Recipes from a Southern Kitchen

Kielbasa and Zucchini

2025-10-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of one pot wonders. This skillet dish is a great way to feed a family or even a few big eaters. Simple, tasty and one pot clean up if you don't count the dishes and utensils lol.

Ingredients:

(Adjust according to your own needs)

2 packages of Kielbasa

4 cups of sliced Zucchini

1 chopped onion

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 large chopped Bell Pepper

Two cans of diced tomatoes

Seasonings:

*These are all suggestions, you can certainly add to or omit any or all to suit your taste.

Extra Virgin Olive oil

Members Mark Brand Italian seasoning mix

Salt (to taste) Note: Be mindful of the fact that Soy Sauce will add a good deal of salt to this dish

Pepper ( to taste)

Soy Sauce ( to taste)

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Instructions:

Step 1:

I like to slice all of my ingredients ahead of time and I find this makes the whole process much simpler. First in the pan is the sausage. In a large skillet, ( mine is 14 inches) add enough olive oil to heat and slightly brown sausage.

Note: I had some saved chicken fat that I used instead of Olive oil. Use what you prefer, as I state for all of my recipes. This is just one way to make this but make it your own and you'll never be disappointed. Usually I used Olive Oil.

Step 2 :

Add in your pre-sliced Zucchini and cook with the sausage until it starts to get soft.

Step : 3

Add in your pre chopped Onions, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms. Turn heat down to medium and cook all ingredients until all become soft.

Step 4:

I add in my canned tomatoes at the end, cover and turn my heat down again to low and allow all to simmer together for about 10 mins. Keep an eye on everything and stir as necessary. The final things I add are my seasonings.

This dish can be served as a stand alone with shredded Parmesan cheese, or over Rice.

Enjoy!

Southern Style Collard Greens

2025-10-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Very few side dishes have the ultimate flavor that embodies the deep south like good ol' Collard Greens.

Healthy, healing and tasty, Collards are very very easy to prepare and my recipe is a family favorite.

I recently have discovered a super easy super quick way to make them that deliver the same wonderful flavor with little work. Please understand this is my own version and there are many many versions out there. Try mine and see if you like them.

My new favorite cooking tool in the kitchen these days is the Instant Pot. It can produce quick results and if you get more than a few pot inserts you can whip out a lot of dishes for the holidays!

The size Instant Pot I used was 8 quarts. Collards shrink down quite a bit in the cooking process and I pack my pre-cut Collards into the pot to the fill line.

Here's what goes in the pot first:

1. 1 large chopped onion, fine or coarse your choice

1 package of thick cut bacon cut into1- 1 1/2 in pieces

Seasonings:

Pepper to taste

Salt to taste ( Be mindful we are adding some other salty add ins)

2-3 tablespoons Members Mark Italian Seasoning

2-3 tablespoons Soy Sauce

1/2 to 1 stick of unsalted butter ( optional)

1 tsp red pepper flakes if you like a little spice

( I dont add in Vinegar like some cooks do, but if you want, I'd recommend Apple Cider Vinegar 1/4 cup.)

I put in the bacon and onion in the bottom of the instant pot, then add the Collards and then the seasoning list last. Once this is done add around 1- 1 1/4 cup of water. Place lid on your instant pot being sure to twist and lock the lid.

Once that is done make sure you have the on the top pointed to sealed. (upward)

Then hit the pressure cook button, make sure the heat is for high, and put in 12 mins for perfect results every time!

Enjoy!

Traditional Potato Salad

2023-10-25T17:35:00.003-07:00

Potato Salad is something almost every southern family has and everyone has their own spin on this delicious summer time side dish. However, in our family this side dish is often served for the holidays like Easter, and Christmas. Simple and tasty, this dish is just simple and delicious. You can jazz it up or stick to the script either way, you'll not disappoint yourself or your guests!

Ingredients:

5 to 6 medium sized russet potatoes ( figure on 3-4 potatoes per person, yes it's that good) 1 to 2 cups Dukes mayonnaise (this is a matter of taste and how many you're feeding) 5 eggs hard-cooked, chopped

1 cup onions minced/ chopped finely

1/4 cup pickles minced, or use this amount in relish.

(Sweet relish is optional, but hotdog relish is better for a savory taste )
2-3 tablespoons parsley

Seasoned salt ( to taste)

Black Pepper ( to taste )

1 tsp powdered garlic or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic

1 tsp powdered onion

1 tsp sweet paprika

Optional add ins: chopped olives, bacon bits, chives, 1/4 sour cream, rosemary, sage

Instructions:

Peel, and dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes give or take, and place in a large Dutch oven pot. Add in eggs. Fill with water until potatoes are covered and boil until potatoes are firm, but not soft. Keep an eye on them to make sure you don't over cook them. If they are over cooked, they will turn into mashed potatoes. Once cooked, drain and allow to cool. Retrieve your eggs and place in a bowl to cool separately. (I usually place in refrigerator for a spell)

While potatoes are cooling, and after eggs can be handled peel and chop finely.

Pro tip-Use a potato masher with the cross hatch pattern and it will quickly mince up your peeled eggs perfectly and a time saver.

Once potatoes are cooled, add in Mayo and all other ingredients and stir in thoroughly. Return to refrigerator to finish cooling until ready to serve.

