Vegetarian Haggis

I've been researching recipes for Vegetarian Haggis. I reached out to a fellow Food Blogger (Christina's Cucina).
She's Scottish/American and has had it in Scotland.
This is the adapted recipe Christina recommended from Felicity Cloake.
Thank you Christina for helping me with this one.
I've adapted the recipe without compromising the original one.

This is what I use to create a Vegetable Stock.
It also comes in Vegetarian  (No Chicken) and Vegetarian ( NovBeef) Stock.

I use Better Than Bouillon for all of my Vegetarian Soup Bases and to Season many other recipes.


Vegetarian Haggis

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 Loaf Pan or a 1 quart Casserole Pan coated with a Vegetable Cooking Spray.

1/4 C Dried Split Green Peas
1/4 C Pearl Barley
2 TBS Butter, divided.
1 Large Onion, diced.
1 Large Carrot, diced
1 C diced Portobello Mushrooms
1/2 tsp Allspice
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 C Pinhead Oats
2 1/2 C Hot Vegetable Stock , divided.

3 hours prior to making:
Soak Peas for 3 Hours, drain.

In 2 separate saucepans with water just to cover:
Boil Barley in one and drained Peas in the other one.
Boil for 30  45 minutes.
Stir well.
Remove from heat and set aside is two separate bowls.

In a Skillet on Medium High Heat:
1 TBS Butter until melted.

Add:
Onion and Sauté until softened.

Add:
Carrot until softened and begins to brown.

Add:
Mushrooms until softened.

Add:
Allspice
Pepper

Add:
Peas
Oatmeal
Stir until well combined.

Add 3/4 of the Stock to the Pan.
Bring to a Boil.
Reduce Heat to Simmer.
Continue cooking and stirring until it thickens.
Add additional Stock if needed.

Stir in Barley and remaining Bitter.

Spoon into the Pan.
Cover with Foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove Foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.

Remove Pan to a Rack to Cool for 5 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Christmas Amaretto Snowball Cookies

This is such a great Holiday Cookie.

Amaretto Snowball Cookies

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the Oven to 300 degrees.
A 1 1/2" Cookie Scoop
Sheet Pans lined with Parchment Paper.

2 C Almond Flour
1 C Granulated Sugar
2 TBS All Purpose Flour
2 Egg Whites
1/8th tsp of Salt
1/2 tsp Amaretto Liqueur
Confectioners Sugar for Dusting.

In a Small Mixing Bowl with a Hand Mixer:
Egg Whites
Salt
Beat to Soft Peak.
Whisk in Liqueur by hand, just until combined.

In a Large Mixing Bowl, sift together:
Almond Flour
All Purpose Flour
Granulated Sugar

Fold Meringue into the Dry Ingredients.

Use the Cookie Scoop to make the Balls.
Roll them in the Confectioner's Sugar.

Place them 1" apart on the Sheet Pans.

Set them aside to rest for 15 minutes.

Bake for 20 minutes

The tops should crack and be Golden Brown.

Remove the Pan to a Rack to cool 5 minutes.
Transfer Cookies to the Rack to Cool Completely .

Place the Rack of Cookies over a Sheet Pan and
Dust the tops (just the tops)  with additional Confectioner's Sugar.

Transfer to a Serving Platter.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Texas Holiday Pecans

I have so many recipes for Sweet and Savory Nuts. This is just another recipe that can be served during the Holidays.
I have to start out by saying that the process is not easy trying to get the Baked Pecans off of the Foil as they begin to cool.
I may be the only person that has the patience to get these made.
But, for me, it's well worth the outcome.

No other Syrup will give you the flavor that this does.

Texas Holiday Pecans

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the Oven to 325 degrees.
Silicone Spatulas
A Rimmed Sheet Pan lined with Foil.

