As everyone in America knows, it's Super Bowl Weekend! It's time for the men to put out their culinary skills and the women to take advantage of a day off out of the entire year (exceptions; Valentines Day, Mother's Day and Birthday.)
Some of the men out there may feel it their duty to invite their buddies over to watch the game on a big screen television. Some wives may feel that they actually get to observe their working husband/partner in one sitting area for the first time in a year up close and personal. Couch potatoes don't count. Whatever your vice, have fun. Take advantage of the one day when you can ask for something (make it big). More than likely the generic response will be "Yes honey", "Ok", or "Anything you say" . "Oh, I just Love this 7 ct. Marquis Diamond Ring Sweetie!"
Go Pittsburgh Steelers!
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"Absolutely Perfect Steaks"
4 tenderloin steaks-wrapped in bacon or rib-eyes
Lawry's Seasoned Salt & fresh ground pepper
5 TBSP. unsalted butter, softened (can soften in microwave on 30% power at 20 second intervals until soft)
1 garlic clove (mashed)
1 tsp. fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1). Combine butter,mashed garlic clove,thyme, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar-mix well, then place in refrigerator.
2). ***PAY ATTENTION: This neat trick let's you oven broil without any smoke in your kitchen; Take an aluminum disposable pan or heavy duty baking pan and place approximately 1/1/2 cups of salt in it. Take a wire rack or slotted tray, spray it with Pam (for easy clean-up) and place on top of aluminum pan. Adjust oven racks (both) to the upper middle and lower middle positions and heat to 375 degrees. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and then season with Lawry's Seasoned Salt and pepper.Place steaks on wire rack. and place in oven on the lower-middle rack. Cook 6 minutes then remove pan from oven. Flip the steaks over. Let steaks rest for 10 minutes. Place oven on broil. Transfer the pan to the upper middle rack and broil the steaks flipping every 3 minutes until an instant thermometer reads 125-135 degrees (check after 6 minutes). Transfer steaks to a platter and top with chilled compound butter mixture. Tent with foil and let steaks rest for 5 minutes. PS: I like to saute' onions and mushrooms in unsalted butter and season with Lawry's seasoned salt and pepper and then mound them on top of the steaks.
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Maryland Crab Cakes
with Remoulade Sauce
1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat, picked out
the shells and drain the liquid off the crab meat
4 green onions, green parts only, minced
1 TBSP. chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
4 TBSP. fine dried plain bread crumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Salt & white pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1. Gently mix the crab meat, green onions (green parts only), parsley, Old Bay seasoning, *2 TBSP. of bread crumbs and mayonnaise in a medium bowl, being careful not to break up the crab lumps. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Carefully fold in the egg with a rubber spatula until the mixture just clings together. Add more *bread crumbs if necessary until the cakes hold well together.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a generous TBSP., form the mixture into 24 crab cakes, each 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place each cake on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a double thickness of paper towels. Put the flour into a pie dish. Lightly dredge the crab cakes, knocking off the excess.
4. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated place the floured crab cakes in the skillet; Do not let them touch each other. Pan-fry until the outside is golden brown and crisp, 1 -2 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the cakes. Pan-fry until the second side is crisp and brown, 1 -2 minutes. Repeat with remaining crab cakes. Transfer crab cakes to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and place the baking sheet into the oven.
Serve HOT with *Remoulade sauce.
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* Remoulade Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. Franks Hot Sauce
1/2 tsp. *capers, drained
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 anchovy fillet, chopped coarse
or anchovy paste
Salt & Pepper
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tsp. sweet pickle relish
Soak capers in milk for 10 minutes, then drain and proceed with the following: Pulse all the ingredients (including drained capers) with the exception of the salt & pepper in a food processor until well combined but not smooth, about ten quick pulses. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Transfer to serving bowl. Serve with Crab dip or Crab Cakes.
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Louisiana Crab Cakes
2 tsp. plus 4 TBSP. vegetable oil
25-30 saltine crackers,crushed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
1/2 onion, minced (1/2 cup)
2 TBSP. heavy cream
1/3 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 celery rib, finely chopped
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
1 1/2 lbs. lump crab meat, "pick out
the shells" and drain the liquid off the crab meat
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1. Heat *2 tsp. of the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Transfer to a plate and refrigerate for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Stir in the lump crab meat and *3/4 cup of the cracker crumbs, being careful not to break up large pieces of crab. Whisk the mayonnaise, egg, heavy cream, mustard cayenne, smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl. Using a spatula, fold the mayonnaise mixture into the crab mixture. Divide into 8 portions and shape each into a 1 1/4-inch-thick cake. Transfer to a plate, cover, and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat the remaining 4TSBP. oil in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Dredge the crab cakes in the remaining 1/2 cup plain cracker crumbs and form crab cakes. Add more bread crumbs if needed to hold crab cakes together. Cook 4 of the crab cakes until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining crab cakes. Serve with lemon wedges and *Remoulade sauce.
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*Hot Crab Shrimp & Mushroom Dip*
2 cups heavy cream
2 TBSP. butter
1/4 cup minced celery
1 1/2 cups sliced white mushrooms
3 shallots, minced
1 cup lump crab meat, remove shells and drain
1 cup small shrimp, cooked
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp. salt 2 green onions, just the green part
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
cheese
1. Melt 2 TBSP. of butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add celery, shallots, crushed red pepper and smoked paprika and simmer the ingredients over low heat for 20 minutes. Cook slowly just until the celery softens and the onions begin to turn translucent.
