http://on.fb.me/14hKiRz

After having Alaskan King Crab last night for Mothers Day dinner this is what I am making with the leftovers…. even if I only have 9 ounces!!!

Sharing this from a Face Book post from Carol Okutman Lind.

 

 

Crabcakes

 

INGREDIENTS:
1 large egg
2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (I like Hellman’s Real)
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (I like Maille brand)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup finely diced celery (you’ll need one stalk)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 pound lump crab meat*
½ cup panko (I like the Whole Foods 365 brand for this recipe)
Canola oil

DIRECTIONS:
1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Combine the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, celery, and parsley in a large bowl and mix well. Add the crab meat (be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage) and panko; gently fold mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat. Shape into 6 crab cakes (about ½ cup each) and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat and coat with canola oil. When oil is hot, place crab cakes in pan and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Be careful as oil may splatter. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Quick Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced red onion
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Today’s Social from Decision Toolbox

hangingcat_Large

 

 

http://bit.ly/13OrLjx

 

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 

 
Leonardo daVinci 

Ribeye with blue cheese

Grilling Steaks.   Saw this and knew I had to share it.  I love the basic easy to read information.

Thanks Scott Evans/Leader One

http://bit.ly/YWhA87

Amazing talent

https://www.facebook.com/kim.y.johnson

I was 18 and could not for the life of me figure out why someone would by a Yugo.   Why would you purchase something that quit working while still owing $$$

1http://bit.ly/YEwCiF8

Love the idea of the fresh mozzarella.  Can’t wait to experiment to see if I can bake or broil them :)

http://foodfamilyfinds.com/ranch-panko-mozzarella-bites-recipe/

mozzarella bites

Interested in making a purchase?  Go t0  kimj.norwex.biz

norwex

Having worked in HR this seems obvious to me.  Happy employees = positive moral, creativity, and increased productivity.

http://bit.ly/13HM29h

 

Hot Topic http://t.co/DQnP1r0BFg

sounds like Yahoo is going backwards http://t.co/fXPuFI0B65

Colors for health

Another great day at a team meeting.

“Oh No You Didn’t” blog series about mistakes made on both sides in the #interview process, part 1 #HR http://jobinfo.com/t/?9124691861A65

Decision Toolbox sharing information.

http://bit.ly/V7axEM

 

Norwex pict

I began using and selling this amazing product in October.  Why am I selling it?  Because it is too good to not share with everyone.

Please check out this video on You Tube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tO9L3fAiPcI   If you like what you see please visit my website   kimj.norwex.biz

I am so fortunate to work not for, but with such an amazing company.

Such a great quote to share as we move forward.  Thank you Kim Shepherd (CEO of Decision Toolbox) for sharing this.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. 

 

My heart is breaking.   Lighting one candle for each soul lost.  The flame may go but the light will go on forever.

Laura… Had to share this.

I make this ALL the time.  I make one half with Big Jim Hatch Chilies http://newmexicanconnection.com and one half without.  My 13yr old eats the half without…  he has to share 1 1/2 with is brother but he eats the rest!

 

http://laurasbestrecipes.com/2008/11/my-favorite-chicken-enchiladas/

 

enchiladas.jpg

On a cold day… with a hand-pressed margarita – these are great!  Enjoy…

Chicken

I like to brine a whole chicken first…click here for recipe

Then cook it on the Big Green Egg

The chicken comes out absolutely delicious and the breast meat is extremely juicy.  If you are short on time you can buy a rotisserie chicken at the store.  But use it quickly so it is still warm.  I think rotisserie birds get “gummy” when they are refrigerated.

DSC03555.JPG

Tangy Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tomatillos, husked
  • 1 white onion, peeled and quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 jalapenos
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground cumin (best if you grind seeds in a mill)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, juiced

Enchiladas:

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (it’s best if you toast and mill whole cumin seeds)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock, (yours or Organic – but not low sodium)
  • Chopped cilantro leaves (lots)
  • 1 high-quality (i.e. whole foods) deli roasted chicken (about 3 pounds), boned, meat shredded (this is a great trick that makes the chicken really moist and saves time) – or a home roasted chicken (see my favorite technique below)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 large (but not burrito size) flour tortillas (fresh and locally made is best – check Whole Foods)
  • 3/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • Chopped tomatoes and cilantro leaves, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the salsa:

On a baking tray, roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.

