Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with drinks (since it can get boring drinking the same-old-same-old). Today's offerings include Cafe de Olla, Chocolate-Espresso Smoothie, and Watermelon Punch. Enjoy!
SPICY HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Melissa Clark on The New York Times cooking website. Melissa wrote, "Gently seasoned with a touch of chile powder, cinnamon and vanilla, this fragrant hot chocolate recipe is not too sweet and very complex. Using both cocoa powder and chocolate gives the roundest, deepest chocolate flavor while a mix of whole milk and cream makes it wonderfully rich and thick."
Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "Hot Chocolate With a Kick", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016035-spicy-hot-chocolate.
Note: One person wrote that she was considering adding a pinch of chipotle for smoky heat; another used cayenne in place of ancho chile powder, half-and-half for the heavy cream, and ground cinnamon in place of the cinnamon stick. These sound like wonderful options, should you decide to experiment.
Ingredients
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
3/8 teaspoon ancho chile powder, or to taste
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallows or whipped cream, optional
Preparation
In a medium pot, whisk together chocolate, cocoa, sugar and chile. Place pan over medium-low heat and whisk until chocolate begins to melt. Slowly whisk in milk, then cream. Drop in cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer.
Remove pot from heat. Cover pot tightly and steep 1 hour. Whisk in vanilla and taste for sweetness, adding more sugar if you like. Warm over low heat before straining and serving hot, with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.
CREAMY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This came from Genevieve Ko at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Genevieve wrote, "For a vegan hot chocolate that rivals even the creamiest dairy-laden variety, add a few tablespoons of nut butter like almond, sunflower or peanut to the nondairy milk, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisking is also essential here; nondairy products tend to contain stabilizers that keep them emulsified, so they can separate when boiled. If you keep whisking the mix as it heats and remove it from the stove when it’s nice and steaming, but before it boils, you’ll end up with perfectly smooth hot chocolate. Don’t worry if it breaks: You can simply blend it with a whisk or immersion blender over low heat to bring it back together."
Yield: 2 cups; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019960-creamy-vegan-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 ounces)
3 tablespoons vegan unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons creamy nut or seed butter, such as almond, sunflower or peanut
Pinch of kosher salt
1-1/2 to 2 cups unsweetened nut or grain milk, such as macadamia, walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, oat or rice milk
1 to 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
Preparation
Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, nut butter, salt and 1/2 cup nut or grain milk in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, about 1-1/2 minutes.
Whisk in 1 cup nut or grain milk in a slow, steady stream, and continue whisking until cocoa is steaming, about 1-1/2 minutes. Don’t let it come to a boil or the cocoa will separate.
Taste a spoonful. (Be careful: It’s hot.) If you prefer a thinner hot cocoa, add up to 1/2 cup additional milk. If you prefer it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar at a time, tasting after each addition. Divide among cups and serve hot.
SLOW-COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
This comes from The Food Network, and starts off, “Made and served in the same pot, our slow-cooker cocoa is thickened and enriched with dark chocolate. Set up an add-ons bar beside the cooker (mini marshmallows, crushed candies and peppermint schnapps take cocoa to a whole new holiday level), then stick a ladle in the pot and let guests help themselves.” The recipe's last ingredient is peppermint schnapps, which is optional. I don't use it, and, if this is being served to children and/or people who normally don't drink – or if you're not sure – don't use it. I find that it really doesn't need it. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 5 min; Cook: 2 hr; Yield: 14 cups; Level: Easy
To read more, go to: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
12 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
24 peppermint candies, crushed (about 1 cup), for serving
3 cups mini marshmallows, for serving
2 cups peppermint schnapps, optional, for serving
Directions
Whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder in a 6-quart slow cooker. Turn the cooker to high, and slowly whisk in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Add the vanilla and salt, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. The sugar and cocoa powder should be completely dissolved.
Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until it is all incorporated. Replace the lid, and cook until thickened, 30 minutes more.
Turn the cooker to warm, and serve with small bowls of the peppermint candies and mini marshmallows and a small pitcher of schnapps, if using. For minty cocoa, let a few teaspoons of the peppermints melt in an 8-ounce cup or add 2 tablespoons of schnapps.
CHOCOLATE-ESPRESSO SMOOTHIE
This is from the February 2007 issue of Runner’s World.
Ingredients
8 ounces chocolate yogurt, such as Brown Cow “Cream Top”
1 large banana (browned & frozen)*
2 shots espresso, chilled
2 C ice (about 14 ice cubes)
1 dozen chocolate-covered espresso beans
Directions
Place half of the yogurt plus all the remaining ingredients in blender & puree until smooth. Add remaining yogurt & pulse until smooth. (If you add full container of yogurt at beginning, mixture is too thick to blend easily.)
For a thicker smoothie, blend in up to a cup more ice. Serves two.