Eggy Veggie Bowl

2023-05-12T19:36:00.004-07:00

This is a healthy breakfast, or lunch recipe that can be adjusted an infinite number of ways to suit your taste. I will include the recipe for the one in the photograph with suggested add ins. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked sausage (hotdog style) sliced

1/2 cup drained chick peas

1/4 cup diced or thinly sliced onion

1/2 cup of diced pepper

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

2 cups baby spinach

1-2 eggs beaten

Olive oil

Suggested Seasonings:

Pepper ( to taste)

Garlic powder ( to taste)

Salt ( to taste)

2 tbsp light soy sauce

1/2 tsp Turmeric

Sesame seeds (garnish)

In a large skillet heat on medium, heat olive oil. Add in first 4 ingredients and saute until veggies are softened. Add in tomatoes and spinach and cook down until spinach is softened. Add in seasonings and lastly stir in eggs. Stir until eggs are cooked. This is a flavorful combination so adjust as you prefer.

Add ins:

shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Mushrooms

Ham

Cooked ground beef

Shredded chicken

Home Made Applesauce in the Instant Pot

2023-05-01T06:48:00.001-07:00

David Benbennick, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you love the idea of making as many things using only natural ingredients where you control what goes in to the recipe, and in to your family's tummies, this is a perfect recipe for you. It is so insanely simple that you may find you make big batches, fill in jars and give as gifts to loved ones.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 lbs of apples* chopped and diced into large cubes

*Note: You can use McIntosh and Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, its really up to use. The ideal ratio is half soft cooking apples with a firmer apple like Granny Smith

1 cup of apple juice (sweetened or unsweetened depending on your dietary needs)

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Instructions:

Cut all apples into large cubes 1 inch or so in size, leaving the peel on. (Be sure to either core apples or cut out the core and discard.)

Add to the Instant Pot, with 1 cup of apple juice or water, again your preference.

Place lid on Instant Pot being sure to have the vent lever upward.

Set on high pressure for 10 to 12 minutes. (If you used Granny Smith, go for 12 mins)

Once done you can allow to release naturally on its own if you like.

Strain any excess juice using a fine mesh strainer and place back into pot. Use a potato masher to smooth the apples into a sauce consistency.

Suggested add ins:

Raisins

finely chopped nuts

Brown or white sugar to taste

Ways to serve:

This is delicious served over waffles, on ice cream, mixed into oatmeal or used in recipes calling for applesauce.

How to make simple homemade Cinnamon Rolls

2023-04-25T09:19:00.002-07:00

This is a recipe is simple and tasty. There is no yeast involved, this is a simpler version. It involves a slight change in the 2 ingredient Biscuit recipe and my family absolutely loves these with a cup of coffee in the morning.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Dough

2 cups self rising flour

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of Cinnamon

Filling

1 stick softened butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon Cinnamon

Glaze (Optional)

If you like to have glaze/icing on your rolls, you can use your choice of frosting, or make this simple glaze.

1 cup confectioners sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract and a few tablespoons of milk.

You can repeat this mixture to get the amount you want, the glaze should look like white school glue when at the right consistency. Sorry, that's the best visual reference I can give you, lol.

Instructions:

Step 1

Combine dry ingredients first and mix well. Add in heavy whipping cream until it forms into dough. Once dough is formed, spread out on your rolling surface a large piece of cling wrap. Dust lightly with flour and place dough on clingwrap. Dust top of dough with additional flour and add a second piece of cling wrap over the dough and roll out to about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. This makes clean up easier. Remove cling wrap from the top surface of the dough.

Step 2

Spread softened butter over the entire top surface of the dough and sprinkle sugar, and cinnamon in an even layer over the top. Starting with the short end of the dough lift up on the bottom cling wrap and begin rolling the dough into a log. It should look somewhat like a pinwheel on the ends where the cinnamon and sugar was placed on the surface of the dough.

*At this point, you can roll your cinnamon log in the cling wrap and place in the refrigerator if you want to bake later. It can be stored this way over night.

Step 3

Once your log is formed, with a sharp pastry cutter cut into 1/2 to 1 inch thick pinwheels and place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. Check cinnamon rolls at 10 minutes to account for different baking times each over is prone to. It is done when tooth pick in dough comes out clean.

It shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes. Trust your nose, if it smells done, it probably is.

Side note:

You can add chopped nuts to the top and filling of this recipe and it will be even better!

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

2023-04-19T08:27:00.003-07:00

If you love broccoli and cheese you'll love this creamy low carb soup that is great for lunch time in the Spring. Try adding in different cheeses and spices to get a different flavor for your soup.
This recipe serves about 8. The carb count is around 10 grams per serving.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup onions coarsely chopped

1 to 2 cloves chopped garlic

1 stick of margarine

3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock

3 cups of chopped broccoli fresh florets work the best

1 cup of whole milk

1 cup of heavy cream

1/4 cup of all purpose flour

1 to 1 and 1/2 cups of sharp shredded cheddar cheese (or more 👌 )

black pepper to taste

Salt to taste

Seasonings (your choice, see suggestions)

Instructions:

In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion in 1-2 tablespoons of melted margarine for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and soft add in chopped garlic.

Gradually add all purpose flour and stir constantly until flour has become like a paste consistency.

On low heat, add in 1 cup of milk, stirring continuously, once incorporated, add in heavy cream stirring slowly until fully blended.
Add chicken or vegetable stock, chopped broccoli and seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for around 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.

Add in shredded cheese and stir until melted.

Using a blender, take half of your batch and blend at the highest speed on your blender so that soup is pureed. Repeat with the remaining half.
You may need to reheat this soup once it has been blended.

Serving suggestions:
Add your choice of spices and herbs. Paprika, Seasoned salt, minced parsley, chives, and low carb bread croutons. A dash of red pepper flakes will give it a kick if added while cooking the broccoli.

