POPCORN FOR DINNER

I have had so many people ask, wheres my blog?  I have taken a bit of a break as Bob is in the hospital.  He has now been in for 10 days and expected to stay another 3 weeks.  Bob has COPD and can't expel the CO2 in his lungs.  He has a great Pulmonary Specialist and is doing better but just takes a long time for results.  Consequently I have not really been cooking much of anything........the love of my life is not here to cook for..........sigh.  So, I have been eating things like popcorn for dinner, tuna right out of the can, lemon pudding with whip cream, P & J sandwiches, a bag of vinegar potato chips, etc.  Today I decided to clean out the freezer and defrosted a bag of ham and beans........sounds good.  Isn't it funny how one would think I would be really hungry for "women" type of salads (since Bob doesn't eat " foo foo" food) but oh, no, all I want is junk!! The recipe that follows is NOT junk......so good!
For those that grow your own zucchini........I know you have an abundance right now.......and there are tons of wonderful fresh zucchini in the stores.  So today, I made a loaf of wonderful zucchini bread.......this is Paula Deans recipe that I have been using since 2006. Its the best.
This recipe makes 2 loaves, I cut it in half to make one.........which I will eat entirely tonight by myself while watching a movie!
SO EASY!  Just get a large bowl and dump in:
3 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground nutmeg (I grind mine with a nutmeg grinder........so good!)
2tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
Mix that all tog and in a separate bowl mix:
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/3 cup water
2 cups grated zucchini
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup chopped nuts
Mix the two bowls tog........pour into either 2 regular bread pans or 5 mini bread pans that you have sprayed with nonstick spray. 
There it is........nothing makes a kitchen smell better than this!  Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees for the two loaves or 45 min for the mini loaves.

OKAY,OKAY, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PIGS FEET?

Too many inquisitive minds.........wondering what Bob did with the pigs feet.  Well, first of all he decided not to make beans with them as he was reminiscing once again.......about a time when he was young, sitting in a bar somewhere......eating pickled pigs feet..........So, of course.........he wanted to make pickled pigs feet.  Now, for those of you that know Bob......he doesn't use recipes, he won't even take my advice......he just wings it.  Even tho I printed several recipes for him off the internet.  So, for two days......I smelled these things cooking in vinegar and spices, then he chilled them and the big moment came........tasting them! I will have to admit......I was a bit surprised......the flavor was delightful but they were completely full of gelled fat........I just couldn't do it.  AND the truth be known neither could he......he said he was throwing them out on garbage day.  So the pigs feet are behind us and we move on.
Once again have an abundance of basil.  Not only do we enjoy eating it but it makes a beautiful potted plant.  So, I made pesto........which I am sure you all know how to make, basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.......but I made just a delightful lunch snack I thought I would share........
Flour tortilla spread with pesto, thin sliced tomato, fresh morzzella
cheese and dotted with prosciutto.......throw under the broiler to melt cheese.......slice and eat.......enjoy!

PAINFUL EXPERIENCE AND TOMATO SAUCE

Okay, I just had the most painful experience.........taking Bob to the grocery store with me!! I had a list of only about 8 items and knew I could be in and out in just a few minutes as I don't tarry in the grocery store.  BUT, Oh, No........first of all, he insists on pushing the cart.  He is up and down every isle, picking things up and reading all the ingredients, comparing prices and most of the time this is on an item........we don't even use!  Then he stops and talks to the man stocking shelves and then he is so excited to spot the butcher, the poor soul.  He is just ready to explode with questions and comments about meat.  Now, while Bob is doing his visiting and inspecting........I am running back and forth to the cart that he is leaning on, with the items on my list. At last we arrive at the check out........I start unloading the cart and find the strangest items....... salt pork, garlic spread (I only use fresh) Hamburger Helper (never used in my entire life) canned tamales and pigs feet! (he says to make beans with) At this point in time, believe me........I just humored him and checked out before he started a conversation with the check out person. This will be his last trip to the grocery store with me.  He can go alone but not with me.
So today I am suddenly overwhelmed with tomatoes!  I have ONE plant and have had at least a bushel of tomatoes from it and more to come!! I can't bear to let them go to waste so made 4 pints of spaghetti sauce to freeze for this winter. First I cut up tomatoes to fill a large pot and simmered til all the tomatoes were soft.  Then ran them through a sieve to remove the peelings and seeds.........to the juice I added about 6 or 8 cloves of garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped basil and chopped thyme and dried oregano,salt and a couple shots of cayenne.  Simmered for about an hour then stirred in one can of tomato paste to thicken and that was it! Set for the winter.

REMINISCING AND SPAM

So Bob and I always have coffee on our patio in the morning. Bob gets up really early......5:00am......and I am at least an hour later. When I joined him on the patio this morning he had the map of Wyoming out and was reminiscing about all of his travels and experiences in our home state. He got so excited telling me stories, that, incidently I had heard many times before, he got louder and louder. I was looking around at the neighbors homes wondering if they were enjoying the stories as much as we were! It seems, reminiscing goes hand and hand with aging........we love to tell the stories of when we were so happy...........and so young.
Well, it is the 75 year anniversary of SPAM.  Spam has been a staple for 75 years in most everyones homes. As a mother of four, I always had Spam on hand for an emergency dinner or lunch. It was never a favorite of mine but a real big favorite of Bob. I know that it is the  state food of Hawaii and the Hawaiians have a jillion ways to prepare it.  Baked in pineapple like a ham, fried, chopped up in all kinds of dishes...Chinese, Mexican, Italian.......it is an amazing food.
So today, I will celebrate Spam.........I am barbequing it on the barbeque along with fresh corn on the cob.  I will peel back the husks, remove the silk, tie the husks back up around the ear and soak in water then put on the bbq on a low flame. This seems to give the corn a "green corn" flavor. I so enjoy my fresh corn on the cob! AND Spam..........long live SPAM!

AM I SICK?

I remember when I was young and would be visiting with an elderly person and the first and only subject they wanted to talk about was their health. I thought, "When I grow old, I will never talk about my health to anyone."  Well, that little thought went right down the drain.......as we get older it seems to be the primary conversation of all of us. I remember my Grandmother telling me about her bunion........."What the hell is a bunion?" I thought with an absolute straight face, "could it be brain cancer.......that poor soul!"  No, it turned out to be a bump on my Grandmothers toe which she loved to show me at each visit. I can remember walking into her home and she would be sitting there with her false teeth out and that foot with the bunion positioned proudly on the foot stool for all to see.  I shuddered........now, sadly, I can relate.........sigh. Each morning I carefully take my pills, thyroid, blood pressure, hormone, blood thinner and my omeprazole......to keep all of these pills from burning a hole in my stomach........what a joke........how did I get here?! Well, this will be my one and only blog on health. I guess we each have our own plight as far as health and we each would like to relate all our stories.........I just hope I can carry on for a few more years.......I think about Willie Nelson, he has partied hardy all of his life.  Drank whiskey and smoked pot through it all and look at him......still out there performing at 80!  I guess this suggests we can be vegans, we can be on all kinds of health kicks but its in your genes folks.  Long live Willie!

NEW BLOG......ON DREDED "O" WORD

Bob and I lived for 10 years in the Sno Bird capital of the world, Mesa Arizona. This was a haven for old retired folks but for the younger citizens it was hell.  These people thought they were entitled to privledges above and beyond. They crowded in front of you in the bank, grocery store and anywhere there was a line. If you had the bad luck to get behind one in the grocery store........it was a long wait while they pulled out all of their coupons for discounts and made sure they received every penny off of every product they purchased. We thought of them as soooooo cheap.....discounts for everything......the line at the Golden Corral was around the block on discount days. I was young and energetic and absolutely detested these "old" people. I made fun of them at every opportunity. If one of them made the mistake of pulling out in front of me in their car.......I slammed on the horn, flipped them off and then placed my front bumper inches from their back bumper and followed them for blocks hoping to scare them to death!!
I guess somehow........I never dreamed I would be old.........OMG........am I one of these people now?!