6 TBS Lyle's Golden Syrup
1 1/2 TBS Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 TBS Brown Sugar
1 1/2 TBS Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
3 C Pecan Halves

In a Large Mixing Bowl:
Syrup
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Salt
Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Stir well with a Silicone Spatula.

Fold in Pecans until well coated. Only use a Silicone Spatula. I keep a Measuring Cup filled with Hot Water available to keep the Spatulas in.

I'll try to explain this as best I can:

Lyle's Syrup is very thick. It may seem difficult to mix in the Pecans.
I mix the coating in a 4 C Pyrex Measuring Cup with a Silicone Spatula.
After to Pecans are folded in, I heated it in a Microwave for about 30 seconds to thin the mixture.
Stir again to coat well.


Spread out onto the Sheet Pan in a single layer.

Just out of the oven.

These are on the Marble cooling.

Bake 5 minutes.
Stir well.
Continue Baking for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove Pan to a Rack or Stovetop.
Continue stirring and breaking up the pieces as they cool.
They become very sticky and difficult to get off the Foil.

I transfer them immediately to a large piece of Marble that we have on our counter top.
It's the best way to allow them to cool.
I just kept separating them as they cooled.

I haven't tried baking them on a Silpat Liner but that may help to release them as they cool


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Creamed Corn with Poblano Peppers in a Crock Pot

I am embracing all things made in a Crock Pot. Fix it and Forget it sounds good to me. When you don't have time to stay in the kitchen and cook, the Crock Pot is a perfect way to make a delicious Dish.

Here's what you'll need:
A Crock Pot coated with a Cooking Spray or brushed with Vegetable Oil.

2 lbs. of Frozen Corn, thawed.
2 Poblano Peppers, diced.
2 TBS Butter, cut into small cubes.
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 C Mexican Queso Quesadilla Shredded Cheese
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cut into small cubes.

In a Large Mixing Bowl:
Corn
Poblano Pepper
Butter
Salt
Cumin
Black Pepper
Stir to combine well.
Spoon into the Crock Pot.

Cover and cook on High for 2 hours.

Add:
Cheese
Cover and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.
Stir to combine well.

Transfer to a Serving Bowl and serve Hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Crock Pot Cauliflower with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese

This was a last minute addition to our Thanksgiving menu. It's delicious.

Here's what you'll need:
A  Crock Pot large enough to hold the florets of a head of Cauliflower.

1 (1 1/2 lb. head of Cauliflower) Trimmed to the Florets only. It should be 6 Cups.
1 TBS Butter
3 Garlic Cloves, minced.
1/2 tsp of Lemon Zest
2 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 C Water
4 TBS Fresh chopped Parsley, divided.
1/4 C Grated Parmesan Cheese

Place the Cauliflower in a Large Mixing Bowl.

In a small Saucepan on Medium Heat:
Butter, until melted.

Add:
Garlic
Cook until tender.

Add:
Lemon Juice
Water

Pour this mixture over the Cauliflower.

Top with:
1 TBS Parsley
Lemon Zest

Stir gently to combine well.
Transfer to the Crock Pot.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Transfer to a Serving Bowl.
Sprinkle with remaining Parsley.
Parmesan Cheese.

Serve Hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Cranberry Sauce (when you just need a small amount)

We were talking about Cranberry Sauce this morning. We realized that not everyone loves it like we do. So, I came up with this easy, tasty recipe that's just enough for the two of us and maybe someone else that would like to try it. I have several other versions on the Blog.
Most of the recipes I found start with a large bag of frozen Cranberries and a ton of Sugar.
This has no added Sugar other than what's in the can of Whole Cranberries.
I recommend making it 1 - 2 days before serving.

Here's what you'll need:

1 Can of Whole Cranberry Sauce.
The Zest and Juice of 1 Large Navel Orange
1/2 C of Chopped Pecans

Mix all ingredients in a Mixing Bowl.
Transfer to a 1 Pint Canning Jar.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Thanksgiving Bread

This is a very tasty, herbed Bread that's a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
It's filled with the flavors of Thanksgiving Dressing.

