Mikelles Meals

Fresh Bottled Pickles

2012-08-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

We have so many pickling cucumbers this year we cant eat them fast enough. One thing I am picky about is my pickles. If they are the nasty ones that sit on the shelf at the store I don't want them. They are limp and flavorless. I love the refrigerated kind that still look like pickles and have a crunchy snap. These are just like that.

Ingredients: per jar

2-3 Pickling Cucumbers depending on size use as many will fit, sliced in wedges
3 garlic gloves, smashed just enough that they are still whole
2-3 sprigs of Dill
2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. white vinegar
water

Directions: I find it easier to place as many pickles in the jar as I can then fill the jar with water. Once you do that add the salt, vinegar, garlic, and dill. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating. If they are not salty enough add 1 more tsp. of salt. I usually wait 2 days before I try one.

German Pancake

2012-08-11T18:21:00.002-07:00

My Grandma is German but this is not from her ha. Actually I just really wanted to eat one and researched a bunch of different recipes. I combined what I liked and lucky for me I wrote it down.

Ingredients:
6 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cup flour
4 tbsp. butter

Directions: Mix all ingredients except for the butter. In a 9x13 pan melt the butter in the oven first. Then pour the batter into the pan. Cook on 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

* If using a round pan I would reduce the recipe. Otherwise it may be too thick on the bottom and puff up too large.

*Also I put my batter in a blender so it didnt have any lumps.

Southwest Turkey Burgers

2012-08-11T17:56:00.001-07:00

I had a sample of a turkey burger at Costco the other day and oh baby! They were delicious. They never really sounded appealing to me but I am a changed woman. I bought some and tried to think of ways that would make it more flavorful and this is what i came up with.

Ingredients:
Turkey patties (I used Kirkland brand)
Cumin
Paprika
Salt
Pepper

Toppings
lettuce
tomato
bacon

Chipotle Mayo
1/2 cup mayo
1 tsp. pureed Chipotle peppers in Adobe sauce

Relish
1 can black beans drained and rinsed
1 can corn drain and rinsed
1 diced red bell pepper
1/2 yellow onion diced
1-2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp. cilantro chopped
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika

Directions:
Cook patties on grill with seasoning according to package. Spread on the chipotle mayo and add toppings. For Relish: saute veggies in a pan until onions have cooked and translucent. Not too long or else it all starts to break down. Add cilantro at the end and remove from heat. Top warm relish on burger, and eat the rest with chips. Delicious!

Chicken Croquettes

2012-08-10T16:23:00.001-07:00

This is a little piece of heaven. They have a ton of flavor and the creole sauce just adds a little tang that I love. Perfect little snack!

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. butter or olive oil
1/2 red bell pepper chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1/2 onion chopped
3 cups cooked chicken chopped
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup mayo
2 eggs beaten
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp worchester sauce
1 tsp. creole seasoning or seasoned salt

Sauce
1 clove garlic minced
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp creole seasoning

Directions
Saute peppers, onion, celery, and garlic in butter/oil. When cooked add chicken and remove off heat. Add all the wet ingredients and panko and form patties. Cook in shallow olive oil just until golden on each side. Top with the sauce.

Greek Pasta Salad

2012-08-10T15:45:00.001-07:00

One of my favorites. So refreshing I am a pasta salad girl all the way. The end.

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. Penne pasta cooked until firm
3 cups cooked chicken
1 English cucumber diced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup grape tomatoes halved
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup feta cheese
1 pkg. baby spinach leaves

Dressing:
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup veg. oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 garlic cloves
1 green onion stalk
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp. poppy seeds

Directions: Put ingredients in a blender for the dressing. Puree it and then add the poppy seeds. Combine ingredients and add the dressing no more than 30 min before serving or the spinach wilts. Also if making ahead keep dressing separate before serving.

Pizza Sauce the Right Way

2012-08-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

Making your own pizza sauce is a little time consuming but the more you make it the better and faster it gets. I had been thinking about making my own sauce for a really long time and I just didn't know where to begin. I have used both canned and fresh and I prefer the fresh. I figure if your going through the trouble you might as well make it as fresh as you can. In the Winter would be the only time I would use canned tomatoes.

