Green Eggs and Chiles!

This is actually a re post of one of my recipes. I decided to change the name.
I was thinking about a famous children's book that was written by Dr. Seuss.
If Dr. Seuss had written a book for Vegetarians, it may have been titled, Green Eggs and Chiles instead of Green Eggs and Ham.
I hope you enjoy making this no matter what the title is.
It's a great recipe for Sunday Brunch!

Green Eggs and Chiles

1- 9"X13" casserole dish, buttered
350 degrees

10 Eggs
1/2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
4 C Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
2 C Cottage Cheese
2 - 7oz. cans of Diced Green Chiles or  4 - 4oz. cans ( whichever you can find)

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes
Combine:
Flour
Baking Powder
Salt
gradually add this to the Eggs and mix well
Fold in the Green Chiles and both of the Cheeses.

Pour into the casserole dish
Bake for 40 minutes

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Avocado Cream Dip

I live in Texas and this recipe is certainly an unusual way to serve a dip made with Avocados.

Every Texan has their favorite Guacamole recipe. I have mine and it's available on my Blog. This is another delicious dip made with Avocados.

2 ripe Avocados, roughly cut

1/2 C Sour Cream

2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar

2 TBS Olive Oil

2 TBS finely Chopped Cilantro

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Adobo Seasoning

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until creamy smooth.

Transfer to a serving bowl.

Serve with Tortilla Chips, Toasted slices of Baguette Bread, Lavash Bread, or a variety of you favorite crackers.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Herb Flavored Butters

We have a great French Bistro and Bakery in our town. I talk about it often. They have an amazing young Chef that's creative in the kitchen. He'll prepare most any special request, and he does that often for me because I'm Vegetarian. He never disappoints.
We had 19 family members for dinner on a Saturday evening and the most talked about item was a homemade herbed butter. He served it with a variety of crackers and breads. It was incredible. I did not get an exact recipe but I decided to post the basics.
The preparation is very similar to most herbed butters. You add or subtract as much of an herb or spice according to personal taste. The butter is usually whipped or at least at room temperature, and the added ingredients are mixed in by hand. The butter can be rolled into a log on waxed or parchment paper and then refrigerated until it sets. It's then sliced to serve.
It can also be prepared, and the final product spread into a crock, or  a covered European butter dish  and refrigerated. It should be brought back to room temperature before serving, allowing it to be easily spread, or served as a dip with lavash crackers, toasted slices of baguette bread, bagel chips, tortilla chips or wedges of fresh homemade flour tortillas.
Here are some examples of how you can flavor butter.

I'll start with the ingredients that were given to me for the butter served at the French Bistro.

Softened Butter
Finely chopped herbs :
Garlic Cloves
Chives
Parsley
Green Onion

Mix the herbs well and emulsify them with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor.
Transfer to a serving container and fold in the butter by hand.
Add a bit of Fleur de Sel according to taste and top it off with a drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar.

Here are some other favorites:
Each of these are started with 8 TBS (1 stick) of softened Butter at room temperature.
Mixed in a bowl with a hand mixer or in a Food Processor.

Cilantro/Lime
Cilantro, finely chopped
Lime Juice
Lime Zest

Mint/Lemon
A handful of finely chopped fresh Mint leaves.
The zest of 1 Lemon

Thyme/Honey
A few fresh sprigs of Thyme, leaves only, finely chopped.
1 tsp Honey


Chive/Black Pepper
Finely chopped Chive
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Parsley/Shallot
Finely chopped Parsley
1/2 of a Shallot, minced

I hope you take some time to create homemade Herbed Butter for yourself or for guests.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Grana's Macaroni and Cheese, a shared recipe with a family history!

I started this blog because of a relative and our family recipes. I love to hear stories about recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
I often reach out to friends that are eager to share their family recipes and the stories that accompany them. Our friend Carol passed this family recipe on to me. This was the only Macaroni and Cheese that her mother made. I believe she served it often, according to the family. Carol shared a photograph of the bowl, the "iconic bowl" that it was always served in. I believe it was the only bowl  she served it in and that makes this story very special, to be able to pass down the recipe and the memory of the bowl. I've included a picture of the bowl and a quote from her grandson, Ryan. I certainly remember my Grandmother's famous Potato Salad and the large tan crock bowl that she served it in.  I've had this recipe for quite awhile but I misplaced the photograph of the bowl, so I hesitated to post the recipe. Somehow it just didn't seem fair to post the recipe alone. Yesterday, while I was editing photographs, I came across the picture of the bowl that I thought I had lost.
I asked Carol to tell me something about her memories of this recipe and here's what she shared with me.
" The Grand Kids always fought over the leftovers, well, not just the kids. Ha! Also, originally my mother used black pepper, but my son, who is now 36 years old and quite a cook himself Ryan Wicker, didn't like the looks of black pepper, so she started "sneaking in white", as she said. She is 85 now and in good health but she doesn't like to cook much anymore, so I usually make it. "Carol said "I think the onion is the secret ingredient."

Thank you Carol, Ryan and Grana for allowing me to share your story!

I happen to love Macaroni and Cheese. I look forward to making Grana's recipe!

Ryan said, "this is one of Grana's bowls the M & C was delivered in
every Holiday. I was lucky enough to snag it out of what we
in the family call, the Vault."
" It's a well loved Pyrex."

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
 A 1 1/2 - 2 Quart Casserole Dish, buttered well.

Cook and drain 1/2 pound of Large Elbow Macaroni.
3 TBS Minced Onion
3 TBS Butter
2 TBS Flour
3/4 tsp Salt
A pinch of White Pepper
2 C Whole Milk
3/4 pound of Velveeta Cheese, divided.

Toppings:
Finely minced Chives
Minced fresh Parsley
Paprika

Put the drained Macaroni into the buttered Casserole Dish.