 

tomatillo salsa.JPG

Enchiladas:

Meanwhile heat a 2 count of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and caramelized – this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin then cook for a further minute. Sprinkle on the flour and stir to ensure the flour doesn’t burn then gradually add the chicken stock to make a veloute. Continue stirring over a low simmer until the flour cooks and the liquid thickens. Turn off the heat, add half of the roasted tomatillo chile salsa, some additional fresh chopped cilantro and fold in the shredded chicken meat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved tomatillo salsa.

chicken enchilada filling.JPG

Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved salsa mix. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken-enchilada mix on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over some more of the salsa and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and cracked on top. Garnish, cilantro and tomato.  I also swirl some adobo saurce from a can of chipotles into sour cream and use that as a garnish.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.”To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the m

ost requested column I’ve ever written.My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7… Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11… Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it…

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16… Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23 Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will
this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Photo: Written by a 90 year old... I'm going to post this on my fridg!!!!</p><br />
<p>Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.</p><br />
<p>"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.</p><br />
<p>My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:</p><br />
<p>1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.</p><br />
<p>2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..</p><br />
<p>3. Life is too short – enjoy it..</p><br />
<p>4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and<br /><br />
family will.</p><br />
<p>5. Pay off your credit cards every month.</p><br />
<p>6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.</p><br />
<p>7… Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.</p><br />
<p>8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.</p><br />
<p>9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.</p><br />
<p>10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.</p><br />
<p>11… Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.</p><br />
<p>12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.</p><br />
<p>13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.</p><br />
<p>14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it…</p><br />
<p>15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don’t worry; God never blinks.</p><br />
<p>16… Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.</p><br />
<p>17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.</p><br />
<p>18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.</p><br />
<p>19. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.</p><br />
<p>20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.</p><br />
<p>21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t<br /><br />
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.</p><br />
<p>22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.</p><br />
<p>23 Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.</p><br />
<p>24. The most important sex organ is the brain.</p><br />
<p>25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.</p><br />
<p>26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will<br /><br />
this matter?’</p><br />
<p>27. Always choose life.</p><br />
<p>28. Forgive but don’t forget.</p><br />
<p>29. What other people think of you is none of your business.</p><br />
<p>30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.</p><br />
<p>31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.</p><br />
<p>32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does..</p><br />
<p>33. Believe in miracles.</p><br />
<p>34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.</p><br />
<p>35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.</p><br />
<p>36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.</p><br />
<p>37. Your children get only one childhood.</p><br />
<p>38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.</p><br />
<p>39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.</p><br />
<p>40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d<br /><br />
grab ours back.</p><br />
<p>41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.</p><br />
<p>42. The best is yet to come…</p><br />
<p>43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.</p><br />
<p>44. Yield.</p><br />
<p>45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift."” src=”<a href=https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.85.380.380/p403x403/20291_10151352371150477_637258383_n.jpg&#8221; height=”403″ width=”403″ />

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. 

Thanks Kim Shepherd(CEO Decision Toolbox) for sharing this

What a horrible game especially a home game.  Only consolation is that we lost to the Falcons and since that is my husbands team at least I can be happy for him!

I have always said/thought that your attitude in or about your life will not only determine who you are, but who you want to be. This is the quote that Kim Shepherd shared today.. (CEO Decision Toolbox)

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

Maya Angelou

Another easy dip that you probably have all the ingredients for.

Thanks Michelle

3 cans of fiesta corn – 14 ounce
2 ounces of chopped chilies
2 cups of Mayonnaise
2 cups of Mexican Shredded Cheese
1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips

Love all the ingredients in this dip.

2 Cans of black beans (drained)
1 can chopped olives (small can)
1 can green chilies (small can)
1 can chopped jalapenos (small can)
1 jar of hot salsa
1 bag of shredded Mexican cheese

Mix all together and microwave for 5 minutes, stir and then microwave another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

So, I stumbled upon Denise’s blog

( www.twitter.com/foodfanaticshttp://www.DeniseVivaldo.com, and on Facebook) via a friend Laura ( http://laurasbestrecipes.com/).  The first thing I read was her Kwanzaa cake recipe regarding Sandra Lee, this article can be found on Huffington Post.  Even if you are not a “foodie” this article is not to be missed.  Very funny.

