What's for dinner?

Moving!

2009-04-27T11:27:00.001-05:00

We are in the process of moving all of our recipes over to www.treasurygarden.com. Please visit us there.

30 Day Cooking

2008-10-30T09:53:00.002-05:00

I've been perfecting the 30 day cooking. So far I'm loving it. It's so easy to pop a precooked or prepared home cooked meal right in the oven or microwave.

We cooked from 8am to 5 pm on a Saturday. In that time we prepared 60 meals that will feed 2 families of 5 dinner. Now how can you beat that? I know I can't. With the busy lifestyle I live it really makes the evenings a less stressful.

We are getting ready to cook month #2. Some of the things we made during month #1 were things that we chose not to fix again because our families didn't care for them. When we get it down to kid/husband approved I will start posting recipes.

Chunky Apple Oatmeal Pancakes with Maple Cream

2008-04-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 cup rolled oats
2 Tbs oat bran
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped apple
1 cup apple juice

Combine dry ingredients. Add raisins and apple. Gently stir in juice until dry ingredients are completely moistened.Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a nonstick skillet or griddle. Cook until bottom is brown and spatula slips easily underneath. Turn and brown other side.

Maple Cream Topping
For a tasty and nourishing pancake topping, mix together equal parts of pure maple syrup and plain yogurt.

The above recipe only makes eight pancakes, so you better double or triple it!

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

2008-04-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

12 - 15 Corn tortillas
3 Cups Cooked chicken, cubed
1 4 oz.-Can chopped green chiles
1/4 Cup Onion, diced
2 16 oz green chile sauce
2 Cups Longhorn cheddar cheese, grated
2 tsp ground garlic
2 TBS butter
Sour cream

Saute chicken with butter and garlic.
Then grind in food processor.
Place chicken in skillet and add Hatch sauce, onions and green
chiles.
Cook for 5 minutes medium heat.
Lightly spray baking dish with cooking spray.
Line a round baking dish with tortillas.
Spread them with a layer of chicken and cheese. Repeat layers.
Top with green chile sauce, grated cheese and sour cream if desired
and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.

Honey Mustard Chicken

2008-03-28T07:56:00.000-05:00

8 drumsticks or thigh pieces
4 tablespoons whole grain mustard
4 tablespoons honey
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F Put chicken in a roasting pan in a single layer. Mix together mustard and honey, salt and pepper. Brush over chicken. Cook for approx 30 mins or until juices run clear.

Herb-Stuffed Pork Chops

2008-03-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 (8-oz.) bone-in rib pork chops (1 inch thick)
1 oz. provolone cheese, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon olive oil

1. In small bowl, stir together garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.

2. With small knife, make horizontal slit in each pork chop to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with cheese and basil; brush with oil. Rub rosemary mixture over chops.

3. Heat grillpan or heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add pork; cook 10 to 12 minutes or until chops are pale pink in center, turning once.2 servings

Irish Herbed Potatoes

2008-03-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

2-1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons minced chives
3 tablespoons snipped fresh dill or 3 teaspoons dill weed
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Transfer to a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over potatoes and toss to coat. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Wings

2008-03-12T07:12:00.000-05:00

1 1/2-2 lbs chicken wings (about 16 pieces)
1/2 egg, beaten
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

Chicken wing Sauce:
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Accent seasoning (optional)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar

In a small bowl combine the sauce ingredients and stir until sugaris dissolved.Cut wings in half and discard tip, dip in beaten egg and then inflour, fry in butter and olive oil until golden brown and crispy.Add butter and olive oil as needed.Put fried wings in a casserole dish and pour sauce over top. Bake uncovered 350 for 1 hour, turning over every 20 minutes.

Note: sauce can be doubled so as to have some for dipping or pourover rice.

