Even in the desert it is cold this time of year. There are several places that are even colder. BRRR! We all like some comfort food to make it feel better. Here are some tips that I use to make that easier.
Baked potatoes - I always put extra in when I am making bread or cooking anything in the oven. Once baked they can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Great for cottage fries! I also will peal them when cold and then cube them to add to soups or stews. I will also freeze some of the cubed potatoes. And they make a great potato soup!
Mac and Cheese. Who doesn't like homemade Mac and Cheese? A quick Béchamel sauce is easy to make. I add several kinds of cheese. Whatever you have on hand will work. Some of my favorite are Cheddar - both white and yellow; Swiss and American. Asiago and Parmesan are good to add with any of these. I also will use a touch of Bleu Cheese - but just a touch to give the mac and cheese a little zip. Try a different combination and don't be afraid to add some Bacon or other meat if you like.
Soups - if you have been saving chicken parts or left over vegetables now is the time to use them. A Simmering pot of soup is easy and you can add more protein such as rice or beans. Economical and practical.
Bread - this is the time to make bread. Any kind you like. Give it a try. If it does not turn out as you wanted, turn it in to bread crumbs.
Pot Roast, Baked Chicken, and casseroles all add that special comfort. So try something different. Experiment and see if you can make a recipe "yours". Then share it with all of us.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Super Bowl Party
So now that the teams have been chosen for the Superbowl, it is time to get your party ready. No matter which team you are backing, you know you will need some great food. So here are some ideas to help.
If you want to have hot dogs or bratwurst I suggest using the Hot Dog Boil recipe I posted. It will add a lot flavor and if use the liquid to keep the dogs or bratwurst hot it saves a step. (You can still grill the Brats or dogs once they are steeped in the boil and then return them to the liquid to stay hot.)
Nachos - everybody loves nachos. Use the "Tacos My Way recipe" in the cook book for the meat and either make or pick up some cheese sauce. Keep the meat and the sauce hot in a chaffing dish with separate pans or in separate crock pots and let the guests make their own.
Sandwiches - I don't like the idea of meat and mayo hanging out for several hours waiting to be made into a sandwich. I prefer to make a large sub with my favorite meats and cheese. I cut into serving size and keep it cold until needed. I have the lettuce, pickles, onions, mayo etc. in small bowls set in ice. The guests can add what ever they like and not run the risk of any food bourne illness. ( Does not prevent hang overs!)
Drinks - You know what you like just have them separate from the food so that when your guests go to get one or the other, they are not waiting as one person ties up the entire selection.
Lastly if you are serving alcohol, have a designated driver. In many states you can be held responsible for any accidents cause by a guest driving drunk. Not worth the possible loss of life.
Have Fun!!
If you want to have hot dogs or bratwurst I suggest using the Hot Dog Boil recipe I posted. It will add a lot flavor and if use the liquid to keep the dogs or bratwurst hot it saves a step. (You can still grill the Brats or dogs once they are steeped in the boil and then return them to the liquid to stay hot.)
Nachos - everybody loves nachos. Use the "Tacos My Way recipe" in the cook book for the meat and either make or pick up some cheese sauce. Keep the meat and the sauce hot in a chaffing dish with separate pans or in separate crock pots and let the guests make their own.
Sandwiches - I don't like the idea of meat and mayo hanging out for several hours waiting to be made into a sandwich. I prefer to make a large sub with my favorite meats and cheese. I cut into serving size and keep it cold until needed. I have the lettuce, pickles, onions, mayo etc. in small bowls set in ice. The guests can add what ever they like and not run the risk of any food bourne illness. ( Does not prevent hang overs!)
Drinks - You know what you like just have them separate from the food so that when your guests go to get one or the other, they are not waiting as one person ties up the entire selection.
Lastly if you are serving alcohol, have a designated driver. In many states you can be held responsible for any accidents cause by a guest driving drunk. Not worth the possible loss of life.
Have Fun!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Recipe from Class Today
Today I will be talking about Grilling VS Baking. One of the recipes that I will use is a marinaded flank steak that I will grill. The marinade is one of my recipes. I will also be cooking a flank steak without a marinade and using a fresh herb sauce when used.
Here is the marinade recipe
Enough for a 1 - 2 flank steak
1 Cup of Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1/4 Cup of Sherry Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar
2 Clove of Garlic - pressed or finely minced
1 Shallot - minced
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
Put all of the ingredients in a sealable plastic bag - seal and shake to mix. Add the flank steak - seal and massage the marinade into the meat. Place in a bowl or large plate and refrigerate for at least 4 hours up to overnight. When ready to cook remove the streak and and discard the marinade. Get a grill pan hot and oil using a paper towel dipped in oil. Grill steak until it is to the temperature you like. You can also use a gas or charcoal grill.
Here is the marinade recipe
Enough for a 1 - 2 flank steak
1 Cup of Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1/4 Cup of Sherry Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar
2 Clove of Garlic - pressed or finely minced
1 Shallot - minced
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
Put all of the ingredients in a sealable plastic bag - seal and shake to mix. Add the flank steak - seal and massage the marinade into the meat. Place in a bowl or large plate and refrigerate for at least 4 hours up to overnight. When ready to cook remove the streak and and discard the marinade. Get a grill pan hot and oil using a paper towel dipped in oil. Grill steak until it is to the temperature you like. You can also use a gas or charcoal grill.
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