Tag Archives: sausage

GUMBO

09 Tuesday Feb 2016

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Happy Mardi Gras!

GUMBO

gumbo

6 tablespoons of oil, divided

1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced

1 pound chicken, cubed

2 tablespoons flour

1 onion, finely chopped

1 cup celery, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chopped green onions

1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

32 ounces chicken stock

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped parsley

hot cooked rice

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in skillet over medium-high heat, and saute andouille and chicken about 8 to 10 minutes, or until brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add flour, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes or until roux is medium to dark brown. Add onions, celery and bell pepper and saute 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and green onions and cook 3 more minutes. Stir in tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, hot sauce, red pepper, black pepper, chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in tomatoes and 1/3 cup of their liquid. Add reserved sausage and chicken. Bring to a boil over high heat, and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in parsley.

Remove from heat, taste and add salt if desired. Serve over rice.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, November 2015

www.southernliving.com/

 

JAMBALAYA and HEARTY SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

26 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Entrées, Recipes

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Before Mum left, she was hoping to pick up a couple of boxes of Jambalaya mix to take back to New Zealand, but unfortunately, ran out of time.

Although these recipes appear to have a lot of ingredients, they come together quickly, are packed full of flavor, and are really very simple to make.

JAMBALAYA

jambalaya

1/4 cup butter

6 ounces smoked ham, chopped

6 ounces smoked sausage, chopped/sliced

6 ounces cooked chicken, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups celery, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

Seasoning Mix (recipe below)

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cups uncooked rice (I would put less in – maybe 1 cup)

4 cups chicken stock

Melt the butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ham, sausage and chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium, add the onions, celery, bell peppers, Seasoning Mix and garlic and mix well. Continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until brown, stirring to deglaze the skillet occasionally. Stir in the rice.

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock and mix well. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally toward the end of the cooking time. Discard the bay leaves and serve.

SEASONING MIX

4 bay leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon gumbo file

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon thyme

Combine the bay leaves, salt, white pepper, dry mustard, gumbo file, ground red pepper, cumin, black pepper and thyme in a small bowl and mix well.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Accent A Second Helping, 2003

https://www.facebook.com/JuniorLeagueofPB?v=info

HEARTY SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

hearty shrimp jambalaya

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1 cup cubed, cooked chicken

1 1/2 cups water

1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes

14 ounces smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 pound cooked and shelled shrimp

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

3 dashes hot sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter. Add celery, green pepper, onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Add rice, chicken, water, tomatoes, sausage, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Cook over high heat until boiling. Cover, reduce heat to low. Cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is fork tender. Add shrimp, continue cooking 4 minutes. Remove from heat, add hot sauce.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cheffrey, 2002

slidellfire.org/news.php?category=4

 

MEXICAN MARTINI and STUFFED JALAPENO PEPPERS and BEEF FAJITA BITES and CHIPOTLE BEAN DIP and CHICKEN TACO CORNBREAD SQUARES WITH CILANTRO DRIZZLE and CHEESY CORN DIP and MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL and DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRY LIME SHORTBREADS

04 Monday May 2015

Posted by in Appetizers, Cocktails, Recipes

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These were some of the appetizers I made for a friends office holiday party. A long time employee was leaving for a position in another town and her favorite food was Mexican, so I based my menu on a South of the Border theme, consciously keeping the food easy and elegant to eat, enabling people to easily mingle while enjoying the refreshments.

MEXICAN MARTINI

mexican martini

1/2 cup ice cubes

1.5 ounces tequila

1.5 ounces Cointreau

2 teaspoons Grand Marnier

3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice

1.5 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice

1.5 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

pimento stuffed green olives for garnish

Place the ice in a cocktail shaker, and pour in the tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice and lemon juice. Shake until cold and pour into a martini glass.