2. Add mushrooms, crab, shrimp, cream and salt to the pan. Turn the heat up until the liquid begins to bubble, then turn the heat back down and simmer mixture for 20 minutes or until it becomes thick. Watch carefully making sure the mixture does not bubble over. Set oven on broil.
3. When the dip has thickened pour it into a casserole dish. Combine Cheddar & Jack cheeses and sprinkle the cheese mixture over the dip. Broil the dip for 3 or 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle green onions over the top and serve hot with toasted garlic bread.
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Toasted Garlic Bread
2 loaves Italian bread
1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick salted butter)
1/2 tsp. chives
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1. Cut loaves length-wise. Combine the dried parsley flakes, garlic powder and chives with a stick of melted butter in a small bowl. Brush some of this garlic butter on each side of each the bread and toast the bread under the hot broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until the bread is toasted to a light brown.
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Zesty Crab Dip
1 jar (12 oz.) cocktail sauce
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
A dash or two of hot sauce (My favorite is: Frank's Hot sauce)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 can (4.25 oz) lump crab meat pick out the shells (drain well)
1/4 tsp. dill
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Bag of your favorite Tortilla chips or *Home-made*
Place the cocktail sauce, mayonnaise, lemon zest,dill, lemon juice & Worcestershire hot sauce in a decorative bowl. Stir mixture well.
Fold in the drained crab meat until just combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve with tortilla chips.******To make your own tortilla chips just cut flour tortilla's in fourths. Heat a quart of peanut oil to 375F. Deep fry in batches approximately 30 seconds-1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Cost pennies to make a whole slew of them!
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Favorite Cookware: Corning Ware Oval Casserole Dish
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
No Rest for the Weary- Chicken Noodle Soup
Please excuse my late posting. I came down with the flu. I actually caught it from my 9 yr.old son who caught it from his cousin. It's funny, how despite all techniques (constant hand washing, Lysol spray, Clorax water, separate utensils and dish ware, isolated area,etc.) I still managed to catch the flu. My niece's case was mild. My son had it really bad and as for myself...well, "mothers" don't get sick. We still have to clean, cook and work.
While taking care of my son through these past 7 days a revelation came upon me. All women can relate to this who has had to take care of a husband or boyfriend. When "they" get sick, it is a near- death experience. I mean, the whining, "honey I need this" goes into hyper mode. We can be on our last leg and it will not even be acknowledged by these guys. Well, I am sure there are a few out there who are protesting this statement, but it is so true. How does this happen? I "babyed"my son. I was at his beck and call. I stayed up for 2 nights straight just making sure he was still breathing. I created this syndrome. "We" women have created this syndrome in men. It probably dates back to cave man days. Would these men survive an illness without us? Yes...eventually. As for us, mothers never get sick.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
2 lbs. chicken leg quarters
1 lb chicken feet (optional-but makes a great base)
8 cups water
3 large yellow onions
4 stalks celery with leaves
3 cloves garlic
6 carrots
2 bay leaves
2 packets Sazon goya seasoning
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp season salt
2 tsp pepper
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup canola oil
1 box bow tie noodles
Clean and rinse chicken parts. If using chicken feet, cut off toenails. Using a large stock pot add oil and place on medium heat. Brown chicken in batches. It takes about 8 minutes per side. Set chicken aside. Quarter 2 of the onions. Remove the top and bottoms of the onions. Leave the skin on. This helps absorb some of the fat. Take 2 stalks of celery with leaves and break them in half. Place in pot. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 carrots and bay leaves. Saute vegetables in oil for 3 minutes. Add browned chicken, lemon juice, Sazon goya seasoning packets, 2 tsp salt, pepper and water. Bring to boil, then set on medium low and simmer for 4 hours.
Remove chicken parts. Throw away chicken feet. Place chicken quarters in a baggie and refrigerate. Strain and discard vegetables. Set broth in refrigerator over night. Next day, skim off fat. Dice remaining vegetables, shred chicken and add to strained broth. Add white wine and paprika. Add more water to broth to make at least 8 cups. Simmer 1 hour. Add 1/2 box noodles and cook for 9 more minutes. Season with salt at 1/2 tsp. increments to your taste.
This makes a lot of broth and you can add more water and additional noodles (the other half of the box) when reheating. 12+ servings.
