I hope you don't mind me posting without photos. I will get some up soon, I promise. I just wanted to put this recipe up since this is the recipe I call Erika for over and over again.
Sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar (white)
1 teaspoon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire
1 cup barbecue sauce
Friday, November 11, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Breanne's Sweet Potato Salad
| This is all that was left by the time I was able to take a picture |
I adapted this from a Bobby Flay recipe that calls for mustard, but I don't like mustard so I used Catalina Salad Dressing instead. The result is tangy and sweet, yum!
Ingredients
6-8 Sweet Potatoes (or yams)
4 scallions (green onions), chopped
1/4 c white wine vinegar
2 tbl balsamic vinegar
1 tbl of Catalina salad dressing
olive oil (about 4 tbl altogether)
1/2 c parmesan cheese
1/4 c fresh parsley (optional)
salt
pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread on a large flat tray and put in the oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until you can stick a fork through one of the larger pieces. Try not to go too long so they aren't too soft.
Remove the sweet potatoes and sprinkle the chopped scallions over while they're still hot (you could also roast the scallions for the last 10 minutes of the sweet potato cooking time. That's what I planned to do but I forgot so I just threw them on there while the SPs were hot).
Mix together the white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and Catalina dressing.
Slowly add 2 tbl olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
Put the sweet potatoes and scallions in a large bowl and pour the dressing mixture over them. Toss it all together and sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese.
You can also add fresh chopped parsley if you want, but I didn't.
After I made this I thought it might be too weird but it turned out to be a big hit! Thanks everyone for the nice compliments.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Brining A Turkey
Our turkey this year turned out pretty good and Ryan and I think it's because we brined it. I found this recipe online and instead of tucking my sticky note away never to be found again I thought I would put it here where it will be easy to find in the future.
I filled a cooler with water, enough to cover the turkey about 1-2 inches. We added 2 Cups of salt per 2 gallons of water (so measure the water as you pour it into whatever container you are using). After removing the neck and whatever else is inside soak the turkey 1 hour per pound. We actually did about 14 hours for a 20 lb. turkey. Put the turkey in breast side down then roll it over half way through.
Before roasting rinse the turkey thoroughly and then pat it dry inside and out.
I filled a cooler with water, enough to cover the turkey about 1-2 inches. We added 2 Cups of salt per 2 gallons of water (so measure the water as you pour it into whatever container you are using). After removing the neck and whatever else is inside soak the turkey 1 hour per pound. We actually did about 14 hours for a 20 lb. turkey. Put the turkey in breast side down then roll it over half way through.
Before roasting rinse the turkey thoroughly and then pat it dry inside and out.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pesto Potato Salad with Green Beans
I got a bunch of lovely fresh green beans from my co-op this week, so I was looking for a good, simple recipe to use them in. I don't think I've ever had so many green beans in my life, particularly because I've never liked them before. But I LOVE this salad. We've been eating it for days, it's fantastic even re-heated later.

I found the recipe on this site, which recommends making your own pesto. But I gave in and bought the kind that comes in a jar from the store. If you want the recipe for the pesto you'll have to visit their site.
4 pounds small Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes, quartered
1 pound green beans, cut into one-inch segments
6 tablespoons (or more to taste) mild vinegar, such as white wine or a white balsamic
1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
Parmesan cheese to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
(pesto)
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes. Add beans; cook four minutes longer. Drain well and let cool, then transfer potatoes and beans to a large bowl.
Toss the beans and potatoes with pesto. Stir in vinegar, green onions, pine nuts and season with salt, pepper and/or additional vinegar to taste. Finally, shave some wide flecks of parmesan over the salad with a vegetable peeler.
Serve immediately, or make this up to two hours in advance. It can be stored at room temperature.
(This was good cold, hot, room temp, whatever).
I did this a little differently. I cubed the potatoes and roasted them in the oven with some salt, pepper, and olive oil for about 40 minutes. Then I boiled some water, threw in the green beans for 4 minutes, then drained them and rinsed them with cold water (to stop them from cooking further). Then I just combined the potatoes and green beans with the rest of the ingredients. Yum!
I found the recipe on this site, which recommends making your own pesto. But I gave in and bought the kind that comes in a jar from the store. If you want the recipe for the pesto you'll have to visit their site.