Garnish with pimento stuffed green olives.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes

allrecipes.com › … › Tequila Drinks

STUFFED JALAPENO PEPPERS

stuffed jalapeno peppers

1 pound ground sausage

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

20 whole jalapeños

Heat oven to 350F. In a skillet, cook the sausage until done, and then drain excess oil. Mix cooked sausage, cream cheese and parmesan in a large bowl until combined. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and remove seeds and ribs. Pack the sausage and cheese mixture into the jalapeños, then bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Catering To You

www.cateringtoyouinlittlerock.com

BEEF FAJITA BITES

beef fajita bites

juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon lime zest

salt and pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2/3 pound thinly sliced round steak cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons diced onion

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

30 mini phyllo shells, prepared according to package instructions

3 tablespoons guacamole for garnish

3 tablespoons sour cream

diced tomato for garnish

To make marinade: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and lime zest. In a separate bowl, combine the steak with 1/4 cup of the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat, add beef and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add remaining marinade, onion and bell pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes more.

Fill each phyllo shell with beef mixture, then top with a small dollop of guacamole, sour cream and diced tomato.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, February 2011

www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/

CHIPOTLE BEAN DIP

chipotle bean dip

Blend 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the adobo sauce, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and 1 can of chickpeas in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with 1 chopped tomato and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Family, 2013

www.kraftrecipes.com/foodfamilyarchive/foodandfamilyarc…

CHICKEN TACO CORNBREAD SQUARES WITH CILANTRO DRIZZLE

chicken taco cornbread squares

DRESSING

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup salsa verde

1 cup cilantro leaves

FILLING

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (14.5 ounce)can diced tomatoes with green chilies

CRUST

1 egg

1 (7-ounce) package cornbread mix

1/2 cup milk

TOPPINGS

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 cups shredded romaine lettuce

1 cup chopped tomatoes

Heat oven to 400F. Combine ranch dressing, salsa and 1 cup cilantro leaves in a small food processor. Process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and jalapeño pepper, cook 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken, 3 tablespoons of cilantro, salt, cumin, pepper and tomatoes with green chilies, cook 5 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg, add cornbread mix and milk, mix well. Pour cornbread mixture into a baking dish. Spoon chicken mixture over cornbread mixture, sprinkle with cheeses. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares. Top with romaine and tomatoes, drizzle with dressing.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Martha White

www.marthawhite.com/recipes

CHEESY CORN DIP

cheesy corn dip

In a baking dish, combine equal parts corn kernels and shredded cheddar, a spoonful of mayonnaise, some chopped green onions and sliced pickled jalapeños. Bake until bubbly, serve with chips.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, September 2014

www.rachaelraymag.com/

MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL

mexican shrimp cocktail

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup Cholula hot sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

pinch of salt

freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup Pico de Gallo (recipe to follow)

10 jumbo shrimp, steamed, shelled and deveined

2 cilantro sprigs

tortilla chips to serve

Combine the ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce and olive oil and stir. Add the salt, pepper, pico de gallo and the shrimp. Stir gently to combine.

Enjoy!

PICO DE GALLO

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 cup chopped sweet onion

2 cups chopped tomatoes

2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño peppers

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

dash of olive oil

Combine the lime mice and onions in a bowl and allow to marinate for 20 minutes, or up to an hour. Combine the tomatoes, onion mixture, chiles, salt, pepper, cilantro and olive oil in a mixing bowl, and mix well. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, June 2013

www.usaweekend.com/section/FOOD04/Recipe-Archive

DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRY LIME SHORTBREADS 

dark chocolate cherry lime shortbreads

3/4 cup flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon unsweetened dark cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling

1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

In a bowl, sift the flour with both cocoa powders and salt. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter with the 1/4 cup sugar at medium high speed until fluffy. Beat in the zest. Beat in the flour mixture at low speed until the dough comes together. Add the cherries, beat until incorporated.

Scrape the dough onto a work surface and pat it into a disk, roll it between 2 sheets of parchment paper to a 1/4 inch thickness and refrigerate on a baking sheet until firm, 1 hour.

Heat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel off the top sheet of parchment from the dough. Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, stamp out cookies. Arrange the cookies 1-inch apart on the baking sheet. Reroll the scraps between parchment paper and stamp out more cookies, arrange on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the cooked in the middle of the oven for 13 minutes, until just set. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, May 2014

www.foodandwine.com/

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST STUFFED WITH APPLE, RAISINS AND PECANS and BLACK PEPPER AND PARMESAN FRENCH TOAST WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE PATTIES

22 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in Breakfast & Brunch, Recipes

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We have started attending the Wednesday night services at our church, instead of Sunday mornings, and it has been a perfect fit for our family.