I don’t bake, o.k, so I bake a little but not much.  I really don’t like sweets and am not a big fan of chocolate.  I know a rare combination – female and no chocolate-  .  Every once in awhile I find something sweet that makes me go hummm, I might actually like that.  This is one of those times.

This is such an easy cake recipe, even I can make it!  The only thing I did differently was use store bought egg whites instead of separating my own eggs.  I can’t wait till peaches come in season so I can put those on top.  Actually thought of cutting the cake in half, digging an trench and filling with whip cream and strawberries or peaches or kiwi.  Have not tried that yet, but come summer time I will.

Trust me, this is the easiest cake you will ever make.  Definitely a keeper or as I say in my house “a go to recipe”

Thank you Denise for letting me share this.

www.foodfanaticsunwashed.com


Made with Love

The hardest part of making this cake is separating the eggs. Save the yolks for scrambled eggs or freeze them in an air-tight container for another baking project. Use a stand mixer and it only takes minutes to make this heavenly cake.

1 cup sifted cake flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups egg whites (about 12 eggs from 1968, about 7 large eggs today)
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or sub equal amount lemon juice or white vinegar)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla (or almond extract)

Sift flour and 3/4 cup sugar together.

Beat egg whites until foamy; add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla, beat until mixture begins to hold its shape. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar and beat until mixture is very stiff and glossy. Sift dry ingredients onto egg whites, a little at a time, and carefully fold in until well blended.

Spoon into ungreased 10-inch tube pan and run knife through mixture to break up any large air holes. Bake in preheated slow oven (325 degrees F) for about 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Invert pan on cake rack until completely cooled. Remove from pan, gently loosening edges with a thin knife if necessary.

Serve as it is or with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.

Adapted from “Cherry Angel-Food Cake” Woman’s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery Vol. 2 – 1967

I am lucky enough to know David from school in Mendocino where we both grew up.  He is an amazing cook, but even more than that an incredible person.  I love this video because it shows you just how simple it is to make something so delicious. 

Incredibly simple yet so good.  I was lucky enough to receive 3 sample jars of David’s spices and they are all wonderful.  David’s web site is the first link the recipe is the second.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRUHZgkRiDg

This is old news to some of you.  I have been trying to figure out how to get this on my food blog and not on my personal face book page.  Not sure if I succeeded but here it is.  The words below are from a mutual Friend Rima who by the way also just had a spread in the New York Times.    I am very proud of my amazing friends.  Congratulations to them both

Great piece in Huffington Post today featuring my (for 30 years!!) good friend Laura Levy and her influential food blog, one of the very top in US:

http://www.facebook.com/laurasrecipes

which she uses not just to share recipes, but to help in a big way many charitable causes.
Proud of you!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2morrowknight/16-chefs-on-twitter_b_713600.html

Chinese Pork Egg Rolls

I love these.  I have so many variations of how to make these, but so far this is one of my favorites.  The best part is that they are easy to make :)

1 1/2 ground pork

3 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil or just plain sesame oil will work too

1 Tablespoon Oyster sauce

10 ounces of shredded cabbage

1 cup of shredded carrots

8 dried Chinese mushrooms (shiitake). Soak in hot water till soft about 20-30 minutes

Cooking spray

3 cloves of garlic minced

1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh ginger grated or you can use the chopped in the jar

1 Tablespoon rice wine

2 packages of Spring roll/Egg roll wrappers

Oil for frying

Marinate the ground pork with 1 Tablespoon of the Soy, 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil, cornstarch, oyster sauce and sugar for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Shred the cabbage and the carrots and slice the mushrooms into thin strips – stems discarded

In a large frying pan spray with cooking spray and heat until hot.  Add the garlic and ginger and cook about 30 seconds.  Add the marinated pork mixture and cook till no longer pink.  Add the carrots and mushrooms and cook about 5 min then add the cabbage cook till just soft.  Add the rice wine, remaining soy and sesame oil.  Cook for about another 1 or 2 minutes.  On a baking sheet lined with paper towels spread the filling to cool and let the paper towels soak up any excess moisture.  When filling is cool you are ready to wrap.  Follow instruction on package for how to roll your egg roll.  Do Not Over Stuff!  About 2 Tablespoons of filling per wrapper.  Fill frying pan with about 1 cup of oil and heat till hot cook egg rolls on each side for about 2 minutes, or golden brown.  Make sure the oil is hot or the egg rolls will soak up too much oil and be greasy.

