Saturday, November 16, 2019

Instant Pot....Soups & Stew


Instant Pot Recipes

Chicken Enchilada Soup
12.5 oz. chicken breast (can use fresh or frozen chicken – but need to adjust cooking time)
15 oz.  black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. diced tomatoes
15 oz. sweet corn
10 oz. green enchilada sauce
2 c. chicken broth
1.25 oz. packet taco seasoning or ¼ c.
2 T. Ranch seasoning
1/2 t. cumin
3/4 t. chili powder
1 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. pepper
Add all ingredients into your Instant Pot. Place lid on sealing.  Push the manual button, and set the timer for 4 minutes.  Quick release or Natural release is fine too.  Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, tortilla chips or whatever you like. 

Stew
2 lbs. beef stew meat, bite sized pieces
2 c. beef broth
1 lb. baby carrots
3 to 4 potatoes, chunks
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 t.  salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 onion, diced
1 c. celery, diced
2 c. frozen peas
Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot in order listed.  Set lid to sealing.  Cook on manual or high pressure for 30 minutes.  Quick release or natural release.  Stir and serve. 

Chicken Soup
1 to 2 chicken breasts
3 c. carrots, sliced
2 c. celery, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 c. chicken broth
Put your chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot.  Add vegetables, seasonings and broth.
Place lid on sealing.  Set to Manual for 20 minutes. Quick release or natural release.  Stir and serve. 




Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Breakfast Bundt Cake

Breakfast Bundt Cake
1 c. ham, diced 
2 c. frozen tater tots
12 eggs, whisked
1 can Grands Biscuits, unbaked and diced up
2 c. cheddar cheese
1/4 c. milk
Mix together and pour into a sprayed bundt pan.  Bake at 400 for 45 minutes.  Dump onto a platter and serve. 

Cut recipe in half for small bundt pan.  Bacon is great in it too!!

Monday, October 14, 2019

Chocolate Lava Cake in the Instant Pot

This recipe came from Tyler Jumper.

Chocolate Lava Cake in the Instant Pot
1 c. water, for instant pot
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. butter
1 c. powdered sugar
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 T. vanilla
3/8 c. flour
4 Pyrex 6 oz. bowls
For Topping:  ice cream, caramel drizzle, Magic Shell Chocolate ice cream topping
Microwave chocolate chips and butter in a large bowl for  2 minutes.  Stir in powdered sugar until smooth.  Add eggs and egg yolk and stir well.  Add vanilla and  flour and stir well.  Spray Pyrex bowls with cooking spray.  Pour batter into each bowl filling to the top.
Place trivet and 1 cup water in the instant pot and then place the bowls on the trivet.  Stack them if needed.
Seal.  Manual for 9 minutes.  Quick Release.
Remove bowls, rest 2 minutes and place upside down on a plate.  Top with ice cream, caramel and magic shell.  Enjoy!
*For a Peanut Butter Lava Cake, mix together:  4 T. peanut butter, 1 T. butter, 2 T. powdered sugar.
Fill bowl half full with batter and then add 1/4 of this peanut butter mixture to each bowl and then finish filling bowl with batter.

Roast Beef & Veggies in the Instant Pot

Roast Beef and Veggies in the Instant Pot
2 to 3 lb. Roast (thawed or frozen)
1 onion, thickly sliced
2 c. water
2 T. beef bouillon
1 T. cornstarch or clear jel
1/2 t. granulated garlic
1/2 t. granulated onion
1/8 t. pepper
1 lb. mini carrots
1 to 2 lb. potatoes
Place roast in pot and top with onion slices. 
Mix water and seasonings together and pour over the roast. 
Add carrots and potatoes.  Seal. Cook on manual for 70 minutes if thawed or 85 minutes if frozen.  Natural Release. 
*This can be kept in the instant pot on warm setting for as long as needed, until ready to serve. 

BBQ Sticky Chicken Wings in the Instant Pot

BBQ Sticky Chicken Wings in the Instant Pot
1 c. water
3 lbs chicken wings **
3T. brown sugar
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 c. BBQ sauce
2 T. hot sauce optional
Place trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
In a medium sized bowl with a lid, whisk together brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add chicken wing pieces, put lid on bowl and shake or stir well to coat chicken with seasonings.  Place seasoned chicken in a wire basket on trivet in Instant Pot. 
Place lid to sealing and cook on manual for 5 minutes.  Natural release for 10 minutes then release remaining pressure. 
Stir together the BBQ Sauce and Hot Sauce and coat the chicken pieces with the sauce and place them on a foil lined baking sheet.  Broil for about 3 minutes on each side to caramelize.  Serve.

**If you buy whole chicken wings, you need to trim them into 3 pieces; a wing tip, the wingette and the drumette.   You may save the tips to make chicken stock another time, use the other 2 pieces in this recipe.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Chicken & Stuffing ..... the instant pot way

Chicken and Stuffing
Place in instant pot:
2 lbs. chicken tenders (can be frozen)
1 c. water
1 t. garlic salt
Combine:  10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup** with 1 c. sour cream and add to the pot.
Sprinkle over the soup mixture:  6 oz. Stove Top Chicken stuffing mix
Top with:  12 oz. frozen green beans
Place lid on sealing.  Cook on manual for 25 minutes.  Quick release or natural release, either is fine.

