As I sort through the mail today a charity that is close to my heart has an appeal. The Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer. I always donate in the hopes that other women , families etc will some day never have to go through the ordeal of Breast Cancer. As I write my check my mind wanders to my mom who was a Breast Cancer survivor. When she was going through the treatment the doctor's gave her little hope of survival. In those dark, scary days my mom would try and reassure me she was going to make it. I would always hear "God makes a Way Where There Is No Way"(I know, it should have been me reassuring her , and giving her hope.-- but that was my mom-very strong and brave) We would bake these Pecan Cinnamon muffins together, have them warm from the oven, and be silly and laugh about God knows what. These muffins are fragrant, delicate yet satisfying.
Pecan Cinnamon Muffins : Oven 425' Line 18 muffin cups with paper lining set aside. Recipe: 1 stick butter melted, 1/2c light brown sugar, 1c milk, 2 eggs lightly beaten, 2c flour, 1/2 c sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2c coarsely chopped pecans. In a bowl combine the butter and brown sugar, stir in the milk and the eggs. In another bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking powder,cinnamon, nutmeg and salt . Add to the butter mixture. Stir just to combine. Fold in the pecans. Batter will be lumpy. Divide batter among 18 papered muffin cups. Bake 20 mins .
Yields 18. This recipe is from my mom's recipe box , she cut it out of Gourmet magazine in 1982.
I always smile when I eat these muffins and say a prayer of "Thanks"- you see God had other plans for my mom the doctors gave her only 3 months to live-- she lived 14 years after the diagnosis "cancer free." I celebrate and pray for all the women and families who have or are making this journey now. Never give up hope, always have faith and may Love be Yours Always To Keep You Strong. Be well:)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake
OMG! Unexpected company is on the way.An out of town friend who originally told me they could not come to visit now has the time.The following dish is a quick casserole you can put together in a flash- looks great,tastes good, and looks like you spent time cooking. Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake : Serves 4-5. Recipe : 8oz uncooked bow tie pasta, 1 small onion chopped, 1 tbsp butter, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 c milk, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, 2 c cooked chicken , 2c shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 14oz artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, 1 10oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained, 1/2c oil packed sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 c soft breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp butter melted.
Directions: Preheat oven 350'. Cook pasta according to package directions( al dente) drain. In a medium skillet cook the onion in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat until soft- 5 mins. remove from heat and set aside. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt , 1/4 tsp black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, artichokes , spinach, tomatoes, half of the Parmesan, cooked pasta, and onion. Transfer to a 13x9 dish or a 3 quart casserole.
Bake , covered, 20 mins. In a small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, breadcrumbs, paprika, and melted butter. After 20 mins remove from oven uncover, sprinkle Parmesan mixture over pasta. Bake uncovered, 10 mins more or until golden.
Hmmm.... appetizers, main dish , dessert, beverages. OMG!!!!! Never mind the food I have that taken care of... I have to run and do my hair! Be well:)
Directions: Preheat oven 350'. Cook pasta according to package directions( al dente) drain. In a medium skillet cook the onion in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat until soft- 5 mins. remove from heat and set aside. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt , 1/4 tsp black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, artichokes , spinach, tomatoes, half of the Parmesan, cooked pasta, and onion. Transfer to a 13x9 dish or a 3 quart casserole.
Bake , covered, 20 mins. In a small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, breadcrumbs, paprika, and melted butter. After 20 mins remove from oven uncover, sprinkle Parmesan mixture over pasta. Bake uncovered, 10 mins more or until golden.
Hmmm.... appetizers, main dish , dessert, beverages. OMG!!!!! Never mind the food I have that taken care of... I have to run and do my hair! Be well:)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Tuscan Potato and Cheese Bake
I attended a cocktail party yesterday. The hostess did an amazing job, food , beverages, desserts. beautifully laid out an executed. The hardest part of a cocktail party is bringing together interesting people with diverse back grounds who can keep the party exciting. This party was stellar.
One of the foods served was a lovely potato dish. It was very tasty and complimented the various food dishes. I think you will enjoy this side dish, it can be served with either meat, fish or chicken.