 

Spicy stuffed Chicken

Something really easy and really good.  Lots of flavor with no fuss

4 large boneless chicken breast

4 ounces of cream cheese

2 Serrano peppers seeded and chopped or you may use jalapeno

1/2 teaspoon of cumin

1 4 ounce can of whole green chiles

12 slices of Monterey Jack cheese

Combine cream cheese peppers and cumin in a small bowl.  Slice a pocket in each chicken breast.  Place an even amount of the cream cheese mixture in each chicken breast.  Top each piece of chicken with a sliced whole green chile, the chile should cover the piece of chicken.  Bake for about 25 minutes in a 350° oven.  Place 3 pieces of cheese on each piece of chicken and cook for about another 5 minutes.

If you really like it spicy replace the Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack!

Chipotle pepper Mashed Potatoes

 

Just a twist on a family favorite! 

6 large Russet or Red potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 in pieces 

4 Tablespoons of butter 

4 ounces of Cream cheese 

1 Can of Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 

1/2 cup of milk 

Place potatoes in a large pot with 6 cups of water and cook till fork tender.  When the potatoes are done drain in a colender, do not rinse.  In same pot add the butter and cream cheese.  Chop 2 of the chipotle peppers and add to pan.  With hand masher or electric mixer and being mashing potatoes.  Add 1 Tablespoon of adobo sauce from the peppers and slowly add 1/2 cup of milk.  Mix until blended.  Enjoy

Coconut Shrimp

Was looking at my bottle of Malibu Coconut rum the other day and thought hummmm I have an idea.  Hope you like it.

2 pounds of shrimp peeled and deveined
1/3 cup of coconut rum
2 Tablespoons of brown sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional
2 Tablespoons fresh ginger grated
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves of garlic minced

Marinate 30 minutes and place on skewers if you want to grill them. I sprayed a non-stick pan with pam and cooked them over a medium to high heat till just pink. For more coconut you could put them in a bag after marinating them and coat with coconut flakes. I would not cook on grill if you do this. but you could put them on a foil lined pan, mist with an olive oil sprayer or spray with pam and back at 350 for about 10 min. Never over cook shrimp you always want it to be just pink.

This recipe is from my girl friend Laura.  She has so many good recipes, which you can find at  www.laurasbestrecipes.com.  There are many many ways to make Bruschetta, but I love the idea of the goat cheese.  I am especially excited to make this since I have the tomatoes and basil fresh from my garden…Yummy

May 30, 2010 1:26 PM   |  
Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
This is one of my favorite things in the world.  When I start craving this during the peak of heirloom tomato season… I. must. make. it. now.  Although it’s not exactly a traditional method – I don’t care. There are a million variations of this including roasting tomatoes, adding garlic or a host of other ingredients.  But this is my favorite.  It is wonderful as a light lunch, an appetizer or a mid-day snack. I’ll give you the basic idea without exact ingredient amounts.  You can tailor quantities depending upon how much you feel like making. Plan to make a lot…. it’s good! 
Ingredients:
  • Fresh sourdough bakery baguette, sliced 1/2 -3/4 inch
  • Pats of butter (plan on 1 pat per slice)
  • 1-2 large, ripe heirloom tomatoes (core, remove seeds and chop)
  • 1 bunch, fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced into ribbons (chiffonade)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Good quality goat cheese (I used Haystack Mountain from Boulder)
  • Sea Salt
  • Freshly cracked pepper
Method:
Melt butter in a pan and lightly toast both sides of the sourdough bread until golden brown (like you would with grilled cheese) You want the bread to have a light, buttery crunch without getting burned or too toasted. The inside should still be soft. Set aside.
Chop tomatoes.  Try and remove seeds and lightly pat tomatoes to remove excess water.  Add lots of basil “ribbons” to the tomato (as much as you desire.)  Add salt and pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil. Gently blend together. Continue to lightly blot with towels to remove any remaining tomato liquid. You don’t want them to be too runny on the bread.
Take toasted bread and lightly spread olive oil on surface, then a layer of goat cheese.  Top with tomato mixture. Salt and pepper lightly. Serve immediately. Bite into it open-faced and have a napkin nearby for all that tomato juice!