We now have one day of the week where we have no obligations and nowhere we have to be – and have designated it Family Time. Due to our busy schedules during the week, we are rarely able to find quality time all together, for any significant length of time, so we value these precious Sunday hours. They have been devoted to exploring our beautiful Natural state and surrounds, being outside for a hike, or spending a leisurely morning cooking a fun and extravagant breakfast, reading the Sunday paper and just collectively spending time sitting and talking around the table.

Although mornings during the week typically are an enjoyable, connective time for our family, it does have a sense of urgency, and breakfast is usually something very quick and easy to prepare such as a fried egg or frozen waffle, not the relaxed meals we are able to take the time to make and savor on the weekends.

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST STUFFED WITH APPLE, RAISINS AND PECANS

brioche french toast stuffed with apples and raisins

1/2 cup pecans

1 cup applesauce

1/2 cup golden raisins

pinch of cinnamon

one 12-ounce loaf of brioche – cut into 12 slices, heels discarded

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons canola oil

confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Heat oven to 350F. Spread the pecans on a pie plate and toast for about 8 minutes. Let cool. Finely chop the pecans and transfer to a bowl. Add the applesauce, raisins and cinnamon.

Spread the filling on 6 of the bread slices, top with the remaining slices and close.

In the pie plate, beat the eggs with the cream, sugar and vanilla. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture and transfer to a baking sheet.

In each of 2 large nonstick skillets, melt half of the butter in the oil. Add the French toast and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through, 5 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, December 2011

www.foodandwine.com/

BLACK PEPPER AND PARMESAN FRENCH TOAST WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE PATTIES

black pepper and parmesan french toast

1 1/2 pounds ground pork

1/4 cup red wine

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon ground sage

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons pepper

4 eggs

2/3 cup whole milk

1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese

pinch of nutmeg

8 slices bread

2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter

warm honey, for drizzling

Heat oven to 200F.

In a large bowl, combine the pork, wine, fennel seeds, garlic, onion, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Form into 8 small, thin patties.

Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the patties to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the sausage patties to a plate and keep warm in the oven. Wipe the pan clean and reduce the heat to medium.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1 teaspoon of pepper, the cheese and nutmeg. Coat the bread in the egg mixture. Brush the skillet with the melted butter. Cook the French toast, turning once, until golden and cooked through, 5 minutes.

Divide the French toast among plates and serve with the sausage patties drizzled with warm honey.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, March 2014

www.rachaelray.com/

BAKED SAUSAGE STUFFED BACON WRAPPED JALAPENO POPPERS and BAKED BUFFALO WINGS WITH BLUE CHEESE SAUCE

03 Monday Feb 2014

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Happy Super Bowl Sunday 

BAKED SAUSAGE STUFFED BACON WRAPPED JALAPENO POPPERS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed
36 jalapeños
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
36 slices of bacon (I used center cut)

Heat oven to 450F.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high (I used cooking spray in place of the olive oil). Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 7 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
Slice off and discard the stem ends of the jalapeños, remove the ribs and seeds (I sliced down one side to open them up, remove the seeds and stuff with the cheese-sausage mixture).
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, parmesan and sour cream until well combined. Stir in the  cooled sausage. Using a small spoon, stuff the jalapeños with the cream cheese mixture. Wrap each pepper with a piece of bacon.
Place peppers on a baking sheet covered in foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, October 2013
www.rachaelray.com/‎

BAKED BUFFALO WINGS WITH BLUE CHEESE SAUCE

2 pounds of chicken wings (tips removed and separated at the joints – although we neglected this step)
1/2 cup hot sauce
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
2 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar (divided use)
2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
celery sticks for serving

Heat oven to 450F. Line two baking sheets with parchment papaer and arrange wings, in a single layer, skin side down. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden on the bottom, turn and bake 5 minutes more.
Meanwhile combine hot sauce, butter, honey and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar in a large bowl and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix blue cheese, remaining vinegar, buttermilk, sour cream, sugar salt and pepper.
Toss the warm wings with the hot sauce mixture until well coated. Transfer to a platter, serve with blue cheese sauce and celery sticks.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Shape, January/February 2013
www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes‎

SAUSAGE AND GRITS QUICHE and CARAMEL CAKE PANCAKES

27 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by in Breakfast & Brunch, Recipes

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Breakfast for dinner and dessert!

