Well..........I got back in my kitchen and realized I forgot several things for todays blog!! First I forgot to title it............AND please add salt and pepper and a dash of cayenne to your sauce. Also a little fresh grated Parmesan. Be sure to freshly grate you Parmesan to sprinkle on the spaghetti.
So.......since I had to come back into my blog........I decided to go ahead and give you my Caesar Salad recipe. NOW..........this is the REAL recipe straight from Tijuana Mexico! You can always tell your guests this is the authentic recipe.......never make anything else. You need the freshest, clean, cold romaine lettuce. You will also need a fresh baguette. I know people that serve Caesar Salad without the crunchy pieces of baguette...........so sorry.......its dragging that bread through that wonderful dressing that makes this salad.
You need 5 cloves of garlic, 1 can of anchovies, 3 egg yolks, pepper, 1/2 tsp Magi, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice,1 cup olive oil and 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan. Mash the garlic and anchovies tog. Add the egg yolks, then the Magi and Worcestershire sauce.......Stir, add the lime juice and then when you add the olive oil.......beat like mad........last add 2 Tblsp Parmesan cheese...........My mouth is watering!! Okay two things.........anchovies are wonderful......don't be afraid of them........second.....just use good egg yolks and remember that the lime juice helps to cook them.............you won't have a problem.
Now slice your baguette quite thin.....brown on both sides in olive oil then sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Fix a really beautiful plate with your romaine........pour dressing over and place the baguettes on the side..............Oh, Wow is this good! If you never save another recipe.......save this one!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. We are so appreciative of our soldiers and what they are sacrificing for our country. I'm sure each of us knows someone that is serving.........we're so proud of you, Ryan........you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We all have days when things just don't go as well as other days........right? You know how you walk into a room and then stand there and wonder why you are in that room. This seems to happen alot at my age. I walked by my beautiful rosemary plant and decided on Italian food today. It took awhile standing in the kitchen and wondering what I was going to cook today..............I walked again to the back door........saw the plant and Wawla!! Its spaghetti today!
I know that in one of my first blogs I talked about making your own spaghetti sauce but will cover it again.......as have some new people following and they may not have seen it. AND........I never make it the same twice. LOL
Today I have some ground Italian sausage........so browned that in a pot with a tiny olive oil and along with chopped garlic, onion and green peppers. Once this had sauteed nicely.......I added some chopped fresh rosemary, dried mexican oregano, and a little thyme. Then I added 1 can of tomato sauce and two cans of water........put a lid on.......let simmer a couple hours. Just before serving add tomato paste.......enough to thicken. You can buy those tubes of tomato paste and they are nice but expensive. If you just use the can................what you don't need throw into a baggy and into the freezer. I am always digging out the frozen tomato paste when I only need a tablespoon. Bob and I really like the angel hair pasta with our spaghetti sauce. Boil up your pasta........throw a little french bread in the oven with butter and garlic salt, fresh salad and there you are.......arivederci!
We all have days when things just don't go as well as other days........right? You know how you walk into a room and then stand there and wonder why you are in that room. This seems to happen alot at my age. I walked by my beautiful rosemary plant and decided on Italian food today. It took awhile standing in the kitchen and wondering what I was going to cook today..............I walked again to the back door........saw the plant and Wawla!! Its spaghetti today!
I know that in one of my first blogs I talked about making your own spaghetti sauce but will cover it again.......as have some new people following and they may not have seen it. AND........I never make it the same twice. LOL
Today I have some ground Italian sausage........so browned that in a pot with a tiny olive oil and along with chopped garlic, onion and green peppers. Once this had sauteed nicely.......I added some chopped fresh rosemary, dried mexican oregano, and a little thyme. Then I added 1 can of tomato sauce and two cans of water........put a lid on.......let simmer a couple hours. Just before serving add tomato paste.......enough to thicken. You can buy those tubes of tomato paste and they are nice but expensive. If you just use the can................what you don't need throw into a baggy and into the freezer. I am always digging out the frozen tomato paste when I only need a tablespoon. Bob and I really like the angel hair pasta with our spaghetti sauce. Boil up your pasta........throw a little french bread in the oven with butter and garlic salt, fresh salad and there you are.......arivederci!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
RACING ALL DAY LONG! BERRY TRIFLE
Wow........did you see the finish of the Indy 500? If not, you really missed something.........so sorry for Hidlenbrand. He will relive that Turn 4 in his mind the rest of his life. Danica led 10 laps had to go in for gas and ended up 10th.......not bad since she qualified 27th. Now, we have a couple hours and then it is the CocaCola 600 in Charlotte. What a fun day. We had corn dogs (home made) and french fries!
I told you yesterday about this berry dessert I found. You are very lucky because the real recipe........by a great chef.....I might add........just wasn't that good. So, I revised it and now it is great. The recipe makes a lot.......I cut this recipe in half. In a small saucepan bring to a boil 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Just cook til sugar dissolves, turn off and add 1/4 tsp almond extract. Take one of those loaf angel food cakes you buy at the store and cut it into 1" cubes. Take 2 pints of strawberries and cut them into slices. Wash 2 pints of blueberries. In a mixer put 12 oz soften cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar........beat til smooth.......then add 2 cups of whipping cream and whip til soft peaks. Now, take your largest glass bowl and layer half of the cubes of cake in the bottom. Then sprinkle half of the syrup you boiled up over the cubes.......then dump in 1/2 of the blueberries and dollop over the blueberries one half of the whip cream mixture. Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the cream and then another layer of the cake cubes. Sprinkle the cake cubes with the other half of the syrup mix. Then the rest of the blueberries (save just a few to throw on the top), the rest of the cream and then the rest of the sliced strawberries.....sprinkle these with a little sugar......sprinkle the rest of the blueberries on for decoration and put in frig! Needs to be in frig at least an hour. This is so good...........makes a great midnight snack too. If you didn't get it made for Memorial Day...........will make a great Fourth of July dessert also.
I told you yesterday about this berry dessert I found. You are very lucky because the real recipe........by a great chef.....I might add........just wasn't that good. So, I revised it and now it is great. The recipe makes a lot.......I cut this recipe in half. In a small saucepan bring to a boil 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Just cook til sugar dissolves, turn off and add 1/4 tsp almond extract. Take one of those loaf angel food cakes you buy at the store and cut it into 1" cubes. Take 2 pints of strawberries and cut them into slices. Wash 2 pints of blueberries. In a mixer put 12 oz soften cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar........beat til smooth.......then add 2 cups of whipping cream and whip til soft peaks. Now, take your largest glass bowl and layer half of the cubes of cake in the bottom. Then sprinkle half of the syrup you boiled up over the cubes.......then dump in 1/2 of the blueberries and dollop over the blueberries one half of the whip cream mixture. Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the cream and then another layer of the cake cubes. Sprinkle the cake cubes with the other half of the syrup mix. Then the rest of the blueberries (save just a few to throw on the top), the rest of the cream and then the rest of the sliced strawberries.....sprinkle these with a little sugar......sprinkle the rest of the blueberries on for decoration and put in frig! Needs to be in frig at least an hour. This is so good...........makes a great midnight snack too. If you didn't get it made for Memorial Day...........will make a great Fourth of July dessert also.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
I JUST REMEMBERED WHAT I FORGOT IN THE SALAD!
This goes after todays post! Okay.......okay.........it could happen to you........I have so many recipes in my head.......and my head is wearing out......sometimes takes a bit but I usually come up with it.......but usually its in the middle of the night. Don't add any mustard.......forgot I'm not making potato salad but macoroni salad! Also add tiny chopped pieces of ham...........hope thats all I forgot.
MEMORIAL DAY.........ALMOST
The weather just never is what we want...........we have had so much rain and of course tornado's.........and NOW it is tooooo hot!! I guess I am never satisfied. So, got out the umbrella for our patio table.......sitting there was so nice Bob decided he wanted to barbecue some ribs. He's in charge although it just kills me not to tell him how to do it. I've got to learn that he does know how to barbecue........so stay out of it!
I made macaroni salad to go with the ribs. This recipe comes from Betty Bluejacket Heinzen........years ago......when she was cooking at the Bluejackets Super Club in Shell Wyoming. She was gracious enough to give me the recipe in detail. I have never changed it and must have made it a thousand times. Boil up your pasta........you can use any kind of pasta from "bow ties", med elbows, small elbows........today I used mostaccioli. Boil a couple eggs and chop those up. Chop in very small pieces (I think this was Bettys secret.......small pieces) purple onion, a couple stalks of celery, green olives, cheddar cheese, and sweet relish. Seems like I am forgetting something..........maybe not. Anyway, dump that all tog with the pasta and add a large dollop of mayo and a couple large squirts of mustard, salt and pepper and mix.....put in frig. My favorite..........love for a snack while watching tv the next day!
