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Peanut Butter Cookies

2/9/2018

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If you read the post on how to make the perfect cookie you will notice that you need to freeze them overnight. This extra step is well worth it, the cookies come out shaped better and with a chewy texture. Baking from the frozen state does require you to bake them a minute longer at 350 degrees. If you bake them at 375 degrees 13-14 minutes is just about right in my oven. These cookies are good if you only refrigerate them for 2 hours or if you freeze them overnight.

Bake 350 Degrees
Time 14 minutes
Makes about 2 dozen

Dry Ingredients
2 1/2 c. + 2T. Soft White Flour (330g)
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt

In Mixer
2 Sticks Butter (226g)
1 c. Dark Brown Sugar (200g)
1 c. Sugar (200g)
1 c. Crunchy Peanut Butter (256g)
2 Large Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla

1. c. Roasted Salted Peanuts (141g) Ground in a food processor to resemble bread crumbs.

Instructions
  • Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside
  • Cream butter, sugars, until light and fluffy (How to Cream Sugar)
  • Add peanut butter and mix well
  • Add eggs, one at a time mixing well after each
  • Add vanilla and beat until light and fluffy
  • On low speed add half the dry ingredients and mix, then add the rest beat until mixed well
  • Stir in the processed salted peanuts
  • Refrigerate for 15 minutes
  • Scoop onto sheet spacing close together and place into the refrigerator for 2 hours
Baking
Bake on sil pad spacing about 2 inches apart. If you want a thicker cookie bake without pressing down. Typically peanut butter cookies are pressed with a fork twice at perpendicular angles leaving a crisscross design. Bake 14 minutes, let them cool on the sil pad 3 minutes to finish baking before removing to a cooling rack.
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Elderberry Tonic

1/15/2018

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Elderberries grow very well in North Central AR. so if you have some take advantage of the berries. Country Life Natural Foods also carries dried berries at a good price. You can get them thru the Co-Op and avoid the shipping charges.

Elderberries have been used as a natural remedy for colds and the flu for decades. Research suggests it inactivates the flu virus and is as beneficial as the flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza which are used for the treatment of the flu. Elderberries can also cut flu severity and shorten the illness if taken soon after flu symptoms, with no drowsiness, the downside of many flu treatments.

Recipe:
1/2 c. Dried Berries or 1 c. Fresh Berries
3 c. Water
1/2 c. Honey
2/3 c. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's)
Flavor options: add cinnamon, cloves, ginger if you like

DIRECTIONS:
Fill pot with water and dried elderberries. Bring to boil and let boil 30 min. If you have an instant pot you can set the pressure to high for 10 minutes and let it release naturally. (I prefer this method). Take off heat and mash elderberries up well (I used potato masher). Strain out the liquid into separate bowl using cheese cloth, coffee filter or something similar. Once strained add honey to the elderberry liquid and stir well. Then add the Apple Cider Vinegar, stir well. Place in a jar and put in fridge for up to 6 months.

As preventative: Adult 1 Tbsp a day, Children 1 tsp a day

You can drink straight or mix with water.
If using as flu/cold medicine, take same dose but every 1-3 hours instead of just once a day. (Be careful, as it has somewhat of a laxative effect if taking too much).
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Triple Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

1/10/2018

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This pie calls for 3 types of chocolate, but you can use only one or two. This recipes is based on a recipe from the American's Test Kitchen. I have modified it a bit to suit my tastes.

Clarified pies can be difficult for some folks but there are some tricks to a successful pie.
  1. Blind bake the crust, this ensures the crust stays crisp and not get soggy on the bottom.
  2. Put the filling into the crust while it's still warm.
  3. Cook the filling to 130 degrees, this gives the pie a head start when placed into the oven. It will firm up with out getting the crust overly done. You will notice the lower baking temperature due to this step.
Equipment:
Pie Pan: 9 inch
Scale...Once you have one you will wonder how you baked without it.
Food Processor ... Not required but makes the job easier.
Instant Read thermometer

Oven: 375 degrees (Blind Bake Crust)
Bake: 10-15 minutes (Blind Bake Crust)
Yields: 8 Servings
9 inch Pie Crust Recipe:
1/2 c. soft white flour (63 g)
1/2 c. oat flour (50 g)
2 T. sugar (25 g)
1/2 tsp salt
2 T. unsalted butter chilled (28 g)
2 T. lard or shortening chilled (26 g)
2 T. cold buttermilk (31 g)

Crust Instructions:
With a Food Processor or by hand
  • Mix together flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
  • Cut the butter into dry mix until the size of tiny peas. Then add lard or shortening and cut into the dry mix until the peas size pieces.
  • Add some of the buttermilk and mix, do not over mix, add the remaining buttermilk, press into a ball, and then flatten into a rounded disk. 
  • Roll the dough into a strip and fold over into thirds. Repeat this process 3 times until the dough comes together.
  • Then put into the refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic. And place over the pie pan and press into shape.
  • Blind Bake the Crust....More Information
Add Dry Ingredients, Butter & Lard
Add Butter & Pulse
Pulse Until Size of Peas
Roll on Plastic & fold into 1/3rds
Remove Fridge, Roll Out
Lay Over Pie Plate
Done! Now Blind Bake
BAKE PIE
Oven:
275 degrees  NOTE: Adjust the racks in the oven
  • Place the pie plate on a baking sheet just in case.
  • Bake the pie in the lower 1/3 of the oven.
Bake: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:
Pie Filling
3 T. unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces (42g)
3/4 c. dark brown sugar (150g)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1/2 c. light corn syrup (170g)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. espresso coffee
1 c. (4oz. pecans, toasted and copped coarse) (113g)
6 oz. semisweet, milk, and/or white chocolate chopped coarse.

Directions:
  • Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl set over a water bath maintained at just below a simmer. (I use a glass bowl place over a pan filled with water) Remove the bowl from the simmering water and stir in the sugar and salt until the butter is absorbed.
  • Whisk in the eggs, then the corn syrup and vanilla until smooth.
  • Return the bowl to the hot water bath and stir until the mixture is shiny and hot to the touch and registers 130 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Off the heat, stir in the pecans.
  • Pour the pecan mixture into the warm pie crust. Scatter the chocolate over the top and lightly press it into the filling with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake the pie until the filling loos set but yields like jell when gently pressed with the back of a spoon. about 50-60 minutes.
  • Cool the pie on a wire rack until the filling has firmed up, about 2 hours.
  • Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
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Instant Bread Stuffing Spices

11/23/2017

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Instead of buying those boxes of dried bread crumbs with 2 cents worth of old spices here is a recipe for the spices to make your own stuffing any time of the year. At our house we're not fans of the heals on the loaves of bread, so we throw them into the freezer to use later. My husband loves stuffing as a side dish with any meal. I also make bread crumbs with the heals for breading chicken or fish.

