Showing posts with label sandwiches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sandwiches. Show all posts

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Sandwiches for a Crowd         Makes 14 – 1 cup servings.   
2 lb. 14 oz. pkg. rotisserie chicken
2 c. chopped celery
2 c. grapes, halved or quartered (about 1 lb.)
1 c. sliced almonds
¼ c. chopped chives
Dressing:
3 c. mayo or miracle whip and/or part sour cream or greek yogurt
¼ c. lemon juice
1 t. garlic salt
1 t. onion Salt
¼ t. pepper
Serve on 14 Croissant or a bed of lettuce.  

5 Gallon Recipe = Makes 80 - 1 cup servings

6 – 2lb.14 oz. pkgs. rotisserie chicken
3 bundles of celery = 12 c. diced celery
12 c. halved or quartered grapes (about 7 lbs.)
6 c. sliced almonds
1 c. chopped chives
Dressing:
5 – 30 oz. jars of miracle whip
1 ½ c. lemon juice
2 T. garlic salt
2 T. onion salt
1 T. pepper 

Stake RS Activity Menu = Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Chips, Apple or Orange, 2 cookies & water or lemonade  Made 2 - 5 gallon recipes for 150 servings total .  Served on 14 dozen croissants and 6 heads of romaine lettuce.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Hamburgers.....

For the 4th of July we grilled up some burgers.  This is how I did them.....

4 lbs. lean hamburger
1 1/2 c. Monterey Cheese, grated
1/2 c. onion puree
2 t. season salt
1/4 c. worcestershire sauce
Mixed with mixer.  Formed into patties, using 1/2 c. hamburger mixture.  Made 20 patties.  

Sunday, April 23, 2017

BBQ Shredded Chicken .... in the crock pot

Makes a delicious sandwich on a homemade bun, serve over rice, wrap in a tortilla, sprinkle over a salad, or eat it plain.

BBQ Shredded Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
seasonings to taste (I use....salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, season salt)
1 c. BBQ sauce
1/4 c. Italian dressing
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

Place chicken in crock pot and sprinkle generously with salt & pepper, garlic powder, & season salt.  
Once chicken has cooked....shred it.  I use my electric hand mixer to shred my chicken.  Does a great job!!  I leave the broth in the chicken as it keeps it moist and tasty!
Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat thru in the crock pot.  Serve.  

Monday, March 27, 2017

Cheddar Bacon Egg Salad

Cheddar Bacon Egg Salad
6 to 8 eggs
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Hard boil the eggs, cover and bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.  Cool under cold running water.
While the eggs are cooling, chop the bacon into bite sized pieces and fry until crisp over medium heat. Drain the fat and set aside the bacon.
Peel the eggs and mash them finely with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, parsley, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
Stir in the bacon and cheddar.
Serve as a dip with crackers or between bread as a sandwich

Monday, September 12, 2016

Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

Tomato Soup
4 tbsp. butter, divided
1 onion, finely diced
1 Garlic clove, minced
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
3 c. chicken (or vegetable) stock
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 c. heavy cream
Fresh basil, for serving
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
8 slices white bread, crusts removed
8 slices cheddar cheese

Make soup. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion cook until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, stock, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in cream, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil.
While the soup is simmering, make the grilled cheese roll-ups. Using a rolling pin, roll bread into flat, 1/4-inch thick squares. Place a cheese slice on each slice of bread and roll up tightly.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the roll ups to the skillet, seam side-down. Cook, turning often, until all sides are golden and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and add more butter before adding more roll-ups.
Ladle soup into bowls and serve with grilled cheese roll-ups.

http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a49054/grilled-cheese-soup-dippers-recipe/

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Kelsey's Wedding Reception Menu......

Kelsey's Wedding Reception Menu


I made their wedding cake......
The simplest cake I ever made.....rough frosting and no borders on a log with lots of fresh flowers....is what she wanted.  Here it is.....

Swig Cookies   (AKA: Kelsey's Wedding Cookies)        makes 4 dozen
  • 6 c. flour
  • 1 t. salt
  • ½ t. baking soda
  • ½ t. cream of tarter
  • 1 c. butter, softened
  • ¾ c. Vegetable Oil
  • 1¼ c. sugar 
  • 1 c. powdered sugar
  • 2 T. water
  • 2 eggs, room temp.
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • Frosting:
  • ½ c. butter, softened
  • 1/3 c. sour cream
  • 4 to 5 c. powdered sugar
  • 1/4 t. salt
  • 2 T. milk
  • 1/4 t. vanilla 
  • Red Food Coloring or desired coloring
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cream of tarter, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, vegetable oil, sugar, powdered sugar for 2 minutes.  , and water. Add in eggs & vanilla .
Slowly add in flour mixture until combined. Use a medium sized cookie scoop and roll the dough into golf sized balls and place onto a non stick cookie sheet.
To give the cookies their signature rough edge, dip the bottom of a glass into sugar and press onto the cookie ball to flatten the cookie. You still want the cookie to be thicker so don't press them too thin.
Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.   The cookies stay soft so do not over bake.
To make the frosting: Cream together butter, sour cream, and salt. Add the powdered sugar. Add in the milk to the desired consistency.  Tint icing.   Spread over cooled cookies and let the icing set up. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Best served cold.

