Blueberry Grape Smoothie

Blueberry Grape Smoothie

Combine in blender:

1 1/2 c. frozen blueberries

1/3 c. frozen 100% grape juice concentrate

3/4 c. water

Blend till smooth,

serves 2.

Crisp Dilled Beans

Crisp Dilled Beans

This is another heirloom recipe from my Grandma.
These pickles have a very bright, spicy flavor.
I also used my garden vegetables for these too.
Serve them well chilled.

2 lb. fresh green beans
1 t. powdered cayenne pepper
4 cloves fresh garlic
4 large heads of fresh dill
2 c. water
¼ c. salt
2 c. white vinegar

Stem green beans and pack uniformly
into 4 hot sterilized pint mason jars.

To each pint add:
¼ t. cayenne, 1 clove garlic, and I head dill.

Bring water, salt and vinegar to a boil.
Pour over beans.
Seal and process.
DO NOT OVERPROCESS,
You’ll lose that lovely crispness
if you cook these too long.
Make sure that, when you take the hot jars out
Of the water bath, to cover them with a towel,
and keep them out of drafts.
(a quick shot of cold air might cause a jar to crack).

Makes 4 pints.

Heirloom Summer Salsa

Heirloom Summer Salsa

This is a recipe that we have made for years,
It’s an heirloom recipe from my Grandma North
I made dozens of jars of Salsa this past summer
Using the vegetables from my garden

4 c. tomatoes (about 6 large) peeled and chopped
2 c. bell pepper, chopped
1 c. hot pepper, chopped
¾ c. yellow onion, chopped
1 ½ t. salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ c. cider vinegar
1 12-ounce can tomato paste
¼ sugar or honey

Mix all ingredients well in saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
Simmer 20 min.
Pour into hot sterilized jars,
Leave ¼ in. head space in jars.
Process 30 min. in hot water bath.
Make sure that, when you take the hot jars out
Of the water bath, to cover them with a towel,
and keep them out of drafts
(a quick shot of cold air might cause a jar to crack).

Salsa Eggs

Salsa Eggs

I fixed this for a late lunch yesterday.
I used my summer salsa and farmers eggs. This is a good recipe to use really good quality ingredients, I can definately taste the difference.

Heat ½ c. salsa in sauté pan,
Crack three eggs over the hot salsa,
Place lid over the pan,
Cook on medium heat until eggs are set.
Season with salt and pepper to taste

The Fowl

Here it is: my first time working with a whole and very large turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner.

All in all it turned out very well.

Dad did the carving. Which is good, because I don't know how. :)

Orange Fizz

Orange fizz

Combine in pitcher:
1 c. 100% orange juice concentrate
1 liter club soda

Green Bean Salad

Green Bean Salad

Blanche 16 oz green beans with
One thinly sliced yellow onion
And 1 t. salt

Toss with:
3 T. mustard
1 T. lemon juice
Season with additional Salt and pepper

Chili Mashed Potatoes

Chili Mashed Potatoes

(Served with turkey gravy, of course)

Peel and coarsely chop 5 russet potatoes

Place in saucepan, cover with water and
1 T. salt, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, and simmer (keep at a low boil)
15 min. or till potatoes are fork tender.
Drain. With the burner off, return potatoes
to the pan and set on stove.

Mash, Add:
½ c. turkey or chicken broth
1-2 T. whole milk
1 t. chili powder
salt+pepper to taste

Peppermint Mocha Cafe Au Lait

Peppermint Mocha Café Au Lait

Brew 2 c. very strong coffee
(espresso or French roast is good for this)

Heat in Saucepan:
2 c. whole milk
3 T. sugar
2 T. cocoa powder
1 t. mint extract
dash salt
Bring to a simmer

Divide coffee evenly between 2 cups,
And follow with the milk/cocoa mixture,
dividing evenly between the two cups.
Serves 2.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Combine in Saucepan:
12 oz. fresh cranberries
2/3 c. freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ t. salt
¾ c. honey
¼ c. orange 100% juice concentrate

Bring to a boil, stirring often.
Reduce heat; simmer till most of the berries split
And sauce thickens.