This is the Bread Cloche that I use. 

This is the Cast Iron Dutch Oven that I use.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

A  1 1/2 qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven, with a lid or a Bread Cloche with a lid. ( I make it in a Cloche)
Lightly Oiled on the Bottom with Vegetable Oil and a sprinkling of Cornmeal.

A Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment

3 C All Purpose Flour, divided.
1 TBS Granulated Sugar
2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast
1 TBS Onion Powder
1 TBS Dried Parsley
1/4 tsp Dried Sage
1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 tsp Dried Marjoram
1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Salt
3/4 C Water
1/2 C Whole Milk
1 TBS Butter
1 Egg, beaten.
1/2 tsp Celery Seed
Sea Salt to Sprinkle the top of the Dough Ball.
Vegetable Oil and Cornmeal to be determined in the instructions.

In a Large Mixing Bowl:
2 C Flour
Yeast
Onion Powder
Parsley
Sage
Thyme
Marjoram
Rosemary
Pepper
Salt
Whisk Well.

In a Saucepan on Medium Heat:
Milk
Water
Butter
Heat just until warmed.

Add:
Dry Ingredient Mixture.
Transfer to a  Stand Mixer (Paddle Attachment)
Mix for 2 minutes.

Add:Remaining Cup of Flour.
Mix just to combine. (don't over mix)

Cover with Plastic Wrap.
Allow to Rise in a warm place between 30 minutes and 1 Hour.

Place the Ball of Dough in a Lightly Greased (Vegetable Oil , Dutch Oven or Bread Cloche that's been sprinkled on the bottom with Cornmeal.

Brush the top of the Ball with Beaten Egg.
Score a few lines in the top of the Ball with a very Sharp Knife.
Sprinkle with Celery Seeds and Sea Salt.

Cover it. Do not oil the inside of the cover.

Bake 35 minutes.

Remove to a Rack until cool enough to remove.
Transfer to a Rack to cool slightly.
Serve warm with Butter.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Green Bean Casserole

This is the original recipe for the traditional Green Bean Casserole that I make for Thanksgiving.
I'm only posting this so I have it in my Blog to use each time I want to make it.
It was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, an employee at Campbell's Soup Company. It was an entry for a Casserole Contest.
My Grandmother and Mother both made it every Thanksgiving and I have continued the family tradition.

This is the Classic Recipe. We have it every year for Thanksgiving. 

Traditional Green Bean Casserole


Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 8" X 8" Casserole Dish lightly greased.

3 - 14.5oz. cans of Cut Green Beans, drained.  (4 C)  I also have used the equivalent of  Cooked Fresh Green Beans.
1 - 10.5 oz. can of Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 C Whole Milk
1 tsp Soy Sauce
A dash of Black Pepper
1 1/3C  French's French Fried Onions

In a Large Mixing Bowl:

Beans
Soup
Milk
Soy Sauce
Pepper
2/3 C of the Onions
Mix Well.

Transfer to the Casserole Dish.
Bake 25 minutes.

Remove from Oven.
Stir Gently.

Top with  remaining French Fried Onions.
Return to the Oven and Bake an additional 5 minutes. (until Golden Brown)

Serve Hot.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Granola Cookies

I have my own recipe for homemade Granola. I'll post it at the end of this recipe. You can use your favorite Granola in this Cookie.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 1 3/4" Cookie Scoop
 A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper

16 TBS Butter, room temperature.
3/4 C Granulated Sugar
3/4 C Brown Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
2 1/4 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt
4 C Granola
3/4 C Chopped Pecans

In a Large Mixing Bowl with an Electric Mixer:
Butter
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Vanilla
Eggs
Beat on Low sped until well combined and creamy smooth.

Add:
Flour
Baking Soda
Salt
Mix until well combined.