**Can use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup or use Cream of Anything.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

When a recipe calls for a can of cream of chicken soup try this.....or add more milk for a creamy homemade soup.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed) 
2 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. milk, divided
3/8 c. flour or cornstarch or clear jel (I prefer clear jel)
1 t.  chicken bouillon
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. garlic salt
Boil broth and 1/2 of milk in saucepan.
Whisk together 1/2 of milk and flour and add to the saucepan.  Cook on low about 3 minutes until thickened.
Add seasonings and stir.  Cool.  Use in recipes calling for a can of cream of chicken soup.  Or whisk in  2 c. of milk and heat through and serve as soup.
** Can double or triple and freeze it for later.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Instant Pot Favorites

Instant Pot Favorites.....I'm putting them here to better keep track of them!!

Veggies

Baked Potatoes
1 c. water
Pole hole in potatoes and place on rack in instant pot
Seal.  Manual 12 minutes.  Quick Release.
Kasey likes to grease his potatoes with shortening and sprinkle with course salt and then cook them. 

Corn on the Cob
1 c. water
4 to 12 ears of corn (depending on size of instant pot)
Seal.  Manual 5min.  Quick Release or Natural Release until dinner time is fine too.

Green Beans
2 c. water
Green beans
Seal. Manual 3 minutes.  Quick Release.

Steamed Vegetables
1 bag frozen carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or ANY veggies
1 c. water
Seal. Manual 1 minute.  Quick Release. Drain if needed.  Sprinkle with garlic salt & cheddar cheese.  YUM!  

Sweet Potato
1 c. water
Place 3 sweet potatoes on Rack.  Seal.  Manual 15 to 20 minutes.  Quick Release. 


Meats

Chicken
1 ½ c. water
4 to 6 frozen or thawed chicken breasts
Seal.  Manual for 25 minutes for frozen, 20 minutes for thawed.  Quick Release.

Fall Off the Bone Ribs with Mashed Potatoes
1 ½ c. apple juice
Salt & Pepper ribs (beef or pork) and place in pot.
Seal.  Meat Stew or Manual for 25 minutes.  Natural Release.  Remove and place ribs on a foil lined pan.  Cover ribs with BBQ sauce.  Preheat oven to broil/550 degrees.  Broil for 2 to 4 minutes on each side. 
For the whole meal deal…..Then add chunked or small potatoes to the sauce left in the pot. 
Seal.  Manual for 15 minutes.  Quick Release.  Mash and serve with the ribs. 

Hamburger
1 c. water
Place hamburger, thawed or frozen on rack.  I do 4 – 1 lb. chunks
Seal.  Manual 25 minutes for frozen or 20 minutes for thawed.  Natural release for 10 minutes. 
Remove with tongs to bowl and break apart with chop & stir tool. 
Freeze in Ziploc bags for later use. 



 Miscellaneous

Eggs
1 c. water
Place eggs on rack
Seal.  Manual for 5 minutes.  Quick Release.  Place in ice water for 5 minutes for easier peeling.  

Oatmeal
1 c. Old Fashioned Oatmeal  (can do up to 4 c. at once)
2 c. water
Stir. Seal. Manual High for 4 minutes. Quick Release.  Remove lid.  Stir. Serve

For Pumpkin Oatmeal, add before cooking:  ¼ c. pumpkin, 1 T. brown sugar or honey, 1/8 t. cloves & nutmeg, 1 t. cinnamon.  Top with chocolate chips at serving time. 

To have Oatmeal ready when you are…..Cook 4 minutes and keep on warm setting all night or however long you need. 

Pasta
1 lb. pasta
4 c. water (enough to barely cover pasta)
1 t. salt
Seal. Manual 2 minutes.  Natural Release for 5 minutes then Release. 

White Rice
1 c. rinsed til clear rice (or as much as you need)
1 ¼ c. water or broth

Seal.  Manual for 8 minutes or push rice button.  Natural Release for 10 minutes then Release.

Log Cabin Day 2019 Instant Pot Recipes by Surine

These recipes were shared by Surine Greenway at our 2019 Log Cabin Day.

Taco Pasta in the Instant Pot

1-2 lbs. Hamburger
3 T. taco seasoning
16 oz. tomato sauce
15 oz. black beans, drained
15 oz. corn, drained
4 c. beef broth
1 lb. small pasta (medium shells)
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese (cheddar, mexican blend or cheddar jack)
Set instant pot to Saute and brown the hamburger.  Stir in seasoning, sauce, beans, corn, broth and pasta.
Place lid on Sealing.  Change setting to manual and adjust time to 5 minutes.  Quick Release.
Remove lid.  Top with cheese and set lid on for a minute or two until the cheese is melted.  Serve with desired toppings, such as, sour cream, taco sauce, etc.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
1 1/4 lb raw boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 Breasts)
10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (no salt added)
1 cup frozen corn thawed
1 cup black beans (no salt added), drained & rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups of organic, low sodium chicken broth or stock
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. Himalayan salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
TORTILLA STRIPS:
4 organic corn tortillas
olive oil cooking spray
Himalayan salt
Optional toppings – avocado, cheese, lime, Greek yogurt, cilantro
Toss all the ingredients for the soup into your Instant Pot and give it a stir.
Turn onto to manual setting for 15 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure. When the timer is up, carefully switch to quick release (I put a kitchen towel over the top to be safe). Once the the steam stops, carefully open the lid and shred the chicken with two forks.
To make homemade tortilla strips:
Preheat your oven to 350 and cut the corn tortillas into strips. Spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with Himalayan salt. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy with toppings!         source:  confessionsofafitfoodie.com

Rice Pudding
2 cups milk
1¼ cups water
1 cup long-grained rice (you can use short-grain if you like)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
⅛ cup sugar (I use Vanilla sugar)
⅛ teaspoon sea salt (table salt works too)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add milk, sugar, water, and salt to Instant Pot
Add rice to milk mixture.
Stir
Place lid on Instant Post, seal lid, and close vent.
Press the Porridge button. The rice will take 20 minutes to cook on this setting.
When the timer beeps, allow Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, press the Cancel button and open vent to release pressure.
When depressurized, open lid.
Add Sweetened Condensed milk and vanilla.
Stir until well mixed.
Serve with optional choice of toppings.
Source:   Mommysmemorandum.com

Brown Sugar Carrots
32 oz bag of baby carrots
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water or chicken broth
Place in your electric pressure cooker in this order: carrots, brown sugar, butter, salt & water..
Add the pressure cooker lid and set it to sealing.
Set the timer for 4 minutes.
Do the quick release to release the pressure.