Tomorrow I will give you the recipe for a special red, white and blue berry dessert........no, its not that jello one...........much better.
I made macaroni salad to go with the ribs. This recipe comes from Betty Bluejacket Heinzen........years ago......when she was cooking at the Bluejackets Super Club in Shell Wyoming. She was gracious enough to give me the recipe in detail. I have never changed it and must have made it a thousand times. Boil up your pasta........you can use any kind of pasta from "bow ties", med elbows, small elbows........today I used mostaccioli. Boil a couple eggs and chop those up. Chop in very small pieces (I think this was Bettys secret.......small pieces) purple onion, a couple stalks of celery, green olives, cheddar cheese, and sweet relish. Seems like I am forgetting something..........maybe not. Anyway, dump that all tog with the pasta and add a large dollop of mayo and a couple large squirts of mustard, salt and pepper and mix.....put in frig. My favorite..........love for a snack while watching tv the next day!
Tomorrow I will give you the recipe for a special red, white and blue berry dessert........no, its not that jello one...........much better.
Friday, May 27, 2011
WALMART and APPLE PIE TOPPING
I have really never been a Walmart shopper. Living in Mexico we didn't have a Walmart until just the last couple of years before I moved..........ever been to a Mexican Walmart?!! I now live in the heart of Walmart country. We have a couple local grocery stores but Walmart is close and of course carries more than just groceries. It is a one-stop for everything and anything. I cuss it, out loud, every time I go.......for not having what I came for (looking for some gourmet item) ......but more for not being organized.........no pricing on some things but the biggy is.......like I found yesterday........fresh corn on the cob...38 cents an ear........not twenty feet away another bin of fresh corn on the cob.........33 cents an ear!! I asked the little man........what is the difference in the corn.......he said," nothing.......all comes from a big bin in the back." Strange. I did get a deal on blueberries.......TWO prices under the blueberries 99 cents and 2.98.......for the same size! Checking out.......I insisted on the 99 cents and they all had a huge conference........I was right.......price was changed BUT I got the only basket at 99 cents. Persistence pays off.........remember that. Oh, and yes, I have witnessed a few shoppers I would like to have on film!! Maybe its me cussing out loud.
Today, threw tog a pot of leftovers........little bits of ham, cabbage, carrots, onions, navy beans and potatoes. Simmered several hours........sprinkled a little hot sauce on my serving........was great. I made the cornbread this time.........won't trust him with cornbread again for awhile.
I love salty and sweet tog. So made the bottom of a small apple pie.......we all know how to do that.......except I make mine only with brown sugar.......I like the carmally thing. Then I made a crumbly topping. About 3/4 cup flour, 3 Tblsps of brown sugar.....1 Tblsp white sugar, sprinkle of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup chopped pecans and about 1/4 cup of soft butter. Mush this all up and drop in dollops all over the top of the pie..........then sprinkle all with a little salt. Wow! This brings out the flavor big time. Bake at 350 for about an hour and 15 min. It is so good..........I have eaten half of it all by myself! Oh, dear.
Today, threw tog a pot of leftovers........little bits of ham, cabbage, carrots, onions, navy beans and potatoes. Simmered several hours........sprinkled a little hot sauce on my serving........was great. I made the cornbread this time.........won't trust him with cornbread again for awhile.
I love salty and sweet tog. So made the bottom of a small apple pie.......we all know how to do that.......except I make mine only with brown sugar.......I like the carmally thing. Then I made a crumbly topping. About 3/4 cup flour, 3 Tblsps of brown sugar.....1 Tblsp white sugar, sprinkle of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup chopped pecans and about 1/4 cup of soft butter. Mush this all up and drop in dollops all over the top of the pie..........then sprinkle all with a little salt. Wow! This brings out the flavor big time. Bake at 350 for about an hour and 15 min. It is so good..........I have eaten half of it all by myself! Oh, dear.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
DODGING THE TORNADO'S! PORK SCALLOPINI
I am so happy to report.........we were surrounded by tornado's throughout the state but none came close. I was completely prepared as Bob slept through the whole thing! I sat up until midnight listening for that train to come through........but didn't happen. Thank goodness. We are suppose to have some sunshine now. All of my little plants did survive the torrential rains......so now they should really shoot up!
Yesterday I decided on one of my favorite meals. Pork Scallopini. I know, I said pork not veal. Veal is so scarce and so expensive and I don't care about eating little baby calf's............so I use boneless pork chops. Could also use chicken breasts. Cut as much fat from your pork steak as possible, then hammered it out with your tenderizer until quite thin. Flour both sides. Brown on both sides in a little olive oil........doesn't take long.......then remove from the pan. Cover to keep warm. Hopefully you have a lot of little brown bits in your pan. Add more olive oil and 2 smashed and chopped garlic cloves. Remember garlic browns fast and if it burns...........there is no going back........toss it. To your sauteed garlic add a couple tsp of capers, saute more. Now squeeze in the juice of a lemon and about 1/2 cup or more of white wine.........let this all cook down. When it as cooked down add about 1/4 cup of cold chopped butter, turn off the heat and beat with a whisk like mad. The cold butter will act as a thickener. Serve this sauce over your pork steaks. This is absolutely heavenly AND is my son, Dustins, recipe from his Chef days at Cabo Wabo! He is a fantastic Chef!! So proud!
Yesterday I decided on one of my favorite meals. Pork Scallopini. I know, I said pork not veal. Veal is so scarce and so expensive and I don't care about eating little baby calf's............so I use boneless pork chops. Could also use chicken breasts. Cut as much fat from your pork steak as possible, then hammered it out with your tenderizer until quite thin. Flour both sides. Brown on both sides in a little olive oil........doesn't take long.......then remove from the pan. Cover to keep warm. Hopefully you have a lot of little brown bits in your pan. Add more olive oil and 2 smashed and chopped garlic cloves. Remember garlic browns fast and if it burns...........there is no going back........toss it. To your sauteed garlic add a couple tsp of capers, saute more. Now squeeze in the juice of a lemon and about 1/2 cup or more of white wine.........let this all cook down. When it as cooked down add about 1/4 cup of cold chopped butter, turn off the heat and beat with a whisk like mad. The cold butter will act as a thickener. Serve this sauce over your pork steaks. This is absolutely heavenly AND is my son, Dustins, recipe from his Chef days at Cabo Wabo! He is a fantastic Chef!! So proud!
Monday, May 23, 2011
LEMON CHICKEN MY SECOND TRY!
I was almost through with this post when Ben our dog, knocked my modem off the desk (tangled in the cords) So...........I lost everything.........here I go again. We are very happy to report we survived all the tornado's last night. We were in a tornado warning all night. After moving to Tornado Alley........we have become prepared. We have a plan. Our most prized possessions are our dogs........so each of us will grab a dog and head to a corner we have picked as safest. We have blankets and pillows ready. I talked before about the strange things we tend to grab. I put my Mothers diamond ring in my bra. Put Bobs bill fold in my purse and packed them in the bottom drawer of a dresser...........which really was ridiculous......neither had a money in them!
So, we had Lemon Chicken today. I guarantee you, if you try this.........you will never eat a more moist wonderful chicken ever! Take a nice roaster and put in a 9 x 13 pan. Set the oven to 425. Make a paste of about 2 Tblsp of Kosher salt, 3 Tblsp of lemon juice, 2 finely chopped green onions, and about 4 Tblsp of soft butter. Mush this all up and rub in the cavity of the chicken, pull the skin back from the breast and rub under the skin........save a little to rub on top of skin. Slice a lemon into thin slices and place these under the skin on top of breast. Then put 1 quartered lemon, rind and all, in the cavity along with 1/2 of an onion. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes, turn to 350 and place a tin foil tent over the chicken and bake about another hour. Check for doneness. (I guess I just made that word up LOL) Now, I promise..........you will love this chicken and make it over and over. Enjoy!