Artichoke-Dilled Potato Salad

2008-03-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

3 lb. whole tiny new potatoes
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Dijon style mustard
1 Tbsp. lemon pepper, seasoning
1 Tbsp. fresh dill, snipped or 2-3 t. dried dill weed
4 hard cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
2 jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
3/4 cup sliced red onions
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

Scrub potatoes under running water. Cook unpeeled potatoes, covered, in boiling water (lightly salted), 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain and cool. Cut in halves or quarters. Stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, lemon pepper, and dill. Gently fold in cooked potatoes, eggs, artichoke hearts, onion, and celery. Cover and chill 4-24 hours. Stir gently before serving.

Southwest Pulled Pork

2008-02-29T07:51:00.000-06:00

2 tablespoons vegetable oil2
1/2 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast (also known as Boston butt roast)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
3/4 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup purchased mole sauce*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add pork; sprinkle with salt. Cook 4 to 6 minutes or until browned on all sides. Place pork, onion and bell pepper in 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 7 to 9 hours or until pork is tender. Remove pork and vegetables with slotted spoon; place on plate. Reserve 3/4 cup of the liquid; discard remaining liquid. Return liquid to slow cooker; stir in chili sauce, mole sauce, cumin and chili powder. Shred pork; stir into sauce in slow cooker, along with vegetables. Cover and cook on low 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

TIP *Mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is an intricate, rich Mexican sauce with many versions. It usually contains chiles, ground nuts or seeds, spices and sometimes chocolate. Look for it in the Hispanic section of the grocery store or specialty markets. If you can’t find mole sauce, substitute taco sauce. Because the consistency of taco sauce is much thinner than mole sauce, you may need to reduce the amount of reserved liquid to 1/3 to 1/2 cup.

Source: Cooking Pleasures Magazine

What a winter!

2008-02-29T07:36:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything new. This has been the worst winter we have had since 1995. I have spent a lot of time moving snow. If it isn't snowing, it's blowing. Either way I have delt with 4' to 5' drifts at least once a week for weeks now.

I also have getting things together to start my own business. It is now up and running. You can see my website at www.tanicotravel.com. I'm very excited!

I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how I'm going to pay my bills and put food on the table. As I was going thru my finances I realized that every one of my bills have gone up over the last 2 years despite all I have done to cut back. My income has not. I have not had a raise in 2 years.

I grow a lot of my own food and raise chickens for eggs and meat. I can and freeze all I can to get me thru until next harvest. It's just not enough. I drive a very small car that gets good gas mileage but I drive 80 miles a day to work. I have to have my son in daycare before & after school. I've looked for other jobs closer to home but because I live so far out there really is nothing. The job market is gone done. Even another job doing what I'm doing now I can't find a job making what I'm making here and doing the math a paycut just won't work. So the most logical thing to do is start my own business. After it's up and running I will be able to cut out the driving and the daycare. It also have a lot of great tax benefits for running a business out of your home.

Hope everyone is having a great winter. I look forward to hearing from you all.

Spicy Oven Fries

2008-01-21T09:15:00.000-06:00

3 large baking potatoes (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
cooking spray

Cut each potato lengthwise into 8 wedges. Combine the oiland seasoning in a plastic bag-add the wedges. Seal the bagand shake to coat the potatoes. Arrange the wedges, skin sidedown, in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cookingspray. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes8 servings.

Basil Tomato Salad

2008-01-19T15:28:00.000-06:00

3 tomatoes
3 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon capers
3 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 cups pasta
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients except tomatoes, pasta and cheese. When everything is mixed well and the salt and sugar is dissolved, add the tomatoes. Allow the tomatoes to marinate at room temp. Then cook pasta drain and add to tomato mixture. Right before serving add Parmesan cheese.

Polynesian Glazed Meatballs

2008-01-18T11:25:00.000-06:00

1 tsp. oil

1 large red pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1/4 cup barbecue Sauce

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 cans (8 oz. each) pineapple chunks, drained, liquid reserved

12 oz. (3/4 of 1-lb. pkg.) frozen cooked meatballs

2 cups instant white rice, uncooked

Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions; cook 5 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Stir in barbecue sauce, ginger, garlic powder and reserved pineapple liquid. Add meatballs; mix lightly until evenly coated. Cook 10 min. or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook rice as directed on package. Stir pineapple into meatball mixture. Serve over the rice.