Two Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

2023-04-17T07:59:00.004-07:00

If you are looking for a super fast, super simple flawless recipe for home made biscuits, this is the one. The first time I tried this recipe, I had a hard time believing it could be better than my tried and true go to recipe. I was so wrong. What I learned was this 2 ingredient recipe not only was superior to every recipe I used, but versatile enough to use in other recipes where I might would've gone with canned biscuits. What you will discover is that this recipe, offers super light, high rising perfection!

Give this a try and I promise you, you'll never look back!

Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Ingredients

2- 4 cups self rising flour

2 cups heavy whipping cream

*Start off with 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, as the dough is mixed, if too wet add more flour until you have a consistency suitable for rolling out on your sideboard.

Mix, roll out the dough, cut to the desired size, I use an upside down tumbler lol. The most important thing is a clean sharp cut through, so biscuits rise higher. Be sure to do a lot of fold overs when you are lightly kneading the dough. Don't over mix, but do fold over many times to create layers.

Bake

12-15 mins depending on your oven, I recommend checking at 10 minutes and go from there.

Tip:

Don't roll out dough too thin or over work it for best results!

Best Chicken Recipes

2023-04-08T13:03:00.009-07:00

Home made chicken soup in the Instant Pot

There's nothing like chicken soup, and knowing you can make it faster is always better. I have made Chicken soup many ways, Crock Pot, Stove Top, and now Instant Pot. I think I use the Instant pot method the most because its faster. So with that being said, lets take the mystery out of the whole process.

Home made Hot Wings

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo

Pan Friend Barbeque Chicken

Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla Soup

One Pot Wonder Chicken Gumbo

Home Made Chicken Soup

Creamy Chicken Bisque

Seasoned Chicken Parmesan

Lemon Chicken

Creamed Chicken with Biscuits

Southern Style Chicken Purlieu

Grilled Chicken in Beer Marinade

Baked Creamy Chicken with Broccoli

White Chicken Chili

Garden Veggie Omelet

2023-04-07T11:34:00.004-07:00

In case you're looking for a breakfast recipe that is healthy but tastes like it isnt, why not give this recipe a try?

Garden Veggie Omelet?

If there is one meal of the day that we need to make sure is satisfying, healthy and filling it would have to be breakfast. Most successful weight losses experienced by dieters happen when they incorporate a healthy breakfast into their diet. Of all meals you may think you can skip, breakfast shouldn't be one.
Now the challenge: a hearty breakfast that is healthy and wont blow your low carb efforts out of the water or your healthy diet.

To check this delicious recipe out, visit my low carb recipe blog, Garden Veggie Omelet

Christmas Bread Pudding

2023-04-03T11:45:00.003-07:00

This is by far more popular than fruit cake, and has all fresh fruits and ingredients.

This is one version of my Banana Bread Pudding that is perfect for Christmas.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Things You'll Need:

8 slices of any kind of bread you like, I prefer French or Italian loaf bread
4 cups of milk
1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter
1 and 1/2 cup of sugar
8 eggs
1 tbsp. Vanilla extract
1 tsp Almond extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
4 large apples chopped and diced
1 cup of golden raisins or dried cranberries
1 cup of drained cherries
1 1/2 cup of crushed pecans or walnuts your choice
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut (optional)
9 X 13 inch pan
2 large mixing bowls

Instructions:

Step 1
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, tear up by hand all of your slices of bread.

Step 2
Add in eggs, and milk, both extracts, and cherries (if you have chosen to use them )and mix together well. Basically you are mixing all wet ingredients together.

Step 3
In your bread bowl, add in all dry ingredients and stir until all the bread is covered in the sugar and spices. You can add raisins, apples, nuts, shredded coconut at this time. Now dump this mixture into your egg/milk bowl.

Step 4
You want to stir by hand all of the ingredients thoroughly and let the mixture sit for about 1/2 hour in your fridge so that the bread fully absorbs your egg/custard mixture.

Step 5
Once you have let the bread pudding mixture soak for a while in the refrigerator (the longer it soaks the better), you can now pour it into your buttered 9 X 13 inch baking dish. Add around 9 pats of margarine or butter to the top. This will melt as the bread pudding cooks. Garnish with extra Pecan halves.

Step 6
Bake your bread pudding until the pudding is well set, not wiggly when you jiggle the pan. Start checking your bread pudding for done-ness after it has been in the oven around 45 minutes, and every 10 minutes after that, to prevent over cooking.

Note: Some bread pudding recipes call for a sweet sauce or glaze but this recipe is sweet enough on its own.

Thanksgiving side dishes

2023-03-31T11:21:00.008-07:00

Side dishes

Southern Corn Pudding

One old time side dish that dates back far in southern cuisine history is Corn Pudding. Corn Pudding, (aka Puddin' Corn, Corn Pudding, Hoppy Glop, Corn Mash, Country Pudding) is a gelatinous food product made from stewed corn, water, any of various thickening agents, and optional additional flavoring or texturing ingredients, typically used as a food staple in rural communities in the southeastern parts of the United States. South Carolina loves these home style rich side dishes and each South Carolinian will have their own recipe.

For this recipe, see: Southern Corn Pudding

Savory baked sweet potatoes

When we think "Sweet potatoes" we generally think of Thanksgiving, canned Yams, and Sweet potato casserole. However, this delicious savory version has only a hint of sweetness, but at the same time makes a great side dish at Thanksgiving as well.

For the recipe, see: Savory baked sweet potatoes.