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Favorite Cookware: Conical Stainless Steel Strainer with Hang Hook
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Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
While taking care of my son through these past 7 days a revelation came upon me. All women can relate to this who has had to take care of a husband or boyfriend. When "they" get sick, it is a near- death experience. I mean, the whining, "honey I need this" goes into hyper mode. We can be on our last leg and it will not even be acknowledged by these guys. Well, I am sure there are a few out there who are protesting this statement, but it is so true. How does this happen? I "babyed"my son. I was at his beck and call. I stayed up for 2 nights straight just making sure he was still breathing. I created this syndrome. "We" women have created this syndrome in men. It probably dates back to cave man days. Would these men survive an illness without us? Yes...eventually. As for us, mothers never get sick.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
2 lbs. chicken leg quarters
1 lb chicken feet (optional-but makes a great base)
8 cups water
3 large yellow onions
4 stalks celery with leaves
3 cloves garlic
6 carrots
2 bay leaves
2 packets Sazon goya seasoning
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp season salt
2 tsp pepper
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup canola oil
1 box bow tie noodles
Clean and rinse chicken parts. If using chicken feet, cut off toenails. Using a large stock pot add oil and place on medium heat. Brown chicken in batches. It takes about 8 minutes per side. Set chicken aside. Quarter 2 of the onions. Remove the top and bottoms of the onions. Leave the skin on. This helps absorb some of the fat. Take 2 stalks of celery with leaves and break them in half. Place in pot. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 carrots and bay leaves. Saute vegetables in oil for 3 minutes. Add browned chicken, lemon juice, Sazon goya seasoning packets, 2 tsp salt, pepper and water. Bring to boil, then set on medium low and simmer for 4 hours.
Remove chicken parts. Throw away chicken feet. Place chicken quarters in a baggie and refrigerate. Strain and discard vegetables. Set broth in refrigerator over night. Next day, skim off fat. Dice remaining vegetables, shred chicken and add to strained broth. Add white wine and paprika. Add more water to broth to make at least 8 cups. Simmer 1 hour. Add 1/2 box noodles and cook for 9 more minutes. Season with salt at 1/2 tsp. increments to your taste.
This makes a lot of broth and you can add more water and additional noodles (the other half of the box) when reheating. 12+ servings.
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Favorite Cookware: Conical Stainless Steel Strainer with Hang Hook
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Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
America's Song and a Scrumptious Pork Tenderloin Recipe
America’s Song-Scrumptious Pork Tenderloin
www.oprah.com has "America’s Song" for your listening pleasure . It was written by Will-I-am and David Foster. I listened to the song on Oprah and it is beautifully sung by some of the most talented singers of our time: Faith Hill, Seal, Bono and Mary J. Blige.
My son will be home from his “Road Trip to Washington DC” Wednesday evening. We will have lot’s to talk about especially since school is closed tomorrow due to weather. I decided to pull out a crock pot recipe that my family absolutely loves for me to make. This one I will submit to Amazon Daily’s blog.
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Scrumptious Pork Tenderloin
2-1 ½ lbs. pork tenderloin
4 Tbsp all purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 pkg. Italian dressing
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp thyme
2 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup white wine
14 oz. can Swanson Chicken Broth or 1 ½ cups-2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper both tenderloins. Coat in flour. Heat olive oil and brown each tenderloin. Transfer into crock pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 2 hours then reduce to low and slow cook for 4-5 hours or until it falls off your fork. Salt and pepper to your taste. Serve over toasted French bread.
************************************************************************Favorite Cookware: Smart Pot by Rival
Enjoy!
thefryegirl2u
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www.oprah.com has "America’s Song" for your listening pleasure . It was written by Will-I-am and David Foster. I listened to the song on Oprah and it is beautifully sung by some of the most talented singers of our time: Faith Hill, Seal, Bono and Mary J. Blige.
My son will be home from his “Road Trip to Washington DC” Wednesday evening. We will have lot’s to talk about especially since school is closed tomorrow due to weather. I decided to pull out a crock pot recipe that my family absolutely loves for me to make. This one I will submit to Amazon Daily’s blog.
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Scrumptious Pork Tenderloin
2-1 ½ lbs. pork tenderloin
4 Tbsp all purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 pkg. Italian dressing
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp thyme
2 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup white wine
14 oz. can Swanson Chicken Broth or 1 ½ cups-2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper both tenderloins. Coat in flour. Heat olive oil and brown each tenderloin. Transfer into crock pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 2 hours then reduce to low and slow cook for 4-5 hours or until it falls off your fork. Salt and pepper to your taste. Serve over toasted French bread.
************************************************************************Favorite Cookware: Smart Pot by Rival
Enjoy!
thefryegirl2u
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Monday, January 19, 2009
Road Trip: Spinach Dip; Hot Wings, Mountain Dew Cake
Road Trip
My 9 year old son, Brendan went with his dad to Maryland in celebration of our new President who will be sworn in Tuesday, 01/20/09. The moment “Road Trip” was mentioned, Brendan had his PSP and PS 2 packed in no time. I told him that he may not make it back in time for school on Wednesday and he looked utterly devastated, stating how much he loved school. I did a double take on that statement and caught him with a slight grin on his face. He rode shotgun. They left Saturday afternoon making a few stops along the way. All along 95 South were reminders of the big event! They arrived in Maryland 8 hours later around 11 pm.
My daughter, who lives in Maryland and works in Washington, DC described the euphoria of the people as one would describe the Christmas holidays. All the hustle & bustle of preparation for the millions to show up for the events.
I will be curled up on the sofa watching the Inauguration from my home in NC. I work the weekends as a Baylor Nurse. Of course I will make something special similar to Super Bowl food. I made a Spinach Dip that will be eaten with small cups made out of puff pastry. I’ve already sliced my vegetables for the veggie tray. Cheeses are cubed with little toothpicks already in place. Of course I have to make hot wings. The finale will be a Mountain Dew cake. Don’t that make you just want to come on down to my home and eat? Well, here is the recipes for: Spinach Dip, Hot Wings and Mountain Dew Cake.