Warm Chicken-Pecan Salad

2008-01-15T07:20:00.000-06:00

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup Pecan Pieces
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. Spicy Brown Mustard

Spray grill pan or large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook on medium-high heat 5 min. on each side or until chicken is cooked through (165ºF). Remove chicken from pan; cool slightly. Chop chicken; place in medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Serve warm.

Sesame Chicken

2008-01-13T16:30:00.001-06:00

1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
2 lb. chicken parts (boneless, skinless chicken breast work best)
1 1/2 cups crushed corn flakes
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
2 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine

Mix 1/4 cup soup, 1/4 cup milk and 1/8 tsp. poultry seasoning. Dip chicken in soup mixture; then roll in mixture of corn flakes and sesame seeds. Place in foil-lined shallow baking dish. Drizzle with butter. Bake at 400 degrees F for 1 hour. Meanwhile, combine remaining soup, milk and poultry seasoning. Heat; stir now and then. Serve over chicken.

Low-Fat Vegetarian Chili with Rice

2008-01-10T07:59:00.000-06:00

1 15-1/2 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 14-1/2 oz. low-sodium tomatoes, undrained and cut up
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup water
3/4 cup chopped green (sweet-optional) pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash ground red pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups hot cooked rice

In a large saucepan combine kidney beans, great northern beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, green pepper, onion, chili powder, sugar, basil, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and garlic. Bring to boiling, reduce heat, simmer, covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Top each serving or chili with 1/2 cup cooked rice. Makes 4 servings

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare chili. Transfer to refrigerator container, cover and chill up to 2 days. Reheat and top with rice.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

2008-01-09T09:27:00.000-06:00

2 pounds Italian Sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 Onion (chopped)
1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
1 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
12 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
2 small cans Tomato Paste
3 small cans Tomato Sauce
1 bay leaf 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Spaghetti Noodles
Parmesan cheese

1. In a large soup pot - brown Italian Sausage and crumble the meat into chunks. Drain grease.
2. Add olive oil, bell peppers, onion and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chopped tomato and cook 5 more minutes, still stirring.
3. Add tomato paste and tomato sauce. Fill empty cans with water and add to pot.
4. Add spices to the spaghetti sauce. Add salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Cook on low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Stir often to keep spaghetti sauce from sticking to bottom of pan. (add more water if sauce becomes too thick)
6. Remove bay leaf and ladle sauce over spaghetti noodles. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Serves approx 6 people.

Hawaiian Baked Yam

2008-01-08T15:12:00.000-06:00

8 large sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into 2" chunks
2 cup pineapple chunks1 cup banana; sliced
2 cup hearts of palm; cut into 2" chunks
2 cup tempeh; cut into 1" chunks
2 cup dried lentils
3 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup honey or other natural sweetener
2/3 cup prepared spicy mustard
1/2 cup cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 250 deg.
Combine all ingredients in a large roasting pan or casserole dish. Place in oven and bake, covered, for 2 hours. Stir occasionally and serve hot.
Hint: For a sweeter taste, use apple juice to replace 1/2 of the vegetable stock.

Meatloaf Muffins

2008-01-07T07:40:00.000-06:00

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup hot water
2 egg whites (or 1 whole egg)
1 package stove top stuffing mix

Mix together and place in cupcake tin for muffin meatloaf. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. makes twelve (12) meatloaf muffins.

2 pts each for Weight Watcher points

Crispy Onion Chicken

2008-01-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

1/2 C. butter or margarine melted
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. ground mustard
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. pepper4 boneless chicken breast halves
1 can French fried onions

In a shallow bowl combine the butter, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic salt and pepper. Dip chicken in the butter mixture, then coat with onions. Place in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with any remaining onions; drizzle with any remaining butter mixture. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is done.