Give the carrots a quick toss in the sauce and serve immediately.



Monday, October 7, 2019

Alfredo in the Instant Pot

Chicken Alfredo
4 c. chicken broth
3 c. heavy cream
1 t. granulated garlic or 4 cloves, crushed
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. fettuccini or linguine pasta, broken in thirds
1 to 2 lbs. boneless chicken breast**
1 c. parmesan cheese
1 T. dried parsley
Place in the instant pot in the following order:  broth, cream, garlic, salt, pepper and pasta.  Gently stir and make sure pasta is covered in liquid.  Top with chicken (thawed or frozen).
Seal lid and set on Manual High for 8 minutes.  Natural Release for 10 minutes.  Then release pressure.  Open carefully.  Remove chicken and shred it.  Stir in parmesan cheese, parsley and shredded chicken.  Allow to sit for 2 to 5 minutes to thicken if needed.  (The longer it sits the thicker it gets.)  Thin with more milk if needed.

** Often I use Rotisserie Chicken and since it is already cooked I just heat it up and stir it in at the end or sprinkle it on top.

For a SKINNY version
Omit the cream.
After everything is cooked at the very end stir in  2 cups evaporated milk OR 2 c. milk whisked with 1/3 c. cornstarch or clear jel (no thickening added if using evaporated milk).

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Ellen's & Sue's Rolls

2 favorites from 2 of my favorite people.....Ellen Johnson & Sue Grunig

Ellen's Refrigerator Rolls
2 c. warm water
2/3 c. dry instant milk   OR replace both with 2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1 T. dry yeast
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dry instant mashed potatoes
1 1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
4 to 5 c. flour (for a soft dough)
Mix all ingredients together in the order given.  Knead with mixer for about 8 minutes.  Let raise once until double in volume.  Punch down and turn out on a floured surface.  Divide in two and roll into a 10 inch circle,  Brush with melted butter.  Cut each circle into 18 triangles with a pizza cutter.  Roll into crescent roll.  Place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover well with plastic wrap and freeze.
Once frozen they can be placed in a ziploc freezer bag.
Remove from freezer about 3 hours before you wish to bake them.  They may also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.  Makes 3 dozen.  Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes.

Sue's Bundt Pan Pull-A-Part Rolls      Makes 2 Bundt pans full
Combine in mixer bowl:
2 c. warm water
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. yeast
Add:
2 eggs
7 c. flour
2 T. oil
1 T. salt
Mix 5 minutes.  Let rest 10 minutes.  Divide into 2 parts.  Roll to 1/2 inch thickness.  Cut in 3 inch circles.  Melt 1 cube of butter for each bundt pan.  Dip in melted butter and arrange to stand up in a circle in the pan.  Rise until double.  Bake at 400 for 15 to 20 minutes.  OR  cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Too Many Tomatoes.......

Tonight was the annual Tomato Tasting for Gardening Gems.  We had a great turnout of 25 people.  Was a fun night.

Here is a couple recipes I shared for using up all those tomatoes.  It seemed like the tomatoes would never ripen....but now there are TOO MANY TOMATOES.

Crustless Tomato Pie = perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner   Enough for a 8" pie. I doubled it for a 11" deep pie dish!
4 to 6 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1-2 t. salt
1 T. butter
1/2 c. onion chopped
1 clove garlic minced
2 c. mozzarella cheese shredded, plus some for the top (I used some cheddar too)
2 eggs beaten
2 T. fresh oregano chopped
6-7 leaves basil chopped
1/2 t. pepper (Optional)
Slice tomatoes and sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit at least 20 minutes.
Melt butter in small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute' until onions are soft (about 8 minutes). Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and add cheese, eggs, herbs, and pepper to bowl. Stir to combine.
Drain water off of tomatoes if any.  Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on a sprayed  8" pie pan. Top with about 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of tomatoes and then the cheese mixture.  Finishing with a final layer of tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned.  Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Herbed Tomato Galette with Parmesan Crust 
For the pastry:
1 1/2 c. flour, .= more for rolling out pastry
1/2 c. butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1/2 c. ice water
For the filling:
1 c. gruyere cheese, grated (or cheddar)
several tomatoes, sliced (variety of colors & sizes)
1 t. fresh basil, finely chopped
1 t. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 t. pepper
1 T. olive oil
1 egg, beaten with 1 t. water
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade add the flour, butter, salt and Parmesan
cheese. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 5 to 10 seconds. Add the lemon zest.  With the processor running, pour the water slowly through the tube in a steady stream until the dough forms a ball. You may not use all the water. Do not over mix.
Dust a clean work surface with flour.  Remove the dough from the processor and form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
On a floured surface roll the pastry into a 12 inch circle and transfer to a 10 inch round baking pan or low sided cast iron skillet.  Sprinkle with the  cheese leaving a 1 inch border all around. Arrange the tomatoes on top of the cheese.  Combine the basil, rosemary and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the tomatoes with the olive oil then sprinkle with the herb mixture.  Fold the border of the pastry in to cover the edge of the tomatoes all around. Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash.  Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden. Cool for 10 minutes, slice and serve.