PLASTIC KETCHUP LIDS AND GROWING OLDER

My Blog will not let me change the title of my blog from Cooking for Bob to Growing Older with Lynne.......so you will just need to follow this new blog with the old title.....thanks.  I have been thinking about all the little annoying things that are happening to me with "older" age.  I was attempting to open the little plastic flap on the ketchup bottle and it hit me.........does everyone have these problems? A few years ago......just a quick flip with my fingers and it would be open but oh, no, not now.......I almost have to pry it open.......as the fingers, God rest their souls have lost their agility.  They still work but just much slower and much weaker.
Have you ever gone to grab the handle on a drawer and missed the handle in mid air and almost fallen over backward!  That might be eye sight, maybe a little of both. I am lucky enough that I can still reach my toe nails to polish them but somehow can't seem to get the polish on the nails. The other day as I passed a store window and I was walking fast I noticed that my head is way ahead of my feet......which I am smart enough to know will eventually cause a concussion! There is one good thing......that is that I have been loosing the hair under my arms and on my legs......very little shaving.....but the bad part is.......it has all moved to my face!  And lastly.......my hairline.  Bob and I are looking more and more alike.........lots of hair in the back and sides but very little on top! I'll keep you posted as more knots and bumps and purple blots on my arms become more visible.  Happy Aging!

OH, WHAT A DISASTER

I have given this a lot of thought. I loved writing my food blog but was thinking that maybe I need to write a blog about this metamorphosis that I am going through.......growing old.......sigh.  What a change in my life.  First of all I never dreamed I would ever be "old" I thought of myself as "forever young" until I looked in the mirror!  In my stage of life there is change everyday, some good but most of all, different.  My emotions range from profound, exciting, heartbreaking, ridiculous, hysterical and, well, complacent.
The incident that transpired this morning.......sealed it......I feel its important to relate  these experiences that I am going through for my own well being. I hope you can laugh at my life as I do.
I looked at the clock, 6:18 am, when I was awaken to a horrible commotion on our patio. A few weeks ago we hired a contractor to add a metal roof over our little patio. He brought his buddy with him to give us an estimate of the cost.  They were both retired contractors in their 70's but seemed very nice and capable so we hired them. They worked for about 10 days and finished our roof.  Their work looked just great and we were really enjoying our shady patio until it rained!  The rain poured in between the roof and where it connected to the house. Now they were willing to come back and reseal it but now that it had gotten so hot here in Oklahoma, felt like they needed cooler weather before they crawled up on the roof to do the work. Only fair.
In the meantime Bob felt compelled to buy a foam sealer and have it on hand for them. What a joke......he actually stared at the can of sealer for days and just couldn't stand it so this morning decided to try to seal the roof from the underside.  I opened the door to the patio to this little man standing there covered in foam, his clothes, his hair, his glasses.......foam was everywhere! On the cement, the chairs, the side of the house, the table, the door......everywhere!!  It took my breath away, I was speechless.......finally, "What the hell are you doing?"  He sheepishly said, "Well, I was trying to seal the roof and it sort of got away from me."  "SORT of got AWAY from you!"  I had to laugh........and quietly spent the next hour hosing down the patio.......
So this is one of the changes I am writing about........my meticulous husband, that always is so careful and precise about every undertaking.....has changed...........sigh.
I am hoping you will enjoy my "old age" experiences.......as there will be a new one everyday.......I am certain.

BERRIES, BERRIES, BERRIES!

I am excited to travel to my dear friend, Rebeccas, on Tues. We're having a reunion with old friends from Cabo in Birch Bay Washington. I remember being in that area a couple of times years and years ago and my memories are always of fresh salmon and fresh blueberries!!  We would go to Washington Salmon fishing in the fall and it was great fun to bring fresh salmon and tubs of fresh blueberries back to Wyoming. We would grill the salmon outside......the only thing you do to fresh salmon on the grill is rub the flesh with mayo....Some people seal the salmon in foil but I like it whole on the grill.....you get a little bit of browning on the edges..Then I would make fresh blueberry pie......still can taste that meal........was so special. 
So this time of the year we are so blessed with wonderful fresh berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and of course strawberries (I grow my own)  Poor Bob gets berry pie, fresh berry syrup for pancakes, berry muffins, berry cheesecake and of course my favorite just plain ole handfuls of any kind of berry!  And they are soooooo good for you. Misty made a wonderful berry combo for Tosh's graduation party.......Eric picked all the raspberries out.....but I forgive him.......they were so good!
Berry syrup.......Take a couple cups.......set aside half of them......put the other half in a pan with a TINY drop of water.......dump a handful of sugar on top and cook down on low heat. When all is hot......mash a bit with your masher and then throw in the whole berries.........cool......and use on homemade waffles or pancakes smothered in butter.......Oh, my, my mouth just started to water!!!

HELLO AGAIN!! BRISKET AND MY GARDEN

Sorry haven't been on here for awhile but kind of going through a difficult time.......then I realized that I really enjoy doing this........probably more than you all enjoy reading it.......its sort of a diary.....I guess.  So here I go again........

I have been enjoying my garden and my flowers so much this year. Our weather here in Oklahoma is just perfect right now.  Have had just enough rain to get by and wonderful cool mornings with really warm afternoons. We recently added a roof to our little patio out back and I can't tell you how much I enjoy sitting out there.  Have lots of potted flowers everywhere.   I can't seem to get enough flowers and just today planted a few more that Walmart was almost giving away as they were on their last days and just hadn't been cared for. I noticed something today that seems to be a reoccurring event with gardening......have you noticed that as soon as your hands are really muddy.......that either your nose starts itching or starts running?!  Yeh, always happens! I planted two tomato plants.......one died instantly......but the other!!........wow.......I just counted 36 tomato's on it!!!  I had forgotten how wonderfully delicious tomato's are.......right off the vine.........no comparison.

I found this recipe in an old "Cowboy Cookbook".......and it is the best.  Haven't cooked alot of briskets in my day, just because I was never happy with how they turned out........after this recipe.......I'll never use anything else.......I think its the beer that breaks down the brisket......whatever it is........it really works. Give it a try.

3 or 4 lb brisket
1 onion sliced
1 cup of chili sauce
1 minced clove of garlic
1 12oz can of beer
Dump it all in a baking pan.  Since brisket is usually real long........I use a cast iron 10 x 13. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 for 3 to 4 hours......Remove foil...Brown for about 20 to 30 min.......in same pan, same temp........Slice to serve. I promise it will be the best you will ever eat!

MULBERRY JELLY

This afternoon I made 4 pints of mulberry jelly.  Now, I didn't have the vaguest idea what mulberries were til I moved to Oklahoma. I found out, they are a wild berry, looks like a small blackberry, that come on in the spring and in the fall.  I think of them sort of like chokecherries from Wyoming.  I have two trees of them on our property and if I beat the birds to them......I can pick a couple of buckets.  I won't go into detail about how to make mulberry jelly, as I am sure non of you will be in a mulberry area!  It is so good.........I added a tiny pinch of cinnamon to mine and it is just delicious. Can't wait for homemade waffles with mulberry syrup! My mouth is watering!!
I also have jalapenos coming on.......when I get a nice crop.......I'll make jalapeno jelly.  I used to make it in Mexico and serve it on cream cheese with crackers at happy hour.
So nice to do a little canning........I have missed that.  My pantry will be full.

CHINESE COOKING.............EAT OUT!

Okay, I have been so busy in our yard, cleaning it up and planting that I have neglected my blog....sorry.  But my yard is beautiful........lots of flowers blooming......even have a tomato and one green pepper!  Was hungry for Chinese food.......so searched freezer and pantry to see if I had the ingredients necessary.  Looks as tho the only thing I was missing was egg roll wrappers.  Now, remember we live in the country........I can't just run to the store.......so decided to make my own.......which I have done before........but believe me........just buy them and keep them on hand!  I decided on egg rolls and sauces, fried rice and stir fry beef.  Usually this is an easy dinner BUT after making the wrappers and all the sauces, chopping all the vegys........I was 3 hours in preparation!!

First cook your rice.......2 cups water to 1 cup rice.......20 min.......perfect!  For fried rice....you want the rice cooked and cooled......so just set this aside.

