Rice in the instant pot

I have finally found what works for me..... 

Rice in the Instant Pot

Place in instant pot:

1 c rice to 1 1/4 c. water (use this ratio for however much rice you want to make)

1 T. butter for each cup of rice 

Cook on high for 3 minutes and then natural release.  Fluff and serve.  

Berry Bread Pudding

 For all those berries I put in the freezer this summer.  

Berry Bread Pudding

1 loaf bread

1 bag frozen berries 

5 eggs

2 T. sugar

1 c. milk

1 t. vanilla or almond extract 

Cube the bread and place in 6 qt. crock pot.

Sprinkle the frozen berries over the cubed bread.  

Mix together the eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla.  Pour over the berries.  

Cover and cook on high for 2 - 3 hours.  Best served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.  

Fresh Blackberry Crisp

I made lots of these this summer.  The blackberries were loaded this year!!!  

Fresh Blackberry Crisp

Mix together:

2 T. sugar

2-3 T. cornstarch

1 t. lemon juice

1 t. lemon zest

1 t. vanilla

Add: 

4 c. blackberries

Stir until sugar is dissolved and berries are well coated.

Pour into a sprayed 8 x 8 pan.  

Top with crisp topping.  

Bake at 400 for 25 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.  

My Favorite Crisp topping:

1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 t. cinnamon

1/8 t. salt

4 T. butter, softened

4 T. sliced almonds

Blend in food processor.  Sprinkle over fruit mixture. I often Double this!!!  It's the best part!!! 

Chicken Cobbler

Sue Grunig made this for us last week while Sturgeon fishing.  We all loved it!!  It's a KEEPER!!!!

Chicken Cobbler

4 T. butter, melted

4 c. shredded cooked chicken

1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. onion powder

1/2 t. pepper

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

2 c. chicken broth

1 box (11.36 oz) Cheddar bay Biscuit Mix (*reserve seasoning packet for later)

2 c. whole milk, or any kind

1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 T. butter, melted

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Spread it out by tilting the dish

around.

3. Layer the cooked chicken on top of the butter, followed by the frozen peas and carrots, and

then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over top.

* No need to stir. Just evenly spread each layer into the baking dish.

4. In a mixing bowl add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir with a whisk until

combined well. Pour it into the baking dish covering the chicken & vegetable layers.

5. In a mixing bowl add the contents from the cheddar bay biscuit mix, whole milk and shredded

cheese. Stir it with a wooden spoon until combined well.

Spread this into the baking dish as the final top layer.

* Reserve the seasoning packet (inside the cheddar bay biscuit box) for later.

6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.

7. When the cook time is done mix together the melted butter (2 tablespoons) and the

seasoning packet set aside from earlier.

Brush this onto the top of the hot chicken cobbler before serving.  

**also could use Homemade Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe - find it on here!!

Sue's Chex Mix

 Sue Grunig brings this sturgeon fishing every time!!  It is one of our favorite snacks while playing games.  She shared the recipe so now I can have it whenever I want.  

Sue's Chex Mix

In a large bowl mix:

6 c. rice Chex

6 c. corn Chex

1/2 - 1 c. sliced almonds

1 c. ribbon coconut, unsweetened

Combine in saucepan:  

1 1/2 c. corn syrup

1 1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter

Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.  Pour over the Chex mixture.  Stir well.   

Sue often just uses 12 c. Rice Chex instead of part corn Chex.  

Homemade Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Homemade Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

2 1/2 c. biscuit mix

4 T. butter, cold

Cut together to combine.

Add:

1 c. cheddar cheese, grated

3/4 c. milk

1/2 t. garlic powder

Combine to make a shaggy dough.

Drop 1/4 c. scoops onto pan or stone.  Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.

Top with garlic butter mixture.

Garlic butter

2 T. butter, melted

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. dried parsley

Skippy Bars

 I received this recipe from CakebyCourtney also known as Copycat BLOX Skippy Bars.  These remind me of my Dad!!  He was a true "Skippy" fan, he never ate any other kind of peanut butter!!  I must admit I am a fan too!!

