Posts from the ‘Recipes’ Category

HOLIDAY FOODS TO PREP AHEAD

Preparing food ahead for the holidays doesn’t actually ‘save’ time, it amortizes it. A dish takes a given amount of time to prepare no matter when it’s done. However, nothing is a greater relief during the holidays than having something ready and waiting, without having to gorge a chunk out of your schedule to do it. Preparing dishes as early as their recipes allow or making and preserving them provides just that.

The idea of preparing ahead for the holidays appealed to me because as the nest emptied and family grew, the tasks increased in size. Fewer hands around to help meant a lot more work for me alone. Professionally, the idea intrigued me. The main function of a personal chef service is to provide meals for its clients to consume later. This combination of motives gave me incentive for the past several years to explore how far I can push the envelope. 

However, nothing opened my eyes like a request for help from a fellow personal chef who had contracted to cater a wedding reception for 400. The job held some real challenges; the bride had downloaded the menu and recipes; the venue offered a wait staff and dining needs, linins etc., but only a ‘holding ‘ pantry, no real kitchen. All the food had to be delivered ready to serve.  The food, hors d’ouvres plus two courses and dessert, had to be prepared days ahead. I learned this is normal for caterers dealing with large events and was amazed at the ways these experts in safe handling food, keep it unspoiled and fresh tasting.

The point is that, many dishes can be prepared ahead, but the storage is as, or perhaps even more, important than the cooking. Produce, of course, needs refrigeration. If bought far in advance, or to be served out of season, consult my blog of Sept 22, 2016 on freezing fresh produce and there are more reference posts in the site archives Generally, supplies bought ahead should be kept in the original package and stored at the same temperatures as in the market. Safe handling, or Safe Serve as it’s called, is a course in which all chefs need to be certified. Knowing how to freeze different foods is a requirement. For a crash course, see my posts of  January 11, 19, 25, 2012 and February 2, 2012. Most foods require some degree of refrigeration, so be sure you have adequate space before embarking on making dishes in advance. 

Advance preparation is straightforward, but has a few simple rules. One is never  re-freeze anything without re-cooking it. If adding a thawed vegetable to a dish, cook it first. Be aware that most seafood, especially shellfish is frozen for transport. The only exceptions are fish your monger guarantees were caught within 24 hours and shellfish steamed in store daily. The second is that if a food or dish exists in the markets’ glass freezer cases, you can try to replicate it, and if it doesn’t there is a good reason, so don’t try to innovate. This is particularly true of imitation ‘diet’ and/or ‘no-cook’ cream sauces, which tend to separate when frozen. Third, Egg dishes, generally, should be cooked just before serving. Fourth, if you are open to communal contributions, be sure that you’re not going to spend the afternoon juggling things to finish them or keep them warm. Plan with your guests the way to use your space and appliances. 

The process of planning to prepare dishes in advance of an event is highly individualized. Your menu choices and personal schedule must figure in your calculations and, it’s difficult to give any specific directions other than those in the posts cited above. Perhaps the best way illustrate the process is to share my Christmas timeline, as a general blueprint, to adapt to your needs. I can tell you that now I wonder how I ever did things “seasonally” and I’m grateful that I have time to relax and enjoy the trappings and companionship. There are still plenty of last-minute tasks, but no real pressure either on my schedule my nerves, or my wallet.

As a bonus, I’m including my New Year’s buffet in this timeline to show you how easy it is to include a party in your holiday schedule. Buffets are easier to prep ahead than seated dinners; even roasts can be cooked ahead and served room temperature at a buffet. Casseroles and sauced meat dishes are the darlings of advance preparation. They can be cooked, frozen, thawed, reheated and still taste fresh. Of course, cold foods are a natural. They can be prepared and simply chilled until served or frozen and just thawed. No effort is needed at the last minute and minimizing the last-minute work load is one of the main reasons to do advance preparation.

Another plus is being able to use leftovers from one event to build another. Please note that the foods for the New Year’s party, with the exception of the necessary fresh items, had been purchased well in advance, along with the other holiday supplies. So it was a breeze to arrange, with no extra strain on the schedule or wallet.

However, before I post the schedule, I want to address the frequently asked question; “How much space will I need?” The answer depends on your menu, but usually is not as much as you think and will be a changing amount as foods are cooked; cookie dough is chilled, but cookies are stored in tins. The bulk of my freezer usage is for vegetables and a turkey. Just before the holiday I add two cakes, but that’s my personal option. My calculations for years have been 8-10, adults, for Christmas and 18-20 for New Year’s and I manage with a stand up freezer and my fridge freezer compartment. More things are kept in the refrigerator than the freezer, but not large items, other than possibly a ham or other smoked entrée choice and if you live in a Northern climate that can be kept in a cold place like a garage.

Food will require the most room right before and right after the dinner, when thawing and storing leftovers are issues. Be sure to line up some stackable plastic containers for the latter. To give you firmer idea, I’m going to review the list below and mark each entry with an ‘r’ for refrigerator or an ‘f’ for free. Equate item sizes I’m serving with dishes you want and use it to form a clearer picture of your needs Again, if space is limited, in colder climates, a garage comes in handy. Ice chests can offer a temporary solution.

Another question is; “How do I plan my time to do all this ahead?” Your schedule is a prime consideration. I can tell you the type of things which can be made ahead and how far, but you must decide your own timeline according to your schedule. Perhaps you’re free weekends and can combine several tasks or maybe you need to spread them out over week nights working for short periods. The menu choices will affect this aspect of prior preparation too. Keep a balance between things that can be made well in advance and those that can’t and remember, it’s far easier to find the time to do things over a long period than to have to cram them into a brief one, especially one filled with other obligations. Obviously acquiring required items over weeks, rather than having to schedule, or “work in” special shopping trips is a time saver in itself. (See Sept. 29, 2022)

PREPERATION TIME SCHEDULE

1) Early Oct. –a) Process celery and onion mixture for the stuffing and freeze -f

     b) Bake fruit breads. See 10/29/15 post for recipe-r

2) Mid Oct. – a) The salad dressing for Christmas is ready in the fridge-r

    b) The Cumberland sauce for one hors d’ouvres is made-r

3) End Oct. – a) The sautéed croutons for the stuffing are in an airtight can-tinned

   b) The cheese spreads are made and chilling in crocks. (Extra stored in plastic

          containers)-r

4) Early Nov. –a) Nuts toasted and salted-in airtight jars

     b) Cranberry salsa made and kept well chilled-r

MID NOV—Thanksgiving preparation- task schedule similar to Christmas as detailed below

