You know....every so often...ok...not so every so often....but on that rare time when the stars are in alignment all your cooking in one day turns out. For me, that was today.
This past week I have been immersing myself in the "Pioneer Woman's" blog. PioneerWoman.com. It has been amazing!!! Ree Drummond is speaking my cooking language. On Tuesday I made her Bruschetta. It was so amazing my husband pronounced Yummy, and he want's to have it again and again! (hint...butter and bread and a hot skillet....makes all the difference! shhh) Then today I embraced the pot roast.
I am like any woman with lots of things to do. I throw a roast in the slow cooker and cross my fingers. For the most part they are ok...even good. BUT THIS POT ROAST......amazing. Ree said to embrace it and I did. It gave me a great big bear hug back...(ok, I know that was cheesy)
Totally go to her website to receive the step by step, picture by picture explanation to this wondrous meal. It is so worth the look. I will highlight a few of the techniques that will leave my poor slowcooker crying "where are the roasts....they are gone..."(once again...cheesy..I know)
It begins with a hot pan with olive oil in it. Brown half cut onions and carrots in said skillet. Secondly, season the meat WELL. A good amount of salt and pepper. Then sear the meat in the skillet after the vegetables. Next is the de-glazing. 1 cup of beautiful red wine poured over the browned bits left in the pan from the meat and veggies. Scrape the pan while the wine bubbles.
Ok, assembly. In roaster, put meat, veggies, de-glazing wine, 1 cup of beef broth and some rosemary and thyme. YYYUUUMMMM!! Cover. Here is the key. It's in the temperature. 275 F. for about 3 or 4 hrs (depending on size of meat) Don't peak, just inhale the beautiful aroma that will fill you home. When done, the meat will literally fall to pieces. Serve with mashed potatoes. ***Did you notice there were no potatoes in the recipe... Potatoes taste mealy and kinda not the greatest when done with meat. I just boiled some tiny spuds and served with. DYNAMITE BABY!! My whole family enjoyed the meal a lot. My poor brother in law missed out as he had a prior engagement. But I bet he would have wished he was eating with us!
So I embraced the Pot Roast.....Such a great hug it was!
p.s. I made some killer boiled chocolate/peanut butter cookies as well. The stars were working for me. Alas, tomorrow everything may burn...who knows.
Friday, 27 January 2012
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Snack Lady
I have started a new venture this week. I am a snack lady! Our church is blessed with a thriving children's ministry that reaches out to our small community! Loving kids by teaching them out the One who loves us!! My job....feed the kiddos!
Every Tuesday for the rest of this winter and spring "Friends" club happens in our church basement. 60 kids coming straight from the school across the street and they are HUNGRY! Ladies in our church and community have signed up to make a healthy snack and a sweet treat for each week. (I'm signed up for Valentines week...heehee. Pink cupcakes....:) My job is to prep what is brought for each week and serve the kids with a smile and a howdy do! I love it!
This week it was a reminder of how the kitchen works and where everything is and the such. I was so happy for my friend Amy to be their to help. THANKS AMY!!!! We chopped oranges and cut sprinkle covered yummy Rice Krispy Squares! At 3: 20 the kids started arriving. They ooohed and aahhhed over their snacks and joined their group leaders. It was a great start to the year. :)
I am the SNACK LADY....but I won't wear a hairnet....sorry.
Every Tuesday for the rest of this winter and spring "Friends" club happens in our church basement. 60 kids coming straight from the school across the street and they are HUNGRY! Ladies in our church and community have signed up to make a healthy snack and a sweet treat for each week. (I'm signed up for Valentines week...heehee. Pink cupcakes....:) My job is to prep what is brought for each week and serve the kids with a smile and a howdy do! I love it!
This week it was a reminder of how the kitchen works and where everything is and the such. I was so happy for my friend Amy to be their to help. THANKS AMY!!!! We chopped oranges and cut sprinkle covered yummy Rice Krispy Squares! At 3: 20 the kids started arriving. They ooohed and aahhhed over their snacks and joined their group leaders. It was a great start to the year. :)
I am the SNACK LADY....but I won't wear a hairnet....sorry.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Chili for a Chilly Day
It is -40 C. today in my northern Alberta town. That is cold ANYWHERE! The buses aren't running and there in an ice fog that is lingering over the town. Deep Freeze! My husband still had to go to work and I hope the hot tea in his thermos cheers him up on this chilly day.
