Posts from the ‘Recipes’ Category

Feb 22

SIDE SALADS-BACK IN THE BUDGET

In the mid-later20th century, side salads were considered an automatic part of a dinner, even at home. Frequently, it was a wedge of iceberg, the work horse of lettuces, with a creamy dressing. Then came other ‘more sophisticated’ varieties, Romaine, red leaf, endive, escarole, and a deluge of vinaigrette dressings. Along the way, the side salad became an option. Now, more often, tossed or layered, mixed with vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds and/or herbs, a salad is part of the entrée.

Ironically, as the side salad disappeared, concern to get children to eat more vegetables grew, even to the extent of tricking them by disguising or hiding vegetables in other foods, including desserts. Restoring side salads might be a more effective solution. Side salads enhance the entrée by providing complimentary texture and flavor contrasts. They can also be fun additions to the meal, depending on ingredients, which appeals to children. However, the general concept of acceptable ingredients will need updating.

Side salads were traditionally based on, and often completely composed of greens. Back in the day, greens were nutritionally considered a ‘frill’, decorative and inexpensive, not a vitamin enriched food. Fully appreciated today, the cost of greens is at an all-time high and providing side salads for a family, on a regular basis is no longer a nominal expense. I wrote a post on alternatives to greens on May 11, 2023.

The real solution though, is not to mimic traditional side salads, but to devise new ones, using foods which fulfill all the requirements of nutrition, flavor and appeal. The best candidates are fruits and vegetables, canned, fresh and frozen. I’ve written 2 posts on this subject in the past; both before the drastic rise in prices, inspired, mainly, by the above mentioned dietary concerns. The first on July 23, 2015, focused on vegetables and the second on Dec. 22, 2016 is about fruits. Their information is still valid, so I’m quoting example recipes from both, and adding aa few new ones.. For the list of recipes, please check the posts and enjoy side salads again. Also remember that fruits and vegetables yield more servings as an ingredient in a mixed salad than as a single serving item and please note the number of servings on the recipes.

RECIPES
VEGETABLES

Carrot Slaw; Serves 4

4 medium-small carrots

1/3 cup raisins. dried cranberries or blueberries—optionally plumped in water

¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts- optional

¼ head of iceberg lettuce

Peel carrot skins and using a vegetable peeler, slice them one half the length at a time, into a “slaw”.

Toss with the dried fruit and set aside. If not using right away, keep chilled Cut the

lettuce into very thin slices and then cut them in half lengthwise, removing the tough core pieces. Arrange the lettuce equally on 4 plates. Toss the carrots with choice of dressing and divide among the plates. Garnish with nuts.
Choice of dressing: This salad goes well with several dressings. French. Peppercorn Ranch, Vadalia Onion, Cole Slaw, Caesar even one of the Raspberry vinaigrettes

Green Bean and Mushroom Salad: Serves 4

8oz. frozen cut green beans

4 oz. sliced raw button mushrooms or a 4oz. can mushrooms sliced or stems and pieces-drained

1 small onion halved and thinly sliced – optional

4 large Romaine leaves, optionally torn into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing OR 3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar + 1 Tbs. oil

Cook the beans as per package directions until just crisp-tender; drain and toss with mushrooms, onions if using, and balsamic dressing Marinate chilled for at least 2 hours. Toss with the Romaine pieces and serve or optionally line each plate with a Romaine leaf cut in half and mound bean mix on top. Garnish with chopped chives, fresh or dried parsley, cilantro or dill.

Pickled Red Beet Salad; Serves 4

15 oz. can sliced beets- drained, juice reserved

1 small onion halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

2 Tbs. cider vinegar – or to taste

1 tsp. sugar- or to taste

4 large leaves of red leaf lettuce

Dressing of choice*

Pour beet juice into a saucepan. Add vinegar and sugar tasting and adjusting until desired sweet-sour flavor is reached. Add beets and onions, heat through and let cool. Place in a covered container and marinate at least 2 days. Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces, divide among plates and mound drained** beets and onions on top. Drizzle or dollop dressing over, depending on choice.

*Suggested dressings; a Raspberry-nut vinaigrette drizzled over OR topped with dollops of

1/3 cup sour cream with 1Tbs. vinegar and 1 tsp. sugar –or quantities to taste-mixed in

** Shelled hard-boiled eggs can be pickled in the beet juice for up to 3 weeks. Delicious alone, sliced in sandwiches or chopped in salads.

Peas and Tomatoes with Basil: Serves 4
10 oz. fresh or frozen peas-cooked to crisp-tender
2 plum tomatoes- medium dice
2 Tbs. oil
2 Tbs. dried basil OR ¼ cup chopped fresh
Salt and eppr to taste
Garlic powder to taste-Optional

Toss everything together in a bowl. Allow to marinate, chilled, at least 1 hr.

Fruits

Church Salad: Serves 6
1 lb. Romaine cut in bite sized pieces,
(1) 8oz.can mandarin oranges,
1/2 small white onion thinly sliced
Orange Dressing

3/4 cup orange juice

1Tbs.poppy seeds

2 Tbs. oil

Sugar if needed

Slowly boil the juice and poppy seeds together until the juice reduces to about ½ cup; add oil and sugar if needed. Allow to cool and store covered, chilled at least 1 day. Shake well and toss with salad ingredients just before serving

Craisin-Pear Salad: Serves 4
1 large, ripe pear cored and diced,
3 cups salad greens,
¼ cup craisins

Dressing:
2 Tbs. oil,
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar,
¼ tsp. Dijon mustard,
salt & pepper

Whisk dressing ingredients wel. Toss all ingredients gently with dressing just before serving

Tomato -Watermelon Salad: Serves 4

1 slice of watermelon half about 1 inch thick–rind and seeds removed– cut in ¾ inch cubes

1 medium tomato – in large dice

5-6 green leaf lettuce leaves – torn in bite-sized pieces or other tender greens

3 Tbs. + Caesar dressing or other complimentary vinaigrette.
Gently toss ingredients with dressing.

Grapes and Baby Greens with Maple Dressing: Serves 6
1 small yellow apple thinly sliced,
6 cups baby mixed greens,
1 cup seedless red grapes halved.
Dressing: Combine and whisk I oil
1 Tbs. maple syrup,
1 thinly sliced scallion,
1tsp. lemon juice, or more to taste if needed with juice
½ cup raspberry juice or similarly tart clear fruit juice-see above
2 Tbs. olive oil
Arrange greens, top with fruits and drizzle with dressing.

Craisin-Pear Salad:* Serves 4

1) 1 large, ripe pear cored and diced, 3 cups salad greens, ¼ cup craisins

2) Dressing: Whisk 2 Tbs. oil, 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar, ¼ tsp. Dijon mustard, salt & pepper

3) Toss all ingredients gently with dressing just before serving

Pear-Spinach Salad with Pecans: Serves 8

1) 2 ripe pears thinly sliced, 13 oz. baby spinach (2 pkgs.), 1 small, white onion thinly sliced,–1/4 cup melted butter, ¾ cup light brown sugar( divided), ¾ tsp. cinnamon (divided), 1 ½ cups pecan halves.

2) Dressing: Whisk 1/3 cup oil, ½ cup white wine vinegar, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, ¼ cup sugar, salt &pepper

3) Mix and spread on a foil-lined sheet, butter, ½ cup sugar, ½ tsp. cinnamon and nuts. Bake at 350 deg. for 20 min.stirring. Cool and separate nuts with a fork. Gently toss salad ingredients in a bowl, add dressing and garnish with nuts.

NOTE: *Craisins are sweetened dried cranberries. To make your own, Prick 2 cups cranberries with a pin. Boil 1 cups sugar and ¼ cup water until sugar dissolves, stir in berries, then transfer to a foil-lined sheet and bake at 300 deg. for 45 min. Spread on waxed paper and when almost dry roll in granulated sugar if a sweeter berry is wanted. Can be used as decorations on desserts or sprinkled over ice

GRAPES

Grapes and Baby Greens with Maple Dressing: Serves 6

1) 1 small yellow apple thinly sliced, 6 cups baby mixed greens, 1 cup seedless red grapes halved.

2)Dressing: Combine 1 Tbs. maple syrup, 1 thinly sliced scallion, 1tsp. lemon juice, ½ cup raspberry juice, whisk in 2 Tbs. olive oil

3) Arrange greens, top with fruits and drizzle with dressing.

Grapes with Honey Lime Dressing: Serves 4

1) 1 cup halved seedless grapes, 2 cups baby spinach leaves, ½ head radicchio-leaves in bite-sized pieces,

2)Stir together 1 Tbs. honey,3 Tbs. lime juice, whisk in 3 Tbs. oil, salt & pepper

3) Toss salad ingredients gently together, add dressing just before serving and toss again

APPLES

Nutty Apple Salad: Serves 4

1) 2 tart green apples in ½ inch dice, 2 Tbs. toasted slivered almonds,3 or 4 Belgian endives (see step #3)*

2) Combine 1 Tbs. lemon juice, 4 tsp.oil,1 tsp. minced garlic, pinch salt

3) Wash the endive with a damp cloth, thinly slice crosswise and mix in a bowl with apples and nuts, toss with dressing. OR Serve this as individual salads. Chop the apples in finer dice and mix with almonds in a bit of dressing. Separate the endive leaves into 12 or 16 equal piles, depending on size. Divide piles among 4 plates and fill each with a bit of the fruit-nut mix, drizzle with remaining dressing.

NOTE* Belgian endive leaves can be held by the stem end and eaten by hand, rather like a slice of pizza.In this way they can be used as dippers, like chips, to hold small amounts of food.

Apple-Jicama Salad: Serves 6

1)1medium jicama, 3 red apples, 1 small onion thinly sliced, 3 cups romaine leaves in bite-sized pieces, ¼ cup chopped fresh mint.

2) Dressing: Stir together ½ cup orange juice, 1 Tbs. EACH lime juice, cider vinegar, brown sugar, 1 Tbs. oil, to dissolve sugar

3)Cut jicama and cored apple into matchsticks. Toss with lettuce, mint and dressing. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Tomatoes

Tomato- Spinach Salad: Serves 4

1) 3 cups baby spinach leaves, ½ small white onion thinly sliced, 12-14 grape tomatoes sliced crosswise in 3 pieces

2) Dressing: ¼ cup of a good bottled Vidalia Onion dressing or more to taste

3) Combine ingredients in a bowl and drizzle dressing over, then toss gently.

Salad Margherita; Serves 4

1)3 cups baby spinach, or torn green leaf lettuce, 3 plum tomatoes quartered lengthwise then halved into eight pieces each, ½ small onion diced, 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella, slivered, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped

2) Dressing: A ¼ cup good bottled Caesar dressing- or to taste

3) Combine ingredients in a bowl and drizzle dressing over, then toss gently. Garnish with Basil leaves

side salad is generally expected with a dinner entrée. It offers a complimentary contrast in texture and taste as well as providing nutritionally balancing fiber. However, anyone who’s shopped for produce recently knows that the prices per pound now rival that of many meats. Add a large tomato to a head of lettuce and the “simple “salad costs than most cuts. I was amazed last week to see collards, formerly an inexpensive leafy green, priced above Romaine. Scallions in a featured sale, 3 bunches for $1.00, had only 4 per bunch when there used to be 6 to 8!

Unfortunately, the prices haven’t lowered much this summer, which means that they will probably rise even higher come fall.

So what is the family meal planner to do to keep side salads in the daily dinner menu without it costing nearly double? One solution is to study the produce section and try to find things that haven’t skyrocketed. Regular carrots, for example, cost about $0.88 lb. they’re tastier, more versatile than the dwarf variety and make a great slaw. Compare the prices on all greens that are salad friendly. They’re usually interchangeable. Try to find new uses for other items too. One small zucchini, for instance, sliced paper thin goes a long way as a salad ingredient.

Another solution is to cut down the amount of lettuces or bedding greens, by using frozen vegetables to form the base of the salad. They cost less and go much further. Cut green beans, and broccoli are good selections. Snow peas and edamame are good “fillers”. Canned beets or asparagus are useful salad bases too. Properly presented side salads built around these ingredients, with harmonious dressings, become clever creations, not economic measures.

I’m listing a few of my favorite suggestions for these kinds of salad solutions below, with dressing suggestions. Actually, writing this has given me an idea for next week’s posting. I’m going to work on some different salad dressing recipes to perk up side salads and give them a bit of zing.

Carrot Slaw; Serves 4

4 medium-small carrots

1/3 cup raisins. dried cranberries or blueberries—optionally plumped in water

¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts- optional

¼ head of iceberg lettuce

Choice of dressing*

Peel carrot skins and using a vegetable peeler, slice them one half the length at a time, into a “slaw”. Toss with the dried fruit and set aside. If not using right away, keep chilled Cut the

*This salad goes well with several dressings. French. Peppercorn Ranch, Vadalia Onion, Cole Slaw, Caesar even one of the Raspberry vinaigrettes.

