Pickles and Pomegranates

Favorite Cookbooks

2009-09-20T13:22:00.010-05:00

by Renae

I've gone through every cupboard and closet pulling out as much stuff as I can. Prying things out of my fingers and my mind. Letting things go so there is less to pack. Today I stalled at the kitchen cupboard. My cookbooks take up half a shelf. Many of them are old friends.

They've taught me how to cook. They've introduced me to spices and healthy, homemade food. The following are a few of the well-worn, food splattered cookbooks being carted to Idaho:

Kitchen Wisdom by Pamela Cross- One of my first cookbooks. It is now out of print, but perhaps you can find it in a used bookstore. The recipes are delicious although few. They are scattered amongst helpful information like how to set up a pantry, essential kitchen tools, and introductions to various spices. An inspiring introduction to cooking.

More-with-Less Cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre- A Mennonite cookbook focusing on healthy meals with low cost, low fat, and low sugar. Real food. My first introduction to recipes based on something besides meat.

A Taste of Country- A wedding gift I still use. Contains a variety of recipes, and my family likes every dish I've cooked.

Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book- Inherited from my grandmother last year. A wonderful resource with delicious recipes for everything. Lots of basics and picture tutorials.

What are your favorite cookbooks? Please leave a comment to let me know!

Four Layer Cincinnati Chili

2009-08-15T11:03:00.010-05:00

from Renae

I just got an email requesting this recipe from my husband. He's staying with Julie, Jodi, and Jessica's mom while I paint and pack. (Yes, we are moving back to Idaho, in case you haven't heard.) It must be his turn to cook.

This meal is one of our family favorites. Combining beans and pasta may seem strange, but it's tasty and inexpensive. A great way to feed a family or a homesick husband.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (optional)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 can (28 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 C water
2 Tbls chili powder
1 tsp each: salt, cumin, and paprika
8 oz think spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (or equivalent cooked dried beans)
1 C finely shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown ground beef (if using), 1 chopped onion garlic in a Dutch oven. Drain fat (if using beef). 2. Stir in tomatoes with juice, water, spices, and beans. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 min.
3. To serve, layer spaghetti, chili, chopped onion, and cheese on individual plates. Serves 6.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

2008-12-19T16:32:00.005-06:00

from Renae

My sister sent these cookies. They are delicious! I'm so glad she included the recipe.

Ingredients

2/3 C butter, softened
2/3 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 C old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 (6 0z.) package sweetened dried cranberries
2/3 C white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix well.
2. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in cranberries and chocolate chips.
4. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 min. or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes 2 1/2 dz.

Birthday Cake

2008-10-15T12:59:00.005-05:00

from Renae

Ingredients

2 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 C butter
1 3/4 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 egg whites (I usually add the yolks)
1 1/3 C buttermilk or sour milk (add a 1 Tbls vinegar to the milk)

Directions

1. Sift dry ingredients.
2. Beat butter. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat until mixed. Add egg whites and beat one at a time.
3. Add dry mix and milk alternately.
4. Pour in a prepared pan and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Makes 2- 8 1/2 inch cakes.

Tip: I tried many ways to prevent the finished cake from sticking to the pan. Nothing worked well. The butter and flour baked into the cake, and the wax paper pulled the cake apart. It's not ideal because of the ingredients, but baker sprays work the best.

Do you know of another way keep cakes from sticking to the pan?

Orange Julius

2008-08-20T18:54:00.005-05:00

from Renae

My mother used to make this as a treat for breakfast. It's refreshingly cool on a hot summer day.

photo: itchy's

Ingredients

3 oz. frozen orange juice
5-6 ice cubes
1/2 c milk
1/2 c water
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Makes 4 small servings, but is easily doubled.

Menu Planning

2008-07-23T12:35:00.014-05:00

from Renae

I try to simplify my responsibilities as homemaker, so a list of recipes hangs on the refrigerator. The ingredients are stored awaiting their transformation into yummy goodness. It works well for me.

However, I knew there had to be an easier way than searching through cookbooks every two weeks.

Photo: brighterworld's

Then I discovered How to Menu Plan: A Guide at SimpleMom. Her idea to use Google Calendar revolutionized my menu planning. Her plan of having certain types of meals for each day of week is genius.

It took me less than an hour to set everything up, and the month and half of menus was worth it. Future plans will take mere moments. I am not a slave to paper, but the neatly printed calendar frees my mind for laundry and lesson plans.