Skippy Bars

for the bars:

2 3/4 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 c. butter, room temperature

1 c. Skippy Peanut Butter

1 1/4 c. brown sugar

1 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. old fashioned rolled oats

for the Chocolate Buttercream:

5 oz. dark chocolate chips

2 T. heavy whipping cream

1 c. butter, slightly cold

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar, measured then sifted

1/2 t. vanilla

1/4 t. salt

Garnish:

1 c. Skippy peanut butter

Reese's peanut butter cups, diced

For The Bars:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a 9”x13” metal baking dish by spraying the bottom and sides with nonstick spray. You can also want to line the bottom and side with parchment paper and spray again. Set aside. NOTE: you can use a glass baking dish but the bars will take a few minutes longer to bake and the edges might not be as crunchy.

In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand beater, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and mix on medium-high speed for about a minute, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until well mixed.

Stir in the flour mixture on low speed and mix until no streaks of flour remain.

Fold in the oats.

Put the batter into the prepared pan. It will be a thick batter, similar to cookie dough, but a little stickier. Evenly press the batter into the pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

NOTE: you want it to be slightly underdone in the center – and don't worry if it sinks a little when cooling. That's meant to happen.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the buttercream.

For the Buttercream:

In a microwave safe bowl, heat the heavy cream and chocolate in 30 second increments until smooth (stirring in between round). Set aside to cool slightly.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and ganache until smooth.

With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla and salt. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Spread the peanut butter on top of the bars and then pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream on the peanut butter. Top with the diced Reese's.  

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Or freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw to room temperature before eating.

Gardening Gems - Mexican Fiesta

Tonight I hosted the Gardening Gems Garden Club.  We had a full house with 36 in attendance and a lot of fun!!  September is always Tomato month.  So I came up a few tomato recipes and we had a dill pickle canning demo too.  

Gardening Gems - Mexican Fiesta

Dill Pickles 

cucumbers 

garlic

dill, fresh , frozen or dried

Ball pickle crisp (¼ t. per quart jar)

3 c. water

3 c. apple cider vinegar

 ¼ c. pickling salt

Wash cucumbers and slice or place in jars whole. Add a clove of garlic,

1 head of dill (fresh or frozen is best), and pickle crisp to each jar. 

Place in sauce pan; water, vinegar, & salt. Bring to boil and pour over the

cucumbers, leaving ½ inch headspace. Place lids on jars. 

Place jars in canner on a rack and cover with 1" of water. Bring to boil and process

in boiling water bath for 10 minutes for pints & 15 minutes for quarts.

Do not open jars for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the cucumbers to turn to

pickles. 

* For Dilly Beans use green beans instead of cucumbers. This

makes enough brine for 3 quarts.

MEXICAN LASAGNA

1 bag Doritos, (I prefer nacho cheese flavored)

2 lbs. hamburger 

2 c. salsa

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 tsp. chili powder

1 to 2 chopped, green or red peppers

1 sm. chopped, onion

1 to 2 diced, tomatoes

2 to 3 c. grated cheese

Brown hamburger and add salsa, taco seasoning and chili powder and set aside. In

9x13 sprayed pan layer in the following order: Doritos, meat mixture, green

peppers, onion, tomatoes, and top with grated cheese. Bake at 350°

for 30 minutes.

Our favorite Summer main dish when you have all the

fresh vegetables in the garden. Use fresh or canned salsa. 

Taco Pizza

1 Batch of Tomato Bread Dough  (see recipe below)

2 - 16 oz. refried beans

2 T. taco seasoning

2 t. granulated garlic

2 t. granulated onion

1 1/2  lb. hamburger

2 c. salsa

3 T. taco seasoning

1/4 c. water

1 t. granulated garlic

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. salt 

1/4 t. pepper

2 c. chopped peppers

1 c. chopped onion

2 c. chopped tomatoes

3 c. grated cheese (half cheddar, half mozarella)

1/2 c. chopped cilantro

Divide dough in half and rolled out on 2 baking stones.  Bake at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes, do not fully bake.  It will go back in the oven after all the toppings are added.

Mix together the refried beans, 2 T. taco Seasoning and 1 t. garlic and onion.  Spread half over each  partially baked crust.