Rice and gravy

Rice is often reported by cooks as being one of the most difficult side dishes to prepare. It is actually quite simple once you get the right rice to water ratio figured out and the right timing. Ideally speaking, having a good quality Dutch oven pot with a tight fitting lid makes a big difference. The heavier the lid the better too, but don't fret any pot with a well fitting lid will suffice. With Thanksgiving only days away it is a good idea to learn how to perfect this side dish. In South Carolina and other areas of the south, rice is often used instead of mashed potatoes for many meals including Thanksgiving. To learn how to perfect this recipe read these easy instructions and you will not fail.

The way to cook rice is here: How to cook that perfect pot of rice.

Easy Giblet Gravy

If you have rice, you have got to have gravy, here's a gravy recipe that is a sure thing: Easy Giblet Gravy.

Apple raisin cranberry chutney

Meals are a great way to pull the family together and enjoy delicious food, laughter and love.

This Chutney uses a lot of my favorite holiday ingredients together in a way that makes it a versatile side dish, chilled or served warm over ice cream you just can't beat it's distinctive holiday flavor. Get the recipe here: Apple raisin cranberry chutney.

Dessert

Southern Style Peach Cobbler

Low Carb No Bake Pumpkin cheesecake

Beverage

Hot Mulled Cider

Easy Mac and Cheese for the Holidays

2022-11-22T09:01:00.002-08:00

Mac and cheese recipes are every where and I have spent years looking for the ideal ratio of cheese to noodle ratio. I have had the results either be too dense, and thick, or not enough cheese or overall flavor.

Now this basic recipe has the right mix of all, however I do offer some suggestions that will take it to the next level flavor wise and these are of course optional.

*The real key is keep it simple. If you had too many steps too many ingredients you get overwhelmed, impatient and that is where errors live. This should not be rocket science and I am going to explain it in the simplest terms so you can enjoy the holidays and not get flustered. :)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

You will need:

Colander

9 X 13 baking dish

Measuring cups

Primary ingredients

1 16 ounce box of elbow macaroni

(4 ) 8 ounce bags of any shredded cheese you love. This can be blends. In my recipe I used White Sharp Cheddar, Yellow Sharp Cheddar, PepperJack, and Mozarella.

2 sticks of butter

1/2 cup of flour

4 cups or so of Whole Milk

*Be sure to reserve some cheese for the top of the dish before baking :D

Optional add ins

One half diced large onion ( adds ton of flavor and you would add this in to your macaroni before you add your cheese sauce.

Chives to taste

Bacon Bits

Creole seasoning to taste

Instructions:

Cook a full 16 ounce box of elbow macaroni, for about 9 mins. Don't over do it, as it will cook further in the oven. We are looking for al dente here. Slightly undercooked.

Use colander and strain, and put macaroni in baking dish. You can coat your 9 by 13 dish with a spray oil if you wish or coat with butter, or do none of the above..its up to you.

Add to your macaroni, Any of the "optional add ins suggested" I always put in onion.

Set aside.

In large preferably non stick sauce pan, melt one stick of butter and start adding in your flour.

Note : We want to cook off the raw in the flour and you'll be there when you can smell that nutty smell cooked flour gives off.

Cook on medium heat and once your flour is toasted start adding milk, I like to add in a little at a time, and stir constantly.

Note : Make sure your flour has been toasted and smells nutty, adding milk too soon will give the dish a textured chalky flour taste that you do not want.

As it thickens add more milk as needed. 4 cups of milk is a suggestion, not a rule. You can add salt and pepper and seasonings here if you like. You're looking for a loose white gravy consistency, once this is achieved, add in cheeses and stir until all cheeses are melted. Adjust your heat as needed we are not wanting anything to burn or scald. This is about patience and stirring.

As the mixture thickens, add in any milk left until it is to a pourable consistency. A lot of people like for it to be a thick doughy look but I dont do it this way. Let the mixture resemble a thick cheese sauce not a big mound of cheese dough. It should be pourable.

Pour into the baking dish with your macaroni and mix all of it thoroughly. Once this is done, smooth the top out and add a nice layer of cheese to the top. You can throw some Paprika on top if you're feeling all Gordon Ramsay.

Pop into your oven and cook until gold and bubbly. Which could be depending on your oven anywhere from 35 mins to 50 mins..do what I do, "eyeball it" if it looks good and the edges are starting to turn brown, its done!

Homemade Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot

2022-04-05T09:04:00.006-07:00

Photograph by ®Dawn Gagnon,2022

I prefer personally to use bone-in chicken thighs, and I like to use the equation of 2 chicken thighs per person in my recipe. You can always use more, depending on how much you love chicken soup right? That's just a basic start point.

Before beginning your chicken soup journey, you'll want to do some prep work in advance the same as you would for any soup you're making regardless of what sort of method you use for a cooking vessel.

Ingredients:

Chicken thighs ( 2 per person)

1-2 cups chopped celery

1 large onion

1-2 cups chopped carrots

1 cup chicken broth or water

1-2 tbsp Rosemary

1 tsp Sage

Salt

Pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1-2 tablespoons parsley

Suggested add ins: Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, wild rice ( 1/4 cup or less) Noodles

Instructions:

Prep all your veggies you intend on putting in your soup and set aside. In your Instant pot place your chicken thighs in the bottom and all your preferred seasonings. Wait until Soup is done to add any salt.

Once chicken thighs are placed in, add all of your veggies and the 1 cup of stock or water. You can add a little more stock or water if you are putting a lot of chicken in especially if it is thawed. Note: I would not add any more than 1/2 cup more though as you want the steam to build up and cook the chicken thoroughly.

Place your lid on your Instant pot and make sure it locks into place. Set the nozzle in upwards position for sealing. I like to manually put in my minutes, even though my Instant Pot has a "soup" setting. I press the Pressure setting, and cook for eh, about 25 minutes on high. Then you just walk away. There should be no steam exiting the instant pot valve, and as the steam starts to build the red button (float valve) will pop up, which is what we want it to do.