Duchess Cake

Duchess Cake

Combine in bowl:
4 c. whole-wheat flour
1 t. salt
2½ c. fresh citrus zest (from grapefruit, limes, lemons and oranges)

In separate bowl/using a mixer:
Cream 16 oz. of butter, softened
And 2 c. honey
Add:
1 T. Rum extract
And 5 eggs, one at a time
Scraping down the bowl at least twice

Mix in ¼ of the flour/zest mixture,
Repeat until all flour is combined into the butter mixture.
Fold in 4 oz. slivered Almonds

Pour into a parchment lined 10-inch spring-form pan
Bake at 350 degrees for 60-80 min or
till toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Combine in bowl:
15 oz. pumpkin puree
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground cloves
½ t. ground ginger
¼ t. ground nutmeg
½ t. salt
½ c. sugar
½ c. melted dark chocolate chips

In separate bowl/using a mixer:
Whip 2 c. heavy cream to stiff peaks
Fold ½ the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture,
Pour into an 8-inch ready-made Oreo crust.
Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
Serve with remaining whipped cream and
dusted with cocoa powder.

Sage Turkey Dressing

Sage Turkey Dressing

Using two loaves of the Sage and Onion Bread (recipe follows this one):
Cut into cubes and lay out (in a single layer) on a rimmed baking sheet
Toast at 400 degrees until slightly golden and crisp (dry).

Place dried bread in crock pot:
Add:
4 c. chicken broth
1 t. salt
½ t. freshly ground black pepper
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
Cook on low heat overnight.

Sage and Onion Bread

Sage and Onion Bread

Step 1:
Combine in bowl:
1 1/3 c. warm water
1 ½ T. dry yeast
1 T. Honey
Cover with plastic wrap,
let proof for 10 min. in a warm spot.

Step 2:
Combine in large mixing bowl:
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 T. salt
2 T. ground Sage
½ t. freshly ground black pepper

Step 3:
Combine proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture,
Along with:
½ c. chicken broth
½ c. melted butter
Cover, let rise for 60 minutes.

Step 4:
Transfer dough evenly into 2 oiled 4 by 5 by 9 inch loaf pans
that have been lined with parchment paper.

Step 5:Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Banana Cinnamon Rice Milk Smoothie

Banana Cinnamon Rice Milk Smoothie

Combine in Blender:
½ c. organic rice milk
1 ripe banana
¼ t. pure vanilla extract
1/8 t. ground cinnamon
pinch salt

Blend till smooth.
Serves one.

Spicy Lime Egg Drop Soup

Spicy Lime Egg Drop Soup

A quick lunch that I made for my sister and I…

Combine in saucepan:
14 oz. chicken broth
¼ t. ground cayenne pepper
juice of ½ a lime
1/8 t. oriental 5-spice powder
salt to taste
Bring to a simmer,
Swirl in 2 lightly beaten eggs

Potato Frites with Lime Dipping Sauce

Potato Frites with Lime Dipping Sauce

Cut 3 potatoes into 16th’s lengthwise.
Arrange on large rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with parchment
(very easy clean up),

Toss with:
1 T. olive oil
Liberally sprinkle with Salt and
Freshly ground black pepper,

Place in a 500 degree oven for 20 min. or till golden,
Serve with Lime, White Wine Vinegar and Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Lime, White Wine Vinegar and Mustard Dipping Sauce

Lime, White Wine Vinegar and Mustard Dipping Sauce

Combine in bowl:
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 t. white wine vinegar
4 T. prepared mustard

Chili Sirloin Steaks & Onions

Chili Sirloin Steaks & Onions

This makes a well done, but incredibly flavorful and more-tender-than-any-rare-steak you’ve ever tasted. We devoured this as fast as I could make it.

In a large skillet heat 1 T. olive oil over medium heat,
In the mean time, take 2 lb of sirloin steak plus 1 recipe of the Chili Rub (recipe follows)
And follow rub directions for seasoning,
Turn heat up to Medium high under the skillet,
Lay steaks in the pan (make sure the oil sizzles and crackles, test a little corner of one of the steaks to make sure the pan is hot enough to get that lovely crust),
Sear them for approx 1 to 1 ½ min on each side.
Transfer to Crock Pot or Dutch oven,
Add: one thinly sliced yellow onion.
In the crock pot: turn the temp. to ‘high’ for 4 hours, or low and let it cook overnight, or throughout the workday.
In a Dutch oven: with the cover on, finish in the oven at 300 degrees for about 3-4 hours.

Chili Rub

Chili Rub

Combine in bowl:
3 T. hot chili powder
½ t. cayenne pepper
½ t. garlic powder
2 t. salt

Rub well into steaks (make sure to get all over the outside)
Allow meat to sit for at least 5 min before searing.Makes enough for 4 steaks, a roast, 5 chicken breast halves etc.