5) End Nov.-Make cookie batter-store in fridge-r

6) Early Dec. – a) Make cookies- tinned

     b) Bake cakes and freeze them-f

7) Xmas Week –a) Make any add-ins for vegetables=sautéed onions or mushrooms, toasted nuts

etc.-r

    b) Roast, thaw, prep vegetables for sides, put them in dishes in which they can

        be heated and served. Cut and soak salad greens –Refrigerate all

    c) Thaw turkey-r (date depends on size)

    d) Store everything plated and ready to serve—cookies on covered platters etc.

    e) Prepare any other hors d’ouvres and chill – r

DEC. 24th – a) Make stuffing and chill.-r

      b) Brine turkey-r

DEC. 25th – Cook bird, thaw cakes, finish vegetables, toss salad, and make gravy.

New Year’s Week-Dec. 26th –a) Strip carcass, saving enough meat for a large casserole-r

      b) Freeze the rest and the stuffing separately in 2 portion size packages for future use. -f

      c) Boil the bones and freeze broth for future use. -f

Dec. 27th -29th-a)Make turkey casserole, and a mixed vegetable one with pasta and/or grains, beans-r

      b) Refresh cheese crocks, bake ham and muffins (if needed) for dessert tray.-r

Dec. 30th– a) Shop for fresh items, seafood, salad greens, bread and cream. -r

      b) Chop and soak greens. Prep any hot hors d’ouvres. -r

      c) Have everything ready on or in serving vessels.-r

Jan.1st– Cook casseroles, heat hors d’ouvres and bread, toss salad, make Eggnog.

If you’re looking for recipe ideas, you’ll find loads in my archives, everything from leftovers to vegetables, to salads and dressings. There’s even one on muffins and rolls that may appeal. Just click Table of Contents, or view the panorama and choose posts that interest you.

So save yourself expense and stress this holiday season, by remembering what the Boy Scouts always say; ”Be prepared!” —-then you can relax and enjoy the festivities.

PROVEN RECIPE EXAMPLES

The next step is to look at what specific type of recipes lend themselves to this treatment and if they need be altered to do so.  The concept of preparing food ahead is the backbone of the Personal Chef Service business and the parent organization, the U.S.P.C.A. has been instrumental in exploring the field of home freezing. I make the distinction because there is a difference between what can be done with a domestic freezer and the commercial flash-freezing process as implied by its name. For example, neither eggplant nor boiled potatoes home freeze well, but both exist in commercial products. 

A secret to making some things last in the refrigerator for long periods is adding vinegar or alcohol, in the form of liquor, to the ingredients. If you don’t want the liquor to be noticeable, as I don’t with my Blue Cheese Spread, use vodka. On the other hand, it can be a flavoring agent as in the Cheddar Cheese Spreads below. The alcohol and flavor of the preserving wine in the fruit cakes disappears in baking and the liquor flavoring in the finished item comes from sprinkling them over weeks with bourbon or rye. Again optional if the cake is for children or to serve at breakfast. Long refrigeration dissipates alcohol in other items but its preservative effect stays. 

It’s vital to keep items tightly covered with plastic wrap, pressing out any air bubbles on the surface. This is true not only of refrigerated items made ahead, but especially of frozen ones. Air is the enemy of freezing. It’s the cause of ‘freezer burn’ which though harmless as a health threat, dries food out, robbing color, taste and texture, usually discoloring large spots.

Cooked dishes with sauces freeze better than unsauced ones. They provide a smoother surface, with fewer air pockets, for the plastic wrap to adhere, but sauces are susceptible to air damage and if they spoil, they take the whole dish with them. Never depend on just the lid of any container, cover the food surface, pressing down firmly with wrap as well.

Making sure foods are room temperature before chilling, and, preferably, chilled before freezing is also important. The smallest trace of steam left in food can form ice crystals which, like freezer burn, ruin taste and texture. Another cause of ice forming is leaving an air space between the food and the container lid. Try to choose containers that are perfect fits for the contents. If there is an empty space at the top, ice crystals will form. Make sure the plastic wrap is secure enough that no ice can touch the food. Sometimes crystals can be scraped off, as freezer burn can sometimes be cut out but there is still damage, and you don’t want that especially in a holiday meal. 

Concerning the recipes below, the cheeses are fully explained. Moving on to sides let me first say, rice, bulgur and quinoa freeze well. I like to freeze them cooked, seasoned and then add cooked vegetables or fruits as they’re re-heated for serving. The Double Baked Potatoes are great to have on hand, keep frozen for months and really dress up a roast. As a rule, starchy winter vegetables freeze well mashed but not well when done in other ways with the exception of candied sweet potatoes. The cauliflower I include to show how a sauced dish can be simply made ahead and transported to a communal meal, which is increasingly popular for Thanksgiving. 

The Hot Chicken Salad as an example of a main dish casserole that freezes for a month or more. It’s a crowd favorite and wouldn’t be out-of-place at a Super Bowl party, but the basic directions for handling are the same as for the cauliflower. Combine cooked ingredients with any sauce, freeze, thaw, then do the final baking and browning to serve, or under bake about 15 min. transport and re-heat and brown on site.

Desserts are a good category to reference to illustrate the optional levels of advance food prep. Cookies, as noted, can be made 6-8 weeks ahead if stored in air-tight tins. All kinds of pastry freeze well rolled and stacked with paper dividers or lining pans, even whole unbaked fruit pies and turn-overs can be made ahead. However, baked pastry products only hold well for 24 hrs. After that they become soggy as the fillings lose their moisture and harden. To have these desserts, you need room in your schedule, as well as your oven’s, at the earliest the afternoon before, to bake and/or make the fillings. 

Cake is the ideal elegant dessert to be made in advance. Years ago my Yule log survived Christmas dinner almost intact, so I froze it to serve sliced with a bowl of whipped cream on New Year’s. I left it uncovered for an hour to firm up the icing, and then wrapped it snugly in plastic wrap and put the whole cake, still on the platter, in a plastic bag in the freezer. I was pleased to see it looked fresh on New Year’s morning but surprised that it tasted fresh too. I served it on the original platter, without the cream, and had many compliments with no leftovers. The Fruit Cake properly wrapped is good for six months or more in the fridge (see the ‘Tips’ on leftovers at the bottom of this post.) The Yule Log is my own recipe. I devised it for a gingerbread loving, young relative because it was simpler than building a house as a Christmas treat. These inspired me to do the same with cakes, of all types, even a tiered, sponge Opera Cake. This could make birthday parties a lot easier.