Melt Butter in a Saucepan and add Onion.
Cook and stir until Onion is softened.
Add:
Flour
Salt and Pepper
Stir for 1 minute until the flour is moistened but do not boil.
Slowly stir in Milk and cook until smooth, but do not boil.
Cut 1/2 pound Velvet into chunks and stir into sauce until melted.
Pour Sauce over the Macaroni.
Add thin slices of remaining Velveeta over the top of the Macaroni.
Bake about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle with Chives, Parsley and Paprika if desired.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Millionaire Pie

 I live in Texas and apparently this was a favorite Pie at a Ft. Worth Cafeteria in the 1950's. When I was a child in the 50's and 60's this was my favorite dessert that my mother made. I still love it. Apparently, during World War II, it was not easy to have access to Pineapple and Walnuts. If you were able to get these, you must have been a Millionaire. That's how the Pie got it's name, or so the story goes!

Millionaire Pie
1 -  9" Pre-Baked Pie Crust

1 - 15.5 oz. Can of Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 C Flaked Coconut
1 C  Chopped Maraschino Cherries, + 1 C of the Juice.
1 C Chopped Walnuts
1 - 14 oz. Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
5 TBS of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 - 8 oz. container of Frozen Cool Whip, thawed, Plus additional for Garnish.

In a Large Mixing Bowl:
Pineapple
Coconut
Cherries
Walnuts
Milk
Lemon Juice
Cherry Juice
Mix to combine well.

Gently Fold in The Cool Whip.

Spoon into the Crust.
Garnish the Top with Cool Whip.
Refrigerate overnight.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Cinnamon, Raisin Bread Grilled Cheese with Jalapeño Jelly

This has  to be one of the most decadent Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, ever! Well, maybe in Texas? I love Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and this combination is very Texas Gourmet.
This is made with Trader Joe's amazing Cinnamon Swirl Bread. (Pepperidge Farm makes a good one too.) I love the combinations of flavors in this sandwich. I can't take credit for this recipe, I adapted it from Food52.

Cinnamon, Raisin Bread Grilled Cheese with Jalapeño Jelly

This recipe is for one sandwich.

2 slices of Trader Joe's Cinnamon Swirl Bread
1 TBS Butter, softened
1/2 C grated Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Pickled Jalapeño Slices
2 TBS Jalapeño Jelly. I make my own!  (homemade recipe included at the end of this)

Heat a skillet or griddle.

Spread the Butter on both sides of each slice of Bread.
Grill them Buttered side down for 2 minutes.
Flip and grill the other side.
Put Cheese and a few Jalapeño slices on one side and Jelly on the other.
When the Cheese melts, flip them together,
Cut on the diagonal to serve.

Serve with a Dill Pickle, Tortilla Chips and Salsa.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Homemade Jalapeno Jelly

2 C  finely minced Jalapeño Peppers. (I start with 1 pound)
1 1/2 C Apple Cider Vinegar
6 1/2 C Granulated Sugar
6 oz. of Liquid Pectin
6 - 8 drops of Green Food Coloring

In a non aluminum saucepan on high heat:
Peppers
Vinegar
Sugar
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and gentle boil for 5 - 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and skim off the foam.
Stir in Food Coloring and Pectin.
Pour into Sterilized Jars. (I use small canning jars because I give them for Christmas gifts)
Seal immediately.
As they sit, you'll hear the lids pop when they are sealed completely.

This is the beginning step.

This is beginning to boil.

Canning the Jelly.

Love the color!

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

British Pear, Apple and Raisin Pudding

I know that we have so many recipes for Crumbles, Brown Betty, Cobblers and Crisps, but I'm still fascinated by this British Pudding.


British Pear and Apple Pudding

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
1 - (2-3 quart) Deep Casserole Dish


4 Pears, peel and chop
5 Apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 C Golden Raisins
The Juice and Zest of 1 Lemon
1/2 C Water
2 C Flour
16 TBS  Butter, chilled, divided and cubed. (reserve 1 TBS and cut the remaining into small pieces)
1/3 C Toasted Sunflower Seeds
1/4 C Roasted Pistachio Nuts, chopped
1/3 C Rolled Oats
1/3 C Almonds, chopped
3 TBS Granulated Sugar, divided


In the Casserole Dish:
Pears
Apples
Raisins
Lemon Zest
Mix well.

Add:
Lemon Juice
Water

In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Butter pieces, all but the reserved TBS.
Mix with with your hands to create a crumble keeping some visible pieces of Butter.

Add:
Sunflower Seeds
Pistachio Nuts
Oats
Almonds
2 TBS Granulated Sugar
Stir well to combine.

Dot the Fruit with the Crumble mixture.
Dot the Crumble with the  remaining 1 TBS of Butter pieces.
Sprinkle with remaining TBS of Sugar.

Bake for 40 minutes.
It should be golden brown.
Serve warm with Whipped Cream.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Easy Fruit Crisp baked in a Bundt Pan

I recently received this from a friend in Michigan. Thank you Linda for sharing this recipe. This is an easy recipe reminiscent of one that my Grandmother used to make. Her recipes had to be simple because our family would show up without notice. She had to have something wonderful to serve and this would have been her choice. She had a well stocked Pantry and all of these ingredients would have been readily available. That's why I love this. We also have a well stocked Pantry.
Any canned Fruit Pie filling can be used for this.

Easy Fruit Crisp baked in a Bundt Pan

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
1 - Bundt Pan brushed liberally with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs. (I recommend a simple design like the classic Kugelhopf Pan. Here are two pictures of pans I use.

2 cans of your favorite Pie filling
2 C Bisquick
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
8 TBS Butter, melted
1 C chopped Pecans

Pour the Pie filling into the pan.
Sprinkle evenly with Bisquick.
Sprinkle evenly with Sugar.
Pour the butter evenly over the Sugar.
Sprinkle evenly with Pecans.
Do not mix!

Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the pan and scoop individual servings into bowls and top with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream!

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Breakfast Raisin Cinnamon Bread Pudding and Terry's favorite Bread Pudding with Sauce options

This is the breakfast casserole that we make when we have guests or family from out of town. We also make Hash Brown Egg Nests in Muffin Tins. Both are incredibly tasty and great for a Breakfast crowd.
I have a recipe on the Blog for my favorite Dessert Bread Pudding recipe. It's the only one I make and have been making it for years. It's served with a choice of sauces. I'll add it at the end of this recipe.