After making the wrappers......which I won't go into......just buy them.......I made the filling:
Chop very fine about 1 cup cabbage
Rinse about 1 cup bean sprouts
chop finely 6 green onions
Chop in small pieces about 1 stalk celery
1 cup shredded carrots (fine)
Handful of shrimp........canned, fresh or frozen........cut into small pieces
Mix all of this and set aside.
In a small bowl mix: 1 Tblsp soy sauce, 1 Tblsp oyster sauce, shot of sherry OR white wine OR
                                   rice vinegar
In your wok on HOT......put about 1 Tblsp peanut oil........add the filling......stir and fry quickly.....then add the sauce over the top.......stir and fry more.......remove to a bowl and cool.
When cool.........put a little in the corner (the pointy end) of the wrapper.....roll up, seal with beaten egg and place on a cookie sheet that you have dusted with corn starch and then cover with a towel til ready to fry.
Fried Rice: Put 1 Tblsp peanut oil in your hot wok....Take your cold cooked rice and dump into the wok and stir to break it up........Add a bunch of soy sauce (til looks brown all over) chopped onion (green onions if you have them) chopped ham or shrimp and 1 beaten egg.  Stir and fry quickly..........remove to a bowl........pat it down tight and cover with foil til ready to serve.
Dipping Sauces for the egg rolls:  Make your own hot mustard from dry mustard.........and a sweet and sour sauce;  In a pan on the stove dump about 1/4 cup ketsup, about 1/3 cup sugar,
shot of soy sauce,  about 1/3 cup water and bring to a boil........then add 1/4 vinegar........bring to a boil and then mix up 1/4 cup water with 1 1/2 Tblsp corn starch then add this to the ketsup mixture...........I have used this recipe for sweet n sour for 40 years........easy and the best!
I deep fat fry by egg rolls in a skillet, not the wok........heat up abour 1 1/2 " of oil in skillet, fry each one remove to a paper towel. 
Now for the stir fry beef..........I used a piece of sirloin, cut into thin strips across the grain.......I Chopped in semi large pieces red onion, green pepper and a stalk of celery.  Make your sauce to have it ready.......1 Tblsp soy sauce, 1 Tblsp oyster sauce, shot of rice wine vinegar, and about 1 1/2 Tblsp of corn starch all mixed up........Okay, now in HOT wok with a smidgen of peanut oil quickly fry your beef and remove to side........now dump in all vegys, fry til doneness you would like.....dump beef back in and then dump on the sauce and quickly stir fry.......Dump all out into a bowl and sprinkle all with toasted sesame seeds.
Okay............now you can see why I said........just go out to eat Chinese food!  If you live where you have a good restaurant........go for it!! 

SMALL PANS AND A HAPPY BANANA CAKE

Well, I have been searching for small pans for baking..........I used to have a big family and lots of friends to cook for.....now it is just the two of us.  All my baking pans are just too big to bake small amounts.  I finally went to Amazon and ordered 6" cake pans, 7" pie tins, a small bundt pan and a small cheesecake pan.  I am a happy camper.  Now, I must cut most of my recipes in half, this can sometimes be a challenge but so far.......it seems to be working.  My first attempt at a small cake was from the new Bon Appetit.  The banana cake sounded so good and I happened to have bananas on hand so here it is.

Butter my two 6" cake pans and line with parchment paper. Oven at 325 degrees.
In my mixer I put 3/4 cup softened butter........one cube and one half cube.
I added 1 cup of sugar with just a smidgen more........and mixed it tog real well........then added 3 eggs.  One at a time mixing well after each.
Now add 1 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 tsp baking soda and 3/4 tsp Kosher salt.  Mix well and then add
about 1/3 cup sour cream and 1 1/2 mashed up really ripe bananas.  Eat the other half.
Pour all into your little pans and bake for 55 min.
Cool in pans for 20 min..........remove and cool cakes completely.....then frost as follows:
Frosting:
1/2 soft butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, shot of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup heavy cream..........Mix altogether.
Now, slice the top of one of the layers so it is flat........put a little frosting on it and then slice a banana over the top.  Now place the other layer on top and then frost the whole cake. 
This is just a delicious cake!!  Loving my new pans!

OMG........FAST and EASY CINNAMON ROLLS!

I am so excited about this........I was so hungry for cinnamon rolls but just didn't want to go through the whole process of making the dough, etc.  SO, I discovered the coolest way to make them and so easy anyone can do it!  AND they are soooooo good!  I am sure someone else has thought of this but I will take the credit for it.......as I just made it up as I went along.

You know those Pillsbury Biscuits.......the ones marked GRANDS flakey rolls.......5 to a roll?
Take those out and cut each one into 4 pieces.
Butter a small casserole pan.......I used one that was 7" x 7".........for just Bob and I.
Now dump about a cup of sugar and 1 Tblps of cinnamon into a bowl........roll each piece of dough into the sugar mixture, coat really well and place in casserole dish......You need to stack them on top of each other..........
In a pan on the stove.......put about 1 cup of brown sugar and about 3 Tblsp butter........bring to a boil........stirring........just til sugar is dissolved.
Now pour this over the sugar/cinnamon coated dough pieces in the casserole and bake at 350 for 30 min.
You can't even imagine how good this is!! I was so proud........it turned out perfect and we ate the whole thing!!

BANANA CREAM PIE!

Really hungry for something fattening.........looked all around for something to bake........saw the bananas and decided on banana cream pie!  Much easier than you may think........please don't use those packaged pudding mixes........you are actually only buying, cornstarch, dehydrated eggs and flavoring..........I guess.

First bake your pie crust.........I'll go along with a prepared pie crust if you insist.....they really aren't bad.  The Pillsbury ones that you roll out.  Let it cool.

In a large saucepan.......put 2/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 tsp salt....mix it up and add 3 cups of milk (whole) that you have stirred 4 egg yolks into.........Bring this all to a boil, stirring all the while with a whisk.  Let boil 1 minute........remove from heat and stir in 2 Tblsp butter and a good shot of vanilla.  Cool about 30 min.  Stir now and then while cooling.

Now slice 2 or more bananas in the bottom of your cooled crust.........Pour the pudding over the bananas and place in the frig for at least 2 hours...........til firm......I always serve with a dollop of real whipped cream.............Oh, can't wait to eat this tonight while watching IDOL!

WHAT A MEMORY..........QUICHE

My step son, Zane, is visiting and he asked me to make my quiche.  I honestly have not made it for years.  When my daughter-in-law, Arely was pregnant with my grand daughter, Macy.......I had a baby shower for her at my home.  I made 8 of these quiches.......to serve and I don't think I have made one since!  But, what a great dish for Easter........to serve with your ham.

First........wrap the bottom and up the sides of your 9" spring form pan with tin foil.......if you don't, you will wish you had!

Make or buy  a single pie crust..........fit it carefully into the bottom and a little up the sides of a 9" spring form pan.  Pat it in smoothly and paint the bottom with an egg white.  (This is so the crust doesn't get soggy during baking)  Set oven at 350 degrees.

Cook a half pound of bacon and cool and crumble.  Sprinkle bacon over the bottom of the pie crust........at this time......you could add anything........broccoli, asparagus, etc........Then sprinkle over the bacon and/or vegy......1 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese and 1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese or your choice.

In a mixing bowl mix up 6 eggs plus one more egg yolk, salt, pepper and a shot of cayenne. Now mix in 3 cups of Half and Half..........Beat JUST til frothy.......just for a minute. Slowly pour this over the bacon covered crust..........Bake 50 to 55 min.........Cool on wire rack at lease 15 min.......then loosen the edges and carefully remove the sides of the spring form pan. 

This is the original Quiche Lorraine.  You can also add onions.  What memories this dish has for me...........

EASTER...LEMON SWIRL CHEESECAKE.....ANOTHER FAVE

Another dessert I love to make for Easter is Lemon Swirl Cheesecake......Lemon dishes in the spring are always a favorite.  This is easy.

Crust:  You can make any crust you would like, just a graham cracker crust or a chocolate cookie crust or a graham cracker with toasted nuts......All work.  Just remember to bake it for about 10 minutes to set it.  Heres a good one.....
Oven 350 degrees.......Grind up about 6 whole graham crackers and add about 1 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans....Add 3 Tblsp melted butter and a couple tsp of grated lemon peel.
Mix well and press into a 9" spring form pan and bake 10 min.

Filling: Beat 2 (8oz pkg) cream cheese that you have let set out about 30 min.  Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed) and about 2 tsp lemon peel grated. Blend real good  and then beat in 3/4 cup sour cream.  Then add 2 eggs, one at a time. Beat til blended well and pour over your crust........Bake til only the center jiggles when you shake the pan.......about 50 min. Cool on a rack.

Topping: Put 1 cup sour cream in a small bowl and stir it up..........Whisk 1 jar of "store bought" lemon curd.........THAT is the easy way........I always make my own curd......think the store bought tastes like plastic but whatever you choose.  Recipe for my curd follows.
When the cake is cool.........remove from pan (run a sharp knife around) Now, spoon dollops of the sour cream and dollops of the curd on top of slightly warm cake.......I know I said cool cake, but you know what I mean........just slightly still warm. Cover the top and then run the tip of sharp knife through the dollops and make a design all over with swirls.........shake it a bit. Now put in frig for a least 4 hours........best if made the night before.  Before serving.......whip up some whip cream and pipe around the sides of the cake......to be fancy.......don't spoil the top with whip cream on top........just around the sides.