Brown the hamburger and add the salsa, 3 T. taco seasoning, water, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper. Spread half over the refried beans on both pizzas.  Top each one  with peppers, onion and tomatoes.  Sprinkle with grated cheeses.  Top with chopped cilantro.  Bake at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes more, until cheese is melted.  

Serve while hot.  

TOMATO BREAD

1/2 c. warm milk - microwave 30 seconds

1-2 ripe tomatoes, pureed (1/2 c.)  I use 3- 4th of July Tomatoes.....they are small and juicy

2 T. fresh basil, minced

1 T. fresh chives, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 t. fresh oregano, minced

1 egg

2 T. oil

1/2 t. salt

1 T. sugar

3 rounded c. bread flour

1 scant T. yeast

GARLIC CHIVE SPREAD

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 T. fresh chives, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

Puree the tomatoes and herbs together in the food processor  (saves chopping the herbs).  

Place bread ingredients in bread machine pan in order listed.   Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing, add 1 to 2 T. water or flour if needed.  Bake in bread machine or remove dough, form as desired.  Bake in oven at 375 for 20 minutes.  

In bowl, combine spread ingredients. Serve with bread.

Peach Apple Salsa - from the USDA Complete guide to home canning

This is probably my favorite canned salsa!! 

https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_salsa/peach_apple_salsa.html

Peach Apple Salsa

6 cups (2¼ pounds) chopped Roma tomatoes (about 3 pounds tomatoes as purchased)

2½ cups diced yellow onions (about 1 pound or 2 large as purchased)

2 cups chopped green bell peppers (about 1½ large peppers as purchased)

10 cups (3½ pounds) chopped hard, unripe peaches (about 9 medium peaches or 4½ pounds as purchased peaches)

2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 large apples as purchased)

4 tablespoons mixed pickling spice

1 tablespoon canning salt

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

3¾ cups (1¼ pound) packed light brown sugar

2¼ cups cider vinegar (5%)

Yield: About 7 pint jars

Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Procedure:

   1.   Wash and rinse pint canning jars; keep hot until ready to use. Prepare lids according to manufacturer's directions.

   2. Place pickling spice on a clean, double-layered, 6-inch-square piece of 100% cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with a clean string. (Or use a purchased muslin spice bag or I use a tea infuser).

   3. Wash and peel tomatoes (place washed tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, immediately place in cold water, and slip off skins). Chop into ½-inch pieces. Peel, wash and dice onions into ¼-inch pieces. Wash, core, and seed bell peppers; chop into ¼-inch pieces. Combine chopped tomatoes, onions and peppers in an 8- or 10- quart Dutch oven or saucepot.

   4. Wash, peel and pit peaches; cut into halves and soak for 10 minutes in an ascorbic acid solution (1500 mg in half gallon water). Wash, peel and core apples; cut into halves and soak for 10 minutes in ascorbic acid solution. Quickly chop peaches and apples into ½-inch cubes to prevent browning. Add chopped peaches and apples to the saucepot with the vegetables.

   5. Add the pickling spice bag to the saucepot; stir in the salt, red pepper flakes, brown sugar and vinegar. Bring to boiling, stirring gently to mix ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove spice bag from pan and discard.

   6. With a slotted spoon, fill salsa solids into hot, clean pint jars, leaving 1¼-inch headspace (about ¾ pound solids in each jar). Cover with cooking liquid, leaving ½-inch headspace.

   7. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel; apply two-piece metal canning lids.

   8. Process in a boiling water canner according to the recommendations in Table 1. Let cool, undisturbed, 12 to 24 hours and check for seals.

Serving Suggestion: Serve as a side with or spooned on top of grilled pork chops or any grilled meat.

OF course it is great on tortilla chips too!!  At serving time I add 1/2 c. chopped cilantro to a pint jar and stir it in.  

 Recommended process time for Peach-Apple Salsa in a boiling-water canner.

  Process Time for hot packed PINTS at Altitudes of

0 - 1,000 ft = 15 minutes

1,001 to 6,000 ft = 20 minutes

Above 6,000 = 25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Estimated values using Nutritionist Pro™ software)

Per 2 Tbsp: Calories 30, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 66 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g. 

