Friday, April 22, 2011

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are a traditional good Friday and Easter bread. This sweet yeast bread is typically made with currants or raisins. We however love chocolate much more in our house. The bread has the symbol of the cross which can be cut in to the dough, made with glaze, or both.



Dough
5 Cup Flour

1/3 Cup Butter

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Nutmeg

1/2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Milk

4 Eggs

1 1/3 Chocolate Chips

1 Egg White

Glaze

1 1/3 Cup Confectioner's Sugar

1 1/2 Lemon Zest

1/2 tsp Lemon Extract

1-2 Tbsp Milk

In a medium bow melt the butter and then add the sugar, Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Warm milk but not to a boil and add to butter mixture. Once sugar is dissolved add eggs.

Once eggs are well incorporated add flour two cups at a time. This can be done in a Stand mixer

with dough hook or by hand Kneading the dough once enough flour has been added.Dough will be wet and

sticky continue kneading for about 5 minutes. Place ball in bowl and cover to rest for 15 minuets.

Knead again until smooth and elastic for about 3 more minuets. Add chocolate chips and knead till well incorporated.

Shape dough in to a ball, place in to a buttered dish, cover with plastic warp and let rise overnight. Any extra moisture will be absorbed by morning.

Let dough set at room temperature for about half-hour. butter baking pan(s) or line with parchement paper. Dived dough in to 24 equal pieces. Shape each in to a ball and place on a baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. A muffin pan can also be used. Cover with clean kitchen towl and let rise in a warm, draft free place until dought had doubled in size. This will talk about 1 1/2 hours.

Pre-Heat while waiting to 400 degrees

when dought has riasin, take sharp or serrated knight and slash bune to creat a cross.Brush with egg whites and placce in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees. Bake until golden brown about 10-15 more minuets. transfer to cooling rack.

Wisk together glaze ingeadients and spoon over buns to make a cross or spoon glaze in to ziplock bag and cut the corrner for more control over the glaze.



Best when servered warm.



Superstitions

English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become mouldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover.

Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time. Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year ("Hot Cross Buns". Practically Edible: The Web's Biggest Food Encyclopedia. Practically Edible. http://www.practicallyedible.com/edible.nsf/pages/hotcrossbuns. Retrieved 9 March 2009.)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Grown Up Grilled Cheese

One of my best friends came to visit me and we ate a lovly resturant named The Raven Grill. We all ordered the same grilled cheese that is now called the grown-up grilled cheese at our house.

2 Slices of sourdough bread
2-4 table spoons of Pesto
3 slices of freash mozzarella
1/2 of a Roma tomato
1 table spoon of butter or olive oil

Spread both slices of bread with pesto. If your new to pesto go light. If you know you love it already go to town like I do. It can be kind of strong so use as you see fit. Top with sliced mozzarella and tomatos. I spray the outside of the bread with olive oil , however butter works just as well.
Place in to a cool pan and bring it up to med heat. I find starting in a cold pan help give the cheese more time to melt. Flip when brown and server after both sides have brown. This is a great meal by its help, with a salad, frys and artichokes.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Grilled steak with Horseradish Sauce and Sweet Potato



Dinner was fantastic so I must share.

Grilled steak with Horseradish Sauce

- 2 lbs. extra lean steak
- 1 TB olive oil
- 1tsp dried rosemary crushed
- 1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt
- Sauteed baby bella mushrooms

Horseradish Sause

- 1/4C mayo
- 1TB horseradish
- 1tb. chopped or dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Cheese Sweet potato sticks ( for two people)

- 1 Lg sweet potato
- 1tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 - 1 tsp cayenne Pepper powder
- 1/4C butter or olive oil
- 1/4C Parmesan Cheese

Pre Heat oven to 450 degrees
Cut potatos in to frys do not peal place in bowl.
coat frys in oil saving tiny bit for pan. toss with
garlic and cayenne place on baking pan lined with tin
foil and oiled in a single layer. cook each side about
10-15 mins. when browned remove and coat with cheese.