Preparing The Bread Crumbs
When I have a supply of the scrap pieces of old bread (a mixture of types), I chop them into pieces and place them on a cookie sheet and drizzle a bit of olive oil over them. Since some of them will be used as bread crumbs I season them up with garlic powder, onion powder, ...and any other herb I like. Then mix them up so they are coated with the oil and herbs. If you are organized as you take something out of the oven you can place them in and turn off the oven. They will dry out as the oven cools. Otherwise turn on the oven to 300 degrees and bake for about 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally so as not to burn.

If you are making bread crumbs, put them into the food processor or blender and chop finely. I usually process some for crumbs and leave some for stuffing. Then I freeze everything so it's ready when I need it later.

"Instant " Stuffing Spice Mix
Makes about 2/3 cup - plenty for many meals

You can grind the whole recipe and keep in a small jar in the cupboard or just grind the amount needed for the recipe which is 1 tablespoon for 2 cups of dried bread. The Co-Op thru Country Life Natural Foods offers a large selection of herbs at a great price. If you click on the links below you will see the prices. The retail store also has a large selection of herbs and spices..link

3 T. celery flakes (I have used celery seeds in a pinch)
2 T. onion dried  flakes
2 T. dried marjoram (or use dried parsley)
1 T. rubbed sage
1 T. black peppercorns (Tellicherry is the best pepper)
1 tsp. salt (omit if you like)

Directions:
  • Combine all the  spices and grind together in the small mill, or grind fresh as needed.
  • In a large pan add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of the ground spice blend.
  • Now there is nothing wrong at this point with adding some fresh, chopped carrots, onions, bell peppers, apples, or sausage. Just make sure you cook them until tender. The stuffing is just fine without the extra additions.
  • Add 2 cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer over low heat for 2 minutes, and add just enough cubes of dried bread (about 2 cups) to soak up the liquid.
  • Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
Source:
Herbs and Spices
by Tony Hill
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Pumpkin Pie

11/22/2017

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There are a million pumpkin pie recipes and to tell you the truth I have tried most of them. When I came across this recipe it peaked my interest. Pumpkin pie is usually quite unremarkable and I can take it or leave it but this pie has a deeper flavor and is well worth giving it a try.  The recipe is based on a recipe from American's Test Kitchen, I have just tweaked it a bit.
Equipment:
10 inch pie plate or a deep dish 9 inch pie plate
Oven: 375 degree blind bake crust
Bake: Blind bake crust 25 minutes - pie around 50 - 60 minutes
Pan: 10 inch pie pan or a deep 9 inch pie plate
Crust Recipe: Use your favorite recipe for a 10 inch pie plate..My Recipe
Pumpkin Filling Recipe:
1 c. heavy cream (242 g)
1 c. whole milk (244 g)
3 large eggs + 2 large eggs yolks
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 can pumpkin 15 oz
1 c. candied or plain yams (one 16oz. can drained will work it's a bit extra)
3/4 c. sugar (150 g)
1/4 c. maple syrup (79 g)
2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Directions:
Blind bake your pie crust
  • Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and turn on the oven to 375 degrees. Line the chilled pie shell with a double layer of foil and fill it with pie weights. I have a container of old beans that I use for the weights when I blind bake a pie crust.
  • Bake until the pie dough looks dry and is light in color about 20-25 minutes. Remove the weights and foil and continue to bake the crust until golden brown. The Crust must still be warm when you add the filling. ... for more information on blind baking.
  • While the pie shell is baking, whisk the cream, milk, whole eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla together in a medium bowl.
  • Add the pumpkin puree and yams to the food processor and process until smooth. Place the mixture in saucepan over medium heat and add the sugar, maple syrup, ginger, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer stirring constantly until very thick about 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cream mixture until full incorporated. Place the mixture into the warm blind baked pie crust.
Baking
  • Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
  • Adjust the racks in the oven so the pie will be in the lower third of the oven. Place the pie on a baking sheet in case of spillage. Bake the pie for 10 minutes at 375 degrees
  • Turn the oven down to 300 degrees and continue to bake until the edges of the pie are set and the center registers 175 degrees. It does take some time to get the center to set. It should jiggle very slightly in the very center. When you look at it around the edges of the filling will look dryer and the center wet. Bake until the center is no longer shiny. There may be small cracks on the outer edges of the pie this is fine.
  • This pie is best baked the day before you eat it, because it only gets better after sitting over night in the fridge. You may eat if after it cools to room temperature (2-3 hours).
Notes:
The extra step of cooking the pumpkin and candied yams reduces the moisture and intensities the flavor of the pie. I think it's worth the extra step to create the complex and deep flavor of this dense wonderful pie.
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Calzones or Meat Pies

9/24/2017

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There are two dough options here, one requires you make the dough the day before then shape and finish the calzones. The other dough is a direct dough you make it and bake it the same day. 

Here are some recipes that use the crock pot and make great meat fillings. You don't have to use the whole roast but save 3 cups of meat for these meat pies.

Sesame Pork Roast
Savory Beef Sandwiches
Onion Pot Roast
Herb Faux-tisserie Chicken
Yields: 12 Calzones - 95g ea.
Bake: 375 degrees 5 minutes
          350 degrees 10 minutes - Total bake time 15-20 minutes

Direct Dough Recipe
642g Hard White (5 1/3 cup)
3/4 tsp. dried malt powder (you can omit if you like)
8g Salt (3/4 tsp.)
10g Yeast (3 1/2 tsp.)

Liquid
45g Cane Syrup (honey) (2 T. +1 tsp.)
408g Water (1 3/4 cup)

20g Butter (1 1/2 T.)
10g Soy Flour (1 1/2 T.)

Directions
  • Develop the gluten, (mix 3 minutes) Remove from the mixer and place the dough on the counter and flatten it out.
  • Soften the butter and add the soy flour to form a paste. Spread the paste onto the dough and cut the dough into pieces and add back to the mixer bowl.
  • Knead until the butter mixture is incorporated into the dough. The dough will now be softer. If should only take about 2 minutes.
  • Bulk proof for 30 minutes
  • Shape and fill following the directions below "Prepare your Filling"

Another Recipe For The Dough (2 days)
This dough is made the day before you bake and placed into the fridge, but will hold for 3 days in the fridge if needed.