Your instant pot will be done in 25 mins.. At which time it will sound off. You can let the steam do a slow release which if left alone will count down on its own. Once it is done, the float valve, ( red button on top of the lid) will drop. You can safely open at this time. If you want it sooner, you can move the release switch from sealed to vent, on mine that's a downward position, and let the steam escape that way. Once the steam is vented, the red float valve will drop. Do not attempt to open your Instant Pot until this red float valve has dropped.

After you are able to open your Instant Pot you'll want to find your chicken thigh pieces and remove the single bone from the meat. This only takes a few minutes and is optional. Remember, there should be one 1 bone per chicken used. You can dice or chop your chicken into bite sized pieces after all the meat is separated or shred into larger chunks. Put back into Instant Pot, add another couple of cups of Stock and stir. I usually hit the cancel button at this point and then turn on the "warm" button and stir the soup. After a few minutes you're ready to eat! Well, I am. :D

Happy Cooking!

Instant Pot Rice

2022-03-27T12:51:00.006-07:00

Photography by

I always thought rice was easy, but it is realllllllllly easy with an instant pot.

If you have struggled with making rice, your instant pot can save you a lot of headaches. There are a few tips though to get the perfect rice, and so I will give you my methods here.

For White Rice, your instant pot may have a "Rice" setting and if so, you just need to remember, 1 cup of water to 1 cup of rice ratio. I do add a couple of tablespoons of margarine to this.

You'll want to make sure you have your nozzle on top pointed upward once you're ready to start the process so please remember that.

For Brown rice, I cook this manually. Brown rice takes a little longer, and needs a touch more water, so I use a 1 cup brown rice to 1 and 1/8 cup water. This is no fine science, just make sure there's a little more water than rice. Dump the rice and water into your pot, and add a few tablespoons of margarine. Give it a stir, put your lid on and set your instant pot to high. I do about 13 minutes.

You can also add in onion soup mix, chopped chives, or use chicken or beef stock. For brown rice a slow release will give you best results but remember, Brown rice has a slightly chewier texture than white rice, so dont just assume it needs to cook longer, its naturally more textured.

Eggplant and Sausage Casserole

2022-03-27T12:42:00.002-07:00

This is an easy one dish deal and oh so tasty. My family are just as happy to have this as they are to have Lasagna and that is saying something.

Here's what you'll need:

( 1 ) 9X13 baking dish

Italian Seasonings 1 tablespoon or more depending on your taste

1-2 pounds ground sausage

2 large Eggplants Sliced into 1/2 inch each

(2) 32 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes

2 cups of any shredded cheese you like, or more if you want it super cheesy

Parmesan cheese (to taste)

1 diced onion

2 cups of sliced mushrooms

2 tablespoons of minced garlic

1 large diced green pepper

salt and pepper

Italian Seasonings

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees

In a large fry pan, cook your ground sausage with the onions, mushrooms and peppers. Add in salt, pepper and any preferred "Italian" seasonings at this time. Once cooked add in the diced garlic, add about a half of one can of your crushed tomatoes mix well. Set aside in a separate dish.

In same fry pan, cook your eggplant until soft but still firm. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In your 9 X 13 inch casserole dish, pour crushed tomatoes to cover the bottom. Do not use all of the can, just enough to cover the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of your sliced eggplant and cover the bottom with them. We are going to layer this dish. Pour your sausage mixture on next but reserve some for top layer later, so make sure to have about half left over. Add a layer of shredded cheese and repeat this process until you have filled your casserole dish. On the top layer add cheeses. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake in oven until all melted. This time limit can vary but I like to bake mine for at least 20 minutes, and then turn off my oven and leave an additional 10 minutes. I like to see some color on the top layer of cheese.

Note: If you find you'll have some left over, don't worry you can always use the next day for spaghetti or Lasagna

Enjoy!!

Instant Pot Recipes: Coming Soon

2020-10-21T10:24:00.005-07:00

Hello my friends,

I received an Instant Pot for Christmas and have finally starting trying to use it. I am a diehard Crock Pot woman, but thought what the heck, maybe I can get the hang of this new gadget too. One thing I noticed and would have appreciated would have been a few recipes or even a recipe book just to get me started. The chart I did receive did give some info as to times vs weight vs food, but recipes no.

So in the next few weeks I will be trying out recipes in my Instant Pot and sharing with you some of the results and any insights I gleam from this gadget. I love one pot wonder meals so this will be my primary focus and hopefully I can share some successes along the way and help you to avert any cooking calamity along the way too. So stay tuned, as I am heading in, wish me luck! :D

Chicken Lasagna

2019-10-15T07:56:00.002-07:00

Chicken Lasagna is simple, yummy and one of the go to casseroles where you're trying to use those lasagna noodles you had left over from another recipe.

Now, here's the thing, about the chicken, in this recipe I boiled six chicken thighs and removed the bone and skin. However, you can take a number of short cuts by using rotisserie chicken (you need 4 to 5 cups of the chicken shredded) You can also use for a super fast fix, canned chicken strained.

I did it the old fashioned way but I also think the other two suggestions will be great as well. You can let me know.