Cheap Chili

This is the chili mom always made. She got it from her mom and while neither of them ever thought of it as good diet food I am so glad to have it. This low carb low GI Meal is so yummy and really easy to make.

- 1lb low fat hamburger or ground turkey ( skip meat if wanting Veg Style)

- 1 can 12oz Diced Tomato's with green chili's

- 2 cans of Ranch Style Beans - Onion, reg and Jalapeno all work pick what makes you happy

- 1 can Kidney beans ( mom always skipped this part but I love em )

- 2-3 TBS of Ketchup and Mustard

- 2 TBS of a Louisiana Sauce (we use schlotzsky's sauce)

Cook meat and tomato's. Add Beans and sauces to cooked meat. Simmer till all is hot. Serve with cheese on top and crackers if desired. Warning The left over may be better then first serving, chili is just wired that way.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Mexican Soup

Some folks call it Taco Soup.  We just call it too danged good!  Quick, easy, cheap and tasty - four of my favorite things.  As always, alterations for personal tastes are not only allowed, but expected!  This is the basic recipe.

1 lb. hamburger (or turkey - which is what we use)
1 lb.  sausage
2 cans chili beans (do not drain)
2 cans yellow hominy (do not drain)
2 cans corn (drain)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 can chopped green chilis (I use 2, but I like green chilis!)
1 onion, diced
2 small cans chopped black olives
2 packages dry taco seasoning
1 package dry ranch dressing
3 cups of water
Brown, crumble and drain the hamburger and sausage.  Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and cook 30-45 minutes.  Top bowls with shredded cheese, tortillas, etc.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta

Say you don't like brussel sprouts? Try it, you'll like it! (Since pancetta is a bit hard to come by here in Hooterville, I've used bacon.)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Cream Cheese Crescents

Ingredients:
2 packages crescent rolls
2 packages (8 oz size) cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 to 4 granny smith apples peeled and sliced thin (can use canned fruit)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9X12 pan with Pam.

Spread 1 package crescent rolls on bottom of pan, sealing edges together. Mix both cream cheeses, 1 c powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over crescent roll.Layer thinly sliced apples on top. Layer the other crescent roll package over cream cheese and apples. Spread melted butter on top.

Mix 1/2 c sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool. Then refrigerate.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Green Chile Beef Omelettes

Green Chile Beef Omelettes
I had such a blast at the wedding, catching up with all the Dickerson's extended family and getting to meet and talk with Lydia, Lindy, Kelly and some other friends of theirs. Brandy's mom cooked roast beef for 150, and beings there was plenty left over, I am still enjoying the fruits of her labor. I made a lovely green chile beef stew, which brings to mind a wonderful omelette I used to have when I worked at May West Restaurant (they had the most wonderful omelettes)... As I recall this one had the following-

Mix eggs up with salt/pepper and milk (if desired, I don't use milk)
Pour eggs into omelette pan and heat gently until bottom of omelette is well cooked and not runny
Add scoop of green chile beef stew, dollop of sour cream and swiss cheese.
Fold omelette over, add another half slice of swiss cheese and microwave for 15 seconds

These were so good with a little salsa and some toast or a toasty tortilla with butter...yum...

Thursday, October 04, 2007

White Chili - HAven't tried it yet but it sounds good

.
White beans, jack cheese and chicken with herbs and spices combine to make a great simple meal.
INGREDIENTS

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 green onions, chopped
* 2 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese

PREPARATION:

* Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken and onion in oil 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.
* Stir in the chicken broth, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
* Stir in the beans, and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Garnish with green onion and shredded cheese.

Makes 4 servings

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Granny's Fall Apple Cake

This was a traditional fall recipe in my mother's house and then it became one in mine. I make it every fall and remember New England!

4 Cups peeled & grated apples (depending on size, about 6 - use your favorite, but we have always used crispy red delicious)
2 Cups sugar
6 Tablespoons water

Combine the above and let set for 10 minutes.

Add:
2 Teaspoons baking soda
2 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons baking powder
2 Teaspoons cinnamon

(I usually combine the above dry ingredients together in a bowl and then stir into the apple mixture.)

Bake at 350 - 375 for 30 minutes.

