Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Waffles with fruit

I was recently looking for a recipe to make a delicious breakfast. I like to make these in bulk, and freeze them in smaller portions so I don't have to constantly make them. They are cheaper to make than to buy the freezer waffles from the grocery store. I found a pancake recipe which you can also make into waffles.

What I like about this recipe is that they are really tasty with a side of fruit. This can be from bananas to baked apples. If you want to make pancakes, you can also add a 1/4 cup of blueberries to the batter to make blueberry pancakes.

I found this recipe, but I altered it just slightly.

Homemade pancakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted (I used margarine)
1 tsp vanilla
spray cooking oil (such as Pam)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter; mix until smooth.


2. Heat a waffle iron on medium. Spray with oil. When ready, pour just enough batter to cover the inside of the iron.

*Remember that the more you fill it, the more messy it will be because it will start to leak out the sides. Generally, a waffle iron has a light on it that will turn green when it is ready to use, and it will turn red when the waffle is cooked, and ready to be removed. That is how you will know when the waffle is done. If your's has a cooking setting on it, putting it on a "3" or "4" should make it lightly golden brown.

remove when cooked.

If you would like the original recipe, go the below link:
Old-fashioned pancake recipe here

If you would like to add some sweetness, I recommend,making a side of cooked apples and toasted pecans. Recipe is as follows.

Ingredients:

*2 large green apples, skins removed and cored (green apples are tart and good for this recipe)
*1/4 cup brown sugar
*1/4 cup sugar
*1/4 toasted pecans (recipe for toasting listed below)
*1/4 tsp lemon juice

*For toasting of pecans, you have 2 options:

1. On the stove, cook the pecans in a small saucepan with 1 tbs of honey. This will create a glazed effect. Spread on waxed paper, and separate chunks. Let cool 5 minutes.

2. If you prefer non-glazed pecans, simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. By doing this, you are extracting excess flavor from the nuts.


Directions:

1. I personally like the skins on the apples, but if you don't like the waxy texture that cooked apple skins have, then I recommend peeling them. Slice the apples into thin slices, making sure all of the cores and seeds are removed. Put aside in a bowl, and toss together with the lemon juice. This will prevent the apples from browning.


2. In a medium saucepan, cook the apples over medium heat for a few minutes. Add both sugars to the mixture. Cover, and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are soft. When cooked, add the pecans. Serve on top of the waffles. Enjoy. You can also serve a side of sliced bananas and the glazed pecans for another sweet flavor.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I would also like to say that we should be thankful, and appreciate everything we have. Also consider those in need as well. According to a food network commercial I recently saw, did you know that one in five children go to bed hungry? It could even be someone that you know. You can help by donating to your local food bank anytime because they can always use nonperishable items. Also, don't forget the animals too! Are you a dog or cat lover? Donate to your local animal shelter today as well!

Do you know someone that either has no family in town, or no one at all to share this day with? Invite them to dinner on this day of sincerity and generosity. It will bring a smile to their face, and a belly that's full and happy as well.


You can donate today to also help provide seniors a hot meal by going to my website at http://wwww.goodtastyrecipes.webs.com

Thanks and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Scotcharoos are a fun alternative to the normal rice krispy treat

My husband and I recently went to a family gathering, mainly to celebrate Thanksgiving. Everyone tried to bring something, and my husband wanted to make what you call "Scotcharoos". I have never tried them before, so I figured that there was a first time for everything.

These treats are amazing! They have butterscotch and chocolate chips, along with peanut butter. They are a wonderful snack, however they are a bit on the rich side. So don't forget the milk!

Scotcharoos

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 oz. chocolate morsels
1 cup corn syrup
6 cup Rice Krispies
6 oz. butterscotch morsels

1. Combine sugar and syrup in saucepan. Bring to boil while stirring. Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Stir well. Add to Rice Krispies in large bowl. Mix well.
Spread mix evenly in a buttered 4 x 9 inch pan.

