Author Archive

Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Most coffeecakes aren’t much more than yellow cake swirled with a sugary streusel . The flavor is bland and the texture–due to the heavy streusel–is dense and wet.This is a light coffeecake deeply flavored with pecans and spices. Here’s what you do… Make the cake with a [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  One Comment

Abundance of Strawberries

This method is simple: Toss the berries with some sugar or Maple Syrup and roast at 350 deg, until much of the juices have been released and thickened, about 40 minutes. The berries will shrink down considerably — 2 pounds of berries (about 4 pints) will [ ... ]

Barbecue Rub for Baby Back Ribs

1 cup (packed) light brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons dry mustard 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper ( very spicy, good for Jeff, cut to 1 tablespoon if you dont love HOT ) 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper I used 1/2 the [ ... ]

Chicken Rub

Just Chicken and Rub, no sauce needed. 1/3 cup chili powder 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper This barbecue chicken is dry-rubbed, without sauce. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. You can store this rub in an [ ... ]

Chewy Cherry Almond Bars

Ingredients • 1 cup butter, softened • 2 cups packed brown sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon almond extract • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups regular rolled oats • 1/2 cup sliced almonds • 1 cup sour cherry preserves Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch [ ... ]

Raspberry Oat Squares

Raspberry oat squares are a must-have—simple oat bars smothered with fresh raspberries and preserves. Sometimes I cut these squares bigger. Then I can still say, “I was good, I only ate two.” This recipe can be made in a standing mixer or a food processor. 2½ cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup [ ... ]

Chocolate Pecan Caramel Squares

Special people deserve special treats. Chocolate Pecan Caramel Squares 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup golden brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2/3 cup sugar 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup honey 6 ounces pecans, coarsely chopped 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate Preheat oven to [ ... ]

OMD = Oh My Dog

I know the dog is a part of the family, but do they really need a chair? Jackson eats on the floor! should I feel guilty? Dogs eat together with their pack in the wild, so it is only logical that a dog would love a chair… Or, [ ... ]

coconut torte

This recipe was the favorite of the seder last night. 6 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar 1 cup walnuts, chopped coarsely, untoasted 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut ½ cup orange juice ¼ cup orange liqueur 1 cup whipping cream 1 square bittersweet chocolate for garnish Preheat the oven to 325-degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer, [ ... ]

Chuck Hughes Brisket Sandwich

Chuck Hughes, chef at Montreal restaurant Garde Manger, won Iron Chef America last month , succeeding where few competitors have: Hughes beat culinary master Bobby Flay in the kitchen stadium battle. Hughes who focuses on simple comfort food at his restaurant — said he was asked to be on [ ... ]
Category: Main Courses  3 Comments

Mr. Muddy Paws loves his backyard

The past few days it has been rainy, gray, and cold, creating an outdoor experience that is just plain yucky for us but a wonderful environment for my 9 month old puppy. In short, Jackson loves sniffing and running in our muddy backyard. Mike, my wonderful husband [ ... ]

Rum and Coke Cake

I totally need an excuse to break out the bundt pan and open a bottle of rum. I havent tried this recipe yet, has any one of my lurkers? I am drooling reading this recipe, please reply if you have tried it, save me a few 1000 calories. [ ... ]
Category: Cakes  One Comment

Cream Cheese, Apple Butter Oat Bars

very good and better the next day. If you cant find unsalted cashews, almonds work well with this recipe • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups quick-cooking oats • 2 cups chopped unsalted cashews chopped • 1 & 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided into 1 cup and 3/4 cup • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 cup butter, melted • 16 [ ... ]

House Rules for Dogs

1. The dog is not allowed in the house. 2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms. 3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture. 4. The dog can get on the old furniture only. 5. Fine, the dog [ ... ]

Spring has Sprung and so has Mud

My tulips are peeking up now. Thanks David, my brother bought me bulbs a few years ago for my Birthday. I saw them this morning when I went to walk Jackson. We’ve already sprung forward and Passover is on its way!” Spring is here! [ ... ]

Barley and Vegetable

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 cup barley • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock • 1 onion, diced • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 carrot, diced • 1 red pepper, diced • 1 stalk celery, diced • 1 zucchini, diced • 1/2 cup parsley, minced • Salt and pepper 1. For the barley , in a medium saucepan, toast the barley in oil on medium heat, for about [ ... ]
Category: Side Dishes  2 Comments

Morning Makeup

Jackson got into my makeup this morning, I was out for 2 hours, when he hears the automatic garage door open he runs and sits on the steps waiting for me to open the inside door, Hi ya Jax….and ……..I see a nose full of beige something, WHAT [ ... ]

The 5 Second Rule

Almost everyone has dropped some food on the floor and still wanted to eat it. If someone saw you drop it, he or she might have yelled, “5-second rule!” This so-called rule says food is OK to eat if you pick it up in 5 seconds or less. Believe [ ... ]