4 pounds small Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes, quartered
1 pound green beans, cut into one-inch segments
6 tablespoons (or more to taste) mild vinegar, such as white wine or a white balsamic
1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
Parmesan cheese to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
(pesto)
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes. Add beans; cook four minutes longer. Drain well and let cool, then transfer potatoes and beans to a large bowl.
Toss the beans and potatoes with pesto. Stir in vinegar, green onions, pine nuts and season with salt, pepper and/or additional vinegar to taste. Finally, shave some wide flecks of parmesan over the salad with a vegetable peeler.
Serve immediately, or make this up to two hours in advance. It can be stored at room temperature.
(This was good cold, hot, room temp, whatever).
I did this a little differently. I cubed the potatoes and roasted them in the oven with some salt, pepper, and olive oil for about 40 minutes. Then I boiled some water, threw in the green beans for 4 minutes, then drained them and rinsed them with cold water (to stop them from cooking further). Then I just combined the potatoes and green beans with the rest of the ingredients. Yum!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Blackberry Cobbler

I got some blackberries from the food co-op, so I looked up a recipe for them and found this one by Sandra Lee from the Food Network. I made it when Dad came to visit and I thought it was delicious. This recipe makes 8 servings, but I only needed four servings, so I halved everything except the cream soda & pancake mix and it turned out well. I also used three 6oz cartons of fresh blackberries instead of the frozen (that's what I got from the co-op). I was worried about the seeds but they weren't a problem.
Ingredients
• 2 pounds frozen blackberries, thawed
• 1 cup sugar plus more for dusting
• 3 tablespoons instant tapioca
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 (7.75-ounce) packet butter biscuit mix (like Bisquick, or for GF use a gluten-free pancake mix)
• 3/4 cup cream soda, divided
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 8 (4-inch) ramekins with butter flavored cooking spray and set aside.
In a bowl combine thawed blackberries, tapioca, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of cream soda and sugar.
Transfer to ramekins.
In a large bowl combined biscuit mix and remaining (1/2 c) cream soda. Mix until well blended. Sprinkle biscuit mix over berries.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve warm.
I also dusted these with powdered sugar and put a few whole blackberries on top to look nice. It really tasted good.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Acorn squash stuffed with sausage and apple
3 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1 lb pork sausage (regular seasoning)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
4 oz. mushrooms, chopped
2 apples, cored and chopped (macintosh)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fine breadcrumbs (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sage
1 tsp. each salt and freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1. Combine the melted butter, garlic salt and 1/4 tsp. sage; brush over cut sides and cavity of squash. Salt and pepper to taste.
2. Bake cut side up, at 400 degrees F for 1 hour, until squash is tender but still holds its shape.
3. Meanwhile make stuffing: Fry pork sausage until light brown. Remove the pork with a strainer to a large bowl and leave drippings in the pan. Add onion, celery and mushroom to the pan; saute 4 minutes. Stir in apple and minced garlic and saute 2 more minutes.
4. Take the pan off of the heat and add the pork back in (with the breadcrumbs if desired).
5. Taste and season with sage, salt or pepper if needed (depending on your sausage you may not want to add more seasoning).
6. Stir in the egg and parsley.
7. Fill the squash halves with stuffing - they should be slightly mounded.
8. Return to oven and bake for 20 more minutes, until the egg is set.
9. Garnish as desired with parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese.
The recipe called for two acorn squash but I had so much stuffing I could have filled three. I also made this without breadcrumbs and it held together fine. I sliced a little bit off of the bottoms of the squash, so they would sit without wobbling in the pan, but it burned the bottoms a little bit. It was more work than I am used to, but it was SO delicious.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Potato Crusted Fish
1 cup Instant Mashed Potatoes
Zest of 1 lime
2 large eggs
1 cup flour (I used gluten-free featherlite flour that Jacque recommended to me once)
8 tilapia fillets
vegetable oil
Season the flour with salt and black pepper in a shallow dish.
Beat the eggs in another dish.
Mix the instant potatoes, lime zest, 2 t. salt and 1/2 t. black pepper in a third dish.
Dredge each fish fillet in the seasoned flour, dip in the eggs, then coat with potato mixture.
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, place the fish in the pan; cook until golden brown and crisp – about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until golden on the other side – 3 more minutes.
