The cooler mornings stirs my craving to start a pot of soup and something to take care of my sweet tooth. Some delicious Broccoli and Cheese or flavorful Potato Soup would really be yummy. I have promised Dad for two weeks a pot of vegetable soup and that would work wonders also. The smell of onions, celery and garlic in a rich chicken broth gets the saliva flowing and comforts the mind and body.
I discussed with my nephew this week - he is a great Paula Dean fan - possibilities for our Thanksgiving Dinner. He is a wonderful cook and always surprises us with his delicious creations. I thought I might need to give him a heads up so he could start planning which dishes he would like to bring. I know, we still have two and half months to go, but I told you these cool mornings get me going. I can already taste the cranberry salad with the cream cheese and pecans just flowing over my taste buds and bringing a smile to my face.
I think I will bake more bread this year also. It isn't good for the waistline, but it is a sure stress reliever and makes me happy. There is nothing better than a good sweetbread fresh from the bread machine. Yes, I cheat! That machine can bring forth the same delectable aromas and the wonderful taste as my mixing and kneading ever thought about and in much less time.
I haven't checked the pecan trees this year, but I am hoping that we have a decent crop. Some toasted pecans drizzled with butter would be real good about now, but the time is not too far away. The squirrels not only raped my corn feeders this year but also took every pear off three trees and got most of the plums to boot. Anything with a seed was fair game this year for those little varmints and I intend on getting some back in the form of squirrel dumplings in the not too distant future. They are nice and plump after a summer filled with eating.
Well, I think it is time to start the potato soup so I will leave you with your thoughts for now. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Showing posts with label cook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cook. Show all posts
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
After a busy weekend, today will be restful. Nothing demanding my attention and looks as though the temperatures will be headed downward for the rest of the week, so maybe I will be able to get outside and dig and pull.
Hubby did an outstanding job on a beef brisket on Friday evening. Marinating in yogurt for about 4 hours, then smoking uncovered for 4 hours, then seasoning and wrapping for a night of slow cooking, this baby turned out fantastic. Tender and moist, even the kids were eating it by the handfuls. The flavor was out of this world and as you know a brisket is not the top of the line when it comes to moistness and tenderness, but the unflavored yogurt did its work and broke down those fibers. Good eating!
The grandchildren, nieces, and nephews enjoyed a long swim while the older folks relaxed and watched. A peaceful and restful afternoon.
In ten days my parents will be married for 60 years. That's a long time to live with one person. I am proud of their efforts and the fact they have hung in there and not thrown in the towel. It hasn't all been a bed of roses, but they have managed to work around the thorns without any deep injuries and the scars have made their marriage stronger. There are still days they get on each other's nerves, but hey after 60 years they have a right.
Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Hubby did an outstanding job on a beef brisket on Friday evening. Marinating in yogurt for about 4 hours, then smoking uncovered for 4 hours, then seasoning and wrapping for a night of slow cooking, this baby turned out fantastic. Tender and moist, even the kids were eating it by the handfuls. The flavor was out of this world and as you know a brisket is not the top of the line when it comes to moistness and tenderness, but the unflavored yogurt did its work and broke down those fibers. Good eating!
The grandchildren, nieces, and nephews enjoyed a long swim while the older folks relaxed and watched. A peaceful and restful afternoon.
In ten days my parents will be married for 60 years. That's a long time to live with one person. I am proud of their efforts and the fact they have hung in there and not thrown in the towel. It hasn't all been a bed of roses, but they have managed to work around the thorns without any deep injuries and the scars have made their marriage stronger. There are still days they get on each other's nerves, but hey after 60 years they have a right.
Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Back of the Bottle or Package
The best pecan pie recipe ever was on the back of the Karo Syrup bottle. Now they have a website filled with goodies. This week I am going to try their Pecan Chocolate Pie Bars. They sound delicious. Dixie Crystal's Brown Sugar falls right in there when baking. And don't forget the Baker's Chocolate, we all need a little chocolate in our lives.
Carnation Evaporated Milk was used in every creamed soup recipe for years and now they have a website filled with recipes from sweets to soups. I remember Mom chilling evaporated milk and then whipping it into a creamy mountain of fluff. Eagle Brand condensed milk has always been a staple during the Holiday baking season and it is a must for rich creamy ice cream.