Baked Potato Salad

Just a twist on a favorite salad. I love the Baked potato flavor.
6 medium potatoes, about 2 pounds
3/4 cups of sour cream
3/4 cup of mayonnaise
8 slices of bacon cooked crispy
1/2 cup red onion chopped
1/2 cup celery
1/4 to 1/2 cup sharp shredded cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Heat oven to 425°
Spray potatoes with vegetable oil and prick them with a fork. About 6 times each.. Bake for 60 minutes. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, bacon, onion, celery, salt and pepper. refrigerate above mixture. Cool potatoes completely and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Mix withe the sour cream mixture. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight. Garnish shredded cheese

Jeanne's Plum Sauce Chicken

This is so good I am sure you will make it a weekly favorite. Simple, easy and delicious.

Marinate 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast tenders overnight in
1 Tablespoon Sesame oil
1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
1 Tablespoon chopped ginger
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
Marinate over night

Make plum sauce:
1 cup plum jam
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tablespoon chopped ginger
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 cup honey

After marinating chicken overnight, BBQ chicken until golden brown. Do not over cook.
Place Chicken in a 9×13 glass dish cover with plum sauce and bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
Serve over rice

Wow this summer is going by fast.  Had a dinner party on June 19th, actually it was an appetizer party.  I was going to post every thing I made and then got busy with packing to go on vacation so the post never happened.  Now that I am home (and almost unpacked) I hopefully will find some time to post some really yummy recipes.  Something I made last night was coconut shrimp, but I made it with coconut rum and let me tell you they were delicious.  The plan is to get all of this posted next week

 

Avocado Feta Salsa

This is one of my most favorite dips.  Incredibly light and refreshing.  Thankyou Rene :)

3 plum tomatoes, chopped

2 ripe avocados chopped

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1 clove of garlic, minced or a teaspoon from a jar

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 package basil tomato feta cheese crumbled

Gently stir all ingredients together.  Cover and chill for 2-6 hours.  Although you may not have to because of the vinegar I still add an avocado seed to the mix before chilling to keep from turning brown.  Serve with tortilla chips

Black Beans with Corn

It doesn’t get much easier then this. 

1 can black beans drained 

1/2 can corn with peppers. 

1/4 can Herdez Mexican Salsa. I like mine hot 

1/2 – 1 teaspoon cumin 

Heat through and serve 

You can also serve it as a dip with chips, just don’t heat and add about a 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

Chunky Vegetable Hummus Dip

Chunky Vegetable Hummus Dip

 

I am finding the simpler the recipe the better it is!

1  7 ounce container of plain Hummus or Roasted Garlic

1/2 – 3/4 of a medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

1/4 cup diced red onion I use a little more.

1 plum tomato, diced

1/4 cup feta cheese

About 4-6 leaves of fresh Basil fine chopped and sprinkled on top

In a medium size shallow dish combine hummus, about 2 tablespoons of the cucumber, about 2 tablespoons of the red onion, 2 tablespoons of the tomato and 2 tablespoons of the feta.  Smooth the top and garnish with remaining ingredients.  Serve with Ritz Roasted Vegetable crackers.  The dish should have a wide surface to evenly distribute the toppings.