Make a Mix......homemade versus store bought

I taught this class tonight for Gardening Gems.

There is no greater preventative investment in your health than in your nutrition. Preparing homemade food offers a variety of advantages.

Studies show..... food prepared at home is healthier. We eat fewer calories when we cook at home. And when restaurant dishes and home cooked meals are compared on a per-calorie basis, home cooked meals are healthier. ... They also have more fiber, calcium, and iron compared to food that's prepared away from home.  Cooking at home contributes to healthier diets. ...Cooking at home reduces calorie consumption. ...Cooking at home saves money.  Cooking at home gives us more control. ...Cooking at home brings joy!

whole foods versus processed foods…... “make versus buy” ……Homemade versus store bought isn’t on everyone’s radar but it is a good thing to consider

So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of Homemade versus Store Bought…..

Make A Mix Recipes

Brownie Mix 
Place in a quart size Ziploc bag – make as many bags as you want.  
2 c. sugar
1½ c. flour
½  c. cocoa
1 t. salt
When ready to mix:  add 4 eggs, 1 c. oil, 2 t. vanilla
Stir well and pour into a sprayed 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.  Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips if you desire.

Hot Cocoa Mix
4 c. Chocolate milk powder (Nestles’ or bulk at Winco) 
10 c. powdered milk powder
4 c. powdered sugar
1 ½ c. creamer powder 
Mix well and store in air tight container.  To serve – Mix ¼ c. with 1 cup hot water.  Stir. This makes a BIG batch….cut it in half if you want.  

Italian Seasoning Mix
¼ c. dried basil
¼ c. dried oregano
¼ c. dried rosemary
¼ c. dried thyme
2 T. dried parsley
¼ c. dried onion flakes
3 T. garlic powder
Combine in a small bowl.   Store in a pint jar.  Label & date contents.  Best used within 6 months.   Shake or stir before each use.  Use in any recipe calling for Italian Seasoning.  Great addition to soups, meats, meatballs, sauces, etc. 

Homemade Italian Dressing
 1 c. olive oil
2/3 c. white wine vinegar
2 T. Italian Seasoning Mix 
Pour all ingredients into a pint jar.  Shake well.  Chill 8 to 12 hours before serving.  Shake or stir before each use.  

Pizza Sauce
1 pint diced tomatoes or 8 oz. can tomato sauce + ¼ c. water 
2 t. Italian Seasoning Mix
1 clove garlic, chopped or 1/2 t. garlic powder 
1/8 t. salt
Stir together and use as any pizza sauce or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.    

Ranch Dressing Mix
½ c. dried parsley
¼ c. dried dill weed
¼ c. dried chives
¼ c. onion powder
3 T. dried onion flakes 
3 T. garlic powder
2 t. salt
2 t. pepper
2 t. paprika 
Combine in small bowl.  Store in a pint jar.  Label & date contents.  Best used within 6 months.  Shake or stir before each use.  Uses:  dressing, seasoning, dips, sprinkle over chicken & potatoes in the crock pot, etc.  

Ranch Dip
2 T. Ranch Dressing Mix
16 oz. sour cream
Stir together and chill 2 hours.  Great for dipping chips or veggies.  


Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
¾ c. mayonnaise
¾ c. buttermilk
2 T. Ranch Dressing Mix
Combine in pint jar.  Shake well.  Chill 2 hours before serving.  For a thicker dressing add ½ c. sour cream or plain yogurt.  

Ranch Black Bean Veggie Casserole
1 small zucchini, sliced very thin
1 small summer squash, slice very thin
1 T. olive oil
2 T. Ranch Seasoning Mix, divided
15 oz. black beans, drained & rinsed, divided
2 c. crushed tortilla chips
1 ¼ c. buttermilk
1 ½ c.  shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Whisk together oil and 1 T. Ranch Seasoning Mix.  Marinate the squash slices in this mixture and set aside.  Reserve 1/3 c. black beans, mix the rest with the crushed tortilla chips.  Spread this mixture in a sprayed 8x8 baking dish.  Whisk remaining 1 T. Ranch Seasoning Mix with buttermilk.  Pour over the bean mixture.  Layer with ½ c. cheese, tomato slices and ½ c. cheese.  Layer the squash over the cheese.  Scatter remaining black beans over the top and the remaining ½ c. cheese.  Bake at 350 UNCOVERED for 25 to 30 minutes or until squash is tender.  

Seasoning Mixes
Onion Soup Mix
1 ½ c. dried onion flakes
2 T. dried parsley
2 T. onion powder
1 T. garlic powder
1 T. ground turmeric
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper
2 t. sugar
1 ½ t. celery salt
Combine all ingredients in a quart jar.  Shake well.  Label & date contents.  Best used within 6 months.  Shake before each use.     2 or 3 tablespoons = 1 package onion soup mix.  
Use in dips, soups, stews, seasoning for roasts and other meats, hamburgers, meatloaf, etc. 
Best dip ever:  3 T. mix & 16 oz. sour cream.  Stir and chill.  Serve.  

Taco Seasoning Mix
½ c. dried onion flakes or ¼ c. onion powder
¼ c.  salt
¼ c.  chili powder
2 T. cornstarch
2 T. crushed dried red pepper
2 T. garlic powder
1 T. dried oregano
2 T. cumin
Combine all ingredients in pint jar.  Label & date contents.  Best used within 6 months. Shake or stir before each use.  One packet = 2 Tablespoons.    
Uses:  taco meat, enchilada sauce, dip, etc. 