Ingredients:

Pre heat oven to 375 to 400 depending on whether you cook veggies or not
You'll need a 9X13 inch pan and tin foil

6 cooked chicken thighs with bone and skin removed, shredded or cut into chunks
6 oven ready lasagna noodles
2 small cans of cream of chicken soup, or cream of mushroom soup
3 cups chopped celery (if you're boiling your chicken you can cook with the chicken)
1-2s cup sliced mushrooms
Half of a large onion, diced or chopped
Ricotta cheese around 1 1/2 cups
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup of Mozzarella Cheese shredded

Seasonings:
1 tbs ground sage
1 -2 tablespoons of parsely
1 tbsp Rosemary
1/2 tsp white pepper
Salt to taste

In your 9 X 13 inch pan/baking dish add a little chicken stock from the boiled chicken to the bottom to coat. Add the lasagna noodles, you can go in any direction with them, and you'll need to adjust how many you use accordingly. Set aside.
In large pot or mixing bowl add your chicken, chopped veggies seasonings and soup and your sharp cheese.
Mix together thoroughly.
With a large spoon, scoop and distribute one layer on top of the first layer of noodles, making sure you cover them. Add dollops of Ricotta in an even distribution to the mixture. Add more shredded cheese if you like, what happens in your kitchen stays in your kitchen!

Add one more layer of noodles and repeat the same process. On the top add a generous layer of Mozzarella cheese, over with tin foil and bake for around a half hour or so. You'll know its done when you can cut through the layers with a knife easily and the noodles on the bottom of the pan feel soft.
Enjoy!

You can add other veggies to this recipe including zucchini, broccoli, spinach, kale..use your imagination!

Chunky Chicken Vegetable Soup

2018-11-10T13:22:00.006-08:00

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food and making it from scratch is easier than you think. The key is to keep it really simple and not add to your woes with overly complicated measures

First things first, It all begins with great stock. Now this is my experience and so this is what I will pass on to you. Great stocks begin with rich dark meat and bone in. That being said, rather than boil a whole chicken and contend with all the bones, just buy a pack of chicken thighs. 6 to 8 chicken thighs is enough for a large Dutch oven sized pot of soup.

Secondly, great herbs and spices are important. I like to use this list of spices and you can try them to taste. Dried is usually what I go with but I have used a combination of dried and fresh. This list is adjustable and you can add to it, or take away. This list is primarily to give you an idea of what will taste good in chicken soup. You can chose the ones you're partial to.

Recommended seasonings to add to your personal taste:

1. Salt, preferably seasoned salt or pink salt. Chicken and chicken soups need salt, what kind and how much is a matter of taste but you really need it with chicken in general, that being said there's good substitutes out there and if you're on a sodium restricted diet don't add salt to the soup but let everyone add to their soup afterward.

2. Ground Sage. What can I say, Sage and chicken go together like peas and carrots. It will really give your soup authentic and earthy depth in flavor.

3. Rosemary, like Sage, Rosemary is just a wonderful herb when paired with Chicken, and it looks lovely in the pot with the fresh vegetables.

4. Red pepper flakes. You may think this sounds odd in chicken soup, but it gives what can be a bland experience a little heat and kick.

5. Parsley. I just love the green flecks and it just adds more earthy goodness to the stock.

6. Italian seasonings. Oregano, Basil, etc. all add flavor and depth to the stock.

7. White pepper. Although I like to see herbs in the soup, I just prefer white pepper in chicken soup. Call me crazy..its just my own preference.

Main Ingredients:

One large package of chicken thighs (Note: I recommend thighs, less bones to contend with)

2 cups of chopped celery

2 cups of chopped carrots

1 large chopped onion

Seasonings to taste (this list above is just suggestions)

Note: You can add any additional vegetables to this soup you like, including 1 cup of diced potatoes, mushrooms, beans etc. Its really up to you, make it your own. This is just the basic soup to get you started.

Instructions:

In the large stock pot or Dutch oven. Place your seasoned chicken thighs skin side down, (unless you've taken the skin off already) in the pot put on high a until you start hearing the chicken searing. Have on hand a large pitcher of water on hand and pour in about 8 cups or more into pot enough to cover the chicken and boil on high setting for around 30 minutes or so, what you want here is chicken that is starting to come off of the bone. Once you've done this, remove chicken bones and any skin from the chicken and chop the chicken or shred, your choice and place back into the pot with the stock.

Add in your diced vegetables and simmer until they are all soft.

Top Thanksgiving Recipes For A Successful Holiday Meal

2018-11-08T16:36:00.007-08:00

We all strive to have the best holiday memories with our friends and family. We all know food and fun make for the best memories and it all starts with that great meal at Thanksgiving. With that being said, I have comprised some of my best recipes in this one post for you to try and enjoy. Some are traditional but as always I have to add my own touch to make it truly a great list to pass on to you my readers! Enjoy!

Photography by Dawn Gagnon 2015

Let's talk Turkey....
Want a great turkey? It all starts with selecting the best Turkey, read these easy guidelines to get yourself on your way to hosting a great meal, either for just the two of you, or the whole family! Check out this link for all you need to know: click -> Selecting Your Turkey for Thanksgiving.

A toast to the roast!
If you are even a little confused about how to roast a Turkey, remember to give yourself plenty of practice time. One thing I suggest to those just beginning is to purchase 2 turkeys and roast one in advance. Follow the directions and see if they worked out perfectly for you, if not, maybe this post will help you do it right. click -> Roasting that Ideal Thanksgiving Turkey

Its all gravy after that...
Now we all know you can't have Thanksgiving without gravy right? I call this one easy Giblet gravy, because it is goof proof and tastes so good you'll be putting it on everything, for days!!! Whether you're making mashed potatoes as a side, having stuffing, or rice this gravy is a winner and you don't have to have any skills other than boiling water to make it, but oh will it ever be good! Here's the recipe:click ->   Easy Giblet Gravy

Twice as nice with Rice...
Ok, so we have the Turkey, and now the gravy, so what makes an ideal partner in culinary crime? Rice of course! But so many people have so much trouble with rice coming out right and I seriously think some of you are just plain over thinking it, Its easy peasy and this is the fool proof, goof proof way to make a slamming pot of rice like a boss! See: How to make that perfect pot of rice.