Beef Barbecue

Beef Barbecue

4 – 5 pounds of boneless chuck roast ( I trim the fat after cooking… much easier)

3 large onions rough chopped

32 ounces of Real Coke. Do not use diet. Reserve 8 ounces for later

1 1/2 cups of Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 Tablespoons white vinegar

3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules.  You can use beef or chicken bouillon cubes too (3)

1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

6 cloves of garlic minced – you can use the jar kind just use 3 Tablespoons

1 1/2 cup of ketchup

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

Hamburger buns

Place roast in 6 quart  crock pot; add onion.  Combine the cola and the next 7 ingredients; remove and chill 2 cups of sauce. Pour remaining sauce over roast.  Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or high for 6 till roast is very tender.  Remove roast from cooker and shred with 2 forks.  Discard remaining juice and onions and add meat back to crock pot.

Combine reserved sauce, ketchup, 1/4 -1/2 cup of Coke and butter in a saucepan; cook over medium heat stirring constantly till thoroughly heated.  Pour sauce over shredded meat.  Mix together well and serve onto buns.

This is an easy recipe to divide in half or even quarter.  We are a family of 4 so I love the leftovers for weekend lunches.

 
Babybacks

Babybacks

There are so many ways to season ribs.  I suggest you always start with a dry rub.  You can use a personal favorite, one you just want to try or one someone suggest…like, Daves Whole Earth Spice http://www.wholearthspice.com(LatinAmerica).  I have a homemade one which consist of Mrs. Dash original, Lawrys season salt, parsley flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic salt and …  Depending on your preference you can make a bunch up to use for later (like on my roasted potatoes) or just enough for this recipe.  To be honest I have never measured any of this I would say 25% dash, and 5% of the rest, less than 5% with the cayenne unless you really like it hot. This is just something to play around with.  It is a personal taste thing.

1 Rack of Babyback Ribs with usually serve a family of 4.  I make 2 just because everyone want them again the next night!

Bake ribs @ 400° for 20 minutes.  Turn oven down to 250° and cook for another 2 hours.  Pour about 1/2 of a bottle of Guniess© over ribs and cover with foil.  Cook for another 2 hours. I have been known to turn the oven down to 190° and cook longer if I am busy and need to go somewhere. Place on grill on low heat and cook 12-15 minutes bone side down.  Lather with your favorite BBQ sauce.  A few of mine are Sweet Baby Rays, Bone Sucking Sauce, and Grandma Daves.

My family ask for these all the time.  Trust me when I tell you they just fall off the bone and melt in your mouth.

Pork Green Chile Stew

Recipes and photos reprinted with permission:

http://laurasbestrecipes.com

Thank you Laura for letting me share this on my blog.
If I never eat anything else I will be happy.  This has become my favorite food.  There is something about all the flavors that  manage to blend together perfectly.  My Husband and I fight over the left overs,  and because he is a typical man that can’t see past the eggs, all I have to do is put it in the back of the refrigerator and it is all mine!!   The last 4 times I have made this I have roasted my own Anaheims but I am happy to say that this year I am ordering the Big Jims Hatch Chiles.  http://www.newmexicanconnection.com/
In Laura own words:
February 22, 2009 by ldlevy

My husband and I love our Harleys and like nothing more than stopping during our ride to try Green Chili in Colorado and New Mexico.  I’ve made green chile several times, and I believe this to be the best method. It’s my own recipe as I’ve removed unneeded seasonings or non-fresh ingredients… If you use chiles roasted from New Mexico and good quality pork shoulder, you don’t need dried seasonings. I also believe these quantities of ingredients work best. Enjoy!

Lauriebike
Ingredients:
  • 4 cups chopped roasted New Mexico (big Jims) or Hatch chiles – skins and seeds removed
  • 3 lbs cubed pork shoulder (ask butcher to cube it (1 inch/small cubes) and to give you the bone from the shoulder
  • 3 Tbsp – Masa Flour
  • 2 Tbsp – Oil
  • 1 large yellow onion – chopped
  • 2 Tbsp – butter
  • 32 oz – Chicken stock
  • 4 Yukon Gold potatoes – 1/4 inch cubes
  • 3 Carrots, cut cross-wise into small chunks (optional)
  • 2 Ears of Corn (Kernels), roasted on the grill (optional)
  • 2-3 Roma tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • 2-3 cans of pinto beans (optional)
  • 8+ cloves of garlic – chopped
  • 2 Tbsp – Fresh chopped Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp – Fresh chopped Thyme
  • 1 tsp – Cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 2 Additional Tbsp – Masa (if needed to thicken)
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro (or more!)