MY CURD:  I marveled at watching my son, Dustin, whip this perfect curd up in just a few minutes..........Sorry........I'm not that good.......I follow the recipe and take my time.
Combine 3/4 cup sugar, 3 lrg eggs, 6 Tblsp butter, pinch of salt and 1 Tblsp grated lemon peel, and 2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice........in saucepan..........Cook whisking........on med low about 15 min..........DO NOT BOIL..........Chill in bowl covered with plastic........this makes a couple of cups..............Save what you don't use and use for something else..........Enjoy.

I HOPE YOU ARE SERVING HAM ON SUNDAY..........REMEMBER NEVER BUY THOSE SWIRL CUT HAMS............TO DRY.........ALWAYS BUY A BONE-IN.........MOIST, MOSIT, MOIST AND YOU HAVE THE BONE FOR HAM AND BEANS!

ITS ALMOST EASTER.........CHOCOLATE/BERRY MERINGUE

I love Easter dinner and especially a fun springy dessert.  Meringues have almost been a favorite of mine.  This one is different........its chocolate......and so good with strawberries.

Chocolate Meringue:  Let 6 egg whites stand at room temp for at least 30 minutes. Set the oven at 350 degrees.  On a piece of parchment paper draw a 10" circle.  Now, I lived in Mexico where it was impossible to find parchment paper until the last few years........so I always used a brown paper bag......cut to fit just a little larger than the 10" circle.  Okay now beat egg whites til soft peaks..........now add 1 cup of sugar......one Tblsp at a time......(this is so the sugar dissolves as you are beating) Beat at high speed until stiff peaks form and sugar in dissolved.  Now fold in about 1/3 cup of finely shredded chocolate (I prefer dark chocolate......but its up to you) Okay now add 3 Tblsp unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar. Spread the meringue onto the circle on your cookie sheet...........form with your rubber spatula to sort of have a little edge all around. Just before you put the meringue in the oven......TURN DOWN to 300 degrees...... Bake in oven for 1 hour........remove and cool completely on a cooling rack.  Carefully remove the brown paper........and place on serving plate.

For the berries........you need about 4 cups or more, depending......on you.  Take about 1 cup and blend in the blender with about 1 Tblsp of sugar.........this gives you the juice you need.
Keep the rest whole or halved or quartered, depending on size of berries.

Whip one cup of whip cream with 1 Tblsp of sugar.

To Serve: dump the whipped cream onto the meringue.......then top with the whole berries.
Slice into serving pieces and drizzle each with the berry puree..........This is a really yummy dessert and a little different from the norm.........if you like strawberries and chocolate.......this is for you!

FRIED PIES

Sometimes I get so hungry for things I used to cook when the kids were little.  These fried pies were so easy.........was an immediate snack or dessert.  I made Cherry for Bob and I today and I think I will probably eat several more before bedtime.........they were sooooo good.

When the kids were little I bought those canned blueberries, cherries or apples........today........I know, its sort of against the "rules".........So I took frozen sweet cherries, put in a pan with a handful of sugar, a tiny shot of almond flavoring, brought to a slow boil.  In a tiny dish I mixed a Tblsp of cornstarch with a little water and added to the cherries to thicken. Then set aside.

In the microwave I softened 4 flour tortillas.  Then placed a couple Tblps of cherry mixture at one end of softened tortilla and rolled up.........tucking in the ends like you would make an envelope. When you have  them all rolled up.........Heat your grease like you were going to fry taco shells and carefully place one of the rolls in with the flap on bottom........brown, carefully turn........put on papertowells to drain..........sprinkle all with powdered sugar and thats it!  You could be really inventive with all sorts of fun fillings..........enjoy!

MY BIRTHDAY.........ANGEL FOOD CAKE!

We had a tradition in our family when it was your birthday........you picked what you wanted for Birthday dinner and what kind of cake you wanted.  As far back as I can remember, mine was angel food cake with lemon/orange frosting.  Today, I am 69 years old.  Boy, does that sound old BUT...........not feeling that old.  Looking out through my eyes..........I still think I am 39! LOL
It is raining.........so staying at home today.  Made a decision to make myself a cake.  So here it is.........My Mom made this for me the majority of my 69 years and she made the best angel food cake in the world..........I could never duplicate it.........until my son, Dustin, the Chef, told me what I was doing wrong..........Finally I have it down and it tastes just like Moms.  First set out 1 1/2 cups of egg whites.........about 10 to 12 eggs.......let them come to room temp. about an hr.

Next set the oven at 350 degrees with the rack one rack up from the bottom.  On a piece of wax paper.........measure 1 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 1 cup sifted flour and 1/4 tsp salt.
In your mixer whip the egg whites just til frothy........add 1 1/2 tsp cream of tarter and continue to beat til very soft peaks.......then beat in 1 cup of granulated sugar very slowly........beat just til FLOPPY soft peaks form.......slowly stir in 1 tsp vanilla. 

Now, gently, take you time, fold in 1/3 of the flour mixture into the egg whites, once folded in add another 1/3 and fold DO NOT STIR........you don't want to break the egg whites........now fold in the last 1/3 of the flour mixture.  Gently dump this into your tube pan and bake for 45 minutes.

When you remove from the oven.......turn you tube pan upside down on a old wine bottle to cool completely.  When cool..........frost.

Frosting:  In a mixer bowl add 1/2 cup soft butter and about 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat.  Now add the grated rind of a lemon and the grated rind of an orange.  Mix........now add some of the fresh squeezed lemon juice and the same with the orange.....just a little.......then add about 2 more cups of powdered sugar........Mix should be the consistency of frosting HA HA.

Frost your cake and enjoy............I will.  Happy Birthday to me..........!

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE, IRISH SODA BREAD HAPPY ST PATS

I hope everyone is making or invited to eat corned beef and cabbage tomorrow.  My memory always goes back to Cabo San Lucas and how impossible it was to buy corn beef.  I remember asking my dear friend Bob Collins to bring a pkg of corn beef to me from the states one year on the airlines.........of course he did and what a special dinner that was.  In later years we were able to buy it, if you were one of the lucky ones and purchased it before they were gone.

One of the easiest meals to make.  Of course, there are lots of twists on corn beef and cabbage but I still like it the old fashioned way.......

Early in the day.........put the corn beef and spices that come with it in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil and then simmer for several hours.  Skim the foam off as you go a long.  I had a friend tell me, they bring it to a boil then remove, rinse and start with fresh water (to get rid of the scum) Can you imagine what great taste you are tossing?  No, No not necessary.......just skim as you go. 

About an hour before serving add: cut up carrots, onions cut in large chunks, and little new potatoes.  Or, if you don't have little new ones...........any cut up potatoes will work.

About 20 min before serving add your cabbage wedges........remember they cook down so be sure to add plenty.

IRISH SODA BREAD
Another totally simple recipe........anyone can make it.  Set oven high......about 450 degrees.
In a large bowl throw in about 3 1/4 cups flour, mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
Make a well in the middle and dump in about 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (give or take a bit) The dough shouldn't be real sticky just sort of soft.........mix it with your hands......gently. Now turn it out on a floured counter and knead for just a second.......just sort of pat it into a round pile......and put on a cookie sheet you have sprayed with Pam.  Cut a huge X in the top......to let the fairies out.  Bake for 15 min. then turn the oven to 400 degrees and bake another 30 min. I take the handle of a table knife and tap the top........if it sounds hollow.........its done.
Serve with wonderful melted herb butter.........soft butter mixed with chopped thyme or any herb you would like............this just made my mouth water! LOL
Enjoy........my dear Irish friend, Rebecca.............wish we were sharing it tog.

OLE ENGLISH FISH AND CHIPS

Sometimes I get so hungry for good ole English Fish and Chips..........only authentic.......no fooling around.  It has taken me many tries over the years to finally get the best of the best and this is it. Wish my 4 English friends were here to share with.......thinking of you!

Four nice thick Cod filets.
Heat up the deep fat fryer.........if you don't have one you will want to have about 2 inches of hot oil in your large skillet on the stove.

First cut your potatoes into pretty large french fries......nice and thick.  DRY them completely before frying, this helps them to brown.  Now, fry a batch of your french fries just til soft, then remove..........you will refry them later.

Now, coat your cod filets in flour........this helps the batter to stick.

In a large bowl........put 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, a little salt and pepper.  Then slowly add about 1 cup of beer (nice English ale is best but any beer will work) stir with a wire whisk until all the lumps are gone........should be just a tad thicker than pan cake batter. add more beer if needed.....stir in a shot of malt vinegar...........

Now, dredge a filet into the batter.......when you go to put it in the hot grease.......sort of hold in up til part of it has fried, then let it go........this keeps it from sticking to your basket or bottom of your pan.........fry til golden.......4 minutes or so.........turn........continue to fry and keep warm in the oven..........