Daily Values: Vitamin A 3%, Vitamin C 8%, Calcium 1%, Iron 1%.

Percent Daily Values based on Dietary Reference Intakes.

Developed at The University of Georgia, Athens, for the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Released by Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D., Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences. August 2003.

Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

4 c. flour

3 c. sugar

2 t. baking powder

1-1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

4 eggs

1 1/2 c. canola oil

1 t. each coconut, butter and vanilla extracts

3 c. shredded zucchini

1 c. coconut

20 oz. pineapple, drained & pureed (save juice for frosting)

1/2 c. slivered almonds

Frosting:

2 c. powdered sugar

¼ c. pineapple juice

Spray the bottoms of 3, 8x4-in. loaf pans and line with waxed paper and spray the paper; set aside.

Place in mixer bowl and mix: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and extracts. Mix into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the zucchini, coconut, pineapple and almonds.

Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Gently remove waxed paper.

Stir together the frosting ingredients. Drizzle or spread over the top of the loaves.

**1 batch makes 5 medium loaves (bake 45 to 50 minutes)  and 1 small loaf (bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Fresh Pico Salsa

 Fresh Pico Salsa             Makes 1 qt. 

2 to 3 tomatoes, 1 1/2 pounds diced

1 small red onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

1/2 c. chopped cilantro

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1 t. granulated garlic

1/8 t. dried oregano

1/8 t. cumin

Mix all together.  Chill and serve with chips.  

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

 Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

30 cherry tomatoes (sun sugar are my favorite)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 c mayonnaise

1/2 c. finely chopped peeled cucumber

2 T. finely chopped chives

1 t. dried dill

1/2 t. granulated garlic

1/4 t. salt 

1/8 t. pepper

Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato.  Scoop out the pulp:  invert tomatoes on paper towels to drain.

In mixer bowl combine the  cream cheese and mayo.   Beat until smooth.  Add the remaining ingredients.  

Pipe into tomatoes with a large open tip and pastry bag.  Chill until serving.  

A tasty dip too.

Taco seasoning

 Taco Seasoning
1/1/2 t. chili powder
1 t. paprika

1/2 t. onion powder

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. cumin

1/2 t. dried oregano

1/8 t. pepper

1 t. sugar

1 t. corn starch

Mix together and use in place of 1 seasoning packet.  

Make as much as you want.

Taco Dip

Taco Dip

For the taco seasoning:

1 ½ t. chili powder

1 t. paprika 

1/2 t. onion powder

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. cumin 

1/4 t. dried oregano

1/8 t. pepper

For the dip:

16 oz. refried beans 

1 c. sour cream

8 oz. softened cream cheese

1/2 c. plain yogurt

1 ½ c. iceberg lettuce, shredded

1 c. cheddar cheese, grated

1 c. chopped tomatoes

1 red bell pepper, seeded, chopped

1 small red onion, chopped  (or green onions or chopped chives)

2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced

Chopped cilantro, as desired

Tortilla chips, to serve with

Make the taco seasoning mix: stir all the ingredients together.

Make the dip: mix sour cream, softened cream cheese, yogurt, and prepared taco seasoning in a bowl until well combined.

On a large platter:  spread a layer of refried beans and then spread the dip mixture over the top of the refried beans.  

The add a layer of lettuce, a layer of cheese, and a  layer of tomatoes.

Sprinkle the bell pepper, onion, jalapenos, and cilantro over the top of the tomatoes. 

 

Serve the taco dip immediately with some tortilla chips on the side.

Spaghetti Seasoning Mix

This recipe, adapted from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, yields about 2 ¼ cups of mix, enough for eight recipes of spaghetti sauce. 

Homemade spaghetti sauce seasoning mix

½ cup instant minced onion

½ cup parsley flakes

½ cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

Instructions for the mix

In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.

Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended.

Store the mix in a sealed, airtight jar or divide it into smaller packets for single-use servings. 

How to make the sauce

This mix can be used to make a classic spaghetti sauce with canned tomatoes and ground meat. 