Also, of interest is the article Make a Deli.icio.Us Coo.kbo.ok. Del.icio.us is a bookmarking site I use to store links for homeschooling, home management, craft tutorials, and a myriad of other interesting things. Now I'm adding recipes. Here is my recipe book.

Do you plan menus? If so, what is your method?

Taco Soup

2008-05-08T17:29:00.013-05:00

from Renae

Using beans is an easy way to reduce the grocery bill. My family enjoys this simple recipe.

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
3 cans (4 oz. each) chopped green chilies
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 1/2 c water
2 c frozen corn
3 cans stewed tomatoes
3 cans beans, any variety (or equivalent prepared dried beans)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven or kettle, cook onion. Add remaining ingredients except last two.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 min.
3. Serve with cheese and chips. Serves 10.

Sailboat Cake

2008-02-06T20:44:00.011-06:00

from Julie

Teddy Bear Birthday Cake

2008-02-06T20:28:00.005-06:00

from Renae

I created this cake for Sweet Pea's 1st birthday.

To make the body use two stainless steel nesting bowls for cake pans. The paws and ears are cupcakes. The bear is frosted with German Chocolate icing and decorated with Thin Mints, Junior Mints, and chocolate chips.

No Roll Pie Crust

2008-02-06T18:50:00.002-06:00

from Julie

Ingredients

1 1/3 c flour (I use whole wheat and it turns out fine)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar (leave out if using for a savory dish)
1/3 c cooking oil
3 Tbsp cold milk

Directions

1. Whip oil and milk together, pour over dry ingredients.
2. Mix until completely dampened. Press dough with fingers to line a pie plate. No rolling necessary.
3. Brown crust at 400 degrees for 12-15 min. Cool. Makes 1 crust.

Tip: As an alternative to a rolled top crust on a 2-crust pie, sprinkle pastry crumbs over the top of a filled pie.

Credit: Campus Crusade's Delectable Collectibles

Whole Wheat Pie Crust

2008-02-06T18:40:00.002-06:00

from Julie

My husband likes this because it's flaky and not dry like some whole wheat crusts. I hate rolling crusts, but it's a lot easier if you put it between two layers of plastic wrap.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 c butter, softened enough to work with
ice cold water

Directions

1. Cut butter into flour until it forms crumbs. Add water one tablespoon at a time until it forms a workable dough.
2. Split into two halves, wrap in plastic wrap and chill before rolling.
3. Can be stored well-wrapped in the freezer and taken out later to use as needed. Thaw in fridge. Makes 2 crusts.

Chicken Barese

2008-01-19T17:51:00.002-06:00

from Julie

The name Barese refers to a region that produces the finest of olive oils. If you use six lamb chops, fat trimmed, instead of chicken, the dish becomes Lamb Barese.

Ingredients

3-4 potatoes, peeled
3 lbs chicken pieces with bone in, or 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless
1 8oz can tomatoes, drained
fresh garlic and parsley to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 c water

Directions

1. Cut the potatoes into French fry shapes, about 3/4 inch thick. Combine the potatoes and chicken in a 9X13 baking pan.
2. Break up the tomatoes and layer them over the chicken mixture. Season with garlic, paresley, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the olive oil and water over the top.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Serves 4-8.

Credit:

The What Would Jesus Eat Cookbook

By Don Colbert, M.D.

Beet Chocolate Cake

2008-01-08T10:00:00.002-06:00

from Jodi

Ingredients

2 c pureed beets
1/2 c applesauce
1 1/2 c sugar or 1 c honey
1/2 c butter
1/2 c yogurt
3 eggs
1/2 c cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients, grease and flour a 9x13 pan.
2. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tip: To make the beet puree, cut the beets and cook them in the oven at 200 degrees for 2 hours, and then puree in a food processor. You can also boil the beets, but the slow baking maintains more flavor and nutrition.