So, we had Lemon Chicken today. I guarantee you, if you try this.........you will never eat a more moist wonderful chicken ever! Take a nice roaster and put in a 9 x 13 pan. Set the oven to 425. Make a paste of about 2 Tblsp of Kosher salt, 3 Tblsp of lemon juice, 2 finely chopped green onions, and about 4 Tblsp of soft butter. Mush this all up and rub in the cavity of the chicken, pull the skin back from the breast and rub under the skin........save a little to rub on top of skin. Slice a lemon into thin slices and place these under the skin on top of breast. Then put 1 quartered lemon, rind and all, in the cavity along with 1/2 of an onion. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes, turn to 350 and place a tin foil tent over the chicken and bake about another hour. Check for doneness. (I guess I just made that word up LOL) Now, I promise..........you will love this chicken and make it over and over. Enjoy!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
CHILI RELLENOS
This is the most sultry, humid day ever............we are in a tornado warning.......and I believe it. So will hurry and write this before we have to run for cover! Bob has been threatenng all week to shoot a squirrel and fry it up............sigh........of course I will have no part of it. Now that he has moved back to the south, he is so excited to remember all those "old southern" ways of cooking.........but you can be assured that while I may go for grits and fried catfish.......there will be no fried squirrel in my house!!
I have tried many recipes for chili rellenos and have always come back to this one. You may think it sounds a bit involved but it really isn't. Once you try this.........you will make them over and over and be the envy of anyone sitting around your table.
We start with 6 nice poblono chilis.......pick the older ones that are really dark in color.......the pretty green ones are just that.........green. Now, there are alot of ways to do this but this is MY way. Put them on a cookie sheet under the broiler on high til they turn almost black and crack and smell wonderful. Turn them over and wait again for the great smell of cooking chilis. Remove from the oven and place them in a plastic bag for 20 min. Remove one by one and under cold running water, remove the skin. If they haven't split on their own.....make a split and remove the seeds. Now place a good chunk of cheese (any kind, cheddar, jack, Gouda) in each one. If necessary to seal shut with a toothpick. Place these prepared chilis on a paper towel.
Separate 3 eggs. Beat the egg whites til stiff and set them aside. Beat the egg yolks, 3 Tblsp of flour, 1 Tblsp of water and a pinch of salt til real fluffy and pale in color. Fold the yolks into the whites. Have about 2 inches of grease hot in a skillet. Put some flour in a pie tin and roll each stuffed chili in the flour........this makes the batter stick. Now, take a salad plate (not a saucer and not a dinner plate) put some of the batter on the plate and then place the chili in the center. Put a little more batter on top and try to spread the batter so it completely covers the chili. Now.......slide the chili off the plate with a rubber spatula into the hot oil. Fry til golden on one side.......this next part is tricky......take a metal spatula and another metal spoon. Slide the spatula underneath, put pressure on the side and turn the rellenos. Be careful not to splash.......this takes practice.......once you get going you can do two at a time. Remove to a paper towel. These are wonderful left over, warmed in microwave and freeze excellent. Please just try these once and you will be amazed at how good they are! The egg puffs up and the cheese in the center melts! Nothing better.
I have tried many recipes for chili rellenos and have always come back to this one. You may think it sounds a bit involved but it really isn't. Once you try this.........you will make them over and over and be the envy of anyone sitting around your table.
We start with 6 nice poblono chilis.......pick the older ones that are really dark in color.......the pretty green ones are just that.........green. Now, there are alot of ways to do this but this is MY way. Put them on a cookie sheet under the broiler on high til they turn almost black and crack and smell wonderful. Turn them over and wait again for the great smell of cooking chilis. Remove from the oven and place them in a plastic bag for 20 min. Remove one by one and under cold running water, remove the skin. If they haven't split on their own.....make a split and remove the seeds. Now place a good chunk of cheese (any kind, cheddar, jack, Gouda) in each one. If necessary to seal shut with a toothpick. Place these prepared chilis on a paper towel.
Separate 3 eggs. Beat the egg whites til stiff and set them aside. Beat the egg yolks, 3 Tblsp of flour, 1 Tblsp of water and a pinch of salt til real fluffy and pale in color. Fold the yolks into the whites. Have about 2 inches of grease hot in a skillet. Put some flour in a pie tin and roll each stuffed chili in the flour........this makes the batter stick. Now, take a salad plate (not a saucer and not a dinner plate) put some of the batter on the plate and then place the chili in the center. Put a little more batter on top and try to spread the batter so it completely covers the chili. Now.......slide the chili off the plate with a rubber spatula into the hot oil. Fry til golden on one side.......this next part is tricky......take a metal spatula and another metal spoon. Slide the spatula underneath, put pressure on the side and turn the rellenos. Be careful not to splash.......this takes practice.......once you get going you can do two at a time. Remove to a paper towel. These are wonderful left over, warmed in microwave and freeze excellent. Please just try these once and you will be amazed at how good they are! The egg puffs up and the cheese in the center melts! Nothing better.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
ANOTHER RACE DAY!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday........it rained sheets of rain all day........my day was spent trying to keep my baby plants from drowning! I was successful and everybody survived beautifully and grew about 2 inches! So we had frozen ham and beans and "cornbread" for a quick meal. Bob prides himself on cornbread.........never makes it the same twice......never uses a recipe and it is always delicious BUT guess what happened? He made the cornbread and put it in the oven while the beans were cooking.........I took it out and cut into it and to my surprise........it was like a large biscuit..........he FORGOT the cornmeal!!! He used Bisquick but forgot the cornmeal.........I laughed so hard........he'll never live that one down!
So, today because we have TWO races......the Preakness and the Nascar Shoot Out.........it was another snack day........barbecued burgers and stuffed peppers. My son-in-law Eric, turned me onto stuffing the small sweet/hot yellow peppers with cream cheese and grilling them............Oh, were they good! Thanks, Eric.
So, today because we have TWO races......the Preakness and the Nascar Shoot Out.........it was another snack day........barbecued burgers and stuffed peppers. My son-in-law Eric, turned me onto stuffing the small sweet/hot yellow peppers with cream cheese and grilling them............Oh, were they good! Thanks, Eric.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
SALAD TIME!
Do you ever have one of those days (or two) where everything seems to go hay wire? Its happening to me........the battery in the phone is dying......the VCR broke........the sink is linking in the kitchen.......the faucet for the hose from last year just sprang about twenty cracks........and the battery on the car died!! Oh, dear...........not a good time. BUT is still beautiful outside and I heard from my dear friend, Debra about a grand salad she made and it reminded me of one..........it is Salad Time........
The lemon/vodka dressing is getting to be quite popular. Here is a version I really like. Debra started with Orzo and mine does too...........you can really add almost anything to it.......here are some ideas; chopped tomatoes, chopped and blanched asparagus, chopped fresh basil or fresh baby spinach, dump in a can or two of tuna, drained, depending on how much you are making...........
The dressing: a shot of vodka, the same of lemon juice, about 2/3 cup olive oil and I like a little salt and pepper. Remember.........no driving after eating this salad dressing!
The lemon/vodka dressing is getting to be quite popular. Here is a version I really like. Debra started with Orzo and mine does too...........you can really add almost anything to it.......here are some ideas; chopped tomatoes, chopped and blanched asparagus, chopped fresh basil or fresh baby spinach, dump in a can or two of tuna, drained, depending on how much you are making...........
The dressing: a shot of vodka, the same of lemon juice, about 2/3 cup olive oil and I like a little salt and pepper. Remember.........no driving after eating this salad dressing!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
MEXICAN FOOD IS DUE.........ITS POZOLE!
Even though its cloudy today..........its a really nice day. Everything is so green. I have squash, tomatoes, okra, thyme, dill, and basil all coming up!! I have a huge rosemary plant that I moved indoors last fall....we moved it back outside for the summer but it will take a fork lift to get it back in the house in the fall! AND I picked about 6 strawberries! I will freeze them until I get a batch for jam. I have a reader that loves Pozole so today........since it is cloudy it was a good day for pozole.
There are tons of recipes for pozole.........but it is basically hominy and pork or chicken or both. Today I used boneless pork ribs. I brought those to a boil in about 6 cups of chicken broth. I simmered this for about 2 hours. As soon as the pork is tender. Dump in a large can of drained hominy. In a good size fry pan saute........1 Chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, chopped fresh green beans.....about 1/2 cup to 1 cup. (you can use canned or frozen green beans just don't add them til about 15 min before serving.) After you have sauteed that for a bit, dump in 2 chopped tomatoes, and 2-3 dried New Mexico red chilies (seeded) and cut in thick slices, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 1/2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp mexican dried oregano. Dump all of this into your pot of meat. Break the meat up into pieces with a spoon. Simmer all of this about an hour. Then just before serving add 1 cup of chopped cilantro. At serving you can add fresh cut up green onions and pieces of fried tortillas or chips crushed a bit or not. Now.......I felt mine wasn't quite hot enough so I added a small can of chopped green chilies and a large sprinkling of Tabasco. It was sooooooo good! You could serve cheese quesadillas on the side.