Equipment
Scales - When you weigh out your dough each pie will be uniform.
Tortilla Press - Not a necessity but sure makes rolling perfect circles easier.
French Tapered Rolling Pen - Rolls perfect circles.
Silicon Pastry Rolling Mat- Guide to roll perfect circles.
#12 Baking Scoop - This is 1/3 of a cup, used to portion the meat filling.

If you have nice equipment you will be a better cook and it certainly will be
more enjoyable. The holiday season is coming and many of these tools are
not expensive and make great gifts for the cooks in your life.

Dough Recipe - For Calzones or Meat Pies
Yields: 8 Calzones or Meat Pies
Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: 20-30 minutes

3 c. Hard Red or Hard White (bread flour) (340g)
2 tsp. Instant Yeast (5g)
1 1/4 tsp. Salt (9g)
2 T. Olive Oil (28g)
2 T. Honey (40g)
3/4 c. + 2 T. Water (195g)

Directions:
  • The day before the bake you will put together the dough and place it     into the fridge. I can stay there for up to 3 days if needed.
  • Weigh or measure out the flour, yeast and salt and mix them together.
  • Combine all the liquid ingredients, the water, oil and honey in another container.
  • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix until combined.
  • Place in a container with a lid and put into the fridge overnight.
Weight Flour
Weight Salt & Yeast
Weight Liquids
Mix With Paddle
Wrap In Plastic & Put In Fridge
Prepare Your Filling
Start with 3 cups or so of cooked meat
There are a few rules when making meat pies the first is the filling need to be dry or it will leak out. The second is don't over stuff the pies, use 1/3 cup         filling per pie. Now you can add anything you would like to the 3 cups of meat, like onions, vegetables, dried herbs. The filling needs to be well spiced because when you cover it with the bread it tends to mellow down the flavor.
So I always add more flavor than if I was just eating the meat alone.

For these I added caramelized onions and mushrooms. I also added a good amount of chili peppers. The meat I chose was the Sesame Pork Roast       which has a nice flavor. I cooked everything to make sure the mixture was     fairly dry. I could of also added cheese, when making the pies. If you choose to add grated cheese add only 1T. per pie on top of the meat mixture before you fold it over.
Caramelized Onions
Cook The Mushrooms & Peppers
Added To The Shredded Meat
Take Out Dough Of Fridge
  • Divide dough into 8 pieces it will be around 78g each
  • Roll each piece into a 7 inch circle
  • Place 1/3 scoop of the meat mixture on the dough - a #12 baking         scoop works perfect and fold over ( add the 1 T. grated cheese now)
  • Crimp with a fork
Silicon Pastry Rolling Mat
Roll 7 Inch Circle
1/3 c. Meat on Dough
Fold Over & Crimp Edge
Place On Baking Sheet
  • Make a small hole in the top of each pie for the steam to escape.
  • Let them raise about 20 minutes while you are pre-heating the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown
  • Cool and freeze for extra meals in the future.
I hope you enjoy these, they are easy to make and handy to have in the         freezer for lunches and dinners.
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Roasted Tomato Sauce for Freezing

8/20/2017

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This is true clean out the garden recipe, gather all your tomatoes any variety will do. A truly easy way to make delicious tomato sauce. If you have a couple of peppers, garlic, onions  and herbs throw them in also

Recipe:
Suggested amount of vegetables
  • 2+ lbs. large tomatoes (any variety of what ever you have is fine)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Bell Peppers (your choice on the amount)
  • 1 large Onion or a few small ones
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning or fresh herbs like basil
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (omit if you want)
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Roasted Tomato Sauce for Freezing:
  • Preheat your oven to 425. 
  • Clean your tomatoes and remove any unpleasant spots and place them on a rimmed baking tray. Use whatever fresh tomatoes you have handy.
  • Cutting the tomatoes will depend on their size and the toughness of their core. Cherry tomatoes can be left whole, but halve most of the plums and just cut out the green core. The larger tomatoes, can be cored and cut down to size so those pieces were comparable to the halved plum tomatoes.
  • You’ll also need a couple of small onions, a handful of basil, or dried Italian herbs  Add to this a couple of peppers, from the garden. Slice the onions and quarter the peppers, removing the seeds. Wash and clean the basil or any herbs.
  • Place everything on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with a little olive oil, just enough so that they don’t stick. Add a little at a time, and then use your clean hands to simply roll all of the pieces around to mix them up so that they all have a little oil. A little salt is optional here.
Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes – 1hr.
NOTE: This will vary somewhat depending on the size of your pieces and the amount of moisture that your tomatoes have. The level of roasting is a personal choice…if you don’t like charred food, remove them before that happens.

The skins of the tomatoes are easily removed once they are roasted but you don't have to remove the skins.  If you are putting the tomatoes in the food processor or blender the skins will be gone when you blend them.
  • Spoon everything into a pan and use an immersion blender to pulverize everything. You can also put the mixture in a blender or food processor and pulse. It will depend on how chunky you like your sauce as to how much you blend it.
  • Put it up in freezer bags and your set to go.
  • You may also put the sauce in jars and then into the freezer. The best jars are ones with no shoulders (wide mouth jars) like the picture below. The jars with shoulders have a chance of breaking when the ingredients inside freeze and expand.
A friend of mine at the Farmer's Market always makes her sauce this way. She cooks it in the early morning or late evening so it does not heat up the house so much in the summer. That is a good tip!
Enjoy!
Tamara

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Crispy Bread and Butter Pickles

8/20/2017

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When my garden comes to the end of the season, there is always produce that you don't want to waste but can't eat right away. This has forced me into the wonderful world of preservation. Bread and Butter pickles are the crunchy pickles you put on your hamburgers. This recipe comes from American's Test Kitchen, I have modified it a bit and added some heat with the addition of hot peppers. You can omit them if you like, it's up to you.