Refry your french fries (chips)..........now to be really authentic.......roll it all up in newspaper.....serve with salt, of course, and a wonderful malt vinegar.........
Does it get any better than that?  Love it!

LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

I am so glad that Kwint enjoyed the Green Chili!  I got so enthusiastic after talking to him several times while he was making it........that I had to make some this morning for Bob and I.  I'll have to admit.......its pretty damn good green chili.  Our weather is just beautiful for Oklahoma early spring.  I always lean toward asparagus and rhubarb........this time of the year.......not together of course.  About next week should be able to start planting.  Bob is so excited to get out the lawn mower and start mowing........I'm sure he will be mowing tomorrow even if the lawn doesn't really need it.

Anyway, I roasted some beautiful fresh asparagus the other day and loved the sauce I made for it.  So easy but so good..........Just took a stick of soft butter, put in my mini food processor and added some grated lemon rind, the juice of the lemon and a bunch of fresh ground pepper.......blend that all up into a sort of paste........dollop onto the hot asparagus and it just comes to life.  I will use this to dollop onto grilled salmon also.  Store left over in frig.......use on all fresh vegys.  Enjoy the spring!

HAVE YOU EVER MADE GNOCCHI?

I have but a long time ago.  I forgot how wonderfully light and fluffy they are.  Saw a recipe in one of my magazines and went for it.  Had a tiny little hail storm yesterday but today is beautiful.  Everything is budding and the grass is green.  Bob just couldn't stand it and got out the riding mower this morning just to test it out and be sure it still works.  It does. I decided to make a normal chicken soup and add the gnocchi for something special.

Chopped one slice of bacon and browned in large pot.  Added chopped celery, chopped onion and chopped carrots.  Stir til softened a bit.  Then added one really large chicken breast (where do they find chickens that big?!?!) and about 4 or 5 cups of chicken broth.  Brought to a boil and then turned to simmer.  I threw in a few sprigs of thyme, of course, salt and pepper.  Throw a large potato in the oven at 350 for one hour.

Just before ready to serve:  Dig the meat out of the potato and dump in a bowl. The recipe I saw had me saute about 1/8 cup of bread crumbs in 1 Tblsp butter.  Sprinkle a little less than 1/2 cup flour over your potato, add the bread crumbs and 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese.  Mash this all up with the back of a spoon. 

Now take out a fist full and knead real well til smooth.  Roll into a long roll about 3/4" in diameter. I find it is easiest to spread the fingers of both hands real wide and roll the dough slowly to the size you want.  Then cut into little pieces about 1" in size.  Set aside and continue with the rest of the potato mixture. 

Bring your soup to a boil and throw in the little Gnocchi's..........it just takes a minute for them to float.........they are done...........something special.......enjoy.

GREEN CHILI REQUEST

Have had a little break.  Its always fun to have so many readers request more blogs........makes me realize people really are reading this!  My green chili recipe is famous in my family and always a request from them when I am visiting.  I got this recipe 30 years ago from a small restaurant on Point Loma in San Diego.  I've revised it a bit but still the best I have ever eaten.

Brown 1 lb of hamburger and 1 lb of ground pork and 1 sirloin steak cut into cubes, in a big pot.  Remove after browned and place in a bowl while you continue. 
Melt 1/2 stick of butter in the same pot and all 1 chopped onion, a couple cloves of garlic.......saute until both are soft.......remember don't burn your garlic.
 Now dump in your browned meats and 3/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tsp Mexican dried oregano, 1 Tlsp cumin, at least 1 Tblsp Tabasco, 1 tsp pepper, 2 Tblsp flour and 1 1/2 tsp salt.......blend this all tog real well.
Now dump in about 6 to 8 cups of chicken broth.......depending on how much you are making.
3/4 cup Mexican beer........drink the rest.....2 small tomatoes chopped and 4 lbs of pablano peppers that you have toasted, seeded and chopped. IF you are lucky enough to live where you can buy specialty foods........you can find canned pablanos that are ready to go.  IF not, you buy the fresh ones, put on a cookie sheet under the broiler, blacken well on all sides, remove and place in a large zip lock bag for 20 minutes......then hold one at a time under cold running water and slip the skin off and take our the seeds.  IF you absolutely want to, you may substitute canned Anaheim's for the pablanos........it works. Just must use several large (small) cans, four or more. Remember it is called green chili because it is predominately chili's.  Chop your chilis into pieces about 1 to 2 inch square.
Simmer all of this for several hours.........Just before serving........take 3 Tblps flour and mash up with 3 Tblsp soft butter........gently stir this thickener into the chili and thats it!! ENJOY...Kwint!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! DUCK WITH CHERRIES AND WINE

It seems like a jillion years ago........but a long time ago Bob and I had dinner on the top of Valley National Bank building in downtown Phoenix.  I had duck and blackberry sauce.........a meal I will remember all of my life!  I had never eaten duck and it quickly became one of my favorites.  This recipe is with cherries but easily could substitute blackberries and would be wonderful.   This is much easier than you may think.........and should always be for a special celebration!
Buy two nice duck breasts with the skin.  It is the crispy skin of the duck that is so full of flavor.
On the skin side of the breast make several scores with a sharp knife, careful not to cut through to the flesh........just the skin.
With a couple Tblsp of butter melted in a skillet...........cook the breasts skin side down til nice and crispy........when really crispy........turn over and continue to cook about 5 to 10 min more depending on the size of the breast. Don't over cook..........want it to still be nice and moist.  Remove from pan and pun on a dish and cover.
Then in the same pan........You should have some nice drippings in the pan.........add about 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.........just til soft........a min or so.............Then add about 1/2 cup chicken broth, about 12 or more halves of cherries (thawed in frozen) 2 Tblsp of PORT wine and 1 Tblsp honey..........cook just a bit........til sort of like a glaze........then stir in 1 Tblsp butter, a little salt and pepper.
Slice the breasts to serve and spoon this delightful sauce over the breasts!  My mouth is watering!

HOMEMADE CHICKEN AND NOODLES.........AGAIN

If you watch the weather..........you know that we, here, in Oklahoma are in the middle of a snowy, rainy, icy day..........but I really won't complain as it is our first bad weather of the winter!  Been very mild and nice here most all winter.  BUT it is a chicken 'n noodles day.  I have given you this recipe before but it is well worth giving again.  I'll never understand why people don't make their own noodles.........takes all of about 15 minutes and sooooo much better.  Once you do this.......you will make them over and over.  Almost 50 years ago........an elderly lady in Greybull, Ila Hanson was well known for the best chicken 'n noodles in town.  She was kind enough to invite me to her house to watch her make them..........and I have made them the same ever since.
The first thing I did this morning was throw a frozen chicken breast (one........remember just for Bob and I.......adjust if you want to make more) in a large pot filled with water........salt, pepper....then I chopped up about 1 cup of celery and 1 cup of onion and brought it all to a boil, turned to simmer and let simmer all day......well until time to eat.
Then I grabbed a bowl........beat up to eggs in the bowl with a fork.......added salt........then started dumping in flour........started with 1 cup........stir well........then forced in more flour until a sort of sticky dough.........it can be sticky as you will add more flour when rolling out.
Now take a hunk of the dough.........roll out really thin on a well floured counter...keep adding flour if its too sticky....sprinkle with more flour and fold over and over a couple times.........cut with a sharp knife......into noodles.  Shake them out onto a dish towel covered cookie sheet..........repeat this process til all the dough has been used.............let the noodles dry in a warm place until ready to use.
Bring your chicken soup to a good boil.........dump in noodles along with any flour on the dish towel.........continue to lightly boil til the noodles are soft.  That's it!  Nothing like chicken and noodles on a cold day!!  OR if you are sick....................sigh.

VALENTINES DAY AND RED VELVET CAKE! OOOPS COOKIES!

Here it is Valentines day......almost.......that always brings to mind Red Velvet Cake.  I wish I had a dime for every red velvet cake I have made!! My recipe card is so fragile.....dated 1967.....45 years old!!!  This was Jodes favorite and I even made his wedding cake.......4 huge tiers...8 layers.....red velvet! When I lived in Cabo I made red velvet cakes to order for lots of young couples having a special dinner.  I personally love it too.........my favorite cake.  Well, I found this recipe for red velvet cookies...........now, being a purist.......I never dreamed I would like them as well but decided to try them.........was I ever wrong!  You must try these.......so easy and would be so fun for the kids.......instead of a piece of cake on a plate........just hold one in your hand.......it works.