Green Bean and Mushroom Salad: Serves 4

8oz. frozen cut green beans

4 oz. sliced raw button mushrooms or a 4oz. can mushrooms sliced or stems and pieces-drained

1 small onion halved and thinly sliced – optional

4 large Romaine leaves, optionally torn into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing OR 3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar + 1 Tbs. oil

Pickled Red Beet Salad; Serves 4

15 oz. can sliced beets- drained, juice reserved

1 small onion halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

2 Tbs. cider vinegar – or to taste

1 tsp. sugar- or to taste

4 large leaves of red leaf lettuce

Dressing of choice*

*Suggested dressings; a Raspberry-nut vinaigrette drizzled over OR topped with dollops of

1/3 cup sour cream with 1Tbs. vinegar and 1 tsp. sugar –or quantities to taste-mixed in

** Shelled hard-boiled eggs can be pickled in the beet juice for up to 3 weeks. Delicious alone, sliced in sandwiches or chopped in salads.

Tomato -Watermelon Salad: Serves 4

1 slice of watermelon half about 1 inch thick–rind and seeds removed– cut in ¾ inch cubes

1 medium tomato – in large dice

5-6 green leaf lettuce leaves – torn in bite-sized pieces

Orange dressing*

¼ cup Feta or blue cheese crumbles – optional

Make dressing a day ahead and chop vegetables just before assembling salad. Toss all ingredients together with the dressing and serve from a bowl or on plates garnished with the cheese if using.

*Orange Dressing

3/4 cup orange juice

1Tbs.poppy seeds

2 Tbs. oil

Sugar if needed

Feb 15

Meatless Entrees

About now, a few delicious meatless dinner recipes would be welcome and here are 8 outstanding ones.

First a disclaimer: Several of these recipes may qualify as vegetarian, but that is not intentional. I am not vegetarian and leave those recipes to the experts in that cuisine.

Some of these dinners are among my all- time favorites, Pasta Puttanesca is one. So is Eggplant Parmesan, made the Italian way, without the breading and frying of the Italo-American version. In fact, to simplify the cooking and eliminate mess, I’ve adjusted it to an oven dish. The Spaghetti Squash Primavera can be made with pasta, but using the squash is so much healthier but I recommend making it all up at once. It lasts for several days in the refrigerator, but the squash alone tends to stick together without the oil in the dressing.

Pasta, in general, offers a blank canvas to create meatless meals by adapting a huge variety of sauces. To learn more go to Pasta for Lent March 16, 2023.

One other thing about these dishes: with the exception of Frittata and Spaghetti Squash, they were created to be meatless. The addition of meat would ruin their flavor, texture and spirit.

RECIPES: Those marked with * are from my book Dinners With Joy

*Frittata: Serves 4

4 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.

*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.

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.

*Pasta Puttanesca: Serves 4

1 ½ lbs. very ripe tomatoes or (1) 26oz can diced tomatoes – drained juice reserved.

1 Tbs. olive oil

3 cloves crushed garlic

2/3 cup water juice – or if using canned tomatoes, reserve juice with water added to

measure 2/3 cup

(1) 8oz can ripe olives – @ 12 halved lengthwise OR (1) 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives

drained

2 tsp dried parsley

2 tsp. dried basil

1 Tbs. capers

(1) 2oz can anchovy fillets – with or without capers

Red pepper flakes, or ground – optional

12 oz. Angel Hair Pasta

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil, sauté the garlic for 1 min., add the tomatoes, and water or juice, Allow to cook down a bit and some of the liquid to evaporate @ 10 min.. Add all the other ingredients, but the pasta. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the flavors meld, about 8 min. more. Add red pepper if desired and allow 1 min to meld

Cook pasta al dente, drain and add to skillet with the sauce, combine, then turn out into a serving bowl. Do not even think of cheese with this sauce.

*Cheese Fondue: Serves 4

2 lbs. grated Swiss cheese – or very thinly sliced and cut in small pieces – rind removed

6 Tbs. flour

1 garlic clove cut in half

4 cups dry white wine

6 Tbs. brandy

Dash salt

Ground nutmeg

Ground black pepper

Toss cheese and flour to coat well. Rub the inside of the pot with the garlic. Over low heat, cook the wine until bubbles rise to the surface. Add the cheese, a few spoonfuls at a time, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted, the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Add the brandy, nutmeg and pepper. Reduce heat until there is just enough to keep the fondue hot, without burning the bottom. It sounds far more difficult than it is, and made at the table, everyone can watch.

Serve with a variety of dippers – – Pieces of crusty bread,( just be sure the bread has the density to hold up to the sauce, otherwise it will be soggy, or break off and stay on the pot) or cubes of cooked meat –chicken, ham, cooked hot dogs, or vegetables – cherry tomatoes, broccoli or cauliflower flowerets, baby carrots, pieces of bell pepper, scallions, celery even fruits – or fruits, apple, pear, fresh pineapple or banana slices and on and on and on.

*Stuffed Shells (Pastitsio) : Serves 4
16 Jumbo shells

(1) 10oz. box frozen chopped spinach –well drained

1 medium onion in small dice

3 cloves garlic crushed

2 cups Ricotta cheese

1 tsp. lemon pepper

2 Roma tomatoes peeled and chopped

3 tsp. oil – divided

½ cup grated Parmesan – divided

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

(1) 14 oz. can tomato sauce

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. dried basil

2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Drain spinach well by squeezing. In a skillet, over medium heat, cook the onion in 2 tsp oil until tender, add the spinach, garlic and nutmeg and stir until well incorporated. Remove from heat, and mix with the ricotta cheese, lemon pepper and ½ the Parmesan. Taste to determine if salt and/or pepper is needed. Cook the pasta until just al dente, drain and rinse in cold water, drain again. Stuff the shells with the spinach-cheese mixture, and place upright in a lightly greased casserole. Top with remaining Parmesan and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 10-12 min .until heated through and parmesan begins to brown.

Sauce: Combine the Tomato sauce, garlic powder, 1 tsp. oil, basil and oregano in a sauce pan. Bring to a simmer and add diced tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are just tender @ 3 min. Taste for salt and pepper. Spoon sauce onto plates, top with shells and serve at once.

*Black Bean Soup: Serves 4

¼ cup oil

2 cups diced onions

(4) 14 oz. cans black beans- undrained or (1lb dried soaked in water to cover 12 hrs.)

(1) 20 oz. can diced tomatoes with chilies OR without chilies and

1 large chopped jarred jalapeno

6 cloves sliced garlic – or 4 Tbs. jarred –plus garlic powder to taste

2 tsp .ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. chili powder

3 Tbs. tomato paste (optional)

½ tsp red pepper flakes

¼ cup red wine vinegar

Water. As needed

1 cup sour cream

Heat the oil in the pot, and over medium heat, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the

garlic, and cook for 1 min, then the spices for 1 min, then the beans then the tomato paste

(if using), stirring to incorporate, then the tomatoes and peppers and finally the vinegar.

Cover and cook over low for 30 min. If using dried, soaked beans, drain well add to the

pot with 4 quarts water last, cover and simmer for 2 hrs., until beans are tender. Add salt

and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. If you have an immersion blender, or even a hand

mixer, being careful not to be burned by spatters, you can begin to puree the soup in the

pot. If not, let it cool a bit and ladle it into a blender or processor. Puree about two thirds

of the soup, leaving enough beans and pieces of tomato and onion to give it definition and

a fuller texture. Add water to thin if desired, but this soup should be almost fork thick.

Return it to the pot and heat through. Adjust all seasonings including garlic. Serve with a

dollop of sour cream on top, or passed as an option.

Eggplant Parmesan: Serves 2 –From Italian Food by Elizabeth David
2 lb. large eggplants
½ lb. mozzarella cheese
2 oz. grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup tomato sauce.
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
flour
Peel and slice the eggplants thinly, lengthwise. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow to ‘weep’ for 1-2 hr., rinse and drain well. Dust lightly with flour, sauté gently in oil and drain on paper towels. Oil a soufflé dish or deep pan and layer the eggplant, mozzarella and sauce. Repeat layers, top with Parmesan and a sprinkle of oil. Cook in a 350 deg.oven 20-30 min. until cheese bubbles.

Dilled Lentil Salad: Serves 4
1 cup dried lentils
1 small carrot thinly sliced
1 lemon juiced
1 small onion-diced
1 small tomato-diced

3 scallions –sliced
1 clove garlic- minced
2 tsp. fresh dill + ½ tsp. dried dill weed OR 1 ½ tsp. dried
1 tsp. salt – divided
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ cup olive oil
Simmer lentils in water to cover and ½ tsp. salt for 20 min. add carrot and cook an additional 5-10 min. until lentils are soft. Drain any excess water. Sauté onion and garlic in 2 Tbs. oil until soft- about 5 min. Add to lentil mix. Whisk remaining salt, oil, pepper, lemon juice and dill, add dressing to lentils, store chilled. Toss well and serve garnished with sliced scallions and tomato.

Spaghetti Primavera (pasta or squash): serves 4
1 lb. Cappellini OR 1 spaghetti squash – cooked according to package directions (squash-oven or microwave and removed from shell)
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
½ large carrot-julienned
½ lb. asparagus-sliced on the diagonal
1 Tbs. seasoned rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic mashed
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. lemon pepper
7 Tbs. olive oil

3 Tbs. minced fresh basil OR 1 Tbs. dried
Salt and pepper to taste
6 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 cup grated Parmesan1 red bell pepper-julienned
1 large tomato-diced
2 scallions-sliced
Blanch the carrot, asparagus and broccoli; run under cold water to stop cooking. Cook squash or linguini. Whisk next 8 ingredients to make dressing. Add blanched vegetables, mushrooms and bell pepper to spaghetti along with dressing and toss well. Serve slightly warm or room temperature, garnished with-in order-tomato, scallions, Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Pasta with Mushrooms and Shallots in Pepper Sauce: Serves 4-Adapted from a United States Personal Chief Ass. recipe
1 lb. linguini
¼ cup olive oil

1 EACH large red and yellow bell pepper-julienned
7 shallots thinly sliced
1 lb. sliced mushrooms
½ cup white wine
3 cups chicken broth-1/2 cup reserved
1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbs. cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbs. minced fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan
Dissolve cornstarch in ½ cup broth. Sauté vegetables in oil until slightly browned. Add 2 ½ cups broth, wine and cream and simmer 10 min. Cook pasta and have ready. Add cornstarch mix a little at a time to cream sauce I pan, stirring constantly until sauce is desired thickness-you may not need it all. Plate pasta, spoon sauce over and garnish with Parmesan then parsley. Serve hot.

Feb 8

9 Valentine's Day Dinner Plans Over 75 Recipes (1)

MAKE VALENTINE’S DAY HAPPY

As I wrote last year, with Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day so close to each other, yet such different events, people who enjoy both, find it hard to plan. They practically overlap. To make sure you find ways to celebrate, which suit your needs, I’m giving choices of different ideas with recipes for Super Bowl party plans and others to honor Valentine’s Day. You’re sure to find one tailored to you. Last week’s posting was on Super Bowl. Here’s Valentine’s Day.

I’ve done several posts on different dinners for Valentine’s Day, citing recipes from casual to elegant. Last year I combined them in a single post with backlinks for reference and reposting that ‘master post’ seems a good idea. Simply clicking the links to those posts offers a wide choice of individual menu options. There are ample choices there to plan exactly the dinner you want with 9 different types of events; the quick, the easy but upscale, Lenten suggestions, all chicken, family inclusive, cooking together, even fabulous, cozy desserts to enjoy after a restaurant dinner. There are over 75 recipes to choose from, most for the standard 4 servings but easily divisible.

May I suggest you start by reading the summaries of the posts for 2/9/12, 2/7/13, 2/11/14, 2/11/15, 2/10/16, 2/1/17*, 2/8/18, 2/7/19 written below. Hyperlinks are imbedded to give you quick access to the recipes in each post-simply click the date of the post.

Feb. 16, 2012: Special Dinner Recipes for 2 – Affordable, Last Minute and Easy

I was inspired to write this by neighbors who were debating if they should go out or not. They had wanted to have a nice dinner at home, but thought perhaps the expense of a restaurant was worth it to spare cooking stress. They asked suggestions for some special seeming dinners recipes for 2 that were not too labor intensive, especially at the last minute. My type of meal!

However, when I asked them what they considered “special”, they gave me the usual responses, conditioned by years of food shopping and restaurant menus: Fillet Mignon, prime rib, lobster, crab, all expensive and attention specific to cook. Not for a relaxed, romantic dinner. The following recipes all fit this type menu much better.

APPETIZERS
Salmon Spread
Sun Dried Tomato Pate
Cream Cheese with Tapenade:

ENTREES
Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Grapes
Pork Chops Basil
Salmon in Lemon Caper Sauce

DESSERTS
Classic Burnt Almond Ice Cream Sunday
Mock Chocolate Steamed Pudding
Meringue Glace
Viennese Coffee

Feb.7, 2013: Some Valentine Ideas

Steak, especially fillet mignon, and lobster do persist in remaining the popular conceptions of romantic dinners. I like both but neither but neither would be my choice to prepare for an intimate dinner with someone special. Gauging the doneness of beef to an exact degree, is one of the most challenging tasks in cooking and preventing a lobster from over cooking is almost as hard. They require attention without distraction which doesn’t fit in with a cozy dinner for two.