2. Melt chocolate morsels together on low heat, stirring constantly, or in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Spread evenly on top of Scotcharoos. When cool, cut into 2 x 2 inch squares.


For the recipe, click on the below link
Scotcharoo recipe

This recipe is quick, fast, and delicious. It's great when you want to make a delicious snack with your kids.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Garlic has its health benefits

I was recently watching a cooking show, Jamie at Home, featuring Jamie Oliver. The host was giving some information about what garlic does as a health benefit. Besides it adding flavor to food, it does many other things as well.

According to the host, garlic are a fantastic vegetable within itself. They compliment onions and cheese nicely. The later you cook something with garlic, the more you are going to taste the garlic.

According to a website, it is said through scientific study that garlic helps with the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Modern science has also found that garlic acts as a natural antibiotic. Aged garlic has an antioxidant effect as well. Black garlic is even better.

However, there a few downers to garlic. You can get the harsh bad breath. This can be completely avoided. If you just want the health benefits, you can take a garlic pill supplement. Other side effects of garlic are when eaten in large amounts, raw garlic can irritate the digestive tract. However, garlic is very strong, so it doesn't take much of it anyway. It is also best to avoid garlic before surgery because it can disrupt anti-coagulants.

I like to use garlic in a lot of my dishes. But I don't consume large amounts of garlic everyday. Here is a list of my blogs that I have used garlic in.

Vegetarian dishes
Labels are worth reading
Always read your receipts
Hot out of the oven

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Homemade hot chocolate

It was starting to get cold out, and I was wanting a cup of hot chocolate. The only problem was I didn't have any instant hot chocolate mix on hand, and I didn't want to go to the store. So what was I supposed to drink? I found a really good recipe at Cooks.com that I tried. This girl that created this recipe definitely knows how to make a good cup of hot chocolate. It was way better than the instant kind. I liked it so much I had to put in under my blog so my readers could check it out. The link is listed below.

Sarah's homemade hot chocolate here

Homemade hot chocolate

Ingredients:
*1 tbsp. cocoa powder
*2 tbsp. sugar
*2 tbsp. water
*1 c. milk
*1 tsp of vanilla, if desired
*a pinch of cinnamon
*a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, for extra creaminess
*a pinch of chocolate sprinkles
*a dollop of whipped cream
*a small handful of marshmallows, if desired

1. Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan.

2. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.

The only thing that I did differently was I added a pinch of cinnamon, some mini marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, some chocolate sprinkles for a decorative touch. I also added a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream for extra creaminess. This is better than the instant hot chocolate, and almost as good as the coffeehouse versions (such as Starbucks), but for a fraction of the price. If you want a a hint of mint in your hot chocolate, try melting a chocolate peppermint patty in with the cocoa powder, water, and sugar (add along with the first step). Or if you want a cappuccino flavor to it, try adding a heaping teaspoon or two of the instant cappuccino powder that is in a canister during step one also. This should create a frothy, coffee-like taste.

This is a wonderful addition to a plate of sugar cookies, or just by itself.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Herb crusted pork chops

Pork is one of the cheapest meats that you can buy in bulk. I found this wonderful recipe in the Home and Garden Cookbook that I have at home. I love to use recipes that don't contain a lot of salt. Using fresh or dried herbs intensifies the flavor of a dish, and is a great substitution for salt.


Campbell's soup also has a famous recipe as well that can be made anytime, but it is especially popular during the holidays. Green bean casserole is a wonderful compliment to a home-cooked meal. I found this classic recipe in the newspaper, but I'm sure that you can find it on the Campbell's website.


herb rubbed pork chops
pg. 526

4 boneless pork chops
4 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried thyme or savory, crushed
1/2 tsp dried marjoram or basil, crushed
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Directions:

1. Trim the fat off of the pork chops. Brush both sides of the pork chops with lemon juice. Stir together the thyme, marjoram, and ginger; rub on both sides of chops.