Method:• Dredge pork cubes in Masa Flour in plastic bag until all pieces are coated.
• Brown in oil in large Dutch oven or pot – set aside
• Add butter to same pan, lightly cook onion until slightly colored (not browned) – then add garlic cook 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
• Add 1 tsp of masa and a small amount of chicken stock to browned bottom of pot/dutch oven – as stock heats up, scrape browned bits off of the pan to create a roux. After all bits are scraped, add remaining stock to pan
• Add remaining ingredients to same pan (except green chiles and added Masa). Bring to slow boil, then cover, reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes… then add green chiles and cook until pork is tender – a little over an hour is usually good – too long and the meat will toughen. Make sure it NEVER BOILS as it will cook too fast. Sometimes I turn the stove off after about 40 minutes to make sure it cooks slowly.
• Add salt/pepper to taste
• After 45 minutes, check consistency – if it needs to be thicker slowly add a small amount of Masa at a time and stir until thick – shouldn’t be more than 2 Tbsp. The chiles will breakdown into the roux while cooking. Taste for heat – if you like it spicy, add a couple of diced serrano chiles. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro. Serve with corn bread or homemade tortillas… and several Tecate’s or margaritas!!

Important tips – Do not add beer like other recipes suggest – it will dilute the flavor. NEVER use canned chiles.. they have no flavor. New Mexican chiles are the best – you can buy them online already roasted and peeled. Otherwise use fresh Anaheims and roast on the grill lightly until the skins blacken, they place in brown paper bag to steam the skins off. Organic chicken stock is fine – I wouldn’t use low sodium… the best is homemade stock.  Roasted corn right off the cob is also an excellent addition to this chile.  You could also use chicken with this recipe.  Brined chicken in a salt/sugar bath would be good.

http://www.newmexicanconnection.com – great online source for frozen roasted chilis if you can’t get them locally

CROCK-POT/SLOW COOKER METHOD:

Prepare same as above… but either transfer the roux from a skillet to your slow cooker or do the same method in your slow cooker insert if it is safe to use on the stove top. Sear pork bone in skillet PRIOR to browning pork cubes.  Place bone in the slow cooker.  Add all ingredients except corn and beans.  Set to cook on low for 5 hours.  Add corn and beans and cook another hour or two (check tenderness of pork – should be very tender).  Add cilantro to cooker 20 minutes before serving.  This isn’t an exact recipe and every batch will turn out differently.  Add to get the right balance of ingredients and make it up as you go along.  Using the slow cooker is my favorite way to make this as the pork gets very, very tender.

Posted in Chilis/Stews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

http://laurasbestrecipes.com/2009/02/22/hello-world/

Scrambled egg mini muffins

Scrambled egg mini muffins

Everyone makes the scrambled egg casseroles with milk and bread and I just wanted something without the bread.  I made them mini because I thought more then a bite was more then I wanted.  They are easy to make.  When it is my turn in tennis to bring something people want to eat for breakfast this is what I bring.

1/2 pound of ground pork.  You can use Jimmy Dean or any other brand or, in my case I used what was in my freezer.  2 mild Italian Sausages and 2 Hot Italian Sausages.

12 eggs.  I am going to try using half eggs half eggbeaters next time.  I think it will work just as well.

1/2 cup chopped onion.  Red or white

1/4 – 1/2 cup chopped red or green bell pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 -3/4 cup shredded cheese.  I suggest what ever you have on hand, but if you are buying then get cheddar.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat till no longer pink.  If you are using sausage in the casings I suggest you remove the casing before cooking!  Let sausage cool. In a large bowl, beat the eggs.  Add the onion, red pepper, salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Stir in the sausage and cheese.

Pre-heat oven to 350°.  Spray mini muffin tins with Pam and fill 3/4  full.  Bake for 15 minutes.  They should just pop right out!

Variations…. basically I think that what ever you would like to put into an omelet you can put into these.  I think one of my favorite suggestions is green chilies.

Bite Size Potato Skins

Bite Size Potato Skins

I saw the small bag of delicious little red potatoes the other day and thought hummmm I have an idea.  Apparently is was a good one because they were devoured with in minutes of putting them on the table.