I also like originality. It’s fun to give things a fresh perk particularly on Valentine’s Day. It makes the dinner, and the person you’re with seem more special. Moreover, each of these recipes, including those from 2012, makes an attractive dish that requires minimal presentation to appear truly elegant. They can transcend cost, and prove my motto that; “Wonderful scents can be created, while saving cents, by using good sense”.

STARTERS

Bean Dip
Baked Brie
Puffy Pinwheels

ENTREES
Pork Tenderloin with Citrus Glaze
Pasta with Smoked Salmon in Vodka Sauce
Chicken Stuffed with Cream Cheese

DESSERTS
Fruit Turnovers – My Grandmother made these as a snack from left over pie dough not Puff Pastry.
Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Almond Frosting
Napoleons

Feb. 11, 2014: Chicken 9 Ways for Valentine’s Day

Even on a regular night, I prep and clean up as much as possible before, so all I have to do is serve and stack the dishwasher later. For special occasions I try to plan menus with dishes that can be made ahead and quickly readied to serve when people want.

Valentine’s Day is a time when company and conversation are very important. The menu should be “special” but not experimental. New twists on old favorites, well presented are best as are dishes that are easy to eat without need for carving, special utensils or extra napkins for messy fingers and the remains should be equally easy clear up.

This year I’m taking a different approach by suggesting one generally accepted dish, chicken roll-ups with 9 variations. There should be one recipe to please even the fussiest eater. They can be presented whole or sliced, on individual plates or one platter; vegetables on the side or surrounding them on the platter. The recipes are for 4 servings, but they are easily halved. There are so many of them, I’m putting them at the end of this post.

In choosing an Appetizer, be sure not to duplicate the ingredients in your choice of roll up. Don’t offer cheese or a pork product with those entrees that contain either. Shrimp would go with everything, but don’t serve them in a market “ring”. Make them special. Serve them with Lamaze sauce on a lettuce lined plate. A simple Lamaze sauce is 1 part ketchup to 3 parts mayonnaise with a pinch of nutmeg.
STARTERS
A Bean Dip
Golden Tiny Potatoes
Green vegetable
Salad
CHICKEN ROLL-UP ENTREES
FILLINGS:
A) Herb and Nuts
B) Tomato and Ham or Bacon
C) Cream Cheese and Chives
D) Cream Cheese Dijon
E) Sage and Cheese
F) Feta and Herbs + Sauce
G) Saltimbocca +Sauce
H) Roasted Pepper and Olive + Sauce
I) Sausage and Peppers
DESSERTS-Please check posts for 2/9/12, 2/7/13, 2/11/14. 2/11/15, 2/10/16, 2/1/17*, 2/8/18, 2/7/19
Angel Nests
Chocolate Cherry Biscotti

Feb 11, 2015: VALENTINE’S DAY THE EASY WAY

Valentine’s Day is unique among holidays in that it’s intended to be celebrated by couples, not with friends or family. A dinner is traditional, but not with ‘set’ dishes as with other holidays, and changes as life progresses through different phases. For the dating young and those with young children, restaurants are the preferred option. The newly- weds and older couples seem to prefer to stay home. For them the most relaxed menu plan is to stay with a classic entrée, which are currently enjoying resurgence in popularity. Most of these recipes tolerate minor adjustments in flavor and cooking technique which individualize them to taste and customize the preparation to fit the occasion. Try to select dishes that can be prepared and at least partially cooked in advance. Make sure everything is pre-measured and ready to use. Stay within your kitchen skills and keep it simple. Simplicity can be very elegant especially when it contributes to a relaxed, atmosphere by removing stress.

STARTERS

Whole Wheat Bread Cut-Outs
Tapenade and Cream Cheese are naturals together.
Cream Cheese mixed with Horseradish on rounds of Lebanon Bologna
Ham; from smoked turkey to real Prosciutto Crudo wrapped around a kosher Dill Pickle spear or a Melon
Prosciutto con Melone

ENTREES
Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Chicken in Lemon-Wine Sauce
Sirloin Tip Casserole + Topping
Pepper Steak or Steak au Poivre

DESSERTS
Chocolate Truffles
White Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles
Chocolate Biscotti with Vin Santo

Feb. 10, 2016: Great Valentine’s Day Ideas Whether It’s Dinner By 2 Or Dinner For 2

Special “at home” Valentine’s Day dinners are usually accomplished in one of two ways, The Dinner by 2 and The Dinner for 2. The Dinner by 2 is when both people involved like to cook, and are comfortable in the kitchen. Even if their skills aren’t on a par and one is experienced, while the other is a novice, they will enjoy planning, prepping and cooking the dinner together as much as eating it

In The Dinner for 2 method: one person does the planning and cooking. Ideally, the major portion is done in advance, leaving only finishing touches before dinner, which can provide a graceful change of pace and give the companion a chance to appreciate the cook’s skills and efforts. This method offers an opportunity to ‘glamorize’ the evening and more time for conversation. It’s a more traditional, formal 1) Heart Shaped Canapes
2) Cheese Heart

approach to the meal.

Method #1, Is a more bistro or a la carte approach, spontaneity is the key.

Method #2, resembles a catered dinner, in that most of the prepping and even some of the cooking and plating are done in advance.

This post was longer than usual, because it has 3 complete entrée menus for each method of preparation, including appetizer and dessert recipes. Having made them all, I can guarantee the recipes are both sharable and doable, with minimum effort. Most are for the standard 4 servings but easily divisible.
STARTERS for the Dinner for 2 Menus
Heart Shaped Canapes
Cheese Heart

ENTREES for Dinners for 2 with salads and sides
Game Hens with Wild Rice and White Grapes –Marinated asparagus spears Garnished
Pork Chops Basil

Salmon with Tomatoes and Greens
DESSERTS for Dinner for 2
Biscotti
1) Classic Almond Biscotti
2) Chocolate Biscotti

STARTERS for the Dinner by 2 Menus
Bruschetta: with basic salsa recipe and variation
1) Italian
2) Mexican
Artichokes

Entrees for the Dinner by 2
Kabobs + a simple green salad. +A loaf of artisanal bread +A suggested side is a salad of green beans
Pasta with White Clam Sauce+ Salad and a Loaf of crusty bread
Chicken with Artichokes and Peppers +Taboule, or any grain, quinoa, rice, barley etc., even couscous
Suggested salad
DESSERT for Dinner by 2:
Chocolate Fondue

Feb.7.2017: 7 PERFECT DESSERTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

I’m taking a different approach with a suggestion is easy yet retains the personal touch in observing the holiday. Let someone else make the entrée, then have a wonderfully romantic dessert ready to serve at home with liqueur or wine or espresso. This allows people to spend time together, yet ends the evening on the proper note.

I’m listing 7 desserts below which fill the bill. Two are more spectacular, three need a few seconds of finishing touches and two are table ready, but all can be served quickly and with little effort. Don’t let the first two scare you, they really are simple to make and the recipes easy to divide.

Bananas Foster with Grapes: Serves 4
Cherries Jubilee
Cranberry Crisp
Cranberry Nut Torte
Chocolate-Burnt Almond Snowballs
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Biscotti*-
Classic Almond Biscotti
Chocolate Biscotti

Feb 8, 2018: LENTEN DINNERS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY 2018

This year requires some special recipes because the holiday is also Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For Christians this signals the beginning of a period of fasting. Some will shun meat on certain days Ash Wednesday being one, others will renounce, or cut back on things like candy and carbohydrates in the weeks until Easter.

So, dinner recipes for this year must be a bit different For inspiration, I turned to spa and low-cal cookbooks and researched ‘fish’ dishes, because they seem the ones most suited to general acceptance for this occasion. I tried to select dishes which have a bit of glamour, without undo effort and require only ingredients readily available, in most areas, all year. To make shopping decisions easier, I’m printing a fish chart below to suggest substitutions.

So this post is for couples who think it’s fun to mark the actual day, rather than postpone until the weekend. Perhaps you’re a couple who can enjoy a leisurely dinner, perhaps you want to give your children a treat to brighten the week. Whatever your situation, I’ve tried to gather a collection of recipes that will offer something to everyone, including children despite it’s now being Lent…

The recipes follow the fish chart. All of them allow you to mix fish from the same category.
STARTERS
Cheese wedge and crackers

ENTREES
Sole Veronique
Salmon with Chive-Mustard Butter
Fusion Tilapia
Fish or Scallop Kabobs
Shrimp Kabobs+ Chinese Spicy Peanut Sauce.
Grilled (or Broiled) Halibut Steaks
Cod with Lemongrass +Sauce
Ocean Perch with Black Olives and Capers
DESSERTS
Check postings for 2/9/12, 2/7/13, 2/11/14, 2/11/15, 2/10/16, 2/1/17*, 2/8/18, 2/7/19

Feb 7, 2019: 3 WEEKDAY VALENTINE’S DAY DINNERS/FAMILY

Again Valentine’s Day is a weekday, with weekend celebrations probably scheduled but it’s hard not to give the actual day a nod. In this post, I give directions for three complete dinners, from starters through desserts, which will suit not only those able to dine a deux on a week night but can also be served to a family to ‘celebrate ’ a fun holiday. It’s not a bad idea for a family to set aside a day to appreciate being a family. Why not Valentine’s Day?

Which brings me back to this post, these three dinners are designed to seem a bit upscale, befitting an occasion, but actually they’re not. They really don’t require more prep time, effort or expense than a normal weekday meal. The recipes are, actually, quite simple, especially with a couple of helping hands. In fact, many aspects of each can be made ahead and all have been modified to easily extend to include more servings by doubling or tripling the ingredient amounts.
STARTERS
Melon con Prociutto (A kosher dill pickle spear can be treated in the same way)
Bruschetta-7 ways
Cream Cheese with Tapenade
BONUS: Cream cheese-other ways to serve

ENTREES
Chicken Oscar
Pork Chops Basil
Mexican Snapper

SIDES
Salads
Asparagus
Spinach Pie

Potatoes:
For Pork
For Fish

DESSERTS -Also see Feb 2018
Bananas Foster with Grapes
Cherries Jubilee
Cranberry Crisp
Cranberry-Nut Torte
Chocolate-Burnt Almond Crunch balls
Biscotti-Classic Almond or Chocolate

Feb 1

7 Super Bowl Party Plans and Over 30 Recipes (2)

HOW TO ENJOY SUPER BOWL

Anyone who has ever planned a Super Bowl party knows it’s different than any other. It’s not a celebration but an anticipation of a celebration. The guests aren’t there to socialize but to watch the game and the hosts are expected to join in, not focus on hospitality. The party isn’t the event, the game is and the memory of the occasion will be the final score.

However don’t kid yourself it is still a party, one which needs special planning because there are particular menu requirements. If you miss the mark, your guests, and possibly your carpets and upholstery will remember. The food has to be flavorful and appetizing, but not ’serious’. It has to be easily consumed, but neither dry nor heavily sauced. Accidents are likely because people are distracted. Above all, it has to be stable enough to be made ahead and held for serving. Other party’s schedules depend on when the food is ready. This one’s timing depends on the timing of the game.

Despite these conditions, a lot of foods fit the bill. So many in fact that when I was framing this post and considering different menus, I reviewed ones I had written on SuperBowl parties in the past and realized there were some darned good ideas there which deserved to be seen again, not buried deeper under still more recipes.

I decided to do something different with this post. I’m writing brief summaries of 5 of my Super Bowl posts with a listing of the recipes in each. Look them over, choose one you like and select the month and year from the drop down menu tab in the right margin of any site page to access the full recipes.

Then stock up on paper napkins and enjoy!!!

Feb 9 2012: Things You Should Know When Planning a Super Bowl Party – Before and After Using Leftovers.

This post is about how to plan the menu and the advantage of having ideas for using leftovers in mind as you choose the dishes to include in that plan.

One plan is to have, as with any party a main attraction, a focus food, and prepare the other foods to compliment it. Ham is ideal for the occasion and for those who host this event annually, taking advantage of the sales in December is a true economy. But not only does the food have to compliment the ham, be easily consumed, stable with no runny sauces. It has to be familiar and seasonal, dishes perhaps associated with football games even though this party is indoors.

For example, if you go with the ham, baked beans spring to mind, and a green bean salad in vinaigrette. To round out the buffet, I chose sliced Deli cheese- Swiss or provolone-and a selection of artesian bread loaves. To add the “special” touch, I might put out a grill to make Panini, as an option. For starters, I would chose fresh salsa or guacamole and a salmon dip with taco chips. There would also be bowls of different flavored popcorn and pretzels, as well as a plate of bite-sized, maple flavored meringues for later. All this and more suggestions for appetizers(snacks) and dessert are in this post.

Recipes in this Post for Leftovers
Tortellini alla Panne

Glamorous Ham Casserole

+4 More Recipes

Jan.31,2013: An Easy Super Bowl Party to Plan and Host

This post points out that the wise host or hostess of a Super Bowl Party will take into account that special consideration must be given the menu of any event where the focus of attention will be other than pure socialization and where seating at a premium may result in mobile eating. This becomes even more important if the party is to be indoors, which most Super Bowl Parties, by their nature, are.

Yet not all Super Bowl gatherings require a ham and loaves of bread. Some are small gatherings of a few friends where a casserole supper is more appropriate. Cold cuts are another option, especially when accompanied by a warm dish to lift supper out of the ‘Deli’ category and lend a ‘special’ note.