Cream tog 1/4 cup (half a cube) of softened butter and 1 cup sugar.
Add 2 eggs, one at a time.
Now add 2 Tblsp buttermilk, 2 tsp vinegar, 1 tsp vanilla and 1 bottle of red food coloring
Mix well and then add:
1 1/3 cup flour
2 Tblsp cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Mix well and drop in big Tblsp (actually an ice cream scoop size) onto a cookie sheet........I sprayed with Pam or you could use parchment paper.......about 2" apart........should make about 8 to 12 on a sheet.  Bake 350 about 10-12 min.
Remove to rack to cool.
FROSTING:
I am still the purist and insist on the original Red Velvet Frosting........if you ever make it........you will understand.
In a pan on stove put 3/4 cup milk and 3 1/2 Tblsp flour........cook and stir til thickened.......once thick.......set aside to cool.
Cream 1/2 cup soft butter with 1/2 sugar.  Then add 1 Tblsp of the cooled milk and flour mixture at a time.......mixing well after each addition.
Frost the back side of a cookie and then top with another (like a sandwich) Wrap each one in saran wrap and put in the frig.........ready to go........so easy.........so good! 

OYSTER STEW

It is a beautiful clear blue sky today but bitter cold.  So, oyster stew sounded really good.  When I was a child my Mother made oyster stew for my Father.........a favorite of his........I loved the broth but refused to eat the oysters.........I've grown up...........I love the stew AND the oysters.

I chop a couple strips of bacon into small pieces and brown in the bottom of a medium size pot.  Once they have started to brown and released some of that wonderful bacon grease.......I add chopped celery and chopped onion.  About a cup of each depending on how much you are making.  Saute til soft........then I dump in a can of oysters plus the juice........if they are whole you may want to cut in two but I like mine whole.

Now add a couple cups of milk..........simmer...........do not bring to a boil or you will curdle your milk.  In a separate pan cook til soft........a cubed potato.  Drain and add to your stew.  I salt and pepper to taste and always add a dash of cayenne.  Just simmer til ready to serve........Its great with just saltine crackers OR.........there is a reason they are called oyster crackers........perfect!

OMG..........CHICKEN LIVER PATE'

To most people chicken livers are only good for a couple of things..........one of them is bait for catfish.  I love to fish for catfish and livers have always been my favorite bait.......works every time.  I also love breaded chicken livers fried in butter served with sauteed mushrooms. They are very rich and only really care for them about once a year.  BUT something I do really like is chicken liver pate'.  Read the recipe in the new bon appetit and made my mouth water.........So will share with you a condensed version.  I'll give you the whole recipe but I cut it in half.

1 lb chicken livers
4 cups milk
2 cups (4 sticks real butter softened)
3 Tblsp finely chopped green onion
3 sprigs of thyme
2 Tblsp Calvados (apple brandy)
2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Put your chicken livers in a large bowl and cover with 2 cups of milk.......leave for 2 hours in the frig.........drain all the milk off.........then cover the livers in the same bowl with 2 more cups of milk and put in frig again for 2 more hours.......this sort of mellows the livers.  Drain again.

Melt 2 Tblsp of butter in a large skillet........med/low.......add your chopped green onions and thyme.  Cook stirring about 10 min.........now add the livers and increase heat to med........cook, turn once.......about 4 min.......you want the livers to still be a bit pink in the center. Remove the pan from the heat and add your brandy........return to heat, reduce the brandy by half.....just takes a second.  I have been trying to think of what you could use instead of the Calvados......not everyone has that on hand..........I think you could use a fruity red wine........possibly........I'll have to try it.  Remove your thyme sprigs and put all the rest in a food processor or blender.....with salt and pepper......blend til smooth.............NOW........add the rest of your 4 sticks of butter one Tblps at a time........slowly.........Can't you just taste how rich and buttery this is.........?  Now, you can take a mesh strainer and mash your pate' through the strainer with a rubber spatula.......til it comes our nice and smooth.......( I personally don't mind lumps) spoon your pate' into two 6 oz little glass bowls......or really you can put it in anything you like......it just looks pretty in glass bowls.  Serve with little toast triangles!  You will be amazed how good this is........Enjoy!

OLD,OLD RECIPE FOR OATMEAL CAKE.....FAST AND EASY!

Thinking about making a cake........looking through my recipes......came across this one.......it is so easy and fast........I used to make it for picnics........everyone loves it...........so moist!

Pour 1 1/2 cups of boiling water over 1 cup quick oats........let set 20 min.
Cream tog 1/2 cup soft butter and 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar
Add 2 eggs and beat well.
Add the oats and beat well again..........Now add:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp cinnamon
Mix all of this up real well and pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 min.
While cake is baking Make the topping.......this is why this is so fast and easy....
Cream tog 6 Tblsp soft butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar
Then add 1/4 cup canned milk, (see how old fashioned this recipe is......canned milk! I use cream. I am sure you could just use plain milk) 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup coconut.............
Let the cake cool about 10 min..........then pour the topping over and cool some more.......don't put topping on if cake is toooooo warm......will run everywhere.
Kids love this cake.......even if they think they don't like coconut.........They won't even know it is there.

BBQ PORK SANDWICHES (FOR KAYE)

Years ago........I made bbq pork sandwiches for Paul (Sammys stage manager) his wife Kaye, and Christophe and wife...Christophe was the food manager for the Flamingo in Veges. I had no idea who he was and that I was making bbq sandwiches for him!!  Paul and Kaye........two of my favorite people in the whole world have always been dear friends. Kaye remembers the sandwiches and asked for the recipe..........so here it is..........so easy........I feel guilty!

First roast a nice pork roast.  Any kind of roast will work except a tenderloin........it must have some fat......a nice round pork roast with some fat.  Put this in a heavy covered pot.......with NO water, NO anything but salt and pepper.  Bake at 350 for a couple hours depending on the size.......should be some browning on the bottom of the pan and the roast should flake off when jabbed with a fork.
Okay now.......remove from oven......if there is alot of grease......spoon off as much as you can.
Flake the roast all up into stringy pieces with a large fork and a knife.....it should flake easy.
Now when its all flaked.........dump in a bottle of your favorite bbq sauce.........I use Kraft Spicy Honey........its real cheap.........and I doctor it a bit.........salt, pepper, maybe a little hot sauce........just taste as you go along.......you may not even want to doctor it up.
Put on a burner on the stove on low.........lid on........just simmer for awhile and then put it on buttered and browned buns.........thats it!  Enjoy!

TIME FOR SOMETHING YUMMY......BANANA PUDDING

Bob isn't feeling real well and one of his favorites is banana pudding...........as is a favorite for all Southerners!  I had bananas but no vanilla wafers.  I ran to our two little country side stores and neither had vanilla wafers..........didn't want to drive all the way into town for vanilla wafers so decided to make my own!  Wow.......they turned out just like the vanilla wafers we buy in the box.  I was so proud........they are actually better........may never buy another box!

Vanilla Wafers:
Cream tog 1 cube of softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Mix well and then add 1 egg.  After mixing well add 1 Tblsp milk and 4 tsp vanilla.
Now add your dry ingredients..........1 2/3 cup flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder and 1/2 kosher salt
Mix all this up real good and put in frig for 10 min.
Shape into tsp size balls and put about 35 on a cookie sheet and 35 on another cookie sheet.  Take the heel of your hand and mash each one just a little........bake on two racks rotating the cookie sheets after 10 min.......then bake another 10 min....20 min altogether.....They are so cool.........
BANANA PUDDING
In about a 2 quart oven proof bowl........layer a layer of cookies with sliced bananas on top (about 1 1/2 bananas.......repeat this 3 times)
In a pan put 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 3 egg yolks (save the whites for meringue)
and a shot of salt.........whisk it all up and cook on med stirring all the time (if your stove runs a little hot........cook on med/low) til thick like pudding.............
Pour over the cookies and bananas.
In your mixer.......Mix the 3 egg whites til frothy........slowly add 1/4 cup sugar and beat til stiff peaks..........dollop this merinigue all over the pudding......seal up to the edges.......Bake 15 min at 325.........Cool on a rack.......can eat warm or after its cooled put in frig for awhile and serve cold........This is good old fashioned southern banana pudding............!

REAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

The new issue of Bon Appetit is full of Southern food recipes.  It seems that Southern Cooking has become the "In" thing.  Being married to an original southerner.......I have enjoyed southern cooking for quite some time.  Lots of grease..........almost everything is fried BUT these people live to be a ripe old age.......I find that remarkable...........I do lots of frying but moderate it with northern cooking also.  Now, the big thing I have discovered is........I've been doing my fried chicken all wrong.  I have always felt my fried chicken was really good but have found Bon Appetit is right.........it CAN get better.  I have always soaked my chicken in buttermilk overnight, no more............Now it is a dry rub, overnight..........so pay attention this will give you the BEST fried chicken you have ever eaten.