Note: Any ripe banana will work, but a browned & frozen banana lends better flavor & texture.
With Brown Cow: calories: 230; fat: 7 g; carbs: 39 g; protein: 7 g.
CAFE DE OLLA
The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
4 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)
2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional
Directions
Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.
Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free
WATERMELON PUNCH
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
Ingredients
1 watermelon
1 T honey
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
2 liter bottle ginger ale
Directions
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
Showing posts with label Watermelon Punch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Watermelon Punch. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Sunday Recipes
I know, I know...I usually don't post on weekends. But I figured that since the 4th of July is this week (on Wednesday), I'd post a few more recipes to take to any gathering you might be going to. (Of course, you can fix these recipes any time!)
Today's offerings include a Barbecue Sauce recipe (because you can never have too many recipes for barbecue sauce!), Blueberry Pie, and Watermelon Punch. Enjoy!
HERBED BEEF KABOBS
This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, and begins, “Grilling marinated beef cubes over medium heat results in these tender evenly cooked morsels we all love.” Marinate: 1 hour; Grill: 20 minutes; Serves: 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 envelope (1 ounce) dry onion recipe soup & dip mix
1 cup Swanson® Beef Broth or Swanson® 50% Less Sodium Beef Broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or small clove garlic, minced
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak or boneless beef top round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium green peppers or red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
Instructions
Stir the soup mix, broth, oil, thyme, black pepper and garlic powder in a shallow nonmetallic dish or gallon size resealable plastic bag. Add the beef and stir to coat. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Remove the beef from the marinade. Thread the beef and peppers alternately onto 4 skewers.
Lightly oil the grill rack and heat the grill to medium. Grill the kabobs for 20 minutes for medium or to desired doneness, turning and brushing often with the marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
BLUEBERRY PIE
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Perfection is a fool’s mission when it comes to blueberry pie. Sometimes the filling is a little runny. Other times, slightly thick, depending on the blueberries themselves. But this recipe helps even the odds, with the use of arrowroot starch in place of the more typical flour or cornstarch, and an awesome pre-thickening technique picked up from the pastry chef Kierin Baldwin. You could use a different pie crust, but I like the all-butter version below, at least with a pre-baked bottom and an artfully cut top that allows steam to escape.” Yield: Serves 8; Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Perfect Imperfections of Blueberry Pie” and can also be viewed online here. Not sure how to make a pie crust? Check out “How to Make a Pie Crust” by Melissa Clark.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 1/ 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
8-10 tablespoons or 120 to 150 grams of ice water
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
For the Filling:
8 cups blueberries, picked over and washed
1/2 cup raw sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation
To make the crust, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Add the butter, and either use your fingers to rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal or pulse the processor a few times to achieve a similar result. Gradually and lightly mix in ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather into a ball. Divide the ball into two equal portions, and flatten each into a disc with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
Prebake the pie shell. Heat oven to 375. Roll out one of the discs of dough on a lightly floured surface, and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough so that there is a slight overhang at the top of the pie plate, then place the shell in the freezer for 20 minutes or so to chill. Remove the pie shell from the freezer, cover the dough with parchment paper and fill the shell with pie weights or dried beans. Place the shell into the oven, and bake until the bottom has just started to brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Take the pie shell out of the oven, remove the parchment and pie weights and allow to cool.
Make the filling.Separate 1 cup of the blueberries, and combine them in the bowl of a food processor or blender with the sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the arrowroot flour or cornstarch and the salt, then pulse to purée. Put the blueberry mixture into a small pot set over medium-high heat, and cook, whisking constantly, until the liquid has just thickened, approximately 1 minute. Pour the thickened mixture over the remaining blueberries, and stir to combine.
Bake the pie. Heat oven to 400. Mound the filling high in the center of the cooled pie shell, and apply the egg wash to the top edge of the cooked bottom crust. Roll out the second disc of dough, and place it over the top, gently crimping it onto the egg-washed edge of the bottom crust. Place the pie into the freezer to set, approximately 20 minutes, then cut vents into the top with a sharp knife, place the pie on a baking sheet and set it into the oven to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Then turn the pie, reduce heat to 350 and bake until the pie is golden and the filling has begun to bubble up through the vents, another 25 to 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool to room temperature before you cut into it.
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
Ingredients
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE
This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.
BARBECUE SAUCE
This comes from a long-since-forgotten-email-list.
1/2 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
In 1 1/2-quart saucepan combine Karo corn syrup, onion, ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Stirring frequently, bring to boil. Reduce heat; boil gently 15 minutes or until thickened. Brush on chicken, ribs or beef, turning frequently, during last 15 to 20 minutes of grilling. Heat remaining sauce to serve with meat.
ITALIAN BEEF STUFFED SHELLS MARINARA
Makes 4 servings
View online with photo and print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1304.shtml
Ingredients
12 ounces cooked beef pot roast or brisket
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 ounces)
Filling:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
Salt and pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
Prepare pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Shred beef pot roast with two forks.