Until the past few years, recipes have been handed down from generation to generation or found on the back of the bottle or package of one or more of the ingredients. It was a real treat 35 years ago to get a Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens cookbook - I was lucky enough to get a Better Homes and Garden. As you can see, I have collected a few recipes over the years that I cherish for not just the recipe, but for the memories invoked when they are in the making. With the advent of the Internet and the ease of use, recipes are as close as a click of the mouse.
As you do your baking this Christmas season, there is one ingredient that is never listed in the recipe and that is love. Please remember to add a heaping cup whenever you mix your ingredients together. It is the secret ingredient in the best cooked foods.
Happy reading!
Belle
Carnation Evaporated Milk was used in every creamed soup recipe for years and now they have a website filled with recipes from sweets to soups. I remember Mom chilling evaporated milk and then whipping it into a creamy mountain of fluff. Eagle Brand condensed milk has always been a staple during the Holiday baking season and it is a must for rich creamy ice cream.
Until the past few years, recipes have been handed down from generation to generation or found on the back of the bottle or package of one or more of the ingredients. It was a real treat 35 years ago to get a Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens cookbook - I was lucky enough to get a Better Homes and Garden. As you can see, I have collected a few recipes over the years that I cherish for not just the recipe, but for the memories invoked when they are in the making. With the advent of the Internet and the ease of use, recipes are as close as a click of the mouse.
As you do your baking this Christmas season, there is one ingredient that is never listed in the recipe and that is love. Please remember to add a heaping cup whenever you mix your ingredients together. It is the secret ingredient in the best cooked foods.
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Chicken Gumbo
Our family refers to this as my sister's Chicken Gumbo, but in reality it was shared by a close family friend. My sister makes this according to the recipe as I do or my mother does, however, hers is different. It is just one of those things, no explanation! My children will tell you, Mom's is good but . . . I feel the same way and as a result, this has become her recipe!
This is great for those cold winter nights or when you have a crowd to feed. Warm and nourishing, it is a pleasant detour around the chili or vegetable soup meals.
Boil a large fryer or hen in salted water until the meat falls from the bone. Remove hen from broth, remove meat from bone, returning meat to broth.
In a small skillet, fry 4 slices of bacon and set aside to drain on a paper towel. Stir 1 cup of chopped onions and one clove of crushed garlic into the bacon drippings. Saute until brown, then stir 1/3 cup of flour into the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly until flour has browned; pour mixture into broth. Also add 1 pint tomatoes and 2 tsp Gumbo Filet to the broth. Cover and let simmer. Add 1 pint okra, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 tsp Tabasco Sauce to broth. Simmer at least 45 minutes. Serve over rice.
Delicious!
This is great for those cold winter nights or when you have a crowd to feed. Warm and nourishing, it is a pleasant detour around the chili or vegetable soup meals.
Boil a large fryer or hen in salted water until the meat falls from the bone. Remove hen from broth, remove meat from bone, returning meat to broth.
In a small skillet, fry 4 slices of bacon and set aside to drain on a paper towel. Stir 1 cup of chopped onions and one clove of crushed garlic into the bacon drippings. Saute until brown, then stir 1/3 cup of flour into the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly until flour has browned; pour mixture into broth. Also add 1 pint tomatoes and 2 tsp Gumbo Filet to the broth. Cover and let simmer. Add 1 pint okra, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 tsp Tabasco Sauce to broth. Simmer at least 45 minutes. Serve over rice.
Delicious!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mama Cook's 1-2-3-4 Cake
Can you tell I have been cooking - or thinking about it? This is a basic cake recipe handed down for many generations.
1 cup milk
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
4 eggs
1 cup of butter
Mix well - beat on high for about 3 minutes. Bake at 300 degrees until springs to touch.
These old recipes based "mixing" and "cooking" on common sense. Mix well means mixed until ingredients are thoroughly combined but not until the bubbles are frothing. Cook until down or springs to the touch - toothpick in center comes out clean. The women of yesteryear didn't care a whit whether the enzymes had broken down. They just tried to feed their families tasty and filling food. I don't have a clue as to the fat, sugar, protein, or cholesterol content is and really don't care. This cake is good!
1 cup milk
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
4 eggs
1 cup of butter
Mix well - beat on high for about 3 minutes. Bake at 300 degrees until springs to touch.