More recipes like these are coming in the next weeks but if you want to try some now which can be made ahead frozen and/or transported, go to the right margin of this blog page, click ‘Select Month’ click Oct. Nov. of any year and you’ll find a relevant post. There are several for sides, salads, desserts, even salad dressings with full directions. 

RECIPES

Cheddar Cheese Spreads: These recipes offer suggestions of how to change one to suit your taste 

Number I:original recipe

(1) 8oz.bar of sharp cheese-any brand, even the supermarket’s own-yellow or white

1/3 cup of mayonnaise

1/3 cup coarsely chopped pistachio nuts

1 tsp. grated lemon rind

1 Tbs. white wine- or dry sherry

Blend all the ingredients but the nuts in a food processor until smooth. Add more wine if it seems too dry or a bit more mayonnaise to smooth. Add the nuts and pulse only to combine. Put into a container, seal and. chill.

Number II— Can also be served at a dessert party with spicy cookies or crackers.

To the cheese and mayonnaise add;

¼ cup toasted walnut pieces

¼ cup dried cranberries

1 Tbs. Port

Proceed as above.

Number III

To the cheese and mayonnaise add:

2 Tbs. caraway seeds

2 Tbs. of bourbon or rye whiskey

Proceed as above.

I realize there’s a lot of concern over nuts. In fact, I’m so allergic to Brazil nuts that I can’t eat another nut from the same mix, but allergies to the major nut varieties almonds, pecans, walnuts are rare. Presented alone in a dish they should cause no problems. The recipe below has been in my family for 5 generations at least.

Salted Almonds:

1 lb. shelled, RAW almonds—these are the ones with the brown skin still on, uncooked or salted.

½ – 1 tsp. butter

Salt

Cover the almonds with water, bring to a boil and cook for about 30 sec. Turn off the heat. Ladle about half the nuts into a large strainer and run under cold water, until cool enough to handle. Squeeze each nut to pop the skin off, and put the nuts in a bowl. Discard the skins. Repeat until all the ‘blanched’ almonds are skinless. Preheat oven to 350 deg. melt butter on a cookie sheet and toss the nuts through it with a wooden spoon. Bake the nuts until they’re a golden brown, about 30 min., tossing occasionally and keeping a close watch as they begin to brown, because then they can burn very fast. Turn them out onto a paper towel- lined flat surface and sprinkle generously with salt, tossing gently with the spoon. Let cool and place in jars, but don’t seal for at least 12 hrs. Transfer them to cans or plastic bags to gift.

Double Baked Stuffed Potatoes  can be made in quantity. They keep for several days in the refrigerator, and freeze very well. Pick the best from a 5lb, or even a 10 lb. bag, bake and prepare as directed below. Place on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once firm, individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in the freezer in a plastic bag. To use, they only need to be microwaved, on a paper towel, for about 2 min. at half heat, or until thawed, then baked in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 min, or until brown on top. Do not use the Microwave for the entire process or they will be soggy!

Scrub potatoes and lightly rub with butter, margarine or oil

Bake in a 350 deg. oven for 45-60 min, until skins are crisp and potatoes yield when squeezed.

Using a scissors, cut a large oval off the top of each potato. Scoop out pulp and mash, adding butter and cream until silky. Refill potato skins mounding filling, garnish tops with paprika and parsley. Follow directions above to freeze, double bake and serve.

Cauliflower au Gratin – Trim leaves and stem from a head of fresh cauliflower. Boil upside down about 5 min. drain and invert into a buttered ovenproof casserole dish with at least 2 inch sides. Make a white sauce from 3 Tbs. butter, 3 Tbs. flour and 1 ½ cups of milk. Add ¼ tsp. salt, 1tsp. garlic powder and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower, and garnish with, in order, 2 Tbs. more grated Parmesan, a generous sprinkle of Paprika and 1 tsp. dried Parsley. Bake at 375 deg. for 45 min. or 300 deg. for 1hr; or until top browns nicely and sauce begins to bubble.

To make white sauce:

Cook butter over medium-high heat until it foams. Off heat, quickly stir in flour and make a roux or paste. Add milk at once and stirring to remove lumps, return to heat. Keep stirring until mixture simmers reduce heat and stir until thickened, about 3 min. Add cheese and seasonings, stir to incorporate. Then follow directions above.

To freeze: Don’t bake and reserve garnish. Cool, cover as instructed and freeze for up to 3 weeks. Remove wrap and thaw, garnish and bake as directed above. To take to a communal dinner, bake 15 min. less, cool cover and transport. Finish baking and browning on site.

Hot Chicken Salad; Serves 4-6

4 chicken thighs, split breasts or equal amount of leftover turkey.

1 cup diced celery

½ small onion diced

3 Tbs. slivered toasted almonds

1 Tbs. lemon juice

(½) 4oz.can mushrooms -drained

½ tsp. salt

2/3 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise*

¼ cup grated sharp cheese

1/3 cup toasted croutons

1 Tbs. melted butter

Paprika and dried parsley for garnish

Boil chicken, skin and bone and cut into bite sized pieces (save broth for another use).  Mix in a bowl with the next 7 ingredients. Spread evenly in a flat bottomed, oven-proof dish or casserole. Toss croutons with butter and scatter over the top, sprinkle with cheese.**  Bake in a 450 deg. oven for 30 min.

*Hellman’s is recommended for this because it cooks better than other mayonnaise.

** Can be frozen at this point. Cover top with plastic wrap and seal dish in a plastic bag. Good for 4 weeks.

*** To transport bake 15 min. less, cool, cover and carry. Finish baking and browning on site.

Fruit Breads: This recipe is wonderful because by using the options, you can make it into your own.

2 boxes of quick bread mix with fruits—DO NOT buy a swirl or sweet variety.*

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup chopped candied fruits

¼ cup other chopped dried fruits not in either mix**Ingredients listed on boxes.

Red wine

Rye or Bourbon for wrapping

Cooking spray

Whole pecan or walnut halves and candied cherries for decoration

Colored sugar crystals.