Raspberry Coconut Squares for Passover

Passover Raspberry Squares 1 cup sugar 1 cup matzoh meal 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 1 cup shredded coconut 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 jar raspberry jam Preheat oven to 375. Line an 8″x8″ baking dish with parchment paper. Stir together sugar, matzoh meal, oil and eggs until thoroughly combined. Fold in the shredded coconut [ ... ]
Category: Passover  One Comment

Chicken Breasts for Jackson

Chicken Breasts , last nights dinner Not Makes 1 portion   1.Watch mom put chicken on counter. Boneless is best, goes down better.   2.When no one  is looking, jump up to the counter grab and swallow whole.         Very tasty.  3.Hide, or mommy and daddy will take you to doggy hospital to get chicken [ ... ]

Szechuan Peanut Butter Sauce

This sauce is fabulous, it is traditionally served with boiled dumplings in restaurants, Now you can make it at home, I double this recipe and toss it with pasta. 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter 2 teaspoons oriental sesame oil 2 tablespoons light soya sauce 3 tablespoons cold water 1 teaspoon chili [ ... ]

Emeril’s Hurricane

first make sure you have a designated driver, then sit back and enjoy!  1 1/2 cups pineapple juice 1 cup orange juice 1 cup pomegranate juice, preferably a filtered ( not cloudy) 1/2 cup grenadine 1/2 cup simple syrup (very sweet,Left this out) 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons [ ... ]
Category: Drinks  Leave a Comment

DIY Microwave Popcorn

Do-it-yourself microwave popcorn. The DIY version has none of the artificial flavors, colors or chemicals present in store-bought varieties. It’s also cheaper . Here’s how it works: Into a standard brown paper lunch bag put ¼ cup popcorn kernels. Add 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and a big pinch [ ... ]

Roasted Cauliflower

OVEN- ROASTED CAULIFLOWER W/ GARLIC, OLIVE OIL & LEMON JUICE This recipe is So Good and So easy. 6 cups cauliflower florets, about 1½-inches in diameter (from 1 large cauliflower) 2 Tbs + extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbs sliced garlic 2 Tbs fresh lemon juice 1 tsp kosher salt ½ [ ... ]

TAPAS` (humble beginnings) Flour Tortillas

I’m posting this one, cause I couldnt find any in Montreal:) 4 cups flour 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 cup lukewarm water 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or Manteca) Mix all of the ingredients together with your hands into large ball. Wrap with plastic wrap drop back into the bowl, and [ ... ]

Time for Tapas

portobello bruschetta with rosemary aioli Makes 24. 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 6 4-inch-diameter portobello mushrooms, stemmed, dark gills removed 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 red onions, sliced (about 6 cups) 2 large red bell peppers 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion 3 tablespoons [ ... ]

Beef Tenderloins & Greens Dijon

(not tested) Choose dark greens for nutrition and hearty flavor! Serving: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes 1/2 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp sugar 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided 1 pound beef tenderloin tips, trimmed of fat and cut [ ... ]

10 Minute Szechuan Chicken

(Not tested) Serving: Serves: 4 Total Time: 10 minutes 1 tablespoon corn oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons cornstarch 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned 1 carrot, julienned 1 small zucchini, julienned 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon light [ ... ]

Grilled Halibut with Strawberry, Jalapeno Salsa

This surprising combination of sweet and spicy brings out the best in fish. I chose halibut but you can pair almost any hearty grilled fish steak with this flavorful salsa. Like it super hot? Crank up the heat by adding more jalapeno to your salsa. Serving: 4 1 1/2 pints [ ... ]

Raspberry Soufflé Omelet

not tested. a simple-to-make “soufflé” that bakes in minutes in an omelet pan in French, this is called omelette soufflee beating the egg whites is key to lovely, light texture serves 4 Here’s How to Make It in 20 Minutes: Before You Start: Raspberry Soufflé Omelet 1/2 pint fresh raspberries 6 large eggs 1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam, [ ... ]

Grilled Salmon Steaks with Savory Blueberry Sauce

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 25 Minutes Yields: 4 servings “Blueberry balsamic sauce serves as a sensational topping for grilled salmon in this summery dish.” INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup orange juice 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cup chicken stock 1 cup fresh blueberries 2 teaspoons [ ... ]

Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

3 pounds boneless beef chuck shoulder roast, cut in half 2 cups ketchup 1 medium onion, chopped 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup dark molasses 2 TBLSP worcestershire sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes sandwich buns 1. place roast in slow cooker. [ ... ]

Chicken Teriyaki ( from a chef @ Wynn Hotel in Vegas :)

I havent tried this one yet, let me know how it comes out please. Teriyaki Sauce 3.5 oz sake 3.5 oz mirin (sweet cooking wine) 3.5 oz soy sauce 2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved into 1 tbsp of water Makes about 1 1/3 cups. Mix ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil [ ... ]

CrockPot BBQ Pulled Pork

:CROCKPOT:: BBQ Pulled Pork by DearGina on Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:01 pm Tried this last evening, it can stay. 4 lb Pork Shoulder or Butt Roast 5 whole cloves 3 tablespoons spice rub ( I used gilroy garlic heaven) 2 red onions thinly sliced 2 cups water 2 cups favorite bbq sauce ( I make [ ... ]

