Food & Wine

Pasta e Fagioli a Different Way
I had leftover veggie bacon. Chopped it and sauteed to crisp in olive oil. Then I added a bunch of chopped garlic and broke the spaghetti in half and added that too. Then a chopped onion and diced carrot and some fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves and salt, black and red pepper.Oh yeah and a well rinsed can of small white beans. Sauteed it a while til onions clear. Then deglazed with white wine. I had 1 1/2 quarts of veg stock simmering and started adding it a ladle at a time not adding next ladle til last one absorbed. Then when all stock finished I added a bunch of parmesan and chopped parsley. This thing is so creamy and yummy on this cold wet day and I used what i had left in fridge. I also made some kale and stirred it in.
 
Actually I got a pint of Amaretto for 13 bucks and because of the holidays it came with a nice ceramic coffee cup and stirrer that fits into the slot of the handle.

I use black truffle oil sometimes with my seafood dishes. You can get it cheap in the food section of TJ Maxx or Marshall's or Home Goods.

Okay.... I will have to do just that 4oz is about $12.00 and that was the best price I have found so far. I will let you know later this evening when I am out turning corners....

:cool:

You are so right lady! Just got the truffle oil for $4.99 at Marshalls!

:cool:
 
Pasta e Fagioli a Different Way
I had leftover veggie bacon. Chopped it and sauteed to crisp in olive oil. Then I added a bunch of chopped garlic and broke the spaghetti in half and added that too. Then a chopped onion and diced carrot and some fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves and salt, black and red pepper.Oh yeah and a well rinsed can of small white beans. Sauteed it a while til onions clear. Then deglazed with white wine. I had 1 1/2 quarts of veg stock simmering and started adding it a ladle at a time not adding next ladle til last one absorbed. Then when all stock finished I added a bunch of parmesan and chopped parsley. This thing is so creamy and yummy on this cold wet day and I used what i had left in fridge. I also made some kale and stirred it in.

That sounds great bi- what brand of veggie bacon do you use?
 
Baked Salmon on Lentils and Wilted Spinach
I stabbed this shit out my salmon with a fork and then marinated it for a few hours in lime juice mixed with Bajan green seasoning. Then I baked it 450 oven for 15 minutes.

I boiled the lentils not too soft with garlic, allspice berries, thyme, bay leaf, salt and black pepper. Then I drained them and added them to onion, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme and sundried tomatoes. Then I added a lil shot of liquid smoke and a lil shot of balsamic and olive oil. Then I turned the heat off and added a lil crumbled feta.

I lightly dressed some fresh spinach in a lil of the balsamic vinegrette and lil black pepper and then put the hot lentils and fish on top and it wilted.

This some real crazy fusion bizzaro shit Caribbean meets Meditteranean but it gets even deeper cause the sides I made are:

Sugar snap peas blanched and sauteed in sesame oil, hot pepper oil and fresh minced ginger and garlic and a lil soy so meets Asia too

Long beans cooked Creole style. Blanched then sauteed with olive oil lotsa garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh rosemary, creole seasoning then hit with some lime juice and the juice from the artichokes and tossed with a lil parmesan so then it comes back around full circle from Asia again.
 
From Yesterday: Experimental Good Pasta
Had to just make something with what was around and it was really good so here it is:

8 oz spelt or other whole grain pasta I used the spirals
I made sauce from scratch with veg sausage and mushrooms and other veggies but any good tomato pasta sauce is fine

I had a short roll of goat cheese. I put it in a bowl with an equal amount of ricotta and put a lil ladle of the hot pasta cooking water in to smooth it down. Then I added a beaten egg and chopped fresh basil and rosemary and plenty black pepper and a minced clove of garlic. I tossed the hot cooked drained pasta in this first. Then I put it in a casserole and poured on plenty of the tomato sauce and topped it with shredded provolone mixed with mozzerella and baked it at 375 for half an hour. Served it surrounded with kale steamed down with garlic.
 