TIPS FOR CRISPY PICKLES
  1. Freshly picked - use them as soon as you pick them.
  2. Smaller is always better - use the larger pickles for relish or refrigerator pickles. This recipe is good for larger pickles since you are slicing them.
  3. Trim off the blossom end of your cucumbers. This may seem wasteful,  but there’s an enzyme (pectinase) that will cause your pickles to become soft. Trim about 1/16 -1/4 inch from that blossom end before pickling. Some people have seen improvements with adding a grape leaf which contains tannins – a substance which is thought to inhibit the pectinase.
  4. Use Pint Jars – the larger jars will require longer processing which results in a softer end product.
  5. Try Low Temperature Pasteurization Treatment as described by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Please note that you can only use this method if the recipe indicates that it is appropriate and be sure to monitor temperature carefully!
 Equipment:
Pint Canning Jars (4-5)
Large Pan - tall enough for the jars plus 1 inch of water.
Digital Candy Thermometer - A great tool if you make candies or fry often.
Food Processor - This makes the slicing a breeze

Makes: 4 pint Jars of Pickles
Time: Sliced vegetables must sit 3 hours in fridge before processing.
Recipe:
2 pounds of pickling cucumbers, ends trimmed, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 onion, quartered and sliced thin
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1 1/2- inch matchsticks
2 T. canning and pickling salt
3 c. apple cider vinegar
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 T. yellow mustard seeds
3/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. celery seeds
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. Ball Pickle Crisp

Options: I added 3 hot peppers for a little kick

Directions:
  • Toss cucumbers, onion, peppers with salt in a large bowl and refrigerate for 3 hours. Drain the vegetables in a colander (do not rinse). Pat dry with paper towels or what I did is used my salad spinner and gave them a quick couple of spins to get the liquid off.
Picture
Cucumbers sliced, with onions & peppers
  • Meanwhile, set your canning rack in a large pot, place four or five 1-pint jars in  rack, and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes to sterilize the jars. Turn the water off and leave the hot jars in the water until you need them. I always sterilize an extra one just in case I have extra it's ready to go.
  • In another large pan bring the vinegar, sugar, water, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and cloves to a boil, cover and remove from the heat.
Liquid Measuring Beaker
Spices from Co-Op
Brine heating up
  • Place a dish towel flat on the counter. Using a jar lifter, remove the hot jars, draining the water back into the pot. Place the jars upside down on the towel and let dry for a minute.
  • Turn the jars over and add 1/8 tsp. Pickle Crisp to each hot jar, then pack tightly with the vegetable mix.
  • Return the brine to a brief boil. Using a funnel and ladle, pour the hot brine over the cucumber to cover, distributing spices evenly and leaving 1/2 inch head space.
  • Remove the air bubbles by sliding a wooden skewer along the inside of each jar, pressing on the vegetables. Add extra brine if need to bring the brine with in 1/2 inch from the top.
Processing in Pan
Digital Thermometer
FOR SHORT TERM STORAGE:
  • Let the jars cool to room temperature, cover with lids, and refrigerate for 1 day before serving. The pickles can be refrigerated for up to 3 months and the flavor will continue to mature.
FOR LONG TERM STORAGE:
Using Low Temperature Pasteurization
  • While the jars are warm wipe the rims clean, put on the lids and screw on the rings until fingertip tight, (do not over tighten). Before processing the jars, heat the water in the canning pot to between 120 to 140 degrees.
  • Lower the jars into the water, and bring the water to 180-185 degrees  Cook for 30 minutes maintaining the water between 180-185 degrees. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the water temperature.
  • After processing, remove from the bath and let cool for 24 hours. Remove the rings, and check the seal. The sealed jars can be stored for up to 1 year, in a cool dark place.
All Done!
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100% Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies

7/18/2017

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These chocolate chip cookies are soft, full of chocolate and nuts, with a rich butter flavor. They do not require a mixer to make so are simple too throw together. In order to get that soft texture, you will need to chill them at last 4 hours or overnight is best, so plan ahead. They can be made in the dough stage then frozen, so you can bake just a few at a time. What we do is bake the batch then freeze them, out of site is a good option for us controlling our diet. I have to think twice and plan ahead if I want to have one which controls the mindless eating for me.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Equipment:
Scale...Once you have one you will wonder how you baked without it.
# 24 Baking Scoop ....Used for mainly cookies, it makes a decent size cookie.
Baking Sheet...I use a half sheet baking pan with a silpat. It works well because it keeps the bottoms of the scones from over browning.
Food Processor or Blender... This will process the oats in the recipe, either piece of equipment will work fine.
Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: 13 - 17 minutes (my oven was good at 14 minutes)
Pan: Sheet Pan
Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 c. old fashioned oats (78 g)
2 1/4 c. flour if you use all purpose ( 292 g whole grain soft white)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. sugar (150 g)
3/4 c. brown sugar (150 g)
1 T. vanilla
1 c. butter (2 sticks) melted (226 g)
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Tidbits:
2 - 3 c. chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. toasted walnuts chopped
Directions:
  • Place the container of your food processor onto your scale and zero the weight out.
  • Place oats into a food processor or blender and grind until they are powdery. It's alright if they have some texture. Zero the weight out before adding the rest of the dry ingredients.
  • Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the food processor or blender. I always sift the baking powder and soda in a small sieve to make sure there are no lumps. Give the dry ingredients  couple of pulses to mix well.
Process on Scale
Pulse a Few Times
Leavening Agents Are Mixed
All The Dry Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
  • Melt the butter on the stove or microwave in a glass container. Add the brown and white sugars, vanilla, lemon juice and the beaten eggs. Stir until smooth.
  • Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix by hand. It will be slightly lumpy because of the ground oats.
  • Toast the nuts then roughly chop. Tip: A great way to chop your nuts is to have 2 knives held together with one hand and chop them. It's easy and does a great job in half the time
  • Once combined, add the chocolate chips and nuts or what ever you wish for tidbits.
Melt the Butter
Whisk Liquid Ingredients
Use 2 knives to Chop Nuts
Great Tip!
  • Use a cookie scoop, 1/4 cup or Tablespoon depending on the size of cookie you want.
  • Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Scoop the dough into balls, place close together for now. You need to chill the dough at least 4 hours but overnight is best. Cover well with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge.
Cookie Scoop
Cookies On Silpat
  • After they are chilled space them out on the baking sheet. Give them plenty of room. This is how I always space the cookies, it may take more oven time to bake but they all will turn out nice.
  • When ready to bake pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Move the cold cookie balls onto the baking sheet and bake 13-17 minutes depending on the size of the cookie and your oven. They should be puffy and slightly brown around the edges.
  • Tip: The cookies will puff up and when they look almost done but still soft remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the mat for 3 minutes before removing. Then remove them from the baking sheet onto a cooking rack.
Spaced on Silpat
After Baking
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Chicken Fajitas