2. Place the pork chops on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink and the juices run clear, turning once.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10 3/4 oz each)
1 cup milk
2 tbs soy sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
8 cups cooked cut green beans (I like fresh because of the crunch, but canned is also good)
1 can french fried onions (2 1/3 cups)

Directions:

1. Stir the soup, soy sauce, pepper, beans, and 1 1/3 cups onions in a 3 qt casserole dish.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir bean mixture. Sprinkle with remaining onions.

3. Bake for an additional 5 min or until the onions are golden brown.

I will offer an alternative to homemade french fried onions in a future blog. Come check it out!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A twist on a classic

Have you ever wanted to try something different for the holiday season? I do. I was recently at the grocery store picking up a few things, and I love when I get an item, and there is a recipe near the advertised product. For instance, I wanted to start shopping for some desserts for thanksgiving. My main focus was to find a twist on the classic pumpkin pie. The JELL-O corporation had some recipes given out with their promoted flavor, "Pumpkin Spice". The picture on the recipe looked so delicious that there's no way that I will be dissatisfied with it. There were 2 recipes but I will only list one for right now.

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp caramel topping
1 graham cracker pie crust
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp Pecan pieces, divided
1 cup cold milk
2 packages (4 servings each) Jell-O vanilla instant pudding
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tub cool whipped topping

Directions:

1. Pour 1/4 cup caramel into the crust; sprinkle with 1/2 pecans.

2. Beat milk, dry pudding mixes, pumpkin, and spices with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread into crust. Top with remaining whipped topping.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with remaining caramel topping and pecans before serving.

I have another recipe as well that I want to try to make for Thanksgiving. It's called Triple Layer Pumpkin Spice pie. Never made it, but I will definately tell you the results.

2 cups cold milk
2 pakages JELL-O pumpkin spice pudding
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tub cool whip
1 graham cracker crust
1/2 cup pecans
1 tbs honey

1. Beat milk, pudding mixes, and cinnamon until well blended. Spead 1-1/2 cups into crust.
2. Add 1-1/2 cups cool whip to the remaining pudding. Stir gently. Spoon over layer in crust; top with cool whip. Refridgerate 1 hr or overnight.

3. Cook pecans and honey in a small pan over medium-low heat for 2-4 min. Spread onto waxed paper, and let cool. Sprinkle over cheesecake right before serving.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cheese Soup

I was recently given a delicious recipe by a friend of mine whose mother makes for him. She makes a delicious cheese soup that is simply savory! She was nice enough to give me her family recipe, which she treasures most.

Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

* 1 medium onion-minced fine
* 1- 49 oz can Chicken broth (Such as Sweet Sue)
* 2- 1 lb bags of California frozen mixed vegetables
* 2 cans of cream of potato soup
* 2 cans of cream of chicken soup
* 1 lb of velvetta cheese- cubed

1. Soak the minced onions in ice water for about 20 min, then drain.

2. Put onions in with 2 cups of the broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, and simmer 1o minutes.

3. Add the 2 bags of vegetables and cook until fairly mushy. (Please note that the chef of this recipe cooks the veggies in the microwave according to the package instructions, and with a little extra water.)

4. Using a food processor, chop the vegetables to desired fineness.

5. Add the rest of the broth, the 4 cans of soup, and the cubed cheese. Lower the heat, and stir until the velvetta is melted.

Someone also commented about the recipe that they didn't add as much broth, and served it over potatoes or rice, and it was simply amazing.


I would like to take this time to promote my website. My websites provide a lot more background about myself, along with my cooking and recipe expertise. My articles on my website can help you with everyday situations, such as planning a dinner on a budget, having a get-together, or even a bake-a-thon. Need a suggestion on what to make for dinner? Need a quick-meal fix for some unexpected guests for dinner? How about something for a sweet tooth? My website has it. I also give terrific product recommendations. Here are the URLS:

my background and purpose

My website and other recipes

I have dedicated a lot of time and heart into this project, and would love for you to come see my work. I have provided lots of recipes, some of them from my own friend and family vault. You can't get them anywhere else!