Sweet Rub
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T.  Kosher salt
1 T. pepper
2 T. granulated onion
1 T. paprika
1 T. garlic salt
Combine all ingredients in pint jar.  Label & date contests.  Rub on meat, the longer it marinates the better.   Great on pork chops, pork loin, and even steaks and chicken.  My favorite seasoning for pulled pork.  

Cream of Anything Soup Mix = substitute for any cream soup:  chicken, potato, broccoli, cauliflower, mushroom, celery, etc.  
1 C. nonfat dry milk
¾ c. cornstarch or flour or instant clear jel *
2 T. granulated onion
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried thyme
1 t. dried parsley
1 t. pepper
Optional:  ¼ c. bouillon granules, (any flavor, I use chicken) 
When you need a can of cream soup….simply whisk together 1/3 to ½ c. dry soup mix and 1 ¼ c. water or broth or milk in a small saucepan.  Simmer over medium heat until thickened.   
For use in slow cooker recipes……simply add the dry mix and the liquid to the slow cooker and it will thicken as your recipe cooks.
* cornstarch = transparent soup  or flour = opaque soup  or clear jel = transparent & best consistency 

Chicken & Green Bean Casserole
2/3 c. Cream of Anything Soup Mix
2 ½ c. water
4 - 15 oz. green beans, drained
24 oz. chicken, cooked, cubed into bite sized pieces
Optional:  6 oz. fried onions (like French’s)   
Whisk together:  soup mix & water in a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat until thickened.  Combine soup, green beans, chicken and fried onions.  Pour into a sprayed 9x13.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, until bubbly and heated though.  

Homemade Cool Whip = this remains stable and works in all recipes calling for whipped topping – it is not whipped cream!
¼ c. cold water
1 t. unflavored gelatin
1 ¾ c. whipping cream, divided
½ t. cream of tartar
3 T. sugar
1 t. vanilla
Pour water into a small saucepan.  Sprinkle gelatin over water, let sit 2-3 minutes.  Heat over medium-low heat and stir until gelatin dissolves.  Remove from heat and cool completely.  Once gelatin has cooled, place 1 T. whipping cream and the cream of tartar in a small Ziploc bag.  Seal bag & shake until cream of tartar is completely dissolved and no lumps remaining.  Use fingers to work out lumps.  Cut off corner of bag and pour mixture into stand mixer bowl.  Add remaining whipping cream and sugar.  Beat with mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes.  Once mixture begins to slightly thicken, slowly pour in gelatin mixture while continually missing.  Add vanilla.  Continue to mix until cream is thick and smooth.  Do not try to whip until stiff as mixture will turn to butter!  
Use in any recipe calling for whipped topping.  You can even freeze it and pull it out to thaw when needed.  

Monday, August 12, 2019

Blackberry Cobbler

I adapted this recipe from a Taste of Home Recipe to use clear jel along with a few other changes.  Served it at Garden Club tonight.  Everyone loved it.  

Blackberry Cobbler
1/2 cup sugar
2 T. Instant clear jel or Tapioca
1/2 t. cinnamon
5 c. fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed
1/4 c. orange juice
DOUGH:
1 c. flour
1/3 c.sugar + 1 T. for topping, divided
1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. sour cream or vanilla yogurt
1/2 t. vanilla
1/3 c. milk
3 T. butter, melted
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, clear jel and cinnamon. Add blackberries and orange juice; toss to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes. Spoon into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking soda and salt. Combine the sour cream, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients until smooth. Spread over the berry mixture.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 T. sugar. Bake 20 minutes longer or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Can use with other berries or even peaches.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Creamy Mac & Cheese in the Instant Pot

Kristen sent me this one too!!

Creamy Mac & Cheese in the Instant Pot
1 lb. (3 1/2 c.) elbow macaroni
2 T. Butter
1 T. kosher salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 t. cayenne
1/2 t. garlic powder
2 T. cornstarch
2 1/2 c. water
3 c. milk, divided
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Add to instant pot:  macaroni, butter, salt, mustard, cayenne, garlic powder, cornstarch, water and 2 c. milk.  Stir well.
Seal and cook on high pressure 7 minutes.  Quick Release.  If pasta isn't done use saute function and to cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
Select Saute and add 1/2 c. milk and additional 1/2 c. milk if needed.  Stir in cheeses and stir until melted and creamy.  Serve immediately.

Salsa Chicken in the Instant Pot

Kristen sent me this recipe today from her Relief Society Activity.

Salsa Chicken in the Instant Pot
2 large chicken breasts
2 cans corn (drain one can)
2 cans black beans (drained)
2 pints salsa
Dump all ingredients in the instant pot.  Seal lid.  Set for 15 minutes with thawed chicken OR
20 minutes with frozen chicken.  Quick release or wait....it doesn't really matter.  Shred the chicken.
Serve over rice, quinoa or tortillas.  Top with cheese and sour cream.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Lazy Daisy Cake

Yesterday I helped with a funeral luncheon.  My friend, Alison brought this cake.  I couldn't stop eating it.  My Grandma Whiteley used to make this cake.  I haven't had it since I was a teen.  So glad to have this VINTAGE recipe again.

Lazy Daisy Cake
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, cubed
FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup half-and-half cream or milk or evaporated milk
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut or 1 c. coconut & 1 c. chopped pecans

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla until thick and pale yellow, about 4 minutes. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture and beat just until combined. In a saucepan, bring milk and butter to a boil, stirring constantly. Add to batter and beat until combined.
Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Combine frosting ingredients; spread over warm cake. Broil 4 inches from heat until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 343 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Originally published as Lazy Daisy Cake in Taste of Home October/November 1995
But it originally came out in the early to mid 1900s.