Smoked Mackerel Pate
1 package smoked mackerel, skins removed and chopped up
a lil splash of vinegar of choice
1 t ground allspice
1 small mince onion
1 or 2 fine sliced scallions
1/4 sweet green pepper minced fine
1/4 scotch bonnet pepper minced fine(NO SEEDS!!!)
1 small tomato chopped fine
1/4 t black pepper
lil splash of coconut oil

you need to heat the allspice and vinegar together then strain it
now you have 2 choices. if you want it more chunky kind of like tunafish, flake and
mash the mackerel with a fork and stir in the rest. if you want it smooth really like a pate, put it all in cuisinart. you want to let it marinate for several hours or overnight.
you can put it in a bowl or square container to mold it and turn it out just like a pate.

I generally will serve this on little whole grain bread bruschettas that I just brush with a lil olive oil and put in the oven with a lil avocado slice on each one.

also real good inside an avocado half on top of a salad

and an excellent sandwich or bagel spread with avocado, tomato and some type of salad greens or sprouts.
 
BBUUMMPP!!!
I forgot what a cool thread this was...

Just this weekend was over in south street seaport and went to this barbeque brewery. They had beer/liquor combinations that were great-i had one called the drunken monkey it was a light ale with banana liquer and I had half a bbq chicken, delish. My friend said the chili (beef) was the best chili he ever had.

Anyne have any cool breakfast recipes? Ready to go betond french toast/pancakes eggs, bacon/potatos/grits... No swine or beef recipes are always appreciated!!!
 
here are some things u can do for the approaching holidays :)

DISCLAIMER...MAY I REMIND U I AM FROM THE SOUTH...SO ALL THESE IDEAS ARENT TOO FIGURE FRIENDLY...INDULDGE AT YOUR OWN RISK:D

Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Sugar-Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet Potato Cake

2 1/4 cups cake flour, sifted
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 small sweet potatoes, baked or steamed*
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 stick (8 tb) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
Brown Sugar-Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (8 tb) unsalted butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup light brown sugar
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

Make cake: whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl; set aside. Peel off the skins of the potatoes, and mash them up in a medium-sized bowl; whisk in yogurt and vanilla extract, and set aside. In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down sides and beating well after each. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients a little at a time, alternating with sweet potato mixture and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Divide batter equally among the two prepared pans, and bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges begin to pull away from pan and inserted cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a rack in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and leave on rack until completely cooled.

Make frosting: in the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fluffy; beat in vanilla extract. Sift through the brown sugar with your fingers to make sure there are no hard lumps, then add to the butter and cream cheese, mixing until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed to medium, and add the confectioner’s sugar gradually, beating until the frosting is very thick and and smooth.

Frost the cake: using a serrated bread knife, slice off the top of each cake layer so that they are flat. Place one layer, cut side facing up, on a cake stand or serving plate and spread with approximately one-third of the frosting. Place second later, cut side facing down, on top of the frosted layer. Cover top and sides with remainder of frosting.

Makes one two-layer, 9-inch cake; serves 8 to 10.
 
Anyne have any cool breakfast recipes? Ready to go betond french toast/pancakes eggs, bacon/potatos/grits... No swine or beef recipes are always appreciated!!!

i know u said u was done with french toast...but i couldnt resist this

Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
Butter, for pan
8 large eggs
2 cup half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Raspberry Syrup, recipe follows

Directions:
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with Raspberry Syrup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Cook Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 6-8 servings

Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

Raspberry Syrup:
1 cup raspberry preserves
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (recommended: Framboise)

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

the next is labor intensive...but worth it...i get requests for these all the time and im going to make them as gifts for christmas for people i work with/associates

you can half the recipe or you can freeze the dough after you form the rolls and bake at a later time



Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnabon Style


1/2 cup warm water
2 pkg. active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 3 1/2 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1+ cup sugar
1/4+ cup good quality cinnamon

In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside.
In large bowl, make pudding mix according to package directions. Add butter, eggs, and salt; mix well. Add the yeast mixture; blend. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic.

Place in very large greased bowl. Cover and let rise until double (about 1 hour). Punch down and let rise again (45 minutes).

On a lightly floured surface, roll out to a 1/4 inch thick rectangle, 21 inches in its smaller dimension. Note: you may wish to divide the dough in halves and roll out two rectangles. You may have to partially roll it out, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest before finishing. Spread 1/2 cup melted butter over surface. Mix cinnamon and sugar together, and spread evenly over surface, leaving a 1-inch margin along one of the long edges. Roll up tightly, starting from a long side. Press together along the edge not covered with cinnamon sugar.