String bean dreams
String bean casserole is so easy to make and everyone loves it and it may be one of the more "healthier" options on the table. Not that anyone is going to care about healthy options right? Well, a few might. So this is not that recipe. Yes, string bean casserole isn't the worst thing on the list but this version has some additional goodies to make it sumptuous and delectable. See: Delicious String bean Casserole

Squash the competition..
Ok so a lot of people "think" they don't like squash, but baked Acorn squash is to die for. Why? For on thing is it so versatile, it can be prepared either savory or sweet and both are so good if one isn't a request the other one will be. Once you make this dish, try it with a big scoop of ice cream, some crushed pecans and a drizzle of Maple Syrup...oh..and "you're welcome.." Recipe here:  Baked Acorn Squash

Time to get "sauced"...
You know if you really want to serve cranberry jelly out of a tin can that is up to you, however, if you want to blow minds and have your guests eating out of your hand...well maybe not your hand that's a little messy...this recipe is the one, it takes plain old cranberry sauce to new levels as a cranberry chutney like no other. Check this out and give it a try:  Cranberry Apple Chutney

The real Big Mac attack...
So we've pretty much got all the basics for a great meal but I think one more side is called for and here's a favorite. Baked Mac and Cheese. What can be better than pasta and melted cheese, even if you make it wrong, its still probably going to be good right? Right! Try this one out and see if it does the job for your family this Thanksgiving:     Baked Mac and Cheese

Thanksgiving Dessert Links:

click -> Lemon Pie Dump Cake
click -> Pumpkin Dessert Cake
click -> Southern Style Peach Cobbler
click -> Red Velvet Cake

Enjoy!!!!

Lemon Pie Dump Cake

2017-07-07T16:33:00.005-07:00

No eggs, no oil? No worries!

If you are looking for a yummy quick dessert cake you can whip up in little time with little ingredients any dump cake is a good option. Using only two ingredients how can you possibly go wrong?

These cakes are simple and budget friendly! Using any cake mix will do but for this particular dump cake I suggest white cake mix or yellow. You can also buy lemon flavored cake mixes if you want to go over the moon with the lemon flavor. Chances are though, this will give you plenty of lemon flavor for your fix.

Because there are few ingredients involved you may want to use a smaller baking dish than a 9 X 13 inch. A 9 inch pie dish or an 8 by 11 inch glass baking dish is perfect. The cake in the photo was baked in an 8 by 11 inch baking dish.

What you will need:

1 white or yellow cake mix-any brand
1 to 2 large cans of lemon pie filling
non stick cooking spray
large bowl
preheated oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl mix thoroughly one package of cake mix and (1) can of lemon pie filling. The second can is used for a topping if you want and this is entirely optional. You can go with icing if you like instead. Either will be yummy!

The batter will be more of a wet dough consistency but this is fine.
In your glass dish, spray it with non stick cooking spray and with a spatula gently dump your cake dough mixture into the dish.

Spread the dough mixture out from side to side, corner to corner. You can use a metal spatula with a little cooking spray on the bottom side to help spread the dough. If it doesnt look pretty don't worry, it will level off and flatten as it bakes.

Place cake into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake. I keep an eye on the oven after 20 minutes and check it off and on every ten minutes or so until the top is slightly golden and a butter knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

This type of cake is very moist and a tad, "gooey" but so good. Let cool and add the second can of lemon pie filling for a topping on the cake or prepare a simple icing, or simply eat it as is. Enjoy!!
Here's another photo of the cake for you.

A complete Thanksgiving Menu

2016-12-01T08:12:00.004-08:00

The Main Dish

How to roast the ideal Thanksgiving turkey

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to show our thanks to everyone in our family and in our lives. Having the ability to create a large delicious feast that reminds us of how fortunate we are is a great way to Illustrate the point. We all know the Thanksgiving Turkey is the star of the show on Thanksgiving, and it is important that this delicious centerpiece be cooked to perfection. For instructions on the ideal Thanksgiving turkey see: How to roast the ideal Thanksgiving turkey.

Side dishes

Southern Corn Pudding

One old time side dish that dates back far in southern cuisine history is Corn Pudding. Corn Pudding, (aka Puddin' Corn, Corn Pudding, Hoppy Glop, Corn Mash, Country Pudding) is a gelatinous food product made from stewed corn, water, any of various thickening agents, and optional additional flavoring or texturing ingredients, typically used as a food staple in rural communities in the southeastern parts of the United States. South Carolina loves these home style rich side dishes and each South Carolinian will have their own recipe.

For this Recipe see: Southern Corn Pudding

Savory baked sweet potatoes

.When we think "Sweet potatoes" we generally think of Thanksgiving, canned Yams, and Sweet potato casserole. However, this delicious savory version has only a hint of sweetness, but at the same time makes a great side dish at Thanksgiving as well.

For the recipe, see: Savory baked sweet potatoes.

Rice and gravy

The way to cook rice is here: How to cook that perfect pot of rice.

If you have rice, you have got to have gravy, here's a gravy recipe that is a sure thing: EasyGiblet Gravy.

Apple raisin cranberry chutney

Meals are a great way to pull the family together and enjoy delicious food, laughter and love.
This Chutney uses a lot of my favorite holiday ingredients together in a way that makes it a versatile side dish, chilled or served warm over ice cream you just can't beat it's distinctive holiday flavor. Get the recipe here: Apple raisin cranberry chutney.

