Mini Meatloaves

Really Taste Mini Meatloaves !!!












Servings - 08

INGREDIENTS
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard


DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, cheese, oats and salt. Add the ground beef, mixing well, and form this mixture into eight miniature meatloaves. Place these in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Stir thoroughly and spread over each meatloaf.
4. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.


Mini Meatloaves !!!

Read more »

German Apple Pancake

Great Recipe German Apple Pancake !!!












Servings – 04

INGREDIENTS
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large tart apple - peeled, cored and sliced


DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, blend eggs, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Gradually mix in milk, stirring constantly. Add vanilla, melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Let batter stand for 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
3. Melt butter in a 10 inch oven proof skillet, brushing butter up on the sides of the pan. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Sprinkle mixture over the butter. Line the pan with apple slices. Sprinkle remaining sugar over apples. Place pan over medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles, then gently pour the batter mixture over the apples.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for 10 minutes. Slide pancake onto serving platter and cut into wedges.

Read more »

A Post Title That Is A Little Thin on Humour

A few years ago, we had a teenage girl from Belgium live with us who watched our kids over two summers. Two things she insisted in taking back to Belgium was licorice and pancake mix. Apparently, neither was available back home. Strange really. Since the crepe is such a staple in France and Belgium. All you need to add is a leavening agent coupled with a nice package with a fictional character.

Strangely, crepes seems to be considered somewhat exotic. Truth is, it is very easy and very fast to make crepes. Eggs, milk, flour. What can be simpler? Since it is so simple and inexpensive, no wonder that every other European (and Latin American, for that matter) have their own name and style of this paper cake. Most famous is the Russian Blini which slightly different because it often has yeast added. My favourite is Pankakka (I think the spelling is correct) from Sweden. Only because it makes me chuckle and was always tempted to purchase these kakkas from the store in IKEA.

Crepes are very adaptable. They can sweet or savoury. Large or small. Hot or cold. Soft or crispy. Yummy or yucky. I personally prefer yummy but to each their own. Truth is, I like all types of food except one; yucky food. I'm typically picky with yucky.You will need a non-stick pan for this. You can purchase specific pans (blue steel) for crepes, but I usually use an 8 inch omelet pan and that usually does the trick.

Savoury Crepes with Bruschetta and Feta Cheese

250 ml Milk
1 Egg, beaten
200 g A.P. Flour
1 Garlic Clove, crushed
1 Small Red Onion, finely diced
Drizzle of Clarified Butter
4 Plum Tomatoes, innards removed, diced
3 Large Basil Leaves, chiffonade
200 g Feta Cheese, grated or crumbled
Splash of Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Whisk together flour, salt, pepper and half of basil. Create a crevice in flour and add milk, eggs and butter. Slowly whisk in until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, vinegar, basil and feta.

In a medium non-stick pan, melt small amount of butter. Using a ladle, pour desired amount of batter and move pan around to make the crepe flat. Cook for about 1 minute and flip. Continue cooking for about another 30 seconds. Flip pan over table and lay out crepe.

Lay out about a tablespoon worth of bruschetta mix and roll.

Makes about 6 - 8 crepes.

A Humble Chef's tip: have an omelet pan that you use only for crepes and omelets. Be careful not to scratch your pan by using metal utensils. Use either wood or heat -resistant silicone.

Variation: not a fan of feta, try some decadent Gorgonzola. Also, try serving this with a nice Arugula Salad. Nice combination.

Read more »

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cook At Home - Buffalo Chicken Dip











Servings - 20

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot®)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
•
• 1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

Read more »

Mexican Casserole

Yummy Mexican Casserole !!!












Servings - 06

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
• 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in salsa, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in beans, and heat through.
3. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread crushed tortilla chips in dish, and then spoon beef mixture over chips. Spread sour cream over beef, and sprinkle olives, green onion, and tomato over the sour cream. Top with Cheddar cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Read more »

Playgroup Granola Bars

Cook At Home Palygroup Granola Bars !!!











Servings - 24

INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.

Read more »

Puttanesca I

Your Daily Italian Recipe Puttanesca I !!!











Servings - 04

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes, pushed through a sieve
• 4 anchovy filets, rinsed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 20 Greek olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over low heat; cook garlic in oil until golden. Add sieved tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in anchovies, tomato paste, capers, olives, and red pepper flakes. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Toss pasta with sauce, and serve.

Read more »

Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions (Mujadarrah)

Your Daily Recipe Mujadarrah











Servings - 04

INGREDIENTS
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large white onion, sliced into rings
• 1 1/3 cups uncooked green lentils
• 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, and cook about 10 minutes, until browned. Remove from heat, and set aside.
2. Place lentils in a medium saucepan with enough lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 15 minutes.
3. Stir rice and enough water to cover into the saucepan with the lentils. Season with salt and pepper. Cover saucepan, and continue to simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until rice and lentils are tender.
4. Mix half the onions into the lentil mixture. Top with yogurt or sour cream and remaining onions to serve.