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Spinach Dip Serves 6
1 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup mayo (I like Duke’s)
1 cup sour cream
1 small can of water chestnuts, chopped into iddy biddy pieces
½ tsp. smoked paprika
3 scallions (green onion with tops), thinly sliced
1 pkg. spinach dip seasoning packet
Salt and pepper to taste
You can buy puff pastry already in tiny cups or remove a sheet of pastry and fit it into greased mini muffin pans. Bake as directed on box. Fill with the dip.
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Hot Wings Serves 6
2 lbs chicken wings, cut into 3 pieces, discard tip or save for soup
1 qt peanut oil
Cornstarch, enough to coat chicken
1 bottle Frank’s hot sauce
1 stick of salted butter, melted
Heat oil to 375F. Coat chicken in cornstarch. Fry till golden brown-5-6 minutes. Combine hot sauce and melted butter. Dip chicken into mixture. Place in a 9x12 greased baking pan and bake x 45-50 minutes or until chicken is tender. May serve with Bleu Cheese Dressing.
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Mountain Dew Cake
Pre heat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a decorative bundt pan. Or use a baking spray.
1 stick salted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. Mountain Dew
2 Tbsp. frozen Orange Juice, thawed
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
Cream butter and sugar x 3 minutes. Add eggs. Beat on medium speed for another minute. Add remaining ingredients and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until cake pulls away from sides. Cool x 10 minutes on rack. Invert cakes on baking rack and completely cool.
Mountain Dew Frosting
1 cup Mountain Dew
½ stick unsalted butter
2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2 tsp. frozen orange juice, thawed
Zest from ½ lemon & ½ lime
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
Place Mountain Dew in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer x 15 minutes or until syrup is reduced to ¼ cup. Cream butter. Add remaining ingredients. Spread onto cake.
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Favorite Cookware: Kitchen Pals-Silicone Oven Mitts-www.bedbathandbeyond.com
Enjoy!
thefryegirl2u
My 9 year old son, Brendan went with his dad to Maryland in celebration of our new President who will be sworn in Tuesday, 01/20/09. The moment “Road Trip” was mentioned, Brendan had his PSP and PS 2 packed in no time. I told him that he may not make it back in time for school on Wednesday and he looked utterly devastated, stating how much he loved school. I did a double take on that statement and caught him with a slight grin on his face. He rode shotgun. They left Saturday afternoon making a few stops along the way. All along 95 South were reminders of the big event! They arrived in Maryland 8 hours later around 11 pm.
My daughter, who lives in Maryland and works in Washington, DC described the euphoria of the people as one would describe the Christmas holidays. All the hustle & bustle of preparation for the millions to show up for the events.
I will be curled up on the sofa watching the Inauguration from my home in NC. I work the weekends as a Baylor Nurse. Of course I will make something special similar to Super Bowl food. I made a Spinach Dip that will be eaten with small cups made out of puff pastry. I’ve already sliced my vegetables for the veggie tray. Cheeses are cubed with little toothpicks already in place. Of course I have to make hot wings. The finale will be a Mountain Dew cake. Don’t that make you just want to come on down to my home and eat? Well, here is the recipes for: Spinach Dip, Hot Wings and Mountain Dew Cake.
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Spinach Dip Serves 6
1 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup mayo (I like Duke’s)
1 cup sour cream
1 small can of water chestnuts, chopped into iddy biddy pieces
½ tsp. smoked paprika
3 scallions (green onion with tops), thinly sliced
1 pkg. spinach dip seasoning packet
Salt and pepper to taste
You can buy puff pastry already in tiny cups or remove a sheet of pastry and fit it into greased mini muffin pans. Bake as directed on box. Fill with the dip.
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Hot Wings Serves 6
2 lbs chicken wings, cut into 3 pieces, discard tip or save for soup
1 qt peanut oil
Cornstarch, enough to coat chicken
1 bottle Frank’s hot sauce
1 stick of salted butter, melted
Heat oil to 375F. Coat chicken in cornstarch. Fry till golden brown-5-6 minutes. Combine hot sauce and melted butter. Dip chicken into mixture. Place in a 9x12 greased baking pan and bake x 45-50 minutes or until chicken is tender. May serve with Bleu Cheese Dressing.
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Mountain Dew Cake
Pre heat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a decorative bundt pan. Or use a baking spray.
1 stick salted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. Mountain Dew
2 Tbsp. frozen Orange Juice, thawed
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
Cream butter and sugar x 3 minutes. Add eggs. Beat on medium speed for another minute. Add remaining ingredients and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until cake pulls away from sides. Cool x 10 minutes on rack. Invert cakes on baking rack and completely cool.
Mountain Dew Frosting
1 cup Mountain Dew
½ stick unsalted butter
2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2 tsp. frozen orange juice, thawed
Zest from ½ lemon & ½ lime
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
Place Mountain Dew in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer x 15 minutes or until syrup is reduced to ¼ cup. Cream butter. Add remaining ingredients. Spread onto cake.
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Favorite Cookware: Kitchen Pals-Silicone Oven Mitts-www.bedbathandbeyond.com
Enjoy!
thefryegirl2u
Q: What is your favorite everyday cookware?
