Friday, November 24, 2023

Taco Casserole

 We love Mexican and Tex-Mex Food.

Here's a delicious Mexican Casserole Dish:

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees.

A Small Casserole Dish.





2 lbs. of Meatless Ground Crumbles.

2 TBS. Olive Oil.

1/2 Large Onion, diced.

2 Cloves of Garlic, minced.

1/2 Large Green Bell Pepper.

1 Packet of Taco Season or 4 TBS.

4 Eggs

2 C. Shredded Mexican Cheese.

Toppings: 1/2 C  Drained Diced Tomatoes, 3 Green Onions, diced, 

Sour Cream to Garnish Individual Servings.


In a Skillet on Medium-High Heat:

Oil

Crumbles

Onion

Garlic

Bell Pepper

Cook until everything is Tender, stirring often.

Add:

Taco Seasoning, stirring until well combined.


Spoon Mixture into the Casserole Dish.


In a Small Bowl:

Eggs

1/2 of the Cheese.

Mix well.

Pour into the Crumbles Mixture.

Stir until well combine.

Top with remaining Cheese.

Bake uncovered for 25 Minutes or until Cheese is Melted and Bubbling.

Remove from the Oven to a Cooling Rack.

Top with Tomatoes and  Green Onions.

Garnish Individual Servings with Sour Cream.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!


Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Crisps

 This is a great Side Dish or Appetizer for the Holidays.


Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 400 degrees.

2 Sheet Pans

Aluminum Foil


15 Small  Brussels Sprouts ( make sure they're not Large, they are too tough for this recipe)

 2 TBS Olive Oil

1/2 tsp Salt plus more for Sprinkling on the Cut Sprouts.

1/4 tsp each:  Onion Powder, Garlic Powder ,Paprika, and Cayenne Pepper.

1 C Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese.


Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

1/4 C Mayonnaise

2 TBS Dijon Mustard

1 TBS Tabasco

1 tsp Honey

Mix well in a small Bowl and set aside.


Boil Whole Sprouts just until tender.  Drain them, dry them and toss them in a Bowl with 2 TBS of Olive Oil.

Place them on the Sheet Pan.

Sprinkle with some of the additional Salt.

Lay a piece of Foil Loosely  over the Sprouts

Roast for 15 - 20  minutes.

Remove Pan to a Rack to Cool for 10 minutes.


In a Small Bowl, prepare the Spice Blend:

Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika and Cayenne Pepper.

Mix well and set aside.


Trim off the Root end of the Sprouts, cut them in half  and place them Cut Side Down ( keeping them on the Pan)

Put another Sheet Pan on top of them and gently Press down to Flatten them Slightly.

Season on both sides with the Spice Blend.

 Spoon a little less than 1 TBS of the Parmesan Cheese on the Sheet Pan, under each Sprout. Keeping the Cut Side Down on the Cheese

Return to the Oven for 10 - 12 Minutes.

Remove Pan to a Rack to Cool slightly.

Serve Warm with the Dipping Sauce.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!








Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Thanksgiving

 I decided to create a Post with a Collection of my favorite Thanksgiving Recipes. Some are Family Tradition Recipes that we've been making for many years.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Tofurky Roast

 Scalloped Apples two ways!

King Ranch Casserole, the original recipe! A Texas Legend

Wild Rice and Orange Herb Dressing / Thanksgiving 2013

Roasted Vegetarian Tofurky for Thanksgiving

Carrots with Shallots, Sage and Thyme / Thanksgiving 2013

Julia Child / Corn Timbale

Creamed Corn Casserole

Buttered Rosemary and Sea Salt Rolls

Homemade Corn Muffins from Rebecca Rather

Thanksgiving Pumpkin, Pear, Orange and Walnut Loaf Bread!

Pumpkin Biscuits / Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving Bread

Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes!