By Hand, with a Silicone Spatula:
Add:
Granola
Raisins
Pecans
Stir to combine well.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Use the Cookie Scoop and drop the Dough 2" apart onto the Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper.

Bake for 11 - 13 minutes, just until Golden Brown.

Remove Sheet Pan to a Rack to Cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer Cookies to the Pan to Cool completely.



1970's Hippy Granola:

I toasted the Pecans, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds and Wheat Germ
in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Stir them once and watch them carefully.

When I make this recipe, I double it. It never seems to last long.

2 C Rolled Oats
1 C Toasted Pecans
1/4 C Sesame Seeds
1/2 C Toasted Sunflower Seeds
1/2 C Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1/4 C Toasted Wheat Germ
1 C Raisins
1/2 C Dried Cranberries
1/4 C Safflower Oil
1/4 C Honey
1/4 Maple Syrup

Mix together in a large bowl:
Oats
Pecans
Sesame Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Wheat Germ

Drizzle mixture with Oil
Drizzle with Honey
Drizzle with Maple Syrup
Toss to coat evenly

Place the mixture on a rimmed sheet pan ( you know, the one with an edge), or in a Roasting Pan.
Bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees, stirring every ten minutes.
Return it to the bowl.
Add Coconut, Raisins and Cranberries, mix well.
Return to the Sheet Pan or Roaster , break up the clumps, spread evenly and cool completely.
Store in an airtight container.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Pumpkin and Spinach Quinoa

Quinoa is my latest obsession. I stopped eating Pasta. Potatoes and White Rice. I'm cooking more recipes with Quinoa. Here's a great Thanksgiving Quinoa Recipe. I'm putting it on our Holiday Menu this year.

Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

Here's what you'll need:
A Large Deep Skillet

1 C uncooked Quinoa. It should be about 3 1/2 C Cooked. (Cook according to package directions and set aside)

1 Large Onion, finely chopped.
1 Large Clove of Garlic, minced.
1 TBS Olive Oil
1 C Pumpkin Puree, not Pie Filling
3 C Vegetarian or Regular Chicken Stock
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 C Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese, it has to be Fresh Grated Cheese. I can't be packaged and not the grated in a container.
About 4 handfuls of Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves

In the Skillet on Medium Heat:
Oil, until heated.
Add:
Onion
Garlic
Sauté until Onion is translucent. Stirring

Add:
Pumplin
Chicken Stock
Pepper
Bring to a Boil.

Reduce Heat to Low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

Add:
Cheese and cook until it has melted.

Remove from Heat.
Add:
Quinoa
Spinach
Stir to combine well.

Serve Hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

• 
  

Tomalito in a Microwave Oven

There are many recipes for Corn Tomalito made on the Stovetop in a Double Boiler and I love that idea. It takes an hour to steam it. I serve a Corn Dish every Thanksgiving and I had never heard of Sweet Corn Tomalito until recently. With all of the food that has to be prepared for our Thanksgiving Dinner, I embraced the idea of making this in the Microwave.

Tomalito is a typical dish of the Amazonas region in Peru. It's also a common dish in Central America.

Sweet Corn Tomalito in a Microwave Oven

Here's what you'll need:
A Microwave safe Glass Bowl.

The following ingredients are mixed in the Bowl:

1 C Cornmeal
1/4 C Masa Harina Flour
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
1 TBS Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
2 C Whole Milk
1 C Water
1 (15 oz.) Can of Creamed Corn
1 Egg
4 TBS Butter, melted
1 C Frozen Sweet Corn, thawed.

In the Bowl:
Combine all of the ingredients and Whisk until completely combined.

Heat it in a Microwave Oven for 5 minutes.
Remove and Stir well.
Return and heat an additional 5 Minutes.
Mix well.
Return for the final time and heat an additional 5 minutes.

Mix well and serve hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

My friend and Chef, Ellise Pierce, The Cowgirl Chef.