Breakfast Raisin Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" X 13" Glass Baking Pan brushed liberally with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs.

1 Loaf of Pepperidge Farm Swirl Raisin Cinnamon Bread or Trader Joe's Cinnamon Swirl Bread, cut into 1" cubes.
8 oz. Cream Cheese, chilled and cut into small cubes.
1/2 C Brown Sugar
8 TBS Butter, cubed
2 TBS Lyle's Golden Syrup
6 Eggs
2 C Heavy Cream
2 TBS Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Vanilla


In a saucepan on medium heat, whisk together:
Butter
Brown Sugar
Golden Syrup
Heat until the butter and sugar melt and the consistency is smooth. Whisking constantly.
Pour into the pan.

Sprinkle half of the Bread cubes into the pan.
Top with an even layer of the Cream Cheese cubes.
Add the final layer of Bread cubes.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Heavy Cream
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Vanilla
Whisk well.
Pour evenly over the casserole.
Gently press the bread so it's all soaked in the Egg batter.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.
Bake uncovered 35 - 45 minutes.
It should be golden brown and set.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 10 minutes.
Cut into squares to serve and dust each serving with Confectioner's Sugar.

NOTE:
Warm some Maple Syrup and serve it on side to drizzle over the pudding.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



Another Best of the Best Recipes.
I've had this recipe since the early 70's.
It's the only Bread Pudding I make.

Terry's Bread Pudding:

1 Baguette, sliced
1 Quart of Milk (4C)
3 eggs, beaten
2 C Sugar
2 TBS Vanilla
3 TBS Butter
1 C Raisins

Mix Bread and Milk by hand
Add all other ingredients except the Butter
Melt the Butter in a 9X13 pan in a 350 degree pre heated oven, coating the bottom and sides well
Pour the mixture in the pan and Bake for 45 minutes

Another option is to bake the Pudding in Muffin Tins lined with paper cups.
If you bake the Pudding in Muffin Tins, make sure to break up the bread into small pieces, not slices.
Spray the paper cups with a vegetable cooking spray.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serve with The Queens Sauce:
1 Pint Heavy Cream
3 Eggs
1/2C Sugar
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 C Brandy or Whiskey

In the top of a doubler boiler,  place the Cream and Eggs and whisk well
Add Sugar and Vanilla
Stir constantly for 10 minutes
Slowly add the Brandy or Whiskey and whisk until incorporated

Here's another Whiskey Sauce :

In a sauce pan, over medium low heat:
1/2 stick of butter
THe juice of 1 lemon
1 C apple cider
1/2 C brown sugar
a pinch of salt
1 C Bourbon Whiskey

Cook to reduce to 1/2
Serve on the side with Bread Pudding.


Rum or Brandy Sauce:

1 C Sugar
1/2 C Butter, melted
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 C Brandy or Dark Rum ( my preference for Rum is Mount Gay Eclipse Dark Rum) Use Bourbon for the Bourbon Bread Pudding Recipe that follows.
1 tsp Vanilla

Heat Sugar and Butter in a saucepan
Add Egg, whisk well
Remove from heat
Add Rum or Brandy
Whisk well and return to heat until it thickens, whisking
Remove from heat and add Vanilla
Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Potato Salad

Summer in Michigan meant picnics at my Grandparent's house, at Aunt Faye's , in the back yard and during our summer vacations with relatives at Higgins Lake.

We have a portable picnic table that we keep in the trunk of our car in the summer so we can enjoy picnics on the side of the road as we travel. We took this idea from our friends in the South of France.

The most popular Picnic dish would have to be Potato Salad.

I believe that my Grandmother made the best!

She never had a recipe for it, nor do I.

We knew it had to have Potatoes, Hard Boiled Eggs, Onion, Celery, Pickle Relish, Mustard Mayonnaise, Paprika, Salt and Pepper.

She would boil peeled potatoes, cool them completely, hold one in her hand and begin randomly cutting them with a paring knife over a large crock bowl.

One rule was that for as many boiled potatoes she made, she made an equal number of hard boiled eggs She always mixed the "dressing" separately and added it at the end. The amount of ingredients depended on how many people there were for lunch and that determined how many potatoes and eggs.

I also know that she would refrigerate the large bowl of prepared salad before she served it because it would soak up the dressing in the refrigerator and then she would have to add additional mayonnaise.

Here's my attempt to create my Best of the Best recipe for Potato Salad.

8  Yukon Gold Potatoes that are peeled, boiled and then randomly cut with a paring knife over the bowl.

8 Hard Boiled Eggs cut with a paring knife, into the Potatoes.

The Sauce or Dressing consists of ( these amounts are approximate)

In a separate bowl, combine:

1 C of diced Celery

1 C of diced Onion

1/2 C of Pickle Relish

2 or more TBS of Yellow Mustard ( we always refer to this as Kid Mustard) , nothing fancy like Dijon

2 C of real Mayonnaise, additional as need at the end

Salt

Pepper

Fold the Sauce into the bowl with the Potatoes and Eggs

Refrigerate 

Add Additional Mayonnaise as desired

Sprinkle with Paprika just before serving.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Krispies and Blueberry Cake

That's right, Krispies. But, what are they? I have no idea. Are they a bar? Are they some sort of cookie? Is it a dessert of some kind? I'll just have to make them and see.
I'm getting a bit nostalgic, we're heading to the 2015 MCC sale in Kansas. This is our annual trip to attend the Mennonite Central Conference Sale. It's a gathering of Mennonites and Amish to sell their wares and raise money for Mission work around the world. It's a fun weekend of wandering around visiting food stands, the plant and flower bulb sales, recipe books, homemade decorative items, an entire section of tools and farm implements that are auctioned and of course the Quilt auction that seems to last all day. Oh, I forgot to mention, homemade ice cream, cookies and pies. And the building that's called Feed the Multitudes where we have lunch. There are so many traditional Mennonite foods and baked goods for sale and demonstrations like Russian hand painted batik eggs. It's a weekend of activities.
I usually head immediately to the booth with vintage recipe books that have been donated by churches and individual families. It's my favorite part of the sale, and the Quilt auction!
As I was thinking about our trip in a couple of weeks, I got out some of the hundreds of recipe books that I have purchased over the years and I thought I'd add these two recipes.
I'll probably find more books and publish many more recipes that have been passed down through generations in the Mennonite and Amish community.
I'm posting these recipes exactly as they are written.