SAUSAGE AND GRITS QUICHE

1 (10 ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach
1 (16 ounce) package of ground pork sausage
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup uncooked grits
1 cup grated asiago cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup white cheddar, grated, divided use
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tablespoons plain white cornmeal

Thaw spinach, drain well, pressing between paper towels.
Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 5 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, remove from the skillet and drain.
Heat oven to 350F.
Bring broth, cream and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits, and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, 12 to 15 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in asiago, pepper and 3/4 cup cheddar until melted.
Gradually stir in about 1/4 of hot grits into eggs, stir egg mixture into remaining hot grits. Stir in spinach and sausage until blended.
Sprinkle bottom and sides of a lightly greased 10 inch pie plate with cornmeal. Spoon grits mixture into pie plate, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until set.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, November 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

CARAMEL CAKE PANCAKES

2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramel syrup

Whisk together flour and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together milk, eggs and butter in another bowl. Gradually stir milk mixture into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Heat pan over medium heat, melt a pat of butter, and scoop batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the top and the bottoms are golden brown, then flip pancakes and cook until golden brown on other side.

CARAMEL SYRUP

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and cook, stirring constantly, 5 to 6 minutes or until mixture turns a caramel color. Gradually add 3/4 cup whipping cream and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, December 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

SPINACH PESTO AND SAUSAGE STRATA

16 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Breakfast & Brunch, Recipes

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I served this simple but satisfying strata as a quick and convenient dinner, alongside a lightly dressed green salad.
It would also be lovely as a breakfast, brunch or lunch dish.

SPINACH PESTO AND SAUSAGE STRATA

6 ounces of fresh spinach
1/3 cup jarred pesto
salt and pepper
3 eggs
1 cup half and half
1 cup grated pecorino-romano
3/4 cup sliced scallions
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
1 loaf sourdough bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups grated fontina cheese

Heat oven to 350F.
In a food processor, puree 2 cups spinach with the pesto, season with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, pecorino-romano and scallions. Season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until cooked, about 7 minutes, finely chop the remaining spinach and add to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl.
Using half of the ingredients, arrange bread in a 7 by 11 inch baking dish, spread on pesto, then ricotta, pour in egg mixture and top with spinach-sausage mixture and fontina. Repeat. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake the strata until puffed and browned, about 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine, April 2013
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

MONSTER EYES

27 Sunday Oct 2013

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This has been a monster of a weekend!!
Helping with the Fall Festival at the kids school, cleaning my house, changing sheets and cooking for overnight house guests, attending a Cooking Class Dinner Party at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and my husband observing and enjoying his obligations at a Rotary Convention and then away in Kansas City at a football game.
A monstrously busy, fun and fulfilling weekend!!

MONSTER EYES

1 pound of sausage
1 cup all purpose baking mix
2 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
pimiento stuffed green olives

Heat oven to 400F. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir sausage, baking mix and cheese with a wooden spoon until blended.
Shape mixture into 1 inch balls, place on cookie sheet. Slice olives and press 1 olive slice into each ball.
Bake for 22 minutes or until lightly browned and sausage is no longer pink.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Pillsbury Best Ever Fall Entertaining, October 2013
www.pillsbury.com/Recipes‎

FEIJOA AND APPLE FIX and SAUSAGE ROLLS and ROAST KUMARA AND CASHEW SALAD and PINK PEPPERCORN PAVLOVA WITH VANILLA CREAM AND BASIL SYRUP

23 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by in Appetizers, Cocktails, Dessert, Salad

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I was very excited to gather together and spend time again with the wonderful ladies who lunch. I chose a New Zealand theme – preparing some of the dishes I grew up with and some that were new to me. Everything everyone contributed was fabulous – food and conversation, resulting in yet another joyful occasion for the taste buds and the soul.