These old recipes based "mixing" and "cooking" on common sense. Mix well means mixed until ingredients are thoroughly combined but not until the bubbles are frothing. Cook until down or springs to the touch - toothpick in center comes out clean. The women of yesteryear didn't care a whit whether the enzymes had broken down. They just tried to feed their families tasty and filling food. I don't have a clue as to the fat, sugar, protein, or cholesterol content is and really don't care. This cake is good!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Beer Butt Turkeys
I know! I know! It is suppose to be Beer Butt Chicken, but my husband along with all his friends and some information from his cooking show has set him on fire.
We regularly cook Beer Butt Chickens - you have to try these if you haven't before. Wash chickens, fill cavity with seasoning of your choice (we love Montreal Chicken by McCormick - they have several combinations to suit your taste), season the outside of the chicken, open beer and stick can into cavity of chicken. I set mine in a small roasting pan for stability and put on grill (on low). It takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to cook. It is so moist and flavorful - no! it does not take up the taste of the beer!
So, Hubby is going to buy the tall boy beer, pour out the beer and replace the beer with Apple Cider. Season his turkey, ram the can up the rear and let her roll. It will probably take 5- 6 hours to cook. Now, I don't really know if I want him to mess up Thanksgiving dinner and me to end up with no turkey, so I bought a couple of extra turkeys to be on the safe side. I really would have preferred him to experiment before the big event. It probably wouldn't matter, as he keeps getting new tips and ideas as he goes along, so his method changes constantly as does his madness.
Before he gets in today, we may have a whole new menu. But, please, I beg you, those bringing covered dishes please don't change a thing. We must have something to eat! Wish us luck!
Blessing and happiness to all and
Happy Reading
Belle
We regularly cook Beer Butt Chickens - you have to try these if you haven't before. Wash chickens, fill cavity with seasoning of your choice (we love Montreal Chicken by McCormick - they have several combinations to suit your taste), season the outside of the chicken, open beer and stick can into cavity of chicken. I set mine in a small roasting pan for stability and put on grill (on low). It takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to cook. It is so moist and flavorful - no! it does not take up the taste of the beer!
So, Hubby is going to buy the tall boy beer, pour out the beer and replace the beer with Apple Cider. Season his turkey, ram the can up the rear and let her roll. It will probably take 5- 6 hours to cook. Now, I don't really know if I want him to mess up Thanksgiving dinner and me to end up with no turkey, so I bought a couple of extra turkeys to be on the safe side. I really would have preferred him to experiment before the big event. It probably wouldn't matter, as he keeps getting new tips and ideas as he goes along, so his method changes constantly as does his madness.
Before he gets in today, we may have a whole new menu. But, please, I beg you, those bringing covered dishes please don't change a thing. We must have something to eat! Wish us luck!
Blessing and happiness to all and
Happy Reading
Belle
Monday, June 29, 2009
Another Tale - My Nanny
Lugenia was special, but I guess we all think our Nannies are special. My sister and I were too old to go to day care or nursery as it was known back then, so Mom hired Lugenia to stay with us during the day, keep the house up, and fix Dad and the farm help some lunch. Lugenia wasn't the first, but she was the best (so Lizzy, you were pretty good too). Lugenia loved her babies - that would be me and my sister. She kept a close eye on us, but that meant she could see us from any one of the windows in the house. She didn't hover, but she always made sure we were not into mischief or doing something we could get hurt at.
We lived in the country and back in the 50s that meant 12 miles from town and the nearest neighbor was a half a mile away. No traffic on our one lane dirt road and that meant extra protection for us girls. We could play in the road all day and not see a car go by. The ditches were full of nice white sand and we would get on our bicycles and ride until we couldn't ride any more then stop and play in the sand. When we were rested, we would get back on the bicycles for more riding. I probably had the strongest legs of any girl around. Anyway, back to Lugenia.
Lugenia lived in that half mile house - she was our nearest neighbor. Lugenia didn't like storms. Every time a dark cloud came up, after she unplugged anything that was plugged in, we would sit on the sofa on each side of her, the Bible on her lap and her arms around us and she would pray. After the cloud passed she would shoo us back outside to play in the mud puddles. She would fix us bacon, eggs, grits and toast for breakfast. We could only have on slice of toast because it filled us up and we wouldn't eat the rest of the "good" stuff.
Lugenia next spanked us, though we sure deserved it. My sister and I could fight like cats and dogs over nothing. She would always get us separated and tell us Jesus didn't like meanness. I probably learned more about the Bible from Lugenia than all my days in Sunday school. She made everything in the Good Book apply to whatever we were doing.