For the ones pictured....I used 1 t. lemon extract for one and a half batches of frosting.  I placed a small scoop of frosting on each cookie and then spread it.  This was enough frosting for 2 batches of cookies.
Kelsey's were pink, of course!

Best Ever Cream Cheese Butter Frosting
Beat together:
1 c. butter, softened 
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 t. vanilla
Gradually add while mixing:  
4 1/2 c. powdered sugar 
We spread this on sugar cookies and topped them with fresh berries.  Made darling little fruit pizzas!!  They were a hit!!



Chicken Salad Cream Puffs
Cooked chicken, diced
celery, thinly sliced
Mayonnaise, Best Foods
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mix together and serve on mini cream puffs.

For the Cream Puffs we used the recipe on Page 200 in the Atkinson Cookbook.
Except we used the small cookie scoop heaped full.  We baked them at 450 for 12 minutes then reduced the temperature to 325 for 18 minutes more.  A batch made 24 mini cream puffs.

Pasta Salad
5 lbs. bowtie pasta, cooked
8 c. small grape tomatoes, left whole
6 large cucumbers, sliced
8 stalks celery, sliced
1 bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing from Costco
Made the day before and chilled until serving time.






All of us at the temple......
One special day!!!






Abbi & Emalee were flower girls.......

Connor & Abbi in the photo booth......

This is the hope chest that Grandpa Gene Atkinson gave to Grandma Evelyn for her high school graduation in 1946.  When Kelsey graduated from high school Grandpa gave the hope chest to Kelsey.  Kelsey took it to the reception to hold her gifts.  This is the quilt that Katie & I made for their wedding gift.                                                                                                                          
The happy married couple!!!  Congratulations Austin & Kelsey Haney!!  

Monday, June 1, 2015

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Our Stake Women's Conference is this week and so I called Linda Savage for her recipe ....I have adjusted the serving amounts.....because we had way too much!!!   Linda figured it at 4 servings per pound of chicken.  I have adjusted it to 6 servings per pound and I am sure it will still be plenty.  We were serving ladies and so if you were serving mostly men it may have to make adjustments.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches
6 servings   (Double this for 12 servings)                                                       
2 cups cubed cooked chicken                                
1/2 cup grated cheese                          
1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved          
1/2 cup miracle whip                              
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery                      
1/4 cup sunflower seeds                          
1/4 teaspoon salt  *                                  
1/4 teaspoon pepper *
*  Linda uses some season salt in to but salt and pepper works also.

90 Servings
15 lb. cubed cooked chicken
3.5 lbs. grated cheese
3 lbs. grapes, halved
1/2 gal. miracle whip
1 1/4 lb. thinly sliced celery
1  lb. sunflower seeds
about 1 1/2 T. Season Salt - to taste  (I add salt & Pepper too)

180 Servings
45 lb. cubed cooked chicken
10 lbs. grated cheese
9 lbs. grapes, halved
1 1/2 gal. miracle whip
3 lb. thinly sliced celery
3  lb. sunflower seeds
about 4 T. Season Salt - to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste

360 Servings
60 lb. cubed cooked chicken
15 lbs. grated cheese
12lbs. grapes, halved
2 gal. miracle whip
5 lb. thinly sliced celery
4 lb. sunflower seeds
about 6 T. Season Salt - to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste

Since I purchased 20 lb. boxes of chicken I made another version......
120 Servings
20 lb. cubed cooked chicken
5 lbs. grated cheese
4 lbs. grapes, halved
2/3 gal. miracle whip
1 2/3 lb. thinly sliced celery
1 1/3 lb. sunflower seeds
about 2 T. Season Salt - to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste

(this is the version I actually used but one whole batch and 1/2 of another was left over as Linda thought a batch would serve 100)
150 Servings - 
25 lb. cubed cooked chicken
5 lbs. grapes, halved
1 gal. miracle whip
2.5 lbs. thinly sliced celery
1 1/2 lb.s sunflower seeds
2 1/2 T. Season Salt
Salt & Pepper to taste

We served Veggies and Fruit and a Cookie.
We served around 200 people.