Shepherds Pie

2007-12-28T08:55:00.000-06:00

1 1/2 lbs of ground meat
1 large onion, diced
2 beef bullion cubes
4 carrots, sliced thin
1 6-ounce pkg. frozen green peas
6 large potatoes peeled, diced
1/2 cup sour cream
dash salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup cheddar cheese - grated

In a large pot boil ground meat, diced onions and bullion cubes for 50 minutes. Add sliced carrots and peas. Boil for 15 minutes. While meat is cooking start the potatoes. Peel and dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Place in separate pot. Boil in just enough water to cover. When potatoes are tender, drain and mash them in large bowl. Mix in sour cream. Add a dash of salt and pepper. When meat and potatoes are done, ladle out into a large casserole dish. Reserve 1/2 cup of broth for sauce. Mix together Worcestershire sauce, beef broth and cornstarch until the gravy thickens. Pour gravy over meat and vegetables. Take mashed potatoes and spread over the top of the Shepherds Pie casserole. Top with grated cheese. Cover casserole and bake at 400° for 30 minutes.Serves 6 people

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

2007-12-20T11:01:00.000-06:00

1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup roasted red bell pepper strips
15-oz. jar alfredo sauce
4 cups frozen broccoli florets
9-oz. pkg. refrigerated fettuccine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In 4 quart crockpot, place chicken, onions, and red bell pepper. Pour alfredo sauce over. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Thaw and drain broccoli and add to crockpot along with fettuccine. Stir, cover crockpot, and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, until broccoli is hot and fettuccine is tender. Sprinkle with cheese and serve. 6 servings

Chili Cheeseburger Casserole

2007-12-19T12:56:00.000-06:00

1 (7-1/4 ounce) box macaroni and cheese (do not make as directed on box)
1 pound ground beef eye of round
1 (15 ounce) can 99% fat-free Hormel chili
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen onion

Spray a large, nonstick skillet with non-fat cooking spray. Bring all ingredients to a full-boil, stirring frequently. (DO NOT precook meat.) Reduce heat to a low boil. Cover. Cook for 8 minutes, sitrring occasionally. Serve hot. Makes 4 (1 1/4 cup) Servings

MARINATED BEEF & BROCCOLI SUPPER

2007-12-13T07:19:00.000-06:00

Half Stick of Butter (1/4 cup)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon purchased minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh gingerroot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut into 3x1/2-inch strips
2 medium tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
Hot cooked rice

Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add broccoli and onion.Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisply tender (5to 6 minutes).Meanwhile, stir together all remaining ingredients except sirloinstrips, tomatoes and rice in medium bowl. Add meat; let stand 5 minutes.Add meat and marinade to broccoli mixture. Continue cooking, stirringoccasionally, until meat is browned (6 to 8 minutes). Stir in tomatoes.Cover; let stand 1 minute or until heated through. Serve meat and broccoli mixture over rice.

Ham and Beef Meatballs

2007-12-12T07:26:00.000-06:00

Meatballs
1 lb. smoked ham, ground
1 lb. ground beef
2 eggs
2 cups bread crumbs

Syrup:
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar

Mix top ingredients and shape into balls. Mix syrup, pour over balls and bake in moderate oven for 1-1/2 hours.

Source Unknown

Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole

2007-12-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 (10 1/2-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained1 (3 1/2-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup mayonnaise1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds1 tablespoon lemon juice1 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed cornflakes cereal

Cook rice according to package directions. Stir together cooked rice and next 10 ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cereal.Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Source Unknown

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

2007-12-10T07:13:00.000-06:00

1 boiled chicken, chopped (or any leftover chicken that you have)
8 oz. sour cream
4 oz. can chopped green chilies
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1-10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 -10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup¾ cup onion, chopped
add any other ingredients that your family likes!
1 pkg. (10-12) flour tortillas

Mix chicken, soups, sour cream, chilies, onion and 1 cup of thecheddar cheese.Put large spoonful of mixture on tortillas and roll up.Place filled tortillas in 9 x 13 inch pan. Add approximately 1 cupwater to any leftover mixture and pour over top, covering alltortillas. Put 1 cup cheese on top.Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.Serve with additional sour cream, chopped tomatoes or chives if desired.