Ingredients:

10 large tomatoes

2 garlic gloves, minced

1/2 cup yellow onion, minced

1 tbsp. oregano

1 tbsp. basil

1 tsp. thyme

1-3 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp. vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Bring to boil a pot of water. Cut an X in the tomatoes and drop them into the water. When the skin cracks they are done. Transfer to an ice bath and cool. Remove skin and seeds from inside. chop the tomatoes. In a pan saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes and herbs. Simmer on low-med for 20 minutes. The longer the simmer the more moisture is removed. If you like it liquidy instead of chunky you can use an immersion blender or puree it in a blender. I prefer the immersion blender. At the end add the sugar. Go really slow with this and taste it, you don't want it to be too sweet. Then add a splash of vinegar and that's it.So good you will never turn back I promise!

Homemade Basil Pizza Dough

2012-08-10T14:49:00.003-07:00

It seems like every pizza dough I try is good, but it doesn't quite have that chewy texture that you get at the pizza chains. I seriously think this is the best pizza dough and I really like the flecks of basil and flavor it adds. I also make this on the grill a lot and its delicious.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp yeast
1/3 cup really warm water
1/2 tbsp sugar
mix together and wait until foamy and doubled in size
then add:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
3 cups flour plus more if needed
1 tsp basil

Add all in a mixer with a dough attachment add the salt very last so it doesn't kill the yeast. knead and add flour until it pulls away from the bowl. If mixing by hand knead for about 5 minutes. Poke the dough with your finger if it bounces back with no dent, it's ready.

When I make pizza I cook it on 500 degrees for about 10-12 minutes.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

2012-08-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Probably my most favorite salad of all time. I'm not kidding it's so good, and the feta cheese just tops its off.

Ingredients:

1 bag or box cooked Farfalle/Bow-tie pasta
1 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers
2 cans marinated artichoke hearts
1 container grape or cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 6 oz. can whole black olives
1/2 cup fresh Basil, chopped
2 cups shredded chicken (opt)

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon white sugar
1 tsp. salt

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

It has been my mission to find a a great red velvet cupcake recipe. You would think it would be easy because of their popularity but, indeed it wasn't. Most just were not moist enough for my liking until I found this recipe. Truly the best cupcakes and the frosting...well you get the point! I would rate this a 5 out of 5.

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
mix together in a mixer

In a separate bowl or cup combine:
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp. red food coloring (if you want a more intense red add a splash of bright pink if you have it)
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla

And in other bowl combine:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Directions:
After you have the butter, sugar and egg mixture you will add the wet and dry ingredients in rotations. Add a little wet and mix, and a little dry until all combined. Just make sure you end with dry before baking . Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and frost.

Frosting:
Whip together

1 8oz. cream cheese room temp
1 1/2 sticks butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla (if imitation vanilla double it always)
3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar

Shrimp Dip

2011-10-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

This dip is delicious. My friends mother is a great cook and so I'm not shocked that this shrimp dip came from her collection of recipes. We had this at a BBQ and ate it with potato chips. Thanks Kathy!
I even had my mom who does NOT like shrimp try this, and she loved it. Just saying.

Ingredients:

1 8oz. Cream cheese room temp
3 tbsp. Miracle Whip ( i do half mayo, have miracle)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. celery chopped fine
1 tbsp. onion chopped fine
1 can baby shrimp drained, crumbled (looks like a tuna can, shrimp size- tip of pinkie)

Directions:

With a hand mixer, mix the wet ingredients. Then fold in the veggies and shrimp, so hard i know. Serve with potato chips.

Sopapillas

2011-10-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

These little fried pastries are just....divine! They almost remind me of the flavor of my favorite treat in Disneyland the ultimate "churro" which could be the most missed luxury from living in So. California. No, but seriously, if you want something light and airy these sopas are the recipe to try. I love them with a little cinnamon and sugar and....a little butter, or even honey drizzled over the top. Either way, I can't just stop at one believe me, I've tried!

Ingredients:
4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. shortening
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm water

Directions:

Heat up about an inch of canola oil on med-med high heat about 375 degrees. Then in a large bowl or stand mixer add the flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. Mix in water until smooth. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Roll out to 1/4 in. thick (if too thick will not puff up like a pillow in cooking). Cut into 3-inch squares. Fry until golden brown. (approx. 20 sec on each side) Serve hot with toppings of choice.

Smoky Chicken Flautas

2011-06-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

These were just delicious! They are packed with flavor but not spicy. If you want something easy, quick, and with a Mexican flare these are perfect. Definitely one of my personal favorites!