Roasted Chicken, Bacon and Corn Quiche

Roast Chicken, Bacon and Corn Quiche

Combine in large mixing bowl:
15 eggs, beaten
2 T. mustard (the condiment/prepared stuff)
1 t. garlic powder
2 t. salt
½ t. cayenne pepper
1 t. minced orange zest
¼ t. hot chili powder
1 c. whole milk
¾ c. grated parmesan cheese
Beat until well combined

Add:
1 ½ c. frozen corn kernels
12 slices turkey bacon, crisped and coarsely crumbled
1 roasted chicken breast, coarsely chopped

Pour into a buttered 9 by 13 inch pan and
bake at 400 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until
toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pineapple Orange Ginger Rummy Smoothie

Pineapple Orange Ginger Rummy Smoothie

Combine in Blender:

2 1/2 c. frozen pineapple chunks
2/3 c. pineapple/orange 100% juice concentrate
½ c. water
big pinch ground ginger
1 t. rum flavoring

Blend on high till smooth.

Farm Fresh Eggs

Aren't these beautiful? We got these from a local farmer. The shades range from a very pale tan-to a lovely caramel shade. They are nice and fluffy when cooked up and the yolks are an orangish-yellow hue (higher vitamin content--a very good thing).

Dark Cherry/Strawberry/Kiwi/Apple Smoothie

Dark Cherry/Strawberry/Kiwi/Apple Smoothie

Combine in Blender:

1 c. frozen dark sweet cherries
½ c. Strawberry/Kiwi/Apple 100% juice concentrate
½ c. water

Blend on high till smooth.

10 of the most beautiful food smells ever invented

Just thinking about these things make me hungry...
if I had photo's of these, I might start chewing on the monitor :)

1. freshly brewed coffee
2. chocolate
3. frying oil
4. roasted meats
5. Sauteeing onions
6. roasted garlic
7. popcorn
8. bread baking
9. Pastry shops
10. cinnamon

Cinnamon Toast Popcorn

Cinnamon Toast Popcorn

Combine:

3 T. butter, melted

2 T honey

Pour over:

8 c. air-popped popcorn

Sprinkle:

2 t. ground cinnamon (or to taste)

Salt, to taste

Shake/stir.

Banana raisin muffins with cream cheese glaze

Banana Raisin Muffins with Cream Cheese Glaze

Combine in a large mixing bowl:
1 2/3 c. whole wheat flour
¾ t. salt
2 t. baking powder
1 t. ground cinnamon

Soak:
½ c. dark raisins in 1 c. hot water for 10 min.

Combine in separate bowl:
2 very ripe bananas
¼ c. honey
½ c. melted butter

Fold flour and banana mixtures together.
Drain raisins, add to batter.
Pour batter into a buttered reg. Size muffin tin.
Bake at 400 for 25-30 min,
or till toothpick inserted
into the middle comes out clean.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
Whip together:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 T. butter, softened

Add:
1 t. lemon juice
2 T. honey
2 t. pure vanilla extract

Ice cooled muffins.

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Combine in blender:
1 c. frozen tropical fruit (the one I used had pineapple, mandarin oranges,
papaya, kiwis, and red grapes)
1/3 c. frozen pineapple orange 100% juice concentrate
½ c. water

puree till smooth,

Serves 1.

Split pea soup

This is what I made for lunch today...

Split Pea Soup

Combine in soup pot:
16 oz. dried split peas
6 c. filtered water
1 t. salt
Bring to a boil; reduce heat,
simmer until peas are tender (1 hour?)

Add:
2 russet potatoes, diced
3 large carrots, diced
½ t. ground sage
2 c. filtered water
Simmer 15-20 min. or till tender.
Add:
Additional salt and pepper to taste.

Berry Lemon Cheesecake

Berry Lemon Cheesecake

For the crust:
½ c. butter, melted
1 ½ c. finely ground yellow cornmeal
½ c. honey
dash salt
Combine in bowl.
Then press into a parchment line 10-inch springform pan.
Chill 15 min.

For the filling:
Warm ½ c. fresh lemon juice,
sprinkle 2 envelopes (1/2 oz) of unflavored gelatin over the juice ,
let sit to soften the gelatin
Using a handheld or standing mixer, beat together:
16 oz. cream cheese (I used reg. Philadelphia, I’ve a hard time keeping my fingers out)
2 T. butter, softened
1 t. pure vanilla extract
¾ c. honey
dash salt
Add juice/gelatin mixture, beat until well combined
Pour into chilled crust. Chill 30 min.