This is what I would buy next time......
2 or 3 -  5 pound bags carrots
3 or 4 - 2 1/2 pound bags of celery
3 or 4 - 2 pound bags snap peas
2 big bottles of Gregg's Ranch Salad Dressing

6 - 2 pound boxes of strawberries
6 - tubs of pineapple
15 pounds of oranges

20 dozen cookies
18 to 20 dozen Croissant rolls
10 heads of Romaine Lettuce

 6 to 8 bags of ice


Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Aus Juice

A great dipping sauce for toasted roast beef sandwiches.

Aus Juice
3 c. water
4 t. beef bouillon
1 t. soy sauce
1/4 t. garlic powder
salt & pepper
Heat together.  Can thicken with some flour if desired.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Sweet Pulled Pork & more......Costa Vida Style

We are getting ready for the Atkinson Reunion this weekend.....Justin has agreed to take care of Pulled Pork for sandwiches on Saturday.  A few ideas for him....

Sweet Pulled Pork for a Crowd
Makes 100 4 oz servings or sandwiches; 12 hours
1 C Brown sugar
1/2 C Cocoa powder
6 Tbs Chili powder
4 Tbs Cumin
6 Tbs Salt
4 Tbs Black pepper
25 lbs Pork loin, boneless
5 cans Diced tomatoes (28 oz)
5 Onions, diced
100 sandwich buns
1 gallon BBQ sauce

Make rub, season loin
In a bowl mix together brown sugar, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Sprinkle over and rub into loin with hands until loin is completely covered, set aside for 30 minutes and let marinate.

Sear loin, prepare cookers
In a large pan over medium-high heat sear loin in olive oil (1 or 2 at a time). Mix together tomato, onion in large roasters or crock pots.

Cook loin, shred
Place seared loin on top of vegetable mixture in slow roasters or slow cookers. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Remove lid and shred loin with a fork, then stir together meat, juices and vegetables.

Make sandwiches
Place a portion of pork on a sandwich bun 

Sweet Pork Barbacoa
2 pounds pork (I like to use the pork butt – my butcher concurs)
2 cans Coke (NOT diet)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 c. water
1 can diced green chiles
3/4 can enchilada sauce (I used Old El Paso)
1 c. brown sugar
Put the pork in a reclosable bag to marinate, pour in one of the cans of Coke and 1/2 c. brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight. (I’ve done both…they both work.)
Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of Coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours. Remove pork from crock pot, drain off liquid, shred pork. (I use twoforks because I’m too impatient to wait until it’s cool.)
Mix together (in a bowl or in the blender) other 1/2 can of Coke, can of chiles, enchilada sauce and brown sugar.
Put shredded pork back in the crock pot, cover with sauce, heat just until warmed through.

SWEET PORK
2 pounds pork (we like to use boneless pork ribs)
3 cans Coke (NOT diet)
1/4 c. brown sugar dash garlic salt
1/4 c. water 1 can diced green chilies
3/4 (1ooz) can red enchilada sauce (I used Old El Paso brand, medium spiciness)
1 c. brown sugar Put the pork in a heavy duty Ziploc bag to marinade.
Add about a can and a half of coke and about
1/4 c. of brown sugar.
Marinade for a few hours or overnight. Drain marinade and put pork,

1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don’t let it get TOO dry). Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork. In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little. Put shredded pork and sauce in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. That’s it!

CILANTRO-LIME RICE
1 c. uncooked rice
1 tsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth 1 cup water
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tsp. sugar
3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
In a saucepan combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 tsp. lime, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice.

CILANTRO RANCH
1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix (not BUTTERMILK)
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. buttermilk
2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced (I boiled it)
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic juice of
1 lime
1 jalapeno (we like it SPICY so we kept the seeds in it, if you like it mild, just remove the seeds) Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That’s it!


Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Myrna's Pinwheel Sandwiches

Myrna Dutson made these yummy pinwheel sandwiches.  She said she doesn't have a recipe but this is what she put in them.
Cream Cheese
chilies
taco seasoning
red pepper
green onions
Mix together; spread on a tortilla, roll it up and slice it.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Tropical Cream Cheese Chicken Puffs


The history of cream puffs is a mystery.  No one knows who invented them or when they were first served.  But they have been served world wide for every grand occasion imaginable.  I have revised the commonly known sweet treat into a delicate appetizer filled with a cream cheese and chicken mixture with a little tropical twist.   Hope you enjoy them….!!