Meanwhile, combine pot roast, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and garlic in large bowl.
Fill shells evenly with beef mixture. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on bottom of 11 X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange shells in dish; top with remaining sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in 375F oven 20 minutes or until heated through.
Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake, uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and sauce is bubbly.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 364; Protein: 40 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 119 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
Today's offerings include a Barbecue Sauce recipe (because you can never have too many recipes for barbecue sauce!), Blueberry Pie, and Watermelon Punch. Enjoy!
HERBED BEEF KABOBS
This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, and begins, “Grilling marinated beef cubes over medium heat results in these tender evenly cooked morsels we all love.” Marinate: 1 hour; Grill: 20 minutes; Serves: 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 envelope (1 ounce) dry onion recipe soup & dip mix
1 cup Swanson® Beef Broth or Swanson® 50% Less Sodium Beef Broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or small clove garlic, minced
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak or boneless beef top round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium green peppers or red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
Instructions
Stir the soup mix, broth, oil, thyme, black pepper and garlic powder in a shallow nonmetallic dish or gallon size resealable plastic bag. Add the beef and stir to coat. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Remove the beef from the marinade. Thread the beef and peppers alternately onto 4 skewers.
Lightly oil the grill rack and heat the grill to medium. Grill the kabobs for 20 minutes for medium or to desired doneness, turning and brushing often with the marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
BLUEBERRY PIE
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Perfection is a fool’s mission when it comes to blueberry pie. Sometimes the filling is a little runny. Other times, slightly thick, depending on the blueberries themselves. But this recipe helps even the odds, with the use of arrowroot starch in place of the more typical flour or cornstarch, and an awesome pre-thickening technique picked up from the pastry chef Kierin Baldwin. You could use a different pie crust, but I like the all-butter version below, at least with a pre-baked bottom and an artfully cut top that allows steam to escape.” Yield: Serves 8; Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Perfect Imperfections of Blueberry Pie” and can also be viewed online here. Not sure how to make a pie crust? Check out “How to Make a Pie Crust” by Melissa Clark.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 1/ 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
8-10 tablespoons or 120 to 150 grams of ice water
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
For the Filling:
8 cups blueberries, picked over and washed
1/2 cup raw sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation
To make the crust, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Add the butter, and either use your fingers to rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal or pulse the processor a few times to achieve a similar result. Gradually and lightly mix in ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather into a ball. Divide the ball into two equal portions, and flatten each into a disc with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
Prebake the pie shell. Heat oven to 375. Roll out one of the discs of dough on a lightly floured surface, and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough so that there is a slight overhang at the top of the pie plate, then place the shell in the freezer for 20 minutes or so to chill. Remove the pie shell from the freezer, cover the dough with parchment paper and fill the shell with pie weights or dried beans. Place the shell into the oven, and bake until the bottom has just started to brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Take the pie shell out of the oven, remove the parchment and pie weights and allow to cool.
Make the filling.Separate 1 cup of the blueberries, and combine them in the bowl of a food processor or blender with the sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the arrowroot flour or cornstarch and the salt, then pulse to purée. Put the blueberry mixture into a small pot set over medium-high heat, and cook, whisking constantly, until the liquid has just thickened, approximately 1 minute. Pour the thickened mixture over the remaining blueberries, and stir to combine.
Bake the pie. Heat oven to 400. Mound the filling high in the center of the cooled pie shell, and apply the egg wash to the top edge of the cooked bottom crust. Roll out the second disc of dough, and place it over the top, gently crimping it onto the egg-washed edge of the bottom crust. Place the pie into the freezer to set, approximately 20 minutes, then cut vents into the top with a sharp knife, place the pie on a baking sheet and set it into the oven to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Then turn the pie, reduce heat to 350 and bake until the pie is golden and the filling has begun to bubble up through the vents, another 25 to 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool to room temperature before you cut into it.
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
Ingredients
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE
This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.
BARBECUE SAUCE
This comes from a long-since-forgotten-email-list.
1/2 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
In 1 1/2-quart saucepan combine Karo corn syrup, onion, ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Stirring frequently, bring to boil. Reduce heat; boil gently 15 minutes or until thickened. Brush on chicken, ribs or beef, turning frequently, during last 15 to 20 minutes of grilling. Heat remaining sauce to serve with meat.
ITALIAN BEEF STUFFED SHELLS MARINARA
Makes 4 servings
View online with photo and print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1304.shtml
Ingredients
12 ounces cooked beef pot roast or brisket
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 ounces)
Filling:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
Salt and pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
Prepare pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Shred beef pot roast with two forks.
Meanwhile, combine pot roast, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and garlic in large bowl.