Spills, however, are still real possibilities and “wet” foods, ones requiring a lot of sauce, gravy or broth like stews and soups should be avoided. This is especially true of recipes based on an excess of ingredients that really stain like red wine. Above all avoid recipes that aren’t fork-friendly. Read more in this post.

Suggested Recipes

Boston Baked Beans

Two Sauce Lasagna

Feb.2, 2014:Super Bowl Recipes – Pulled Pork and Wings

This post offers a third plan for Super Bowl parties and other casual gatherings that involve eating, and not regular seating. I still want to serve a roast because they offer the most efficient and economical solution to the problem of serving a large group. Basically, it’s just one main dish, cooked in an oven, or one pot, with others singly or combined, on the side. Roasts are simpler to cook and carve, don’t require sauces or gravies, stay tasty even when done ahead and served at room temperature and can be served on bread as easily as a plate.

The trouble is that most roasts require constant carving while serving or, if done in a pot are far too liquid for buffets. Either way it’s awkward. I considered barbequing, but in winter, the weather is iffy. Finally, the light bulb lit and I remembered pulled pork. It can be cooked in a crock pot, kept warm and simply served with a ladle. The wings are traditional to this event and can be cooked and served from a crock pot as well.

Spinach Salad is a perfect light addition to the pork and wings and can fit on a roll with the pork. The wild rice and black eyed peas also goes with both meats and serves as a nice, contained bed for the pork in place of bread. Meringues are a light, easy finger food to end the meal on a low key. Learn more about this option in this post.

Recipes in This Post

Honey Spiced Wings
Jerk Pulled Pork
Spinach Salad
Wild Rice and Black Eyed Peas
Meringues

Jan. 27, 2015:Super Bowl Sunday

It’s been kind of fun over the years watching this day grow into an annually celebrated event, evolving its own food traditions. Of course, from the beginning, anything served had to be casual, easily eaten, and sports spectator friendly. As time passed and the game became more of a social occasion covering several hours with elaborate half-time shows, the menu became more extensive.

However, the food still has to be casual, easily consumed and sustainable at room temperature but now the preference is for full flavor as well. South Western cuisine has become a favorite, probably because that cuisine, generally, fits the requirements. It not only offers many pick-up dishes but also barbeque plays a large part in preparing them. Barbequing is excellent for preparing meats ahead and serving later at room temperature. It’s the spirit of tail-gating indoors.

However, the presence of upholstery and carpets do create a couple of problems, namely spilling and stains. Overly greasy finger foods and runny casseroles can leave permanent memories. Not that people are more carless on this day, but they are distracted. So I’ve stuck to roasts, rolls and drier sides, but this year I’m going to try something different. My guests are fewer so I’m going to focus on a casserole, in an attempt to see if I can cut down on cost and work. Hopefully, my choices which will still keep the spirit intact.

Below are some straightforward and basic dishes to consider which allow adding your own individual touches. Only the first should be served warm the others are fine at room temperature. Find all these recipes in this post.

Glamorous Ham Casserole

Classic Quiche Lorraine

Hamburger Onion Tart

Meat Pudding

Pie with a Meat Crust: Filled with

Niblets corn drained+ jarred roasted red peppers+ tomato sauce
Fresh sliced mushrooms+ cream of mushroom soup + egg
Substitute cooked brown rice for the mushrooms in above
Cooked sauced spaghetti or other pasta + beaten egg +cheese
Equal amounts of pizza toppings For more fluidity omit the egg.
Garnish as pleased

Jan.25, 2018:Super Pizzas for the Super Bowl

Obviously, the special circumstances surrounding a Super Bowl affect the party’s menu choices. This is a casual gathering of friends with a common interest in a sporting event, not in fine dining. People will be distracted and only graze until half-time. The favorites for this phase of the party are the traditional snacks, Doritos (of course) pretzels, potato chips, cheese straws and nuts. I’ve found different flavored popcorn is popular too. I list some suggestions below.

Half-time circles dinner hour across time zones, from early bird in the west to continental in the east and by then your guests will have worked up an appetite, but they’re still distracted either by the show or the score. So some form of finger food is the best solution. I’ve written several posts (See the blog archives for: 2/9/12, 1/31/13, 2/2/14, 1/29/14) with menus and recipes for different levels of this party, roasts and artesian bread, ’neat’ casseroles etc. All share an avoidance of fluid dishes and have the ability to be consumed from hand held plates. This is an occasion where sudden moves are common, spills and dropped utensils frequent and the wise course is to stay away from foods that drip and stain and/or leave grease marks.

Pizza is a perfect solution. It’s moved to gourmet status, giving you a chance to show off your ingenuity, while offering the down-to-earth foods your guests want. A selection will earn you a place on the score card. A nice touch is to include a platter of raw vegetables, by themselves, not with a dip. Flavored popcorn is another good addition to the menu.
See All the Recipes in This Post.

Flavored Popcorn

Pizzas:
Tomato, Feta and Spinach Galettes.

Artichoke Pizza
Smoked Salmon and Spinach Pizza
Asparagus Pizza
Pizza Margarita Plus
Mexican Beef Pizza
Tomato, Eggplant and Pepperoni Pizza

e Super Bowl and spectator parties will, like all events for the past 11 months, be different this year- few fans in the stands, few guests at the parties. In fact, some at home parties may be for residents only. But, as with other celebrations, we’ll try with some adjustments and changes, to create new, fond memories.

For me, fewer people means more casual and more casual means less work, easier prep, serving and clean –up for the cook. So, though I’ve written many Super Bowl posts over the years, for different types of parties, menus and recipes (see Jan. 31, 2013, Feb.2, 2014—Wings Jan. 29, 2015, Jan. 25, 2018, Jan. 16, 2020,) this will be a first, the small Super Bowl party for fewer than 8 participants.

However, be there 2 or 20, the food requirements are the same. Traditionally, Super Bowl food should be fun, filling, easily eaten, preferably from paper plates, without utensils. Hopefully, for a smaller group, it will involve minimum prep, easy serve and quick clean-up.

The answer which sprang to mind was a sandwich or taco filling crock pot recipe. It could be prepped hours ahead, cooked in and served from the same pot, leaving only the one pot to clean. Best of all, the pot could be plugged in near the T.V. for access-because Super Bowl is the one T.V. event when no one wants to miss commercials.

Here are 9 recipes which fill the bill, chosen for their easy prep, lack of need for many condiments and accompaniments and ingredient versatility. (For more options see posting for Aug. 15, 2019.)In these days of rising food prices, I concentrated on dishes which could use meats interchangeably. Anyone who follows my blog knows that chicken, turkey and pork are substitutes for each other. In the recipes below pork also stands in for the beef.

Most slow cooker recipes are conversions from conventional stove top and oven ones. I’m including a conversion chart in case you want to experiment with some family favorites. There are a few helpful tips about crock pots to know first though.
1) You can keep food warm in a crock pot on low, but never use one to reheat food. Don’t turn it off for hours and turn it on again to warm food for serving.
2) Crock pots, like microwaves, retain moisture. A rule of thumb is to use about ½ the liquid of a conventional recipe. You can add more as the dish cooks.

So for Super Bowl this year, get some paper plates and napkins, a plastic mat for the crock pot, plan to put your feet up, sit back, relax and let the others serve themselves.

CONVERSION CHART

IF RECIPE SAYS                               COOK ON LOW                               COOK ON HIGH
15 to 30 minutes                                    4 to 6 hours                                          11/2 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
Far East Steak Sandwich: Serves 6
1 lb. . Thin sliced sandwich steaks-pork scoloppine
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…

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-use sausage or a mix
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 (or Pork) Fajitas-Serves 12 From 365 slow Cooker Recipes by Publications International Ltd.
1 ½ lb. beef flank steak or pork loin-cut in 6 pieces
1 cup chopped onion
1 green bell pepper cut in ¼ inch pieces
1 Tbs. cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper chopped
2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. EACH chili pepper, cumin, coriander
½ tsp. salt
(1) 8 oz. can diced tomatoes
(12) 8 inch flour tortillas
Toppings-Sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, guacamole, salsa
Combine all ingredients save tortillas and toppings in a crock pot. Cook Low 8-10 hr. or High 4-5 hr. Remove and shred meat, return to pot and heat through. Serve on tortillas with toppings.

All in One Mexican Turkey Ole-Serves 4-6-From Fix-it and Forget-it Cookbook by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good
2 lb. ground turkey
1 large onion –chopped
4 oz. can green chilies- chopped
3oz. can jalapenos –chopped
15 oz. can tomato sauce
2 lb. Velveeta cheese
Tortillas for serving
Brown onion and meat, drain. Place all ingredients in slow cooker and cook Low 4 hr. or High 2 hr. Serve hot rolled in tortillas.

Cranberry-Barbequed Chicken: Serves 6-8* 8/15/19
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
15 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.
*Spreading rolls with mayonnaise is a serving suggestion

Easy Mexican Chicken– Serves 6-8 Adapted from Cooking with 3 Ingredients by Ruthie Wornall
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
(1) 4 oz. can enchilada sauce
1 tsp. or to taste Taco Seasoning Mix

Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on Low 6-10 hr. or High 3-4 hr. Stir well to shred chicken* Serve on tortillas
Toppings-Sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, guacamole, salsa
*May also be cooked in an oven at 350 deg. for 1 hr. increase sauce to 10 oz.

Oriental Chicken-Serves 6-8 –Adapted from Cooking With 3 Ingredients by Ruthie Wornall
6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orange juice
1 oz. envelope dry onion soup mix
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1-2 Tbs. sugar
Place chicken in the bottom of the crock pot and pour over the liquids, then sprinkle with the soup mix and sugar. Cook on Low 6-10 hr. or High 3-4 hr.* Remove meat and shred, return to pot and heat through. Serve hot on rolls.
*May also be baked in an oven at 350 deg. for 30 min. turned and baked 30 more.

Barbequed Pulled Pork: Serves 6-8- From Fix-it and Forget-it Cookbook by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good
2-3 lb. boneless pork roast cubed
2 onions –chopped
12 oz. bottle barbeque sauce
¼ cup honey
Rolls
Place meat and next 3 ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on Low 6-8 hr. Remove meat and shred, return meat to pot and heat through. Stir well and serve on rolls.
Topping suggestions: diced tomatoes, sliced onions, lettuce

Shredded Pork: Serves 4-6– From Fix-it and Forget-it Cookbook by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good
2-3 lb. pork butt roast
(1) envelope taco seasoning mix
½ -1 cup water

Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on Low 24 hr. Remove meat and shred, return to pot and heat through. Serve on rolls.
Topping suggestions: diced tomatoes, sliced onions, lettuce

SUPER BOWL 22

What a year, Super Bowl on one day and Valentine’s Day the next. Usually I have a couple of weeks between postings for the two events and you all have a breather to prepare. Imagine what a long weekend it would be if Valentine’s were a national holiday, and, if Covid weren’t a consideration. But the first isn’t and the second is. Not knowing where, when or even if the disease will spike makes planning, much less advising in advance a guessing game. My thought is that people will probably follow their personal preferences for celebrating, as they have for much of 2021, but generally, maintaining a smaller scale than formerly.

However, I want to cover all the bases for my readers. So for those who want to have lots of company to watch the game, I want you to go to my post for Jan.16, 2020. This is a summary of 5 different super bowl party plans, indexed with links to each and provides a total of more than 28 recipes. Specifically, see Jan. 31, 2013, Feb.2, 2014—Wings Jan . 29, 2015, Jan. 25, 2018, Jan. 16, 2020,

For those who prefer smaller groups, I’m reprinting my post for Jan. 21, 2021.
“For me, fewer people means more casual and more casual means less work, easier prep, serving and clean –up for the cook. So, though I’ve written many Super Bowl posts over the years, this will be a first, the small Super Bowl party for fewer than 8 participants.

However, be there 2 or 20, the food requirements are the same. Traditionally, Super Bowl food should be fun, filling, easily eaten, preferably from paper plates, without utensils. Hopefully, for a smaller group, it will involve minimum prep, easy serve and quick clean-up. The answer which sprang to mind was a sandwich or taco filling crock pot recipe. It could be prepped hours ahead, cooked in and served from the same pot, leaving only the one pot to clean. Best of all, the pot could be plugged in near the T.V. for access-because Super Bowl is the one T.V. event when no one wants to miss commercials.

Here are 9 recipes which fill the bill, chosen for their easy prep, lack of need for many condiments and accompaniments and ingredient versatility. (For more options see posting for Aug. 15, 2019.)In these days of rising food prices, I concentrated on dishes which could use meats interchangeably. Anyone who follows my blog knows that chicken, turkey and pork are substitutes for each other. In the recipes below pork also stands in for the beef.

Crock pots are better suited to this type of entertaining than Instant pots, because they are more forgiving of the timing of the game and the commercials. Most slow cooker recipes are conversions from conventional stove top and oven ones. I’m including a conversion chart in case you want to experiment with some family favorites. There are a few helpful tips about crock pots to know first though.
1) You can keep food warm in a crock pot on low, but never use one to reheat food. Don’t turn it off for hours and turn it on again to warm food for serving.
2) Crock pots, like microwaves, retain moisture. A rule of thumb is to use about ½ the liquid of a conventional recipe. You can add more as the dish cooks.