Ingredients:

4 oz. cream cheese (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup homemade chipotle ranch
2 tbsp. chipotle salsa cremosa (found at Walmart)
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. fajita seasoning
1 tbsp. chili powder
3 tbsp. cilantro or 1 tbsp. dried cilantro
2 tbsp. green onions chopped
2 cups grilled chicken cooked with fajita seasoning
1 pkg flour tortillas
1 cup cheddar and monteray jack cheese mix

Directions:

In a small bowl heat the cream cheese for 20 sec in the microwave. Add all ingredients and mix together fill each warmed tortilla with the cream cheese mixture, add the chicken and cheese separately to each one. Place on a foil lined sheet pan with the seam side down. Sprinkle with kosher salt and chili powder and bake at 425 degrees for 17 minutes.

Dipping sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream
3 tbsp. chipotle ranch
1 tbsp. chipotle salsa cremosa

Its also really good to serve with guacamole and use that to dip in. Delicious!

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

2011-04-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

This Jerk Sauce has all the flavors you could want in a jamaican sauce. Super tasty!
Ingredients:

2 green onions chopped
1 jalapeno seeded and minced
1 tbsp. ginger minced
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
3 tsp. oil
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
juice of 1 lime
4 chicken breasts

Directions: In a food processor blend all ingredients together and pour over chicken in a conatiner to marinade for 24 hrs. Cook chicken and baste with remaining sauce. Serve with rice and vegetables.

Mexican Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

2011-04-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Chimichurri is a marinade type sauce that originated from Argentina and I used this to flavor the steak while cooking and saved some for the top afterward. So good:)

Ingredients:

1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp. red or white wine vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder
12 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/4 tsp. cumin
Flank Steak or steak of choice

Directions:

In a bowl combine parsley, cilantro, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Add spices together then add it to the herb mixture. Prepare steak of choice and rub marinade all over the steak. After steak is cooked place a spoonful of sauce on top.

Strawberry Cream Cake Roll

2011-04-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

I loved this cake it was light and fluffy and a great alternative to a heavier strawberry dessert. It was delicious!

Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions: In a bowl beat the eggs for 5 minutes until very thick and a lemon color. Gradually beat in sugar. On a low speed beat in water and vanilla. Then gradually add dry ingredients. Beat just until smooth don't over mix.

Pour into a pan with high edges and that is lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven loosen edges and invert cake onto a towel that is sprinkled with powdered sugar (essential for cake not to stick while cooling). Roll up in the towel and let cool until room temp.

Strawberry Filling

1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp. powdered sugar
1 cup strawberries, diced small

Directions: In a bowl use a mixer to beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks. Unroll the cooled cake and remove parchment paper. Spread whip cream over the cake and sprinkle the strawberries on top. Roll up the cake once again and sprinkle with powdered sugar refrigerate and serve cold.

Sweet Baby Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2011-04-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have always loved pulled pork anything, and these sandwiches do not dissapoint!! The bbq sauce makes this, so don't switch for masterpiece or bullseye instead trust me. The bbq sauce can be purchased at most grocery stores.

Ingredients:

4 lb. Pork Roast or shoulder
2 bottles of Sweet Baby Rays Original barbeque sauce or the Honey barbeque

Directions:

In a large crockpot place the pork fill up with broth or water. Cook low for 8-10 hours. Drain liquid and shred pork. Place back in the crockpot and pour 1-1/2 bottle of bbq sauce over the pork. Combine and cook for 1 more hour. Serve on Utah hotel rolls or rolls of choice.

These will be the best pulled pork sandwiches you will ever have, and the easiest!

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

2011-03-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

I love this bread! I have made it so many times now, I can't get enough of it. It makes for the best sandwiches.

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water
1 pkg. instant dry yeast
1 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. melted butter
4-5 cups flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
1 cup milk
1 tsp. kosher salt

Directions:

In a bowl mix water, yeast, and sugar. Let bubble about 5 minutes. Then add the butter and milk. Continue with the rosemary and 2 cups of the flour. Add the salt last so it doesnt kill the yeast. Mix well and add remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead well on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Butter a pan and spread out the dough but, not to the edges. It needs to be thick. Dimple the dough with fingers and spread melted butter on top, and then the kosher salt. Let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 min. Let cool and then cut to make sandwiches.

Homemade Mayo

2011-03-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Super easy and you could easily make this a flavored mayo.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup liquid egg yolk (safer to use)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
2 pinches of sugar
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 cup corn oil

Directions:

In a food processor whisk together egg and all the dry ingredients. Combine vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add half of it to the food processor, and then half the corn oil. Add remaining vinegar/lemon juice and pulse, and then remaining oil. It will be thick just like mayo.