Slice at ~1 1/4 inch intervals. Place on greased baking pan, ~2 inches apart. Cover and let rise until double again.

Bake at 350oF for 15-20 minutes. Remove as soon as they turn golden. Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting


1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Combine all ingredients, mix until smooth.

if all that is too rich for you id suggest a quiche :)
 
Thanksgiving 101

How To Make A Lump Free Homemade Gravey

You can either use the drippings from the turkey or a new pan. This recpie is more of a techinque so i'm sorry but I dont have any specific measurements

measure out equal parts of fat (drippings or oil..whichever u have..drippings will give u more flavor) and flour

mix the flour and fat over med heat stiring constantly (you may add finely chopped onions for more flavor if you choose)

continue to stir flour and fat mixture (its called a roux) over the heat until it turns the color of milk chocolate.

Imediately stir in chicken stock (stand back because there will be alot of steam). Its hard to gauge the amount of stock needed.
Pour in a little at a time. (Always remember that you can always add, but never subtract.)

The consistancy you are looking for is a little watery than the desired finished thickness. If it gets too thick you can always add more stock. Drain the gravy thru a strainer to get rid of any bits or lumps. If you constantly stired u shouldnt have alot Once it simmers on the stove it will thicken up.
 
Semi Homemade Stuffing

One loaf of Cornbread (jiffy is fine)
6 Buttermilk Buscuits (pilsbury is fine)
1 to 1 and a half Large Onion Chopped
5 Stalks of Celery Chopped
One Stick of Butter
3 Tablespoons of Ground Sage
About one quart of chicken stock
2 eggs
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Place onions and celery in a skillet and sautee with butter until translucent.

While onions and celery are cooking in a large bowl crumble cornbread and busicuts.

Once onions and celery are done transfer everything including the butter to the bowl.

Add the chicken stock to the bowl. Add enough chicken stock so that the bread is now soupy, but not totally liquid

Add sage, salt and pepper. Taste the mixture to see if any more seasoning is needed. Then add the egg.

Transfer to a buttered baking dish and bake at 350degrees untill the top is brown and set.
 
once u have one of these u will never bake it again

A Deep Fried Delicacy: The How-To on Deep Frying Turkey

Deep-fried turkey, a concept that started in the south, has risen in popularity nationwide. It's a perfect twist for barbecues, block parties and holiday feasts. To get you started, we have turkey frying tips for both outdoor and indoor turkey fryers plus several deep-fried turkey recipes. For a deep frying turkey experience that is fun and produces delicious results follow these guidelines:

The Turkey - Size Matters
Smaller turkeys, 8 pounds to 10 pounds and turkey parts, such as breast, wings, drumsticks and thighs, are best for frying. Size does matter as a 12 pound to 14 pound turkey is the maximum size bird that should be successfully deep fried. In addition to the obvious safety concern of lowering and lifting a big turkey into a vessel of boiling oil, larger birds simply cook longer. The extra cooking time may result in over exposure to the skin, which could be over cooked.





If a larger bird (over 15-pounds) has been purchased, follow these steps for the best results. Detach the dark meat (leg and thigh portions) from the breast and fry the two turkey parts separately. Fry the leg/thigh sections first in oil that has been preheated to the desired temperature (see chart below). Cook to an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F. Remove the dark sections and reheat the oil. Then fry the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F.



Amount of Oil

Many turkey fryers feature a “fill line” indicating the suitable level of oil to add to the pot, but if that feature is absent from your fryer, follow these guidelines before marinating the turkey:

Place the thawed turkey in the fryer basket and place in the empty pot. The minimum oil level should be 3 inches to 5 inches from the top of the fryer. Add water until the top of the turkey is covered. Remove the turkey, allowing the water to drain from the turkey. Note the water level, using a ruler to measure the distance from the top of the pot to the surface of the water.

Drain or pour out the water and dry the pot thoroughly. If the fryer has a drain valve, be sure there isn't any excess water in the spigot. Open the valve to drain the water and remember to close the valve before adding oil.

There are turkey fryers that don’t require oil. New outdoor, oil-less turkey fryers use infrared heat - a technology popular in gas grills - to cook and the result is a juicy, tender bird with crispy skin.

Cooking Preparation

Remove the turkey from the wrapper. Be sure to save the label that indicates the weight of the turkey. Use the turkey’s weight to compute the total frying time.