Green Bean Casserole

Individual Green Bean Casserole

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Chocolate Silk Pie

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Cake

Crock Pot Squash Casserole / Thanksgiving 2013

Pecan Cream Pie

Pumpkin Muffins / Thanksgiving 2013

Pecan Pie Cake

Pumpkin Pie Croissants

Cranberry Mousse

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dressing from Food 52

Texas Cranberry Sauce

Holiday Recipes that are definitely on our Holiday menu every year!

Corn Pudding / Thanksgiving 2013

Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Wisconsin Cranberry Apple Crisp with Homemade Whipped Cream 

Crock Pot Scalloped Corn 

Hotel Bristol's Soupe de Courge a la Créme

Crock Pot Cauliflower with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese

Colonial Apple Charlotte

Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Holiday Cranberry Pecan Bread

Corn Soufflé Pudding

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Mushrooms Burgundy

Apple Crisp for Two



Monday, October 23, 2023

Peanut Butter Cookies

 I created this new recipe to make Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cookies using Monkfruit Sugar Free Sweetener. Monkfruit Sweetener is used 1 - 1 equal to regular Sugars.

I buy it in Granulated, Powdered and Brown. 

This happens to be one of my favorite cookies. I love peanuts, peanut butter and these cookies.

These are very simple and that's one of the appealing things about them. 





Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

A 1 1/2" Cookie Scoop


1 C Peanut Butter (your choice of Creamy or Crunchy) 
1 C Monkfruit Powdered Sugar
1 Egg
1 TBS  Vanilla

Add all ingredients to a Mixing Bowl and Mix to combine well.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Scoop the Dough using the Cookie Scoop onto the Sheet Pan.

Flatten each cookie with a fork in a criss-cross pattern. ( I use a small Fork dipped in hot water to make it easier to release the Fork)

Bake 8 - 10 minutes ( I baked mine for 8 minutes)

Remove Pan from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
Transfer cookies to the rack and cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Boston Cream Pie Sheet Cake

 I love this adaptation of Boston Cream Pie.





Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees.


For the Cake:

A 10" X 15" Jelly Roll Pan. I Brush mine well with Pan Release Mix: I start with 1 C of Vegetable Oil, 1 C of Crisco and 1 C of Flour. Mix to Combine Well and keep refrigerated in a Mason Jar. I always have it available for all of my Baking Needs. It's a Fool Proof Method for the most intricately designed Bundt Pans too.

1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix

1 Small Box of Instant Vanilla Pudding

1/2 C Sour Cream

3/4 C Vegetable Oil

3/4 C Water

1/2 C  Granulated Sugar

4 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla


For the Cream Filling:

2 Large Boxes of Instant Vanilla Pudding

2 C Half and Half

2 Cups of Heavy Cream


For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 1/2 C Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1.2 C Half and Half

1/2 C Powdered Sugar


Prepare the Cake Mix:

Add all of the Cake Ingredients in Large Mixing Bowl and 

Stir to Combine Well.

Pour the Mixture into the Pan.

Bake for 30 - 35 Minutes.

Remove the Pan from the Oven to a Cooling Rack to Cool Completely.


Prepare the Cream Filling:

In a Mixing Bowl:

Add all of the Filling Ingredients and Mix to Combine Well, until it Thickens.

Refrigerate until needed.


Prepare the Frosting:

In a Microwavable Bowl:

Add:

Chocolate Chips

Half and Half

Heat in 30 second increments stirring often until the Chocolate is melted.

Stir to combine well.

Add Powdered Sugar and Mix until Creamy Smooth.


Assemble the Sheet Cake:

1. Spread the Cake evenly with the Cream Filling using a Silicone Spatula.

2. Use the Spatula to carefully add a layer of Frosting.

Refrigerate the Cake for at least 1 Hour before Serving.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!












Sunday, October 22, 2023

Apple Crisp for Two

 Apple desserts are always the perfect Fall and Holiday Dish.

Apple Crisp for Two:





Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 375 Degrees.

A 1 Quart Oval, Rectangular or Square Baking Dish. ( approximately 4 Cups)


3 TBS Butter. Cold and Diced. (Unsalted is preferred)

4 TBS Granulated Sugar, divided. I have been Baking and Cooking with (Monkfruit Sugar Substitute Sweetener) I buy it in all forms, Granulated, Powdered and Brown.  It's perfect for Diabetics.