Tropical Cream Cheese Chicken Puffs
Mix together in mixing bowl:
12.5 oz. can Chicken Breast Chunks, drained
¾ c. crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 1 t. of juice)
¾ c. sunflower seeds
½ t. salt
3 T. fresh chives, snipped (plus some for garnish)
½ c. whipping cream
4 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
20 miniature cream puff pastries (empty)
Mix together;  chicken, pineapple, sunflower seeds, salt and chives and set aside. 
Beat whipping cream on high speed for 1 minute.  Add Philadelphia Cream Cheese and beat about 30 seconds more.   Take out ½ c. of this cream cheese mixture stir in the 1 t. of pineapple juice and set this mixture aside.  Mix the remaining cream cheese mixture in with the chicken mixture.
Slice off the top of the cream puffs.  Gently lift off the top and using a medium sized cookie scoop place 1 Tablespoon of the filling on each cream puff and replace the top of the cream puff. 
Place the cream cheese mixture that you have saved in a quart sized Ziploc bag and snip off one corner.  Pipe this mixture in a swirl on top of each cream puff and sprinkle with snipped chives.  Refrigerate until serving time.  

Monday, July 18, 2011

YW Camp Cooking notes........and recipes.....2011

Well camp is over for another year......We made some menu changes this year...so I thought I ought to write them down.

For our Tuesday evening fancy dinner........the YW Leaders were served by the adult leaders.....we made Lemonade Chicken, Grilled Green Beans, Rice, homemade rolls and Polynesian Parfaits.


Lemonade Chicken
Mix together:
32 Oz. Frozen Lemonade
32 Oz. Water
2 1/2 c. Ketchup
2 c. Brown Sugar
1 c. Vinegar
Pour over:
40 to 45 Chicken Breasts in roaster oven.  Cook at 350 for about 3 hours.
Thicken sauce with:
1 1/2 c. Cornstarch mixed with 2 c. Water
Serve with rice.

Polynesian Parfaits  (AKA: Pineapple Sherbet Fruit Cup, Atkinson Cookbook, p.211)
Made 100 - 5 oz. cups (1/2 c. serving)
5 - 1/2 gallon cartons Pineapple Sherbet, softened
5 lbs. frozen or fresh, sliced strawberries
12 to 14 bananas
Strawberries for garnish
This will all fit in Linda's commercial mixer.  Beat sherbet until smooth and then add fruit.  Beat well.  Spoon into serving cups.  Top with a slice of strawberry.  Freeze until serving time.

A new snack that we did.......Dessert Tortillas
Spread tortilla with 1 T. Peanut Butter.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Fold in ends and roll up tortilla.  Wrap in foil.  Heat at 350 for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Penne Pasta
1 lb. Italian Sausage, browned
Saute 1 red and 1 green pepper & 1 onion, julienned.  Cook until soft, but crunchy; then add:
3 - 15 oz. cans diced or crushed tomatoes (with or without Italian Seasoning)
1 pkg. Spaghetti Seasoning
8 oz. Tomato Sauce
Cook until bubbly and stir in:
1 lb. cooked penne pasta
We did this recipe times 20.....we served 200 people....but we still had enough left for 200 people.  Thank goodness they really liked it!!  We heated it up and served it for an extra lunch side dish and even for a bedtime snack for some hungry hikers.  NEXT TIME: Use12 to 15 lbs. of pasta for 200 people.
We served this with a delicious homemade breadstick sprinkled with Salad Supreme.  They were yummy too!

We usually do weiner roll ups but this year they got a Hot Dog and chips for lunch one day.....but we did make these amazing Baked Beans and Broccoli Salad to go with it.

Baked Beans
3 lbs. brown sugar
2 1/2 lbs. diced, bacon (you don't have to precook it but we cooked it up at breakfast and saved some for this dish)
2 T. dry mustard
3 lbs. molasses
2 to 3 c. dried, onions
6 gal. pork and beans
Stir all together.  Pour into 2 18 x 24 foil roasting pans.  Bake uncovered for 1 to 2 hours.

Broccoli Salad
10 c. broccoli
6 slices cooked, diced bacon
2/3 c. chopped, red onion
Sauce
1 c. mayo or miracle whip (we used some of both)
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. vinegar
Pour over veggies and chill 1 hour.  At serving time, add:
2 c. grated cheese
1/4 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. raisins or craisins (we used craisins)

This year instead of the ever famous Chicken Enchiladas we had a Cafe Rio dinner.  It was a big hit!!  We were told it is the new favorite!!!
Sweet Pork
4 lbs. pork roast
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. mild salsa
1 c. 7-up
Cook in crock pot on high 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.  Shred the pork and serve on a tortilla with cilantro rice and black beans topped with Cilantro Line Dressing.

Cilantro Rice
2 c. cooked rice
3 3/4 c. water
4 t. chicken boullion
4 t. garlic
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 can green chilies (we forgot to add these)
3/4 t. salt
1 T. butter
1/2 onion, grated
Combine all ingredients and cook as directed on rice package.  Fluff and serve.