In a small bowl.....make your dry rub.........1 Tblsp Kosher salt, 2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder.  Cut up your chicken.........start with a smaller chicken, 3-4 lbs........rub the seasoning all over and put in frig for over night.

Next day......let chicken sit for about 1 hour to reach room temp.  Now whisk tog 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup water in a med bowl.  In another bowl whisk tog 3 cups flour, 1 Tblsp cornstarch, 1 Tbslp Kosher salt and 1 Tblsp black pepper.
Now heat about 3/4 inch of peanut oil in a cast iron skillet..........I used to deep fat fry mine in the deep fat fryer........no more.......cast iron works so much better. If you are using a thermometer, you want the oil to be about 350 degrees.
Now, another mistake I have been making....I've been  DOUBLE DIPPING.......Too much........doesn't let the true flavor of the skin come through.  Dip your chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture........fry about 5  pieces at a time.......turn with tongs about every minute or so..........Cook til skin is golden brown.......about 12 minutes......you can test with instant read thermometer. Should be about 165 degrees.
Place your cooked pieces on a rack over a cookie sheet......this keeps your chicken nice and crispy.
I can't even begin to tell you how good this is............my mouth is watering just talking about it.

THE VERY BEST FISH SAUCE I HAVE EVER MADE!

This will be short and sweet..........had a wonderful slab of fresh salmon a dear friend over nighted to us!!  Even tho its cold Bob threw it on the barbecue outside..........melted in our mouths. Thanks, Doug!  I love this sauce with salmon........or really any fish........I could eat it by the bowl full!

In a blender (I use my small little food processor) put 1 lrg clove of garlic, 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice, a little salt and pepper and blend..........slowly pour in, while blending, 1 stick of melted butter..........oh this is so good.

Of course when you have fresh salmon you must have blueberries for dessert.......made blueberry crepes.  Just cook blueberries with a little sugar, then add about 1 Tblsp cornstarch mixed with a little water and cook til blueberries are thickened. 
Make crepes.........just like a thin, thin pancake BUT NO sugar in the batter. Roll the blueberry filling up in the crepe, dot with butter..........serve with a dab of whip cream on top.........sooooooo good!

CHICKEN POT PIE...........MORE COMFORT FOOD

Well today I bought another 10 lb bag of bird seed!  I have Jode's bird feeder hanging on a limb out back and even tho we don't have snow..........the birds have spread the word that the restaurant at the Smalls is open!  We have so many beautiful birds around here and they are all hungry!

My good friend, Rebecca, reminded me of Chicken Pot pie the other day...........so another good comfort food recipe.  Not sure where this recipe came from but my favorite.

Start with about 2 cup of chicken broth (I make my own but if you buy it.........maybe a little more than a cup)   Add: about 1 1/2 cup chopped carrots, about 1 1/2 cups chopped potatoes and boil about 10 min.........just til soft.
In a skillet.........saute sliced mushrooms, and about 1 cup of chopped onions and about 1 cup chopped celery just til softened.  Stir in the broth, carrots and potatoes.  In a cup whisk about 1/2 cup water with about 1/3 cup flour........to make a thickener.........Whisk all of this together and cook til it is nice and thick. Now stir in about 2  1/2 cups of cooked chicken......AND 1 cup frozen peas........let set.
Put you bottom crust (if you are using store bought pie dough........which is fine) in about a 2 qt. baking dish........NOW.........sometimes the bottom crust can get soggy........if you lightly brush it with egg white.......that will help.
Dump all of the chicken mixture into the pie shell........cover with other crust that you have cut some holes in...........seal........brush with a little egg white mixed with a little water to give a nice golden crust............Bake at 425 degrees about 20 min.  So easy when you can buy the chickens already cooked at all the grocery stores now........a nice convenience we didn't used to have.

MARBLE CHOCOLATE LOAF CAKE

Just made this yesterday.........just a delightful cake!! And so easy and so impressive.........!

Oven 350 degrees.......butter and flour a regular loaf pan.

Place 4 eggs in your mixer and leave for a bit to reach room temp.
Now mix the eggs with 1 1/2 cups sugar, 6 Tblsp melted butter, 1/2 cup milk and a shot of vanilla.  Mix real well then add:
1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt.........Mix well.
Mean time melt 3 oz of chocolate.........the recipe I have said milk chocolate.........but I am so hung up on dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate now...........really don't even like milk chocolate anymore........way too sweet.  Anyway, melt the 3 oz and set aside to cool a bit. 

After the chocolate has cooled.  Take about a cup of the batter and dump your chocolate into it and stir good..........Now put enough of your  batter without the chocolate into the loaf pan to cover the bottom and then dollop the chocolate batter on top.about 3 nice dollops......DON'T stir.......just dollop and let it sit there......Now repeat this as many times as it takes to use up both batters........just don't stir......Bake exactly 1 hour and 10 min..........watch it after an hour........test with toothpick..........cool 10 min on a rack and then remove from pan.........just.wait til you slice it.........it is all marbled and looks so cool......and tastes as good as it looks!....makes a great slice of cake........no frosting necessary.

PORK CHOPS IN MUSHROOM GRAVY

I know that most of you probably already know how to cook this but like I said yesterday.......its always good to be reminded of dishes from the past.  This was a special when the kids were little.......as I could put it on way ahead and sort of forget about it.

You can use pork chops or you can use any cut of pork steaks......the cheapest will work fine as they simmer for a long time and become very tender.
Brown your pork in a large skillet.......remember that browning well gives you the brown stuff in the bottom of the skillet that gives your gravy the special good flavor.  Salt and pepper both sides as you turn.
After they are browned......add a bunch of sliced onions and sliced fresh mushrooms......stir those around for a bit and then turn down the heat to about med/low.........add a can of cream of mushroom soup and about 1/2 can of water.......stir and put the lid on to simmer for as long as you would like.  Just remember to check now and then......lift the pork off the bottom of the pan so the gravy runs underneath and add more water if you plan to leave for more time.......the longer they cook, the more tender the pork is........usually a couple hours. 
Now, all you have to do is boil a couple of potatoes for that wonderful gravy and put on a vegy. How about frozen peas........goes well.
Today I am making a chocolate/white swirl loaf cake........it smells so good........hope it tastes as good as it smells........will give you the recipe tomorrow.

MEAT LOAF, I KNOW, BUT IT IS A MEATLOAF DAY..........

I am sure I have given you this recipe before but its good to remind you of how good it is!! I always have tons of compliments on my meatloaf and we know there are hundreds of ways to prepare it..........I just think mine is the best way.........give it a try.

In a bowl mix 1 lb of hamburger with about 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper.  To this add 1 egg, salt, pepper and a shot of cayenne. Then add 1 lrg piece of white bread that you have gently torn into small pieces.  If you have a normal slice of bread, use 1 1/2 slices.  This makes a huge difference........when you use those dry bread crumbs.......it makes your meatloaf hard.......the bread tends to puff up and make the meatloaf lighter. Now mush all of that tog and form into a sort of fat oval.

This is one of the other differences........put this glob on a cookie sheet and smear the whole thing with olive oil..........oven 350 for 1 hour.  This gives you a crispy outer crust and soft moist inside.............SOOOOOO good with a baked potato.  ENJOY!

WILD RICE SOUP..............FROM MINNESOTA........HI, AMY

Back to soups.........this is such a special soup, you will want to serve it for a special occasion or for a late night indulgence by the fire.  I always think of my dear friend, Amy, when I make wild rice.  Wild rice, which of course isn't really rice, is one of my fondest foods........any way that it is fixed.

In a skillet with some melted butter, saute about 1/2 cup of chopped carrots, onions and celery.  When soft add about 4 cups of chicken broth and 3/4 cup wild rice..............bring to a boil and then to simmer for about 30 min.  Then add about 1 to 2 cups cooked chicken that you cubed up.  Simmer tog for about another 30 min.
Now make a paste with 2 Tblsp of butter and 2 Tblsp of flour.........mush it up real well and stir into the soup to thicken.  Now add about 2 cups of half and half...........boy is this rich!  Just heat through and season with salt and pepper............my mouth is watering........

PARMESAN CHICKEN

I know it is still National Soup month but my dear friend, Jean, and I were speaking yesterday about this Parmesan chicken.  I couldn't remember exactly how I made it so had to dig out the recipe.  If you like Parmesan cheese and you like chicken this recipe is for you!