4/22/2017

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Chicken Fajitas are a 10 minute dinner option at my house. If you have a stash of flour tortillas, and left over chicken it's easy. 
Equipment:
Large Pan: A cast iron skillet will work or any 10 inch or larger heavy pan you can use on the stove top.
Chicken Fajita Recipe
There are no set rules, amounts or ingredients, it will depend on the number of fajitas you are making. To give you an idea, we usually have 2 fajitas each with a side and that is plenty for us at dinner.
  • 1 Chicken Breast (will make 3-4 fajitas) You can use any type of chicken meat the dark or white. I buy the 10 pound bags of chicken legs at 64 cents a pound and steam them. Once I pull off all the meat, there is plenty to freeze and make other dishes with. It also provides homemade chicken stock that I use for soups and other dishes.
  • Onion - few slices of onions
  • Bell Peppers - about 1/2 of a large one or 2 small ones
  • Cheese - 1-2 slices per fajita,  any type of cheese (cheddar is nice)
  • Picante Sauce - Recipe for making your own...Click Here
  • Spice Mix - I use in everything, it's not that hot but, has no salt and easy to mix up and keep on hand. Scroll down to the bottom of the Picante Sauce recipe ...Recipe
Favorite Peppers at the store.
Getting ingredients together.
Cooking
Directions:
  • Heat up your pan on medium to high heat.
  • If you are starting with raw chicken, remove the skin and put a bit of oil in the pan and cook the chicken until all of the pink is gone.
  • Cut up the peppers, onions and cooked chicken pieces.
  • Add the the pepper, onions and chicken pieces to the pan along with some olive oil so things don't stick to the hot pan. Cook to soften the onions and peppers.
  • Add 1 tsp spice mix seasoning toss to coat everything.
  • You're done!
  • Assemble:
  • Lay your flour tortilla on the plate. Place the divided mixture on the edge of the tortilla.
  • Lay the cheese over the meat mixture
  • Top with Salsa
  • Fold one end up and roll up the tortilla, place them on the plate. We usually microwave them for a few seconds to melt the cheese or you can put them into the oven covered so the tortillas don't dry out.
Assembly of Fajitas
All rolled up!
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Lemon Oatmeal Bars

3/4/2017

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Oven: 350 degrees
Bake Crust: 123-15 minutes
Bake Bars: 40 minutes
Pan: 9x13 inch
Servings: 36 two inch squares chill before slicing

Ingredients:
Oatmeal Crust
2 1/8 c. soft white flour (275 g)
1 1/2 c. old fashioned rolled oats (165 g)
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. brown sugar (150 g)
16 T. (2 sticks) (227 g)
1 tsp. cinnamon

Option: Add a bag of butterscotch chips to the crust. My husband is not a lemon fan and this combination is nice. If you do this, pulse the chips before adding the butter to the food processor. I find they are easier to chop up.

Cream Filling
1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1tsp. vanilla
1 medium lemon zested and juiced
Or use your preserved lemons
2 lemon rinds plus 2 T. lemon juice
.... How To Preserve Lemons

Directions:
Prepare the Pan
  • Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cut an 18 inch length of foil and fold lengthwise to 8 inches wide. Fit the foil into the 9x13 inch baking dish. Push the foil into the corners and up the sides of the pan. allowing excess to overhang the pans edge.
  • Cut a 14 inch length foil and fit into the width of the baking pan in the same manner as the first sheet.
  • Spray the foil with a nonstick cooking spray or use my Recipe for Release Me Cream
  • This will create handles for easy removal of the bars after cooking.
Crust
  • In a large 12 cup food processor add the flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar and pulse to combine. (option pulse chips next)
  • Add the 2 sticks of butter, chopped pulse as you add.
  • Pulse until the mixture form clumps when pressed between your fingers, transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  • If your food processor is not large enough, do each ingredient separate and than transfer into a large bowl.
  • Press about 60% of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
  • Reserve the other 40% for later.
  • Bake until just slightly golden and set, about 12-15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool completely.
Filling
  • Beat together the cream cheese, condensed milk, vanilla, lemon zest and juice with an electric mixer beat until no lumps of cream cheese remain. (or use your preserved lemons rinds plus 2 T. lemon juice)
  • Spread evenly over the baked and cooled oatmeal crust.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 40% of the oatmeal mixture over the cream cheese.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown about 40 minutes.
  • Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees
  • Cool before lifting out of the pan
  • Cut into 2 inch pieces
  • These freeze well


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Savory Beef Sandwiches

11/26/2016

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PicturePhoto by Taste of Home
This is a great recipe for the crock pot when you are pressed for time during the holidays, and have a lot of mouths to feed. The recipe is from Taste of Home






Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons salt ( I decreased the salt by half)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 to 4 pounds), cut in half
  • 8 to 10 sandwich rolls

Directions:
  1. Cut the roast in half than rub the seasonings over both pieces. Do not add any liquid to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine seasonings; rub over roast. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Shred with a fork. Serve on rolls. Yield: 8-10 servings.
Additional Notes
I have found a 5-6 pound beef chuck roast works well also.

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Sweet Potato Pie with Crumb Topping

10/21/2016

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Picture
This recipe is adapted from a Taste of Home recipe. I have on my site another sweet potato pie recipe. It does not have the crumb topping, but I think the topping adds a lot to the pie.



9 inch Pie Pan
Yields: 6-8 Servings
Bake: 375 degrees for 15 minutes
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 33-40 minutes longer (until a knife comes out clean in the middle of the pie)

Pie Crust Recipe:
1/2 c. soft white flour (63 g)
1/2 c. oat flour (50 g)
2 T. sugar (25 g)
1/2 tsp salt
2 T. unsalted butter chilled (28 g)
2 T. lard or shortening chilled (26 g)
2 T. cold buttermilk (31 g)

Crust Instructions:
With a mixer or by hand
Mix together flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly. Cut the butter into dry mix until the size of tiny peas.  Then add lard or shortening and cut into the dry mix until the peas size pieces. Add some of the buttermilk and mix, do not over mix, add the remaining buttermilk, press into a ball, and then flatten into a rounded disk.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes. The dough may be dry but it will come together after the rest in the refrigerator.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic. And place over the pie pan and press into shape.

Filling Recipe:

Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter, softened (75 g)
1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup evaporated milk (189 g)

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
    or about 2 medium sweet potatoes
    Note: 500g of potatoes makes into about 2 cups cooked & mashed      
    sweet potatoes. (cream in food processor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweet Potato Roasting Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and wash the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F. Scrub the sweet potatoes well and pat them dry with a dish towel.

