottle washer here until we know what is going on for sure. I’m looking forward to getting back to “normal” (whatever that is) in 2010.
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Sweet & Sour Sticky Chicken ~ I Can Cook That!

On Thurday, Dave from My Year On The Grill will debut with a brand new meme, I CAN COOK THAT! at OuR kRaZy kItChEn. In keeping with the spirit of his meme I am digging deep into my recipes archives and will be trying a new recipe that I have never made before, but have been toying with the ingredients and drooling over.

Please forgive me I cannot find that we took a picture, but I’m still looking for it.

SWEET & SOUR STICKY CHICKEN

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces*
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 cup honey
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brandy
4 cloves REAL garlic, mashed
1 Jumbo egg white
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1-2 teaspoon garlic juice (1 clove minced and minced again)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 large bunch green onions, sliced (greens also)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brandy and garlic juice. Set aside.
  • Whisk together 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add chicken pieces. Marinate the chicken pieces overnight.
  • Bring the meat out of the refrigerator 1/2 hour before your begin.
  • Drain meat.
  • Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brandy and garlic juice. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet or Wok heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil until it is sizzling hot.
  • Add the garlic, ginger and green onions stirring until fragrant.
  • Add in chicken and sear then constantly stir fry.
  • Whisk together the sugar and marinade until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add to the wok and continue to cook on medium.
  • Once you have a rolling boil, cover and let it simmer over a small flame, until all the liquid has disappeared and the chicken is well done. The chicken should be caramelized and sizzling when served.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Serve with rice. When cooking the rice I add 2 tablespoons soy sauce to the water to help flavor the rice.
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Sausage Pasta Casserole ~ Cooking with Chaya

My husband said, this was interesting which meant to me, he did not like it, but then I watched him take three servings. He liked it. The truth is it is an interesting recipe because it is not a combination I have ever used and you, very likely, have not used, either. It worked though, it worked very well, blending flavors.

This has some of my favorite food, sausage, pasta, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes. For me, it had to be good and it was. If you make this, you can substitute in every area. You could use chopped meat or meat balls instead of the sausage. You could use another vegetable in place of the sprouts, (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower or even spinach. I would leave the pasta and tomatoes in place but choose any pasta you want.

Sausage-Pasta Casserole (two servings)

Ingredients:
2 large sausages, cut into about 8 pieces each
1/2 pound pasta of choice – I used penne (gluten free)
10 ounces Brussels sprouts
1 medium onion, sliced
6 tomatoes, bigger than cherry tomatoes, smaller than a full size one, in eighths
1 red pepper, sliced
4 tablespoons crushed tomatoes (canned)
Spray cooking oil
Method:
Put up water to boil and while browning, cook the pasta according to directions.
Microwave or boil Brussels sprouts.
Spray a large skillet with cooking oil and fry sausages in it until they are lightly browned.
Remove sausage. Do not clean skillet.

Fry red pepper and onion until slightly browned.

Add fresh tomatoes.

Add pasta and Brussels sprouts.

Add crushed tomatoes. If you need more crushed tomatoes, add what is necessary. There is also juice from the fresh tomatoes for the sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix all ingredients gently together. I put these in a casserole and heated them in the oven for twenty minutes on 300 degrees.

It’s time to get the party started!

REMEMBER ALL REGULAR MEMES WILL APPEAR BELOW THIS PARTY
Christmas cookie badge

We’re having a Christmas party here at the OuR KrAzY kItChEn and you’re invited. Bring your favorite recipe, decorating idea, pictures, anecdotes and let’s have some fun together.
  • Do you have a special Christmas Cookie recipe?
  • What is your favorite holiday recipe?
  • Do you have a favorite fudge recipe?
  • Do you have special way to decorate the tree?
  • How about a party punch that’s perfect for a holiday party?
  • What is your idea of the perfect family holiday?