So for Super Bowl this year, get some paper plates and napkins, a plastic mat for the crock pot, plan to put your feet up, sit back, relax and let the others serve themselves.

CONVERSION CHART

IF RECIPE SAYS                               COOK ON LOW                               COOK ON HIGH
15 to 30 minutes                                    4 to 6 hours                                          11/2 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
Far East Steak Sandwich: Serves 6
1 lb.  . Thin sliced sandwich steaks-pork scoloppine
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…

Shredded Pork: Serves 4-6– From Fix-it and Forget-it Cookbook by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good
2-3 lb. pork butt roast
(1) envelope taco seasoning mix
½ -1 cup water

Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on Low 24 hr. Remove meat and shred, return to pot and heat through. Serve on rolls.
Topping suggestions: diced tomatoes, sliced onions, lettuce

Jan 25

Economizing Etrees Part II Chicken and Fish

ECONOMIZING ENTRÉES – PART II CHICKEN & FISH

I want to take a moment to reiterate that this and the last post are about wallet-friendly meal solutions, not budget recipes. They offer examples of ways to turn a favorite meal into a week night regular.

Chicken is amazing! One of the first animals domesticated for food, its meat has always topped the list of those consumed globally. Prized for its mild flavor, digestive ability, compatibility with other foods and short cooking time, chicken is accepted by every ethnicity and dietary regime, inspiring literally hundreds of recipes in every cuisine. They range from elegant, fit for royal occasions, to casually simple ones, served at a child’s picnic. Best of all, chicken has remained an affordable, available meat through every economy.

Chicken is so popular, that since I’ve been writing this post, not many months have passed without a chicken recipe. To save repeating basic facts and directions about buying, prepping, cooking and carving or separating a bird into parts, with recipes, I wrote a book, The Poultry Place. I recommend it for dealing with any birds, tame or game turkey, duck, quail, etc.

Moreover, since chicken partners with so many foods, and can be cooked in every known way, choosing a recipe for a specific task isn’t a matter of finding one but of narrowing the field. So for particular needs, I suggest you check, Chicken In Spring Part I. Casual Elegance and Part II Entrees April 13, and 20, 2023, Chicken Roll-ups Feb. 21, 2019 and Boneless, Skinless Chicken April 26, 2018. This post is concerned with showing how chicken recipes can be adapted to an economic form while preserving taste. This is for raw chicken, for leftovers go to the post on turkey, Nov. 23, 2023, which also applies to chicken.

Before giving the recipes, I do have a bit of advice. Buy chicken split breasts and thighs and skin, bone flatten them to even thickness yourself. It’s easy, less costly and gives a better presentation than the commercial, especially the frozen products. They’re too thin and appear skimpy cubed in the finished dish. Also, think pasta for the thinner, or pan sauces and rice, if you’re creating a thicker one, like white or Bechamel sauce or gravy, to bed the dish.

Recipes marked with an asterisk * are from my book Dinners Wth Joy

RECIPES-Ingredient changes are in Italics and underlned

*Chicken in Lemon Wine Sauce: Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts >>>>>> 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup flour

2 Tbs. cooking oil – -canola

2 Tbs. butter

1 small onion diced>>>>>>>2 small onions , halved, in thin rings

2 cloves garlic sliced

1 lemon – zested and juiced

1/3 cup white wine – – recommend dry vermouth

¾ cup water

1/2 envelope chicken bouillon granules

½ cup chopped fresh parsley – – or 2 Tbs. dried
2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups total of the following—mix and match–1 cup halved, sliced zucchini or yellow summer squash, and/or cut green beans and/or broccoli florets and/or okra
8 oz. sturdy shaped pasta like shells or penne

Pound chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap, to an even thickness, and dredge in flour. Place 1 Tbs. oil in a skillet over medium heat and begin to cook chicken, add 2 Tbs. butter, and brown chicken in both sides – @ 6 min. total. Remove chicken to a plate. Add 1Tbs. oil to pan and sauté onion until soft @ 2 min.; add sliced garlic and sauté 1 min, more. Add wine, and deglaze pan by scraping all the browned bits from the surface with a wooden spoon. Add water, bouillon powder, 1 Tbs. lemon juice, and return chicken to pan. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, over medium- low about 8-10 min. until chicken is done and sauce thickens.

Meanwhile, make what the Italians call “Gremalata” by mixing the parsley, garlic powder and lemon zest in a small bowl.

Plate the chicken pieces individually with sauce. Top each with a small portion of gremalata, and pass the rest.

Direction changes
After pounding the chicken, cut in to 1 1/2 inch cubes. Follow the directions but add the vegetables with the chicken when returned to the pan and cook frequently checking liquid adding water to maintain level. Meanwhile cook pasta. Plate chicken over pasta and serve hot.

*Chicken Parmesan: Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts>>>>>2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

¼ cup flour

2 Tbs. butter

2 Tbs. oil

(1) 4 oz. can mushrooms-stems and pieces-drained

(2) 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

8 oz. Mozzarella cheese- in thin slices or coarsely grated

¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated>>>> +excess to pass at table
8 oz. Angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti

Pound chicken and dredge by shaking in a plastic bag with the flour, one piece at a time. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, and brown the meat on both sides @ 6 min. total depending on thickness. Add oil as needed to prevent sticking. Remove meat to an ovenproof pan or dish that holds the meat close, but not overlapping. Sauté the mushrooms for 30 seconds in the pan juices, and turn off the heat. Pour in 1 can of the tomato sauce and deglaze the pan, pour it, with the mushrooms, over the meat. Repeat deglazing with second can of sauce. Cover, and seal the meat dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40 min. Remove pan and turn on broiler. Carefully, mindful of the steam, remove the foil, and spread the mozzarella evenly over the meat. Sprinkle the parmesan on top and broil until bubbly and beginning to brown.
Direction changes: After pounding, cut meat into 1 ½ inch pieces, dredge in flour in batches id necessary. Late over pasta serve hot and pass extra cheese.

FISH: Fish, like meat has risen in price, with tuna leading the pack. Until 2000, canned tuna was the go-to budget meal. Tuna casserole appeared weekly on school menus. There were no grades, a can of tuna, costing under $1.00, was solid white meat. Flake existed in cheaper brands. Several reasons are cited for the price hike in tuna, but today a can of solid Albacore is double the price for 1/3 less contents (7 oz. down to 5 oz.). So if an older recipe calls for 2 cans (@$2.00) it now takes 3 (@$6.00). A good example of today’s food cost dilemma and as good a reason to adapt recipes to fit the current economy. However, tuna is still very popular which the availability of fresh tuna steaks for grilling has increased.

Canned salmon was always higher priced than tuna, and had to be cleared of skin and bones, which flaked the meat, limiting its serving options. Fresh salmon was expensive and mostly seasonal. Aquafarming introduced individually bagged, frozen, skinless fillets, which have undermined canned in popularity and price. Fillets started at $1.00 per fillet, now costing about $2.00, equal a can of tuna, but having the advantage of comprising an entrée. Still the cost adds up when feeding a family and economizing is always welcome.

Many fish are now frozen In fillets and if you have favorite recipes, or dinner pairings for any of them, use the following recipes as examples of how to keep the taste and spirit of that meal, while economizing it for, perhaps, a week night.

*Salad Nicoise: Serves 4

1 head Boston lettuce – sometimes called “Garden” or “Bib” – if not available buy Romaine NOT Iceberg

¾ lb. redskin or new potatoes

¾ lb. whole green beans

4 hardboiled eggs – peeled, halved lengthwise and chilled

1 large red or Bermuda onion in fairly thin slices

3 large or 4 medium tomatoes peeled and cut in medium slices and chilled

(1) 2oz can anchovy fillets drained oil reserved for dressing

(1) 5oz can colossal pitted ripe olives – drained

(2) 7 oz. cans solid white Albacore Tuna in water – drained

Kosher salt

White wine

Dried tarragon

Fresh ground black pepper

DRESSING RECIPE BELOW

Cut the potatoes in quarters, or halves, depending on size. Boil them separately or together with the beans until the potatoes are done and the beans still crisp @ 10 min.

Drain well, run under cold water to stop the cooking and cool. Place the potatoes and beans in an oblong container, so they can spread to marinate, with ½ cup white wine and 2 tsp dried tarragon. Allow to marinate at least ½ hr. or all day. Separate the lettuce leaves, wash well and allow to air dry. Cover a large platter with the leaves. Pile the tuna, topped with the anchovies in the center, and attractively arrange the other ingredients, in separate sections, in a surrounding circle. Sprinkle with the salt and fresh pepper.

Dressing:-Wisk all ingredients together well

4 Tbs. minced shallots – onions will substitute

2 Tbs. dry mustard powder

5 Tbs. red wine vinegar

3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

2 ¼ cups olive oil plus the oil from the anchovies

2 tsp. dried tarragon

Taste and add some of the marinating white wine if it won’t dilute too much

Kosher salt

Fresh ground Pepper

Drizzle the dressing over the platter and serve the rest on the side.

Pasta Nicoise: Serves 4

1 can water packed tuna- drained
4 hard-boiled eggs-sliced
1 cup cut green beans-cooked to crisp tender
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 plum tomatoes –in large dice
12 oz. penne or rotini-cooked
1 ottle-8 oz. of Italian vinaigrette dressing-any flavor
Arrange first 6 ingredients decoratively over cooked, cooled pasts. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

*Poached Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce: Serves 4 an water packed tuna –
1 ½ lbs. of salmon fillets or steaks
1 Tbs. lemon juice
Bring water to cover and lemon juice to a boil and reduce to an even simmer. Slide fish in gently and cook about 8-10 min. per pound until the flesh turns pale pink and flakes easily. Remove from heat, run fish under cold water to stop cooking and remove skin, and spine bone, if still there in steaks. Serve warm or chill on a covered plate at least 1 hour.
Sauce 1:
½ large onion- diced
¼ cup oil
1/3 cup white wine
1cup sour cream
2 Tbs. capers
¼ tsp. lemon pepper or to taste
In a sauce pan, sauté diced onion in 1 Tbs. oil until soft, add balance of oil, capers, wine and ¼ tsp. lemon pepper, allow to simmer gently to warm. Check if more lemon pepper is needed, sauce should be very lemony but not bitter. Remove from heat, cool slightly, whisk in sour cream to blend while still warm. Serve warm over hot fish or cool to room temperature and serve over chilled fish. This is best made shortly before serving. Drizzle sauce over fish and pass remainder.
Sauce 2:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ tsp. dill weed or to taste
Blend all ingredients well and allow flavors to meld several hours in the refrigerator. Add more dill to taste if needed. Serve dolloped over chilled fish.

Salmon in Lemon-Dill Sauce: Serves 6
2 frozen salmon fillets from a package about 6 ½-7 oz. total
(1) 4 oz. can stems and pieces mushrooms
½ cup sliced onion
1 garlic clove-minced OR equal amount garlic powder
2 cups skim or 1% milk
1 ½ cups green peas
3 Tbs. flour
1 Tbs. grated lemon zest or lemon juice plus lemon pepper to taste if needed
¾ tsp. dried dill weed
1 box spaghetti or linguini
Salt and pepper to taste

Poach salmon in water, cool and slice thinly with the grain. Cook onion in 1 Tbs. water for 2 min. in microwave until crisp tender-reserve. Microwave peas in microwave as directed on package, drain and reserve. Combine flour, milk, lemon, garlic, seasonings and dill in a bowl and stir until smooth; heat over medium, stirring constantly until thickened. Meanwhile cook pasta. Add vegetables to sauce fold in fish and stir gently until warmed through. Serve over pasta hot.

Jan 18

Economizing Etrees Part Eggs andPork Products

ECONOMIZING ENTREES –PART I- EGGS and PORK PRODUCTS

With food prices up and December credit card bills coming in it seems a good time to discuss ways to economize on meal expenses. This is not a post on budget meals though there are low priced recipes featured. It’s about general ways to alter cost by altering the recipes, transforming favorite meals into affordable week night versions, while keeping the taste and sprit. However, it’s a long discussion, so I’m posting the second part to next week.

The idea of the $0.99 per serving meal of the 1990s is as out dated as the $0.99 total meal of the 1970s was then. The backbones of that budget meal planning, ground beef and potatoes are out of range now as are the vegetables used to fill out the recipes, peppers, broccoli, different lettuces and the nuts and cheeses used for toppings. Meal planners today have to reinvent presentations and I’m including some before and after examples. You might also be interested in Making the Most of a Roast Dec. 29 2022.

Recipes in this post marked * are from my book Dinners With Joy

RECIPES– The money saving changes in select recipes are typed in italics…..
EGGS
Eggs have returned to their traditional place in the price line-up, which makes them good bases for economy meals. Scrambles are famous for welcoming meats and vegetable additions but more formal presentations are quiche and frittata with no one the wiser that they’re actually money savers. Recipes for both, along with other options, are in my posts for Dec. 28 2023, May 14, 2020, and April 13, 2017. Two new, fun ones to add are…

Chicken Fried Rice: Serves 6
2 cups cooked diced chicken or turkey
2 eggs slightly beaten
3 cups cooked, long grain rice
½ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup diced celery
¼ cup diced bell pepper-red is suggested
1 love crushed garlic-OR equal amount powdered
½ tsp. grated ginger Or equal powdered
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 tsp. oil
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1 tsp. sugar
Using a non-stick skillet, over high heat, sauté vegetable and spices in oil until tender crisp. Add eggs and stir until just set. Stir in rice, chicken soy and sugar and cook until heated through.