Black Beans
2 cans black beans
8 oz. tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 t. cumin
2 T. olive oil
1 t. salt
Stir together and heat through.

Cilantro Line Dressing
2 T. lime juice
2 T. vinegar
1 c. olive oil
1 small bunch cilantro, coursely chopped
1 clove garlic
2 sweet onions
Salt & Pepper
Mix in blender until cilantro is finely chopped.  Chill and serve.

We didn't make this, but a lady there gave us this recipe........she said it would be good with this menu too.
Cafe Rio Ranch Dressing
2 c. mayo
1 pkg. ranch mix
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/4 t. cayenne
1 c. cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic
3 tomatillos (boiled and quartered)
Blend in blender until smooth.  Chill and serve.

We served Herbed Pork Roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, Fluff Salad, Fresh Fruit Bowl, Carrots and Dip for our Friday evening dinner with all the bishoprics and YW leaders.  We used 10 Whole Pork Loins.  We served over 300 people.

Herbed Pork Roast
Combine:
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. dried Thyme
1 t. each - garlic salt, pepper, rubbed sage, dried crushed rosemary
Rub over :  3 - 4 lb. pork loin roast
1/4. c. flour (used to make gravy)
Bake at 325 to 160 degrees (2 to 3 hours) in roaster ovens.  Use drippings and flour for gravy.

The last day we made tortilla sandwiches for lunch....some with ham and some with turkey.

Ham Sandwich Spread/Wraps
1/2 gal. mayo
2 c. milk
1 T. celery seed
 2 to 3 T. mustard
1 T. salt
Stir and spread on tortilla.  Top with deli ham, lettuce and grated cheese.  Roll up and wrap in foil.

Turkey Wraps
Spread tortilla with Ranch Dressing.  Top with deli turkey, lettuce and grated cheese.  Roll up and wrap in foil.

Other lunch menus.....Tacos, Chicken Salad Sandwiches
We planned to use pita pockets for the Chicken Salad Sandwiches....however they turned out to be Pita Flat Bread.....we cut them in half and placed 1/2 c. scoop of the chicken salad filling on a lettuce leaf on each 1/2 circle of pita flat bread and wrapped them in foil.  It was much easier than filling pita pockets would have been....it worked out great.....they were really good.

Breakfast menus.......scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast
Scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes
Scrambled eggs, toasted english muffin, peaches

Snacks.......Dessert Tortillas, Brownie Pizza, Cinnamon Rolls, Rice Krispy Rolls











Monday, July 5, 2010

Herbed Cream Cheese


For my Sweet 16 Garden Party last week I wanted to make something using fresh herbs because we were going to learn about herbs. After a little research and a few changes this is what I came up with. The girls liked it and so does my family. I definitely think this recipe is a keeper.

Herbed Cream Cheese
16 oz. cream cheese, softened (light is fine)
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 cloves minced garlic OR 3/4 t. garlic powder (my fresh garlic isn't quite ready to harvest)
2 T. each fresh herbs, chopped: dill, parsley, basil, thyme, lemon balm, chives (my basil isn't ready yet)
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1 t. grated lemon peel
1 T. lemon juice or milk, more if needed; for desired consistency ( iused Lemon juice)
Mix cream cheese & butter together. Add remaining ingredients and beat well. Form into a ball and chill for 2 hours. Decorate with fresh herbs at serving time. Serve with crackers.

I spread some of this on flour tortillas and rolled them up and sliced them into mini pinwheel sandwiches. They were really good too.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tea Party Fun!!

Here are the recipes I talked to you about. I have not tried them, but I am planning to. Go on line to read more. The cream is an English recipe, make from clotted cream. This is a "pretend" recipe. I am growing lavendar in my garden this year. There were lots of recipes to use it in. Ready to try some. Something fun and new.
I also saw some stuff of Ellen Easton's Tea Travel. That is where I saw the jam recipe. Have fun, Marcia

Originally from Devonshire County, England, it is a thick, buttery cream often used as a topping for desserts.
Easy Devonshire Cream
1 3 oz. cream cheese, room temperature (I read where some thought you needed more)
1 T. sugar (I read where some thought 2-3 T sugar was better)
1/8 t. salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and salt; stir until well blended.
Stir in whipping cream.
With an electric mixer, beat mixture until stiff peaks form. Store in refrigerator.

There was a picture of it, looks like lemon zest on top. Another recipe was kinda like this one. But. It was 4 oz. of mascapone cream, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 t vanilla, 1-2 T sugar and zest of lemon or lime.