FEIJOA AND APPLE FIX

1 ounce of feijoa vodka
apple juice
ice
lemon wedge to garnish

Fill glass with ice. Add vodka and top with apple juice. Stir and garnish with lemon wedge.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food.com
http://www.food.com/recipe/feijoa-vodka-apple-fix-153867

SAUSAGE ROLLS

1 pound of sausage
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/3 cup stale breadcrumbs
1 to 2 sheets of puff pastry
1 egg, lightly beaten

Lightly grease 1 to 2 oven trays.
Combine sausage, onion, thyme parsley, ketchup and breadcrumbs in a bowl, mix well.
Spread out pastry sheets and using a rolling pin, roll them until they are thin.
Place the sausage mixture down the center of the pastry.
Brush edges of pastry with lightly beaten egg, fold over sides of pastry to enclose mixture.
Trim ends of rolls, and cut into 2 inch long pieces. Repeat as necessary.
Lightly brush rolls with remaining egg, cut a couple of slits into the top of each roll.
Bake in a moderate oven about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Australian Womens Weekly, October 1991
aww.ninemsn.com/recipe-search/‎

ROAST KUMARA AND CASHEW SALAD

2 to 3 kumara, peeled and diced
olive oil for roasting
salt and freshly ground black pepper
fresh rosemary sprigs
1 cup cashew nuts
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
couple of handfuls of arugula
chopped spring onion for garnish
DRESSING
200 ml olive oil
75 ml balsamic vinegar
50 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoon curry powder

Heat oven to 180C.
Toss diced kumara in oil and season with salt and black pepper. Place in a roasting dish and scatter with rosemary sprigs. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender.
While kumara is cooling, increase temperature of oven to 200C and roast cashew nuts in a separate dish for 8 to 10 minutes. Toss after 5 minutes so nuts become evenly colored.
Add cooled cashews to the kumara, and toss with chopped mint and arugula.
Make dressing by blending all ingredients in a blender.
Add about half the dressing to kumara mixture and stir lightly. Add more dressing to taste.
Garnish with chopped spring onion.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Market Day, 2007
Vicki Winn

PINK PEPPERCORN PAVLOVA WITH VANILLA CREAM AND BASIL SYRUP

BASIL SYRUP
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup light corn syrup
MERINGUES
4 egg whites, room temperature
1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon pink peppercorns, lightly crushed
VANILLA CREAM
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

BASIL SYRUP
Blanch 1/3 cup basil leaves in a small saucepan of boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain, then transfer basil to a bowl of iced water to cool. Drain, squeeze out excess water from basil. Puree basil with corn syrup in blender. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop.
Bring basil syrup to room temperature before serving.
MERINGUES
Position rack in the center of the oven and heat to 275F.
Draw six 2 1/2 inch circles on parchment paper, then invert onto baking sheet. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in a large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating to medium firm peaks. Beat remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Gradually beat sugar-cornstarch mixture into meringue, beating until very stiff. Beat in white wine vinegar. Fold in peppercorns. Divide meringue between circles, spread to fill completely. Bake until outside is dry, about 25 minutes. Turn oven off and open door slightly. Let meringues cool in oven until completely dry, about 1 hour.
VANILLA CREAM
Place cream and sugar in a medium bowl. Scrape seeds in from vanilla bean. Using electric mixer, beat cream to soft peaks.