Here is a little bit of interesting history that I found on this recipe.
The Lazy Daisy rose in popularity again in the 1950’s during a whirlwind spree of potluck and church event cakes. The  1954 “Improvement Era” journal, Volume 57 (october edition), describes a quick and easy technique that is simple with results that are: “sure and delightful, (texture is superb) which makes it ideal for the busy homemaker who likes to hear compliments from family and friends.”

The earliest version came out in 1911 and was called the Lazy Dazy Cake.
It was the rage in the 1930's and was published in a 1936 University of California "Extension Bulletin".

A date with your family.....a 1950's video can be found here.
https://bakethiscake.com/2014/07/31/lazy-daisy-cake/

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Blueberry recipes

2 Berry Fluff
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
2 c. heavy whipping cream
8 c. fresh strawberries (about 2 pounds), sliced
2 c. fresh blueberries
Additional fresh strawberries and blueberries, optional

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Slowly add cream, beating until thick and fluffy.
Fold in 8 cups strawberries and 2 cups blueberries. If desired, top with additional berries.

Frozen berries work just fine. 

Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake
6 eggs, separated
1 c. butter, softened
3 c. sugar
1 t. almonds extract
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. butter flavoring
3 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 t. baking soda
1 c. sour cream
1-1/2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the extracts and butter flavoring. Combine flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. In another bowl and with clean beaters, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon into a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.



Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
FOR POUND CAKE
Cooking spray, for pan
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
2 c. plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour, divided
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 pt. fresh blueberries, some reserved for topping
FOR GLAZE
1 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Make pound cake: Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9"-x-5" loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest and beat until combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. In a medium bowl, combine most of the blueberries with remaining 2 tablespoons flour and toss to coat. Fold floured blueberries into cake batter; reserve unfloured blueberries for topping.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top with a spatula. Sprinkle with reserved blueberries and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make glaze: in a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over cooled pound cake and serve.


Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 medium size lemon)
1 and ½ cup all purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup blueberries, cleaned and dried
¼ teaspoon all purpose flour
Glaze
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup powdered sugar
1 and ½ tablespoons lemon juice (can sub with some half and half or heavy cream)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray loaf pan (mine is 9x5) with baking spray and set aside.
In small bowl combine the lemon zest and sugar. Mix together with your fingers until zest is coated with sugar and mixture is fragrant (will smell like lemon!)
In large bowl mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar zest mixture. Whisk together to combine.
In another medium bowl beat the eggs, add in the greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, vegetable oil, stir until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently to mix.
Toss the blueberries with the ½ tablespoon of flour. Once batter is mostly mixed, gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Using the back of the spoon evenly spread the batter.
Bake for approximately 50 minutes. Top will be browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle will come out clean once done. Allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes then turn the pan upside down to remove the bread from the pan. Move loaf to wire rack to continue cooling.
While bread is cooling you can prepare the glaze. In small bowl add the powdered sugar, then the lemon zest. Pour in the lemon juice and stir. Start with 1 tablespoon and if the glaze is tasting tart enough (depends on the lemon used!) then use half and half or heavy cream to get the correct consistency. The glaze will be smooth. Stir until there are no clumps of sugar remaining. Add more sugar or more juice to obtain desired consistency.
Pour the glaze over the cooled bread.
Serve immediately or store bread in sealed container. I wrap mine in foil. Store at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Pioneer Woman Blueberry Crumb Cake
1/2 stick Butter
1 Tablespoon (additional) Butter
3/4 cups Sugar
1 whole Egg
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-purpose Flour
2-1/4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
3/4 cups Whole Milk
2 cups Fresh Blueberries
FOR THE TOPPING:
3/4 sticks Butter
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 cup Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine flour, baking powder, and a salt. Stir and set aside.
Cream 1/2 stick plus 1 tablespoon butter with cinnamon and sugar. Add egg and mix until combined. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour mixture and milk alternately until totally incorporated. Do not overbeat. Stir in blueberries until evenly distributed.
Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Pour in batter.
In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients and cut together using two knives or a pastry cutter. Sprinkle over the top of the cake.
Bake cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with sugar. Cut into squares and serve with softened butter.

Asparagus....9 different ways

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 garlic clove, minced
2 T. butter, melted
1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus and garlic; cook, covered, until asparagus is crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes; drain. Toss asparagus with butter and cheese.

Tarragon Asparagus Salad
2 T. lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
1 t. minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 t. dried tarragon
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 t. Dijon mustard
1/4 t. pepper
Dash salt
1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

Place first seven ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
In a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, covered, until crisp-tender, 1-3 minutes. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
To serve, shake dressing again. Spoon over asparagus.

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus
1/2 pound fingerling potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 c. olive oil, divided
2 T. minced fresh rosemary or 2 t. dried rosemary, crushed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

In a small bowl, combine the potatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, rosemary and garlic; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast at 400° for 20 minutes, stirring once.
Drizzle asparagus with remaining oil; add to the pan. Roast 15-20 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Honey Lemon Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 c. honey
2 T. butter
2 T. lemon juice
1 t. sea salt
1 t. balsamic vinegar
1 t. Worcestershire sauce

In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus in batches; cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or just until crisp-tender. Drain and pat dry.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Transfer asparagus to a large bowl; drizzle with glaze and toss gently to coat. If desired, sprinkle with additional sea salt.

Oven Roasted Asparagus 
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 c. butter, melted
2 to 4 green onions, chopped or fresh chives
1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 425°. Place asparagus in a 15x10x1-in. pan. Toss with melted butter and green onions or chives; spread evenly. Sprinkle with salt.
Roast until crisp-tender, 10-15 minutes.