Take about 3 chicken breasts, half them, and pat dry. In a bowl whisk tog about 3 Tblsp Dijon mustard, a shot of white wine, salt and pepper and add the chicken pieces.
In a shallow dish mix 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. If you don't have dried........just tear your white bread into tiny pieces. Drizzle the breadcrumb mixture with a bit of melted butter.
Heat oven to 450 degrees (I know that is hot...so watch it) Butter a cookie sheet.........take the breast from the marinade and roll around in the crumbs.........pat both sides and lay on the sheet.  Bake in oven for about 25 min.........watch it........if too hot........turn down to 400 degrees.  The Parmesan gives the chicken a nutty crunchy flavor.......you'll love it!

IT'S STILL NATIONAL SOUP MONTH....FRENCH ONION

Today Bob and I had roast chicken with dressing.  We've done those recipes before so still sticking with the soup recipes.  This is one of my favorites from way back........don't have a clue where the recipe came from but its the best.

Thinly slice 5 onions..........Saute them in about 3 Tblsp butter and 2 Tblsp olive oil (to keep the butter from burning)
Stir in a bit of salt and a smidgen of sugar (for color.......browns)
Cook over med heat til onions are golden.......stirring as you go.
Now blend in about 3 Tblsp of flour, continue to cook and stir.  In the meantime bring about 3 or4 cups of beef broth to a boil............I use the concentrated that comes in a little jar.......flavor is wonderful. Stir this into the onions. Now this is optional but if you have any vermouth......add about 1/2 cup OR you could use a dry white wine.  Bring this to a boil and then simmer.
When ready........ladle the soup into oven proof soup bowls.......Place a nice slice of french bread on top and sprinkle with a bunch of grated Gouda..........oh how I love Gouda!
Put on a cookie tray in the oven at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.........
What a treat on a real snowy evening........

SPLIT PEA SOUP.........SURPRISE IT IS GOOD!

Somewhere in my childhood........I must have eaten some really bad split pea soup.......consequently as an adult I always shied away from it.  A long time ago, Bob and I four/wheeled into a remote resort on the southern Baja This was so remote that if you didn't have a four/wheel drive vehicle.......the only way to get to the resort was to fly in........in a small plane.  Beautiful place.  When we arrived, we were so hungry and the only dish they were serving was split pea soup with french bread!  To this day my mouth waters remembering how wonderful that soup was!!  Since that time..........its always been a favorite.  That wonderful Mexican lady knew how to make soup!!

Saute some kind of sausage.......Kielbasa is always my favorite but any smoked sausage will do.........cut into 1/2" cubes.
To this add: 1 cubed potato and one large onion chopped. At this point you could add a chopped carrot.  Saute 5 minutes.
Mix in 1 1/4 cup rinsed split peas and 4 cups chicken broth.  Bring to a boil and then simmer on low covered for about an hour........may need to thin this down a bit with more water.
Now, of course you can eliminate the sausage and when this has all cooked down........puree this in the blender and make a velvet soft soup.........this is the way it was served to us.
I am a "chunky" person and like the vegetables and sausage served in the soup so you can see them!! LOL  This will be a favorite of yours too!

LENTIL/SAUSAGE STEW

Well, I just found out that this is National Soup Month!  Fits me perfectly. So, will give several more soup recipes to honor the month.  Not sure how many are into lentils but this recipe is so good on a cold day. 

Slice a Kielbasa sausage into slices about 2 inches thick and brown them in a little olive oil. Remove the slices to a bowl and set aside. Now add to the grease in the pan........1 chopped onion, 1 or 2 chopped carrots, 2 celery stalks chopped and about 6 or more cloves of garlic chopped.  Saute this lightly for about 5 minutes. Remember don't burn your garlic.
Now stir in about 3 cups of lentils that you have rinsed.......and 2 cups chicken stock and about 3 cups of water.  Add some fresh rosemary and a sprinkling of olive oil. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about an hour.  You may need to add more water. Then throw in your sausage and cook another 5 minutes or so......add a little more rosemary. 

This recipe can easily be cut in half.  I haven't actually made this whole recipe.  This is a little more stew than soup........as it is quite thick.........but I promise you will love it!  Don't you just love chabata bread?  Goes great with all these soups we are doing.

BEEF AND BARLEY SOUP

Today we had crispy fried chicken livers.........okay, okay, I know that not many of you are into chicken livers.........so won't go into detail..........but believe me.........they were delicious.  So easy.........melt about 1/2 cube of butter in a skillet and add a dose of olive oil (so butter won't burn)........dip the livers in flour and brown crispy in the butter.........

Tomorrow will be beef and barley soup.........great recipe and who doesn't like barley?

In a big pot.......brown about a pound of some kind of beef cut into cubes.  You could use a cheap roast, London broil, cheap steak........any kind of beef will work cause you will simmer it and it will become tender.
Remove the beef cubes from the pan.........should be some greasy leavings behind. May need to add a Tblsp of oil........
Now add 1 onion chopped, 1 carrot chopped, and some fresh mushrooms.......simmer and stir about 15 min......til all is soft. Sprinkle with salt.
Now throw in some minced garlic (about 3 or 4 cloves) and 2 Tblsp of tomato paste......stir.
Remove this from the burner and add 3/4 cup red wine.......return to heat and stir and cook til a boil........cook for just a minute or so.
Now dump in your beef cubes and about 4 cups of chicken stock and a couple cups of water. Yes, I did say chicken stock Not beef stock.......chicken gives a milder more savory flavor.
Bring to a boil and then turn to simmer and simmer covered for about an hour.
NOW add 3/4 cup barley and cook covered for about 20 minutes........Take the lid off and cook another 20 minutes or so.
A lesson I learned years ago...........a little barley goes a LONG way.......I didn't think it looked like enough when I added barley and I found it quadruples in size and I had a huge glob of barley!!! 
Serve with some soft warm bread........some like a little horseradish with this..........so good!

MISTYS WHITE BEAN SOUP FROM PUERTO RICO

Okay........I have to learn about this blog........this has happened to me about 3 times..........I get the whole blog typed out and hit a strange key and loose the WHOLE thing!! SOOOOO, we'll try it again!!  This makes me very angry...................sigh

Not sure about your weather but ours is absolutely delightful........72 degrees today!! It's like spring.  I love soup in the winter when its cold but then I got to thinking, actually I love soup year round.  I just really love soup and must have a jillion soup recipes.  A few years ago Misty and Eric were in Puerto Rico.  They had dinner at the restaurant Marmalade in Old San Juan and it was so delicious that they went back twice.  They had the White Bean Soup and just loved it so much Misty finally asked the Chef for the recipe and he gave it to her..........Its wonderful!

Instead of using dry navy beans........I have substituted a can of Cannelli beans.  I have cut the main recipe down to fit 2 or 3 people.

Cook 2 slices fo bacon til really crispy.  Remove the bacon, when cool, chop up and set aside.
In the grease fry 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1/2 cup chopped celery on med/high.  When the onions are soft and translucent add the can of Canneli beans, drained, a little fresh thyme, 2 cloves of garlic smashed, 2 Tblsp butter, 1/4 cup cream and 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.  Bring this all to a boil and simmer for about 30 min or more.  Remove from heat and let cool about 30 min and then dump all in the blender and blend til smooth.............salt, pepper and garnish with your chopped bacon and chopped scallions AND TRUFFLE OIL!  Now, I can't buy truffle oil here........but even if I could......its terribly expensive.  BUT if you have some.....just drizzle on top.  I will say.......its delicious without it. 
Now, I have made this twice and made it two ways.........one where I blended it all til smooth and the second time I didn't blend it but left it chunky.  It was wonderful both ways..........serve with a nice buttery crusty bread.

RED EYED GRAVY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone had a great new years celebration and good dinner yesterday!  Did anyone gain a couple pounds through the holidays?  I did...........sorry to say..........too much homemade candy........I ate the chocolate salted camels by the hands full!!  Soooooo must work on eating salads and light food........LOL........thats a joke.......never will happen.  So I heard from several of you wondering what red eye gravy is..........didn't realize it was not in everyones recipes!

When you baked your ham.........Always bone-in, always fat side up, always open pan, always at 325 degrees.  When done...........never over cook........will be dry.  About 25 min per pound.  Anyway, when your ham is done and you take it out of your pan.........in the bottom is all of this red and black/brown gue..........This is delightful.........REAL red eye gravy is just this guie stuff mixed with a little hot water and whisked.........it is totally runny like water.........I like to put my gravy on my potatoes and/or corn bread......so I thicken it. 
You have the gue in the pan........sprinkle with a little flour.......whisk up the goodies.......add hot water and continue to whisk over med/high heat........til just a little thick.........you can not even imagine how good this is........be sure to do this next time you bake a ham. 
Did you enjoy the black eyed peas?  Black eyed peas and red eyed gravy........a good southern dinner.