For the topping:
In a saucepan combine:
12 oz. frozen mixed berries
½ c. lemon juice
½ c. honey
2 T. cornstarch
dash salt
Cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly.Pour over chilled cheesecake. Chill 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Happy Birthday to us! Tea Party

I decided to throw a birthday tea party for myself, my sister, and My cronies the Frenchs (hi Alex! :)).

I love an excuse to air the fancy china. My Mum bought some books on fancy table setting and napkin folding, I need to delve into them for ideas. I should also make or purchase some nice linen napkins, to make it extra special.

Carrots, cucumbers and red grapes. To balance the party nutrition. :)

Cordial Cherries: I need to have a perfume made from these.

Some miniature French Vanilla cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting. We found some lovely little paper liners during our adventures in the grocery store.

Some miniature chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting.

Slices of Swiss cake rolls.

Marble cake with black raspberry icing.

Along with all of these sweet-tooth charmers, I served some salads and chips, and little sandwiches, and of course some fine tea. I have just posted the recipes.

Tuna and Green Onion Salad

Tuna and Green Onion Salad

Combine in bowl:
6 oz. can Albacore tuna, drained
1 t. lemon juice
2/3 c. chopped green onion
salt+pepper

I served this with some scoops corn chips.

Miniature BLT Sandwiches on onion bread

To Assemble these sandwiches:
Cut one slice of onion bread into triangles,
On one side spread a thin coating of tomato paste,
then add a little slice of crisped turkey bacon,
and finally some romaine lettuce.


Onion/Garlic Bread

Step 1:
Combine in bowl:
1 1/3 c. warm water
1 ½ T. dry yeast
1 T. Honey
Cover with plastic wrap, let proof for 10 min. in a warm spot.

Step 2:
Combine in large mixing bowl:
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 T. salt
1 t. garlic powder
2 t. dried minced garlic

Step 3:
Combine proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture,
Add:
1 2/3 c. water
½ yellow onion, minced
Cover, let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4:Transfer dough (it looks more like batter at this point), evenly into 2 oiled 4 by 5 by 9 inch loaf pans (a really fool proof way to get the loaves out of the pan neatly is to line them with parchment paper)

Step 5:Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool before removing from pans

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Combine in bowl:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ c. fresh corn kernels
½ c. chopped green onion
2 t. lemon juice
salt+pepper
I served this with some scoops corn chips.

Cucumber Dilly Bread Sandwiches

These are about as straightforward as a sandwich can get: layer thin cucumber slices onto some 1/2 slices of the dilly bread:

Dilly Bread
Step 1:
Combine in bowl:
1 1/3 c. warm water
1 ½ T. dry yeast
1 T. Honey
Cover with plastic wrap,
let proof for 10 min. in a warm spot.

Step 2:
Combine in large mixing bowl:
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 T. salt
1 ½ T. Dill weed
1 ½ T. Dill seeds

Step 3:
Combine proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture,
Add:
1 2/3 c. water
1 c. ricotta cheese
Cover, let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4:
Transfer dough (it looks more like batter at this point), evenly into 2 oiled 4 by 5 by 9 inch loaf pans (a really fool proof way to get the loaves out of the pan neatly is to line them with parchment paper)

Step 5:
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool before removing from pans

Supreme Soup

Supreme soup

This soup reminds me of the pizza my Grandma used to make as I was growing up.
We had it almost every Saturday for 18 years. Grandma made it, then my Mum, then I did, and then my sister.
Maybe I should formulate a whole-grain pizza dough…

Combine in soup pot:
2 lb. Lean ground beef, cooked and chopped fine
4 c. low sodium beef broth
4 c. low sodium chicken broth
½ yellow onion, chopped
Bring to a boil. Simmer 20 min.

Add:
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Simmer 10 min.

Add:
2 c. chopped portabella mushrooms
1 c. chopped green olives
1 c. chopped black olives
Simmer 10 min.
Salt and pepper to taste, Serve.

Raspberry/Apple/Orange Smoothie

The color of this drink stuns me every time I look at this photo. Berries add such a gratifying punch of color to almost any food/drink.

Raspberry/Apple/Orange Smoothie

Combine in blender:
1 1/2 c. frozen raspberries
1 T. frozen Orange 100% juice concentrate
½ c. frozen Apple-raspberry 100% juice concentrate
1 1/3 c. filtered water
a few drops lemon juice
honey to taste

Puree till smooth.Serves 2.

Orange, Cardamom, Anise, and Currant Bread

I served this for Sunday's breakfast...

Orange,Cardamom,Anise, and Currant Bread

Step 1:
Combine in bowl:
1 1/2 c. warm water
4 t. dry yeast
1 T. Honey
Cover with plastic wrap, let proof for 10 min. in a warm spot.