2. Prick with a fork and roast: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and put them into the oven to roast.

3. Check for doneness: Depending on the size of your potatoes, it may take between 30 minutes to 1 hour for them to be done. Check at 30 minutes by squeezing one of the potatoes using an oven mitt to protected your hands and inserting a sharp knife into the center. They should feel quite soft and the knife should easily glide all the way through. If not return to the oven and check again in 10 minutes.

Or microwave the Sweet Potato until fork tender.

Filling Directions:

Pie Assembly:
In a bowl with your mixer or with the food processor, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Add milk, mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; mix well. Pour into pie shell and add the crumb topping.


Crumb Topping
  • 1/3 c.  (hard white or soft white flour) (60 g)
  • Dash of coarse salt
  • 3 T. unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces (43 g)
  • 2 1/2 T. packed light-brown sugar (33g)
  • Sprinkle 1/4 tsp Cinnamon or All Spice right before placing in oven
Make the crumb topping:
Whisk together the flour and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. In a food processor, pulse the butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture forms clumps. Set aside. Reserve until assembling pie. It makes a lot, just put it on thick. It will settle in as it bakes.

Bake until when you insert a knife in the center of the pie it comes out clean. I usually have to bake it on the longer side.
Enjoy!

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Sweet Potato Cinnamon Muffins

10/17/2016

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Sweet potatoes, are so good for you and can be bought year around. These muffins freeze perfectly, so make a double recipe so you will have them on hand.





Bake time: Total bake time is 17 minutes
Bake 5 minutes at 425 degrees, then turn down to 375 degree and finish baking for the last 12 minutes

Oven: 425 degrees for 5 minutes, then turn down to 375 degrees

Ingredients:
3/4 c. sugar (145g)
1/2 c. +1 T butter (124g)
2  large eggs
1 med. sweet potato (209g) Baked

1 3/4 c. soft white pastry flour (300g)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c. +2 tsp buttermilk (67g)
2 T. +1 tsp. honey (49g)
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:
  • In a separate bowl add all the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together and mix.
  • In a separate bowl mix the buttermilk, honey and vanilla together.
  • With the mixer cream butter, sugar until light and creamy.
  • Add one egg at a time to the mixer and beat until combined.
  • Add the sweet potato to the mixer and beat, then add the liquid ingredients from the separate bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Remove the bowl from the mixer and add the bowl of dry ingredients to the liquid. Mix this by hand until just combined.
  • Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Use a scoop or 1/3 cup to place the dough into the muffin pans.
  • Sprinkle with coarse sugar before placing into the oven.
  • Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes before removing from the muffin pans.

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Black Bean & Pumpkin Chili

9/8/2016

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PicturePicture from Taste of Home
This is a healthy and quick alternative to your regular chili recipe. I always try to get more vegetables into our meals. This recipe is loaded with lots of flavor and nutrition and the best part you put into the crock pot.




COOK: 4 hours (Crock pot)

YIELD: 10 servings about 2 1/2 quarts

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cubed avocado and thinly sliced green onions, optional

Directions
  • 1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
  • 2. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir in the next 10 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours. If desired, top with avocado and green onions.
Suggestions
  • I added a 1/2 cup of salsa and a little more chili powder.
  • Add another can of pumpkin and a couple jalapenos.
  • Toss a little grated cheese on top.
  • Fire roasted diced tomatoes (gave a little extra kick)

Recipe from Taste of Home

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Basic Scone Recipe

8/25/2016

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This recipe is a favorite, that you can add various dried fruits and spices to change the flavor of the scone. Make no mistake they are also excellent just plain, sprinkled with course sugar.


Oven: 425 degrees
Bake: 15 minutes
Pan: Sheet Pan
Yields: 12 scones

Ingredients:
3  c. Soft White Flour (pastry flour) 360 g
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/3 c. sugar (73 g)

1 c. butter (2 sticks) cold and diced  (226 g)

1 c. buttermilk (245 g)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Toppings:
2 T butter (28 g)
2 T. sugar (25 g)

Directions:
  • Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder and soda.
  • Cut the butter (with pastry cutter) into the dry ingredients until the mixture has a crumbly texture.
  • Add buttermilk and vanilla.
  • Stir until everything just comes together to make a stiff dough.
  • Turn out onto the counter and knead 3 to 4 times .
  • Divide the dough in half, pat each half into a 7 inch circle and cut it into six wedges. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Toppings: Melt the butter and brush the top of each scone and sprinkle with the 2 T. of sugar.

Alternative Shaping Method:
  • Using a 1/3 of a cup or a #12 scoop
  • Scoop them onto the baking sheet and brush with the melted butter and top with sugar.

Variations:
Blueberry Scones add 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, nuts or any type of dried fruit.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg or a spice of your choice.

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Caramel Apple Scone

8/25/2016

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Picture
These are a crowd pleaser for breakfast or with tea/coffee in the afternoon. They are like little apple cakes, and freeze well if you want to make them in advance.





Oven: 425 degrees
Bake: 12-15 minutes
Pan: Sheet Pan with silpat or parchment paper
Yields: 12 scones

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c. soft white flour (325 g)
1/3 c. brown sugar (73 g)
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
6 T. cold butter, diced (84 g)
2 c. apples peeled and chopped finely (about 2 small apples)
1/2 c. milk (120 g)
1 egg large

Directions:
  • Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
  • Cut the cold butter into the flour using your mixer, food processor or by hand.
  • Peel, core and dice the apples. It will take about 1 large apple or 2 small apples to make 2 cups of diced apples. Add the apples to the flour mixture.
  • In a separate bowl combine the milk and large egg and beat lightly.
  • Add to the flour mixture and combine. Don't over beat the batter. It will be on the dry side.
  • Put into the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes or longer to make them tender.
  • Using #12 muffin scoop or 1/3 cup, scoop the scones onto a baking sheet leaving about 2 inches between them.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes at 425 degrees.

Icing
1/4 c. brown sugar (50 g)
2 T. butter (28 g)
1 T. milk (15 g)
1/1 c. powder sugar (60 g)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Icing Directions
  • While the scones are baking make the icing. Heat the brown sugar and butter until melted.
  • Stir in the milk and bring to  boil.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the powder sugar and vanilla.

Drizzle over the cooled scones, serve warm or at room temperature


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Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

8/15/2016

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Nothing better than homemade caramel sauce, it makes a great gift, or use to top your ice cream, pies, sweet breads you get the idea. You can make it ahead, because it will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge.