Source Unknown

Beef Roll

2007-12-09T14:48:00.000-06:00

1 flank steak
1 egg, beaten
1 cup onions, minced
1/2 cup carrots, minced
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup cooked tomatoes
1 cup mushrooms, opt.
1 tsp. salt
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. fat
1 1/2 cup hot water

Have flank steak deeply scored. Mix egg, vegetables, salt and crumbs together. Spread vegetable stuffing on flank steak; roll and tie with string. Roll in flour and pepper; brown in hot fat in roasting pan. Add hot water and mushrooms; cover tightly and cook in moderate oven, 325 degrees F, for 1 1/2-2 hours.

Source Unknown

Why is dinner so important?

2007-12-09T13:59:00.001-06:00

Why is dinner so important? I thought breakfast was the most important meal. I have been asked this question many times. Breakfast is very important. You need the energy to get through the day. I have a story to share with you in hopes the answer will become more clear to many of you.

A friend came to me one day telling me his brother's wife left him. They had been been together for 12 yrs but unhappy for about 4 yrs. He was a very busy man. He worked hard to provide for his family and liked to spend time with his hobbies. After working all day he enjoyed hanging out and having a beer or two with his friends before going home. He never saw a problem with this because he was not out cheating or with other women at all. His wife on the other hand wanted him home with her and their child. She felt like she was a lone and not important to him at all.

Can this marriage be saved? Probably, but first both people need to listen and understand the others thoughts and feelings and together make some changes. Will this happen? Probably not. At this time both have just given up and have no clue what to do but divorce. Both are subborn, angry and hurt.

People get so busy with work, running kids to their activities, shopping, going to the gym and other hobbies that they neglect the most important thing, their marriage. Relationships take work, they can not be neglected anymore than your children should be neglected.

Everyone needs to eat, right? Every relationship needs to be fed too. So how do you feed both with everything else going on? Dinner. When the family sits down to dinner that is spending time together. In some countries dinner can last for 2 hours. The family enjoys their food and their family. They communicate. Feed your relationship with lots of love, hugs, kisses, communication and a very tasty dinner. Take your time. Enjoy your food and your family.

Chicken Casserole Recipes

2007-12-06T11:50:00.000-06:00

2 cups chicken, cooked and cut up
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can mushroom soup
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. soy sauce

Brown onion and celery in butter. Mix all together and bake 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

Source Unknown

Classic Recipe -- Egg Nog

2007-12-05T07:22:00.000-06:00

Yolk 1 egg
1 tablespoon sugarf
ew grains salt
2 tablespoons wine or1 tablespoon brandy
2/3 cup milk
White 1 egg

Beat yolk of egg, add sugar, salt, wine and milk. Strain, and add beaten white of egg. Stir well before serving.

Almond Truffle Temptations

2007-12-04T07:19:00.000-06:00

1 pound milk chocolate, cut up
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
10 ounces vanilla- and/or chocolate-flavored candy coating

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine milk chocolate and whipping cream. Place over very low heat, stirring occasionally until just melted (mixture may appear curdled). Stir in the almond extract. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Shape candy into 1-inch balls; place on waxed paper. Chill, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place candy coating in a medium saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until it's melted. (Or melt the two candy coatings in separate pans.) Cool slightly to avoid melting the chocolate balls.

Quickly dip balls, one at a time, into melted candy coating. Lift out with a fork and let excess coating drip off truffles. Place truffles on the same cookie sheet. Let stand until coating is set. If you like, drizzle tops with the same or opposite color melted candy coating. Let stand until set. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Makes 34 pieces.

Source Unknow

Skillet Coconut Chicken

2007-12-03T07:24:00.000-06:00

6 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. butter
1 14-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
1/3 cup cold water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup snipped dried apricots
1 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 cups hot cooked rice
1/3 cup golden raisins
2 green onions, thinly bias sliced

Sprinkle chicken with the 1-1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet cook chicken, half at a time, in hot butter over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, turning once. Remove chicken from skillet; cover and keep warm.

For sauce, add coconut milk to skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl combine water and cornstarch. Add to skillet, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in almonds, apricots, lemon peel, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Serve chicken with hot cooked rice and coconut sauce. Sprinkle with raisins and green onions.