Your Daily Recipe Mujadarrah

Read more »

Vegetable Dip

Daily Recipe -Vegetable Dip












Servings - 08
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 3 teaspoons tarragon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated onion
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish


DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, curry powder, garlic, vinegar, onion and horseradish. Mix together, cover and chill overnight.

Read more »

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Delicious Microwave Caramel Popcorn











Servings - 16

INGREDIENTS
• 4 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda


DIRECTIONS

1. Place the popped popcorn into a large brown paper bag. Set aside.
2. In a 2 quart casserole dish, or other heat-proof glass dish, combine the brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 3 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave, and stir in the baking soda.
3. Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the corn. Place bag into the microwave, and cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds. Remove, shake, flip the bag over, and return it to the microwave. Cook for another 1 minute and 10 seconds. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container.

Delicious Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Read more »

Coconut Shrimp

Yummy Coconut Shrimp

Servings -01

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp - peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup ice water
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup Dijon-style prepared mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel, devein and wash shrimp. Dry well on paper towels.
2. Mix together flour, cornstarch, salt and white pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the ice water. Stir to blend.
3. Pour the coconut into a shallow pan. Dip the shrimp one at a time into the batter, then roll the shrimp in the coconut. Once coated, place each shrimp into a frying pan of oil heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the shrimp in the hot oil until lightly browned; about 4 minutes.
4. Bake the fried shrimp in a preheated 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) oven for 5 minutes.
5. Make the dipping sauce: combine marmalade, mustard, honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Mix well. Serve the shrimp and dipping sauce side by side.
FOOTNOTES
• Editor's Note
• We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Read more »

Delicious Grilled Peanut Sandwich

Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich










Servings - 01

INGREDIENTS
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 2 slices white bread
• 1 teaspoon peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons any flavor fruit jelly

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat griddle or skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread peanut butter on unbuttered side of one slice of bread, and jelly on the other. Place one slice, buttered side down on the griddle. Top with other slice, so that peanut butter and jelly are in the middle. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown, and heated through.

Read more »

Chicken Kabobs

Hot & Spicy Chicken Kabobs











Servings - 04

INGREDIENTS
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 cup barbeque sauce
• skewers


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. Thread the chicken, green bell pepper, onion, and red bell pepper pieces onto skewers alternately.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place kabobs on the prepared grill, and brush with barbeque sauce. Cook, turning and brushing with barbeque sauce frequently, for 15 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear.

Spicy Chicken Kabobs

Read more »

Vegetatian Chilly

The Spicy Vegetarian Chilly











Servings - 08

INGREDIENTS
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers, drained
• 2 (12 ounce) packages vegetarian burger crumbles
• 3 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and season with bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook and stir until onion is tender, then mix in the celery, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and green chile peppers. When vegetables are heated through, mix in the vegetarian burger crumbles. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Mix the tomatoes into the pot. Season chili with chili powder and pepper. Stir in the kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the corn, and continue cooking 5 minutes before serving.

The Spicy Vegetarian Chilly

Read more »

Potato Salad

Yam-mi Potato Salad











Servings - 08

INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 4 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons chopped white onion
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced celery
• 1 teaspoon minced pimento
• 1/2 teaspoon shredded carrot
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and chop.
2. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, onion, mustard, vinegar, celery, pimentos, carrot, parsley, pepper and salt. Mix well, chill and serve.

Yam-mi Potato Salad

Read more »

Cuervo Perfect Margarita

Juicy Margarita












Serving - 01

INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 ounces Jose Cuervo Especial® Tequila
• 3 ounces Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix
• 1 cup ice (or more)
• Salt
• Lime wedge
DIRECTIONS
1. Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with the lime and dip it into the salt to coat it.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine Jose Cuervo Especial, Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix and ice.
3. Shake vigorously and strain drink into the garnished glass filled with ice.
FOOTNOTES
• Alcohol Content 0.40 fl. oz.
• PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Read more »

Chicken Pasta

Chicken Pasta With Mango Sauce

Servings -04

INGREDIENTS
• 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 onion, sliced and separated into rings
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 mango - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta, cook for 8 minutes, until almost done, and drain.
2. Heat 1/2 the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet, and cook 10 minutes, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, and set aside.
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet, and cook the onion and green pepper until tender. Mix in the garlic, ginger, and mango, and continue to cook and stir 5 minutes, or until mango is soft. Gradually mix the heavy cream into the skillet, and cook 5 minutes, until thickened.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the partially cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes, until ingredients are well blended and pasta is al dente. Mix in the cheese. Garnish with parsley to serve.

Read more »

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings - 42

INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips


DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Read more »

Fresh Tomato Salsa

servings - 04

INGREDIENTS
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lime juice


DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Read more »

Chicken Wings

Delicious Chicken Wings !!!












Servings - 05

INGREDIENTS

• oil for deep frying
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 dash ground black pepper
• 1 dash garlic powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 chicken wings


DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep. Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and reserve for serving.
2. In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes.
3. Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve.

Read more »