Add more oil as needed, let it come to temperature before adding more fish.
Zest of 1 lime
2 large eggs
1 cup flour (I used gluten-free featherlite flour that Jacque recommended to me once)
8 tilapia fillets
vegetable oil
Season the flour with salt and black pepper in a shallow dish.
Beat the eggs in another dish.
Mix the instant potatoes, lime zest, 2 t. salt and 1/2 t. black pepper in a third dish.
Dredge each fish fillet in the seasoned flour, dip in the eggs, then coat with potato mixture.
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, place the fish in the pan; cook until golden brown and crisp – about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until golden on the other side – 3 more minutes.
Add more oil as needed, let it come to temperature before adding more fish.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Peach Cobbler

For the top:
2 cans sliced peaches, cut in half
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Mix dry ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup almond meal
1/4 cup sweet rice flour (or white rice flour)
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup white rice flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
In separate bowl mix wet ingredients:
2 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup milk (can substitute soy)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 350. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into 8x8 cake pan. Spread out the peaches on top of the batter. Sprinkle the whole thing with 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. You can serve with Cool Whip or Vanilla Ice Cream. Yum!
Foccaccia Bread

1 cup sorghum flour
1 cup tapioca starch
1/2 cup millet flour
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Put these dry ingredients into a bowl, and whisk them until they're combined. In a separate bowl, proof (put together and wait 5-10 mins to see if rising):
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/4 cup warm water
a dash of sugar
Mix together:
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of honey
Stir everything up together. It should be a thick batter, like a cake batter. In a large casserole dish, preferably a 13 x 9 inch pan, drizzle a few teaspoons of oil into the bottom. Drop in the dough, and with a flat spatula, spread the dough to the edges. Sprinkle the top of the dough with more sea salt, some more Italian seasoning, and some parmesan cheese.
Let it rest in a warm oven for 20 minutes, and then turn the oven to 375. Continue baking for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffy. The oil from the bottom should be bubbling around the edges too.
You can slice these long and skinny to be breadsticks, or into squares or long rectangles that can be frozen and used for sandwiches.
This recipe came from here: http://glutenfreeinslc.blogspot.com/2009/11/gluten-free-herbed-focaccia.html
Friday, January 15, 2010
Vegan Enchiladas

2-3 cups cooked white rice (I used long grain)
1 bell pepper
1 onion
1 can refried beans
1 can enchilada sauce
1 cup salsa
1 cup corn
1 can black beans
corn tortillas
cooking spray
optional: 1 chopped tomato
~So, the original recipe didn't call for rice or corn, but I like those and added them in. You don't have to and it will still taste good.
Preheat oven to 350. Dice and saute onions and pepper in hot oil to soften. Spray bottom of a casserole dish with cooking spray and layer tortillas (I did 6 for a 9 x 13 pan), just make sure to cover the bottom. Warm refried beans on stove or in microwave so they'll spread easily and spread over the tortillas. Spread half the onions and pepper, half of the salsa, and half of the corn on top. Next, put another layer of tortillas on top. Rinse beans and spread on the tortillas with rest of onions, salsa, rice, corn, and chopped tomato. Pour 1/4 - 1/3 enchilada sauce on this. Then, top with one last layer of tortillas. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the whole thing. (It says to just pour the whole can on top, but I think it would taste even better with a little inside.)
Bake, covered for 35-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Can serve with sour cream (or vegan sour cream if you have any). They say if freezes really well, too.
Labels:
Dinner,
Jacque,
Mexican,
No flour or dairy,
rice,
Vegetarian
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked rice -- your choice
2 cups cold water
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
olive oil
1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
small roma tomato, chopped into about 4 pieces
hot pepper of your choice, sliced lengthwise (I use jalapeno)
tomato sauce (I'd say a little less that 1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon vegan chicken bouillon
salt, to taste
Directions:
Put a little olive oil (tbsp or so) into a medium-sized pot and heat to a medium temp. Add the rice, uncooked, and brown in the oil. Make sure all the rice is lightly coated with the oil. You do not have to stir the rice around very much at first, while browning, but as the rice becomes browner you want to be stirring it around to make sure it all browns evenly and doesn't burn. It will turn BROWN....its not burning unless its turning dark/black. Towards the end of the browning, add the garlic so that it is sort of sauteed/browned (and the onion, if you like).