Place a meringue on each plate, top with a generous amount of vanilla cream. Top with strawberries and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle basil syrup on plate.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, May 2008
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

SMOKED CHEESE AND SAUSAGE LASAGNA and HAM AND VEGETABLE GRATIN and WARM CHICKEN PEAR AND CHICKPEA SALAD and CHEESEBURGER STUFFED BAKED POTATOES

27 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in Salad, Vegetables

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I have read a lot lately about the benefits of family dinners. It would seem sitting down together to eat not only allows the parents to model good manners, but also provides a sense of security and an occasion for dialogue and discussion that prevents destructive behaviors and results in children doing better in school.
Preparing meals at home also gives parents the opportunity to teach children about good eating habits, to provide food that is healthy and nutritious, and maybe even impart some cooking skills.
I definitely love the idea that sitting around the table to a home cooked dinner makes for a happier family, and educates and nurtures, but I know in our family, the content of dinner can occasionally be cause for unhappiness.
Here are some of our more recent family dinners – I’m not sure everyone has relished or even liked the food on their plate, but the conversation and sense of togetherness has definitely been appreciated and enjoyed by all.

SMOKED CHEESE AND SAUSAGE LASAGNE

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
3 ounces sliced proscuitto, chopped
1 1/2 onions, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 28 ounce can Italian style tomatoes in juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
12 lasagna noodles (I used the oven ready kind)
12 ounces ricotta cheese
2 1/2 cups grated smoked cheese, divided (I used a combination of cheddar, pepper jack and mozzarella – all smoked in house)
1 egg

FOR THE SAUCE
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, saute until browned, breaking up with a fork, about 6 minutes. Add prosciutto, stir 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and next 4 ingredients. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste. Add tomatoes and juice, basil, and sausage mixture. Reduce heat, simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
FOR LASAGNA
Stir ricotta and 1 1/2 cups smoked cheese in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mix in egg.
Brush a 13X9 inch baking dish with oil. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce evenly over bottom. Arrange 3 noodles atop sauce. Spread 3/4 cup cheese mixture thinly over noodles. Spoon 1 1/2 cups sauce over. Repeat with noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce 2 more times. Cover with 3 noodles. Sprinkle with remaining 1cup smoked cheese. Cover with foil.
Heat oven to 350F.
Bake lasagna, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, March 2004
www.epicurious.com › recipes & menus

HAM AND VEGETABLE GRATIN

4 tablespoons butter
1 onion chopped
4 cloves garlic
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 10 ounce package of frozen peas
1/4 pound ham, chopped
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 375F.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the onion, sweet potatoes and peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add the ham, flour and thyme and cook, stirring, until combined. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then stir in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet. Add the panko, parsley and salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally, until the panko is slightly toasted, about 4 minutes. Scatter over the ham and vegetable mixture, let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from the Food Network Magazine, January/February 2013
www.foodnetwork.com › Recipes › Pork

WARM CHICKEN, PEAR AND CHICKPEA SALAD

1 onion, chopped
350 grams chicken, cut into cubes
250 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
1 pear, cored and diced
1/2 cup burghul wheat
3/4 cup boiled water
400 gram can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
100 grams baby greens
crusty bread to serve
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon orange juice

Heat a large frying pan, spray with cooking spray.
Saute onion for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Add chicken. Cook, stirring for 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through.
Stir in tomatoes, red pepper and pear. Saute for 2 to 4 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Place burghul wheat in a small bowl. Cover with water. Set aside for about 5 minutes until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
In a jug, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar and orange juice to make the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add chicken mixture, chickpeas and salad greens to burghul with dressing. Toss to combine. Serve warm with the crusty bread.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Woman’s Day
recipefinder.msn.co.nz/womans-day-recipes/

CHEESEBURGER STUFFED BAKED POTATOES

3 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons beef broth
6 ounce can tomato paste
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
grated cheese to serve

Heat oven to 450F.
Prick potatoes several times with a fork and place them directly on oven rack. Bake until tender, 45 minutes to an hour.
While potatoes are baking, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook unit slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the beef, stirring to break it up, and cook about 10 minutes, until browned, add the garlic.
Stir in the worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 5 minutes.
Remove potatoes from oven and set aside until cool enough to handle. Cut them in half lengthwise. At this point, you could scoop out the flesh, mix with butter and plain yogurt and then fill the shells with the hamburger mixture and potato mixture. I chose to mound the hamburger mixture onto the plain potato and top with the grated cheese, baking until the cheese was melted, about 5 minutes. Either way is delicious.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parenting Magazine, May 2009
www.parenting.com/recipes