Thaw the turkey completely. Remove the neck and giblets from the two body cavities.

Heat the oil to the desired temperature shown on the chart below.

While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired. If injecting a marinade into the turkey, puree ingredients so they will pass through the needle. Even so, you may have to strain the mixture to remove larger portions.

For whole turkeys, inject 60 percent marinade deep into the breast muscles, 30 percent into the leg and thigh muscles and 10 percent into the meaty wing section. Do not inject the marinade just under the skin as a water-based marinade will result in the hot oil popping and splattering.

Remove any excess fat around the neck to allow the oil to flow through the turkey.

Remove the wire or plastic truss that holds the legs in place (if applicable). Cut off the wing tips up to the first joint and cut off the tail.

Remove the pop-up timer from the breast (if applicable).
Do not stuff turkeys for deep frying.
To reduce spattering, thoroughly dry the interior and exterior of the bird.

After adding marinades and/or seasonings, place the turkey in a clean roasting pan on the countertop for no more than 30 minutes to 45 minutes. This allows the marinades and seasonings to permeate the turkey and raises the turkey’s internal temperature so as to create less splatter during the frying process.

Test for Doneness – Turkey’s Internal Temperature

Remove the turkey and check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F to 170°F in the breast and 175°F to 180°F in the thigh.

more info visit
http://www.eatturkey.com/consumer/cookinfo/fryturk.html

we fried a turkey for the first time 4 years ago and never looked back...omg its so good..lol
 
whipped sweet potato soufflé

this is another family recipe with no measurements...so ill do the best i can...lol

4 baked sweet potato's
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
3 tablespoons of ground Cinnamon
3 tablespoons of nutmeg
stick of melted butter
1 tablespoon of vanilla
pinch of salt
2 Eggs
1/2cup to 1 cup of half and half
raisins (optional)
marshmallows

Peel the sweet potatoes and place in a bowl. On high whip the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and the strings are gone. Clean your beaters (if needed) then add the sugars, butter,salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste the mixture. It should be a little more sweet than you prefer. If its not sweet enough or you prefer more nutmeg or cinnamon add it now.

After the taste is desired add the eggs, half and half and raisins.

butter a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350 until the top is somewhat brown and the mixture has set up. Put the marshmallows on top of the dish and put back in the oven until the top is brown (about 10minutes)

enjoy:dance:
 
Easy Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
2 Lbs of New Potatoes
3 Cloves of Pealed Fresh Garlic
1/2 Cup of Half and Half (or milk is fine)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 Stick of Butter
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Slice the Potatoes and boil with the cloves of Garlic in a large pot until tender.

Drain the Potatoes and Garlic and add back to the pot. Add the butter, and milk and mash to desired texture. Stir in cheese. Salt and Pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chives.
 
Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese

1lb of Elbow Macaroni
1 stick of Velveeta Cheese
1 bag shredded cheese
1 can of evaporated milk
1-2 sticks of butter
salt to taste

Boil the Elbow Macaroni cheese to the aldante stage. Drain.

In a well buttered baking dish place a layer of Macaroni on the bottom of the dish. Place pats of butter all over the noodles. Layer slices of Velveeta over the butter. Then layer a thin layer of shredded cheese over the Velveeta. Repeat this process until the dish is filled.

Layer shredded cheese over the top layer.

Pour a can of evaporated milk over the dish. If the milk doesn't come half way up the dish add more until it does. Bake at 375degrees until the top is browned and the edges are bubbly.
 
Château Mas Neuf 1998 Costières de Nîmes

My favorite red. Ya'll don't know nuthin about this right CHEA!!!

I keep several bottles at all times. As for a good spot? If you're in the dallas Area, go to the Cafe Brazil. It's just the best place to just grub at any time of the day. They use all fresh ingredients and it's a college spot so it's cheap, with big portions.