Fill shells evenly with beef mixture. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on bottom of 11 X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange shells in dish; top with remaining sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in 375F oven 20 minutes or until heated through.
Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake, uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and sauce is bubbly.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 364; Protein: 40 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 119 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
Monday, August 14, 2017
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese and Watermelon Punch. Enjoy!
BAKED CHICKEN
This comes from Danilo Alfaro, About.com's Culinary Arts expert. He writes, “Baked chicken is different from roasted chicken in two ways. First, baked chicken is prepared with chicken parts (i.e., individual drumsticks, thighs, breasts and wings) whereas roasted chicken is cooked whole. Second, baked chicken is dredged in seasoned flour before cooking, which we don't do when roasting a whole bird.
”Your best bet is to buy a chicken already cut up, or pick out a whole bird and have your butcher cut it up for you. If you do this, be sure to take home the back, which hasn't got much meat on it but is great for making chicken broth.
”But if you're interested in doing it yourself, here's a quick video that shows you how to cut up a whole chicken.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1 tsp Kosher salt
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the flour, salt, pepper and other seasonings in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Working one piece at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it in the melted butter and then transfer to a baking dish skin-side-up.
Bake for about an hour or until the juices run clear and the chicken is nicely browned and cooked all the way through.
MARINATED GREEN BEANS
Yield: 1 serving (1/2 cup)
Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/1.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/791.shtml
Ingredients
3-1/2 cups (3/4 pound) fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
2 tablespoons chopped chives or thinly sliced green onion tops
2 tablespoons fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth or bouillon
1 tablespoon catsup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
2-3 drops hot pepper sauce
Directions
In a large saucepan, cook the beans in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well in a colander.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chives, broth, catsup, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt (if desired), and hot pepper sauce. Stir to mix well. Add the cooked beans, and stir to coat the beans with marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Stir before serving. Leftover beans will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 47 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
Ingredients
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com. I'm not sure of its origins; I do remember getting it from my mom; not sure where she got the recipe from
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SLOPPY JOE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “This great tasting family casserole is a meal in one dish. The "sloppy" part of this macaroni and cheese recipe is the tasty sloppy Joe layer. A ground beef layer is followed with a homemade macaroni and cheese layer, topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. If your family likes sloppy Joes and macaroni and cheese, this casserole will be a hit!” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/hamburgcasseroles/r/Sloppy-Mac-and-Cheese.htm.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, 85% to 90%
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or a combination of shredded Cheddar and American cheese
salt, to taste
Bread Crumb Topping
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are lightly browned. Pour off excess grease.
In a small bowl or cup, combine the garlic powder, prepared mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Stir into the ground beef mixture. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
Cook the macaroni following package directions.
Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the dry mustard and fresh ground black pepper. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in the cheese and add salt, to taste.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce.
Spoon the ground beef mixture into a lightly greased 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, mixing well to coat all of the crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and cheese layer.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until hot and the topping is lightly browned.
BEST APPLE CRISP
This also comes from Diana Rattray, who writes, “This apple crisp is my favorite, with its buttery, crumbly oatmeal and brown sugar topping. I used a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples in the apple crisp, but any good baking or cooking apples will work well.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/Apple-Crisp-Recipes/r/Best-Apple-Crisp.htm.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats
8 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 to 3 pounds baking apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, about 5 to 6 large apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or 6 to 8 1- to 2-cup baking dishes.
In a mixing bowl or food processor bowl combine the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, and butter.
Work the butter in with your hands, if using a mixing bowl, or pulse with the blade attachment of the food processor until the mixture is clumping together. Add the oats and mix or pulse to blend thoroughly. Set aside.
Peel and core the apples, then cut into wedges. Slice the wedges thinly. I like to chop a few of the apples in 1/2 inch pieces to give the filling a varied texture. Put them in a bowl with the lemon juice and toss periodically to keep the apples from becoming brown. Add the cinnamon and 1/3 cup brown sugar to the apple and lemon juice mixture.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish(es). Top the apple mixture evenly with the crumb mixture.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
BAKED CHICKEN
This comes from Danilo Alfaro, About.com's Culinary Arts expert. He writes, “Baked chicken is different from roasted chicken in two ways. First, baked chicken is prepared with chicken parts (i.e., individual drumsticks, thighs, breasts and wings) whereas roasted chicken is cooked whole. Second, baked chicken is dredged in seasoned flour before cooking, which we don't do when roasting a whole bird.
”Your best bet is to buy a chicken already cut up, or pick out a whole bird and have your butcher cut it up for you. If you do this, be sure to take home the back, which hasn't got much meat on it but is great for making chicken broth.
”But if you're interested in doing it yourself, here's a quick video that shows you how to cut up a whole chicken.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1 tsp Kosher salt
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the flour, salt, pepper and other seasonings in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Working one piece at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it in the melted butter and then transfer to a baking dish skin-side-up.