Asked by thefryegirl2u
A: My most used and favorite everday cookware is my 5 1/2 qt. lodge cast iron pot. I can fry,saute, bake and even use it as a slow cooker. It is great for one pot meals.
Ask thefryegirl2u a question.
Q: how do keep pasta from sticking?
Asked by M. Armstead
A: Good question! Using a strainer to hold your pasta, just dip it in hot water for several seconds or use your pasta water; then add pasta to your favorite sauce.
Ask thefryegirl2u a question.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
On A Serious Note-Chili with Nachos
We live in a world of technology. It is suppose to make our lives more efficient and productive. Yet when I look around I see the opposite at times. I look at our children of today verses yesteryear; Automated recordings via phone; Just a finger press away from something you want by hitting “buy it” and it ’s delivered to your door in a matter of days or an hour if you want fast food; television with 24 hour advertisement just for “your” convenience. Various GPS’s made to get you from point A to point B in no time; the list can go on and on. I’m sure even you can think of what is suppose to make our lives easier and less complex but has somehow fell short.
We have more children diagnosed today with ADHD/ADD than 50 years ago. The obesity of our kids are rampant. Video games and television has took hold of our kids. Mom works outside the home now because it takes a 2 income household in order to just survive. Kids are either watching themselves or emulating some maniac on television.
Automated recordings drive me crazy. “Press 1 if you speak English; press 2 if your calling about one of the next thousand items ;Do you get the gist of where I am going with this one?
Why can’t we cure our deadliest cancers? If all the most influential and richest people in the world was told they had 6 months to live and each had a different form of our deadliest cancers, I betcha a cure would be found and made available ASAP.
How did our economy get so messed up? Sure, we can blame our administrations, banks, etc. but what it really boils down to is greed for money and the “I don’t care what it takes to get it” syndrome. Hurt the one’s who want “The American Dream”. Sure there were those who knew that they could not afford a $100,000.00 home off a minimum wage income or was surviving on a disability check and still qualified for that brand new automobile along with a $5,000.00 credit line. Then those with the wide -eyed disbelief that they could obtain the once unattainable, went for it.
So how do we fix it? Where do we begin? Will bailouts really be a cure all? Of course not. This whole economy mess reminds me of a gigantic gridlock. A long term action plan is needed and a lot of us won’t survive it. It’s going to get a whole lot worse before we will see the economy bounce back. Then there are still going to be the “Joe McGreedies” of the world out there testing the waters.
Today’s article was more on “Thought” than on stories and humor. I will try not to write on such a “Here we go, another one” subject again. My mojo for writing has not come back but I know it’s within me. I’m even thinking along a story line with a continuance each week.
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My sister asked for a recipe for Chili with Nacho Chips and of course I have one. So here’s to you Lisa.
Chili with Nachos
2 lb. ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet Sazon Goya seasoning
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
A container of fresh salsa (found in the produce section)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. chili powder
14.5 oz. can chicken broth (Swanson 99% fat free)
2-16 oz can black beans, drained
*Salt to taste
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Condiments
1 bag of Nacho Chips
1 Pkg Shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese
8 oz. sour cream
Bunch of chopped scallions
Black olives
In a large pot brown turkey in a small amount of oil, then drain. Add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 - 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except for salt.
Simmer for 30 minutes. Salt to taste adding a ½ tsp at a time.
Serve over Nacho chips, sprinkle cheese on top, add a dollop of sour cream then remaining condiments to complement the chili. Serves 6.
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Favorite Cookware: Silicone Flexible Non-skid cutting boards-by Silicone Zone
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Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
We have more children diagnosed today with ADHD/ADD than 50 years ago. The obesity of our kids are rampant. Video games and television has took hold of our kids. Mom works outside the home now because it takes a 2 income household in order to just survive. Kids are either watching themselves or emulating some maniac on television.
Automated recordings drive me crazy. “Press 1 if you speak English; press 2 if your calling about one of the next thousand items ;Do you get the gist of where I am going with this one?
Why can’t we cure our deadliest cancers? If all the most influential and richest people in the world was told they had 6 months to live and each had a different form of our deadliest cancers, I betcha a cure would be found and made available ASAP.
How did our economy get so messed up? Sure, we can blame our administrations, banks, etc. but what it really boils down to is greed for money and the “I don’t care what it takes to get it” syndrome. Hurt the one’s who want “The American Dream”. Sure there were those who knew that they could not afford a $100,000.00 home off a minimum wage income or was surviving on a disability check and still qualified for that brand new automobile along with a $5,000.00 credit line. Then those with the wide -eyed disbelief that they could obtain the once unattainable, went for it.
So how do we fix it? Where do we begin? Will bailouts really be a cure all? Of course not. This whole economy mess reminds me of a gigantic gridlock. A long term action plan is needed and a lot of us won’t survive it. It’s going to get a whole lot worse before we will see the economy bounce back. Then there are still going to be the “Joe McGreedies” of the world out there testing the waters.
Today’s article was more on “Thought” than on stories and humor. I will try not to write on such a “Here we go, another one” subject again. My mojo for writing has not come back but I know it’s within me. I’m even thinking along a story line with a continuance each week.