15 small new red potatoes

1 pound of bacon

1 8 ounce bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

4 green onions diced

2 Tablespoons of olive oil

1/4 cup of Sour cream

Black pepper

Kosher salt

Pre-heat oven to 350°.

Roasted Potato Skins

Roasted Potato Skins

Wash and rinse potatoes then pat dry.  in a small bowl, coat the potatoes with olive oil and  place on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Bake in oven for 40 minutes or until fork tender.  Do Not Over Cook. In the mean time cook bacon until tender.  Remove potatoes from oven and let cool.  Cut each potato in half and scoop out middle with a melon baller, leaving a small wall of potato in the skin, try not to break the skin. Lightly brush both sides of the potato and lightly sprinkle with kosher salt on both sides.  Return to oven and bake at 400° for 10 – 12 minutes on each side. They are really good crispy. In a small bowl combine cheese and crumbled bacon , mix thoroughly.  Remove potatoes from oven and let cool to touch.  Sprinkle the inside of each potato with black pepper and fill each one with cheese filling.  Return to oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese starts to looked melted.  Take sour cream place in small Ziploc sandwich bag and seal.  cut off a small tip of one of the corners.  Remove potato skins from oven and place a small dollop of sour cream and some green onion on top of each one.  Serve immediately, or place in chaffing dish to keep warm.

 

 

 

Cranberry Orange nut Bread

Cranberry Orange nut Bread

 

 

Submitted by: RayAnn Johnson

4 cups of flour

2 cups of sugar

3 Teaspoons of baking powder

2 Teaspoons of salt

1 Teaspoon on baking soda

1/2 cup butter

2 Teaspoons grated orange peel

1 1/2 cups orange juice

2 eggs, well beaten

4 cups or 1 package fresh whole cranberries, cut in half.

1 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds

Sift dry ingredients and cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives.  Combine peel, juice, and eggs and add to dry ingredients mixing just to moisten – using a wooden spoon.  Fold in berries and nuts.  Turn into 2 well greased 9x5x3 loaf pans(or 3 smaller ones). Bake at 350° about 1 hour.  Check with toothpick.  Should come out clean

Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce

Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce

I just made this the other night but I added half a can of Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce….Amazing.  Used the left overs for pulled pork sandwiches and the add kick of the peppers made it delicious.  A must try. 

Another simple recipe that will keep you coming back for more. 

3 pound pork loin.  Actually any Pork roast will work, just be sure to trim the fat. 

1 can of whole cranberry sauce 

1 large onion sliced in 1/4 inch slices. 

Place onions in bottom of Crock pot.  Place pork roast on top of onions and pour cranberry sauce on top.  Cook for 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high. 

I have made this with out the onions and it is still just as good.

Cucumber Sandwiches

1 cucumber cut into about 1/4 inch slices

1 Pkg. Dry Good Seasons Italian Dressing

1 Pkg. cream cheese (I prefer whipped)

Dill dry or fresh, which ever you have on hand.

l loaf of bread (I prefer honey wheat)

1 small biscuit cutter or small round glass to cut bread into round pieces to fit cucumber slices.

Mix dressing and cream cheese till smooth like butter.  Cut out round pieces from bread (you should be able to get 3 or 4 from one slice).  spread on cream cheese topping and place cucumber on top.  Sprinkle with dill.

My girlfriend brought this over for me after I tore my ACL. It has been a staple in the house ever since.

Thanks Hilary :)

1 8 ounce package of wide egg noodles or you can use pasta ribbons.
1 1/2 pound of ground beef
3 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1 26 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 10 ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained. I squeeze mine between paper towels to get all the excess water out.
2 cups of shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups of sour cream, I use light
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook noodles according to package, drain and set aside. Cook beef and the next 3 ingredients in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring until beef crumbles and no longer pink. Drain off fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl combine spinach and next 4 ingredients. Fold in noodles. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Top evenly with beef mixture and remaining Parmesan cheese
Bake at 350° for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151476088127762&set=a.119370502761.101126.791287761&type=1&theater

Something everyone should be aware of.

aspartame

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