In honor of such a day I decided to make a pot of Chili. But not just any chili, a new revelation in browned meat, tomatoes and beans.....Tuscan Chili. It is Fantastic! This recipe goes beyond the regular chili with whack loads of chili powder and kidney beans. David and I declared this version our favourite yet! So here it is. Enjoy with some fluffy biscuits or Naan bread.
P.S. - This recipe is from the Festive 2011 Kraft Magazine, "What's Cooking" I made a few changes to make it extra special.
1 lb Italian sausage casing removed.
( I added a few strips of bacon cut up and 1/2 a chorizo sausage diced)
1 onion, chopped
1 EACH green and yellow pepper, chopped
1 can (19 ounce) diced tomatoes
I can of tomato paste
1 can (19 ounce) of white kidney beans, drained
*(I used a 19 ounce can of mixed beans)
1/2 tsp of basil
1/2 tsp of oregano
1 1/2 cups of mild cheese - your choice!
1. Crumble sausage into large skillet. Add onions, cook until sausage is done, stirring frequently. Drain. Transfer to SLOW COOKER.
2. Add tomatoes, peppers, and tomato paste; mix well. Stir in beans. Add spices. Cover with lid. Cook 3 1/2 - 4 hrs on LOW, or 2 1/2 - 3 hrs on HIGH.
3. Serve topped with grated cheese. ENJOY.
I know I will on this frosty, Chili - I mean Chilly day.
In honor of such a day I decided to make a pot of Chili. But not just any chili, a new revelation in browned meat, tomatoes and beans.....Tuscan Chili. It is Fantastic! This recipe goes beyond the regular chili with whack loads of chili powder and kidney beans. David and I declared this version our favourite yet! So here it is. Enjoy with some fluffy biscuits or Naan bread.
P.S. - This recipe is from the Festive 2011 Kraft Magazine, "What's Cooking" I made a few changes to make it extra special.
1 lb Italian sausage casing removed.
( I added a few strips of bacon cut up and 1/2 a chorizo sausage diced)
1 onion, chopped
1 EACH green and yellow pepper, chopped
1 can (19 ounce) diced tomatoes
I can of tomato paste
1 can (19 ounce) of white kidney beans, drained
*(I used a 19 ounce can of mixed beans)
1/2 tsp of basil
1/2 tsp of oregano
1 1/2 cups of mild cheese - your choice!
1. Crumble sausage into large skillet. Add onions, cook until sausage is done, stirring frequently. Drain. Transfer to SLOW COOKER.
2. Add tomatoes, peppers, and tomato paste; mix well. Stir in beans. Add spices. Cover with lid. Cook 3 1/2 - 4 hrs on LOW, or 2 1/2 - 3 hrs on HIGH.
3. Serve topped with grated cheese. ENJOY.
I know I will on this frosty, Chili - I mean Chilly day.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Comfort in a cup,,,, or bowl.
I am slowly emerging from the fog of a cold and flu. I haven't had any appetite lately, which has helped the weight loss goal I want to meet this year, but really I didn't want it to happen this way. Slowly I am looking forward to cooking again. I've cleaned out the Christmas clutter out of the fridge and pantry ready to start anew. What to make - Comfort - yep, in a bowl. A nice pick me up.
Soup has always been a favourite. I love a variety of soups, from my mom's vegetarian borscht to my sister in law's corn chowder, served with Na an bread. Yummy French Onion soup made in my new chowder bowls my husband got for me for our anniversary makes me smile while remembering that first cheesy stringy bite. Soooo good. I've tried my hand at pureed soups ( Cream of Broccoli), Taco soups with tortillas in it, and a full meal deal in a Garden Minestrone. Wouldn't you laugh though, my boys favourite soup is Cream o Mushroom a la' Campbell's. They slurp that up like no one's business. I make my homemade soups and they look at me like "You expect me to eat that?" Oh well, one day I may win them over.
I really enjoy making my own chicken broth with left over Sunday chicken. So easy to make. I wonder why more people don't make their own broth. It uses the whole bird , smells wonderful, and tastes way better than any store bought variety. I love smelling the earthy thyme, spicy pepper and the chickeny chicken. Julia Child always said that chicken should taste chickeny. I agree. I've discovered the holy trinity of carrots, onions, and celery (aka Mirapoit) flavor the broth amazingly. So simple in ingredients. Add chicken, more carrots, onion and celery and spaghetti noodles and you have a bowl your grandma would be proud to call her own. Just smelling it makes me feel better. That is how I feel about a bowl of homemade chicken soup - comfort and restoration in a bowl.