Next, dump the water on the rice (it will steam up loudly) and add the remaining ingredients. Stir well and cover (with a small air escape). Reduce heat to medium-low to medium, and let cook for 20-30 minutes. (cooking time and temp varies with your stove....check after 20 min to make sure you don't burn!)
The essential part of this recipe is DO NOT PEEK while the rice is cooking
When it is ready, all the water will be absorbed, the rice will fluff, and each grain will be split open because of the browning. It should be dry, not saucy. You can adjust the spices/peppers to your taste. The recipe can be changed by keeping with the 1 cup rice/2 cups water ratio, and adjusting remaining ingredients.
Goes great with any manner of mexican beans or as a side dish to mexican entrees such as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Also great by itself!
Serves: 6 large servings
Preparation time: 30-45 min
*I found this recipe on the website--http://vegweb.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
This is an Ina Garten recipe, so I can't take any credit whatsoever.2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Halve the sweet potatoes lengthwise and cut each half into 3 long spears. Place them on a sheet pan and toss with the olive oil. Spread the potatoes in one layer. Combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper and sprinkle on the potatoes. Bake for 15 minutes and then turn with a spatula. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve hot.
I doubled the recipe when I made it the other day, and I didn't add any extra salt at the end. I actually didn't get to taste these really, I think I had one. I took some home but gave them to Michael, who also said they were good. So I'm taking your word for it. =)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Chocolate Scotcheroos
I'm always searching my office for this recipe so I thought I would put it here where it would be much easier to find.Prep time: 20 min.
Yield: 48 bars
Servings: 24
Ingredients:
1 Cup light corn syrup
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup peanut butter
6 Cups Rice crispies
2 Cup milk chocolate morsels
1/2 Cup heath toffee chips
Cook corn syrup and sugar in saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13x9x2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Melt chocolate in microwave (takes 1-11/2 minutes). Stir in Heath Toffee chips. Spread over cereal mixture. Let stand until firm.
(Most people use butterscotch chips instead of toffee chips but I thought that was too sweet so I doubled the amount of chocolate chips and use the toffee chips for a nice crunch.)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Pork with orange sauce
I tried this last week, and Michael says it's his new favorite.
2 c cooked long grain rice
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp grated orange peel
1 c orange juice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1/4 cup lightly salted cashews
1 Tbsp canola oil
2 c cubed cooked pork
1/2 c chow mein noodles
1 green onion, sliced
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, sugar, ginger, and orange peel. Stir in orange juice and soy sauce until smooth; set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry the celery, carrots, and cashews in oil until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir cornstarch mixture and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Add pork, heat through. Serve with rice, top with noodles and onion.
This comes from Taste of home magazine (April & May 09). I didn't add the chow mein noodles to mine because I've never been a big fan. I guess they crunched some numbers and this meal comes out to about $1.54 per serving (serves 4 by the way).
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Marshmallow Fondant
For Matti
Marshmallow Fondant
1 16 oz bag mini marshmallows
2 and 1/2 tbs water
1 (2 lb) bag powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
Microwave marshmallows and water for 1 minute. Stir well. Stir in extracts. Add powdered sugar (about 3/4 of bag) and mix/knead in till smooth and pliable, adding more powdered sugar as needed to form a smooth consistency. Knead 1-2 minutes, and rub with a light coating of crisco, then store in an air free plastic ziploc bag till ready to use.
To roll out, coat surface of counter with a combination of crisco/powdered sugar to prevent sticking. For large cake rounds, slide a cardboard cake circle under the fondant, and then slide the fondant off the circle and over the cake. Roll out about 1/8 to1/4 inch thick to help prevent tearing.
Hey Matti,
To make this easy, I just microwave the marshmallow and water and then dump them in my mixer bowl with the kneading hook on. I then add the extracts. Slowly I add in the sugar and let the machine do all the kneading. It is super easy. If you want the fondant all one color I'd even add the color gel while it is kneading to save some work. This is a great fondant for covering cakes because it tastes pretty good especially compared with the package stuff. If you want to make shape that will stand-up this is not the best. It is pretty flexible and will need support while it dries. Call me with any question,
Aunt Tammy
Marshmallow Fondant
1 16 oz bag mini marshmallows
2 and 1/2 tbs water
1 (2 lb) bag powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
Microwave marshmallows and water for 1 minute. Stir well. Stir in extracts. Add powdered sugar (about 3/4 of bag) and mix/knead in till smooth and pliable, adding more powdered sugar as needed to form a smooth consistency. Knead 1-2 minutes, and rub with a light coating of crisco, then store in an air free plastic ziploc bag till ready to use.