(2) 8 or 9 inch round cake pans or 2 regular loaf pans

Remove a bit of the mix from each, about ¼ cup total, and toss with the fruits to coat and separate them so they don’t clump in the cakes. Make up the batters separately replacing half the water required with wine, and then combine them. Mix in the chopped fruits and nuts. Spray pans and divide batter between them. Decorate the tops with the nut halves, cherries and sugar. Do not press in or they will sink into the batter as it rises. Alternatively, pull out the oven shelf after about 15min. and place the fruits and nuts. The sugar can be sprinkled before baking. Cook and cool according to package directions*** in a preheated oven and on a rack. Remove from pans and invert onto plates.

When cool, sprinkle liberally with the whiskey, and wrap in plastic wrap, Refrigerate on plates. Unwrap every week to ten days and re-sprinkle with the whiskey.

*I like Cranberry and Pumpkin for the mix, but Cranberry and Date Nut is good too. It depends on the holiday and your preference.

**The best choices of dried fruits for this type of bread are apricots, dates, figs and pineapple. Just don’t duplicate a fruit already in the mix.

***Even when using the same brand there may be a variation in cooking times This may require a bit of math. Usually there will be a common ground if you overlap the time brackets. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.

*****You may want to add more colored sugar before serving

Yule Log—serves 16-18   My recipe

Using boxed Gingerbread mix, I replace half the water with applesauce, add ¼ cup oil and use 2 eggs. Beat only until well incorporated – about 2 min.

Grease the bottom only of a 19 x 11 inch jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper and grease the paper.

Preheat the oven to 350 deg., and bake on the middle rack for 16 to 18 min. until it springs back when poked lightly with a finger.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar. Cover with a tea towel, and using a board as a brace invert the cake. Peel off the parchment and roll the long side of the cake in the towel. Resting the seam on the bottom let the cake cool completely.

Meanwhile, beat 8 oz. cream cheese with 8 oz. Cool Whip until smooth adding 2 tsp. maple flavoring -or to taste, and 1/3 cup chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans.

Carefully unroll the cake and fill with the cheese mixture. Re-roll. Trim ends evenly.

Cut a piece about 3 inches long from one end on an angle and position it along the “trunk” to form a branch. Secure it with a bit of frosting.

Frost the cake and add any decorations. Freeze until ready to serve. Allow to thaw 30 to 45 min.

NOTE:The Roulade cake recipe below explains how any flavor of cake mix can be baked into a log. The same filling can be used with a flavor change, other nuts and even chocolate chips.

Cake Log: *This recipe is based on but modified from one in The Cake Doctor by Ann Byrne

1 box plain cake mix

1 cup buttermilk

½ cup vegetable, seed or nut oil

4 eggs

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Parchment paper

Butter for preparing pan

Make the cake:

Butter the bottom only of a 16 ½ X 11 ½ X 1 inch jelly roll pan. Line it with the parchment, leaving a couple inches overlap on the ends, and butter the paper. Put the cake ingredients in a bowl and beat, scraping the sides, until batter is thick and combined about 3 min. Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake on the center rack of a preheated 350 deg. oven for 15-17 min. until it springs back when pressed with a finger. Liberally dust a clean kitchen towel and starting with the long side, carefully roll the cake away from you in the towel. Place seam side down on a flat surface to 

cool for about 20 min. Follow directions above for assembly.

NOTE: If the cake seems split in places, and it will as it’s rolled, the frosting will cover them. Garnish with sprinkled cinnamon or nuts.

Tips for serving leftover cake:

1) If you want to preserve cakes for another occasion, positioning them on the table is important. It guides people away from cutting into them willy-nilly. I often cut a slice or two from the trunk of the log to give direction or a thin slice from the round cakes. The layered cakes can simply be sliced while frozen and the slices arranged on a plate for a new presentation. The log can usually be presented in its original form, but it too can be sliced to share the plate with the other cakes.

2) The fruit bread is stored in the refrigerator not the freezer. Cut the remainder of the fruit “cakes” into interesting shapes or fingers, and present them plated with small squares of a quick muffin fruit mix, like Jiffy, baked in a loaf pan, with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top. It creates an economical, efficient and attractive presentation.

EASY FALL DINNERS

The first few weeks of September are so hectic. Labor Day is like an iron door clanging shut between seasons; changing our mind-set within hours. Summer seems long past, not just last week. We wear different clothes, notice the fewer hours of daylight and suddenly are focused on planning our work load for the months ahead.  New groups are joined, new schedules laid out and frequently meetings to organize it all, take place in the evenings because the days are so full, and then there’s the return of homework.  Dinner is the frequently the casualty of this busy time.

What’s needed are meals which cook quickly and without mess, from pre-bought ingredients, can be served in shifts if necessary and are easy to clean up. These recipes fit those requirements and most are straightforward enough to be started, finished or even made by anyone responsible in a kin. Many of these dishes can also be served at room temp, because summer still has a few weeks of hot weather left.

My post on Sept 7, 2023, entitled Fun Family Dinners, offers 11 more recipes having the same easy, accessible qualifications, except they need more consistent attention during cooking. Also, several should be served hot, upon completion.

Best of all, the dishes in this and the linked post above, are  so good, they  often become family favorites, ready to make again during rushed times, like the winter holidays, or simply when you need an easy night. If you want even more recipes for this type dinner, click on the waterfall ‘Select  Month’ window in the right margin of all blog pages, and choose any September since 2013. You’ll find a post on the subject, but there are too many to list the links individually.

RECIPES

Tortellini all Panna: Serves 4                                                                         

1½ lb. dried Tortellini or 1 lb. fresh – cheese stuffing

(1) 10.5 oz. can chicken broth, or 1 envelope bouillon and 2 cups water

½ lb. cooked ham – in ½ inch dice from the Deli in (2) ¼ lbs. slices OR Turley Ham or Smoked Turkey

(1) 10oz. box frozen peas

1 Tbs. butter

1 cup heavy cream – light can be used

Grated Parmesan

Cook the Tortellini in the broth- -8 min. for the dried, 5 min for the fresh. Meanwhile,    heat the ham and peas with the butter, over medium heat in the skillet.  Drain the Tortellini and add them to the skillet along with the cream. Continue cooking over low heat, gently stirring until the pasta absorbs all the cream. Serve at once, lightly sprinkled with the Parmesan.

lb. to 1 1/2lb. ham in 4 slices –packaged round bone slices are fine
(2) 1 lb. bags frozen French cut green beans

NEW New England Boiled Dinner: Serves 4
1 2) 15 oz. cans small, while white potatoes- drained
(1) 10 ½ oz. can beef consommé
(1) 14 oz. can chicken broth
2 Tbs. butter
Make small snips around the edges of the meat to prevent curling. Sauté in the butter until slightly browned. Remove from heat, add the potatoes and top with the beans. Pour the liquid over and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and cook for about 30 min. Make sure beans are very tender.