Bake for about an hour or until the juices run clear and the chicken is nicely browned and cooked all the way through.
MARINATED GREEN BEANS
Yield: 1 serving (1/2 cup)
Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/1.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/791.shtml
Ingredients
3-1/2 cups (3/4 pound) fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
2 tablespoons chopped chives or thinly sliced green onion tops
2 tablespoons fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth or bouillon
1 tablespoon catsup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
2-3 drops hot pepper sauce
Directions
In a large saucepan, cook the beans in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well in a colander.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chives, broth, catsup, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt (if desired), and hot pepper sauce. Stir to mix well. Add the cooked beans, and stir to coat the beans with marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Stir before serving. Leftover beans will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 47 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
Ingredients
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com. I'm not sure of its origins; I do remember getting it from my mom; not sure where she got the recipe from
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SLOPPY JOE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “This great tasting family casserole is a meal in one dish. The "sloppy" part of this macaroni and cheese recipe is the tasty sloppy Joe layer. A ground beef layer is followed with a homemade macaroni and cheese layer, topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. If your family likes sloppy Joes and macaroni and cheese, this casserole will be a hit!” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/hamburgcasseroles/r/Sloppy-Mac-and-Cheese.htm.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, 85% to 90%
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or a combination of shredded Cheddar and American cheese
salt, to taste
Bread Crumb Topping
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are lightly browned. Pour off excess grease.
In a small bowl or cup, combine the garlic powder, prepared mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Stir into the ground beef mixture. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
Cook the macaroni following package directions.
Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the dry mustard and fresh ground black pepper. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in the cheese and add salt, to taste.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce.
Spoon the ground beef mixture into a lightly greased 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, mixing well to coat all of the crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and cheese layer.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until hot and the topping is lightly browned.
BEST APPLE CRISP
This also comes from Diana Rattray, who writes, “This apple crisp is my favorite, with its buttery, crumbly oatmeal and brown sugar topping. I used a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples in the apple crisp, but any good baking or cooking apples will work well.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/Apple-Crisp-Recipes/r/Best-Apple-Crisp.htm.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats
8 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 to 3 pounds baking apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, about 5 to 6 large apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or 6 to 8 1- to 2-cup baking dishes.
In a mixing bowl or food processor bowl combine the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, and butter.
Work the butter in with your hands, if using a mixing bowl, or pulse with the blade attachment of the food processor until the mixture is clumping together. Add the oats and mix or pulse to blend thoroughly. Set aside.
Peel and core the apples, then cut into wedges. Slice the wedges thinly. I like to chop a few of the apples in 1/2 inch pieces to give the filling a varied texture. Put them in a bowl with the lemon juice and toss periodically to keep the apples from becoming brown. Add the cinnamon and 1/3 cup brown sugar to the apple and lemon juice mixture.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish(es). Top the apple mixture evenly with the crumb mixture.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Tuesday Recipes
A couple of punch recipes, a dessert, and more. Enjoy!
BAKED CHICKEN
This comes from Danilo Alfaro, About.com's Culinary Arts expert. He writes, “Baked chicken is different from roasted chicken in two ways. First, baked chicken is prepared with chicken parts (i.e., individual drumsticks, thighs, breasts and wings) whereas roasted chicken is cooked whole. Second, baked chicken is dredged in seasoned flour before cooking, which we don't do when roasting a whole bird.
”Your best bet is to buy a chicken already cut up, or pick out a whole bird and have your butcher cut it up for you. If you do this, be sure to take home the back, which hasn't got much meat on it but is great for making chicken broth.
”But if you're interested in doing it yourself, here's a quick video that shows you how to cut up a whole chicken.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1 tsp Kosher salt
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the flour, salt, pepper and other seasonings in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Working one piece at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it in the melted butter and then transfer to a baking dish skin-side-up.
Bake for about an hour or until the juices run clear and the chicken is nicely browned and cooked all the way through.
MARINATED GREEN BEANS
Yield: 1 serving (1/2 cup)
Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/1.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/791.shtml
Ingredients
3-1/2 cups (3/4 pound) fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
2 tablespoons chopped chives or thinly sliced green onion tops
2 tablespoons fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth or bouillon
1 tablespoon catsup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
2-3 drops hot pepper sauce
Directions
In a large saucepan, cook the beans in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well in a colander.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chives, broth, catsup, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt (if desired), and hot pepper sauce. Stir to mix well. Add the cooked beans, and stir to coat the beans with marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Stir before serving. Leftover beans will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 47 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com. I'm not sure of its origins; I do remember getting it from my mom; not sure where she got the recipe from
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SLOPPY JOE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “This great tasting family casserole is a meal in one dish. The "sloppy" part of this macaroni and cheese recipe is the tasty sloppy Joe layer. A ground beef layer is followed with a homemade macaroni and cheese layer, topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. If your family likes sloppy Joes and macaroni and cheese, this casserole will be a hit!” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/hamburgcasseroles/r/Sloppy-Mac-and-Cheese.htm.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, 85% to 90%
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or a combination of shredded Cheddar and American cheese
salt, to taste
Bread Crumb Topping
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are lightly browned. Pour off excess grease.