Krispies:
1 c butter or oleo and 1 c brown sugar. Boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add 1 c nuts.
Crush 24 graham crackers and spread in 8 X 10 pan.
Cover with boiled mixture and coconut.
Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Do not over bake.

Doesn't that sound yummy? (I added this part)


Blueberry Cake
1/4 pound butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups berries
1 tsp vanilla

Cream butte, add sugar, cream together.
Beat yolks of eggs well and add to the first mixture.
Sift flour, baking powder & salt together and add alternating with the milk.
Then fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites and vanilla.
Pour half of the batter into a well greased oblong pan, cover with the berries and then with remaining
batter,
Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut in two inch squares.

Doesn't that sound yummy too? ( I added this part)

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Chocolate Cream Dessert

I found this recipe in a vintage Mennonite Cookbook from the 60's. It's such a typical dessert that someone would take to a Church supper. I love these old recipes. Many Mennonite Church desserts were made with Jello. I think I dedicated an entire post to Jello. This one is made with Hershey's Chocolate and Almond Candy Bars. This is such a 60's dessert! This takes regular sized Hershey's Candy Bars.
Plan on making this a day ahead of serving. It needs to be refrigerated of 24 hours.

24 Graham Crackers, finely crushed)
4 TBS Butter, melted
1/3 C Granulated Sugar
24 regular sized Marshmallows
6 Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars with Almonds
1 C Whole Milk
1 pint Heavy Cream

In a small bowl:
Cracker Crumbs
Butter
Mix well by hand and set aside.

In a Double Boiler on medium heat:
Milk
Marshmallows
Candy Bars (broken into pieces)
Heat until everything is melted.
Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, with an electric hand mixer:
Heavy Cream
Beat until stiff peak.
Gently fold into the cooled Pudding Mixture.

Butter a 9" X 13" baking dish.
Press 1/2 of  the Graham Cracker mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Pour in the Pudding  and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the rest of the Graham Cracker Mix evenly over the top.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Hatch Chile Pie with Cornmeal Crust

I love Hatch Chiles and we always have them in our freezer. We have an annual Hatch Chile Festival at one of our local Markets. During the Festival there's a Hatch Chile Recipe contest and I enter it every year. I've been a finalist several times. I usually enter a sweet recipe. I like the combination of Chocolate and Hatch Chiles. I've also entered a few savory recipes.
I created this for the contest. I love this Pie.

Hatch Chile Pie with Cornmeal Crust:

Here's what you'' need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 - 10" Springform Pan. It can also be made in a  10" Cast Iron Skillet.
Aluminum Foil
Dried Beans or Pie Weights

Crust ingredients:

1 1/3 C Cornmeal
2/3 C Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 C Crisco Shortening
1/4 C Cold Water

Filling ingredients:

1 1/2 C Heavy Cream
1 1/2 C Whole Milk
4 Complete Eggs, beaten
3 Egg Yolks, beaten
1/4 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp tsp Pepper
1/8 tsp Nutmeg

1 C  shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese
4 Fresh Hatch Chiles, not roasted. Seeded, deveined, cut them in half and julienne into 1/4" strips.

Crust preparation:

In a large mixing bowl:
Cornmeal
Flour
Salt
Whisk well.
Cut in the Crisco with a pastry knife.
Add Cold Water and blend well until a dough forms.

Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface:
Roll out the dough into a circle big enough to fit the bottom and sides of the pan.
Pressing it gently to fit.
Trim off the excess dough on the top with a rolling pin rolled across the top of the pan.
Cut a piece of Aluminum Foil to fit the bottom of the pan and cover the dough.
Weight it down with Dried Beans or Pie Weights.
Bake 15 - 20 minutes.
Remove weights and foil.
Continue baking for an additional 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown.

Remove the pan, set aside and leave the oven on.

Filling preparation:

In a large mixing bowl:
Heavy Cream
Milk
Whole Eggs
Egg Yolks
Whisk well.
Add:
Salt
Pepper
Nutmeg

Evenly sprinkle the cheese on the bottom of the pie shell.
Arrange the Julienned strips of Chiles over the Cheese.
Pour the filling into the pan.
Bake for 40 minutes, until the custard sets.
Remove to a rack and cool completely, for at least an hour.
Release the sides of the Springform pan.
Transfer the Pie to a serving platter and slice to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Here's another very basic casserole dish that I'm posting, only to have a copy of it, for any possibility of a Hippy in the Kitchen Cookbook.

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 2 quart rectangle Casserole Dish.

1/2 C Italian Herb Bread Crumbs
1/4 C + 2 TBS grated Parmesan Cheese, divided.
2 TBS Butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning, divided
1 (16 oz.) package of Frozen Broccoli Florets, thawed and cut into bite sized pieces.
1 (16 oz.) package of Frozen Cauliflower, thawed and cut into bite sized pieces.
2 TBS Butter
1 Sweet Onion, diced
2 TBS Flour
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 1/4 C Whole Milk
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed.

In a small bowl:
Bread Crumbs
2 TBS Parmesan Cheese
2 TBS Butter, melted
1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
Whisk well and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat:
2 TBS Butter, heat until melted.

Add:
Onion
Saute for 5 minutes.

Add:
Flour
Remaining Italian Seasoning
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Stir to mix well.

Add:
Milk
Cook and stir until it begins to thicken.

Add:
Cream Cheese
Remaining Parmesan Cheese
Cook until the Cream Cheese melts.

Add:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Stir to coat well.
Pour into the baking dish.
Sprinkle evenly with Bread Crumbs.
Bake 40 minutes, until golden brown.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Green Bean and Tomato Casserole

I'm only posting this recipe so I can have a copy of it just in case I write The Hippy in the Kitchen Cookbook!
It's pretty basic, but one of my favorite side dishes. I also love a good casserole recipe.