Red Rice, Black Beans and Green Chile

Years ago, beans and rice was my go-to dinner —  before I moved to France, before I learned about so many other flavors and techniques, and back when being vegan meant little more than this. I’d make a big batch and stuff it into a warmed up tortilla and call it done. Easy enough for when I was short on time and totally fast food.

My vegan days long behind me, I haven’t made this in ages. But I’m definitely leaning more vegetarian than not most of the time, so I thought about beans and rice again, but I wanted to make it less boring. I wanted delicious. (Beans and rice? Are you kidding me?)

And delicious it was. The red rice and the roasted Hatch green chile (fresh; not the canned or frozen stuff) take this to the next level, and as far as the chile goes, you can make this as mild or hot as you like (I’m totally mild). I always have black beans that I’ve made in the freezer, but you can use canned ones, too. No judgment.

It’s totally fast. The only thing you have to wait on is the rice and that’s a 45-minute deal that can be happening while you do something else. Or you can make the rice in advance and just scoop it out and add it to the beans and chiles and warm it through. Eat it in bowl with some avocado and salsa if you like or put it right into a tortilla, roll it up, and eat it while you watch the news. Some things are just fine as they are.

Red Rice, Black Beans and Green Chile

Makes 4 servings

• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• sea salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 2 cups black beans
• ⅓ cup roasted Hatch green chiles
• tortillas for serving
• salsa for serving
• avocado for serving

1.Rinse the rice well in a colander.

2.Put the grapeseed oil and shallot in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until the shallot is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, rice, and a big pinch of sea salt. Stir until the rice begins to lose its color and become opaque, another 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stock, cover, and let come to a boil. When it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until done, about 45 minutes.

Save time: Make the rice in advance and keep in the fridge until ready to assemble.

3.Put the black beans, green chile, and 2 cups of the cooked rice in a large skillet. Warm through and serve either in a bowl or in tortillas with avocado and salsa.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!

Blueberry or Cherry Coffee Cake, a Vintage Family Recipe

Some of the best recipes come from family recipes. The older the recipe, the better. This one is a vintage Family Recipe.

This is the Blueberry Pecan.

Blueberry Pecan

Cherry Almond

I decided to post pictures of the recipe card.

In the ingredients it calls for Chopped Pecans, Anne just puts in a handful.
She added 1/2 tsp of Almond Extract to the Cherry filling, in addition to the Vanilla in the Batter.
She uses Slivered Almonds with the Cherry Filling and Pecans with the Blueberry Filling.

You could make Apple Pie Filling with Walnuts and a 1/2 tsp of Apple Pie Spice Mix.

It's simple and delicious.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Healthy Hippy Bites

Granola Bites in a Muffin Tin:

We buy Granola Bites at a local Market.
I think this recipe fits in well with the theme of this blog.

In the 60's & 70's we certainly ate  a lot of Granola. I've posted my Hippy Granola Recipe on the Blog.

This is simple and very close to the ones we buy.

1 1/2 C Quick Rolled Oats ( not instant )
1/2 C Almond Flour
1/2 C Flax Seeds
1/2 C Chopped Walnuts
1/4 C Sunflower Seeds
1/2 C Dried Blueberries
1/2 C Dried Cranberries
1/2 C Dried Coconut
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
1/8 tsp Clove
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Egg, beaten
2/3 C Honey
1/4 C Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Almond extract

In a large bowl, mix well:
The first 12 ingredients ( the dry ingredients )

In a separate bowl, mix well:
The next 5 ingredients ( the wet ingredients )

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients  until dry ingredients are completely moistened.

Divide among 12 cups of a regular size Muffin Tin

Press down with the bottom of a glass
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until they begin to brown slightly

Cool before releasing from the pan

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Hippy Nuggets

These would be good for Breakfast or an Afternoon Snack served with a great cup of coffee. They're small but they have a lot of texture and taste. They're not too sweet and they're filled with yummy ingredients. They are the perfect Hippy in the Kitchen Snack. I have a collection of additional Hippy recipes that I've added at the end of this one.