I think its "thyme" to make a pot.......:)
Soup has always been a favourite. I love a variety of soups, from my mom's vegetarian borscht to my sister in law's corn chowder, served with Na an bread. Yummy French Onion soup made in my new chowder bowls my husband got for me for our anniversary makes me smile while remembering that first cheesy stringy bite. Soooo good. I've tried my hand at pureed soups ( Cream of Broccoli), Taco soups with tortillas in it, and a full meal deal in a Garden Minestrone. Wouldn't you laugh though, my boys favourite soup is Cream o Mushroom a la' Campbell's. They slurp that up like no one's business. I make my homemade soups and they look at me like "You expect me to eat that?" Oh well, one day I may win them over.
I really enjoy making my own chicken broth with left over Sunday chicken. So easy to make. I wonder why more people don't make their own broth. It uses the whole bird , smells wonderful, and tastes way better than any store bought variety. I love smelling the earthy thyme, spicy pepper and the chickeny chicken. Julia Child always said that chicken should taste chickeny. I agree. I've discovered the holy trinity of carrots, onions, and celery (aka Mirapoit) flavor the broth amazingly. So simple in ingredients. Add chicken, more carrots, onion and celery and spaghetti noodles and you have a bowl your grandma would be proud to call her own. Just smelling it makes me feel better. That is how I feel about a bowl of homemade chicken soup - comfort and restoration in a bowl.
I think its "thyme" to make a pot.......:)
Monday, 26 December 2011
The Feast
Christmas Feasting. The one day of the year that a person should without guilt indulge in the bounty of the table. A meal that is full of traditional fare dating back to the 1800's to the newer family favourites. Full of expectancy, we get up in the morning to prep the bird and start to make desserts, and cook the whole day through getting ready for the moment when the turkey is carved.
This year was no different, yet it had its challenges. This year we celebrated with my mom and dad, my sister and her husband, my sister in law Carrie, and our little family. My mom provided the bird - a fine grain fed turkey, bean salad, homemade cranberry sauce, a jello salad, and her famous nuts and bolts. I requested the bean salad - a wonderful blend of beans, mushrooms, celery and a vinegary marinade.
My sister has hostess (28 weeks pregnant with my first sweet niece) provided the appetisers, and side dishes. My favourites included the seafood surprise dip, and tzaziki and crispy bread. She also had a really nice punch with our supper.
Me: well I brought all my hoarded baking, and my job was to make dessert. I was thinking early on I would make a cheesecake, but in the past few weeks I had made too many things with cream cheese in them. So I decided on the favourite ---pie. Alas I was the one with the challenges. My sister doesn't bake so she had no flour and doesn't own a rolling pin. Well, I had to press my pie dough into tinfoil pans ( I had forgotten my pie pans) and improvise a few ingredients. My dad was so looking forward to the cherry pie....but I couldn't roll a top crust. So pumpkin and pecan it was. The pumpkin turned out alright, but my pecan did some weird separation of the crust and filling. My syrupy filling went underneath. So I was sadly disappointed. Thank goodness for Costco's cream puffs!!! Saved dessert. The meal ended with a nice glass of port. All in all it was a fabulous meal. One of our best. But I was sad about my desserts. Oh well. Next year.
I hope you all had a belt poppin' good meal this year and were thankful for the bounty that we have here in Canada, even if the syrup went under the crust on your pecan pie....
This year was no different, yet it had its challenges. This year we celebrated with my mom and dad, my sister and her husband, my sister in law Carrie, and our little family. My mom provided the bird - a fine grain fed turkey, bean salad, homemade cranberry sauce, a jello salad, and her famous nuts and bolts. I requested the bean salad - a wonderful blend of beans, mushrooms, celery and a vinegary marinade.
My sister has hostess (28 weeks pregnant with my first sweet niece) provided the appetisers, and side dishes. My favourites included the seafood surprise dip, and tzaziki and crispy bread. She also had a really nice punch with our supper.