Coq au Vin

4 thick slices bacon 2 cups frozen pearl onions thawed 1 cup sliced button mushroms 1 clove garlic minced 1 tsp dried thyme leaves 1/8 tsp black pepper 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup dry red wine 3/4 cup reduced doeium chicken broth 1/4 cup tomato paste 3 TBLSP flour COOK bacon in skillet, drain and [ ... ]

Spinach, Chicken, and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients 3 cups water 1 14–ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 10-3/4-ounce can reduced-fat and reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup 2/3 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey (about 1 pound) 2 cups shredded fresh spinach Directions 1. In a [ ... ]

braised lamb shanks with garlic and rosemary

Cooking Time: 6 hours on HIGH plus another 6 hours on LOW Slow Cooker Size: 5 quart There will be no leftovers. This recipe will make you fall in love with your slow cooker. Your house will be perfumed with the aromas of southern France. Enjoy! Makes 6 servings. 1/2 cup dry [ ... ]

Honey Hoisin Chicken

Ingredients: Ingredients 6 chicken breasts ¼ c. soy sauce ¼ c. honey ¼ c. hoisin sauce ¼ c. white wine 2 Tbs ginger, grated 2 tsp black pepper ¼ c. sesame seeds, toasted 8 c. hot rice Directions: Directions Combine ingredients in slow cooker. Cover; cook on Low 4-6 hours or on High 2-3 hours. Halfway through cooking, turn chicken in [ ... ]

Jambalaya

I was at a restaurant this past weekend and ordered the jambalaya. It was pretty good, though not quite the same as I had last time I was in New Orleans. Haing looked at 6 different recipies, I’ve decided to make my own: In the pot at the start: 3 large [ ... ]

Sammiches

1. Buy a baguette (a 3 foot long crusty french bread). 2. Cut off the last inch of each end and slice down the middle – do not cut in half, just fold it over to open it. 3. Slather one side with bright yellow mustard. 4. Use a cheese slicer [ ... ]

Crock Pot Apple Butter

This is just one of my comfort foods. I love it slathered on toast , and fabulous in a ham and cheese sandwich. 5 1/2 lbs apples, peeled and finely chopped (I use 3-4 different types of apples) 3 cups sugar 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt Place apples [ ... ]

Thick Veggie Soup

The giant pot will once again be used.. In the pot put: 1. Three liters of either chicken broth or veggie broth. I prefer chicken, though if you want to make this real vegetarian soup then use the veggie 2. Four medium sized potatoes cut into 1.5-2 inch chunks 3. Eight sticks [ ... ]

Crock Pot Tips

1.Add spices and herbs toward the end of cooking time if possible 2.Keep the lid on tight, you don’t want all your heat and steam to escape. 3.Generally, on large volume recipes especially ,you may want to brown meats before adding to crockpot. 4.Liquids don’t boil away as in conventional cooking, [ ... ]

Guinness Chicken

Take a whole chicken and place it in the roasting pan (the same pan as I use for lasagna). Pour your favorite BBQ sauce liberally over it until it’s thickly coated. Add baby potatoes and mini (pre-peeled and cut) carrots to fill up most of the space left in the [ ... ]

smoked chicken

1 whole chicken 1/4 cup liquid smoke salt and pepper. i cooked it 6 hours on high, came out fabulous, Mike said better then the smoked house restaurant we go to. Rinse chicken inside and out, and pat dry. Place in crock pot, breast side down. Pour liquid smoke over top. Cover and cook on [ ... ]

Passover Linzer Torte recipe

Pareve margarine is made from water, oil and flavorings (not dairy products). 1/2 cup matzo cake meal 1/2 cup potato starch 1 cup pareve margarine or butter, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup ground unpeeled almonds 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ( 1 teaspoon lemon rind) 2 eggs, separated 1/2 cup red raspberry [ ... ]
Category: Passover  4 Comments

Chicken Schnitzel

Ingredients 4 chicken breasts cut in two sections each or 1 1/2 – 2 pounds chicken filet strips, or boneless breasts salt, pepper 3 cups, approximately, matzoh meal 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 4 beaten eggs Oil for frying Instructions Lay out a large sheet of wax paperwith your chicken [ ... ]

Lower-Fat Turkey Feast

Tips and Tricks for a Lower-Fat Turkey Feast Roast your turkey on a rack. Try roasting several turkey breasts instead of a whole turkey — you’ll have only the lower-fat white meat. Baste turkey with apple juice instead of its own juices. Use cranberry sauce instead of making higher-fat gravy. If you make [ ... ]

Flourless Chocolate & Vanilla Marble Cake

This dense, luscious cake has a texture a little like fudge and a little like cheesecake. A small slice goes a long way. Serves sixteen Yields one 9-1/2 inch cake ingredients For the vanilla batter: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla [ ... ]

Replace the Fat with Fruit

Replace shortening or oils in baking with an equal volume of pureed fruit and 1/3 of the oil called for. For example, if your recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, try replacing it with 1/2 cup of apple sauce and 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of oil. [ ... ]