Sauce ingredients

1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

2 cups water

¼ cup of the homemade seasoning mix 

Sauce instructions

Brown the meat. Cook your choice of ground meat in a large pot until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the seasoning mix. Sprinkle ¼ cup of the seasoning mix over the cooked meat and stir to combine.

Create the sauce. Add the tomato paste and water to the pot and mix well.

Simmer. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Adjust the thickness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one part cornstarch with one part cold water and slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce.

Serve. Use the sauce over spaghetti noodles and top with cheese. 

Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake
 1 1/3 c. brown sugar

1 1/3 c oil

1 egg 

1 c. buttermilk

1 1/2 t. vanilla

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 1/2 c. flour

1 1/2 c. grated zucchini

1 T. orange or lemon zest

For the Topping:

1 c. sugar

2 t. cinnamon

2 T. butter

2 T. butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and oil, beat well. Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Add the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined. Fold in zucchini and orange zest. Set aside.
Prepare the Topping: In a food processor combine: sugar, cinnamon, and butter, pulse until crumbly.

Pour half the batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over it. Add the remaining batter, then finish with the rest of the topping.
Bake at 325 for 45 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  If making muffins bake for 20 to 25 minutes.  

Blooming Onion

Blooming Onion |  Serves 4
1 large Sweet Onion 
1/2 c. Milk or buttermilk
2 Eggs, beaten

1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 T. Paprika
1 1/2 t. Salt, and some for sprinkling over the top after frying 

1 1/2 t. Onion Powder

1 1/2 t. Garlic Powder

1/4 t. Cayenne pepper 

1/2 t. Pepper

4-8 cups Oil, enough to cover the onion 
Slicing:
Make a tiny slit across the tip (not the root) of your onion and peel the brown shell away. 
Place the onion with the root facing up. With a knife, begin slicing around 1/2 inch away from the root in a circular motion. You should be able to create 12-16 even slices depending on the size of your onion.
Flip the onion and gently spread out the petals.
Coating:
Combine in bowl:  flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder and salt & black pepper. In another bowl combine eggs and milk.
Place the onion in the dry mix, spread out the petals and thoroughly coat.. Shake away excess, then place into the wet mix. Coat thoroughly.  Allow excess to drip off and then place back into the flour. Coat again, thoroughly coating each petal, carefully spreading them out as needed and shaking out any excess so the petals don't clump and stick together.
Frying:
In a suitably sized pot, heat up enough oil to cover the entire onion. Heat oil to at least 350 degrees. . Using a large spoon slowly and carefully place your onion root side up in the hot oil. Allow to fry for around 2-3mins, then very carefully flip it over. It's ready to flip when the very tips of the petals begin to brown.
Continue frying until deep golden and crispy all over. Depending on the size of your onion it should take around 6-10 minutes to fry. Do not pull it out to soon,  the batter with taste powdery and yucky.  You want a deep golden color before you take it out. Be sure to keep it submerged in the oil and  try and maintain the oil temperature during the entire frying process.
When done, place upside down on a paper towel to drain. Flip over and sprinkle with salt. Serve with your favorite dip!

There is enough to make 2 blooming onions.  

Sriracha Mayo

1 c. mayo

2 T. Sriracha

1/2 t. garlic powder

juice of 1/2 lime

salt to taste

Mix together and serve in the skin of the lime.  

Sweet Chili Mayo

6 T. mayo 

4 T. sweet chili sauce (more if needed)

Stir and serve

BBQ Mayo

1/4 c. mayo

1/4 c. bbq sauce

1 t. vinegar

1 t. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 t. paprika

1/2 t. onion powder

1/2 t. garlic powder

Stir together.  Cover & chill.  Serve

If you want it creamier add more mayo.  If you want more BBQ flavor add more BBQ sauce.  

Idaho Fry Sauce

1 1/8 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. onion powder

1/4 t. ground mustard

1/8 t. paprika

1/2 c. ketchup

2 T. red wine vinegar

1/1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

Stir together and chill for 30 minutes.  Serve.

Easy Fry Sauce

1 c. mayo

2 T. Ketchup (more if desired)

1 T. dill pickle juice

Stir together. Serve.