Chicken Pizza: Serves 4 (1) Pizza 

16 inch pizza shell, I like the ones prepared and sold in envelopes rather than the frozen*

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and cut in ¾ inch pieces or 1 cup cooked chicken diced

½ cup Riciato** OR equal amount green salsa, or pesto

 ½   cup sour cream

1 large broccoli crown separated and blanched OR (1) 10 oz. bag frozen broccoli cuts thawed and drained

1 small onion, halved and sliced thin

1 small green bell pepper in ¾ inch pieces

2 tsp. oil

1/8 tsp. lemon pepper 

6 sun dried tomatoes, either in oil or reconstituted in the microwave, drained and in large dice (optional)

4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces –or sliced black olives (optional)

4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese grated – Or optionally Pepper Jack

Preheat the oven to 410 deg. or temperature recommended on the pizza shell. Also check time of cooking. Microwave the onion and bell pepper with the oil and Lemon Pepper 2 min. Spread the sour cream over the pizza shell, then spread the Riciato sauce, pesto or salsa Verde over that. Evenly scatter the toppings over the sauces, including the oil and seasonings with the onion and pepper. End with the cheese. Bake at 410 degrees for 15 min., or as pizza shell package directs.

* (2) 12 inch flour tortillas can be substituted for the pizza shell-brush one side of each with water and press together.

(For anyone on a low carbohydrate diet)  

** Riciato is a mild, flavorful sauce made from cilantro (found in most markets). If you want a spicier pizza use the salsa Verde in the level of your choice or sprinkle a dash of red pepper over sauces. 

Stuffed Zucchini: Serves 4

1 lb. ground beef

4 large zucchini

¼ tsp lemon pepper

(3) 8oz cans tomato sauce

1 Tbs. garlic powder- or to taste

2 Tbs. oil

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried basil

 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese + to pass

Split zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out only the seeds with a spoon.  Mix beef and lemon pepper. Fill zucchinis with the beef, pressing it in and mounding it on top. Sprinkle with about ½ cup of the cheese, equally divided. Place in an ovenproof pan with ¼ to ½ inch of water on the bottom (a bath).  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven about 30 min or until meat begins to brown. Plate separately and serve.

Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan; add all the other ingredients except cheese. Allow to simmer while the meat cooks. Spoon some over the zucchini boats on the plates, or simply pass it and the cheese on the side.

Mediterranean Fish: Serves 4

This is my play on a classic fish dish. Any firm fish, which can be rendered skinless, works as well. I often use frozen Flounder, Tilapia or Salmon fillets. 

4 boneless, skinless fillets of a firm fish @ 1 ½ – 2 lbs. preferably thawed, but can be left frozen.

(1) 26oz can diced tomatoes – divided with ½ reserved
(2) 10 oz. boxes frozen chopped spinach or 1 bag fresh spinach leaves

½ tsp lemon pepper 

2 Tbs. oil

Paprika

Place the oil in a pan large enough to hold the fish. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water, then spread out in the pan. If using fresh baby spinach leaves, wash by running under warm water in a strainer, shake well and spread out on 4 plates. Place the tomatoes either on the spinach or in the pan and top with the fillets, evenly placed, then the oil. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and paprika. Bake at 350 deg. about 25 min. or until fish flakes easily. Remove fish with a spatula, if serving fresh spinach, allow the tomatoes to wilt the spinach as plating. Spoon excess tomatoes around the fish.

Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce: Serves 4
4 salmon fillets or steaks – about 24 oz.
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1-1 ½ Tbs. dried dill weed-depending on taste
Mix the mayonnaise and sour cream with the dill until smooth and chill at least a couple of hours in advance to meld flavors. Boil enough water to cover, in a skillet or pot that easily holds all the fish. Slide the fish into the water and poach 5-8 min. per inch of width until it is opaque, firm and a pale pink. Remove from pot one at a time, and run under cold water until cool enough to slip off the skin and, if using steaks, carefully remove the bones without tearing the meat. Plate and chill the fish, covered to prevent drying if being made in advance. When ready to serve, plate the fish and top with equal mounds of the sauce. Garnish with more dill or chopped chives.

Lemon-Honey Chicken Breasts*:  Serves 4
4 boneless chicken breasts-with skin-the skin doesn’t add calories and traps the marinade for flavoring.
½ cup fresh lemon juice or equal amount of diluted concentrate
¼ cup honey
3 Tbs. fresh minced thyme or 1 ½ Tbs. dried
Rinse the breasts well and pat dry. Place them in a pan or freezer safe container large enough to hold them flat without overlapping. Mix the other 3 ingredients and swab the chicken, making sure to get up under the skin. Allow to set for 30 min. swab again. If freezing, place plastic wrap directly over the meat, cover the container and freeze for up to 2 months. Store the extra marinade in a small jar in the refrigerator. Roast the chicken at 425 deg. for 30-40 min. until thermometer reads 165 deg. or juices run clear, frequently basting with the reserved marinade.

Frittata: Serves 4
The perfect solution for all those who find omelet’s a challenge, and the fun part is that it needn’t ever be the same twice, because its flavor depends on the ingredients and/or toppings and/or herbs, and they are whatever one wants, has at hand, fresh or leftover, meat and/or vegetable. Frittatas are also forgiving. If one sticks and won’t slide onto a plate, slice it in wedges and serve it in the
6 large eggs

2 Tbs. oil

½ tsp baking soda

¼ cup milk or water, or milk + water to equal this amount

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp curry powder

¼ tsp paprika

Ground pepper to taste

2 cups vegetables – cut to ½ inch size or thin slice *

½ tsp garlic powder optional

Optional toppings- for example ¼ cup grated cheese or tomato sauce. 