Green Bean and Tomato Casserole:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 - 2 quart rectangle baking dish, coated with a non stick vegetable spray.
1.2 C Italian Herbe Breadcrumbs
1/4 C + 2 TBS Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
4 TBS Butter, divided
1 medium Sweet Onion, diced
2 TBS Flour
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 tsp Pepper
2 C Whole Milk
2 pounds of Fresh Green Beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2" pieces, steamed.
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed
2 C Grape Tomatoes

In a small bowl:
Bread Crumbs
2 TBS Parmesan Cheese
2 TBS Butter, melted.
Whisk well and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat:
Melt remaining Butter.

Add:
Onion and saute for 5 minutes.

Add:
Flour
Garlic Salt
Thyme
Pepper
Stir to combine well.

Add:
Milk
Stir and cook until it begins to thicken.

Add:
Cream Cheese
Remaining Parmesan Cheese
Cook until Cream Cheese melts/

Add:
Green Beans
Tomatoes
Stir to mix well.
Pour into the Casserole Dish.
Sprinkle with Bread Crumb mixture.
Bake 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Tomatillo Jalapeno Relish and Jalapeno Relish

I created a Jalapeño Relish that is a Best of the Best Recipe. I'll repost it at the end of this new recipe.
This is a another relish to serve as a condiment.

We eat a lot of jalapeños in Texas. We love the heat of the peppers. You can  find them used in many traditional and contemporary recipes.
This is a classic Texas Relish.
I serve this as a Tex - Mex Bruschetta on toasted sliced of French Baguette with Goat Cheese.
Spread some Goat Cheese on the toast and top it with this relish


Tomatillo Jalapeno Relish:

1 pound of Tomatillos, husked, rinsed and roughly chopped.

Tomatillos

2 Red Bell Peppers, diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
8 Scallions, sliced
4 large Jalapeños, seeded and diced
2/3 C Apple Cider Vinegar
.1/2 C Corn
1/4 C Brown Sugar
1 TBS chopped fresh Cilantro
1 tsp Salt
` Garlic Clove, minced
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 tsp Cumin

In a saucepan on medium heat:
Add all ingredients and bring it to a boil, stirring often.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently 30 minutes, until it thickens, stirring often.
Transfer to a storage container with a cover, set aside, uncovered to cool completely.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


This is my original recipe for Jalapeño Relish. We eat a lot of Jalapeños in Texas.
I serve this as a condiment.  It's one of my Best of the Best recipes.

Jalapeño Relish:

1 lb. Jalapenos

1 Medium Onion, 1/2 lb.

 4 Medium Carrots, 1/2 lb.

1 Large Red Pepper, stemmed and seeded.

3 1/2 C Sugar

2 C Apple Cider Vinegar

1 TBS Mustard Seeds

1 TBS Dill Seeds

Cut Jalapenos in half lengthwise, seed them and julienne into 1/4" strips.
Shred the  Onion, Carrots and Red Pepper in a Food Processor, or Julienne them by hand.

Combine Sugar and Vinegar in a stainless steel stockpot over medium heat and cook until the Sugar is dissolved completely.

Add Vegetables and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes, until it begins to thicken.

Add Spices & continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes.

Remove.

Cool to room temperature

It will continue to thicken as it cools

Drain most of the liquid and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Keeps up to two weeks refrigerated

May be canned and stored for future use.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Rancho de Chimayo Cocktail

We had the opportunity  to visit Chimayo, New Mexico. It's truly a magical and mysterious place. I could talk about it for hours, but research it to find out what an amazing place it is. We plan on returning.
Here's an interesting cocktail from Chimayo. It was invented at the Rancho de Chimayo. It provided a  happy way of using the cider from their Apple Orchards.
Here are a few photographs of the El Santuario de Chimayo.

Chimayo Cocktail:

This recipe makes one serving.

Here's what you'll need:
A Cocktail Shaker with a Strainer
6oz - 8oz  tall glasses

Ice Cubes
1 1/4 oz. Tequila
2 oz. Apple Cider
1 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 1/2 tsp Creme de Cassis ( Sweet Dark Black Currant Liqueur)

Fill the Cocktail Shaker with 6 - 8 Ice Cubes
Add all of the ingredients.
Shake well about 6 - 7 times.
Strain into a Glass and serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Espresso Cream Pie

I happen to love Espresso Coffee. I learned to appreciate it in the early 70's when I was living in Europe. I had never had coffee before then so I learned to drink the best. When I came home, I brought my stovetop Bialetti Espresso maker with me. I've had one since then.
Here's an unusual Pie with the taste of really good Espresso. I only use Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee. I bake with it a lot and I also use it for a quick cup of great Espresso.
This pie is served with an Espresso Whipped Cream, recipe included.

Espresso Cream Pie

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. This is only to bake the crust. The pie is not baked.
1 - 9" Pie Pan

Chocolate Espresso Crust ingredients:

1 1/2 C Chocolate Wafer Crumbs. (about 30 wafers)
1 /4 C Granulated Sugar
6 TBS Butter, melted
2 tsp Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee

Filling ingredients:

4 TBS Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee
3 C Heavy Cream
3 C Granulated Sugar
3 TBS Cornstarch
2/4 tsp Salt
4 Egg Yolks, beaten
2 TBS Butter, softened
2 TBS Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream ingredients:

1 C Heavy Cream
4 tsp Sugar
2 TBS Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee

Crust preparation:

In a small mixing bowl:
Cookie Crumbs
Sugar
Whisk well.

Add:
Butter
Medaglia d'Oro
Mix well with a fork.
Press evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the Pie Pan.
Bake 8 - 10 minutes.


Filling preparation:

In a saucepan on medium high heat:
4 TBS of Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee
Heavy Cream
Whisk well.
Continue whisking until just before it boils.
Remove from heat.
Transfer to a bowl.

Rinse and dry the saucepan.
Add:
Sugar
Cornstarch
Salt
Whisk well.