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My sister asked for a recipe for Chili with Nacho Chips and of course I have one. So here’s to you Lisa.
Chili with Nachos
2 lb. ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet Sazon Goya seasoning
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
A container of fresh salsa (found in the produce section)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. chili powder
14.5 oz. can chicken broth (Swanson 99% fat free)
2-16 oz can black beans, drained
*Salt to taste
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Condiments
1 bag of Nacho Chips
1 Pkg Shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese
8 oz. sour cream
Bunch of chopped scallions
Black olives
In a large pot brown turkey in a small amount of oil, then drain. Add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 - 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except for salt.
Simmer for 30 minutes. Salt to taste adding a ½ tsp at a time.
Serve over Nacho chips, sprinkle cheese on top, add a dollop of sour cream then remaining condiments to complement the chili. Serves 6.
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Favorite Cookware: Silicone Flexible Non-skid cutting boards-by Silicone Zone
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Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
Monday, January 12, 2009
Beef Stew "AKA" Dog Chow
ReCap: Last week Beary the Christmas Bear had an unfortunate event with Austin the Schnoodle. Beary was patched back up and place once again on the settee with a stern warning to Austin “Don’t mess with my bear!”.
I went to pick up my son from school and as suspected, Austin had scattered the fluff out of Beary. It took 30 minutes to repack all the stuffing from the head of the now crooked eyed bear.
Scooter, the cat was nowhere to be seen as she probably knew that Austin was “In the doghouse” this time. Austin, too was in hiding. I looked under beds, in the bathrooms, in the kitchen and under the dining room tables-no Austin. I called his name in the manner in which you speak to a 5 year old who has stuffed toilet paper to the gills in the potty. “Austin, sweetie, where are you?”. I heard a slight shuffling in the mud room where the litter box is kept and there he was crouched behind the box. I reached over the cat litter box to pull Austin towards me. His eyebrows were arched and his eyes were wide eye open with fear that he had disappointed me. This was my fault. I was the one who had placed Beary back on the settee knowing that Austin could not resist this bear. I hugged Austin and took him outside for a walk.
After our long walk Beary the now crooked eyed lumpy stuffed Christmas Bear was placed back on the designated Christmas shelf to await next year. Austin was playing happily with Scooter chasing her around the house. All was good.
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Beef Stew AKA "Dog Chow"
1 1/2 lbs. stew beef or more if preferred
½ cup flour (more flour if needed)
4 carrots, chopped
1 parsnip, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
1 stick of celery, chopped with leaves
1 large onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, not drained
1 cup of beef or chicken broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp beef bouillon (I like "Better than Bouillon" in a jar)
1 bay leaf
½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. season salt
½ tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp. cold water, if needed (extra thickener)
8 oz package of shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese
8 oz sour cream
Large loaf of French bread, hollowed out or go to Panera breads and buy bread bowls
Coat stew beef with flour and brown in hot oil. Add tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, celery leaves, garlic, onions, bay leaf and spices. Simmer for 1 ½ hrs.
Take out bay leaf and add vegetables. Continue cooking for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. May add a little cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken if not thick enough for your taste. Salt and pepper to taste. Hollow out French bread and fill it up with beef stew or buy French bread bowls from Panera breads. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serves 6.
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Favorite Cookware: Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandolin by Borner
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Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
I went to pick up my son from school and as suspected, Austin had scattered the fluff out of Beary. It took 30 minutes to repack all the stuffing from the head of the now crooked eyed bear.
Scooter, the cat was nowhere to be seen as she probably knew that Austin was “In the doghouse” this time. Austin, too was in hiding. I looked under beds, in the bathrooms, in the kitchen and under the dining room tables-no Austin. I called his name in the manner in which you speak to a 5 year old who has stuffed toilet paper to the gills in the potty. “Austin, sweetie, where are you?”. I heard a slight shuffling in the mud room where the litter box is kept and there he was crouched behind the box. I reached over the cat litter box to pull Austin towards me. His eyebrows were arched and his eyes were wide eye open with fear that he had disappointed me. This was my fault. I was the one who had placed Beary back on the settee knowing that Austin could not resist this bear. I hugged Austin and took him outside for a walk.
After our long walk Beary the now crooked eyed lumpy stuffed Christmas Bear was placed back on the designated Christmas shelf to await next year. Austin was playing happily with Scooter chasing her around the house. All was good.
************************************************************************************
Beef Stew AKA "Dog Chow"
1 1/2 lbs. stew beef or more if preferred
½ cup flour (more flour if needed)
4 carrots, chopped
1 parsnip, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
1 stick of celery, chopped with leaves
1 large onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, not drained
1 cup of beef or chicken broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp beef bouillon (I like "Better than Bouillon" in a jar)
1 bay leaf
½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. season salt
½ tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp. cold water, if needed (extra thickener)
8 oz package of shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese
8 oz sour cream
Large loaf of French bread, hollowed out or go to Panera breads and buy bread bowls
Coat stew beef with flour and brown in hot oil. Add tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, celery leaves, garlic, onions, bay leaf and spices. Simmer for 1 ½ hrs.
Take out bay leaf and add vegetables. Continue cooking for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. May add a little cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken if not thick enough for your taste. Salt and pepper to taste. Hollow out French bread and fill it up with beef stew or buy French bread bowls from Panera breads. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serves 6.