There are tons of recipes for pozole.........but it is basically hominy and pork or chicken or both. Today I used boneless pork ribs. I brought those to a boil in about 6 cups of chicken broth. I simmered this for about 2 hours. As soon as the pork is tender. Dump in a large can of drained hominy. In a good size fry pan saute........1 Chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, chopped fresh green beans.....about 1/2 cup to 1 cup. (you can use canned or frozen green beans just don't add them til about 15 min before serving.) After you have sauteed that for a bit, dump in 2 chopped tomatoes, and 2-3 dried New Mexico red chilies (seeded) and cut in thick slices, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 1/2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp mexican dried oregano. Dump all of this into your pot of meat. Break the meat up into pieces with a spoon. Simmer all of this about an hour. Then just before serving add 1 cup of chopped cilantro. At serving you can add fresh cut up green onions and pieces of fried tortillas or chips crushed a bit or not. Now.......I felt mine wasn't quite hot enough so I added a small can of chopped green chilies and a large sprinkling of Tabasco. It was sooooooo good! You could serve cheese quesadillas on the side.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
ENGLISH PASTIES!
Another beautiful day! More planting........I know it sounds like I do alot of planting but its just a little everyday. Bob was reading his Smithsonian magazine about a little community that Henry Ford built on the upper pennisula of Michigan. He designed it as a source for the lumber he needed to produce his first cars. This little English community has a special food item that people travel all over to eat........English Pasties. Pronounced "passties". He decided he was really hungry for one of these..........so after looking up many recipes.........I zeroed in on one and fixed him an English Pastie Pie.
Now, we all know that the English are not famous for their food.........a little bland. We have several personal friends direct from England and have shared many dinners with them. They are great cooks so I am not bunching them all into the same bunch. I doctored up this recipe just a bit and it turned out absolutely delicious!
Please use your pie dough that you purchased from the store........it works fine. You need a lb of hamburger, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 small carrots cut into almost tiny pieces, 1 large potato cut into cubes and I threw in some shredded cabbage. (I guess about a cup) Brown your hamburger and onions with salt, pepper and a couple shakes of cayenne.
Dump in the cabbage cook just a bit.........drain off any grease......dump in the raw potatoes and carrots and remove from heat. Roll out your bottom pie dough and place in pie pan........dump in the hamburger mixture, more salt and lots of pepper. Place the top piece of pie dough over......that you have cut slits in.......and crimp your edges tight. Sir an egg with a fork and brush your top crust with the egg.........throw in a 350 oven for an hour........check in 45 min. Now, these can be made as individual pies.........would make about 6 and placed on a cookie sheet and bake about 30 min. I just thought they might be a bit dry.......so made as one pie. I made a brown gravy from a mix..........oh, I hate to say that out loud......but they do have some really good gravy mixes now.......the kind in the packages. I served this with the pie and it was absolutely great!! I was really surprised. A great "comfort food" dinner and went tog really easy. A "shout out" to my English friends! Give it a try!
Now, we all know that the English are not famous for their food.........a little bland. We have several personal friends direct from England and have shared many dinners with them. They are great cooks so I am not bunching them all into the same bunch. I doctored up this recipe just a bit and it turned out absolutely delicious!
Please use your pie dough that you purchased from the store........it works fine. You need a lb of hamburger, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 small carrots cut into almost tiny pieces, 1 large potato cut into cubes and I threw in some shredded cabbage. (I guess about a cup) Brown your hamburger and onions with salt, pepper and a couple shakes of cayenne.
Dump in the cabbage cook just a bit.........drain off any grease......dump in the raw potatoes and carrots and remove from heat. Roll out your bottom pie dough and place in pie pan........dump in the hamburger mixture, more salt and lots of pepper. Place the top piece of pie dough over......that you have cut slits in.......and crimp your edges tight. Sir an egg with a fork and brush your top crust with the egg.........throw in a 350 oven for an hour........check in 45 min. Now, these can be made as individual pies.........would make about 6 and placed on a cookie sheet and bake about 30 min. I just thought they might be a bit dry.......so made as one pie. I made a brown gravy from a mix..........oh, I hate to say that out loud......but they do have some really good gravy mixes now.......the kind in the packages. I served this with the pie and it was absolutely great!! I was really surprised. A great "comfort food" dinner and went tog really easy. A "shout out" to my English friends! Give it a try!
Monday, May 16, 2011
CORN BEEF AND CABBAGE......NOT JUST FOR A HOLIDAY!
Another beautiful spring day.........blue, blue sky and a freshly cut back yard. Bob just loves that mower and today.........he was able to mow and bbq at the same time! He had chicken on the bbq and everytime he came close to the bbq, he would jump off, adjust the chicken and jump back on. He never missed a beat! Clever man.
We'll discuss barbecuing another time........lots of summer for that. One of my readers, Kwint, made a special request for corn beef and cabbage. "Why should we only eat corn beef and cabbage on a holiday?" I guess I didn't have an answer for that. Indeed we have enjoyed it at odd times of the year. We have even cooked corn beef and cabbage on the beach! Remember that? for those of you that were there.........
First buy a nice cut of corn beef that comes packaged with pickling spices. It is so simple........follow the directions on the package. Bring it all to a boil and simmer for several hours, skimming the foam off as you go along. The last hour before serving.........add carrots, onion, small new potatoes in the skin and the cabbage. Cut your head of cabbage into good size wedges and just throw them in. Now some people don't like to cook the cabbage with the corn beef.........that is ridiculous........its the flavor from the meat that makes the vegys taste sooooo good. BUT if you don't eat it all, which I am sure you won't........separate the meat and store in a container by itself....don't ever recook cabbage...........bad deal.
We'll discuss barbecuing another time........lots of summer for that. One of my readers, Kwint, made a special request for corn beef and cabbage. "Why should we only eat corn beef and cabbage on a holiday?" I guess I didn't have an answer for that. Indeed we have enjoyed it at odd times of the year. We have even cooked corn beef and cabbage on the beach! Remember that? for those of you that were there.........
First buy a nice cut of corn beef that comes packaged with pickling spices. It is so simple........follow the directions on the package. Bring it all to a boil and simmer for several hours, skimming the foam off as you go along. The last hour before serving.........add carrots, onion, small new potatoes in the skin and the cabbage. Cut your head of cabbage into good size wedges and just throw them in. Now some people don't like to cook the cabbage with the corn beef.........that is ridiculous........its the flavor from the meat that makes the vegys taste sooooo good. BUT if you don't eat it all, which I am sure you won't........separate the meat and store in a container by itself....don't ever recook cabbage...........bad deal.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
HOMEMADE PIZZA.....GREEN OR RED!
I know that pizza has become a staple in our dining but I can remember when pizza came on the scene in Wyoming when I was probably in my late teens. It was a mystery as to how it was made and how great it tasted. Everyone loved pizza. Then it was the number one food item that could be delivered to your door, what a great last minute meal..........everyone was into it. When we first moved to Mexico.......there was one restaurant that had pizza.........and it was made with substitute foods.......cheese was mexican cheese, pepperoni was either baloney or Fudd ham and the sauce was seasoned okay but just not the same. But when you were hungry for pizza...........it was delicious!!
It was about this time that I started making my own pizzas. I find it really fun to experiment around with toppings and sauces. Once you have the crust down.........you are home free and it is not nearly as difficult as you may think. Oh, I know you can buy your crusts prepared also.......but just try this once. This is my secret recipe.........
Put one cup of really warm water in a nice big glass bowl.......doesn't really have to be glass but using glass just makes everything look better........Add 1 pkg. yeast and 1 Tblsp sugar and let stand 10 minutes. Then add 1 1/2 tsp salt, 3 Tblsp of oil and 1 cup of flour........stir real well and then add another cup of flour. Mush this all up with your hands........turn out onto the table and knead just a bit........til smooth. Then place it back in the glass bowl that you just washed out and wiped clean and coated with a little oil. Cover with a towel and let raise in warm spot for 1 hour. Punch it down and.......if you want a thicker type crust......use it all for a regular pizza pan.......if you like a thinner crust......use only about 3/4 of it. Roll out on a lightly floured counter..........or you can toss in the air.......Bob likes to do this. LOL Place in your pizza pan and add about 1/2 of a sm can of tomato sauce. Sprinkle your sauce with chopped rosemary, a little oregano and garlic salt. Add your grated mozzarella, top with vegys of your choice........onions, green pepper, olives, etc, etc,.......and then your pepperoni or sausage or whatever you choose........could be just more cheese. You can be the artist and do it up any way you want to. See below for another option. Bake on the next to the bottom shelve in the oven at 400 for about 15 min. See its easy........just have all your ingredients on hand.