Step 2:
Combine in large mixing bowl:
3 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
2 t. salt
1 T. Anise seeds
1 T. orange peel
1 t. ground cardamom

Step 3:
In separate bowl:
Combine 1 c. dark raisins
½ c. dried zante currants
and 1 c. warm water
Let sit 10 min.

Step 4:
Combine proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture,
Add:The raisin/currants and the soaking water
¼ c. vegetable oil
Cover, let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5:
Transfer batter, evenly into 2 oiled 4 by 5 by 9 inch loaf pans (a really fool proof way to get the loaves out of the pan neatly is to line them with parchment paper)

Step 6:Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool before removing from pans

Black Cherry/Apple/Peach Smoothie

Black Cherry/Apple/Peach Smoothie

Combine in blender:
1 c. sliced frozen peaches
½ c. frozen black cherries
½ c. frozen Apple-cherry 100% juice concentrate
1 c. water
a few drops lemon juice
honey to taste

Puree till smooth.Serves 2.

Tuna & Yellow Bell Pepper Salad

Tuna & Yellow Bell Pepper Salad

½ yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
6 oz. can Albacore tuna, packed in water
1 t. white wine vinegar
2 t. lemon juice
pinch salt and cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in bowl.I served this for our lunch on some whole wheat bread.

Garden Vegetable and Beef Soup

Garden Vegetable and Beef Soup

This soup has so many reminders of my big Garden/ the summer season that went by so quickly. I did can so many tomatoes, and many other vegetables, so those flavors can come back to life through opening a jar.

Combine in large soup pot:
1 ½ lb lean ground beef, cooked and chopped fine
6 c. low sodium chicken broth
6 carrots, peeled and chopped
Bring to a boil; simmer 10 min.

Add:
32 oz. Diced tomatoes
1 ½ c. diced bell pepper (I used some green and yellow peppers)
Simmer 5 min.

Add:
1 cucumber or zucchini, peeled and chopped
Simmer 10 min.

Add:
1 c. fresh or frozen peas
salt and pepper to tastePinch of pepper flakes

Basic All Whole Wheat Bread

Basic Whole Wheat Bread

I love the instant gratification of quick breads.
However, I also love the flavor of a yeast bread. I am rather impatient so I have been working on devising an all whole wheat bread, that can bypass the 14-15 hour wait that is required to create a proper ‘sponge’ (so that your bread will rise, rather than become a huge cracker). I have made Irish soda bread before, and it has the instant rise, but lacks the flavor, so I came up with the plan to combine the two recipes. Voila, fresh, all whole wheat bread in about 2 hours.

Step 1:
Combine in bowl:
1 1/3 c. warm water
1 ½ T. dry yeast
1 T. Honey
Cover with plastic wrap, let proof for 10 min. in a warm spot.

Step 2:
Combine in large mixing bowl:
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 T. salt

Step 3:
Combine proofed yeast mixture into the flour mixture,
Add:
1 2/3 c. water
¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
Cover, let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4:
Transfer dough (it looks more like batter at this point), evenly into 2 oiled 4 by 5 by 9 inch loaf pans (a really fool proof way to get the loaves out of the pan neatly is to line them with parchment paper)

Step 5:
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.Cool (an hour?) before removing from pans

Rotini and cheese

Rotini and Cheese

10 oz. Whole wheat rotini, cooked according to package/box instructions

For the sauce:
Melt in saucepan:
1 T. butter

add:
3 T. cornstarch
1 c. milk
¼ t. ground black pepper
½ t. salt
pinch ground cayenne pepper
Cook, stirring constantly over Medium/medium high heat, until thickened.

Add:
3 T. grated parmesan cheese
¼ c. grated sharp white cheddar
6 oz. Albacore tuna, packed in water

Combine sauce and pasta.Serve.

Peaches and Cream Smoothie

Peaches and Cream Smoothie

Combine in Blender:
1 c. frozen peach slices
¾ c. whole milk
2 T. heavy cream
½ t. vanilla extract
1 T. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 t. honey

Puree until smooth.
Serves 2.

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Combine:

2 T. melted butter

2 T. honey

2 T. creamy peanut butter

Pour over:

8 c. air popped popcorn

Shake/mix.

Salt to taste.

Orange Dream Smoothie

Orange Dream Smoothie

Combine in blender:

½ c. whole milk

4 oz. Frozen orange juice concentrate

¼ t. pure vanilla extract

1 t. honey

Blend until frothy.
Serve.