Roasted Asparagus Salad
3 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 c. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
DRESSING:
1/4 c. olive oil
1 T. snipped fresh tarragon or 1 t. dried tarragon
1 T. cider or red wine vinegar
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 t. lemon juice
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Place asparagus in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine oil and garlic; pour over asparagus and turn to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning after 10 minutes. Cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients; pour over asparagus and turn to coat. Serve immediately or allow to marinate. Serve at room temperature.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 c. olive oil
4 t. grated lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper


Preheat oven to 425°. Place asparagus in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Mix remaining ingredients; drizzle over asparagus. Toss to coat. Roast until crisp-tender, 8-12 minutes.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 T. olive oil
1/3 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 t. lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 t. salt

Preheat oven to 400°. Place asparagus in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese, lemon pepper and salt.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Asparagus Pasta Salad - Garden club recipe
8 oz. penne pasta or bowtie pasta
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 c. cherry tomatoes
1/3 c. purple onion, thinly sliced
DRESSING
1/3 c. plain greek yogurt
2 T. lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1 t. sugar
1 t. lemon zest
salt & pepper, to taste

Boil the pasta for 12 minutes and then add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water.  Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes and then drain pasta & asparagus in a strainer and rinse with cold water.  Place in a large bowl.
Add the tomato and onion and stir well.
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and pour over the pasta mixture.  Stir well. Chill. Serve



Saturday, March 23, 2019

Cast Iron Skillet Recipes....

Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Pie                                Recipes by Karla Kimball
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 T. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 egg
10 caramels unwrapped or 1/2 c. caramel sauce (I used my 6 minute caramel sauce)
1 1/2 c. coconut
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
caramel and/or chocolate sauce to drizzle for serving
On stove heat 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet on medium low, add butter.  When butter is completely melted stir in sugar. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and egg. Stir to incorporate all ingredients and pat into a layer of dough covering the skillet. Drizzle caramel on top of dough, then add chocolate chips and coconut. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Don't bake until center is totally cooked, the pan will stay hot and it will continue to bake after removing from oven.
Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel and/or chocolate sauce.


Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
1 c. butter, softened or butter Crisco
2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. vanilla
2 c. flour, divided
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips, divided
Place in mixing bowl:  eggs, both sugars, vanilla, and butter beat well.
Add half the flour into the wet ingredients and mix well.
Add the baking soda, salt & the rest of the flour and mix well.
Add 1 c. chocolate chips and mix in.
Spread mixture evenly in a lightly sprayed cast iron skillet.
Spread the remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips on the top of the mixture and gently push them in.
Bake at 375 for 13 to 15 minutes.  Don’t overbake as the cast iron pan stays hot and they continue to cook after coming out of the oven.
*** a Double batch makes enough for 3 – 10”, 1 – 12” & 2 – 5” frying pans.  I baked them all at once on convection bake at 375 for 13 minutes.   
** for one 10 to 12" skillet = cut recipe in half 
*I started making them thicker.....a double batch makes 1 - 14 inch and 1 - 10 inch)  Bake for 15 to 17 minutes.  A triple batch made 1 - 14 inch and 2 - 10 inch.  



2024 Abbi's 15th Birthday -  I did a triple batch using crisco.  This made 1 - 14 inch and 2 - 10 inch skillets.  They were pretty thick and I baked them all at once using convection for 18 minutes at 375. Served with ice cream and caramel topping!!  Everyone loved them!!!


Fresh Raspberry Pie in Cast Iron Skillet
5 to 6 c. fresh raspberries
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. water
1 to 1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. Instant Clear Jel
Pie Dough
Mash 2 cups of the raspberries in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and water.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and Instant Clear Jel, then sprinkle this over the raspberry mixture; stir to combine.  Fold the remaining berries into the mashed berry mixture.
Spoon the berry mixture into the pie shell formed in a 10 or 12"cast iron skillet and fold over the edges or add a top crust.  Brush with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes on lowest rack of oven.  Serve with vanilla ice cream.   Yield: 1 pie, 8 to 10 servings.  With leftovers to drizzle over the ice cream.   Great in a cast iron skillet.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Instant Pot Spaghetti

This is my own version of Instant Pot Spaghetti.  I took a basic recipe and added some of my favorite ingredients.  I often make it with Penne Pasta rather than Spaghetti Pasta, but either works.  Yes, I even took my instant pot camping this summer.

Instant Pot Spaghetti
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 c. onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
1 c. red and/or green peppers, diced
1 t. Italian Seasoning
1 lb. Spaghetti or Penne Pasta - (break in 3 pieces and criss cross)
24 oz. Spaghetti Sauce
24 oz. crushed tomatoes
1/3 c. spaghetti seasoning
4 1/2 c. water (or just filled the spaghetti sauce & tomato cans with water)
1/4 c. butter (optional)

Set Instant Pot to Saute and add the hamburger. Once the hamburger is mostly browned add the onion, garlic, peppers and Italian Seasoning.
Add the Pasta and pour over the sauce, tomatoes, seasoning & water.  Make sure the water completely covers the pasta.
Seal and Set for 8 minutes at high pressure.  Quick Release.  Stir in butter and serve.