Ham Fried Rice: Serves 4
2/3 cup diced ham OR dietary option
2 eggs, slightly beaten3 cups cooked rice
2 Tbs. oil -divided
1 carrot-chopped
1 small onion-chopped
1 clove garlic mashed-or equal amount powder
½ cup green peas
1/8 tsp. pepper
3 Tbs. soy sauce
Heat 1 Tbs. oil in a skillet over medium until hot. Add eggs and swirl pan to create a layer of egg. Cook eggs until set and turning brown, break up with a wooden spoon and remove to a bow. Heat remaining oil and sauté carrots and onion about 4 min. add ham, peas and garlic sauté 4 min more. Add rice and coo about 4 min. until heated through add soy sauce and pepper then stir in eggs and heat through.

PORK PRODUCTS-With the exception of bacon. Although there are dietary restrictions on pork there are many alternatives on the market, Turkey Ham and Smoked Turkey are excellent meat ones. Turkey and chicken sausages are options and using traditional spice mixes with ground chicken or turkey to make sausage is successful too. Simply look-up a sausage recipe-either breakfast or Italian- and substitute another meat for the pork. Also remember that chicken, turkey, veal and pork are interchangeable in most recipes.

I focus on pork, because, aside from chicken, it’s the most affordable meat in the market today, particularly the prime cuts. Pork loin costs less than ground beef.

HOT DOGS- Have generally increased about 50% in price making some brands competitive with pork loins but there’s still some which are an economy meal choice. If you’re a purist, and simply looking for ways to ‘put on the dog’, see my post on Toppings Bars June 30, 2022

Otherwise, a nice way to upscale the presentation of a hot dog dinner with a casserole is to cut them lengthwise, layer them overlapping around the casserole, put a topping on the casserole, and bake until the dogs brown and puff. Sliced onions are good on baked beans and grated sharp or Parmesan cheese, tossed with bread crumbs and melted butter, make a treat out of macaroni and cheese. Hot dogs are also a substitute for ham in some dishes. This is an example is one of my favorite fast dinners revamped.

*Tortellini all Panna: Serves 4

1½ lb. dried Tortellini or 1 lb. fresh – cheese stuffing>>>>>>>>>>>>>>8 oz. penne

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

½ lb. cooked ham – in ½ inch dice from the Deli in (2) ¼ lbs. slices OR Turley Ham or Smoked Turkey>>>>>4 hot dogs sliced in 6 pieces each

(1) 10oz. box frozen peas

1 Tbs. butter>>>>>>> 1 Tbs. oil

1 cup heavy cream – light can be used>>>>>>equal amount of skim or 1% milk—DO NOT use whole milk

Grated Parmesan
Instructions are the same with the changed ingredients

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.

*Stuffed Bell Peppers with Mustard Sauce: Serves 4
1lb. pkg. Hot Dogs – any type

4 green bell peppers*

1 small onion diced

4 Tbs. butter

4Tbs flour

2 cups milk

2 Tbs. Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard

2 tsp India Relish – optional

Microwave onion in 1 tsp water 1min. Cut Peppers in half lengthwise, carefully cutting

around the stem, and seed. In blender, processor or chopper, mince hot dogs to a course

grind. Add onions and relish, if using. Stuff the pepper halves, and place them in an oven

proof dish that holds about ¼ inch of water. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for

about 30 min or until meat begins to brown on top and peppers slightly wilt. They should

still be slightly crisp.

Meanwhile, make a white sauce. Melt the butter until it foams, mix in the flour to a

smooth paste, quickly stir in the milk, and keep stirring over medium heat, until a smooth

sauce forms and thickens. Add the mustard, perhaps more than quoted, if you want a

spicier sauce. Plate the peppers, pour the sauce over and serve.

SAUSAGE: As I stated above, for those with dietary restrictions, there are many sausage options on the market. It’s also easy to make either bulk breakfast or Italian from ground turkey or chicken as used in the first recipe below. Link sausage is a commercial product, but an affordable exception are Brown and Serve Sausages. I use them in the second and third recipes below, one, a traditional Italian dish. For more sausage recipes see Fun Family Dinners Sept. 7,2023.

*My Spaghetti: Serves 4- Sauce freezes very well, so make extra to have on hand-reheat in microwave
1 lb. ground sausage-or a ½ lb. sausage mixed with
½ lb. ground beef or ground turkey>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>met can be reduced to ½ lb.
(1) 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 Tbs. oil

2 small carrots peeled and sliced thin (1/8 inch)>>>>>>about 6-8 baby carrots

(1) 1 oz. pkg. raisins

2 tsp garlic powder – or to taste

1 Tbs. dried oregano-or to taste

1 Tsp. dried basil-or to taste

1 tsp pepper and salt to taste
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper, or to taste-optional

1 lb. spaghetti or angel hair pasta.

Grated Parmesan

In a large stockpot, over medium heat, brown the meat, when all pink in gone, drain fat if necessary and add all the other ingredients, but the pasta, Simmer about 40 min. until the sauce reduces a bit and the carrots are very tender. Cook the pasta in a separate pot just to al dente. Drain and put in the pot with the sauce, toss briefly, THEN turn the contents out into a serving bowl. Pass the Parmesan.

*Bill’s Sausage and Cabbage: Serves 4

4-6 links Italian sausage @ 2lbs sweet or hot.>>>>>>2 boxes Original Brown and Serve Sausages

1 large head cabbage

1 Tbs. dried tarragon

½ cup white wine or broth= ½ envelope beef bouillon granules + ½ cup water

4 large halved or 8 small all purpose or redskin potatoes- peeled and parboiled

2 tsp garlic powder

Pierce sausage links with a fork. Brown in skillet over medium heat. Allow the potatoes to brown along with the meat Add small amounts of water if the food begins to stick. Cut the cabbage in 1 inch chunks. When the potatoes are brown, add the cabbage, wine, tarragon and garlic to the skillet. Cover and simmer about 8 – 10 min. or until the cabbage is crisp-tender. Serve very hot.

*Tuscan Cauliflower with Sausage: Serves4

2 heads cauliflower

1 to ½ lbs. Italian sausage – -4 to 6 links according to appetites .Sweet or hot optional.

2 Tbs. oil + 2 Tbs. more if needed

(1) 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice

3 oz. tomato paste – optional

1 tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. salt or to taste

Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflowers, and rinse the heads, drying them well.

Separate the cauliflowers into large pieces. It’s O.K. to use a knife and include the upper part of the core, just make sure most of the pieces are at least an inch or they will break as they cook, and become mushy. Pierce the sausages several times with a fork, and microwave them to remove the excess grease, on high for 2 min, pausing between.. When cool enough, slice each in 6 segments. Turn the burner on to medium, pour enough water in the pot to just cover the bottom, and add the sausages. Let them cook in their own juices, adding bits of water if they begin to stick or burn, until nicely brown @ 6 min. Remove to a plate. Add 1 Tbs. oil to the pot and sauté the cauliflower turning often until the pieces begin to brown, working in batches if necessary and adding more oil as needed Each batch should take about 10 min, so for an average skillet 2 batches = 20 min. total. When all the cauliflower is done, put the tomato paste and tomatoes in the pot and stir gently to combine and coat the cauliflower. Add the garlic and salt, again stirring to combine and then the sausage. Give a final stir to merge flavors, cover and cook on low about 6 min, until heated through and cauliflower is tender. Check seasoning again, and serve.

HAM: Hams are frequently on sale, not as reasonably as before, but still a comparative bargain. Ham steaks and Deli Ham, however, are now lower priced than ground beef and competitive with other ground meats. In casseroles, ham stretches, making it a current go-to. These recipes show how a little can go a long way.

*Glamorous Ham Casserole: Serves 4

2 cups cooked rice – suggest packaged pre-cooked product, Uncle Ben’s or Zataran’s

2 cups cooked ham in ½ inch dice. About ¾ lb. 3 thick slices from the Deli work fine.

2 eggs beaten

2 plum or small tomatoes in large dice

1/3 cup green bell pepper diced

¼ cup diced onion

1 ½ tsp Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard

1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ cup cream sherry

½ cup light cream

½ cup bread crumbs

2 Tbs. melted butter

Paprika and parsley to garnish

The pre-cooked rice packets only take a couple of minutes in the microwave-if you are using leftover rice, or making your own, do not use the minute type.

Combine all ingredients, except last three, in a lightly greased 2 qt. casserole. Stir to mix well. Combine butter and bread crumbs, sprinkle over top. Decorate with parsley and paprika. Bake 350 degrees for 45 min or until nicely browned and bubbly.

*Ham Lasagna: Serves 4

8 oz. chopped ham

9 lasagna noodles

1 box frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained

(1) 4oz can mushroom stems and pieces drained

2 tsp minced jarred garlic

8oz creamed cottage cheese

8oz shredded Cheddar cheese or sharp cheese

4 1/2 Tbs. butter

4 1/2 Tbs. flour

2 1/2 cups milk

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese

In one bowl mix the spinach and cottage cheese together, in another the ham and mushrooms. Set aside. Cook the noodles as per directions, and keep moist. Make a cream sauce of the butter, flour and milk. (Melt the butter in a saucepan, when sizzling, remove from heat and stir in flour to make a smooth paste or roux. Quickly stir in milk, and return to medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, not allowing it to boil @ 3min.) Add the garlic. Lightly grease a casserole dish about 8”x10”

And smear a bit of the sauce in the bottom. Lay 3 noodles across the pan, cover with ½ the spinach mixture, then ½ the ham mixture, then ½ the cheddar cheese, then 1/3 of the sauce. Repeat once again ending with a layer of noodles. Top with the rest of the sauce, the mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 mins. then uncover and bake for 10 min more or until bubbling.

PORK: Americans don’t have a big choice of meats; veal and Lamb have all but disappeared, as have Cornish hens. I asked a market butcher about squabs and he didn’t know what I was talking about. Since the Meat Packers’ Union was dissolved, the same is true of cuts, especially the lesser ones such as brisket and 7-bone chuck. Even round roasts aren’t the counter regulars they were. If you Jan. 13, 2022want a prime piece at a reasonable price, it’s chicken or pork. Boneless pork loins are lean with no waste, tender, easy to cook, without the rare, medium or well problem and average a little over $1.00 per serving. Pork Boston or Picnic butts are even less, sometimes on sale at $0.99 per lb. However, they take more time in prepping and cooking. For more pork recipes go to: Jan. 12, 2017, Jan.28, 2021, Jan.13, 2922.

*Pork Loins with Apricot Glaze: Serves 4—A great company dish
(2) 1 lb. Pork Tenderloins – Commercially prepared in plastic sleeves*

(1) 12oz jar apricot preserves

¼ cup Balsamic vinegar

1Tbs Teriyaki sauce

3 tsp minced fresh ginger

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

Kosher salt

Ground pepper

1 tsp salt – divided

1 tsp pepper – divided

Remove wrappers from pork and pat dry. Rub each with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Heat oven to 350 deg., Melt jam in a small saucepan with vinegar, Teriyaki sauce, Tabasco, garlic and ginger. Brush meat This dish is equally as famous using veal cutlets, boneless chicken breasts or turkey cutlets.

*Pork Chops Normandy: Serves 4

4 slices of pork loin or boneless loin chops @ ¾ inch thick- well trimmed

4 Tbs. butter>>>>>>1 Tbs. oil

1 large onion sliced>>>>> delete

¼ tsp ground cloves>>>>>>>1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

2 large apples cored and quartered lengthwise>>>>>4 medium apples peeled cored, 2 center round slices taken from each, remainder in chunks

½ tsp sugar>>>>delete

1 cup apple juice

1 envelope chicken bouillon granules>>>>>>>>delete

1 cup heavy cream OR 1 cup ½ and ½ with 1 ½ tsp cornstarch dissolved in it.>>>>>>>>>delete

Melt the butter in an oven proof skillet over medium heat and brown the pork well on both sides. While the meat is browning, add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. * Arrange the onion around the pork, sprinkle with the cloves. Sprinkle one side of the apple slices with the sugar, and arrange them fan-like, sugar side down, on the meat 2 slices per slice or chop. Add the juice and bouillon to the pan, cover and bake 40 min. Remove meat with a spatula, careful not to ustcook.butcherbox.com/cumin-crusted-pork-butt/ disturb the fruit, to a plate to keep warm. Return the skillet with the juices to the stove over low heat, add the cream and simmer until thickened. If you want to avoid using heavy cream, substitute milk with cornstarch dissolved in it. Stir until sauce thickens. It may need a few minutes simmering to reduce. Pour over meat and serve at once.

Optional directions: Place meat in a pan; top each piece with an apple slice. Pour oil, apple juice over and scatter apple pieces around, sprinkle with spice mix. Bake at 350 deg. for 30-35 min. Serve hot.