Lavendar Scones
2 cups flour
1 T. baking powder
4 T. butter
mix til crumbly
add 1/4 cup sugar
2 t. fresh lavendar or 1 t. dried (save little for sprinkle on top)
2/3 cup milk
Mix til dough is soft and sticky
Roll out on floured surface. Cut into round circles or whatever.
Bake 425 10-12 mins makes 12 scones

Rose Petal Jam
1/2 lb. pink or red edible rose petals (no chemical sprays, not from nursery, green houses, florist)Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals. (4 cups)
2 cups sugar, divided(Karla sprinkled the petals and still used 2c.sugar in the jam)
4 1/2 cups water (Karla used 4)
juice of 2 lemons (1/2 c.)
Rinse petals thoroughly and drain.
Place rose petals in a bowl and sprinkle enough sugar to coat each petal. Let set overnight. (one recipe said to do this, the other one didn't)
In a saucepan over low heat, place remaining sugar, water, and lemon juice; stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in rose petals and let simmer 20 minutes (the other recipe said 10 minutes, Karla did about 15 minutes). Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; continue boiling for approximately 5 minutes (more like 30) until mixture thickens and the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 221 degrees F. or until a spoonful dropped onto a cold plate jells and holds its shape. Remove from heat.
After boiling, transfer the jam into hot sterilized jars. Fill them to within 1/4-inch of the top. Wipe any spilled jam off the top, seat the lid, and tighten the ring around them. Cover, label, and store in a cool place.
Makes 1 pound of jam.

It did not say to take out petals, but I think I would. It said the most fragrant roses makes the best jam.

June 27, 2010 - I made a batch of this jam today, while my roses are in full bloom. My kids thought I was crazy but it turned out to be really good. I did strain it and it takes way longer than 5 minutes to cook it to 221 degrees, more like 30 minutes. I found another recipe that was about the same except it doesn't have you sprinkle the petals with sugar and let set overnight. It called for 4 cups of rose petals and only 4 cups of water. I only used 4 cups of water and I'm glad I did or it would probably have taken longer to thicken it. We had some on an English Muffin and it was yummy!!! I think I will serve it at Abigail's Sweet 16 Garden Party on Wednesday!!!

Here is the website Marcia was referring to: http://whatscookingamerica.net/EllenEaston/TeaTravelsIndex.htm
It has some fun ideas there!! Here are more recipes I found there. There is an endless supply of recipes here. Karla

Iced Tea Punch
4 cups water
8 teaspoons of Earl Grey Tea or Black Tea Blend (I would just leave this out)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 cups of orange juice
Juice of 2 lemons
4 cups Ginger Ale
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Flavored Iced Tea cubes (see below)
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil; remove from heat. Add the tea leaves and let steep approximately 5 minutes or until brewed to your liking. Remove tea bags and discard. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool and refrigerate until well chilled.
Just before serving, add orange juice, lemon juice, and Ginger Ale.
To serve, place orange and lemon slices on the side of each tea glass. Place prepared frozen Flavored Iced Tea Cubes into each glass before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Flavored Iced Tea Cubes
Brewed tea of your choice
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
Zest the orange and the lemon. Place the zest in the bottom of an ice cube tray, pour brewed tea into the trays and freeze until firm.
Remove the ice cubes from the tray when ready to served the Iced Tea Punch.
NOTE: You may also add edible flowers and herbs to the tea before freezing. Citrus juices of an orange, lime, lemon, and/or lemonade may also be frozen into the ice cubes to be served with the punch.

Old-Fashioned Lemonade - How To Make Lemonade
Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
Juice of 6 freshly-squeezed lemons (approximately 1 cup)
4 cups cold water
1 sliced lemon, for garnish
Ice cubes
Prepare Simple Syrup in advance and refrigerate.
In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar and cold Simple Syrup. Add water, lemon slices, and ice cubes; stir until well blended. Serve in tall glasses over ice.
Yields approximately 6 cups.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe:
1 cup granulated sugar*
1 cup water
* You can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup, if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Store in the refrigerator.
Lemonade Variations:
Lavender Lemonade - Add 1 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds. Add lavender to the hot Simple Syrup and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the Simple Syrup and discard the lavender buds. Refrigerate Simple Syrup until cool.
Limeade - Substitute fresh lime juice for the lemon juice.
Strawberry Lemonade - In a blender, puree 1 pint of fresh strawberries (hulled and halved); add to the pitcher with the lemon juice and Simple Syrup.