Dessert

Southern Style Peach Cobbler

Beverage

How about something different like this: Fruity Tea Fizz?

Pumpkin Dessert Cake

2016-11-25T12:11:00.002-08:00

This dessert is absolutely delicious, great to serve for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is not for the faint of heart and is not low carb or low calorie, or low anything. That being said, it is one of the most scrumptious desserts you will ever taste!

Things You'll Need:

1 cup of Shredded coconut
1 store bought yellow cake mix
4 jumbo sized eggs
(1) 16 oz. bag of confectioners sugar--yeah, I know..
2 Sticks of softened margarine
1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese
2 cups of pumpkin pie filling
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup of pecan halves (for garnish) (optional)
1 cup of crushed pecans, you can also use walnuts
1 1/2 cups of golden raisins
1 glass (preferred) 9 X 13 inch baking dish

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a large mixing type bowl, empty the contents of the cake mix. Add in 1 jumbo egg and one stick of the softened butter and mix on medium to high with a hand mixer. Once thoroughly blended, mixture should look like dough or be of dough like consistency. Press this mixture into your glass baking dish, being sure to cover the entire bottom of the dish. I use a drinking glass to roll across it to get it really uniform and flat. Take this dish and set in your refrigerator until needed.

Step 2
In same big mixing bowl, you will cream all of these ingredients together, softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar (all of it, yeah..I know), remaining stick of softened margarine, remaining 3 eggs, vanilla extract, mashed sweet potatoes, spices, 1 cup of shredded coconut, crushed pecans and raisins.

Step 3
Once all those ingredients are blended together it should look like typical cake batter. Poor this over the mixture that you previously placed in the glass baking dish in refrigerator. Try to level it out some so that it is evenly spread.

Step 4
Garnish the top with the pecan halves, and bake in your preheated oven for 50 minutes. Cake is done when no longer soupy and mix is firmly set. Start checking cake at 40 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter depending on the accuracy of your oven.

Apple Pie Sweet Tea

2016-04-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you want southern cuisine, then you'll also want to sample the house wine of the south, good old "sweet tea.." However, today we live in a world where things need to be a little more healthy and this usually means cutting down sugar. This beverage tastes like dessert, but I promise you'll love it and enjoy the fact its a little more healthy for you!

Roasted Pork Loin

2016-03-17T14:30:00.001-07:00

No matter how you slice it, roasted pork loin is a sure fire winner for supper. Imagine pork chops with all the delicious meat and no bones to contend with. Now some of you may say you like pork chops with bones and I have to admit I love a good pork chop as well. However, this juicy alternative will be great for Easter Dinner and if done right will be moist and flavorful for your table in no time.
The key is to roast low and slow and let it rest for about 15 minute out of the oven.

Here's my recipe:

What you'll need:

1 Roasting pan
Your choice of chopped veggies for roasting that will cover the bottom of the entire roasting pan
In the picture I used potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and celery.
2 large onions

Seasonings:

1 packet of onion soup mix
Seasoned salt
Pepper
Dried Rosemary
Soy sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Season pork loin with the following herbs and feel free to add to or eliminate the ones you don't like.
Seasonings I used were
3 Tablespoons of dried Rosemary
3 Tbsp dried garlic slices
1 teaspoon course ground black pepper (per side)
1 teaspoon of seasoned salt (per side)
red pepper flakes

The general idea is to coat the pork loin well on both sides. Sear the pork loin in a hot pan fat side down for a few minutes until you notice it is starting to get caramelized. Turn over and sear the other side as well. Now for those that say not to sear your roasts, well that is up to you, for me I like to do it, it does not dry out the meat, and I say the caramelization adds flavor.
Once you have seared both sides get out your roasting pan and throw in whatever vegetables you want to cook with your roast. I roasted potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions, celery, and sweet peppers. Place your pork loin on top.

In the same pan you seared your pork loin, chop one large onion into large diced pieces, and add to the pan and cook in the drippings/fat from pork. If you need a little oil, add some canola oil. Once onions are softened add in a few cups of water and let the onions simmer briefly in the water. Add in red pepper flakes and onion soup packet and stir until dissolved. Pour this mixture over your Pork Loin and Vegetables.

Place in preheated oven and cook for about an hour and check. Make sure if there is not enough water to add a few cups. In about an hour return and cover the roast in tin foil and continue to roast until the roast is firm to the touch and juices are clear when cut on the end.
Take out of the oven place tin foil back on and let rest.
Loin should be juicy and flavorful.

For a topping on your pork loin try sauteing Macintosh apples and onions in butter until apples are soft and onions are translucent. Apples taste yummy with pork!!

Recipes from a Southern Kitchen

Kielbasa and Zucchini

Southern Style Collard Greens

Traditional Potato Salad

Eggy Veggie Bowl

Home Made Applesauce in the Instant Pot

How to make simple homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

More recipes:

Two Ingredient Biscuit Recipe

Best Chicken Recipes

Garden Veggie Omelet

Christmas Bread Pudding

Thanksgiving side dishes

Easy Mac and Cheese for the Holidays

Homemade Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot

Instant Pot Rice

Eggplant and Sausage Casserole

Instant Pot Recipes: Coming Soon

Chicken Lasagna

Chunky Chicken Vegetable Soup

Top Thanksgiving Recipes For A Successful Holiday Meal

Lemon Pie Dump Cake

A complete Thanksgiving Menu

Pumpkin Dessert Cake

Apple Pie Sweet Tea

Roasted Pork Loin

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