Tuscan Potato and Cheese Bake : 2 lbs red potatoes, 3-4 cloves of garlic minced, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 c butter, 1c buttermilk, 4oz fontina cheese, shredded (1c), 4oz Parmesan cheese, grated (1 scant c), 1/3c blue cheese, 1/2c panko crumbs (Japanese- style bread crumbs), 1/4 tsp Italian seasonings, 1tbsp olive oil, sniped parsley ( optional ). preheat oven to 400'. Lightly grease a 2 quart square baking dish; set aside. Wash potatoes, cut into 1 inch squares leaving skin intact. Place in saucepan and boil until tender. Drain. In a 12 inch skillet cook and stir garlic and thyme in butter over medium heat for 1 minute; add potatoes. Coarsely mash potatoes. Stir in buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold in Fontina cheese, half the Parmesan, and the blue cheese. Evenly spread in baking dish. In a small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, panko crumbs, Italian seasoning, and oil; toss with a fork to combine. Evenly sprinkle over potato mixture. Bake 20 mins. or until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with sniped parsley if desired. Serve 8-10.
Side dishes are like people, some people are bland and others add that certain something to your day that make them memorable. This potato dish will add just the right flavor to your dinner . It will add not only taste but texture and presence to your meal. Be well.:)
One of the foods served was a lovely potato dish. It was very tasty and complimented the various food dishes. I think you will enjoy this side dish, it can be served with either meat, fish or chicken.
Tuscan Potato and Cheese Bake : 2 lbs red potatoes, 3-4 cloves of garlic minced, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 c butter, 1c buttermilk, 4oz fontina cheese, shredded (1c), 4oz Parmesan cheese, grated (1 scant c), 1/3c blue cheese, 1/2c panko crumbs (Japanese- style bread crumbs), 1/4 tsp Italian seasonings, 1tbsp olive oil, sniped parsley ( optional ). preheat oven to 400'. Lightly grease a 2 quart square baking dish; set aside. Wash potatoes, cut into 1 inch squares leaving skin intact. Place in saucepan and boil until tender. Drain. In a 12 inch skillet cook and stir garlic and thyme in butter over medium heat for 1 minute; add potatoes. Coarsely mash potatoes. Stir in buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold in Fontina cheese, half the Parmesan, and the blue cheese. Evenly spread in baking dish. In a small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, panko crumbs, Italian seasoning, and oil; toss with a fork to combine. Evenly sprinkle over potato mixture. Bake 20 mins. or until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with sniped parsley if desired. Serve 8-10.
Side dishes are like people, some people are bland and others add that certain something to your day that make them memorable. This potato dish will add just the right flavor to your dinner . It will add not only taste but texture and presence to your meal. Be well.:)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Penne Pasta with Beef
Last night when driving home from a friend's, I witnessed the state police K-9 unit and a city K-9 unit chasing a man through a Dunkin Donuts parking lot. Commotion ensued as the officers and dogs chased the man. I along with another vehicle were in the middle of the chase. Our two cars were stopped as cruisers sped in front of our vehicles. Commands from the officer's to "Stop or I Will Send My Dog!" Needless to say the man did not stop and the dogs gave chase. I do not know how it ended, as soon as I could I drove away. My mind raced with a million thoughts. Everything I am grateful for, my family, my friends, the things I love in life. Today as I reflect on last night's incident my hat comes off to the brave men and women who keep us safe . Today I need comfort food. This recipe is dedicated to all our heroes the police and the firefighters. It is quick easy , hearty and delicious. Penne Pasta with Beef; 1lb of ground beef, 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp of minced garlic, 1 medium onion coarsely chopped, 2- 28 oz cans of tomato ( Kitchen Ready brand), 11/2 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, 1/2 tsp salt , 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2c fresh cleaned spinach chopped, 2 c (8oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, 3/4- 1 lb of Penne pasta. Romano Cheese to taste
In a large saucepan add olive oil, beef and onion. Brown on medium heat until beef is cooked. Add garlic, basil , red pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir . Add tomato to pan. Stir to incorporate . Add 1/2 c water to thin slightly. Add spinach, stir, let cook into sauce. In a separate large pot bring salted water to a boil. Add Penne cook according to package directions until aldente. Drain well. In the pot that the pasta was cooked in add the drained pasta and some sauce to coat the Penne. Using a 13x9 glass dish layer half of the pasta on the bottom of dish. Cover with sauce sprinkle 1c of shredded mozzarella over the top. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle 1/2c of the remaining cheese over the pasta . Top with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 c of mozzarella over the pasta.. Sprinkle lightly with some grated Romano Cheese. Place in a preheated 350' oven for 10-15 mins just until cheese is melted. Serve. Pass any remaining sauce separately. Serves 4 .