Okay, another option. I know that you can buy Pesto but I like to make mine so here is my Pesto recipe:
2 Cups firmly packed basil leaves, 1 clove garlic, 2 Tblsp of pine nuts, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 Tblsp of water, about 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper..........Blend that all up in the blender.......then add 1/2 cup of Parmesan and blend. I use fresh grated Parmesan. So, now.......spread that on your pizza dough, top with your mozzarella cheese, sliced green onions, thin sliced green pepper AND.....optional, anchovies and capers.......chopped jalapenos and tomatoes! THAT is soooooo good!
It was about this time that I started making my own pizzas. I find it really fun to experiment around with toppings and sauces. Once you have the crust down.........you are home free and it is not nearly as difficult as you may think. Oh, I know you can buy your crusts prepared also.......but just try this once. This is my secret recipe.........
Put one cup of really warm water in a nice big glass bowl.......doesn't really have to be glass but using glass just makes everything look better........Add 1 pkg. yeast and 1 Tblsp sugar and let stand 10 minutes. Then add 1 1/2 tsp salt, 3 Tblsp of oil and 1 cup of flour........stir real well and then add another cup of flour. Mush this all up with your hands........turn out onto the table and knead just a bit........til smooth. Then place it back in the glass bowl that you just washed out and wiped clean and coated with a little oil. Cover with a towel and let raise in warm spot for 1 hour. Punch it down and.......if you want a thicker type crust......use it all for a regular pizza pan.......if you like a thinner crust......use only about 3/4 of it. Roll out on a lightly floured counter..........or you can toss in the air.......Bob likes to do this. LOL Place in your pizza pan and add about 1/2 of a sm can of tomato sauce. Sprinkle your sauce with chopped rosemary, a little oregano and garlic salt. Add your grated mozzarella, top with vegys of your choice........onions, green pepper, olives, etc, etc,.......and then your pepperoni or sausage or whatever you choose........could be just more cheese. You can be the artist and do it up any way you want to. See below for another option. Bake on the next to the bottom shelve in the oven at 400 for about 15 min. See its easy........just have all your ingredients on hand.
Okay, another option. I know that you can buy Pesto but I like to make mine so here is my Pesto recipe:
2 Cups firmly packed basil leaves, 1 clove garlic, 2 Tblsp of pine nuts, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 Tblsp of water, about 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper..........Blend that all up in the blender.......then add 1/2 cup of Parmesan and blend. I use fresh grated Parmesan. So, now.......spread that on your pizza dough, top with your mozzarella cheese, sliced green onions, thin sliced green pepper AND.....optional, anchovies and capers.......chopped jalapenos and tomatoes! THAT is soooooo good!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NATIONAL APPLE PIE MONTH??
We went to the flea market this morning.......looking for flower pots and fun things for our patio........it was way to cold to enjoy looking so headed for home and French Dips. We had some left over roast beef so decided on French Dips, french fries, fried zucchini and onion rings. Boy, that sounds like a lot of fried food, doesn't it? We have already discussed the basics on French Dips so will zero in on the deep fried vegys.
We have always enjoyed those crispy/airy deep fried vegys from some of the restaurants we have gone to over the years. I finally found my version which I think is really good. Soak your onion rings and zucchini in buttermilk for about an hour before frying........then dip in flour seasoned with cayenne and drop into your hot oil. I guarantee they will be crispy and light and airy. If you serve all of this with a nice salad you won't feel quite so guilty about all of the fried food. Be sure and make a fun dip for the fried vegys too. I am excited for the weather to get a little warmer and we will be able to have summer salads for dinner.
Did you know this is National Apple Pie Month? Now, whoever thought of that........knows absolutely nothing about apples...........why would we have Apple Pie Month in the spring?!? Its fall when we have all of those beautiful fresh apples falling off the trees..........sounds like someone sitting in Washington DC just got hungry for Apple Pie! LOL!
We have always enjoyed those crispy/airy deep fried vegys from some of the restaurants we have gone to over the years. I finally found my version which I think is really good. Soak your onion rings and zucchini in buttermilk for about an hour before frying........then dip in flour seasoned with cayenne and drop into your hot oil. I guarantee they will be crispy and light and airy. If you serve all of this with a nice salad you won't feel quite so guilty about all of the fried food. Be sure and make a fun dip for the fried vegys too. I am excited for the weather to get a little warmer and we will be able to have summer salads for dinner.
Did you know this is National Apple Pie Month? Now, whoever thought of that........knows absolutely nothing about apples...........why would we have Apple Pie Month in the spring?!? Its fall when we have all of those beautiful fresh apples falling off the trees..........sounds like someone sitting in Washington DC just got hungry for Apple Pie! LOL!
Friday, May 13, 2011
REMEMBER THE HAM BONE?
For those that have asked where I was yesterday..........it wasn't my fault.........the Blogger Site was down! I hope it doesn't happen again.......I will go into "Blogger Withdrawal"!
Remember the ham we had for Easter? Well, I froze the bone with a little meat on it, for ham and beans later...........thats today. Its raining again........sigh.
I'm sure everyone knows how to make ham and beans but mine might be a bit different. First of all I have never soaked a bean over night in my life. Why do "they" say to do that? Not a clue. Believe me, we are bean lovers and I have cooked every kind of bean you can imagine. Even some from Mexico that I still don't know what they were. I am using pinto beans today but also love navy beans with the ham bone. I just take my dried beans, rinse them well, put them into a big pot of water, add my ham bone, a little salt, lots of pepper, dash of cayenne, and bring it all to a boil. Turn it down to simmer and simmer for several hours. If the beans absorb too much water........just add a little more as you go. Cook to your liking.......might like them a little mushy or maybe a little firm, or soupy or thicker, whatever you choose........they will be great.
We usually have cornbread with ours and Bob likes cut up onions in vinegar with his. Oh, and a southern thing.........fried potatoes with ham and beans! Not sure I'm into that but to each his own. Did a little flower planting today.........getting ready to make mulberry jam!
Remember the ham we had for Easter? Well, I froze the bone with a little meat on it, for ham and beans later...........thats today. Its raining again........sigh.
I'm sure everyone knows how to make ham and beans but mine might be a bit different. First of all I have never soaked a bean over night in my life. Why do "they" say to do that? Not a clue. Believe me, we are bean lovers and I have cooked every kind of bean you can imagine. Even some from Mexico that I still don't know what they were. I am using pinto beans today but also love navy beans with the ham bone. I just take my dried beans, rinse them well, put them into a big pot of water, add my ham bone, a little salt, lots of pepper, dash of cayenne, and bring it all to a boil. Turn it down to simmer and simmer for several hours. If the beans absorb too much water........just add a little more as you go. Cook to your liking.......might like them a little mushy or maybe a little firm, or soupy or thicker, whatever you choose........they will be great.
We usually have cornbread with ours and Bob likes cut up onions in vinegar with his. Oh, and a southern thing.........fried potatoes with ham and beans! Not sure I'm into that but to each his own. Did a little flower planting today.........getting ready to make mulberry jam!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
AMERICAN IDOL AND AMARETTO COOKIES
Today we are under a Severe Weather Watch.......isn't that exciting!! So thought I better get this posted before the rain, hail and big wind get started. We did work in the yard again today. The Electric Co people were here trimming our trees away from the power lines..........we have sooooooo many trees.......I just love it. They picked everything up and even cut the bigger pieces of limbs into small pieces for us to use in our fire pit.
Its been a week since we have had Mexican food. Having been married for 31 years.......our tastes are exactly alike........both hungry for something south of the border. I fixed tostados. I'm sure you all know how but will just run through it. Brown hamburger with LOTS of chili powder. Fry whole corn tortillas til crisp. Make some salsa.......or use some from the store......just not as good as homemade. Grate some cheese. Place your crispy tortilla on your plate, top with refried beans, hamburger meat, grated cheese, salsa or guacamole and enjoy.