To roll out, coat surface of counter with a combination of crisco/powdered sugar to prevent sticking. For large cake rounds, slide a cardboard cake circle under the fondant, and then slide the fondant off the circle and over the cake. Roll out about 1/8 to1/4 inch thick to help prevent tearing.
Hey Matti,
To make this easy, I just microwave the marshmallow and water and then dump them in my mixer bowl with the kneading hook on. I then add the extracts. Slowly I add in the sugar and let the machine do all the kneading. It is super easy. If you want the fondant all one color I'd even add the color gel while it is kneading to save some work. This is a great fondant for covering cakes because it tastes pretty good especially compared with the package stuff. If you want to make shape that will stand-up this is not the best. It is pretty flexible and will need support while it dries. Call me with any question,
Aunt Tammy
EL Pollo Loco Chicken
El Pollo Loco Chicken
1 cup White wine vinegar
1 cup Olive oil
1/2 cup White wine
1 tbls. Oregano
1 teas. Thyme
3 tbls. Salt
10 Garlic cloves; minced
1 1/2 teas. Tabasco sauce
Mix all ingredients and marinate two whole chicken which have been cut in
half. Marinate several hours in refrigerator. Grill chickens slowly until
done.
My comments:
To make this taste like real El Pollo Loco chicken I have to doctor the recipe slightly. This recipe is a GREAT jumping off point. It works great as is. Again, I have served this at many functions with people begging for the recipe. It also helps that Jason is great on the grill. Don't over cook these.
I usually add citrus to the recipe because I think that is what I like best about El Pollo Loco's chicken. I will add the juice of a lemon, lime, and a clementine(you can use an orange, just have these a lot cause kids love them). Along with most of the rind grated fine. I use my microplane and attack the skin(avoid the bitter white pulp), then slice and juice the fruit. I just use what ever citrus I have on hand and it works.
Usually don't have white wine around and will either leave it out of replace with chicken broth or white grape juice, if I have it.
Dried herbs work great.
I use boneless skinless chicken breasts. I am really particular about the type I use. I search for natural meat that has not been injected with the 10-15% of water and salt that many stores carry. I think it does not allow the chicken to absorb marinades well and I also think when they process the chicken so much it makes it really rubbery. I know it is much harder to find minimally processed chicken, but it makes a HUGE difference to me. Ok, I'll let it go.
1 cup White wine vinegar
1 cup Olive oil
1/2 cup White wine
1 tbls. Oregano
1 teas. Thyme
3 tbls. Salt
10 Garlic cloves; minced
1 1/2 teas. Tabasco sauce
Mix all ingredients and marinate two whole chicken which have been cut in
half. Marinate several hours in refrigerator. Grill chickens slowly until
done.
My comments:
To make this taste like real El Pollo Loco chicken I have to doctor the recipe slightly. This recipe is a GREAT jumping off point. It works great as is. Again, I have served this at many functions with people begging for the recipe. It also helps that Jason is great on the grill. Don't over cook these.
I usually add citrus to the recipe because I think that is what I like best about El Pollo Loco's chicken. I will add the juice of a lemon, lime, and a clementine(you can use an orange, just have these a lot cause kids love them). Along with most of the rind grated fine. I use my microplane and attack the skin(avoid the bitter white pulp), then slice and juice the fruit. I just use what ever citrus I have on hand and it works.
Usually don't have white wine around and will either leave it out of replace with chicken broth or white grape juice, if I have it.
Dried herbs work great.
I use boneless skinless chicken breasts. I am really particular about the type I use. I search for natural meat that has not been injected with the 10-15% of water and salt that many stores carry. I think it does not allow the chicken to absorb marinades well and I also think when they process the chicken so much it makes it really rubbery. I know it is much harder to find minimally processed chicken, but it makes a HUGE difference to me. Ok, I'll let it go.