Tonight the wifey brought home some Crab Chowder. I'll hook up a recipe somewhere along the way.
 
here are some things u can do for the approaching holidays :)

DISCLAIMER...MAY I REMIND U I AM FROM THE SOUTH...SO ALL THESE IDEAS ARENT TOO FIGURE FRIENDLY...INDULDGE AT YOUR OWN RISK:D

Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Sugar-Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet Potato Cake

2 1/4 cups cake flour, sifted
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 small sweet potatoes, baked or steamed*
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 stick (8 tb) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
Brown Sugar-Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (8 tb) unsalted butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup light brown sugar
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

Make cake: whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl; set aside. Peel off the skins of the potatoes, and mash them up in a medium-sized bowl; whisk in yogurt and vanilla extract, and set aside. In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down sides and beating well after each. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients a little at a time, alternating with sweet potato mixture and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Divide batter equally among the two prepared pans, and bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges begin to pull away from pan and inserted cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a rack in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and leave on rack until completely cooled.

Make frosting: in the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fluffy; beat in vanilla extract. Sift through the brown sugar with your fingers to make sure there are no hard lumps, then add to the butter and cream cheese, mixing until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed to medium, and add the confectioner’s sugar gradually, beating until the frosting is very thick and and smooth.

Frost the cake: using a serrated bread knife, slice off the top of each cake layer so that they are flat. Place one layer, cut side facing up, on a cake stand or serving plate and spread with approximately one-third of the frosting. Place second later, cut side facing down, on top of the frosted layer. Cover top and sides with remainder of frosting.

Makes one two-layer, 9-inch cake; serves 8 to 10.

i know u said u was done with french toast...but i couldnt resist this

Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
Butter, for pan
8 large eggs
2 cup half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Raspberry Syrup, recipe follows

Directions:
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with Raspberry Syrup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Cook Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 6-8 servings

Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

Raspberry Syrup:
1 cup raspberry preserves
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (recommended: Framboise)

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

the next is labor intensive...but worth it...i get requests for these all the time and im going to make them as gifts for christmas for people i work with/associates

you can half the recipe or you can freeze the dough after you form the rolls and bake at a later time



Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnabon Style


1/2 cup warm water
2 pkg. active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 3 1/2 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1+ cup sugar
1/4+ cup good quality cinnamon

In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside.
In large bowl, make pudding mix according to package directions. Add butter, eggs, and salt; mix well. Add the yeast mixture; blend. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic.

Place in very large greased bowl. Cover and let rise until double (about 1 hour). Punch down and let rise again (45 minutes).

On a lightly floured surface, roll out to a 1/4 inch thick rectangle, 21 inches in its smaller dimension. Note: you may wish to divide the dough in halves and roll out two rectangles. You may have to partially roll it out, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest before finishing. Spread 1/2 cup melted butter over surface. Mix cinnamon and sugar together, and spread evenly over surface, leaving a 1-inch margin along one of the long edges. Roll up tightly, starting from a long side. Press together along the edge not covered with cinnamon sugar.

Slice at ~1 1/4 inch intervals. Place on greased baking pan, ~2 inches apart. Cover and let rise until double again.

Bake at 350oF for 15-20 minutes. Remove as soon as they turn golden. Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting


1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Combine all ingredients, mix until smooth.

if all that is too rich for you id suggest a quiche :)

Thanksgiving 101

How To Make A Lump Free Homemade Gravey

You can either use the drippings from the turkey or a new pan. This recpie is more of a techinque so i'm sorry but I dont have any specific measurements

measure out equal parts of fat (drippings or oil..whichever u have..drippings will give u more flavor) and flour

mix the flour and fat over med heat stiring constantly (you may add finely chopped onions for more flavor if you choose)

continue to stir flour and fat mixture (its called a roux) over the heat until it turns the color of milk chocolate.

Imediately stir in chicken stock (stand back because there will be alot of steam). Its hard to gauge the amount of stock needed.
Pour in a little at a time. (Always remember that you can always add, but never subtract.)

The consistancy you are looking for is a little watery than the desired finished thickness. If it gets too thick you can always add more stock. Drain the gravy thru a strainer to get rid of any bits or lumps. If you constantly stired u shouldnt have alot Once it simmers on the stove it will thicken up.

Semi Homemade Stuffing

One loaf of Cornbread (jiffy is fine)
6 Buttermilk Buscuits (pilsbury is fine)
1 to 1 and a half Large Onion Chopped
5 Stalks of Celery Chopped
One Stick of Butter
3 Tablespoons of Ground Sage
About one quart of chicken stock
2 eggs
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Place onions and celery in a skillet and sautee with butter until translucent.