Ellen's Plain Scones
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 pound (1 cup) unsalted cold butter, diced
1 1/2 cups half and half cream
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Alternative Ingredients (see below)
Scone Wash (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar (see below)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
With a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into flour mixture until particles are the size of small peas. Fold in your Alternative Ingredients of choice to the flour mixture. Add half and half cream to the mixture and blend until dough forms. DO NOT over mix the dough.
With floured hands, pat dough to a 1-inch thickness onto a floured board. With a floured cutter of your desired shape, cut out and place 1-inch apart on a parchment paper lined or a lightly greased and floured baking sheet.
Lightly brush the top of the scones a little of the half and half Scone Wash Cream. Sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar on top of each scone to taste.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown. Baking time will vary according to the size of your scone. Scones are best served warm. Yields: 24 scones.
Alternative Ingredients To Taste:
Golden Raisins
Ground Ginger and Butterscotch Morsel Bits
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Flavored extracts
Coconut Flakes
Dried Fruits
Herbs and Spices

Scone Wash:
1/2 cup half and half cream (for brushing top of scones)

Cinnamon Sugar:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 or 2 tablespoons cinnamon, to taste.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. If more Cinnamon/Sugar is needed, repeat if needed.

Lemon curd is a British teatime favorite. This sweet, yet tart, velvety spread is heavenly on freshly baked scones, muffins, and tea breads. Another favorite is serving lemon curd on gingerbread or used as a filling for tarts and cakes. Lemon curd can add a special touch to your favorite desserts and tea time goodies.
Lemon curd is so easy-to-make as all it contains is eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. I usually use the stove-top method, but the microwave method also works great.
I know that lemon curd is not something to include in your every day diet, especially if you need to watch your fat, sugar, and/or calories intake. A jar of lemon curd would certainly make a great gift, or a nice addition to gift baskets.

Stove-Top Lemon Curd
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon zest (rind)*
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons)**
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces***
3 eggs, lightly beaten
* Cold lemons are much easier to grate. Always grate your lemons first, and then juice them. Grate lemons just before using as the zest will lose moisture if it sits too long.
** Do not use the bottled lemon juice - only use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Room temperature lemons produce more juice. When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm, plump, and heavy for their size. Always use fresh lemons when making lemon curd.
*** Use good quality butter. Do not use butter substitutes. T
Remove the zest (rind) from the limes using a zester or a peeler (be careful to avoid getting any of the white pith). Juice the lemons after removing the zest.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Bring just to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until it has melted. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. NOTE: Use a heavy-based, non-reactive saucepan. Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and enamel all work well. Aluminum or unlined copper pans will react with the acid in the lemons, discoloring the curd and giving it a metallic flavor.
Beat eggs into cooled lemon mixture until well blended. Return to heat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats spoon. NOTE: Do not let the lemon curd boil, as it can cause the mixture to curdle. Remove from heat. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools.
Makes approximately 2 cups.

Microwave Lemon Curd
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon zest (rind)*
1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons)**
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces***
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
* Cold lemons are much easier to grate. Always grate your lemons first, and then juice them. Grate lemons just before using as the zest will lose moisture if it sits too long.
** Do not use the bottled lemon juice - only use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Room temperature lemons produce more juice. When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm, plump, and heavy for their size. Always use fresh lemons when making lemon curd.
*** Use good quality butter. Do not use butter substitutes.
Remove the zest (rind) from the lemons using a zester or a peeler (be careful to avoid getting any of the white pith). Juice the lemons after removing the zest.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave on high.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, beaten eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Slowly whisk into the hot melted butter until well combined.
Cook in the microwave on high for 1-minute intervals only, stirring well after each minute, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. NOTE: Do not skip mixing after the 1-minute intervals and do not let the lemon curd boil, as it can cause the mixture to curdle. The lemon mixture will thicken further as it cools.
Pour into a clean glass jar or bowl and allow to cool in refrigerator.
Makes approximately 2 cups.

Variation: For a Lime Curd, substitute lime zest and lime juice for the lemon zest and juice.

Storing Lemon Curd:
Cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd (this prevents a skin from forming on the surface).
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or store in the freezer for one year. To thaw, move the container from the freezer to a refrigerator at 40°F or colder for 24 hours before intended use. After thawing, store in the refrigerator in a covered container and consume within 4 weeks.

Cucumber Tea Sandwich
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and very thinly sliced (about 32 slices)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup coarsely-chopped watercress leaves
16 slices best-quality white bread*
Salt to taste
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts

* Choose the best-quality white or wheat bread as possible. Never serve end slices. Freezing the bread before cutting and then spreading makes for easier handling.
Place cucumber slices between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, combine butter and watercress; spread on one side of each slice of bread.
Lay cucumber slices onto the buttered side of eight (8) slices of bread. Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt. Cover each with 1 tablespoon alfalfa sprouts and top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a long, sharp knife after the sandwiches are filled. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again. If desired, decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters.
Yields 8 whole sandwiches or 16 halves or 32 fourths.