Hippy Nuggets

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper
A 1 1/2" Cookie Scoop

3/4 C Wheat Flour
3/4 C All Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 C Old Fashioned Oats
1 C Light Brown Sugar
8 TBS Butter, room temperature.
1/2 C Crunchy Peanut Butter
1/4 C Honey
2 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla
1 C Dried Cranberries
1/3 C Sunflower Seeds
1/2 C Chocolate Chips

In a Mixing Bowl: (Dry Ingredients)
Wheat Flour
All Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Oats
Whisk well.

In a Large Mixing Bowl with a Hand Mixer:
Sugar
Butter
Mix just until well combined. The texture will be grainy.

Add:
Peanut Butter
Honey
Eggs
Vanilla
Mix until completely combined.

Add:
Dry ingredients.
Cranberries
Sunflower Seeds.
Mix on Low Speed just until combined. Do not over beat.

Use the Cookie Scoop and drop dough onto the Sheet Pan.
Bake 18 - 20 minutes.

Remove Pan to a Rack to Cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer Nuggets to a Rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Stovetop Roasted Cauliflower with Herbs and Fresh Parmesan Cheese.

You can use a Cast Iron Skillet or a Griddle on the Stove.

Thyme Leaves

Fresh Chopped Parsley

Fresh Chopped Rosemary

3 TBS Olive Oil
1 Small Head of Cauliflower ( trimmed and cut into small florets.
Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese
2 TBS Fresh Chopped Parsley
2 TBS Fresh Thyme Leaves
2 TBS Fresh finely Chopped Rosemary
Pepper to taste

In the Skillet on Medium High Heat:
Oil, until Hot.
Cauliflower
Pan Roast, stirring often for 15 minutes until Golden Brown.
Stir well to keep it from burning.

After 15 minutes:
Add:
Parsley
Thyme
Rosemary
Reduce Heat to Low.
Continue heating for 5 minutes.
Stir to combine well.

Transfer to a Large Serving Bowl.

Add:
Fresh Shaved Parmesan, to taste.
Pepper, to taste
Mix well.

Serve Hot.
Top individual servings with additional Parmesan Cheese.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

White Chile con Queso

I live in Texas and we eat a lot of Chile con Queso at home and in restaurants.
It originated in the Northern Mexican State of Chihuahua. It's a smooth, creamy sauce made from melted cheeses, cream and Chile peppers.
It's traditionally served with Tortilla Chips and also used as a topping for Fajitas, Tacos and Migas.
I have many other favorite Chile con Queso recipes on the Blog.

I serve our Chile con Queso in this hand forged Mocajete. It was made by our local Blacksmith.
The interesting aspect about it is that it can be heated in the oven to serve hot Queso ,
it can also be frozen to serve Ice Cream. 

Diced Fresh Jalapeño Pepper.

I have many Cast Iron Skillets that are virtually non-stick. I keep them in pristine condition.
You can make this recipe in the Skillet and serve it from the Skillet.

Here's what you'll need:
A Large Cast Iron Skillet
An Oven Broiler

3/4 lb. of White American Cheese, cubed into small pieces. Divided
1/4 lb. of Queso Quesadilla, cubed into small pieces.
1 1/4 C Half and Half
3 TBS Diced Fresh Jalapeño.
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tsp Chili Powder

In the Cast Iron Skillet on Low heat:
American Cheese
1/2 C Half and Half
Stirring until melted and creamy smooth.

Add:
Remaining American and Queso Quesadilla Cheese.
Remaining Half and Half.
Continue cooking and stirring until melted and creamy smooth.

Add:
Jalapeños
Mix to combine well.

Add:
Cumin
Black Pepper
Red Pepper
Chile Powder
Stir to combine well.

Transfer to the Broiler until Golden Brown.