The family was coming home from Church one night during Revival Week and Dad saw a huge king snake in the road. He stopped the car, jumped out and caught that big old snake right in front of Lugenia's house. Dad loved to keep king snakes at the barn to catch mice and rats. He started to get back in the car and Mom started yelling and carrying on something fierce. Dad sat in the driver's seat and Mom went our the passenger door. She refused to ride that half mile with a snake in the car. After talking Mom back in the car, he pulled in Lugenia's driveway getting out and heading to her front door. Well, Lugenia must have been watching all the commotion because when Dad knocked on the door, Lugenia cracked the door holding a butcher knife in her hand. She told my Dad she didn't want to hurt anybody, but if he came in her house with that snake she would kill him.
Dad thought this was real funny, but he believed Lugenia and came on back to the car. He let the snake go back in the road. The next morning Lugenia apologized to Dad and Dad apologized to Lugenia and everything was back to normal. I think Dad thought both Mom and Lugenia were a bit crazy.
As granddaddy brought us vegetables from the garden, Lugenia showed me how to can, freeze and also to make jelly. She never put me in harms way, but always made sure I was close enough to see what she was doing and told me every step of the process and why it was done.
On the weekends, Lugenia's daughter and grandchildren came from town and took her back with them. She did her grocery shopping then and went to church with them on Sunday. She would tell us all about her grandchildren when she came on Monday.
As she got older and her daughter didn't think she could live alone, she moved to town. She is gone now, but I'll never forget Lugenia. I am sure I carry part of her with me to this day.
We lived in the country and back in the 50s that meant 12 miles from town and the nearest neighbor was a half a mile away. No traffic on our one lane dirt road and that meant extra protection for us girls. We could play in the road all day and not see a car go by. The ditches were full of nice white sand and we would get on our bicycles and ride until we couldn't ride any more then stop and play in the sand. When we were rested, we would get back on the bicycles for more riding. I probably had the strongest legs of any girl around. Anyway, back to Lugenia.
Lugenia lived in that half mile house - she was our nearest neighbor. Lugenia didn't like storms. Every time a dark cloud came up, after she unplugged anything that was plugged in, we would sit on the sofa on each side of her, the Bible on her lap and her arms around us and she would pray. After the cloud passed she would shoo us back outside to play in the mud puddles. She would fix us bacon, eggs, grits and toast for breakfast. We could only have on slice of toast because it filled us up and we wouldn't eat the rest of the "good" stuff.
Lugenia next spanked us, though we sure deserved it. My sister and I could fight like cats and dogs over nothing. She would always get us separated and tell us Jesus didn't like meanness. I probably learned more about the Bible from Lugenia than all my days in Sunday school. She made everything in the Good Book apply to whatever we were doing.
The family was coming home from Church one night during Revival Week and Dad saw a huge king snake in the road. He stopped the car, jumped out and caught that big old snake right in front of Lugenia's house. Dad loved to keep king snakes at the barn to catch mice and rats. He started to get back in the car and Mom started yelling and carrying on something fierce. Dad sat in the driver's seat and Mom went our the passenger door. She refused to ride that half mile with a snake in the car. After talking Mom back in the car, he pulled in Lugenia's driveway getting out and heading to her front door. Well, Lugenia must have been watching all the commotion because when Dad knocked on the door, Lugenia cracked the door holding a butcher knife in her hand. She told my Dad she didn't want to hurt anybody, but if he came in her house with that snake she would kill him.
Dad thought this was real funny, but he believed Lugenia and came on back to the car. He let the snake go back in the road. The next morning Lugenia apologized to Dad and Dad apologized to Lugenia and everything was back to normal. I think Dad thought both Mom and Lugenia were a bit crazy.
As granddaddy brought us vegetables from the garden, Lugenia showed me how to can, freeze and also to make jelly. She never put me in harms way, but always made sure I was close enough to see what she was doing and told me every step of the process and why it was done.
On the weekends, Lugenia's daughter and grandchildren came from town and took her back with them. She did her grocery shopping then and went to church with them on Sunday. She would tell us all about her grandchildren when she came on Monday.
As she got older and her daughter didn't think she could live alone, she moved to town. She is gone now, but I'll never forget Lugenia. I am sure I carry part of her with me to this day.
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