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Tangy Cucumber Salad

We have too many cucumbers in the garden right now.   Here is a new favorite that is tasty and healthy too.  

Tangy Cucumber Salad

4 c. sliced cucumbers

2 - 3 T. finely chopped fresh chives

1/4 c. vinegar

1 1/2 T. oil (olive or avocado is best) 

2 T. sugar or stevia 

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

Place cucumbers and chives in a serving bowl.  Set aside.

Whisk together the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper.  Pour over the cucumbers.  

Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.  

No Churn Ice Cream

No Churn Ice Cream

2 ½ c. heavy cream

7 oz. (½ can) sweetened condensed milk

1 T. vanilla extract

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Beat on high speed with an electric mixer until thick, stiff peaks form.

Pour the ice cream into an 8x5-inch loaf pan, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Transfer to the freezer and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.

Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings.

Chicken Pot Pie

Sherri Walton shared this recipe with me.  She usually buys frozen pie crust dough when making this.  But, you wouldn't have to.  

Chicken Pot Pie

Double pie crust

1/3 c. butter

1/3 c. flour

1 3/4 c. water

3/4 c. milk

1 T. onion flakes or 1/4 c. chopped onion

1 T. chicken bouillon

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

2 c. cooked chicken diced

2 c. cooked potatoes diced

12 oz. frozen peas and carrots (2 cups)

In saucepan over medium heat make a roux with the butter and flour.  Stir in the water and milk and seasonings.  Continue to cook until thickened.  Stir in the chicken and veggies.  Pour into unbaked pie crust.  Add a top crust and cut some slits in the top for steam to escape.  Bake at 425 for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.  

Corn is also a good addition.  

Best Press

This is not to drink!!!  This is the pressing spray I like to make for my quilting projects.  I'm putting it here for easy availability.

Best Press

1 1/2 c. distilled water 

1 1/2 c. vodka (80 proof)

1/4 tsp. citrus or lavendar essential oil 

Salted Caramel No Bake Cookies

My newest favorite.  These are the ticket for fast and delicious!!

Salted Caramel No Bake Cookies

2 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter

2/3 c. evaporated milk

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

4 c. quick oats

3.4 oz. instant butterscotch pudding

1/2 c. toffee chips

course Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Place in saucepan:  sugar, butter, evaporated milk and salt.  Cook over medium heat stirring frequently.  Bring to a full boil and boil for 45 seconds. Stir in the vanilla.   

Remove from heat and stir in the pudding mix until dissolved.  Add the oats and stir well.  Cool for about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the toffee chips.  Scoop into cookie balls and drop on to waxed paper.  Sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt.  Cool until set up.  

If you want you could also sprinkle with semi sweet chips before you sprinkle the salt.  I think they are best without!!  

Jane says, add coconut.  I need to try that!!!

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

 I make these in my BIG MIXER with the 5 gallon bowl.

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 lb. Butter Crisco

2 lb. + 1 1/4 c. brown sugar (6 c. packed brown sugar)

6 c. sugar

16 eggs

2 T. pure vanilla or 1/2 c. imitation vanilla

2 T. salt

20 c. flour  (3.6 cups in a pound of flour / just under 6 pounds of flour for 20 cups)

2 T. baking powder

2 T. baking soda

10 c. chocolate chips (ice cream bucket full)

Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in large mixer bowl.

Mix thoroughly on low speed.  Beat well.

Add chocolate chips and mix well.

Form into cookies and bake at 350 for 14 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the cookie.  

Cool on pan for about 5 minutes before removing from pan to cool on wire racks.  

1 1/4 inch diameter scoop = 200 to 225 cookies (regular sized)

2 1/2 inch diameter scoop = 100 to 125 cookies (Giant sized)

2 1/2 inch scoop = 8 cookies per cookie sheet, arranged like this:

0      0

    0

0      0

    0

0      0

One batch made 85 giant + 54 regular

Blackberry Ice Cream Sauce

Blackberry Ice Cream Sauce

3 T. lemon juice

3 T. cornstarch

4 c. blackberries

1/4 c. water (more if needed)

1/2 to 3/4 c. sugar (as needed)

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 t. lemon zest (optional)

In a small bowl mix together the lemon juice and cornstarch.  Set aside.