Friday, February 22, 2019

Lemon Curd

Instant Pot Lemon Curd
4  eggs
2  egg yolks
1 c. sugar
1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 T. lemon zest
5 T. butter, salted and room temperature

In a 7 inch round pyrex oven-safe glass container, using a silicone whisk, whisk together eggs and egg yolks. Whisk in sugar.  Whisk in lemon juice and zest. Cover the glass container with aluminium foil.
Pour 1 cup cold water in Instant Pot. Place rack in and carefully place the pyrex dish on the rack. Seal the lid and cook at High Pressure for 1 minute, then Natural Release for 10 minutes.
Note: If using heavy duty aluminum foil, add on an extra minute to the pressure cooking time.
Release pressure. Open the lid carefully. Carefully take out the glass container. Discard the aluminum foil. Whisk the mixture well.  The whisk in the butter, one half at a time. The Lemon Curd will thicken as it cools. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

* Best NOT to use metal utensils as it may develop a metallic taste if metal utensils are used. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Log Cabin Day 2019



Well Monday, Feb. 18 was Log Cabin Day.  Kristen, Kelsey and baby Evelyn came up from Utah.  We had a great weekend crafting, preparing and attending Log Cabin Day.  Jan Irving and Abbi were the greeters.  Our classes were:  Cooking Under Pressure by Surine Greenway, Freezer Jam by Karla, Aquaponics and Korean Natural Farming by Rick Dorey.  All classes were well attended.  Mom was one of the founders of Log Cabin Day and started it somewhere between 1973 and 1983.  It was held every year on President's Day until she passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 19, 2006, the day before Log Cabin Day.  It went on without her as she had everything prepared.  We hold it every few years to honor our Mom, Evelyn Atkinson.  Sharing all the many things she loved and taught us.




      Kelsey, Kristen Kara, Katie, Karla & Abbi

Here are the recipes shared this year.

Cooking Under Pressure - Instant Pot Recipes

In class we made Taco Pasta, Brown Rice, Brown Sugar Carrots & Rice Pudding.  It was a very delicious lunch!!!



For a double batch of the Rice Pudding.....Double the ingredients but keep the cooking time the same except allow Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes. 


Freezer Jam Handout

CLEAR JEL FACTS & JAM MAKING
BY KARLA KIMBALL, U OF I ADVANCED MASTER FOOD SAFETY ADVISOR

CLEAR JEL IS THE ONLY APPROVED THICKENER TO BE USED FOR CANNING!!!  It will not break down in the jar after it has been canned.  It will come out of the jar the same consistency as it went in. 

What is Clear Jel???
It is a modified food starch derived from corn.  It is available in Instant and Regular forms.  Instant is used for jams, sauces, puddings, basically anything you don’t cook.  Regular is used for pie fillings, soups, gravies, basically those items that you do cook. 
Advantages to using Clear Jel:
·         It reduces the preparation time and calories by reducing the sugar in most recipes
·         It saves money over packaged pudding mixes, pectin and etc.
·         It thickens almost instantly – sets up in 10 minutes
·         It makes baked foods chewy and moist
·         It stores indefinitely
INSTANT CLEAR JEL FACTS
It has been precooked and will swell or thicken instantly without cooking.  If mixed properly with other dry ingredients before adding to liquid, it will not lump.  If lumps do appear, whip with a wire whip or blender until smooth.  It is clear and can be colored with Kool-Aid or Jello to the color and taste you want. 
Tips for using INSTANT CLEAR JEL
·         Clear Jel tends to lump so mix it with dry ingredients of at least equal amounts to prevent lumps.  If you need to add more later for added thickening, add small amounts by sprinkling it in, or mix with more dry ingredients. 
·         Mix with a wire whip or blender or mixer. 
·         Thickens within 10 minutes so you know right away if you need to add more thickening.
·         If you are converting from cornstarch, flour, or other thickener start by using half the amount of Clear Jel and add more if needed, in most cases I use the same amount called for.
·         Use for quick & easy sauces, jams, cookies, soups, puddings, toppings, syrups and salad dressing mixes. 
Tips for using REGULAR CLEAR JEL
·         Dissolve in cold water before adding to liquid.
·         Use for cooked products.
·         A great thickener for a clear and pretty finished product such as, salsa, mandarin sauce, fruit sauces, syrups, BBQ sauces, taco sauces, and etc.
·         If you are converting from cornstarch, flour, or other thickener start by using half the amount of Clear Jel and add more if needed, in most cases I use the same amount called for.
·         IS THE ONLY APPROVED THICKENER TO BE USED FOR CANNING!!!  It will not break down in the jar after it has been canned.  It will come out of the jar the same consistency as it went in. 

FREEZER JAM  (STRAWBERRY IS OUR FAVORITE) This recipe can be doubled or tripled
Stir together in large bowl with a wire whip, making sure the ingredients are well mixed together.
 2 c. sugar           1/3  to ½ c. instant Clear Jel         1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid (flavor of berries or lemonade)
Stir in:    5 c. mashed berries  or  3 ½ c. berry puree
Stir in:    ½ c. light corn syrup
Sets up within 10 minutes.  Pour into containers.  Can be frozen or used immediately. 


WINTER’S MAGIC JAM    (A good way to use up older canned fruit)
1 qt. Bottled fruit, peaches, cherries, etc.
1/3 c. heaping, instant Clear Jel
2 c. sugar
1 pkg. appropriate flavor, Kool-Aid or jello
¼ c. lemon juice
½ c. light corn syrup


Blend fruit in blender or mash it if you like a chunky jam, set aside.    Mix together in large mixing bowl:  Clear Jel, sugar & Kool-Aid, stir well to prevent clumps later.  Stir in the blended fruit. Stir in the lemon juice.  Stir in the corn syrup.  If desired add additional spices as desired, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, etc.  If jam is too thick you can add additional fruit juice or water.  Pour into jars, leave 3/4 “ head space as the jam will expand in the freezer. Can be used immediately or freeze for later use.  



                                        Abbi, Katie, Kara, Jenifer, Karla, Kristen & Kelsey

Until next time!!!

Lacey Making Teddy Bear Cookies