Easy Marinara Sauce

2011-03-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to make my own marinara and this one was so easy and tasty you could put it on any pasta. I may even try it as pizza sauce next.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 can tomatoes

2 tbsp. tomato paste

2 tbsp. fresh basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. italian seasoning

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:

Cook onion in the oil and then add the garlic, cook about 5 minutes over med heat. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Simmer over med heat for 20 minutes. Serve over pasta.

Gnocchi

2011-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

I had never made gnocchi ever and it way better than I thought it would be considering it's mostly just potato but, topped with marinara it is some good stuff.

Ingredients:

3 Russet potatoes peeled
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup flour
1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Directions:

Peel potatoes and cut into small pieces. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain water and mash the potatoes. Add salt, flour and ricotta. On a floured surface knead dough until it comes together. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces and roll into long ropes. Use the back of a fork to imprint the design all the way down the rope then cut into 3/4 inch thick pieces. Shake off excess flour and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a pot bring water to boil. Add 1/3 of the gnocchi to the boiling water and when they float to the surface they are done. About 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and serve with homemade marinara sauce and Parmesan.

Homemade Peanut Butter

2011-03-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

It was so fun to make my own peanut butter. I had some of this on a piece of bread with homemade jam and it was delicious!

Ingredients:

8 oz. raw or roasted spanish peanuts, without the husk ( if you get the salted peanuts do not add any extra salt)
1/2 tsp. salt- if needed add at the end
2 tsp. honey
2 tsp. peanut oil

Directions:

Toast peanuts if raw for 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees and let cool. In a food processor add peanuts and mix until ground. Add the honey and oil while processing until creamy. Taste to see if salt is needed.

*If you want chunky peanut butter don't puree all the way in the processor.

Quick Rising Whole Wheat Bread

2011-03-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

This bread recipe was so much faster than others I have tried and it was just as fluffy and delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe over and over again.

Ingredients:

2 cups warm water
3 tbsp. oil
3 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. yeast
1 cup flour
3 cups whole wheat flour/ can substitute 1 cup white flour for lighter bread
1/2 tbsp. salt

In a small bowl mix water, honey and yeast. Let bubble and sit for 5 minutes. In a stand up mixer or large bowl add the flour, salt and oil. Add in the yeast water and knead the dough for 5 minutes. Remove dough and knead on a floured surface for 5 more minutes. Shape the dough into loaves and put in bread tins. Let rise for 30min-1hr. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Buffalo Wings

2011-03-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

These wings are kinda sweet with a little kick. I am not a big fan of wing sauce but this recipe tasted yummy.

12-16 chicken wings

Tempura Batter Ingredients:

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/3 cup cold water or, club soda for a lighter batter

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the egg and enough water or soda to make it a thick batter. Let sit for 5 minutes. Heat a skillet with an inch of oil on med heat. Drench each wing in the tempura batter and cook each side until brown on each side. Remove from oil and place on a sheet pan covered with aluminum foil.

Buffalo Wing Sauce Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. light corn syrup
3 tbsp. Louisiana hot sauce
1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water

Bring all ingredients to a simmer in a saucepan for 10 minutes. Stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour over tempura fried wings and finish cooking in the oven at 350 degrees for 17-20 minutes. Serve with Ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Minestrone Soup

2011-03-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Pic by Koko

This soup is soooo good. I had never had homemade minestrone and now I make it all the time.

Ingredients:

3 slices of bacon

2 tbsp. oil

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp. garlic

1 cup canned diced tomatoes

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1/2 cup green beans

1 tbsp. dry basil

1/2 can bean and bacon soup

1/2 can beef broth

1 cup water

1 cup small noodles

Directions:

Cut bacon into small pieces and fry in a pan until slighlty crispy. Add oil, onion and garlic. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, celery, carrot, green beans, and basil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the bean and bacon soup, broth, and water. Mix thouroughly. Then add the noodles and let simmer 8 more minutes. Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, and soda crackers.

Homemade Soda Crackers

2011-03-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

pic by kathryn

These were really easy and super delicious. These pair perfectly with the Homemade Minestrone soup.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1/3 cup of water needed

Directions:

Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl or food processor (food processor is best). In a small bowl mix together the egg and melted butter then add it to the flour until it comes together in the food processor. Add water if needed. It should be sticky but not too wet. Remove dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in a covered bowl. Turn a sheet pan over and lighly butter the bottom of the pan. Roll and stretch out the dough over the pan. Score the the dough into little squares and brush with melted butter over the entire dough. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and break into little squares.