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes, plus cooling

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons (90g) salted butter, cut up into 6 pieces
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (whipping cream)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
  1. Heat granulated sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Make sure you stir constantly using a high heat resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
  2. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Once the sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter. Be careful because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.
  4. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, this takes about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Very slowly, drizzle in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Since the heavy cream is colder than the caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble, be careful it splatters
  6. Put the timer on and allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Allow to cool down before using.
  8. Make ahead tip: You can make this caramel in advance. Make sure it's covered tightly and store it for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Warm the caramel up for a few seconds before using in a recipe. This caramel is OK at room temperature for a day if you're traveling or gifting it.

Notes:
  1. Unsalted butter may be used instead of the salted butter what ever you have.
  2. Avoid doubling or tripling this recipe. The added volume could prevent the sugar from melting evenly and properly. It's best if you make a couple batches instead.

Source:
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

8/15/2016

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Picture
Fall is just around the corner and so is apple season. Apple pie is always good but this is a new twist on an old time classic.  This recipe looks like it has a lot of steps but you can make the salted caramel ahead of time. It's also best to make the bars the day before so they can cool completely.



Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: Crust 15 minutes
Bake: Bars 30 minutes    (Double recipe  bake 45 minutes)
Pan: 8 x 8     (Double Recipe 9x13 pan)
Yield: 12-16 bars depending on the size

Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust
  • 1/2 c. (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 c. (50g) sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. (125g) soft white flour
Apple Filling
  • 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 inch thick                            (3-4 cups depending on the size)
  • 2 T. flour or
  • 2 T. sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Streusel
  • 1/2 c. (40g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 c. (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 c. (30g) soft white
  • 1/4 c. (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • homemade salted caramel sauce (Recipe)
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides. Set aside.
  2. Make the crust: Stir the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a medium bowl. Next add the flour and stir until everything is combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Make the apple filling: Combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl until all of the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
  4. Make the streusel: Mix the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or with your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  5. Remove the crust from the oven, and turn the oven up to 350°F Evenly layer the apples on top of the warm crust. It will look like there are too many apple slices, so layer them tightly and press them down to fit. Sprinkle the apple layer with streusel and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Lift the foil or parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars. I usually cut them into 16 smaller bars, but you can cut them into 12 larger bars. Once cut, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top of each. These apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold
 Tips
  1. The bars keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing them will keep them fresh for 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator then drizzle with the caramel before serving.
  2. Use two different kinds of apples for a more complex flavor. I use 1 tart apple variety such as Granny Smith, and 1 sweeter apple variety such as Pink Lady.

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Creole Seasoning Blend 

8/15/2016

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This Creole seasoning blend is great for seasoning rice, meats, soups and stews, or anything that needs a flavor boost. The holiday season is coming this also makes a great gift when placed in a decorative jar with the recipe attached.

I love to make my own seasoning mixes. You can control the salt and tweak the mixture for your families tastes. They also keep well and will save you a ton of cash. If you buy the spices thru the Co-Op the price of herbs and spices are actually low enough for you to use them everyday in your cooking.

Recipe:
5 T. Paprika
3 T. Salt (I use no salt and add the salt to the dish as needed)
2 T. Garlic Powder
2. T. Basil Dried
2 T. Onion Powder
2 T. Oregano Dried
1 T. Black Pepper
1. T White Pepper
1  T. Thyme Dried
1 T. Cayenne Pepper

Click on links for prices at Co-Op
Combine all of the ingredients and store in a glass jar with a tight lid in a dark place.

Source:
Allrecipes, Recipe by Joslyn
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Hawaiian Blueberry Pineapple Pie 

8/14/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
The pie was adapted from The Cook's Illustrated Baking Book and the crumble is from Martha Stewart. This is a nice combination of fruits with the coconut topping. It will remind you of  the Hawaiian Islands, or the tropics.





Yield:  (1) 9 inch pie
Oven: Pre-heat 375 degrees
Bake: 25 minutes
Oven: Lower Temperature to 350 degrees (cover if needed)
Bake:  Another 25-35 minutes

Ingredients
Single 9 Inch Crust

1/2 c. soft white flour (63 g)
1/2 c. oat flour (50 g)
2 T. sugar (25 g)
1/2 tsp salt
2 T. unsalted butter chilled (28 g)
2 T. lard or shortening chilled (26 g)
2 T. cold buttermilk (31 g)




Crust Instructions:  Detailed instructions and pictures
With a mixer, food processor or by hand
  • Mix together flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
  • Cut or pulse the butter into dry mix until the size of tiny peas.  Then add lard or shortening and cut or pulse into the dry mix until the peas size pieces.
  • Add some of the buttermilk and mix, do not over mix, add the remaining buttermilk, press into a ball, and then flatten into a rounded disk. 
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes. The dough may be dry but it will come together   after the rest in the refrigerator.
  • Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic. And place over the pie pan and press into shape.

Crumb Topping
  • 1/4c. plus 2 1/2T. flour (hard white or all purpose) (79 g)
  • Dash of coarse salt
  • 1/2 c. plus 1T. sweetened shredded coconut (67 g total)
  • (use 1/4 c. + 1/2 T. or 34g now and the other half as a topping)
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces (56 g)
  • 1/4 c. plus 1/2 T. packed light-brown sugar (56 g)
  • Sprinkle 1/2 tsp Cinnamon or All Spice right before placing in oven

Pie Filling
  • 1 1/2 pints blueberries (about 3 cups), rinsed if fresh
  • 3 c. chopped pineapple (fresh or (1) 20 oz canned, drained pineapple)
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and grated or chopped finely
  • ¾ c. sugar
  • 1 T. instant ClearJel (or 2 T. Tapioca)  .... Read More on Thickening
  • zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • pinch salt

Instructions
  1. Make the coconut crumb topping: whisk together the flour and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. In a food processor, pulse half the coconut (34 g) until finely ground. Add the butter and brown sugar and pulse until combined. Add the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture forms clumps. Set aside. Reserve the other half of the coconut (33g) until assembling pie.
  2. Roll the pie dough into a 9-inch deep pie pan or deep dish tart pan, trimming and crimping the edges. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes-until you are ready to use it.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 1 1/2 cups each of the berries, chopped apple and the pineapple into a medium pan set over medium heat. Mash several times with a potato masher to release the juices. Cook the berries and the pineapple, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes, until reduced to about 1 ½ - 2 cups. It should be pretty thick.
  4. Combine the cooked berries, pineapple, apple, uncooked berries, sugar, tapioca or Clear-jel lemon zest, juice, and salt in a large bowl. Pour into the prepared pie crust and top with the coconut crumb topping. Put the remaining 33 g of coconut on top. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp cinnamon or all spice. Place on a baking sheet to catch anything that might run out.
  5. Bake the pie for 25 minutes then rotate the pan and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees. Cover the pie with foil if the topping is getting to brown. Bake for 35-50 minutes longer until the crust is brown and the pie filling is bubbly. Cool for at least 4 hours at room temperature before serving.