So, haven't had anything sweet for a bit.........decided on Amaretto Cookies........my favorite cookie. Put 1 cup soft butter in your mixer......add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 white sugar and beat well........then add 2 eggs and 1 Tblsp of Amaretto (if you don't have it.....just leave it out) 2 tsp of almond extract. Beat all of this up and add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. NOW........dump in anything you care to.......choc chips, dried cranberries or cherries, or almonds, or coconut........anything that you have around.........Drop and bake at 350 for 10-12 min........I will love these tonight while watching American Idol! (If we don't loose our electricity!?!)
Its been a week since we have had Mexican food. Having been married for 31 years.......our tastes are exactly alike........both hungry for something south of the border. I fixed tostados. I'm sure you all know how but will just run through it. Brown hamburger with LOTS of chili powder. Fry whole corn tortillas til crisp. Make some salsa.......or use some from the store......just not as good as homemade. Grate some cheese. Place your crispy tortilla on your plate, top with refried beans, hamburger meat, grated cheese, salsa or guacamole and enjoy.
So, haven't had anything sweet for a bit.........decided on Amaretto Cookies........my favorite cookie. Put 1 cup soft butter in your mixer......add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 white sugar and beat well........then add 2 eggs and 1 Tblsp of Amaretto (if you don't have it.....just leave it out) 2 tsp of almond extract. Beat all of this up and add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. NOW........dump in anything you care to.......choc chips, dried cranberries or cherries, or almonds, or coconut........anything that you have around.........Drop and bake at 350 for 10-12 min........I will love these tonight while watching American Idol! (If we don't loose our electricity!?!)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
YARD WORK AND LEFTOVERS
Well, today started out good...........a little cloudy and breezy so perfect for yard work. Hoed and shoveled three wagons full of dirt out of our planters in front of our house. Bob has a little wagon that hooks onto the back of his lawn mower.......he was soooo excited to use it! We hauled two loads out into our driveway that has been washed out from all the rain and one to the back yard for me to use to fill flower pots with. He of course asked me where I wanted it dumped and then proceeded to dump it where he wanted it to go. Don't you ask yourself, "Why do they even ask?" oh well, its done........a big job. And then.......when ready to relax and fix our dinner a transformer down the street blew! NO electricity! Do we all realize how boring our life is without computers and tv? We both looked at each other like........what do we do now?!?!
Our dinner was left over cold barbequed pork sandwiches with left over potato salad.........it was really very good. Of course as soon as we had eaten, the electricity came back on. I was able to pick another bucket of mulberries. Any mulberry ideas? Tomorrow......will be better...........
Our dinner was left over cold barbequed pork sandwiches with left over potato salad.........it was really very good. Of course as soon as we had eaten, the electricity came back on. I was able to pick another bucket of mulberries. Any mulberry ideas? Tomorrow......will be better...........
Monday, May 9, 2011
MY MOMS BBQ SAUCE
It is 88 degrees today! I was really sick of the rain but not sure I was ready for this yet...........the lawn did finally dry out and Bob was able to finish mowing the front 1/2 acre. Everything is so green. I decided today on barbeque pork with potato salad and baked beans. Sort of summery. Fifty years ago, there were only a few bottled barbeque sauces that could be purchased at the grocery store. Not like today........we have so many choices and some are really good but my mind always goes back to my Moms homemade sauce.
You need a slab of pork ribs. I cut my in about 4 pieces. Throw them in a good heavy pan, like a 9 x 13. Salt and pepper and sprinkle all over with lemon juice. Lemon juice helps bring the flavor out in everything! Bake in oven, uncovered, at 350 for about 30 min. Just til starting to brown. In the mean time make the sauce. In a pan on the stove........1 cup ketsup, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 Tblsp celery seed, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup Worcester sauce, Tabasco and a couple drops of liquid smoke and 2 cups of water. Bring this all to a boil.......it will be very thin. Pour this all over the ribs and just let them continue to cook. Now and then check them and spoon the sauce over the ribs or turn them over. If it looks like the sauce is thickening too fast, add water, lift the ribs to get the water underneath. Cook til sauce has gotten nice and thick and the meat will be falling off the bone! I remember my Dad licking his fingers and saying, "These are the best ribs you ever made!" He said the same thing everytime he ate them. My Mom just smiled. Bob licked his fingers, and said, "These are the best ribs you ever made!" ..........and I.....could see my Mom smiling.
You need a slab of pork ribs. I cut my in about 4 pieces. Throw them in a good heavy pan, like a 9 x 13. Salt and pepper and sprinkle all over with lemon juice. Lemon juice helps bring the flavor out in everything! Bake in oven, uncovered, at 350 for about 30 min. Just til starting to brown. In the mean time make the sauce. In a pan on the stove........1 cup ketsup, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 Tblsp celery seed, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup Worcester sauce, Tabasco and a couple drops of liquid smoke and 2 cups of water. Bring this all to a boil.......it will be very thin. Pour this all over the ribs and just let them continue to cook. Now and then check them and spoon the sauce over the ribs or turn them over. If it looks like the sauce is thickening too fast, add water, lift the ribs to get the water underneath. Cook til sauce has gotten nice and thick and the meat will be falling off the bone! I remember my Dad licking his fingers and saying, "These are the best ribs you ever made!" He said the same thing everytime he ate them. My Mom just smiled. Bob licked his fingers, and said, "These are the best ribs you ever made!" ..........and I.....could see my Mom smiling.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
CROW, MOTHERS DAY AND MULBERRIES
Well, do I ever have to eat crow today!! First I announce to the world that "Bob never wins" and then of course he does win and I loose terribly........my horses were so far back that you wonder if they were even in the race! Then after we were so excited that he did win........only to find out our friend Rebecca didn't get my info in time to make the bet! sigh. But we'll move on to the Preakness and hope he does as well.......both Bob and Animal Kingdom.
Today I discovered a Mulberry tree in the far corner of our back yard.......I didn't even know it was there. We have an absolute GIANT cedar tree in that back corner and I found this Mulberry tree growing out of the middle of the cedar tree. It was covered in little purple/black berries! Bob warned me immediately that they were poisonous! I had to pull "mulberries" up on the internet to prove to him......they were great to eat. I suspect when he was a small boy in Texas his grandmother told him they were poisonous so he wouldn't eat all of them! It has stuck with him for 71 years! Think of that, all you Mothers out there, something you say today..........may last 71 years with your kids!
Made 1/2 of a pie with them........2 cups, the little stems are okay, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 Tblsp flour, dash of salt. Mix all tog and put in an unbaked pie shell........cover top with pie dough, poke holes, brush with a little milk or cream..........Bake 400 for 10 min and turn to 350 for another 30 min. Next I'll try to get enough to make some Mulberry Jam. So good.
We are celebrating our Mothers today! We all have fun and special memories of our Moms.........today is a day to reflect. It is great to have so many recipes of my Moms.......each time I make one of them........I think of her..........a great lady.
Today I discovered a Mulberry tree in the far corner of our back yard.......I didn't even know it was there. We have an absolute GIANT cedar tree in that back corner and I found this Mulberry tree growing out of the middle of the cedar tree. It was covered in little purple/black berries! Bob warned me immediately that they were poisonous! I had to pull "mulberries" up on the internet to prove to him......they were great to eat. I suspect when he was a small boy in Texas his grandmother told him they were poisonous so he wouldn't eat all of them! It has stuck with him for 71 years! Think of that, all you Mothers out there, something you say today..........may last 71 years with your kids!
Made 1/2 of a pie with them........2 cups, the little stems are okay, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 Tblsp flour, dash of salt. Mix all tog and put in an unbaked pie shell........cover top with pie dough, poke holes, brush with a little milk or cream..........Bake 400 for 10 min and turn to 350 for another 30 min. Next I'll try to get enough to make some Mulberry Jam. So good.
We are celebrating our Mothers today! We all have fun and special memories of our Moms.........today is a day to reflect. It is great to have so many recipes of my Moms.......each time I make one of them........I think of her..........a great lady.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
RACE DAY!!!!!!!
Well, today is race day doubled! Its the Kentucky Derby and the Nascar Race in Darlington. What a fun day of racing. Since moving to Oklahoma I haven't been able to do any Off Track betting......which is probably a good thing. But, my dear friend Rebecca is going to bet for me.......in Cabo....I'm going with Soldat and Midnight Interlude in an Exacta Box......long shots but that always makes it more fun.....who would want to bet on a favorite!? Bobs long shot is Animal Kingdom. He never wins.
So this is a day of snacks......hamburger sliders, home broasted potatoes, guacamole and strawberry shortcake............strawberries are great right now. I have a dozen small berries on my plants already. The sun is shining and all is good. Sit back with your Mint Julip and enjoy the day!