In a small bowl or cup, combine the garlic powder, prepared mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Stir into the ground beef mixture. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
Cook the macaroni following package directions.
Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the dry mustard and fresh ground black pepper. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in the cheese and add salt, to taste.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce.
Spoon the ground beef mixture into a lightly greased 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, mixing well to coat all of the crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and cheese layer.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until hot and the topping is lightly browned.
BEST APPLE CRISP
This also comes from Diana Rattray, who writes, “This apple crisp is my favorite, with its buttery, crumbly oatmeal and brown sugar topping. I used a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples in the apple crisp, but any good baking or cooking apples will work well.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/Apple-Crisp-Recipes/r/Best-Apple-Crisp.htm.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats
8 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 to 3 pounds baking apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, about 5 to 6 large apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or 6 to 8 1- to 2-cup baking dishes.
In a mixing bowl or food processor bowl combine the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, and butter.
Work the butter in with your hands, if using a mixing bowl, or pulse with the blade attachment of the food processor until the mixture is clumping together. Add the oats and mix or pulse to blend thoroughly. Set aside.
Peel and core the apples, then cut into wedges. Slice the wedges thinly. I like to chop a few of the apples in 1/2 inch pieces to give the filling a varied texture. Put them in a bowl with the lemon juice and toss periodically to keep the apples from becoming brown. Add the cinnamon and 1/3 cup brown sugar to the apple and lemon juice mixture.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish(es). Top the apple mixture evenly with the crumb mixture.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
BAKED CHICKEN
This comes from Danilo Alfaro, About.com's Culinary Arts expert. He writes, “Baked chicken is different from roasted chicken in two ways. First, baked chicken is prepared with chicken parts (i.e., individual drumsticks, thighs, breasts and wings) whereas roasted chicken is cooked whole. Second, baked chicken is dredged in seasoned flour before cooking, which we don't do when roasting a whole bird.
”Your best bet is to buy a chicken already cut up, or pick out a whole bird and have your butcher cut it up for you. If you do this, be sure to take home the back, which hasn't got much meat on it but is great for making chicken broth.
”But if you're interested in doing it yourself, here's a quick video that shows you how to cut up a whole chicken.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1 tsp Kosher salt
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the flour, salt, pepper and other seasonings in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Working one piece at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it in the melted butter and then transfer to a baking dish skin-side-up.
Bake for about an hour or until the juices run clear and the chicken is nicely browned and cooked all the way through.
MARINATED GREEN BEANS
Yield: 1 serving (1/2 cup)
Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/1.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/791.shtml
Ingredients
3-1/2 cups (3/4 pound) fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
2 tablespoons chopped chives or thinly sliced green onion tops
2 tablespoons fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth or bouillon
1 tablespoon catsup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
2-3 drops hot pepper sauce
Directions
In a large saucepan, cook the beans in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well in a colander.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chives, broth, catsup, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt (if desired), and hot pepper sauce. Stir to mix well. Add the cooked beans, and stir to coat the beans with marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Stir before serving. Leftover beans will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 47 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
WATERMELON PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com. I'm not sure of its origins; I do remember getting it from my mom; not sure where she got the recipe from
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SLOPPY JOE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “This great tasting family casserole is a meal in one dish. The "sloppy" part of this macaroni and cheese recipe is the tasty sloppy Joe layer. A ground beef layer is followed with a homemade macaroni and cheese layer, topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. If your family likes sloppy Joes and macaroni and cheese, this casserole will be a hit!” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/hamburgcasseroles/r/Sloppy-Mac-and-Cheese.htm.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, 85% to 90%
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or a combination of shredded Cheddar and American cheese
salt, to taste
Bread Crumb Topping
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are lightly browned. Pour off excess grease.
In a small bowl or cup, combine the garlic powder, prepared mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Stir into the ground beef mixture. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
Cook the macaroni following package directions.
Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the dry mustard and fresh ground black pepper. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in the cheese and add salt, to taste.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce.
Spoon the ground beef mixture into a lightly greased 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, mixing well to coat all of the crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and cheese layer.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until hot and the topping is lightly browned.
BEST APPLE CRISP
This also comes from Diana Rattray, who writes, “This apple crisp is my favorite, with its buttery, crumbly oatmeal and brown sugar topping. I used a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples in the apple crisp, but any good baking or cooking apples will work well.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to http://southernfood.about.com/od/Apple-Crisp-Recipes/r/Best-Apple-Crisp.htm.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats
8 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 to 3 pounds baking apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, about 5 to 6 large apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or 6 to 8 1- to 2-cup baking dishes.