In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs, with all other ingredients except the oil and the vegetables. Heat the oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium.  Pre-heat the broiler. Sauté the vegetables, or if cooked, turn them over in the oil to coat and warm. Reduce the burner heat to medium-low and pour in the eggs. Cook, gently pulling the eggs away from the sides of the pan, and tilting it to allow the uncooked portion to run into the spaces, until the eggs are fairly set, but still quiver in the center. Put the pan under the broiler, until the top begins to tan and all the eggs are cooked. Add the cheese, if using, before broiling and pass the sauce, warmed, at table. Be careful not to put the handle of the skillet in the oven, unless it is metal. Slide the frittata onto a plate to serve.
*If not using leftovers, substitute an equal amount of cooked fresh or frozen vegetables. Broccoli and green beans can be parboiled. Others, such as a zucchini and onion combination should be sliced thin and sautéed in 1 Tsp. additional oil first, then, proceed with the frittata directions.

Potato Hot Pot: Serves 2-
This is easy and fast to prepare. Using canned, sliced potatoes cuts the cook time in half and reduces the prep skills required to only a can opener. Can be made in individual portions and cooked separately.
15 oz. can diced tomatoes- drained juice reserved
15 oz. can dark kidney beans-drained juice reserved-really any beans can be used.
1 cup cut green beans –briefly cooked
1 medium onion in ½ inch dice
1 Tbs. oil
4 hot dogs each cut in 6 pieces
2 large potatoes-white or sweet
Salt and pepper
Cook the beans to crisp tender. Pierce the potatoes with a fork and microwave 3 min. When cool cut into thin slices. Sauté the onion in the oil until soft, remove from heat. Add all the ingredients but the potatoes to the pot and warm slightly. Add enough reserved juice to give the consistency of chili. Ladle into oven-proof bowls and cover the tops with potato slices in a circular pattern. Bake 35-40 min in a 350 deg. oven until mixture bubbles and potatoes are golden. Serve at once.

Tuscan Tuna and Bean Salad: Serves 4

6 oz. can solid white tuna in water- drained

16 oz. can cannellini or other white beans

2 plum tomatoes diced

2 tsp. dried basil

Ground black pepper

Salt to taste

1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. powdered garlic

1 Tbs. oil

2 Tbs. Dijon or spicy mustard

Mix the last 5 ingredients well and set aside to let the flavors form a dressing. Gently toss the first 6 ingredients, then add the dressing. Allow the whole to chill for 30 min. at least to meld flavors. Serve on greens. Garnish with grape tomatoes.

HOT DOGS and TOPPING BARS

Though Labor Day was initiated in 1882 to honor the working man and evolved into the official end of summer one tradition is unchanged. It’s usually celebrated with an outdoor meal. After WWII, outdoor grills became standard backyard features replacing picnics. The picture of a grill over flames, loaded with burgers on one side and hot dogs on the other became an icon for this American holiday.  But about 1970, hot dogs began to fade from that scene. Probably, those little glass boxes with them rotating on spits which appeared on every lunch counter, played a part. Hot dogs became considered a cheap snack.

However, they still had public appeal as proven by a beach snack bar which opened in the 1980s, and has become tradition, in an exclusive New Jersey resort. It serves nothing but pricy hot dogs, offering, in addition to ‘specials’, over 40 toppings mix-and-match.  It’s always crowded with a line waiting to be served. People still want ‘dogs’, they just want good ones dressed up-‘gourmatized’ if you will. 

This is something to consider today, when  Hamburger is so costly and of such poor quality, no longer with the choice of cut, just fat content. If your celebration includes small children who abandon, drop and throw finger foods, that’s an expensive waste. Hot dogs offer a reasonable alternative. To see more recipes for hot dogs go to Sept. 26, 2013.

So give your wallet a break and get credit for innovation. Serve hot dogs with a toppings bar this year.  Some of the recipes below suggest specific types of hot dogs, but there are so many varieties on the market, vegan, chicken, beef, classic, that there should be no dietary restriction problems in choosing which one, or ones, to serve.

Hot dogs are now made in so many varieties, classic with pork, beef, turkey, chicken, even veggie, that dietary restrictions no longer apply. Some of the recipes below suggest specific dogs, but use your own judgement.  Just pick a brand which can hold its own with the topping flavors.

Buns are another option. The traditional side-split is most popular, but I’ve always liked the New England style- a slice of bread about 2 inches thick, toasted on both sides and sliced almost through in the center. I think Pepridge Farm carries them. Another option is tortillas. They can be kept in the grill warmer and they were created to hold lots of toppings, so they’re perfect here.  I can verify they’re less filling and a lot neater than buns.

Two tips on buns: 1) If the recipe includes melted cheese, prepare several hot dogs and it them snugly into a pan. Place the pan I the grill warmer or a 250 deg. oven for 5-7 min. The cheese evenly melts and the buns crisp.

2) To make a ‘boat’ which holds more toppings, open a bun and laying it flat, make a shallow groove on both sides ending about 1 inch short of the ends. 

Finally the toppings; they do take thought at first but if you know the number you’re serving and their general taste preferences, (Do they like spicy? Love cheese? Choose Italian or Mexican?)  you’ll soon have the favorite toppings narrowed down. You can always expand for a change or for guests, but the basics of a toppings bar will become pantry staples for quick meals. Once you feel secure, adding extras is easy. See he list of favorite, pantry stable toppings below.

RECIPES

These first 6 recipes are from:  https://www.ballparkbrand.com/recipes

Late Summer Dog

15 oz. pack Beef Hot Dogs

1 peach, sliced

8 slices cooked bacon

8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved

¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

Prepare your franks however you like.

Grill the peach slices over high heat. Look for a golden color on all sides. It takes about 30 seconds per side. Nestle the hot dogs and bacon into the buns. Top with peaches, tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese.

Guacamole Dog

15 oz. pack Beef Hot Dogs

2 avocados

½ cup diced red onion

1 lime, juiced

1 tablespoon diced jalapeno

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

½ cup diced tomatoes

Prepare your franks however you like. Mash the avocados in a mixing bowl. Stir in onion, lime juice, jalapenos, cilantro and tomato. Put the hot dogs in the buns and top with a (generous) scoop of that homemade guacamole

Sweet and Spicy Dog
1 (15 ounces) pack  Classic Hot Dogs

1 (13.5 ounces) pack Hawaiian-style hot dog buns

8 slices cooked bacon

Prepare your franks however you like. Put the hot dogs in the buns. Layer with bacon, jelly and blue 

cup diced red onion

½ cup diced tomato

2 hard-boiled eggs, diced

¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

¼ cheese, and chow down!