Credit:

Simply in Season: Recipes that Celebrate Fresh, Local Foods in the Spirit of More-with-Less
By Mary Beth Lind & Cathleen Hockman-Wert

Slow Cooker Tapioca Pudding

2008-01-03T13:43:00.002-06:00

from Julie

Ingredients

1 quart milk
1/2 c small pearl tapioca
1/2-3/4 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
Whipped cream, diced fruit or chopped nuts (optional toppings)

Directions

1. Combine mile, tapioca and sugar in crock pot. Cook on high for 3 hours.
2. Beat eggs well with vanilla using a fork or hand whip. Add several tablespoons of hot liquid from the crock pot, but add them one at a time, beating as you add, so it doesn't make the eggs set up. Slowly add the eggs to the crock pot, beating as you add.
3. Cook on high 20 minutes.
4. Serve hot or cold with topping of choice. Makes 8-10 servings.

Honey "Caramel" Corn

2007-12-31T15:51:00.003-06:00

from Jodi

A great treat at Christmas time or anytime!

photo: hellosputnik

Ingredients

8 quarts (2 gallons) popped popcorn
2/3 c butter
1 c honey
1 grated orange peel
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 c nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Place popped corn in 2-3 baking dishes.
2. Boil ingredients to make a sauce. Pour sauce over popcorn.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and place in a large pot or pan. Keep stirring and breaking up the popcorn until cool.

Out of Baking Chocolate?

2007-12-28T18:26:00.002-06:00

from Renae

Do you want to make something rich and chocolatey without a trip to the grocery store? I found this useful tip at Like Merchant Ships.

One baking chocolate square equals three tablespoons cocoa and one tablespoon shortening.

For a substitute within a substitute, use butter for shortening. Now that's what I call creative cooking! Delectable art, anyone?

Guacamole

2007-12-28T15:52:00.004-06:00

from Jan

Ingredients

2 avocados
2 tbsp plain yogurt
2 oz. chopped green chilies
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 small onion, chopped

Directions

Mash avocados. Fold in rest of ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or use as a condiment on Mexican food.

No-Bake Gingerbread House

2007-12-19T17:08:00.003-06:00

from Renae

Want to make a gingerbread house without all the work? Use graham crackers. For complete instructions go to cookingvillage.com.

Pumpkin Muffins

2007-12-06T10:54:00.003-06:00

from Julie

Ingredients

1 2/3 c flour
1/4 tsp baking powder (1/2 tsp if using whole wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cloves
OR 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice in place of the three spices
1 c sugar
1/3 c oil
1/3 c water
2 eggs
1 c pumpkin
1/2 c raisins

Directions

1. Combine dry ingredients.
2. Mix wet ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Then add dry ingredients, except raisins. Mix well. Fold in raisins. Batter will be thick.
3. Spoon into well-greased or paper-lined muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Yields 14 muffins.

Oriental Coleslaw

2007-12-05T17:08:00.002-06:00

from Renae

Ingredients

1 head of cabbage, shredded or 1 pkg of coleslaw mix
4 green onions
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 c sunflower seeds
1/2 c sliced almonds
1 pkg ramen noodles
1 1/2 c cooked, chopped chicken (optional)

Dressing
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper
3 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 c olive oil

Directions

1. Chop onions and mix together with cabbage.
2. Stir sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Add chicken, if using.
3. Combine salt, sugar, pepper, vinegar, and oil. Mix. Pour dressing over salad. Mix well. Break ramen noodles into small pieces. Add just before serving.

Credit: Diane Davis

Monterey Spaghetti

2007-12-05T10:42:00.003-06:00

from Renae

A long-time family favorite that receives rave reviews.

Ingredients

4 oz spaghetti, broken in 2 inch pieces
1 egg
1 c sour cream
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a a medium bowl, beat egg. Add sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture with Monterey Jack cheese, and spinach.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-12-04T11:14:00.001-06:00

from Renae

My neighbor made these cookies for Thanksgiving. We liked them so much we forgot to eat pie!

Ingredients

1 c cooked pumpkin
1 c sugar
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 egg
2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Mix well.
2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Credit: All Recipes

Pickles and Pomegranates

2007-12-03T15:02:00.017-06:00

from Renae

Rummaging for a goody after dinner led to a new delicacy.

Our cupboards resembled Old Mother Hubbard, but one ruby pomegranate remained in the fruit basket. As my two little girls and I enjoyed digging for the jewel-like seeds, my husband and son decided the slightly sour bursts of crunch were not worth the effort. They began munching on pickles.

The combination of ambrosia and sour dill pickles reminds me of my family. Pink princesses flaunt and an active sleuth creates while Mom and Dad enjoy the delectable variety.

Welcome to our family's adventures with food.