When cake is still slightly warm, pour this topping over it:

Topping:
2 HEAPING tablespoons flour
1/2 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Boiling Water
Cook the above until thickened (Yes, you have to stir while cooking, but it thickens really fast, and I usually whisk it a time or two when I first start it to take out all the flour lumps.)
When thickened, remove from heat and stir in:
1 Stick of Butter (I slice up first so it melts faster)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Is an incredibly moist cake, the topping is to die for, and if you have someone who doesn't like apples, just don't tell them and they'll never guess it's apple cake!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Great recipe - I used dipping sauces instead of the basil and stuff but only cause the hubby doesn't like that stuff

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Pineapple Cream Cheese Crisp

Another Brandy Original

1 8in cake pan
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1 stick of butter
Lg can of pineapple chunks, or frozen or fresh
1 3oz package cream cheese softened
1 package jiffy yellow cake mix
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375

My favorite way to crush graham crackers is by putting them is a sandwich size ziplock and beating them with a hammer but a food processor works well too.

Melt half of stick of butter and mix with graham crackers press into bottom of pan.

Mix pinapple chunks, brown sugar and cream cheese

pour over cracker crust

Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top

Melt other half stick of butter and drizzle over cake mix

Cook for 30 mintues or until desired cripsness is reached

chocolate recipes collection | chocolate recipes | chocolate cake recipes | chocolate pie recipes | chocolate cookie recipes | brownie recipes

chocolate recipes collection | chocolate recipes | chocolate cake recipes | chocolate pie recipes | chocolate cookie recipes | brownie recipes: "Chocolate Recipes from the Chocolate Inn"

Famous Chocolate Refrigerator Roll

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups heavy cream, whipped, or 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

9-ounce package Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers

Chocolate curls, for garnish

Stir vanilla into whipped cream or topping. Spread 1/2 tablespoon whipped cream or topping on each wafer. Begin stacking wafers together and stand on edge on serving platter to make a 14-inch log (I make 2 7in. logs side by side for a smal rectangular cake). Frost with remaining whipped cream or topping. Chill overnight. To serve, garnish with chocolate curls; slice roll at 45-degree angle.

Serves 12

Source: The recipe for this simple but impressive-looking dessert has appeared on the Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers box for more than 50 years. These wafers are generally found near the Ice cream cones rather than the cookie aisle. Can often be difficult to locate so don't be afraid to ask.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Lemon Chicken Puffs

A new original recipe. Great finger food for parties. Leftovers for snacks or as a dinner with a side of rice pilaf and a salad.
Makes approx. 15 puffs
Ingredients

Puffs
2 shallots diced very fine
1 3oz package cream cheese
6 peeled cloves of garlic
7-8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
1 Lemon
Tarragon
1 Can of large Croissants
Lemon Pepper
Whipping cream
Place chicken and garlic cloves in dry frying pan, Keep garlic seperated from chicken.

While chicken is cooking mix
Beat together cream cheese and shallots
Grate zest from lemon and add to mix
Sqeeze juice of lemon into mix after grating
Mix in 1/8 Cup Whipping cream
After garlic has softened place in bowl
Beat every thing together on high speed until garlic falls apart

Once chicken has cooked mostly through beat it with the spatula until it is broken into small cooked pieces, spinkle liberally with lemon pepper and let it finish cooking.

When chicken is completely cooked pour into the cream cheese mix and beat together until it forms a spread. If you want chunkier don't beat as long

Open package of croissants and take dough from package. Seperate the croissants and cut dough into 2-3inch squares with pizza cutter
Take the spiked ends that are left over and form squares. Press squares with fingers or palms or hand to make bigger before filling

Spoon spead into center of squares and fold ends together tightly to prevent the mix from leaking out. You will end up with puffs full of chicken on the bottom and squeezed together tops of dough. Kind of like crab rangoons. Place on a cookie sheet

Turn oven to 350 and place cookie sheet of puffs into freezer while preheating oven. Once oven has heated to temperature place cookie sheet in oven and cook until brown and puffy.

I made a sweet lemon sauce to go ove rthe top but this is entirely optional.