Chopped Salad Dog

15 ounces pack  Lean Beef Hot Dogs

1 head romaine lettuce

½ cup balsamic dressing

Prepare franks however you like. Clean the lettuce and separate the leaves. Place the hot dogs into the lettuce 1/2 cup pineapple and pepper jelly or relish

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup Balsamic dressing

Prepare the franks as you prefer.  Clean the lettuce, separate the leaves and top with onions, tomatoes, eggs and blue cheese.

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic dressing, and enjoy.

 Caramelized Onion Dog

 15 oz. pack Beef Hot Dogs

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

4 slices Havarti cheese, cut in half

1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme

Prepare franks however you like.

Heat a well-oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sliced onions until tender. Add small amounts of water as you go so they don’t burn. Place the hot dogs in the buns. Layer on the onions and cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of thyme.

Chef’s tip: For a fast solution for caramelized onions, look for sautéed or caramelized onions in your grocery store’s freezer

Chicago Dog

15 ounce pack of Bun Size Classic Hot Dogs

1 (13 ounces) pack Ball Park® hot dog buns

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon green relish

1 tablespoon chopped raw onions

1 tablespoon fresh tomato

1 pickle spear

Celery salt (to taste)

1 tablespoon sport peppers

Prepare the franks however you like. Put the hot dogs in the buns. Place tomato slices and a pickle spear between the dog and the bun. Load them up with relish, yellow mustard, onions, sport peppers and celery salt.

Here are more recipe suggestions from:  https://weekendatthecottage.com/best-hot-dog-recipes/

The I Wish We Were in Hawaii Hot Dog! Grilled pineapple, red onions, and teriyaki sauce.

The Italian-American Hot Dog! Grilled onions and bell peppers, ketchup, and pepperoncinis.

The I Wish We Were in Mexico Hot Dog! Grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and mayo.

The Chicago Dog! Pickled peppers, diced tomatoes, yellow mustard, and chopped onions

The Deli Dog. Sauerkraut, curry mustard (stir together a little curry powder + Dijon mustard), and everything bagel seasoning.

The Banh-Mi-But-Make-It-A-Hot Dog Dog. Sriracha mayo (literally just stir together sriracha and mayo) jalapeño, pickled carrots, and cilantro.

Bacon Mac&Cheese.bacon, mac &cheese, coleslaw, blue cheese crumbles

Sloppy Joe Dawg: Sloppy Joe sauce, cheese, onions and optional sloppy joe toppings
 

Tex-Mex. jalapinos, lime-cilantro mayo, Monterey  jack cheese, corn salsa

Country Fare. Ketchup, mustard, relish, shredded cheddar, dill pickles,  beef chili-optional beans

Pizza Dawg. pizza sauce, mozzarella, sliced green olives, mushrooms onions &peppers.

Suggested supplies to have on hand for impromptu hot dog nights when a quick dinner is needed, from: https://themodernproper.com/hot-dog-toppings
BBQ sauce! Any kind will do.

Chili + hot dog = chili dogs!

Baked Beans with or without bacon, mustard and ketchup

Coleslaw. A quick version can be made with shredded lettuce, mayo, mustard and celery seed

Cheese. Just cheese, any cheese. Shredded. And lots of it.

BLT Dog. Bacon, lettuce, tomato on a hot dog. Don’t skimp on the mayo!

Bacon. Just bacon. Well, maybe some mayo, too.

Sauerkraut. mustard optional

SLOW COOKERS IN SUMMER

It’s time to take a fresh look at slow cookers and view them in a different seasonal light because they offer an option to grilling for busy people, especially when it’s too hot to enjoy being outside.. Also they can be a big help in outdoor entertaining especially for kids parties, and act as a safety measure.

Slow cookers were introduced in the 1970s, and their popularity has faded and revived at consistent intervals of about 20 years. Perhaps it’s a generational thing but slow cookers do have staying power. However, they are often regarded as seasonal because slow cooking implies well done food as soups and stews, associated with cold weather.

On the other hand, many of these slowly cooked “winter” dishes are acceptable served chilled. Italians are very fond of Minestrone with kale or spinach and pasta in summer. Many hearty soups can be cooked ahead and served chilled. Cold bean soups, with a salad make excellent warn weather meals. A friend slow cooks pork roasts in barbeque sauce, until meltingly tender, then shreds the meat. Her “Pulled Pork” sandwiches, topped with slaw, tomatoes and other goodies, are the anticipated highlight of her summer parties for all ages. Meatballs are another great yard party favorite, especially in sandwiches for kids or as Hors d’ouvres. They can be made days ahead and frozen, then simmered in sauce and served from a slow cooker.

Another advantage of using slow cookers outdoors was recently pointed out by a neighbor whose yard is her family’s go-to for children’s parties. Frightened as children crowded the grill that there would be some serious burns with all the pushing and shoving, she vowed to serve only cold food or dishes like pulled pork or meatballs which can be spooned onto a bun for children’s gatherings.

Of course, having dinner cooked and totally prepared to serve appeals to our A.S.A.P. mentality especially on a hot night.  Another plus in our health conscious lifestyle is that slow cooker preparation restricts use of fats and requires that meats be well trimmed. Also because of the extended cooking time, it welcomes cheaper cuts of meat, which have a lower fat ratio. Slow cooker recipes instructed removing chicken skins long before it became popular or was recommended for healthier diets.

So, just because the food writers move onto more seasonal dishes, you don’t have to store the slow cooker away with the winter coat. Learn the pros and cons of slow cookers, and to get to know your own appliance, different makes and sizes handle tasks differently, and you’ll find ways to use it all year but remember to pick and choose recipes.

This choice doesn’t have to be set in stone either. I’m listing some great summer slow cooker recipes below but I’m also including a conversion chart so you can convert a favorite traditionally cooked recipe you think would be good as a summer meal along with some helpful tips.

1) Remember that slow cookers don’t allow moisture to evaporate as traditional cooking methods do, so reduce the liquid often by half.

2) The best thing to do when adapting a recipe is to find a similar one in the desired cooking method, and compare the ingredient amounts especially the liquid.

3) Vegetables may not cook as fast as the meat, and should be used in smaller sizes or cut in chunks. Examples–baby carrots and, pearl onions in place of regular. Check example recipe for correct size.