Add:
Coffee flavored cream
Egg Yolks
Cook on Medium heat.
Whisk constantly until it boils.
Reduce heat to a simmer for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat.

Add:
Butter
Kahlua
Whisk well.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on the top of the filling.
Allow to cool at least 15 minutes.
Remove the plastic wrap.
Whisk one more time.
Pour into the crust.
Refrigerate while making the Whipped Cream.


Whipped Cream preparation:

In a mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer.
Heavy Cream
Sugar
Beat until soft peak.
Gently fold in Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee

Serve the Whipped Cream as a garnish on individual servings.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Mix

We've decided to serve Sloppy Joes for Easter. We're serving them with Homemade Vegetarian Baked Beans and Homemade Cole Slaw. It will be a very casual Easter dinner. Dessert will be Tropical Carrot Cake, Lemon Bars and Guiness Stout Cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream Icing.
I thought I would post my recipe for Homemade Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes:

3 TBS Vegetable Oil
2 1/2 pounds of Vegetarian Meatless Ground (Yves Meatless Ground, Helen's Kitchen Organic Meatless Italian Sausage, Nightlife Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style or Nightlife Gimme Lean Ground Sausage Style)
I combine a meatless Ground Beef Style with a meatless Ground Sausage Style.
1 large Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 Sweet Onion, diced
1 1/2 C Ketchup
1/2 C Water
5 Garlic Cloves , minced
2 TBS Brown Sugar
2 tsp Chile Powder
1 tsp Dry Mustard
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Tabasco Sauce, to taste
Worcestershire  Sauce, to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large skillet on medium heat:
Oil, heat until hot.
Beef / Sausage
Sauté until browned.

Add:
Bell Pepper
Onion
Stir to combine well.

Add:
Water
Ketchup
Garlic
Stir well.

Add:
Brown Sugar
Chile Powder
Dry Mustard
Red Pepper Flakes
Tabasco Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and Pepper
Stir well.

Cover and lower the heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve on grilled Kaiser Rolls accompanied by Homemade Vegetarian Baked Beans and Homemade Cole Slaw.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Coconut Sheet Cake with Coconut Icing

We have an incredible French Bakery and Bistro in our little town in Texas.  It's hard to believe but we are fortunate to have it.
We had 19 family members for dinner a few weeks ago and the meal was amazing. You can't imagine the assortment of pastries and cakes and macarons that are available for dessert, along with some very creative french pastries, all made by their French Pastry Chef. My nephew said to the server, "don't you have anything regular like  Coconut Cake?" She said, I'll check...... and came out with the most incredible large layered Coconut Cake. Three people ordered it and said it was the best Coconut Cake they had ever eaten.
I don't have that recipe but this recipe is equally moist and delicious and it's made for a crowd in a Jelly Roll Pan. Guaranteed to please any Coconut lover.

Coconut Sheet Cake:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
1 - 18" X 13" Jelly Roll Pan (Half Sheet Cake Pan), brushed well with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each mixed well and refrigerated in a jar.

2 C Flour + 2 TBS  Measure it out together. (it will be used together in the cake preparation)
2 C Granulated Sugar
8 TBS Butter, room temperature.
1 C Water
1/2 C Shortening
1/2 C Buttermilk
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
2 large Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Coconut Extract
1/4 C Sweetened Shredded Coconut

Icing:
8 TBS Butter, room temperature
6 TBS Whole Milk
3 1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar
1 tsp Coconut Extract

Additional Sweetened Shredded Coconut for the top of the cake.

In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Sugar
Whisk well and set aside.

In a saucepan on medium heat:
Butter
Water
Shortening
Bring to a boil
Add this mix to the Flour bowl.
Stir by hand to combine well.
Add these ingredients in the following order, stirring after each addition.
Buttermilk
Baking Soda
Eggs
Vanilla
Coconut Extract
Mix well.
Fold in Coconut.

Pour the batter into the pan.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove to a rack, immediately poke holes throughout the cake with a blending fork. (the tunes are usually larger than a regular dinner fork)
Pour the icing evenly over the cake.


Icing.
In a saucepan on medium heat:
Butter
Milk
Bring to a boil, stirring until the butter is melted.
Add:
Confectioner's Sugar
Coconut Extract
Whisk until smooth.


When the cake is Iced, sprinkle evenly with plenty of additional Sweetened Shredded Coconut.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Tex Mex Baked Corn Pudding prepared in a Cast Iron Skillet

I have always said that if you name a recipe beginning with Tex Mex, it has to be good and I do it often. Every one of the recipes are incredible. Here's just another tasty Tex Mex recipe to add to my collection.

I did not take a photo of the other ingredients added to the Onions.
And I didn't take a photo of the Dry Ingredients.

The Batter

Ready for the Oven.

Hot out of the Oven. The edge  Golden Brown.

Tex Mex Corn Pudding in a Cast Iron Skillet

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" - 10" Cast Iron Skillet

1 TBS Olive Oil
2 TBS Butter, divided
1 Sweet Onion, diced
2 C Corn
1  Red Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/4  C Cornmeal
2 TBS Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1 - (14 1/2oz.) can of Cream Style Corn
4 Eggs, beaten
1 - (4oz.) can of Diced Green Chiles, do not drain.
1 C Shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese

In the skillet on medium heat:
Oil
1 TBS Butter
Heat until Butter melts.

Add:
Onion
Saute for 5 minutes.

Add:
Corn
Bell Pepper
Cumin
Stir and cook an additional 3 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl:
Cornmeal
Flour
Salt
Whisk well.
Add:
Creamed Corn
Eggs
Chiles
Cheese
Stir to Combine well.
Fold  Onion mixture into the Cornbread mix.

Return the skillet to medium heat and add remaining Butter.
Heat until melted coating the entire bottom of the skillet.
Pour the batter into the skillet, don't stir it.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, a knife in the center should come out clean.
Serve hot, from the skillet.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Broiled and served in a Cast Iron Skillet

Just another Dip to add to my collection of Dip recipes available on the Blog.
You'll need a 9"- 10" Cast Iron Skillet.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Broiled and served in a Cast Iron Skillet.