  • Stop by the buffet table and grab a cup of egg nog and a plate of goodies.
  • Sign Mr. Linky and let us know what you’re bring to the party using the following format. For example: Tamy @ 3 Sides of Crazy (Peanut Butter Fudge Drops) or Martha @ Menagerie (POM Pie)

Italian BBQ Chicken & Corn Casserole

With the big move I was reaching for recipes that would work around the things I had on hand. I came up with this recipe and it was a huge hit and sooooooooo easy, not that I’ll let hubby know that LOL.


ITALIAN BBQ CHICKEN and CORN CASSEROLE
2 pounds chicken tenders
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained well
salt & pepper
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic, jar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2/3 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup Classico sun-dried tomato pesto

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Arrange chicken tenders in the bottom of a buttered glass baking dish.*
  • Salt and pepper well.
  • Spread corn over chicken.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter until frothy.
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook a few minutes until translucent.
  • Whisk in the remaining ingredients and simmer over medium high heat until thickens.
  • Pour over the chicken and corn.
  • Bake 45-60 minutes.
  • Serve with Beer Bread for a yummy cold night meal.

*If you want to cut down baking time, brown the chicken first and decrease baking time by 30 minutes.

12 days of Christmas…

While researching some Christmas related terms I ran across this article that explains the 12 days of Christmas pretty well.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).

The origin and counting of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures. In the Western church, Epiphany is usually celebrated as the time the Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). Traditionally there were three Magi, probably from the fact of three gifts, even though the biblical narrative never says how many Magi came. In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings. You can read the entire article here. They explain the song in relation to Christianity.

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Day 1, Christmas Day, December 25
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . .” (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Two Turtle Doves
Day 2, December 26
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Three French Hens
Day 3, December 27
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Four Calling Birds
Day 4, December 28
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Five Gold Rings
Day 5, December 29
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Six Geese A-laying
Day 6, December 30
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Seven Swans A-swimming
Day 7, December 31
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Eight Maids A-milking
Day 8, January 1
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Day 9, January 2
Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Ten Lords A-leaping
Day 10, January 3
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God’s name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Eleven Pipers Piping
Day 11, January 4
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… Twelve Drummers Drumming
Day 12, January 5
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

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Leftovers – Simple Saturday

It’s not a recipe, but it really doesn’t get any better than those leftover turkey, stuffing and cranberry topped sandwiches. Serve some of your leftovers tonight on little rolls for a quick, easy, and super delicious meal or share with us what kind of yummy creations you make with your holiday leftovers!

My new favorite salad! Tropical YUM!

I found this awesome new jello salad recipe over at Mennonite Girls Can Cook called Special Salad. This will quickly become a new family favorite! We have even given it a new name and a few changes.

TROPICAL YUM!
1 box orange jello (next time we’re going to try wild strawberry)
1 box lemon jello (we used pineapple)

3 bananas, sliced (next time we’re going to use 2 and add a kiwi)
1 small can mandarin orange segments, well drained, reserving juice (we used a large can)
1 14 oz can crushed pineapple, *well drained but reserving the juice and adding enough of the mandarin orange juice to make 1 cup
1/2 bag mini marshmallows

1/2 pint whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour
1 egg, well beaten
1 cup pineapple juice*
3/4 cup FINELY grated cheddar cheese (next time I’m going to try toasted coconut)
  • Mix the two boxes of jello powder together in a large glass mixing bowl and stir in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Mix well until jello has dissolved.
  • Add 2 cups of cold water.
  • Place mixture in the refrigerator until partially set.
  • Mix together the orange segments, pineapple and banana slices.
  • Fold into the partially set jello.
  • Top the jello-fruit mixture with 1/2 bag mini white marshmallows and then put jello back in fridge.
  • Whip together the whipping cream, 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla until thick, cover and place in fridge.
  • Stir 1/2 cup sugar, *1 cup pineapple juice, egg and four together in a microwavable bowl and heat for 1 minute at a time, stirring between until mixture is thick (2-3 minutes) or you can also cook this on the stove top, stirring constantly.
  • Cool this mixture completely and then fold in the whipped cream mixture. Spread over the marshmallow mixture.
  • Layer the 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese on the top.
  • Return to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly.

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