2 TBS All Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp Cinnamon, divided.

2 TBS Rolled Oats. (You can use 1 minute or 5 minute Oats) (Old Fashioned Oats or Quick Oats)

A Pinch of Salt

2 Medium Tart Granny Smith Apples.

1 Medium Honey Crisp Apple.

2 TBS Maple Syrup. (I use Sugar Free)

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Lemon Zest

1/2 tsp Lemon Juice

In a Small Mixing Bowl:

Cold Butter

2 TBS Sugar

Flour

Half of the Cinnamon = 1/4 tsp.

Oats

Salt

Use a Pastry Blender or Two Forks to work the Butter into the Mixture.

Mix until resembles a Crumbly Oat Streusel Mixture. Set aside.


Peel and Core each Apple into 1 inch pieces and add them to another Bowl and Toss them with

the remaining 2 TBS of Sugar, the remaining Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Nutmeg 

Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice.

Pour into the Baking Dish.

Sprinkle the Top evenly with the Oat Streusel Mixture.

Bake for 40 Minutes. For an Extra Crisp Topping, Broil it for 4-5 Minutes and the End.

Remove from the Oven to a Cooling Rack to Cool Completely.


Enjoy! 

Peace in the Kitchen!





Thursday, September 14, 2023

Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

 This is a great side dish for Thanksgiving.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 375 degrees. A Lightly Oiled Sheet Pan.


1/4 C Butter, melted.

4 Cloves of Garlic, minced.

1 TBS Lemon Juice

1 tsp Dried Thyme

1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary

Salt and Pepper to taste

3 Pounds of Cremini Mushrooms

In a Small Bowl, whisk together:

Butter

Garlic

Lemon Juice

Thyme

Rosemary

Salt and Pepper


On the Sheet Pan:

Mushrooms in a single layer.

Drizzle with the Butter Mixture and gently Toss to Coat Well.

Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!


Monday, June 12, 2023

Strawberry Shortcake


Classic All American Strawberry Shortcake:

A Summer picnic at my Grandmother's always included Strawberry Shortcake. 

The Traditional Shortcake is made with individual Bisquick Biscuits served with mashed Strawberries, soaked in Sugar and poured over the Biscuit. It was then topped with a mound of Whipped Cream.

This was our traditional Strawberry Shortcake
The appealing part of this recipe is that the Biscuit is made in a Cake Pan and then served sliced.
This recipe comes to us from Trisha Yearwood.

This is something that I make for Easter.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 450 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of 2 - 9" Round Cake Pans with Butter or my Pan Release Mix (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) Mix together well and store refrigerated in a Jar. I start with 1 C of each and I always have it available in the refrigerator in a Canning Jar. It's foolproof to release any of your cake recipes, especially the most detailed Bundt Pan designs.


4 C Sifted Flour

2 TBS Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1 1/4 C Granulated Sugar

2/3 C Butter (11 TBS) Cold and Cubed.

2 Large Eggs

1 C Whole Milk

2 TBS Butter, melted

3 Pints of Fresh Strawberries

1 C Heavy Cream, whipped.


Ia Large Mixing Bowl, sift together:

Flour

Baking Powder

Salt 

1/2 C Sugar

Add Cold Butter and Cut in with a Pastry Blender to a coarse crumble consistency.


In another Large Bowl:

Beat Eggs

Add Milk until well combined.

Gradually stir in Egg and Milk Mixture into the Flour Mixture.

Knead the Dough for no more than a Minute (do not overwork the Dough), on a lightly Floured Surface.

Pat Half of the Dough into each Cake Pan.

Brush the Top with Melted Butter.


Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes

Remove from the Oven and Cool in the Pan for 5 Minutes..

Turn them onto a Cooking Rack and Cool Completely.

Wash the Berries and remove the Hulls.

Reserve a few to Garnish the Shortcake.