Pork Butts are the source of country ribs. If you want to try butchering a butt, even making your own sausage go to: Jimmy Kerstein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D10lJYqjLB4 For more recipes click : https://www.dinnerwithjoy.com/2023/01/

Cumin and Orange Pork Butt: Serves 4-From:https://justcook.butcherbox.com/cumin-crusted-pork-butt/

3-4 lb. pork butt-cut in large chunks-fat trimmed

Dry Rub

2Tsp. cumin

2 Tsp. garlic powder

2 Tsp. kosher salt

1tsp black pepper
Braising Ingredients

1 medium onion julienned

1 orange sliced

1cup orange juice
Preheat oven to 300℉. Combine rub spices together and rub on pork butt. Place julienned onions, orange slices and orange juice in Dutch oven. Place pork butt on top and then put in oven uncovered. Baste pork after 30 minutes and braise for an additional 1½ hours. After 2 hours cover Dutch oven and braise for an additional 1 hour. Remove from oven and let rest covered for 20 minutes before slicing. For added flavor make a sauce with braising liquid. Simply remove the rind from the orange slices (they will easily peel away from the flesh after braising for 3 hours) and place them along with onions and liquid in a blender, puree for 2 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
NOTE: This freezes well and makes a quick dinner heated in the microwave.

Dec 28

BRUNCH NOTES

“Brunch: Alternative first meal of the day; a combination of breakfast and lunch traditionally served after mid-morning.” So, by definition, brunch doesn’t fit a normal schedule, and by implication, it’s for those who sleep late-translation, a free day following a late night. The most generally observed is New Year’s Day.

Brunch is also a welcome option for the meal provider, or host. It’s an efficient solution to what could be a messy, confused situation if dealt with on an individual basis.

However, what really makes brunch so popular is the food. Fun and festive, the dishes are less substantial than dinner, more so than breakfast, with wider variety than usually associated with lunch. Of course, brunch dishes do have specific requirements. People need nourishment to get going in the morning and to carry them through a full day.

Hence, brunch entrees must be nutritiously fortifying. If it can be prepared ahead or is so easy to make that it doesn’t require more precautions than covering clothes with an apron, all the better. Plus, brunch can be a casual pick-up, or a more formal seated meal, either way it makes guests, and family feel catered to in a special way.

April 1, 2015, I wrote a post giving 13 brunch recipes suitable for holidays or just a weekend, all simply made. On March 23, 2016 I wrote a post on brunch and supper recipes because they are often interchangeable. I also have a post on eggs Feb. 17, 2016 and two books with suitable recipes : Can I help? And No Stress Recipes for Mother’s Day. This year, I’m reprinting recipes from these four sources which are elegant but easy to prepare. Additionally, there are dishes below that can serve as a brunch or supper, and can be prepared ahead and table ready with minimal effort, time and mess.

I’ll start with the old standby eggs, and a reminder that, to complete these dishes, you should check the posts on Muffins and Biscuits, Feb. 14, 2019 and Using Frozen Bread Dough May 15,2016. All recipes serve 4, but large eaters may need double servings of the egg dishes.

RECIPES

Eggs Aurora: Serves 4
8oz. can tomato sauce
2 tsp. dried basil+ extra for garnish
4 large eggs
Pour sauce into a 10 inch skillet, stir in basil. Heat through over medium and break the eggs into the pan, keeping them separate. Cook over medium until set-2 min. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and cook until egg yolks are done to desired degree. Carefully plate each egg separately, add some sauce and serve at once.

Eggs Adeline: Serves 2
2 eggs
2 slices Canadian bacon- cooked
2 Deli slices Swiss or Cheddar cheese
2 thick center slices of beefsteak or other large tomato
1 English muffin
Worcestershire sauce
Split and toast the muffin. Layer equally on each half in order the bacon the tomato and then
cheese. Run under a hot broiler until the cheese just melts meanwhile, poach the eggs. Top each muffin half with an egg and sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce.
Note: I have substituted toasted slices of Italian bread for the muffin and also put the topped slices in the microwave for 30 sec. instead of heating the broiler.

.Eggs Parmesan: Serves 4—Custard cups are needed for this
4 slices Deli ham—optional
8 large eggs
8 Tbs. heavy cream, half-and-half, or evaporated milk
4 Tbs. Grated Parmesan cheese
Line each custard cup with a slice of ham. Break 2 eggs into each cup. Cover with 2 Tbs. milk or cream. Top each with 1 Tbs. cheese. Place cups on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 350 deg. oven until set about 12-15 min. Serve hot with rolls or toast.

Baked Eggs in a Cloud: Serves 4
4 large eggs separated
4 thin slices of ham or smoked turkey
2 drops of cider vinegar
Butter for the pan
Salt and pepper
Optional seasonings
Lightly butter a 7X7x1 ½ inch square ovenproof pan. Preheat oven to 350 deg. Lightly grease the bottom of the pan, and line the bottom and sides with a single layer of ham leaving a slight overhang all around. Whip the egg whites until they stand up in peaks, incorporating the vinegar half way through. Add seasonings. Spoon them over the ham. Using a spoon, make 4 dents in the whites, evenly spaced for portions. Put a yoke in each depression. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until whites are slightly brown and yokes are just set. Serve at once. I like a bit of curry powder or dry mustard in the whites. Alternately serve with Worcestershire sauce to top.

Spinach Squares, Poached Eggs and Pickled Salmon: Serves 4
12-14 oz. package of frozen chopped spinach
5 eggs
1 envelope chicken or beef bouillon granules
Ground nutmeg
4 salmon fillets 4-5oz.each – thawed if frozen
3 Tbs. white vinegar
2 tsp. pickling spice

Gently poach salmon in salted water to cover plus vinegar and spices, turning once, until no longer transparent, about 8 min. total. Remove from heat, bring to room temperature and chill in broth. Can be refrigerated up to 4 days.
Drain excess liquid from spinach; mix with 1 egg and bouillon. Place in a lightly greased 8X8 inch ovenproof dish and sprinkle with nutmeg. Can be chilled for several hours. Make 4 wells in the spinach and fill each with one egg, taking care not to break the yolks. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min. until spinach and eggs are set. Cut into squares and serve with drained cold salmon.
*Salmon recipe adapted from Rozanne Gold’s Menu Cookbook

Frittata; Serves 4

Count on using about 1 cup vegetables, leftovers or canned are perfect. If using frozen or raw, they must be sautéed or blanched first. Frittatas are also forgiving. If one sticks and won’t slide onto a plate, slice it in wedges and serve it in the pan.

4 large eggs

1 cup vegetables*

2 Tbs. oil

Dash of baking powder

1/3 cup milk or water, or milk + water to equal this amount

Pinch salt

¼ tsp. curry powder

¼ tsp. paprika

Ground pepper to taste

Optional toppings- for example ¼ cup grated cheese or 1 cup tomato sauce.

Cut vegetables to ½ inch size or thin slice *

In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs, with all other ingredients except the oil and the vegetables. Heat the oil in an 8-9 inch skillet over medium. Turn on 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 the sauce as serving. Be sure the skillet handle is oven-proof. Slide the frittata onto a plate to serve.

* If not using leftovers, substitute an equal amount of cooked fresh or frozen vegetables lightly parboiled if necessary.

* ½ cup diced meat can replace ½ cup of the vegetables

Classic Quiche Lorraine: Serves 4
Quiche is a dish that allows a lot of room for variety, yet is quite simple to prepare. If one of these won’t be enough for your family, make two and use different ingredients. Think of it as if you were making pizzas with different toppings.-but here it’s bottoms!
(1) 9 inch deep dish pie shell-store bought is fine– baked
1Tbs. butter
4 oz. sliced mushrooms—(1/2) 8 oz. can will do –optional
1 small onion diced
4 eggs
1 cup light cream or whole milk
½ tsp. dried mustard OR prepared Dijon mustard
1 cup shredded cheese -Swiss usually preferred
Salt and pepper.
8-10 slices bacon cooked and crumbled OR ¼ lb. sliced Deli smoked turkey- chopped
Dash of ground nutmeg
Paprika and dried parsley
Spray skillet with cooking spray and cook bacon until crisp or frizzle smoked turkey and dice. Melt butter in skillet add mushrooms and onion and cook until they render their juice.-about 3 min. Line a 9 inch pie plate with the crust. Put mushrooms, onion and bacon in the bottom of the pie shell and cover with the cheese. Then pour over the eggs beaten until frothy with the milk, mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the nutmeg, garnish with the paprika and parsley and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 min .Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 30 min. more. Allow to stand 5 min. before cutting.

Oven Pancake: Serves 4
6 eggs
1 cup milk
¼ cup butter or margarine melted + extra for topping
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt
Powdered sugar
Blend first 3 ingredients until smooth. Add flour and salt and blend on medium until smooth.
Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan and bake at 450 deg. for 20 – 25 min until puffed and golden. Serve from the dish drizzled with melted butter or margarine and dusted with sugar.

Store Purchased Pancakes and Waffles—Upgraded for a Special Day
1)The waffles can be topped the traditional way with butter and syrup but can also be served with the various fruit toppings listed under French Toast.
Sautéed Apple Topping: Serves 4
4 medium apples sliced
2 Tbs. Butter or margarine
2 Tbs. sugar
Dash cinnamon
Sauté apples in butter or margarine for 6 to 8 min. until tender. Stir in sugar and cinnamon.

Pancakes can be served traditionally too but try folding them over fresh fruit slices, or put chopped fruit in the pancakes. Top with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt or cottage cheese. Garnish with powdered sugar if you like.

Cheese Filling: Serves 4
8 pancakes- thawed and warmed if frozen
8 oz. cream cheese
4 + Tbs. milk
1 Tbs. curry powder
½ cup finely chopped toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts + more for garnish
Black pepper
4 Deli slices of meat—turkey, ham or preference
Mix the cheese, curry, pepper and nuts with enough milk to make spreadable. Spread on
4 pancakes, cover with meat, top with second pancake and garnish with nuts.
Variations: 1 cup yogurt, ½ cup drained crushed pineapple for the cheese milk and curry.
Keep the pepper and nuts and use ham.
Use the cheese, milk, nuts and pepper but substitute ginger preserves for the cur

.Sausage Casserole: Serves 10-12 * To be made the night before
2 ½ cups seasoned croutons – Use the boxed ones for salads or a stuffing mix
(1) 1 lb. roll of sausage
4 eggs
2 ¼ cups milk
10 oz. box frozen chopped spinach – thawed
10 oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup
4 oz. can chopped mushrooms – drained
1cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ tsp. brown mustard
Crumble and cook sausage then drain grease. Grease a 13 x 9 inch metal baking dish; spread croutons in the bottom and top with sausage. Whisk to blend eggs and milk; stir in all the other ingredients and pour over the mix in the dish. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 325 deg. Bake 50 to 55 min. until set and top is golden. Serve garnished with herbs like parsley or with salsa on the side.
* A Bob Evans recipe

Creamed Beef in Patti Shells: Serves 4
1 pkg. dried beef (3-4 oz.)*
4 Tbs. butter
2 cups milk
1 cup green peas—if frozen thawed
4 oz. can sliced mushrooms – drained
4frozen Patti shells –baked tops reserved OR toast
1/8 tsp. curry powder
Chopped parsley
Pepper to taste
Trim fat from meat and cut in 1 inch pieces. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to make a paste, then add milk and stir to a thick sauce. Add spices, mushrooms, peas and meat. Mix well and heat through. Serve hot in Patti shells with tops on an angle, and garnished with parsley.
*Chipped beef has spiraled in rice, rivaling Fillet ignon. Substitute country ham, but, lie bacon, it must be cooked first, or equal amounts of thinly siced deli ham.

Chicken Livers on Eggs with Sherry Sauce: Serves 4.
1 lb. chicken livers
4 oz. can pieces mushrooms stems and
2 Tbs. butter
2 ½ Tbs. flour
2 small carrots peeled and thinly sliced
6-8 oz. frozen pearl onions – thawed
2 Tbs. Teriyaki sauce
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
3 Tbs. cream sherry—or Marsala — to taste
8 eggs
Salt and pepper
Rinse and soak the livers in salted water for 10 min. Rinse and place livers, onions and carrots in a pot with water to cover. Boil until livers are slightly firm. Strain and reserve broth. Rinse livers in cold water. Gently pick fat from livers and divide very large ones. Measure cooled broth and add water to make 2 cups if needed. Whisk flour into cooled broth until dissolved; add spices, sherry, Teriyaki sauce, mushrooms, onions and carrots. Bring to a simmer and stir until sauce is thickened. Fold in livers adjust seasonings and keep warm.
Melt butter in a sauté pan and scramble eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve livers over eggs while hot. Serve at once. Can also be done in a microwave at 1 min. interval

Hot Chicken Salad; Serves 4
4 chicken thighs or 2 split chicken breasts
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 cooked better than other mayonnaise.
Glamorous Ham Casserole ** can be frozen at this point. Cover top with plastic wrap and seal dish in a plastic bag. Good for 2 weeks
2 cups cooked rice – suggest packaged pre-cooked product, Uncle Ben’s or Zataran’s

2 cups cooked ham in ½ inch dice. About ¾ lb. 3 thick slices from the Deli work fine.