Comfort food at its best. A reminder of the good in life. Be well:)
In a large saucepan add olive oil, beef and onion. Brown on medium heat until beef is cooked. Add garlic, basil , red pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir . Add tomato to pan. Stir to incorporate . Add 1/2 c water to thin slightly. Add spinach, stir, let cook into sauce. In a separate large pot bring salted water to a boil. Add Penne cook according to package directions until aldente. Drain well. In the pot that the pasta was cooked in add the drained pasta and some sauce to coat the Penne. Using a 13x9 glass dish layer half of the pasta on the bottom of dish. Cover with sauce sprinkle 1c of shredded mozzarella over the top. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle 1/2c of the remaining cheese over the pasta . Top with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 c of mozzarella over the pasta.. Sprinkle lightly with some grated Romano Cheese. Place in a preheated 350' oven for 10-15 mins just until cheese is melted. Serve. Pass any remaining sauce separately. Serves 4 .
Comfort food at its best. A reminder of the good in life. Be well:)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sesame Orange Beef
Tonight is the night of the Full Moon. Time to release old beliefs that are not working, and make way to plant new beliefs ( on the New Moon) to help us continue to grow toward our purpose in this life.
With this in mind I am making a quick stir fry which will balance the digestion, calms the body and ground it to the cycles of the seasons. ( Yes, I am studying Native American culture at this time. No, there were no stir fry-but I didn't think you wanted a recipe for pickled Yak).
Sesame Orange Beef : 12 oz beef sirloin sliced into bite size strips, 1c broccoli florets, 1 c sliced water chestnuts, 1/2 c bias sliced green onions, 2 tsp sesame seeds, 1/2c orange juice, 2tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/ tsp finely chopped orange peel, 1tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp canola oil, 2 c cooked brown rice , 1 c mandarin oranges drained. Recipe: In a small bowl male sauce, combine the orange juice, soy sauce sesame oil, cornstarch, and orange peel. Set aside. In a large skillet and canola oil, bring to med- high heat add the broccoli, ginger and the garlic, Cook and stir 1 min. add the green onions, water chestnuts stir fry 30 seconds. Remove vegetables to a bowl. Add the beef to the skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Stir fry the beef for 2- 3mins or until still pink in the center. Remove meat from skillet, add to the bowl of vegetables. Add sauce to skillet, allow to thicken slightly. Add vegetable, meat mixture with juices to the skillet. Heat through to coat with the sauce. Serve with hot cooked brown rice. Top meat mixture with mandarin orange sections. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serves 4
As the beauty of the Full Moon lights the sky tonight and gives the promise of renewed life. I offer to you recipes to keep the body healthy so we all can enjoy many years of beautiful Full Moons. Be well.:)
With this in mind I am making a quick stir fry which will balance the digestion, calms the body and ground it to the cycles of the seasons. ( Yes, I am studying Native American culture at this time. No, there were no stir fry-but I didn't think you wanted a recipe for pickled Yak).
Sesame Orange Beef : 12 oz beef sirloin sliced into bite size strips, 1c broccoli florets, 1 c sliced water chestnuts, 1/2 c bias sliced green onions, 2 tsp sesame seeds, 1/2c orange juice, 2tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/ tsp finely chopped orange peel, 1tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp canola oil, 2 c cooked brown rice , 1 c mandarin oranges drained. Recipe: In a small bowl male sauce, combine the orange juice, soy sauce sesame oil, cornstarch, and orange peel. Set aside. In a large skillet and canola oil, bring to med- high heat add the broccoli, ginger and the garlic, Cook and stir 1 min. add the green onions, water chestnuts stir fry 30 seconds. Remove vegetables to a bowl. Add the beef to the skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Stir fry the beef for 2- 3mins or until still pink in the center. Remove meat from skillet, add to the bowl of vegetables. Add sauce to skillet, allow to thicken slightly. Add vegetable, meat mixture with juices to the skillet. Heat through to coat with the sauce. Serve with hot cooked brown rice. Top meat mixture with mandarin orange sections. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serves 4
As the beauty of the Full Moon lights the sky tonight and gives the promise of renewed life. I offer to you recipes to keep the body healthy so we all can enjoy many years of beautiful Full Moons. Be well.:)
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