Cider Roasted Pork Loin
I am menu planning for house guest that I am expecting on Monday. I thought I'd put my recipes up that I know are great and add the photos as I prepare them. This is my all time favorite recipe. I have served it at my gourmet cooking club to rave reviews, at many family gatherings, dinner parties, and I have multiplied the recipe and used it to serve to the whole Relief Society. I also use the brine recipe, multiplied, for my turkey at Thanksgiving. It is a fabulous recipe and very nice because most of the prep work needs to be done the day before. Here are a couple of my suggestions: buy the coriander seeds where you find the spices in bags, usually near the Mexican food in my grocery store. If you buy it in the bottles where the regular spices are you will spend much more. Stick with the kosher salt, it does make a difference. And brine overnight, you roast will be so tender. I usually serve this with rosemary red potatoes, I like to tie in the spices and either green beans or a green salad. Enjoy!

Cider-Roasted Pork Loin
From Cooking Light
Fresh herbs and sweet cider syrup combine in this savory main dish. Overnight brining tenderizes the roast. If the cider reduction becomes too thick to brush on the pork, warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
3 cups water
3 cups apple cider
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 bay leaf
1 (2-pound) boneless pork loin, trimmed
2 cups apple cider
Cooking spray
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until salt dissolves. Remove from heat; cool. Pour brine into a 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag. Add pork; seal. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Bring 2 cups cider to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until cider has thickened and reduced to 1/4 cup (about 15 minutes). Set aside.
Remove pork from bag; discard brine. Place pork on rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat pork with cooking spray. Combine rosemary, sage, and black pepper; sprinkle evenly over pork. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until thermometer registers 155°, basting twice with cider reduction during final 20 minutes of cooking. Remove from oven; baste with remaining cider reduction. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 3 ounces pork)

NUTRITION PER SERVING CALORIES 200(30% from fat); FAT 6.6g(sat 2.2g,mono 3g,poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 24.4g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 25mg; SODIUM 419mg; FIBER 0.3g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9.2g Kathryn Conrad Cooking Light, OCTOBER 2004
Cider-Roasted Pork Loin
From Cooking Light
Fresh herbs and sweet cider syrup combine in this savory main dish. Overnight brining tenderizes the roast. If the cider reduction becomes too thick to brush on the pork, warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
3 cups water
3 cups apple cider
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 bay leaf
1 (2-pound) boneless pork loin, trimmed
2 cups apple cider
Cooking spray
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until salt dissolves. Remove from heat; cool. Pour brine into a 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag. Add pork; seal. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Bring 2 cups cider to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until cider has thickened and reduced to 1/4 cup (about 15 minutes). Set aside.
Remove pork from bag; discard brine. Place pork on rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat pork with cooking spray. Combine rosemary, sage, and black pepper; sprinkle evenly over pork. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until thermometer registers 155°, basting twice with cider reduction during final 20 minutes of cooking. Remove from oven; baste with remaining cider reduction. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 3 ounces pork)
NUTRITION PER SERVING CALORIES 200(30% from fat); FAT 6.6g(sat 2.2g,mono 3g,poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 24.4g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 25mg; SODIUM 419mg; FIBER 0.3g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9.2g Kathryn Conrad Cooking Light, OCTOBER 2004
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Barbecued Chinese Lettuce Wraps
This is a simple recipe and has not too many hard to find ingredients, but I always get rave reviews. The flavors are very complex and fresh considering how easy it is. I also add a little fresh cilantro if I have it on hand (I love the stuff and put it in what ever I can). You could also add some other small diced veggies if you want to use them up.
2 cups, fresh shiitake mushrooms ( I used button mushrooms, didn’t see these other at the store now I don't even bother looking, regular mushrooms work great in this recipe)
1 1/3 to 1 1/2 pounds thin cut chicken breast or chicken tenders
2 tablespoons light colored oil, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil (I use olive usually)
Coarse salt and coarse black pepper
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 inch ginger root, finely chopped or grated
1 orange, zested
1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
1 small tin, 6 to 8 ounces, sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 scallions, chopped
3 tablespoons hoisin, Chinese barbecue sauce, available on Asian foods aisle of market
Romaine Lettuce
Slice mushrooms. Chop chicken into small pieces.