So this is a day of snacks......hamburger sliders, home broasted potatoes, guacamole and strawberry shortcake............strawberries are great right now. I have a dozen small berries on my plants already. The sun is shining and all is good. Sit back with your Mint Julip and enjoy the day!
Friday, May 6, 2011
OKAY........WE'RE ALL SICK OF MEXICAN FOOD!
I am so happy that so many people inquired what happened to yesterdays post! Nothing serious, Bob had to go to the doctor and it ended up being an all day affair. It is like dragging a kicking mule out to the car to get him to go.......been so healthing the majority of his life........but now at 71........needs checking out now and then. All is fine. Well, I guess we are all sick of Mexican food so today we are going Chinese.
Don't we all just love Sweet n Sour Pork, chicken or shrimp? But 90% of the time......it is breaded meat or shrimp and at the last minute they pour this pink sauce over it and serve it. Not mine. Don't be intimidated this recipe is a little involved but well worth it and I'll try to make it easy.
First make the batter for the meat or shrimp.......I'll use pork in this recipe as this is our favorite. Cube about 1 cup of pork, can be from cheap cuts.......like thin cut pork chops...any pork will work. In a bowl mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cooking oil, with 1 Tblsp beaten egg.......add enough water to the egg to make 1/2 cup. Now dump in the cubes of pork and coat them well. Heat a deep fat fryer, or oil in a pan (about 2 inches) and fry the pork cubes to a nice brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
Sauce: In a large pot put 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup ketsup, 1 Tblsp soy sauce, dash of salt and 2/3 cup water and stir and bring to a boil.......once has started to boil add 1/2 cup of vinegar.......again as comes to a boil add 3 1/2 Tblsp of cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water, stir til thick.........add one Tblsp of the hot oil from the oil you cooked the pork in.........and turn to low. The hot oil makes it shine! In a small pan put 1/2 cup chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots. Add water to cover, turn to high, once boils.......turn off and drain the water off. This is "par boiling". Then add the green peppers and carrots and 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits to the sauce mixture. Now, I usually refry the pork for a minute.......before I throw it into the sauce but you don't have to. Stir this all up and serve over rice. You can do fried rice or plain rice. Sprinkle all with seseame seeds.........and believe me you will always cook this when hungry for Chinese........I like to cook stir fry beef in the wok for a side dish.......with snow peas, bean sprouts and onion.......flavored with terriaki sauce. I do hope you give this a try..........after the first time........its easy.
Don't we all just love Sweet n Sour Pork, chicken or shrimp? But 90% of the time......it is breaded meat or shrimp and at the last minute they pour this pink sauce over it and serve it. Not mine. Don't be intimidated this recipe is a little involved but well worth it and I'll try to make it easy.
First make the batter for the meat or shrimp.......I'll use pork in this recipe as this is our favorite. Cube about 1 cup of pork, can be from cheap cuts.......like thin cut pork chops...any pork will work. In a bowl mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cooking oil, with 1 Tblsp beaten egg.......add enough water to the egg to make 1/2 cup. Now dump in the cubes of pork and coat them well. Heat a deep fat fryer, or oil in a pan (about 2 inches) and fry the pork cubes to a nice brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
Sauce: In a large pot put 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup ketsup, 1 Tblsp soy sauce, dash of salt and 2/3 cup water and stir and bring to a boil.......once has started to boil add 1/2 cup of vinegar.......again as comes to a boil add 3 1/2 Tblsp of cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water, stir til thick.........add one Tblsp of the hot oil from the oil you cooked the pork in.........and turn to low. The hot oil makes it shine! In a small pan put 1/2 cup chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots. Add water to cover, turn to high, once boils.......turn off and drain the water off. This is "par boiling". Then add the green peppers and carrots and 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits to the sauce mixture. Now, I usually refry the pork for a minute.......before I throw it into the sauce but you don't have to. Stir this all up and serve over rice. You can do fried rice or plain rice. Sprinkle all with seseame seeds.........and believe me you will always cook this when hungry for Chinese........I like to cook stir fry beef in the wok for a side dish.......with snow peas, bean sprouts and onion.......flavored with terriaki sauce. I do hope you give this a try..........after the first time........its easy.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
MEXICAN FOOD.........MY FAVORITE!
Have been trying to think of special Mexican dishes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo tomorrow. There are so many that I love so decided to just give a few hints on some. The first dish I thought of is tamales.......but they do involve two people and take most of an afternoon to make. I make several dozen at once and freeze them.......its so easy to take one out of the freezer and pop into the microwave for a quick snack. I do all of the work.........making the meat sauce, making the masa, softening the corn husks, spreading the masa in the cornhusk, filling with meat sauce, folding and rolling and Bob ties the strings around the cornhusk and then cuts the string! Of course he is giving me advice through the whole process! I hear him tell friends that "we made tamales"! I just smile.
Guacamole is a must on Cinco de Mayo........involves tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, serrano, lime and salt........2 avocados. A crime that is committed is pureeing the avocados into baby food. Smash them with a fork and leave them a little chunky. Always add the salt........ brings out all the flavor. Make your own chips..........just cut your fresh corn tortillas into four pieces.......fry quickly in a couple inches or hot oil and remove to paper towel, sprinkle with a little salt.
Another favorite.......Chilaquiles Verde.........This is a dish that the Mexican people eat for breakfast or after a long night of drinking..........Just buy a cooked chicken at the store and shred the meat. The easy way is to buy a large can of Old El Paso green enchilada sauce (I could just drink it out of the can!) Saute some chopped onion and garlic in a little oil in a frying pan. Add the green sauce, some fresh cilantro, and the shredded chicken. Warm this all up and stir in a bunch of tortilla chips. Top with shredded cheese, put a lid on to melt the cheese a bit and that is it! You can make this with red sauce also.
An interesting fact...........the Mexicans really don't celebrate Cinco de Mayo........its celebrated more in the states than in Mexico! Oh, and remember the Corona or Pacifico!
Guacamole is a must on Cinco de Mayo........involves tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, serrano, lime and salt........2 avocados. A crime that is committed is pureeing the avocados into baby food. Smash them with a fork and leave them a little chunky. Always add the salt........ brings out all the flavor. Make your own chips..........just cut your fresh corn tortillas into four pieces.......fry quickly in a couple inches or hot oil and remove to paper towel, sprinkle with a little salt.
Another favorite.......Chilaquiles Verde.........This is a dish that the Mexican people eat for breakfast or after a long night of drinking..........Just buy a cooked chicken at the store and shred the meat. The easy way is to buy a large can of Old El Paso green enchilada sauce (I could just drink it out of the can!) Saute some chopped onion and garlic in a little oil in a frying pan. Add the green sauce, some fresh cilantro, and the shredded chicken. Warm this all up and stir in a bunch of tortilla chips. Top with shredded cheese, put a lid on to melt the cheese a bit and that is it! You can make this with red sauce also.
An interesting fact...........the Mexicans really don't celebrate Cinco de Mayo........its celebrated more in the states than in Mexico! Oh, and remember the Corona or Pacifico!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
CINCO DE MAYO! means GREEN CHILI
Cinco de Mayo is Thursday so thought I would do a few Mexican dishes in the next couple days, in case someone wants to try one on Thursday. Bob loves a "Mexican Platter" which you have all had at Garcias or Macyos or some other Mexican restaurant. Usually made up of an enchilada, taco, refried beans and Mexican rice covered with cheese and baked in the oven. Thirty years ago when we were traveling up and down the Baja, we couldn't wait to get to Loreto and stop for lunch at the Bus Stop. This wasn't a tourist place but for the Mexican people waiting to catch the bus to or from their destination.. Their Mexican platter was the true Mexican platter. A taco, enchilada, refried beans and rice. The difference was.......tacos were made of carnitas (steak diced very fine) with no cheese or other goodies inside. The enchilada was usually filled with cheese or with hamburger and a small amount of red sauce. Of course the refried beans were hand made with pinto beans that had been boiled and softened then mashed with melted lard. The rice was flavored only with chili powder. On the side was chopped cabbage and a few slices of cucumber and a couple radishes. Mexican white cheese dotted the entire dish. On the table was several hot Mexican salsas. This was cooked with precision and skill and to this day.........have never tasted a Mexican platter that compares.