Sweet sauce

2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon butter
1 cup Whipping cream
Milk for thinning
2 tables spoons raw sugar
lemon juice
1/8 cup white wine (Optional)

Use pan that chicken was cooked in (no need to clean it first)
Melt butter in pan add flour and cook until bubbly blending contantly with whisk. Add sugar

Remove from heat and add 1 cup whipping cream blend well making sure mixture is smooth. Return to low heat and cook until thickened. Add lemon juice and white wine to taste if desired. If mix becomes too thick thin with milk or more cream. Cook until bubbly and smooth.

Drizzle sauce over puffs right before serving.

Variation
Use Dill instead of tarragon
Or maybe even mint
Be creative and have fun

This recipe is for use by all but is copyrighted 2006. Printed use is only with permission. But feel free to link to this page.

Enjoy

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Great Kung Po Chicken

Since I am old now and don't have to cook for the family I am always on the look out for Healthy frozen meals that taste good. One of the biggest problem I have found generally is that most of the frozen entrees offered such as Lean Cuisine are just too bland for my taste. And their chicken is always just a little bit off. I think its that formed and processed part.

Well Thats not a problem with this company. Their meals are all natural, no chemicals or artificial ingredients and it actually has flavor and real spices. Great for those people looking for fast and quick meals and available at your local grocery or healthfood store

Be warned when they say spicey it is spicy. Which is just the way I like it.

If you live in Corpus Christi, These meals can be found at Sun Harvest along with the great Alexia products listed previously.
Ethnic Gourmet

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Revitalizing Leftover Onion Rings and Fries

If you are like me and the Hubby, Getting older and eating less you may end up with left over. Now most peole toss extra fries and onion rings but I generally eat food until its gone as I do not like waste. So here is a quick way to make those leftover fries and onion rings taste better than they did when they came home the first time.

The secret ingredient is Butter or if you want to be healthy use olive oil or spiced dipping oils.

Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter in sauce pan depending on the amount you are cooking.

Saute fries or rings until crispy - Feel free to add spices.

Garlic, Onion salt, Season Salt, Lemon pepper, Rosemary, Cayenne pepper are just a few ideas

Looking for some new and interesting recipes

My Favorite Vegetarian Cookbook

For those special parties and meals

Great breads and Quick too. All Natural in your grocers freezer

I am not generally a fan of fast foods but sometimes a company actually does it right. All natural ingredients, gourmet taste, And fast. The one I triend was the 3 cheese artisan bread and it was tasty. The garlic fries and all natural pizza rolls are going to be my next purchase. Buy it at your local grocery store and enjoy.

PS No MSG
*Alexia Foods*

Try The Alexia Oven Fries Now

Most Excellent Fairy Wings and Weddings Dresses

~*~Your Enchanted Wedding~*~

Monday, May 15, 2006

Maple Syrup, Grade A, Dark Amber, Org., 12 oz.: Gourmet Food

Even if you think you hate maple syrup you should try this stuff it is like liquid sugar. It ain't your normal grocery store supply

Real Maple Syrup

How to be decadent when the world falls apart

Amazon.com: Family Unit - One Year's Food for Four People: Gourmet Food

Choices for Dinner

I haven't eaten dinner if I am good I will have apple chips

If I am bad I will have chips and salsa and steak and mushroom fajitas

Mexican food was delivered from On the border by my darling daiughter for mothers day. Okay I paid and I asked but she delivered and life was grand. Good Salsa - generally good food - Wish they some good seafood enchiladas they could really use some on the menu. And the new everything queso has tooo many beans needs more queso.

To find an On The Border Near You
On The Border Mexican Food Restaurant Grill Margaritas

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Rasta Pasta

Rasta Pasta
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 pint heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne
1 chicken bouillon cube (such as Knorr Swiss)
1/2 cup basil, chiffonade
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2 cups Shiitake mushrooms, julienne
1 lb boneless breast of chicken, cut in strips
8 oz. penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 tablespoon salted butter
1/4 cup jerk paste (such as Busha Browne)
1/4 cup teriyaki

Method:
1.Mix the teriyaki and jerk paste together and marinate the chicken strips for one hour.
2. Cook the pasta as directed for al dente. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Heat a large skillet and add the butter. Then add the marinated chicken. Saut? for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms. Crumble the bouillon cube into the cream and add this mixture to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, reducing until sauce is thickened.
5. Combine the chicken mixture and the cooked pasta. Add in the scallion and basil to finish. Divide into four bowls.