Serves 6

Source Unknown

Mama's Chili Recipe

2007-11-30T07:23:00.000-06:00

1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck, browned and drained
1 quart diced tomatoes1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 ounce chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small diced onion (optional)

Mix all ingredients and cook on medium heat for about 1 1/2 hours. You can also mix the ingredients in a crock pot and simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Source unknown

Random Thoughts

2007-11-29T08:11:00.000-06:00

When I cook I try to use fresh or homemade ingredients instead of canned or prepackaged when ever possible. I am a believer that all of the preservatives put in foods and the chemicals in fertilizer are the main sources of major disease and other health problems.

I have found that my over active son is more in control when his diet is restricted from prepackages foods and meats raise with growth hormones. That there is proof enough for me that the things added to our food alters the human body in ways we have no control over.

I grow and raise a lot of our food. What I do not grow or raise I purchase from local farmers that do not use commercial fertilizers or growth hormones. Nothing tastes better than fresh eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables. Since we can not grow a lot of stuff year around I either freeze it or can it so that we can eat it through the winter. This not only keeps us from not eating preservative but it tastes so much better.

I like to purchase local because I believe in supporting my community not the large corportations. I also like knowing how my food was grown and what was added to it (nothing). Do you know what is in your food? Do you know who handled your food?

Meatballs Stroganoff

2007-11-29T07:24:00.000-06:00

1 12- to 16-ounce package frozen cooked meatballs
1 cup lower-sodium beef broth
1 4-ounce can (drained weight) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
4 cups hot cooked wide egg noodles
Snipped fresh parsley (optional)

In a large skillet, combine meatballs, broth, and mushrooms. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and flour. Whisk in milk and mustard. Stir sour cream mixture into skillet. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Serve over hot cooked noodles. If desired, stir in snipped fresh parsley.

Serves 6 to 8

Source unknown

Skillet Ham, Cabbage and Potatoes

2007-11-28T08:10:00.000-06:00

2 tablespoons margarine
1 onion, chopped
1 small head cabbage, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup water3 large potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
1 dash seasoning salt
1 dash paprika
2 cups cubed cooked ham

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute onions in the margarine. When tender add cabbage and stir. Pour water over, cover and simmer gently on medium low for ten minutes. Add potatoes and mix. Cover again and allow to simmer for ten more minutes. Additional water may be needed. Sprinkle seasoning salt and paprika over cabbage and potatoes. Allow to simmer covered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cabbage is soft and potatoes are nearly cooked. Mix ham in and finish cooking until ham is hot and potatoes are done.

Serves 4

Source unknown

Chicken Tostada with Southwest Jalapeno Crema

2007-11-27T18:02:00.000-06:00

1/2 cup Mexican crema or Sour Cream
1 tbsp minced Jalapenos
1 tsp Southwest seasoning, divided
3 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
4 tostada shells
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup thick refrigerated salsa

Heat of to 350 degrees. Combine crema, chile and 1/2 tsp of Southwest seasoning in small bowl. Combine chicken and remaining 1/2 tsp seasoning in medium bowl.

Place tostada shells on baking sheet. Top with beans, chicken, green onions and cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and ingredients are heated through. Top with salsa and crema mixture.

Serves 4
From Cooking Pleasures Magazine

Welcome to Chef Mom

2007-11-27T17:32:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Chef Mom.

I get a lot of emails and phone calls from people wondering what to fix for dinner tonight. The most common comment I hear is "I'm tired of the same old things.". I know have a solution to their problem. I have created this site for all of my friends, family and new online friends to give them some new ideas.

I will happily give credit to anyone or anyplace I got the recipe if I know who they are. I have many recipes that I have no idea where they came from. Seems I have a recipe elf in my house. He loves to leave me new recipes to try. Cooking and eating very tasty meals should be an enjoyable time in your day, not a stressful challenge.

At my house dinner is a family event. Everyone sits at the table and has good conversation, tells about their day and plans. It brings the family closer and is the only time everyone makes sure they are home. No one wants to pass up a good meal.

I hope you enjoy my selection of recipes and would love to hear your comments and suggestions.