*************************************************************************************
Favorite Cookware: Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandolin by Borner
*************************************************************************************
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I'm In Search of my Mojo'- Lemon Velvet Cake
I’m In Search of My Mojo’
The holidays have past and I seemed to have lost my mojo’. I got up this morning, stepped out into my living room and all over the floor was piles of stuffing from a stuffed animal. Austin, my 1½ year old Schnoodle sat over in the far corner with his legs tucked between him looking at me with those “Oscar” Sesame Street eyebrows appearing as if he knew nothing of this event. My 9 year old tabby, Scooter was resting in her comfy lambs wool bed with a look that said “You know He did it”. I decided that my morning stretch would be picking up all these mounds of fluff scattered all over the room. I found the victim of this unfortunate event lying in the family room. It was My stuffed Holiday Bear “Beary”, with a tear around his neck.
Austin has at least 10 stuffed animals of various sizes with and without stuffing. I told him 2 weeks ago as I placed “Beary” out on the living room settee that this was my bear and that he had better not touch it. Austin seemed to have understood what I had said at the time because he looked at “Beary” the Christmas Bear crossways and then back to me. Every now and then I would catch Austin looking at Beary and remind him that my bear was off limits.
I went into Dog Psychology 101 mode and attempted to decipher what made Austin yank the stuffing out of Beary. It rained all day Tuesday so his walks were very limited that day. I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner that night. I gave him a very small portion, took off much of the sauce, cut up the spaghetti, pulled out the onions and gave him one meatball. As cute as Tramp looked sharing spaghetti and meatballs with Lady, I just didn’t feel like giving this black and white Schnoodle a bath that evening. We watched the TV show “House” together and afterwards I took him out long enough to do his business. I refused to go outside (due to the rain) so I held the leash with him on the other end of it from the doorway. I then poured a glass of soy milk and took a small piece of the Lemon Velvet Cake that I had made for New Year’s Day. I did ignore his pleading look of “Gimme some pwease“?. I shut my bedroom door on him (because he was wet) and savored this scrumptious lemon cake in peace. I read from my Kindle the 2nd book of the Twilight series. I brushed my teeth and went to bed. Maybe that was it? Human Psychology 101 probably says “Well, duh ya think”?
It has been a very windy/rainy Wednesday. Austin is lying on the couch next to the settee. Beary has been placed back in his sitting position on the settee with the stitches hiding from the knit scarf that is around his neck. Something tells me that Austin has every intention of getting a hold of Beary as soon as I walk out this door to pick Brendan up from school. Do I test this theory? Meanwhile, I will continue looking for my mojo’.
***********************************************************************
Lemon Velvet Cake
2 cups cake flour
1tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
2 sticks of salted butter, soften
4 eggs, room temperature
5 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Finely grated lemon zest from 2 lemons
Preheat oven 350F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or decorative cake mold pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together-set aside. Cream butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time beating for at least 30 seconds each. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add flour mixture and beat an additional 2-3 minutes. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a rack. Poke holes in cake using a skewer or toothpick. Spread glaze on top.
Lemon Glaze
1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2-3 Tbsp. lemon juice
Dash of milk, if desired
Combine all the above to form glaze. If you want a less tart lemon glaze then by all means add milk. This cake is very moist and tastes even better the next day if there is any leftovers.
************************************************************************
Favorite Cookware: Microplane Zester and Nordiac ware Chrysanthemums baking mold.
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
The holidays have past and I seemed to have lost my mojo’. I got up this morning, stepped out into my living room and all over the floor was piles of stuffing from a stuffed animal. Austin, my 1½ year old Schnoodle sat over in the far corner with his legs tucked between him looking at me with those “Oscar” Sesame Street eyebrows appearing as if he knew nothing of this event. My 9 year old tabby, Scooter was resting in her comfy lambs wool bed with a look that said “You know He did it”. I decided that my morning stretch would be picking up all these mounds of fluff scattered all over the room. I found the victim of this unfortunate event lying in the family room. It was My stuffed Holiday Bear “Beary”, with a tear around his neck.
Austin has at least 10 stuffed animals of various sizes with and without stuffing. I told him 2 weeks ago as I placed “Beary” out on the living room settee that this was my bear and that he had better not touch it. Austin seemed to have understood what I had said at the time because he looked at “Beary” the Christmas Bear crossways and then back to me. Every now and then I would catch Austin looking at Beary and remind him that my bear was off limits.
I went into Dog Psychology 101 mode and attempted to decipher what made Austin yank the stuffing out of Beary. It rained all day Tuesday so his walks were very limited that day. I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner that night. I gave him a very small portion, took off much of the sauce, cut up the spaghetti, pulled out the onions and gave him one meatball. As cute as Tramp looked sharing spaghetti and meatballs with Lady, I just didn’t feel like giving this black and white Schnoodle a bath that evening. We watched the TV show “House” together and afterwards I took him out long enough to do his business. I refused to go outside (due to the rain) so I held the leash with him on the other end of it from the doorway. I then poured a glass of soy milk and took a small piece of the Lemon Velvet Cake that I had made for New Year’s Day. I did ignore his pleading look of “Gimme some pwease“?. I shut my bedroom door on him (because he was wet) and savored this scrumptious lemon cake in peace. I read from my Kindle the 2nd book of the Twilight series. I brushed my teeth and went to bed. Maybe that was it? Human Psychology 101 probably says “Well, duh ya think”?