Preheat a large skillet or wok to high.
Add oil to hot pan. Add chicken to the pan and sear meat by stir frying a minute or 2. Add mushrooms and cook another minute or two. Add salt and pepper to season, then garlic and ginger. Cook a minute more. Grate zest into pan, add bell pepper bits, chopped water chestnuts and scallions. Cook another minute, continuing to stir fry mixture. Add hoisin Chinese barbecue sauce and toss to coat the mixture evenly. Transfer the hot chopped barbecued chicken to serving platter and pile the romaine leaves along side. To eat, pile spoonfuls into lettuce leaves, wrapping lettuce around fillings.
Here are a few of my tips that make this a staple at my place. First I cut all ingredients as small as I can. This allows me to get more veggies into my kids without them recognizing them. Also, I hate mushrooms, but cut very small, they add a wonderful flavor. Also I cut up all my veggies first. While I am chopping, which is a little time consuming, I put the meat in the freezer. By the time I get to the meat, it is slightly frozen and cuts tons better. This adds the benefit of throwing the cutting board in the dishwasher after all the cutting is done and no worries about meat contamination. I put romaine leaves even though the original recipe had iceberg. I think my kids like calling them tacos. I know it is crazy, but I get a lot less complaints. I usually by the romaine at Costco and this uses quite a bit.
No picture now. Will work on it!
2 cups, fresh shiitake mushrooms ( I used button mushrooms, didn’t see these other at the store now I don't even bother looking, regular mushrooms work great in this recipe)
1 1/3 to 1 1/2 pounds thin cut chicken breast or chicken tenders
2 tablespoons light colored oil, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil (I use olive usually)
Coarse salt and coarse black pepper
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 inch ginger root, finely chopped or grated
1 orange, zested
1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
1 small tin, 6 to 8 ounces, sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 scallions, chopped
3 tablespoons hoisin, Chinese barbecue sauce, available on Asian foods aisle of market
Romaine Lettuce
Slice mushrooms. Chop chicken into small pieces.
Preheat a large skillet or wok to high.
Add oil to hot pan. Add chicken to the pan and sear meat by stir frying a minute or 2. Add mushrooms and cook another minute or two. Add salt and pepper to season, then garlic and ginger. Cook a minute more. Grate zest into pan, add bell pepper bits, chopped water chestnuts and scallions. Cook another minute, continuing to stir fry mixture. Add hoisin Chinese barbecue sauce and toss to coat the mixture evenly. Transfer the hot chopped barbecued chicken to serving platter and pile the romaine leaves along side. To eat, pile spoonfuls into lettuce leaves, wrapping lettuce around fillings.
Here are a few of my tips that make this a staple at my place. First I cut all ingredients as small as I can. This allows me to get more veggies into my kids without them recognizing them. Also, I hate mushrooms, but cut very small, they add a wonderful flavor. Also I cut up all my veggies first. While I am chopping, which is a little time consuming, I put the meat in the freezer. By the time I get to the meat, it is slightly frozen and cuts tons better. This adds the benefit of throwing the cutting board in the dishwasher after all the cutting is done and no worries about meat contamination. I put romaine leaves even though the original recipe had iceberg. I think my kids like calling them tacos. I know it is crazy, but I get a lot less complaints. I usually by the romaine at Costco and this uses quite a bit.
No picture now. Will work on it!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Gluten-free Banana Bread
1 stick butter
3-4 bananas, mashed
2 C GF mix + 2 t xanthan gum
1 C sugar
1 C finely chopped pecans
2 eggs
2 t baking powder
1 t vanilla
1 small pkg instant vanilla jello pudding
Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and bananas. In a separate bowl mix GF mix, xanthan gum, baking powder and pudding. Add dry mix to wet and mix. Stir in pecans. Bake at 325 for 40-45 min or until baked through.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lime Rickys

This is my husband's favorite drink. We served it at our wedding reception and it is great for summer BBQ's!
grape soda
lemon lime soda
fresh limes
Pour grape soda into an individual glass, fill about 1/3 of the glass' height. Then add twice as much lemon lime soda or about 2/3 of the glass' height.
Cut fresh lime into wedges, about 4-6 wedges per lime, squeeze juice from one wedge into drink and drop in.
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