In a sauce pan combine berries, water and sugar.  Stir over medium high heat for about 3 minutes, until blackberries are broken down. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until thickened.  Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon.  

Serve over ice cream.  Keeps in fridge for about 2 weeks.  

If using fresh lemon juice also add in 1 t. lemon zest.  

Zucchini Chips in the air fryer

It's that time of year.....zucchini everywhere!!!

Zucchini Chips

Slice zucchini in 1/8 inch slices

Kosher salt

Olive oil

granulated garlic or garlic bread seasoning

Lay zucchini slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with kosher salt.  Let sit for about 15 minutes.  Pat dry with a paper towel.

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.  Place zucchini on trays of air fryer.  Lightly spray with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.  Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.  Turn the last 5 minutes of cooking.  

Lavender and it's many uses

 Lavender Simple Syrup

1 c. sugar

1 c. water

1 T. dried lavender buds or 2 T. fresh lavender buds

Place in sauce pan and bring to a boil, stirring until all sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes.  Strain into a container.  Keeps for several weeks in the fridge.  

Lavender syrup has a delicate floral and sweet taste.  Is a great addition to various foods and beverages such as; lemonades, cocktails, teas, and desserts such as cakes, cookies, pancakes, whipping cream and ice cream.  It is great to mix into a glaze or drizzle it over a fresh watermelon salad.  It pairs well with strawberries, blueberries, pears, lemon, orange, honey, sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and chocolate.

In lavender, linalool contributes to its calming properties by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitter systems, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also works to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and supports seratonin production and improves circulation and emotional balance.  

Lavender syrup tastes primarily floral and sweet, with subtle herbal notes. The dominant flavor is derived from the lavender itself, which is often described as having a delicate, aromatic, and slightly exotic floral taste. 

Lavender Soda

5 or 6 ice cubes

1-2 T. lemon juice

2 T. lavender simple syrup

1-2 c. sparkling water or club soda

Fill a cup with ice.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Stir and enjoy!!

Lavender Honey Lemonade

2 t. dried lavender buds

4 c. water

2 large lemons (1/4 c. + 2 T. juice)

5 - 6 T. honey

Ice cubes

Place buds in tea diffuser.  Bring water to a boil and then drop in the diffuser. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove the diffuser. Cool and chill.

Combine the lemon juice, chilled lavender water and honey.  Stir over ice.  It will be a delicious pink lemonaide.

Blueberry Lemon Muffins

 Blueberry Lemon Muffins

2 c. blueberries, fresh or frozen

3 c. flour plus, 1/4 c. if using frozen berries

1 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1 c. butter crisco

2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 c. lemon yogurt

1 t. lemon extract

1 t. vanilla

zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1 - 2 T. powdered sugar for sprinkling 

If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a bowl with 1/4 c. flour and set aside.  If using fresh ones skip this step.

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.

In mixer bowl, cream together the crisco and sugar.  Beat about 1 minute, until fluffy.  

Beat in the eggs one at a time.  Add the yogurt, extracts and lemon zest and mix in.

Slowly add the flour mixture and mix in.

Fold in the blueberries.

Place 24 cupcake papers in muffin pans and spray them with cooking spray.  Fill them with 1 scoop of batter.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Remove from pans to cool.  

This can also be baked in a bundt pan for a cake.  Bake for 1 hour.  

Made them with chopped up Bing cherries and they were great too!  Gonna try raspberries next.  

Dutch Oven Omelet

 Dutch Oven Omelet
1/4 c. butter
16 eggs  (4 cups)

2/3 c. sour cream

2/3 c. milk

1 1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. green onions, chopped

1-2 c. grated cheese

Melt butter in 12 inch Dutch oven.

Beat together eggs, sour cream, milk and salt. 

Stir in green onions and pour into Dutch oven.  

Place 16 briquettes on the lid and 8 under the bottom.  

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.  

Top with cheese and return lid until the cheese has melted.

This can be baked in a 9x13 pan at 350 for 40 to 50 minutes.  

Sometimes I add ham and bell peppers.