Me: well I brought all my hoarded baking, and my job was to make dessert. I was thinking early on I would make a cheesecake, but in the past few weeks I had made too many things with cream cheese in them. So I decided on the favourite ---pie. Alas I was the one with the challenges. My sister doesn't bake so she had no flour and doesn't own a rolling pin. Well, I had to press my pie dough into tinfoil pans ( I had forgotten my pie pans) and improvise a few ingredients. My dad was so looking forward to the cherry pie....but I couldn't roll a top crust. So pumpkin and pecan it was. The pumpkin turned out alright, but my pecan did some weird separation of the crust and filling. My syrupy filling went underneath. So I was sadly disappointed. Thank goodness for Costco's cream puffs!!! Saved dessert. The meal ended with a nice glass of port. All in all it was a fabulous meal. One of our best. But I was sad about my desserts. Oh well. Next year.
I hope you all had a belt poppin' good meal this year and were thankful for the bounty that we have here in Canada, even if the syrup went under the crust on your pecan pie....
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Making my list, Checking it twice!
One of my favourite seasons is nearly upon us! Christmas! I love most everything about the season: the music (Meghan Smith's "It Snowed Last Night" - new favourite song!!!), the decorations, the reflecting upon Jesus' birthday, visits to Santa, and watching the kids anticipation and delight as we visit with friends and family. One thing that seems to find its way into all our Christmas traditions and celebrations is Christmas treats!
Around the middle of November I start to ponder my "list" of goodies that I want to make for the Christmas celebrations. My list has a few "must haves" and then I like to try some treats every year. It really is the only time of year when you can never have too much chocolate and sugar!
This year's list:
Dave's Icebox Cherry cookies: sugar shortbread with glazed cherries
Gingerbread men: classic with lots of icing
Chocolate Fudge: no nuts, just the pure chocolate goodness
Mocha Biscotti: pecans, chocolate chunks in a coffee flavoured biscuit, dipped in...more chocolate!
Monkey Munch: fun peanut butter and chocolate covered cereal with icing sugar! Boys love it!
Cranberry Slice: a take on the Starbucks special - cranberry, orange, white chocolate brownies with a frosting.
Butter Tarts: The only thing I like cooked raisins in
Salt Caramels: dip caramels in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt
Sounds like a lot, maybe it is. But it so much fun to make. But I am a bit of a Christmas baking hoarder. I bake it and keep most of it away from my family until right before Christmas. I do this not to be mean but to make sure I have enough (never have enough :)) and to watch our waist lines a bit before the big feast!!
I bet many of you are making your Christmas favourites this coming week as well. I would love to hear what you like to make to celebrate Jesus' birthday! Here is a recipe for Monkey Munch. Your kids will thank you!!
9 cups Crispix, Life, Chex type cereal (9 cups TOTAL) I do a mix.
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth Peanut Butter
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups of icing sugar
1. Put cereal in a large bowl and put aside
2. Put choco chips, peanut butter and margarine into microwavable bowl. Microwave one minute on high and stir. Continue to microwave in 30 sec intervals and stir for a bit after each time until mixture mixes smoothly.
3. Add vanilla and stir. Mix chocolate mixture into cereal carefully. Try not to crush cereal to much. Coat nicely.
4. In a large ziploc bag add icing sugar. Add cereal/chocolate mixture. Close and shake until distributed.
5. Spread onto wax paper and cool and dry. Resist eating!!! But you can't!
Around the middle of November I start to ponder my "list" of goodies that I want to make for the Christmas celebrations. My list has a few "must haves" and then I like to try some treats every year. It really is the only time of year when you can never have too much chocolate and sugar!
This year's list:
Dave's Icebox Cherry cookies: sugar shortbread with glazed cherries
Gingerbread men: classic with lots of icing
Chocolate Fudge: no nuts, just the pure chocolate goodness
Mocha Biscotti: pecans, chocolate chunks in a coffee flavoured biscuit, dipped in...more chocolate!
Monkey Munch: fun peanut butter and chocolate covered cereal with icing sugar! Boys love it!
Cranberry Slice: a take on the Starbucks special - cranberry, orange, white chocolate brownies with a frosting.
Butter Tarts: The only thing I like cooked raisins in
Salt Caramels: dip caramels in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt
Sounds like a lot, maybe it is. But it so much fun to make. But I am a bit of a Christmas baking hoarder. I bake it and keep most of it away from my family until right before Christmas. I do this not to be mean but to make sure I have enough (never have enough :)) and to watch our waist lines a bit before the big feast!!