In a mixing bowl or food processor bowl combine the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, and butter.
Work the butter in with your hands, if using a mixing bowl, or pulse with the blade attachment of the food processor until the mixture is clumping together. Add the oats and mix or pulse to blend thoroughly. Set aside.
Peel and core the apples, then cut into wedges. Slice the wedges thinly. I like to chop a few of the apples in 1/2 inch pieces to give the filling a varied texture. Put them in a bowl with the lemon juice and toss periodically to keep the apples from becoming brown. Add the cinnamon and 1/3 cup brown sugar to the apple and lemon juice mixture.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish(es). Top the apple mixture evenly with the crumb mixture.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Off The Wall Cooking, and Zelda's Clam Chowder
Most of us have recipes that we've picked up along the way from friends, relatives, acquaintances, etc. Today's post has several such recipes, along with a short blurb about the recipe and/or the person I got it from.
ZELDA'S (AND SHELLA'S) CLAM CHOWDER
I'd "met" Shella on a feminist bulletin board that has long since closed. She and her other half, Zelda, on a bulletin board that they then put together that also has long since closed. This was one of the recipes they shared.
Zelda wrote, "I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and altered it slightly." She also added at the end of the recipe, "This tastes really good with toasted sourdough bread! Yum!"
Also, since I lean towards vegetarianism, I'd probably forgo the clams and just make this into a potato soup.
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons dried thyme
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams, drained with juice reserved
1 quart half-and-half cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 8 minutes or until tender. Add dried thyme and sauté another two minutes. Let cool about ten minutes and then blend with enough water to make a smooth paste.
In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery (I like a lot of celery so I usually add more), salt, pepper, onion mixture, and juice from clams. Augment with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
With the flour and the rest of the butter you will make a roux. This will do away with the raw flour taste and help to thicken the chowder. To make the roux, melt the butter in a skillet (I prefer cast iron), add the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes on a medium to high heat, stirring constantly. The color of the roux will be a light cream color when it is finished. Set aside.
Stir the half-and-half into the pot. Whisk roux into the chowder. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in clams and adjust seasonings. Cook another 5 minutes or until the clams are heated though.
WATERMELON PUNCH
This recipe, as well as the rest of the ones here, are in an e-book I've got for sale at Amazon.com. The book is titled Off The Wall Cooking and can be found here.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
ROSE HIP MARMALADE
This recipe is from friends of the family, an Episcopal priest and his wife. Both were involved in the civil rights movement. He past away several years ago, but I still remember them fondly.
3 lbs. Rose hips
6 C sugar
1 large lemon
4 C boiling water
2 large oranges
Remove stem & flower area ends from rose hips. Cut each berry in half. Cover with boiling water; simmer for 30 minutes. Rub through sieve or food mill. Add to pulp juice of lemon & oranges, coarsely ground-up rind of oranges, & sugar. Boil about 20 min-utes. Pour into jelly glasses. When cool, cover with paraffin.
YUMMY FRUIT SALAD
My mom used to make a variation of this when I was a teen. Great with baked ham.
1 package mini-marshmallows
2 bananas, cut up
1 large can pineapple
1 C shredded coconut
1/2 C grapes
1 small can mandarin oranges
2 C sour cream
Mix & chill.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One year, my oldest sontook the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it. I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?”
Tomato sauce:
2-3 onions, chopped
1 T oregano
3-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. basil
28 oz. can tomatoes
1 tsp. thyme
2-8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 tsp. dill
2-6 oz. cans tomato paste
1 tsp. anise
2 T oil
2-10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cottage cheese
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
2 eggs
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ZELDA'S (AND SHELLA'S) CLAM CHOWDER
I'd "met" Shella on a feminist bulletin board that has long since closed. She and her other half, Zelda, on a bulletin board that they then put together that also has long since closed. This was one of the recipes they shared.
Zelda wrote, "I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and altered it slightly." She also added at the end of the recipe, "This tastes really good with toasted sourdough bread! Yum!"
Also, since I lean towards vegetarianism, I'd probably forgo the clams and just make this into a potato soup.
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons dried thyme
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams, drained with juice reserved
1 quart half-and-half cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 8 minutes or until tender. Add dried thyme and sauté another two minutes. Let cool about ten minutes and then blend with enough water to make a smooth paste.
In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery (I like a lot of celery so I usually add more), salt, pepper, onion mixture, and juice from clams. Augment with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
With the flour and the rest of the butter you will make a roux. This will do away with the raw flour taste and help to thicken the chowder. To make the roux, melt the butter in a skillet (I prefer cast iron), add the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes on a medium to high heat, stirring constantly. The color of the roux will be a light cream color when it is finished. Set aside.