Ritz Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
8 hard-cooked eggs*
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh dill
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
20 slices best-quality white bread**
Peel eggs and place into a medium bowl. Slice eggs and then coarsely mash them with the back of a fork. Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and dill; stir until well blended. NOTE: This mixture can be refrigerated, covered, up to two days.
Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Spread the buttered side of 10 slices of bread with 2 tablespoons egg mixture. Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
Carefully cut the crusts from sandwich with a long, sharp knife. Cut in half diagonally, then cut in half again. If desired, decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters.
Yields 10 whole sandwiches or 20 halves or 40 fourths.

Making Sandwiches Ahead of Time:
If you need to make tea sandwiches in advance and need to keep them from drying out, cover them loosely with a sheet of wax paper and then place a damp kitchen towel over the wax paper (never place a damp towel directly on top of the bread because the sandwiches will become soggy). Refrigerate.
When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator. Uncover sandwiches just before serving.

Oreo Truffle Balls
1 (1 pound, 2 ounce) package Oreo cookies
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature*
2 (8 ounces) packages semi-sweet chocolate chips**
Optional Toppings (additional chopped Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, Heath Bar Crunch bits, colored sugar or sprinkles, etc.)
* You can use original or low-fat cream cheese
** Use a good-quality chocolate chips. The taste and quality of these truffles are dependent on the quality of chocolate you start with.
Line two large baking or cookie sheets with either wax paper, parchment paper or a Silicone Baking Mats; set aside.
In a food processor or blender, process and crush all of the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. NOTE: Do not over crush! You want a crumb, not a powder. If you do not have a food processor or blender, cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a Rolling Pin.
Add cream cheese and process until thoroughly mixed and you have a creamy dough (there should be no white traces of cream cheese).
Using your hands, roll into walnut-size balls, approximately 3/4-inch diameter. If the mixture becomes too soft to work, place the remaining mixture back into the refrigerator to slightly harden. Place Oreo Balls on the lined baking sheet and refrigerate or at least 45 to 60 minutes.
The Oreo Balls may be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week before dipping in chocolate.
If you put the Oreo balls in the freezer for a short time before dipping in chocolate, this helps keep the balls cold longer. I also put the cookie sheets in the freezer first so they are really cold when I place the chocolate-covered Truffle Balls onto the cookie sheet.
Use latex gloves to roll the balls, less mess!
How To Melt Chocolate - Using one of the below methods to melt the chocolate chips:
Double Boiler: In the top of a double boiler over hot water, not boiling water (don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water, melt chocolate; stirring until smooth. Be careful boiling water may cause steam droplets to get into chocolate which can result in "seizing," when the chocolate becomes stiff and grainy. If you don't have a double boiler you can improvise one by placing a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water. Remove from heat. Let the chocolate cool slightly, but it should not set.
Microwave Melting Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips using either the defrost setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute, then check and stir. If you need more time, do it in 10 to 20 seconds intervals and check and stir after each addition of microwave time. Remove the container from the microwave and stir the chocolate until completely melted. Baking chips and baking chocolate may appear formed and un-melted after heating but will become fluid after stirring. Blend in cream, brandy, liqueur, or coffee
When ready to coat the truffle balls with the melted chocolate, remove the chilled Oreo Balls from the refrigerator. Replace parchment paper on baking sheets if they are not clean. A small fork, toothpicks, wooden skewer, or chopsticks are great to use as dipping tool. Dip each Oreo Ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip back into the pot. Place the Oreo Truffle Balls onto the wax paper. If the chocolate gets too hard to dip well, reheat it over the double boiler or in the microwave.

Variation Ideas:
These truffle balls may also be coated with additional chopped Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, Heath Bar Crunch bits, colored sugar or sprinkles, etc.
You can also make Mint Oreo Truffles by substituting Mint Oreo Cookies for the regular Oregon Cookies.
Let Oreo Truffle Balls harden and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep truffles refrigerated or frozen prior to serving.
Makes 40 to 50 candy balls, depending on the size balls your roll.

For more menu ideas see this site: http://whatscookingamerica.net/HighTeaRecipes.htm
There are a ton of recipes here......you could spend hours here.....in fact I just did.....and didn't even begin to see what all is here.

just one more....
Strawberries in Lemon-Lavender Syrup
1 pound fresh strawberries
6 tablespoons water
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
Whipped cream (optional)
Rinse and drain strawberries. Hull and cut into halves or quarters into a large bowl and set aside.
In small saucepan over low heat, combine water, lemon juice, sugar and lavender and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and lavender is infused. Remove from heat and strain syrup, discarding the blossoms.
Pour strained syrup over strawberries and toss gently to mix. Serve berries and syrup right away in pretty glass bowls or stemmed glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Note: You can prepare the syrup in advance and let it cool. Toss with berries just before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Happy Tea Party!!!!

Lacey Making Teddy Bear Cookies