They dont sell the jerk paste here in corpus christi so we just use the seasoning works just the same. Also dont throw out the Marinate cook it with the chicken if you like it extra spicy.

This was seen on the Saturday Ealry Show

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/17/earlyshow/saturday/chef/main1329148_page2.shtml

White Trash Gourmet Chicken

White Trash Gourmet Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

Grammy's Memories: Teriyaki Chicken

Grammy's Memories: Green Chili For Joshua

Green Chili For Joshua

Yummy easy chicken recipe

Wisdom of the Ages - Women, Young and Old: Yummy easy chicken recipe:

Dona's Amazing Egg Salad

Dona's Amazing Egg Salad

YOu can replace the eggs in this recipe with 8 boneless, skinless chicken strips or tenders sayteed in butter and make most excellent chicken salad also,

Lazy Person's Yummy Cake

Wisdom of the Ages - Women, Young and Old: Lazy Person's Yummy Cake: "Lazy Person's Yummy Cake"

Grammy's Killer Pancakes

Grammy's Killer Pancakes: "Grammy's Killer Pancakes"

Roasted Garlic, Garlic Recipe, Appetizer Recipe

Roasted Garlic, Garlic Recipe, Appetizer Recipe: "Roasted Garlic"

Martin Sheen'S Favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Martin Sheen'S Favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe: "Martin Sheen's Favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake"

Caramel Praline Cheesecake Recipe

Caramel Praline Cheesecake Recipe: "Caramel Praline Cheesecake"

Wisdom of the Ages - Women, Young and Old: Tata's Chinese Noodle Soup

Wisdom of the Ages - Women, Young and Old: Tata's Chinese Noodle Soup

French Onion Meets Hungarian Mushroom and World Collide

A savory blend of two soups both easy to make and cooking on my stovetop right now.
Will make approx 6 reasonable servings, maybe more

Ingredients

1/4 - 1/2 cup Butter or oil

2 Large Portabello Mushrooms thinly sliced or 2 -3 cups slides any other type of mushrooms

3 Large onions Thickly sliced into rings -recommend yellow onions but since hubby did my shopping I used 1 red, 1 yellow and 1 white -

1 Box Pacific Organic Beef Broth

McCormicks California Style Lemon pepper

2 carrots thinly sliced

1 stock celerly thinly sliced

Paprika - 1/4 - 1/2 cup

1/4 Dry Red Wine

Squirt of yellow mustard or 1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 Teaspoon Rubbed Sage

teaspoon dill seed or handful of dresh dill sprigs - cut up

French Bread

Sour Cream

Swiss Cheese

1 head of garlic broken up into cloves and either pressed or skinned and tossed in


How to do it


In large deep skillet cook carrots,onions, celery and garlic in butter takes at least a 1/4 cup but if you don't mind the fat throw that whole stick in

Cook until onions are soft and starting to carmelize brown with the butter. Garlic should be mushy.

Pour in container on Beef Broth


Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup paprika - Depending on how much you like it - I used about 1/4 cup this time

3 tablespoons Lemon pepper

Add all the rest of the spice to measurements or taste

I don't cook with salt so you are on your own in that catagory

Toss in mushrooms

Stir and cover cook over low to medium heat for an hour or so. It will still be kinda chunky. If you like smoother soup you can cook over low heat for longer time until it reaches the consistancy and taste you desire. Warning if you cook it long enough onions and other veggies will dissolve leaving just a wonderful broth.

Once cooked ladle into crock bowls

Turn oven on to broil

Place thick slice or chunck of rench bread on top of soup cover with 2 slices of swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted

Top with 1 -2 Scoops Sour Cream

Chow Baby Chow