Stir the half-and-half into the pot. Whisk roux into the chowder. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in clams and adjust seasonings. Cook another 5 minutes or until the clams are heated though.
WATERMELON PUNCH
This recipe, as well as the rest of the ones here, are in an e-book I've got for sale at Amazon.com. The book is titled Off The Wall Cooking and can be found here.
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
ROSE HIP MARMALADE
This recipe is from friends of the family, an Episcopal priest and his wife. Both were involved in the civil rights movement. He past away several years ago, but I still remember them fondly.
3 lbs. Rose hips
6 C sugar
1 large lemon
4 C boiling water
2 large oranges
Remove stem & flower area ends from rose hips. Cut each berry in half. Cover with boiling water; simmer for 30 minutes. Rub through sieve or food mill. Add to pulp juice of lemon & oranges, coarsely ground-up rind of oranges, & sugar. Boil about 20 min-utes. Pour into jelly glasses. When cool, cover with paraffin.
YUMMY FRUIT SALAD
My mom used to make a variation of this when I was a teen. Great with baked ham.
1 package mini-marshmallows
2 bananas, cut up
1 large can pineapple
1 C shredded coconut
1/2 C grapes
1 small can mandarin oranges
2 C sour cream
Mix & chill.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One year, my oldest sontook the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it. I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?”
Tomato sauce:
2-3 onions, chopped
1 T oregano
3-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. basil
28 oz. can tomatoes
1 tsp. thyme
2-8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 tsp. dill
2-6 oz. cans tomato paste
1 tsp. anise
2 T oil
2-10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cottage cheese
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
2 eggs
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
I'm thirsty!...
How many times have we said that? How many times have we heard that? Sure, there's water, soda, coffee, tea, bottled juices and drinks, but sometimes we want something a little different, something that makes the taste buds dance.
For those times we want something different, I offer you the following recipes. Today's offerings are for small gatherings, and one gift-giving idea.
WATERMELON PUNCH
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
1 T honey
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
2 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
Not sure where this one came from, though I'm thinking maybe from one of my mother's cookbooks that she bought to raise funds for some group or other...
4 C cranberry juice
1 1/2 C sugar
4 C pineapple juice
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
LIZARD LOUNGE TEA
My oldest son spent several summers traveling the country, both singly and with friends. Several times, he wound up at the Rainbow Gathering, where he hooked up with a larger group of friends. Most of them had grown up in hot areas of the country, so they nicknamed themselves lizards; their area of the camp site was the lizard lounge. They would cook up their version of iced tea, which they would barter for other commodities. They were frequently asked what their secret ingredient was.
This is a scaled down version. I found that cranberry or cranberry-apple herb tea works very nicely with this, but any herbal tea can be used.
½ gallon apple cider
4-5 herbal tea bags
Place cider in a large pan or teakettle and bring to a boil. Place herbal tea bags into a large container and pour the boiled cider over the tea bags. Let steep for 15-30 minutes and cool. Very good.
The next one is perfect for gift-giving.
SPICE TEAI used to make this every year for Christmas presents; it was quite popular. Unfortunately, life got a little hectic...As simple as this is, though, I may be reigniting this as a present!
8 oz loose tea
3 orange rinds/peels
1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon
2 T chopped cloves
Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaion-ally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.
I'll post some single-serving drinks in a later post. In the meantime, enjoy!
For those times we want something different, I offer you the following recipes. Today's offerings are for small gatherings, and one gift-giving idea.
WATERMELON PUNCH
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.
1 watermelon
1 T honey
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
2 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
PINK LADY PUNCH
Not sure where this one came from, though I'm thinking maybe from one of my mother's cookbooks that she bought to raise funds for some group or other...
4 C cranberry juice
1 1/2 C sugar
4 C pineapple juice
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
LIZARD LOUNGE TEA
My oldest son spent several summers traveling the country, both singly and with friends. Several times, he wound up at the Rainbow Gathering, where he hooked up with a larger group of friends. Most of them had grown up in hot areas of the country, so they nicknamed themselves lizards; their area of the camp site was the lizard lounge. They would cook up their version of iced tea, which they would barter for other commodities. They were frequently asked what their secret ingredient was.
This is a scaled down version. I found that cranberry or cranberry-apple herb tea works very nicely with this, but any herbal tea can be used.
½ gallon apple cider
4-5 herbal tea bags
Place cider in a large pan or teakettle and bring to a boil. Place herbal tea bags into a large container and pour the boiled cider over the tea bags. Let steep for 15-30 minutes and cool. Very good.
The next one is perfect for gift-giving.
SPICE TEAI used to make this every year for Christmas presents; it was quite popular. Unfortunately, life got a little hectic...As simple as this is, though, I may be reigniting this as a present!
8 oz loose tea
3 orange rinds/peels
1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon
2 T chopped cloves
Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaion-ally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.
I'll post some single-serving drinks in a later post. In the meantime, enjoy!
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