1 Comment

Beef Brisket

8/14/2016

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Picture
Now brisket may not be a cut of meat that you usually buy, but you can make some pretty outstanding meals with it. I recently got a brisket from Sweetwater Farms, all their beef is grass fed it was lean and wonderful.


I will share a recipe that I have used for many years. I can upon it in Houston Texas where they are known for their fabulous brisket.

Timing:
Day 1 Marinate overnight

Day 2 Bake
Oven: 275 degrees for 5 hours
           275 degrees for 1 hour with barbecue sauce
Total cooking time 6 hours

Ingredients:
6-8 pound brisket
1 large cooking bag
Garlic powder or granulated (Co-Op price)
Onion powder or granulated (Co-Op price)
Salt
Small bottle of liquid smoke (omit if you like)
Worcestershire Sauce
Bottle of favorite barbecue sauce

Directions:
  • If you are buying the brisket from the grocery store it will have lots of fat on it. Leave most of the fat on the brisket, you can trim off areas where it's several inches thick. The grass fed brisket was very lean, so I did not have to do anything to it.
  • Place the whole brisket into the bag and sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Add the bottle of liquid smoke to the bag. (I am sensitive to the liquid smoke so I omit it)
  • Seal the bag and place into the refrigerator overnight.
  • The next morning remove the marinating brisket from the refrigerator. Open the bag and sprinkle a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce over the brisket.
  • Place the bag on a cookie sheet that has a rim around the edge, just in case of spills. While on the cookie sheet take a fork and poke holes in 4 places on the top of the bag to let the steam escape. Cook slowly in the oven for around 5 hours.
  • After 5 hours open the bag and pour the bottle of barbecue sauce over the brisket and tie the bag up again and place in the oven for an addition hour.
  • Let the brisket cool on the cookie sheet for easy clean up. After it's cooled remove the brisket and remove any fat that is still visible. Save the liquid. I put it into a container and refrigerate it, that way I can get all of the fat off it in a few hours or the next day.
Options:
  1. I have done this recipe in my crock-pot or roster and it turned out fine. But you may have to add additional water to the pot every now and then as needed.
  2. The second option is to prepare this just before you go to bed and have the oven come on in the middle of the night so it's ready for the final step when you first get up. We do this in the summer to keep the kitchen cooler during the day.
I hope you try this recipe, we make a large brisket, cut it up and freeze it. That way you can enjoy brisket sliced or on homemade buns.

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Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

7/26/2016

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Delicious ranch seasoning mix is super easy to make homemade!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup dry buttermilk (or omit)
  • 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried dill weed
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 2 tsp. dried onion flakes
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried chives
  • 1 tsp. salt
Directions:
  • Whisk all ingredients together until blended. If you want a more finely-ground seasoning mix, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
  • 3 Tablespoons of this mix = 1 packet of the store-bought seasoning mix
  • To Make Ranch Dressing:Combine 1 Tbsp. seasoning mix with 1/3 cup mayo and 1/3 cup milk, and whisk to combine. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the mayo.
  • You can omit the buttermilk powder if you would like to use fresh buttermilk, or if you would just like the straight spices for the seasoning mix.**
Recipe from www.gimmesomeoven.com
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Bacon Melt

7/25/2016

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I love grilled cheese sandwiches and these are just over the top good!






Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1½ teaspoon dry ranch dressing (Homemade Recipe)
  • 2 slices bacon, crushed
  • 1 chicken breast, cooked and cubed
  • 1 oz shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 slice of extra cheddar cheese
  • 2 slices of Bread
Instructions:
  1. Preparation: Heat medium size skillet over low heat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and ranch dressing. Add bacon, chicken and cheese.
  3. Spread equal amounts of butter between both sides of bread. Place one buttered slice of bread down into warm pan, layer with sliced cheese and mixture.
  4. Place second slice of bread buttered side facing up. Turn heat to medium and cook until bread is browned and crispy, about 2-4 minutes.
  5. Flip sandwich and cook until second slice of bread is just slight browned, then place bowl on top sandwich for an additional minute or so to melt cheese. Serve immediately.
Recipe from Dave's Breads
realfoodbydad.com

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Peach Pecan Bread

7/4/2016

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Picture
This recipe is from Pastries Like a Pro by Helen H. Fletcher.








Oven: 325 degrees
Bake: 60-75 minutes
Pan: 9x5 inch loaf pan (lined with parchment paper)
Makes one loaf

Ingredients
1/2 cup pecan pieces (60 grams)
2 large peaches fully ripened
Remove the skin of the peaches.
  • Drop the ripe peaches in boiling water for 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately place them in cold water to stop the cooking.
  • The skins will just slide right off.
  • Remove the pit and you’re ready to go.
  • Puree just enough of the peaches to make 1 cup. Dice the remainder into 1/2 inch pieces. Note: If using large peaches the puree will take about one and a half peaches. The remainder of the peach is diced up and added to the batter along with the pecans when putting it into the pan. The peach pieces give a pleasant burst of flavor.

Liquid Ingredients
1 cups sugar (200 g)
1/2 cup oil (112 g)
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 cup peach puree (about 1 1/2 large peach)
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients
1 1/2 c. soft white pastry flour (210 grams)  or All purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Line the bottom of a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment. Spray the pan and set aside.

Wet Ingredients:
Whisk sugar and oil until combined.
Add egg and yolk, whisking to combine
Add the peach puree and extracts.

Dry Ingredients:
Combine the salt, baking soda, baking powder and flour. Mix together.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.

Assemble:
  • Pour one third of the batter into the prepared pan.  
  • Sprinkle 1/2 of the diced peaches and 1/2 of the pecan pieces over the batter. Spread another one third of the batter over the peaches and pecans and repeat the peach pieces and pecans.
  • Top with the last third of the batter spreading it to the edges covering the peaches and pecans.

Bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. If it browns too much lightly cover with a piece of foil that has been sprayed and placed sprayed side down over the bread.
Cool 30 minutes and turn out of the pan to cool on racks.


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