My recipe for Green Chili has taken years to prefect and my family always asks me to make it. First dice up about a lb of pork into small cubes. Brown this well in a large heavy pot. Remove to a pan and then brown about a lb of hamburger. Remove this to a pan and add a little butter to your pot. Add a chopped onion, clove or two of garlic when sauteed to soft.......add both the meats back to the pot along with about 1 Tblsp of Tabasco, 2 tsp Mexican oregano, 1 heaping tsp cumin, 1 tsp pepper and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Now add about 6 to 8 cups of chicken broth. I have always used the Knorr brand that comes in a jar, powdered but whatever you choose. While bringing this to a simmer prepare your chilis.
I use fresh Poblanos. (If you can find the canned ones........hard to find......feel free to use them) You would need a couple large cans. Or you can even use Anaheim's if you want. If using fresh poblanos you will need about 6. More if using Anaheims. Take your fresh poblanos or Anaheims and place them on a large cookie sheet. Place them under the broiler until the skin turns black, then turn with tongs. When dark all over and smell wonderful remove and place in a plastic bag and seal.
Wait twenty minutes and then run each one under COLD water and peel the skin off. Place on a paper towel and continue til through. Now, remove the stem and the seeds from the inside. Dice them all up.......if using canned.......now is the time to dice.
Now dump all those chilis into the chicken broth and meat mixture.......along with two diced tomatoes.
Add 1 cup Mexican beer.........it really must be Mexican.......Bud just won't work! You want to let this simmer as long as possible........enjoy the rest of the Mexican beer while waiting. About 5 minutes before serving......Mix about 5 Tblsp of flour with 5 Tblsp of soft butter........mash that all up and add in bits to the green chili.......will help thicken a bit. Stir and there it is. Great to serve with quesadillas. Remember even Dr. Oz says green chilis are really good for you!
My recipe for Green Chili has taken years to prefect and my family always asks me to make it. First dice up about a lb of pork into small cubes. Brown this well in a large heavy pot. Remove to a pan and then brown about a lb of hamburger. Remove this to a pan and add a little butter to your pot. Add a chopped onion, clove or two of garlic when sauteed to soft.......add both the meats back to the pot along with about 1 Tblsp of Tabasco, 2 tsp Mexican oregano, 1 heaping tsp cumin, 1 tsp pepper and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Now add about 6 to 8 cups of chicken broth. I have always used the Knorr brand that comes in a jar, powdered but whatever you choose. While bringing this to a simmer prepare your chilis.
I use fresh Poblanos. (If you can find the canned ones........hard to find......feel free to use them) You would need a couple large cans. Or you can even use Anaheim's if you want. If using fresh poblanos you will need about 6. More if using Anaheims. Take your fresh poblanos or Anaheims and place them on a large cookie sheet. Place them under the broiler until the skin turns black, then turn with tongs. When dark all over and smell wonderful remove and place in a plastic bag and seal.
Wait twenty minutes and then run each one under COLD water and peel the skin off. Place on a paper towel and continue til through. Now, remove the stem and the seeds from the inside. Dice them all up.......if using canned.......now is the time to dice.
Now dump all those chilis into the chicken broth and meat mixture.......along with two diced tomatoes.
Add 1 cup Mexican beer.........it really must be Mexican.......Bud just won't work! You want to let this simmer as long as possible........enjoy the rest of the Mexican beer while waiting. About 5 minutes before serving......Mix about 5 Tblsp of flour with 5 Tblsp of soft butter........mash that all up and add in bits to the green chili.......will help thicken a bit. Stir and there it is. Great to serve with quesadillas. Remember even Dr. Oz says green chilis are really good for you!
Monday, May 2, 2011
BOB'S TAMALE PIE
Its still raining........oh my.......I am really sick of it.......I am standing on one foot and then the other to get out in the yard and start spring planting. We did plant tomatoes and they are surviving so far but are yearning for that sunshine......just like me. Of course when stuck in the house for days with just one other person.......your spouse......you just can't help but to get a little sick of them also.......sigh......
So, it is another rainy day meal.........Tamale Pie. I think tamale pie is a Tex Mex dish.......20 years in Mexico and I never heard it mentioned anywhere. Since Bob was born in Texas......I think this recipe may have come from some far corner of his mind........but its really good. Give it a try.
First take 3 cups of water, a little salt and bring it to a boil and add 1 cup of cornmeal.......stir like mad til it is nice and thick......just takes a few minutes. Pour this into a greased 8 x8 pan and let sit in the frig while you prepare the rest of the dish. Brown a lb of hamburger with salt and pepper......pour off grease if too greasy......and add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 clove chopped garlic, about 1/2 can of chopped green chilis or more, some chopped cilantro and lots and lots of chili powder. I would guess about 1/4 cup.......maybe a bit less. Simmer all of this for a few minutes. Pour it over the pan of cornmeal that you had in the frig. Dot this with little chunks of cheddar cheese ( I always mix this with a bit of chopped gouda) and now make the top for the pie. Repeat the same way you made the bottom of the pie.......3 cups boiling water......add 1 cup cornmeal til real thick........pour over the hamburger/cheese mixture and smooth around. Throw in the oven at 350 for about an hour. Let sit a bit before you try to cut into 4 serving pieces. Serve with a nice tossed salad and there it is! Bobs back in the recliner trying to watch Gunsmoke..........sigh............
So, it is another rainy day meal.........Tamale Pie. I think tamale pie is a Tex Mex dish.......20 years in Mexico and I never heard it mentioned anywhere. Since Bob was born in Texas......I think this recipe may have come from some far corner of his mind........but its really good. Give it a try.
First take 3 cups of water, a little salt and bring it to a boil and add 1 cup of cornmeal.......stir like mad til it is nice and thick......just takes a few minutes. Pour this into a greased 8 x8 pan and let sit in the frig while you prepare the rest of the dish. Brown a lb of hamburger with salt and pepper......pour off grease if too greasy......and add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 clove chopped garlic, about 1/2 can of chopped green chilis or more, some chopped cilantro and lots and lots of chili powder. I would guess about 1/4 cup.......maybe a bit less. Simmer all of this for a few minutes. Pour it over the pan of cornmeal that you had in the frig. Dot this with little chunks of cheddar cheese ( I always mix this with a bit of chopped gouda) and now make the top for the pie. Repeat the same way you made the bottom of the pie.......3 cups boiling water......add 1 cup cornmeal til real thick........pour over the hamburger/cheese mixture and smooth around. Throw in the oven at 350 for about an hour. Let sit a bit before you try to cut into 4 serving pieces. Serve with a nice tossed salad and there it is! Bobs back in the recliner trying to watch Gunsmoke..........sigh............
Sunday, May 1, 2011
FRESH CORN ON THE COB! IT'S A FRESH DAY!
Can you even believe........the first of May and we have fresh corn on the cob........the really good kind....little yellow and white kernels! To us that live or have lived in Mexico........this is a real big treat. I guess it comes from Texas. So today was steaks, fresh corn on the cob, little fresh yellow potatoes and fresh asparagus.
So I do my asparagus in the oven with olive oil and salt and pepper. What I'll talk about is the sauce. It is wonderful with Hollandaise sauce but Dustin, being the king of sauces, gave me this recipe that I use also for fish......I actually use it for alot of things. Great on fresh vegys. Put one garlic clove and 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice in a blender (I use my mini Kitchen Aide Chopper Blender thing.........not really sure what it is but it works) Blend up with salt and pepper then slowly pour in a stick of melted butter.......blend real good. You can keep the left over in the frig to warm up and use again and again.
Since it is raining again.......isn't that unusual!?!? I had to cook the steaks on the stove in the house. I like the burner to be on high and really sear both sides of the steaks almost black and rare in the middle......the problem with this........it fills your kitchen with smoke! I had to turn on the fan to be able to see Bob during our meal...........but it was well worth it! He looked good and the steaks were wonderful!
So I do my asparagus in the oven with olive oil and salt and pepper. What I'll talk about is the sauce. It is wonderful with Hollandaise sauce but Dustin, being the king of sauces, gave me this recipe that I use also for fish......I actually use it for alot of things. Great on fresh vegys. Put one garlic clove and 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice in a blender (I use my mini Kitchen Aide Chopper Blender thing.........not really sure what it is but it works) Blend up with salt and pepper then slowly pour in a stick of melted butter.......blend real good. You can keep the left over in the frig to warm up and use again and again.
Since it is raining again.......isn't that unusual!?!? I had to cook the steaks on the stove in the house. I like the burner to be on high and really sear both sides of the steaks almost black and rare in the middle......the problem with this........it fills your kitchen with smoke! I had to turn on the fan to be able to see Bob during our meal...........but it was well worth it! He looked good and the steaks were wonderful!
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