2 eggs beaten

2 plum or small tomatoes in large dice

1/3 cup green bell pepper diced

¼ cup diced onion

1 ½ tsp Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard

1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ cup cream sherry

½ cup light cream

½ cup bread crumbs

2 Tbs. melted butter

Paprika and parsley to garnish

The pre-cooked rice packets only take a couple of minutes in the microwave-if you are using leftover rice, or making your own, do not use the minute type. Combine all ingredients, except last three,** in a lightly greased 2 qt. casserole. Stir to mix well. Combine butter and bread crumbs, sprinkle over top. Decorate with parsley and paprika. Bake 350 degrees for 45 min or until nicely browned and bubbly.

Dec 14

AFFORDABLE CANPES 23

One of the most anticipated aspects of a holiday season, especially the winter one, are the parties, from large, elegant balls to small, casual, often impromptu get-togethers. We enjoy the chance to relax with current friends and to catch-up with those less frequently seen. It would be a real loss to allow rising food prices to curtail these occasions.

So in the interest of preserving holiday entertaining, I’m offering a few recipes, which are every bit as delicious and appealing as expensive, catered or commercially prepared hors d’ouvres. With planning, and little or no extra time and effort, these canapes can be tailored to any party budget.

However, before getting into the canape and related recipes, I want to suggest an alternative type of party which takes a bit more time and space, but does offer an economic saving, especially on the bar bill, if adhering to the drinks recommended-The Dessert Party. This party is described in detail with recipes for food and drink in my post at https://www.dinnerwithjoy.com/give-a-dessert-party/. There is also a Cheese and Cake Party written up in the post for Dec.5, 2019.

Another specifically focused party worthy of consideration is a Cheese Party, where strategically paced cheese boards offer the only canapés. Cheese can be very expensive, but it’s a huge field. Working with experts in the stores, it’s possible to design boards to fit nearly any budget and on the up-side, it involves minimal labor. I discuss this party in my post Say Cheese https://www.dinnerwithjoy.com/say-cheese/

An additional post you may find helpful is Leftovers Love to Party—https://www.dinnerwithjoy.com/holiday-leftovers-turn-into-party-canapes/ This post discusses how many leftovers from a dinner party can be reincarnated as canapes. Also check out Fantastic Impromptu Party Food https://www.dinnerwithjoy.com/fantastic-impromptu-party-food/

Now onto the subject of the week…….

RECIPES

Probably the single most useful ingredient for anyone planning a party featuring finger-food is cream cheese. It’s the basis of most hors d’ouvres dips, spreads and balls, but also can be outstanding in its own right.

Served by itself, a block of cream cheese can be a stunning appetizer with a covering of Tapenade. If you are in need of something to serve fast, open an 8oz. package of cream cheese, and spoon about 4-6oz. of tapenade, jarred or your own, diagonally over it. Serve with crackers or other spreadables.

Tapenade was originally made with capers, black olives, anchovies and lemon juice. Now it includes any Chopped marinated mushrooms, artichoke hearts, smoked oysters or mussels can also cover the cheese, as can spicy rather than mild chutney.

Or make it especially festive. Cut the block of cream cheese on a diagonal and flip one half over to form a triangle. Add a stick of cinnamon or a twig to form a trunk and it becomes a tree to be decorated as you like. A group of several 4oz. blocks, with different toppings, makes a delicious display.

Most importantly cream cheese is the base of most spreads. Consistency can be controlled with the addition of sour cream or yogurt to convert the mixture to a dip or adjusting the amount to enable the items to stand independently. A few examples follow. First a seasonal pairing…

Sundried Tomato Pate: Serves 6-8—From Tea Time Journeys by Gail Greco
½ cup oil packed sundried tomatoes-drained, save oil for another use.
8 oz. cream cheese
¼ cup butter
½ cup grated parmesan
¼ cup butter
¼ tsp. EACH dried oregano and basil
½ tsp. rosemary
Blend everything until smooth. Chill at least 6 hrs. before serving.

Pesto Spread: From HTTPS://WWW.FOOD.COM/RECIPE/PESTO-CREAM-CHEESE-SPREAD-290268
1(8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

¹⁄₈teaspoon garlic powder

¹⁄₃cup parmesan cheese, grated

3tablespoons butter, softened

¹⁄₂cup pesto sauce

3tablespoons olive oil

Line a 5-3/4×3″ loaf pan with plastic wrap.

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until well blended; set aside.

In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, butter and pesto sauce until blended.

Gradually stir in olive oil.

Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture into prepared pan.

Carefully spread with 1/3 pesto mixture.

Repeat layers twice.

Top with remaining cream cheese mixture.

Cover and refrigerate at least 5 hours.

Un-mold; serve with crackers and vegetables

Easy Dip:
1 envelope beef bouillon dissolved in ¼ cup water –allows the dip to become a mold(optional)
½ cup cream cheese
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
¼ tsp. each onion and garlic powder
1 tsp. strong herb and/or spice of choice or 1 ½ tsp. spicy brown mustard
Mix well or blend until smooth. Chill before serving.

Bleu Cheese Spread:

Packaged salad crumbles work well here
6 oz. bleu cheese – any type Danish, Roquefort, Gorgonzola
8 oz. cream cheese
1 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbs. dried minced onion
2 Tbs. White wine
Blend well, place in crock for serving and chill

Packages of shredded cheese from the supermarket Dairy case are useful to create affordable but delicious, attractive hors d’ouvres too. Here’s an example and you can easily think of other combinations.

Cheddar Balls
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese –commercially packaged is fine
3 oz. cream cheese
1 tsp. salt
Red pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. chili powder
Combine the paprika and chili powder and set aside. Mix all the other ingredients and form into small balls. Roll the balls in the paprika-chili powder mix and chill before serving

In addition, ordinary, everyday ingredients can be transformed into stunning, savory hot appetizers. Here are three illustrations……..

Baked Bean Sandwiches
(1) 15 oz. can Boston baked beans
2 Tbs. ketchup
1 Tbs. spicy brown mustard
1 Tbs. horseradish
½ lb. loaf of Jewish Rye bread sliced thin
Bake the beans until still soft but with little sauce. Mash them with the ketchup, mustard and horseradish, adjusting the taste as you do so. Spread the mixture on one side of half the bread slices and top with the other half. Cut each sandwich into 3 or 4 finger sandwiches. Can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered in plastic wrap, for 1 week, or frozen for 1 month, at this point. Broil until golden on both sides and bubbling. Serve at once.

Spinach Porcupines:
(1) 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach-thawed and drained
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 egg beaten
2 Tbs. melted butter + 2 teaspoons
1/3 cup fine bread crumbs
2 Tbs. pine nuts-or 1 ½ Tbs. sesame seeds
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. powdered ginger
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash of pepper
Salt to taste
Mix the spinach, egg, onion butter and breadcrumbs together. Add the seasonings and pine nuts and incorporate well. Shape into equal balls about 1 inch diameter each and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 min. or until cooked through and firm. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Zucchini Squares:

3 cups thinly sliced, unpeeled zucchini- a 1 lb. bag of frozen, thawed and drained will do
1 cup Bisquick
½ cup onion chopped
½ tsp. salt
2 Tbs. chopped parsley
1 tsp. dried marjoram or dried oregano
2 cloves garlic mashed
½ tsp. pepper
1/3 cup oil
4 eggs beaten
Mix all the ingredients together and spread in a 13 x 9 x2 inch greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min. or until brown. Cut into 1 x2 inch pieces.

Here’s an idea for those who serve beef over the holidays

Hot Dogs in Cumberland Sauce:

1 lb. pkg. hot dogs – any type
(1) 12 oz. jar red currant jelly
¼ cup Dijon or spicy brown mustard
Red pepper flakes or Tabasco to taste
Divide the hot dogs in 6 pieces each. Over medium heat, melt the jelly and mustard together and stir until completely dissolved and combined. Add the hot dog pieces and reduce heat, cook until hot dogs are puffy, @ 5 min. Add hot pepper to taste. Keep hot while serving. Have a cup of toothpicks on the side and some cocktail napkins. Makes 48 pieces

These hot dogs are always wildly popular. They taste really good and people seem to enjoy spearing them with toothpicks, which opens the door to fondues. Fondues are a fun do-it-yourself gimmick at parties and they’re economic. They can offer infinite variety at a reasonable price.

A True Swiss Fondue: Serves 4 for dinner-Divide amounts for canapes
EQUIPTMENT: A Fondue Pot – or 2 Qt. Saucepan you can take to the table, and a candle to keep the food warm.
Bamboo skewers
INGREIDENTS:
2 lbs. grated Swiss cheese – or very thinly sliced and cut in small pieces – rind removed (8 oz. blocks from the store’s dairy counter will do)
6 Tbs. flour
1 garlic clove cut in half
4 cups dry white wine
6 Tbs. brandy
Dash salt
Ground nutmeg
Ground black pepper

Toss cheese and flour to coat well. Rub the inside of the pot with the garlic. Over low heat, cook the wine until bubbles rise to the surface. Add the cheese, a few spoonfuls at a time, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the cheese melts; the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Add the brandy, nutmeg and pepper. Reduce heat until there is just enough to keep the fondue hot, without burning the bottom. It sounds far more difficult than it is, and when made at the table, everyone can watch.

Serve with a variety of dippers – – Pieces of crusty bread, (just be sure the bread has the density to hold up to the sauce, otherwise it will be soggy, or break off and stay on the pot) or cubes of cooked meat –chicken, ham, cooked hot dogs, or vegetables – cherry tomatoes, broccoli or cauliflower flowerets, baby carrots, pieces of bell pepper, scallions, celery even pieces of sturdy fruits like apple, pear, fresh pineapple or banana. The list goes on and on and on.

Meat Fondue: 4 servings will require about 2 lbs. total—mixing meats is fine.
1 lbs. chicken tenders-or strips of breast
1 lbs. sturdy fish – packages of frozen Salmon fillets do well
Skewers
1quart of liquid, wine, broth, or juice appropriate to choice of meats
Cut the meat to size and place on the skewers before presenting for cooking. The meats cook at generally the same speeds and mixing them could cause problems. Cut the fish in chunks. Seafood can be prepared with one or more pieces per skewer. Thread the chicken strips ribbon style on the skewers.
To serve, heat the liquid with any seasonings you choose, to bubbling. Have the filled skewers ready and allow people to put them in the pot and leave them until done. I often put markers on the table so people can mark their skewers and check for doneness.
The finishing touch is to dip the cooked meat in a sauce before eating. Two easy ones which work with both meats are
1) Bottled barbeque sauce
2) Dill Sauce: equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream with dried dill to taste. Marinate, chilled for several hours to meld flavors and keep cold until serving.

Don’t as the Brits say “go crackers’ over expensive gourmet crackers either. There are other ways to provide things to hold a dip or spread, that will win you raves, even if you couldn’t get to the store. For the diet conscious, sliced apples wiped with lemon water to prevent browning, and peeled, sliced jicama, which stays crisp and doesn’t brown, are nice, fresh alternatives.

1)Flour tortillas, and pita breads (the latter opened to make two circles), cut in wedges, sprayed lightly with oil and sprinkled with lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or any similar seasoning of your choice, and dusted with paprika, for color, then baked on a foil lined cookie sheet, at 350deg. for 8-10min .make wonderful presentations, and really add taste, especially if the tortillas are tomato or spinach and the tortillas are wheat or flour.
2) Don’t forget bread either. There are really good “party loaves” in the market, usually found near the Deli counter. If you are planning ahead, they keep well frozen and served by themselves or cut and toasted, depending on the use, they can really enhance flavor.

3) You can also make your own. My personal favorite is real Jewish rye, thin sliced, cut into bite size, and lightly toasted. Slices of French or Italian bread, can also be treated the same. Plain loaf slices can be rolled and cut into triangles, sprayed with cooking spray and baked at 350 deg. for 5-8 min Bagels, sliced and toasted are good too.
4) All of the above suggestions keep for about a month in air-tight containers, so make lots at a time and have them on hand!

Finally, a bonus of two excellent but affordable .hors d’ouvres.

Deviled Egg Dip

A simple dip to make from in house items is actually an old family favorite and can do triple duty as a sandwich spread or dressing for a wedge of lettuce. This is a “to taste” recipe rather than an exact one, but the rigid rule to success is that the whites are chopped alone, and the yokes crumbled into the mixture at the end of mixing.
4 hard boiled large eggs – whites finely chopped – yokes reserved
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbs. Spicy Brown Mustard (or more to taste)
¼ tsp. Red Pepper – or to taste
Mix everything but the yokes. Then crumble them in. Mixture will be stiff, but will become more liquid as the flavors meld. Refrigerate at least one hour, adjust seasoning before serving. Makes 1 cup. (Note-Excellent with potato chips)

Marinated Mackerel *
(1) 15 oz. can of mackerel fillets
Cider or red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Drain the fish, and carefully brush off the silver skin with a blunt knife. Separate the fillet halves, trying not to break them and remove the spines. Lay the fish halves side by side in a flat bottomed glass or china dish, wide enough to hold 3 fillet halves. Drizzle with 1 tsp. vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Repeat layers and chill several hours before serving.
*This recipe was created for skinless boneless sardines

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AFFORDABLE CANPES 23

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