I bet many of you are making your Christmas favourites this coming week as well. I would love to hear what you like to make to celebrate Jesus' birthday! Here is a recipe for Monkey Munch. Your kids will thank you!!
9 cups Crispix, Life, Chex type cereal (9 cups TOTAL) I do a mix.
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth Peanut Butter
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups of icing sugar
1. Put cereal in a large bowl and put aside
2. Put choco chips, peanut butter and margarine into microwavable bowl. Microwave one minute on high and stir. Continue to microwave in 30 sec intervals and stir for a bit after each time until mixture mixes smoothly.
3. Add vanilla and stir. Mix chocolate mixture into cereal carefully. Try not to crush cereal to much. Coat nicely.
4. In a large ziploc bag add icing sugar. Add cereal/chocolate mixture. Close and shake until distributed.
5. Spread onto wax paper and cool and dry. Resist eating!!! But you can't!
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Smoking is good for you!!!
OK, OK, Smoking cigarettes is bad for you but that is not what I am talking about here!! Nor am I talking about what your oven does when you forget that you had one last batch of cookies in there and forgot to set the timer......
I am talking about the wondrous flavor of smoke in foods like cheeses, meats, and fish! My husband and I have recently begun a foray into the world of exotic cheeses. When I say exotic that means anything beyond the proccessed cheese slice and that kind you can peel.... Our favorites so far have included an amazing apple wood smoked chedder and a smoked Gruyere. We have paired these cheeses with a wonderful pinot noir jelly or just munched on it with crackers and a good bold red. (Shiraz has been a favorite lately) But the SMOKINESS of the cheese is what is amazing! The flavor the wood adds is bold and intense...making all other cheese seem bland.
Then there is smoked meats and fish. We love to buy smoked maple salmon nuggets. Like smoky candy it is! I would love to try this on some baguette with goat cheese, but alas it rarely makes it to the bread. Our family loves it. We also enjoy the local butcher shop's offerings of smoked sausages, pepperonis, and cold cuts. When you drive down town of our little northern Albertan town and smell that smoke house smell of hard woods like hickory and apple, along with the meaty goodness you just gotta have some!!!
I think it would be fun to have a smoker....(don't know if there are any by-laws about that in town) but my father in law has a large one that he hasn't had much time to use.....Hmmmmm.....I think its time to fire up ol Bessie!!! I would love to smoke some beef and pork to make some of those southern pulled pork sandwiches and beef on the bun. I think a trip to speak to the butcher about what a "brisket" is, is in order. My husband also has the talent of making sausages. They are soo good. I think we should try some in the smoker. I think its time to do some baking to sweet talk my father in law into letting me at his smoker!! Smoking is good!!!! At least it tastes good!
I am talking about the wondrous flavor of smoke in foods like cheeses, meats, and fish! My husband and I have recently begun a foray into the world of exotic cheeses. When I say exotic that means anything beyond the proccessed cheese slice and that kind you can peel.... Our favorites so far have included an amazing apple wood smoked chedder and a smoked Gruyere. We have paired these cheeses with a wonderful pinot noir jelly or just munched on it with crackers and a good bold red. (Shiraz has been a favorite lately) But the SMOKINESS of the cheese is what is amazing! The flavor the wood adds is bold and intense...making all other cheese seem bland.
Then there is smoked meats and fish. We love to buy smoked maple salmon nuggets. Like smoky candy it is! I would love to try this on some baguette with goat cheese, but alas it rarely makes it to the bread. Our family loves it. We also enjoy the local butcher shop's offerings of smoked sausages, pepperonis, and cold cuts. When you drive down town of our little northern Albertan town and smell that smoke house smell of hard woods like hickory and apple, along with the meaty goodness you just gotta have some!!!
I think it would be fun to have a smoker....(don't know if there are any by-laws about that in town) but my father in law has a large one that he hasn't had much time to use.....Hmmmmm.....I think its time to fire up ol Bessie!!! I would love to smoke some beef and pork to make some of those southern pulled pork sandwiches and beef on the bun. I think a trip to speak to the butcher about what a "brisket" is, is in order. My husband also has the talent of making sausages. They are soo good. I think we should try some in the smoker. I think its time to do some baking to sweet talk my father in law into letting me at his smoker!! Smoking is good!!!! At least it tastes good!
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