Cut the remaining Berries in Half and place them in a Mixing Bowl with the remaining 3/4 C of Sugar. 

I Mash the Berries with a Potato Masher. It's what my Grandmother did.

Set Aside and let them sit for 30 minutes.

Place one of the Cake Layers on a Serving Platter.

Spoon Half of the Berries with some of the Juice over the First Layer.

Place the Second Layer on top and add the remaining Berries with Juice, over the Top.

Top the Cake with Whipped Cream and Garnish with Halved Berries.

Slice and Serve.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!



Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Applesauce Cake

Applesauce Loaf Cake:

1 C brown sugar
1/4 C butter
1 C applesauce
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in a little water.
2 C flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves.
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 C raisins
a pinch of salt

In a mixing bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar.
Add spices
Add applesauce, flour and baking soda.
Add raisins.
Beat well.

Pour into a loaf pan buttered and floured well or use my Pan Release Mixture (equal parts of Crisco, flour and vegetable oil mixed well and applied with a pastry brush) This is my foolproof method to release anything I bake.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Enjoy! 

Peace in the Kitchen!

Summer Berry Muffins

Summer Berry Muffins

2 1/2 C flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C + 6 tsp sugar, divided
1 C whole milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 C butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla
1 C fresh strawberries, quartered
1 C fresh blueberries
1 C fresh blackberries

preheat oven to 400 degrees

In a medium bowl:
flour
baking powder
salt
1/2 C sugar

In another bowl:
milk
eggs
butter
vanilla

Gently stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until mixed.
Fold berries into batter

Spoon batter into 24 paper lined cups in muffin tins.
Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of remaining sugar over the top of each muffin.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Muffins will not test done with a toothpick because of the fresh berries.
Allow them to cool 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tins.
Remove paper lined muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



Gruyere Soufflé


"Gruyère cheese is generally known as one of the finest cheeses for baking, having a distinctive but not overpowering taste. In Quiche, Gruyère adds savoriness without overshadowing the other ingredients. It is a good melting cheese, particularly suited for Fondues along with Vacherin and Emmental. It is also traditionally used in French Onion Soup, as well as in Croque Monsieur, a classic French toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich. Gruyère is also used in chicken and veal Cordon Bleu. It is a fine table cheese, and when grated, it is often used with Salads and Pastas. It is used, grated, atop Le Tourin, a type of garlic soup from France which is served on dried bread. White wines, such as Riesling, pair well with Gruyere. Sparkling apple cider and Bock beer are also beverage affinities."



Gruyère Soufflé

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - Buttered 2 Quart Souffle Dish

2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread pulsed in a Food Processor to make Bread Crumbs.
1 C Whole Milk
1 C Grated Gruyère Cheese
1 TBS Butter
A pinch of Salt
A pinch of Pepper
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 Large Egg Yolks
3 Large Egg Whites, beaten until stiff peak.

In a large saucepan on medium heat:
Milk, heat to scald.
Reduce heat to low.

Add:
Bread Crumbs
Cheese
Butter
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Cook until the Cheese melts, stirring often.
Remove from heat.

Whisk in Egg Yolks.
Fold in Egg Whites.
Pour batter into the dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Spinach Puff Pastry Hors D'Oeuvres


Spinach Puff Pastries

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 400 degrees.





A Muffin Pan, Spray 9 of the Cups with a Vegetable Cooking Spray.

1 Sheet of Frozen Puff Pastry, Thawed

4 oz. Cream Cheese, Room Temperature

1 Large Egg

1 TBS Olive Oil

1 TBS Fresh chopped Dill

2 C Chopped  Fresh Baby Spinach

3/4 C Crumbled Feta Cheese

Salt & Pepper to Taste

1 TBS Butter, melted.


Microwave Cream Cheese for 10 second intervals until Soft and Melted a bit but not Liquid.

Add:

Egg

Oil

Dill

Mix to Combine Well.

In a Separate Bowl:

Spinach,

Feta

Do not Mix yet.

Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture on top, add S&P to taste and Mix well with a Blending Fork.

Cut the Sheet pf Puff Pastry into 9 Squares and Line the Muffin Cups. (Stretch them a bit & Press into the Bottom of the Cups.


Divide the Mixture among the Cups.

Bring the 4 Corners of the Squares together.

Lightly Brush the tops with Melted Butter.


Bake 20 Minutes, until Golden Brown and Puffed.

Remove the Pan from Oven to a Rack and Cool for 10 minutes.

Gently run a Knife around the edges to Loosen the and Pop them out. 


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!



 








Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Chocolate Soufflé

 I decided to Post a link to my favorite Chocolate Soufflé recipe so I would have the rights to include their Photo's. 






Chocolate Soufflé Recipe - Serious EatsSerious Eatshttps://www.seriouseats.com › ... › Chocolate

Enjoy! 

Peace in the Kitchen!

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds


Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds

Great holiday gift idea!



Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds:


Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp. Cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 Egg White
2 tsp. vanilla
3 Cups Almonds
1/4 C. Water

Directions:
In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until it’s a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure the almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add cinnamon mixture to the almonds and toss until coated.

Thoroughly spray with the stoneware of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and add the mixture of almonds and sugars.

Cook on low ( with the lid on) 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. In the last hour, add the 1/4 C. of water and stir well. This ensures a crunchy yummy coating. (*make sure after you’ve added the water that you continue to cook the nuts for another 45 minutes to an hour.)

You have to stir really well, especially as it gets later in the cooking process.

Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread the almonds flat to cool. The almonds will be sticky at this point, so make sure you separate them a little and have no large mounds.



Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Ranch Vegetable Dip

This is a very easy and delicious Dip to be accompanied by a variety of cut Vegetables.

1/2 C Sour Cream
1/2 C bottles Ranch Dressing
1/4 C Mayonnaise
1/4 C grated Parmesan Cheese
2 TBS sliced Green Onions ( the entire Onion)

Mix together, refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars


Toll House Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars.




These come in a variety of flavors so you can
be creative with the recipe.
Change the flavor of the Morsels and the flavor of Jam.

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 350 degrees.

1 - 8"X8" Baking Pan lined with Foil. (I cut the pieces overlapping

 and extending 2" over all four sides.

1 - 16.5oz. package of Nestle Toll House Refrigerated 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough, divided.

3/4 C Nestle Toll House Delightfulls Peanut Butter Filled Morsels.

1/4 C Raspberry Jam ( I use Bonne Maman)


Press 20 Squares of Dough into the Pan. (refrigerate the remaining Squares)

Bake for 15 minutes.


Transfer the Pan to a Rack to Cool for 15 minutes.

Spread Jam over the Cookie Crust.

Sprinkle the Delightfulls Morsels evenly over the Jam.

Place the remaining 4 Squares of Cookie Dough in a Small Bowl 

with a small amount of Flour and Mix with your Hands until Crumbly.

Sprinkle evenly over the Morsels.

Bake an additional 20 minutes. The Top should be Golden Brown.


Remove from the Oven and transfer the Pan to a Rack 

to Cool Completely.

Lift it out of the Pan using the Foil and place onto a Cutting Board

or Flat Surface.

Cut into Squares to Serve.


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!











Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Stuffed Cabbage

I make a great Vegetarian version of Shepherd's Pie and when I saw this recipe it reminded me of it. I like the option of the Cabbage instead of topping Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potatoes. I will still make it with Potatoes too. I simply copied and pasted this recipe so I could legally have the incredible Photo of the final dish.

As a Vegetarian I will replace the Meat items with a Meatless Ground and use a Vegetarian Beef Stock. Other than that I will make it as directed. 

I'm also a huge fan of Food 52. I once tested a dessert recipe for them.


Here's the Link for Chou Farci:

Best Chou Farci Recipe - How to Make Stuffed Cabbagehttps://food52.com › recipes › 87200-best-chou-farci-st...


Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!