Sauce:
1/4 C Butter
1/4 C Flour
2 1/4 C  Heavy Cream
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a Saucepan:
Melt Butter on medium heat.
Whisk in Flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.

Add :
Heavy Cream
Whisk continuously until it begins to bubble.
Season with Salt and Pepper.

Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of Cream. If it's too thin, add a pat of Butter with an equal amount of Flour and whisk well.
Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl.

Additional Ingredients:
3/4 C shredded Gruyere Cheese
1/2 C shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3 TBS grated Parmesan Cheese
1 TBS Butter
2 C chopped fresh Baby Spinach Leaves
1 - (6.5oz.) jar of Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped well.

Return the saucepan to the stove on medium heat with 1/2 C of the Sauce
Reheat the Sauce.
Add:
1/2 C of the Gruyere Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Stir well just until the cheese has completely melted.

In the Cast Iron Skillet on medium heat:
Butter, heat until melted,

Add:
Spinach
Artichokes
Saute just until heated and wilted.
Add remaining Sauce and stir to combine well.
Sprinkle evenly with the remaining Gruyere Cheese. Do not stir.
Place under a broiler and heat until the Cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve Hot from the skillet with:
Crispy Herbed Flatbread, (purchased or recipe on the blog)
Toasted slices of a French Baguette
Tortilla Chips
An assortment of your favorite Crackers

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Tomato Basil and Feta Dip

Not much to to say about this recipe. It's just delicious.
Serve it with some Crispy Flat Bread , Pita Chips or Toasted Slices of a French Baguette.


3/4 C Plain Yogurt
1/2 C Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/3 C Sun Dried Tomatoes in oil, drained
1 TBS of the Oil from the Tomatoes
1/8 tsp Pepper
2 TBS chopped fresh Basil Leaves, more or less to taste.
2 TBS finely chopped Kalamata Olives, more or less to taste.
Chopped Pine Nuts to garnish

In a Food Processor:

Yogurt
Feta Cheese
Tomatoes (you can roughly chop them before processing them)
Oil
Pepper
Process until slightly chunky.
Don't puree it.
Add Basil and Olives and pulse just to incorporate.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Just before serving, sprinkle evenly with Pine Nuts.

Don't forget the crackers or bread to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Shepherd's Pie baked in a Muffin Tin

I dedicated an entire post to Muffin Tin recipes. I have a Cookbook of Muffin Tin recipes. Baking Savory dishes in a Muffin Tin is easy and convenient for a family gathering or a party.

This one is adapted from a Pillsbury recipe.

Shepherd's Pie baked in a Muffin Tin.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
1 - 12 Cup regular sized Muffin Tin, un greased.

A  4" round Cookie Cutter

1 box of Pillsbury refrigerated Pie crust, thawed.
1 1/2 C Green Giant Steamers frozen mixed vegetables
1 TBS Butter
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 TBS Vegetable Oil ( if you use a Vegetarian Meatless Ground)
1/2 pound of ground beef, I use a Vegetarian Meatless Ground from Yves or Helen's Kitchen Organic Meatless Italian Sausage
1/3 C Beef Broth, Vegetarian No Beef Savory Broth or Vegetable Broth
1/4 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper
3 C of Mashed Potatoes. (homemade, a bag of refrigerated mashed potatoes or made from a box of dried mashed potatoes.


Unroll the thawed crust.
Roll each one to 12" in diameter.
Cut 6 rounds from each crust.
Tuck 1 round into each cup.
Bake for 7 - 11 minutes.
Remove the pan and set aside.

In a small microwave safe glass bowl:
Heat the vegetables, covered with plastic wrap, in  a microwave for 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat:
Add butter and heat until melted.
Saute Onion for 3 - 5 minutes.

Add Beef and cook for an additional 5 - 7 minutes. (if using Vegetarian Meatless Ground, add the Vegetable Oil)

Add:
Broth
Salt
Pepper
Cook an additional 3 - 5 minutes.

Add the Vegetables and stir well.

Fill each crust with some of the mixture. (about 1/4 C)
Spoon at least 1/4 C of  Mashed Potatoes on top.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. The Potatoes should be golden brown.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Crispy Herbed Flatbread to serve with Hummus

I'm posting this recipe to accompany my latest recipe for Jalapeño Hummus.

Crispy Herbed Flatbread:

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
A Sheet pan that will be preheated and then lined with Parchment Paper to bake the Flatbread.

2 C Flour
1 tsp Salt
3/4 C Beer
3 TBS Olive Oil
1 Clove of Garlic, crushed
A mixture of dried herbs. (Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Marjoram) You can also use fresh herbs.

In a small bowl:
Olive Oil / Garlic
Set aside.

In a separate bowl, sift together:
Flour
Salt
Add:
Beer
Mix with your hands until it forms a dough.
Knead it for 5 minutes and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

On a floured surface:
Roll out a very thin.
Transfer it to a piece of Parchment Paper that has been precut to the size of the Sheet Pan.
Brush the dough with Oil.
Sprinkle evenly with as much or as little herbs according to taste.
(at this point you can also sprinkle with a bit of Sea Salt to taste)

Transfer the dough, on the paper, to the Sheet Pan.

Bake for 5 - 10 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Remove the pan to a rack to cool just until you are able to touch it.
Break apart and serve warm with Hummus.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter or Biscoff Cookie Spread Bars

We recently got a Trader Joe's Market. They were the first market to sell a Cookie Butter that originated in The Netherlands. Bischoff is another new Cookie Butter Spread available in the States. I  have recipes on the blog using Biscoff. I am planning to post additional Biscoff recipes on the blog.

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter Bars:
This recipe can also be made with Biscoff Spread.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" X 9" baking pan.


3/4 C Granulated Sugar, divided
1/2 C Brown Sugar
1/2 C Buttered flavored Shortening
1/2 C Speculoos Cookie Butter or Biscoff Spread
1 Egg, beaten
2 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
1 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 C Blackberry Jam (my favorite is Bonne Maman)

In a small mixing bowl:
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Whisk well.

In a Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment:
Shortening
Cookie Butter
Beat until creamy smooth.