Serve Hot accompanied by Tortilla Chips for Dipping.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Ritz Cracker topped Yellow Squash Casserole with Diced Green Chiles

I love Yellow Squash Recipes in a variety of ways. I think I like it as much as I like Corn Recipes.

Baked and ready to serve!

Ready to Bake

Ritz Cracker topped Yellow Squash Casserole with Diced Green Chiles

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
An 8" X 8" Baking Baking Dish sprayed with a Vegetable Cooking Spray.
A Potato Masher
Foil

2 pounds of Yellow Squash, cut into 1/4" slices.
3 TBS Butter, divided.
1 TBS Olive Oil
1 - 4 oz. can of Diced Green Chiles, undrained.
1 tsp Adobo Seasoning
1/2 C Sour Cream
1 Large Egg, beaten
1 C Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 C Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 C Finely Crushed Ritz Crackers
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a Large Skillet or Large Saucepan with a Lid, on Medium High Heat:
1 TBS Oil
1 TBS Butter
Until hot.

Add:
Squash
Salt and Pepper to Taste.
Cook, uncovered, stirring often for 10 minutes.
Cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Remove from Heat and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Mash with a Potato Masher.

Add:
Diced Green Chiles
Adobo Seasoning
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese
Egg
1/4 C Parmesan Cheese
Stir well until completely blended.

Spoon into the Pan.
Top with Crackers.
Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan Cheese.
Drizzle with remaining 2 TBS of Butter, melted.
Cover with Foil.

Bake 35 minutes.
Remove Foil, continue Baking for 5 - 10 minutes, just until Golden Brown.

Serve Hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Apple Bars

How have I missed posting this recipe? I have so many Apple recipes that I'm going to consolidate all of them into 1 Apple Recipe Post.

Apple Bars

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 - 9" X 13" Casserole Dish brushed with Pan Release Mix:

Equal parts of:
Crisco
Vegetable Oil
Flour

Mix together well and store in a Mason jar.
Make as much as you want. 1C of each, 2C of each, 3C of each, you get the idea!
It keeps "forever" in the refrigerator!
It never has enough time to last forever in our refrigerator!
I always have it available for all of my baking needs.


3 C Flour
4 Apples, I use Jonagold or Fuji. Peeled, Cored and Diced small.
2 C Granulated Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/3 C Fresh Orange Juice
2 Eggs
1 C Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Salt

In a Large Mixing Bowl with a Wooden Spoon:
Flour
Apples
Sugar
Cinnamon
Baking Soda
Juice
Oil
Eggs
Oil
Salt
Mix well by Hand.

Spoon into the Casserole Dish.
Bake for 45 minutes, until Golden Brown.

Cut into Squares to Serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Christmas Cookie Cutter Chocolate Peppermint Treats

Here's a great Holiday Treat to give as gifts or for Stocking Stuffers.

This is my Double Boiler

You can create your own Bain Marie like this.

Christmas Cookie Cutter Treats

Here's what you'll need:

A Sheet Pan lined with Silpat or Parchment Paper.

A Double Boiler or Bain Marie.
White or Dark Chocolate Chips.  (5 Cookie Cutters will need approximately 8 oz. of Chocolate)
Peppermint Chips (either crushed Candy Canes or Purchased Peppermint Chips)
A Variety of Holiday Cookie Cutters.
Silpat or Parchment Paper.
Decorative Holiday Cellophane Gift Bags and Ties.

Instructions:

Prepare Melted Chocolate in a Double Boiler or Bain Marie.

Arrange the Cookie Cutters on the Sheet Pan that has been lined with either
Silpat or Parchment Paper.

Fill each Cookie Cutter about 1/2 full.
Tap gently across the top of the cookie cutter with a wooden spoon to smooth out the chocolate.
Sprinkle with Peppermint Chips.

Allow to Cool completely.

To Release:
Gently tap  on a Hard Surface and Pop the Chocolate out with your Thumb.

Wash the Cookie Cutter, dry completely and reuse or hang on your Christmas Tree.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!