It has been a very windy/rainy Wednesday. Austin is lying on the couch next to the settee. Beary has been placed back in his sitting position on the settee with the stitches hiding from the knit scarf that is around his neck. Something tells me that Austin has every intention of getting a hold of Beary as soon as I walk out this door to pick Brendan up from school. Do I test this theory? Meanwhile, I will continue looking for my mojo’.
***********************************************************************
Lemon Velvet Cake
2 cups cake flour
1tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
2 sticks of salted butter, soften
4 eggs, room temperature
5 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Finely grated lemon zest from 2 lemons
Preheat oven 350F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or decorative cake mold pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together-set aside. Cream butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time beating for at least 30 seconds each. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add flour mixture and beat an additional 2-3 minutes. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a rack. Poke holes in cake using a skewer or toothpick. Spread glaze on top.
Lemon Glaze
1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2-3 Tbsp. lemon juice
Dash of milk, if desired
Combine all the above to form glaze. If you want a less tart lemon glaze then by all means add milk. This cake is very moist and tastes even better the next day if there is any leftovers.
************************************************************************
Favorite Cookware: Microplane Zester and Nordiac ware Chrysanthemums baking mold.
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year 2009- New York Cheese Cake
Happy New Year 2009!
This year brings change. A change in our President, a change in our economy, a change in “war politics”. Every January I always found myself accidentally writing on checks or paper work the date of the previous year. I know a lot of you can relate. This year though it seemed almost second nature to automatically write 2009. Could this be because 2008 left a lot less to be desired?
I didn’t make any New Year Resolutions. I brought in a new plant instead. A Peace Flower. I bought it during the last week in December and it has bloomed twice. This exquisite single stemmed pastel pink/white flower bloomed over a 3 day period. My thoughts were of Hope, Strength, and Courage. A gentle wave of calmness settles within me each morning as I look upon this wondrous beauty of nature. Another stem is peeping out under it’s soil to climb it’s way next to this Peaceful Flower. I look forward to it’s change.
I thought about this recipe while I watched Dick Clark bring in the new year.
***********************************************************************
New York Cheese Cake
2 cups graham cracker crumbs,
2 large eggs, beaten
1 stick of salted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup sugar (divided)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 lbs. cream cheese, soften
1 cup sour cream
*Extra graham cracker crumbs or your favorite topping
Preheat oven to 450F. In a bowl place graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 2 Tbsp. of the sugar. Blend well. Press mixture into bottom & sides of a greased 9 inch spring form pan. Chill in freezer, while preparing cake. Beat cream cheese & remaining sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add beaten eggs, vanilla and cornstarch. Blend another minute. Stir in sour cream. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust and bake x 10 minutes. Reduce temperature of oven to 200F and bake another 45 minutes. *This is important: Turn OFF oven. Allow cake to cool with the door slightly ajar for *3 hours. Remove sides from pan and sprinkle with extra crumbs or topping.
This Is A Very Good Cheesecake! Forget Store Bought and Yes, you can make it & Yes it will turn out Great!
************************************************************************
Favorite Cookware: Wilton Spring form Pans
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
This year brings change. A change in our President, a change in our economy, a change in “war politics”. Every January I always found myself accidentally writing on checks or paper work the date of the previous year. I know a lot of you can relate. This year though it seemed almost second nature to automatically write 2009. Could this be because 2008 left a lot less to be desired?
I didn’t make any New Year Resolutions. I brought in a new plant instead. A Peace Flower. I bought it during the last week in December and it has bloomed twice. This exquisite single stemmed pastel pink/white flower bloomed over a 3 day period. My thoughts were of Hope, Strength, and Courage. A gentle wave of calmness settles within me each morning as I look upon this wondrous beauty of nature. Another stem is peeping out under it’s soil to climb it’s way next to this Peaceful Flower. I look forward to it’s change.
I thought about this recipe while I watched Dick Clark bring in the new year.
***********************************************************************
New York Cheese Cake
2 cups graham cracker crumbs,
2 large eggs, beaten
1 stick of salted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup sugar (divided)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 lbs. cream cheese, soften
1 cup sour cream
*Extra graham cracker crumbs or your favorite topping
Preheat oven to 450F. In a bowl place graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 2 Tbsp. of the sugar. Blend well. Press mixture into bottom & sides of a greased 9 inch spring form pan. Chill in freezer, while preparing cake. Beat cream cheese & remaining sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add beaten eggs, vanilla and cornstarch. Blend another minute. Stir in sour cream. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust and bake x 10 minutes. Reduce temperature of oven to 200F and bake another 45 minutes. *This is important: Turn OFF oven. Allow cake to cool with the door slightly ajar for *3 hours. Remove sides from pan and sprinkle with extra crumbs or topping.
This Is A Very Good Cheesecake! Forget Store Bought and Yes, you can make it & Yes it will turn out Great!
************************************************************************
Favorite Cookware: Wilton Spring form Pans
Enjoy!
The Frye Girl 2 U
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