4) Though it may be used to keep a cooked dish warm for serving, never reheat in a slow cooker. If food has cooled remove it and always follow the directions for your appliance.

CONVERSION CHART

IF RECIPE SAYS                               COOK ON LOW                               COOK ON HIGH

10 to 30 minutes                                    4 to 6 hours                                          1 1/2  to 2 hours
35-45 minutes                                        6 – 10 hours                                         3 – 4 hours
50 minutes to 3 Hours                          8 to 18 hours                                       4 to 6 hours

RECIPES: Sources for several and for inspiration on converting others I turned to The Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good

Honey Wings: Makes 32 pieces
16 chicken wings, tips removed, divided to make drumettes= about 3 lbs.
3cloves minced garlic.
¼ cup oil
2 cups honey
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
Rinse wings and dry. Put on a foil lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil on an upper rack 20 min. turning once until brown. Place in a slow cooker. Mix the other entire ingredient and pour over chicken. Cook on low 4-5 hrs. or high 2-2 ½ hrs.

Cranberry- Barbequed Chicken: Serves 6-8
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/2cup diced celery
½ cup diced onion
Salt and pepper

 Put all ingredients in a slow cooker, cover and cook on high 2 hr. or low 5 hrs. Chicken will shred when stirred, or simply ladle out. Serve on rolls, optionally spread with mayonnaise. The addition of lettuce is also optional.

Pork Chalupa: Serves 12-16
3lb.lean pork
3garlic cloves
1Tbs. each dried oregano, cumin and chili powder
40z. can chopped green chilies
1lb. dried pinto beans—soaked overnight in water to cover
For Garnish–Grated cheese-Parmesan, sharp or Jack, Diced tomatoes, chopped onions

Lettuce for bedding
Put pork in bottom of slow cooker add remaining ingredients including beans with water. Add enough water to cover if needed. Cook on high 1 hr. and low 6 hr. Remove meat, shred it and return to pot. Cook on high another hour. Serve bedded on lettuce on plates or rolls with garnishes.

Barbequed Ribs: Serves 4-6*
NOTE: Most recipes for ribs call for pre-cooking them either by browning them on the stove, broiling or baking them to remove the excess fat. They can be done completely in the slow cooker by cooking on high 1 hr. and adding one hour to the total cooking time.
3-4 lb. baby back or country style rib
Salt & pepper
1 large onion diced
1 garlic clove sliced
1 cup barbeque sauce
1 cup Catalina dressing
Season ribs with salt and pepper and brown under broiler. Put ribs in cooker, top with other ingredients and cover with sauce and dressing mixed. Cook on low 6-8 hrs. until done.
*This recipe can be made with a lean roast of equal weight. Cook 1 hr. less, remove meat. shred and return to the pot with ½ cup barbeque sauce, cook remaining hour. Serve spooned on rolls.

Meatballs for Sauce: Serves about 6
This is a recipe I used for the many years I was automatically assigned the meatball sandwich booth at the local elementary school Spring Fair. It makes up well in bulk and can be served in any sauce to fit the occasion. An added tip is that the frozen meatballs can be microwaved 1-2 min alone or with sauce until warm and served as a canapé or over pasta.
Recipe for meatball Sandwiches– Makes 18 meatballs
1 lb. ground meat
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
½ hamburger bun in crumbs
½ small onion in fine dice
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups SAUCE home-made or commercial, any variety-tomato, Alfredo etc.
Combine all the ingredients except the sauce in a large bowl. Mix together well. Roll into balls about 1 ½ inch diameter. Place, well separated, on a foil covered cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18 min. Cool on sheet.
Heat sauce over medium heat in a pan on stove top. Add meatballs and cook 15 minutes until flavors meld and meat is heated through. Serve hot on sliced buns with sauce.
TO FREEZE: Freeze meatballs in an air-tight plastic bag on a flat surface, so they don’t crowd together. Best re-heated in sauce thawed, but can be done frozen –increase cooking time to 20 minutes.

Beef Fajitas: Serves 12
11/2 lb. flank steak or bottom round
1 cup chopped onions
1 green bell pepper sliced lengthwise in ½ inch pieces
1 tsp. EACH powdered garlic, chili, cumin, coriander
8oz. can diced tomatoes
1 jalapeno pepper – chopped
1 Tbs. chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper
(12) 8 inch flour tortillas
TOPPINGS
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded sharp cheese
Cut meat into 6 pieces. Place in slow cooker with all other ingredients except tortillas and toppings. Cook on low 8-10 hrs. or high 4-5 hrs. Remove meat from cooker and shred. Return to
pot to keep warm. Serve by spooning a portion down the center of a tortilla, adding topping and roll.

Far East Steak Sandwich: Serves 6
1 lb. thin sliced sandwich steaks
2 garlic cloves minced
1 onion thinly sliced
! bell pepper julienned
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
¾ tsp. powdered ginger
3 Tbs. Soy sauce
4 0z can sliced mushrooms drained OR 1 cup fresh
Provolone cheese slices
Put all ingredients but cheese in cooker, cover and cook on low 6-8 hrs. Serve on sub rolls topped with cheese.

Reuben Sandwiches: Serves 4-6
TO COOK CORNED BEEF: Place a 3-4lb piece of corned beef on a slow cooker. Top a sliced garlic clove and about 10 peppercorns. Cover with water and cook on high 4-5hr.until tender. Remove and slice. Proceed as below for sandwiches.
FOR COOKED CORNED BEEF – deli or home cooked
1 lb. sliced corned beef
1 lb. sauerkraut –(2) 15 oz. cans do well

¼ lb. sliced Swiss cheese
1 bottle Thousand Island salad dressing*
Sliced loaf pumpernickel or rye bread:
Drain kraut well and squeeze dry. Layer in cooker in this order, kraut, beef, cheese. Spread bread slices with dressing and spoon cooker contents over them trying to keep layers intact. Serve warm.
*Tartar Sauce with ketchup (2 Tbs. per ½ cup) is a substitute for the dressing.

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Corn on the Cob
6-8 ears of corn in husks – more if cooker can hold them without crowding
½ cup water
Cut stems off bottoms so ears can stand upright. Fold back the husks and remove silk and any loose outside leaves. Optionally lightly sprinkle taco seasoning over the kernels. Fold the husks back to cover the corn. Place ears vertically in pot, pour the water over them. Cook on low 2-3 hrs.