Add:
Egg
Vanilla
Beat just until combined.

In a small mixing bowl:
Flour
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Whisk well and sift together.
Add this to the Sugar mixture.
Continue to beat to create the dough.
Divide the dough in half.

Press half of the dough into the pan.
Spread Jam evenly over the dough.
Spread the remaining dough over the Jam. (I roll it out into a 9" X 9" square and transfer to the pan)
Sprinkle evenly with remaining Granulated Sugar.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove to a rack and cool completely.
Cut into squares  and sprinkle with Confectioner's Sugar ro serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Jalapeno Hummus

As a vegetarian I love Hummus. I make Hippy Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, etc. We eat a lot of recipes with Jalapeños in Texas. I was immediately attracted to this recipe. I'll be making it soon.

3 - Roasted Jalapeños , I use canned Roasted Hatch Chiles. I may even use more then 3. Add them according to your taste and heat level.
5 whole cloves of Garlic
1 - 15oz. can of Chickpeas, drained but not rinsed.
1/2 Avocado
1/4 C Tahini
The juice of 1 Lemon and 1 Lime.
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cumin\
A handful of Cilantro, chopped
4 TBS Olive Oil or Avocado Oil


Roasted Pepitas for garnish. (you can roast your own or..... I buy them)

In a Food Processor:
Jalapeños
Garlic
Chickpeas
Avocado
Tahini
Lemon and Lime Juice
Salt
Cumin
Cilantro

Pulse until well blended.
Drizzle in the Oil until creamy and smooth.

Refrigerate prior to serving.
Serve with Vegetables, Tortilla Chips, Pita Chips.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Baked Eggs in Hash Brown Cups

Baked Eggs in Hash Brown Cups.

This recipe is adapted from The Dallas Morning News Taste Section 3/18/2015

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Liberally Butter the cups of a 12 C Muffin Tin

1 - 20 oz. bag of shredded Potatoes (if frozen, thaw and squeeze any excess moisture.
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
12 Extra Large Eggs
Vegetarian Bacon bits or Real Bacon Bits
Maple Syrup, warmed

In a medium mixing bowl:
Potatoes
Garlic Powder
Salt
Pepper
Toss to combine and coat well.
Evenly divide the Potatoes among the cups.
Use your hands or the back of a spoon to cover the bottom and up the sides of the cups to create a well.

Bake for 25 minutes.
The edges should be golden brown and crisp.

Crack one egg into each cup.
Season additionally to taste with Salt and Pepper.
Sprinkle the top of each Egg with Bacon Bits.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set according to your taste.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove each egg cup from the pan.

Serve drizzled with Warm Maple Syrup.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Pickled Eggs, Tavern Style

This recipe does not have to be refrigerated. I have two other recipes on the blog that mention refrigeration. All of them are really good.

Here's what you'll need:
Some large jars to accommodate whatever amount of Eggs you need to pickle. You can adjust this recipe accordingly. This is for a 2 quart jar and 2 dozen hard boiled eggs that have been peeled. I cheat and buy the peeled eggs at Costco, genius!
I recommend boiling the jars and lids prior to making the eggs. You can also can the jars by sealing them and putting them in a water bath.

24 Hard Boiled Eggs
1 1/2 tsp Pickling Spices
1 1/2 tsp TBS Sea Salt
1 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 1/2 tsp TBS Black Peppercorns
2 C White distilled Vinegar

In a small jar:
Pickling Spices
Salt
Red Pepper Flakes
Peppercorns
Vinegar

In the 2 quart jar:
Put the eggs in, pour in the mixture. Make sure the eggs are completely covered with the brine and seal the jar.

NOTE: these can also be made in 4 - pint jars.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Hippy Tie Dye Cookies

These cookies are definitely reminiscent  of the 60's and Tie Dye! Tie Dye was such a trend in the 60's. It was part of the Hippy Movement.
I'm also a Fiber Artist and I recently bought some TieDyed fabric to create a new wall hanging. One of my favorite wall hangings is my original Peace Quilt.

I've seen many recipes for variations of a Tie Dye cookie but I wanted a recipe that was simple for everyone to make.
These would be really cool for kids to make at Easter.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Packages of purchased Sugar Cookie Dough.
Food coloring
3 glass bowls to dye the dough.

Cut the dough into 3 sections.
Place 1 piece of dough in each glass bowl and dye it in your favorite color. Create three different colors to make your favorite Tie Dyed Cookie.

Place each section of dough between two pieces of parchment paper or waxed paper, use a rolling pin and roll each color into a rectangle.
Keep one of the pieces on Parchment Paper and stack the other two on top.
Use the paper to help roll the dough tightly into a roll.
Refrigerate the roll for 30 - 45 minutes.

Cut the dough into 1/4" - 1/2" slices.
Place them on a Parchment Paper lined sheet pan.
Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

French Baguette Rolls

One of my favorite things to do in Paris, and in any small country village in France, is to walk into a bakery and buy a baguette. The aroma of a French Bakery is a unique experience on its own. We go to the market and buy ingredients to make a simple cheese, tomato and mustard sandwich with the baguette and have a picnic along a roadside in the country or on the Champs de Mars in Paris.

We have so many memories of baguettes and picnics in France.

This is a recipe for the same baguette taste in a simple roll. I can recreate that memorable sandwich with these rolls.

French Baguette Rolls

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

1 - 9" well oiled Pie Pan

1 1/2 tsp fresh dry active yeast

2 TBS Honey

1 1/2 C Warm Water, divided

3 1/2 C Olive Oil

2 tsp Salt

In a large mixing bowl:

Yeast

Honey

1/2 C Warm Water

Mix together and allow to rest for 5 minutes. (if the yeast is not fresh, the mixture will not froth like it should)

Add:

Remaining Cup of Warm Water

Flour

Oil

Salt

Mix with your hands to create a smooth dough.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperature for 45 minutes.

Divide the dough into 7 banks, arrange them in the pie pan.

Allow them to rise again for 25 minutes.

Spritz them with water.

Bake 15 - 18 minutes. They should be golden brown.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!