While onions and celery are cooking in a large bowl crumble cornbread and busicuts.

Once onions and celery are done transfer everything including the butter to the bowl.

Add the chicken stock to the bowl. Add enough chicken stock so that the bread is now soupy, but not totally liquid

Add sage, salt and pepper. Taste the mixture to see if any more seasoning is needed. Then add the egg.

Transfer to a buttered baking dish and bake at 350degrees untill the top is brown and set.

once u have one of these u will never bake it again

A Deep Fried Delicacy: The How-To on Deep Frying Turkey

Deep-fried turkey, a concept that started in the south, has risen in popularity nationwide. It's a perfect twist for barbecues, block parties and holiday feasts. To get you started, we have turkey frying tips for both outdoor and indoor turkey fryers plus several deep-fried turkey recipes. For a deep frying turkey experience that is fun and produces delicious results follow these guidelines:

The Turkey - Size Matters
Smaller turkeys, 8 pounds to 10 pounds and turkey parts, such as breast, wings, drumsticks and thighs, are best for frying. Size does matter as a 12 pound to 14 pound turkey is the maximum size bird that should be successfully deep fried. In addition to the obvious safety concern of lowering and lifting a big turkey into a vessel of boiling oil, larger birds simply cook longer. The extra cooking time may result in over exposure to the skin, which could be over cooked.





If a larger bird (over 15-pounds) has been purchased, follow these steps for the best results. Detach the dark meat (leg and thigh portions) from the breast and fry the two turkey parts separately. Fry the leg/thigh sections first in oil that has been preheated to the desired temperature (see chart below). Cook to an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F. Remove the dark sections and reheat the oil. Then fry the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F.



Amount of Oil

Many turkey fryers feature a “fill line” indicating the suitable level of oil to add to the pot, but if that feature is absent from your fryer, follow these guidelines before marinating the turkey:

Place the thawed turkey in the fryer basket and place in the empty pot. The minimum oil level should be 3 inches to 5 inches from the top of the fryer. Add water until the top of the turkey is covered. Remove the turkey, allowing the water to drain from the turkey. Note the water level, using a ruler to measure the distance from the top of the pot to the surface of the water.

Drain or pour out the water and dry the pot thoroughly. If the fryer has a drain valve, be sure there isn't any excess water in the spigot. Open the valve to drain the water and remember to close the valve before adding oil.

There are turkey fryers that don’t require oil. New outdoor, oil-less turkey fryers use infrared heat - a technology popular in gas grills - to cook and the result is a juicy, tender bird with crispy skin.

Cooking Preparation

Remove the turkey from the wrapper. Be sure to save the label that indicates the weight of the turkey. Use the turkey’s weight to compute the total frying time.

Thaw the turkey completely. Remove the neck and giblets from the two body cavities.

Heat the oil to the desired temperature shown on the chart below.

While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired. If injecting a marinade into the turkey, puree ingredients so they will pass through the needle. Even so, you may have to strain the mixture to remove larger portions.

For whole turkeys, inject 60 percent marinade deep into the breast muscles, 30 percent into the leg and thigh muscles and 10 percent into the meaty wing section. Do not inject the marinade just under the skin as a water-based marinade will result in the hot oil popping and splattering.

Remove any excess fat around the neck to allow the oil to flow through the turkey.

Remove the wire or plastic truss that holds the legs in place (if applicable). Cut off the wing tips up to the first joint and cut off the tail.

Remove the pop-up timer from the breast (if applicable).
Do not stuff turkeys for deep frying.
To reduce spattering, thoroughly dry the interior and exterior of the bird.

After adding marinades and/or seasonings, place the turkey in a clean roasting pan on the countertop for no more than 30 minutes to 45 minutes. This allows the marinades and seasonings to permeate the turkey and raises the turkey’s internal temperature so as to create less splatter during the frying process.

Test for Doneness – Turkey’s Internal Temperature

Remove the turkey and check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F to 170°F in the breast and 175°F to 180°F in the thigh.

more info visit
http://www.eatturkey.com/consumer/cookinfo/fryturk.html

we fried a turkey for the first time 4 years ago and never looked back...omg its so good..lol

whipped sweet potato soufflé

this is another family recipe with no measurements...so ill do the best i can...lol

4 baked sweet potato's
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
3 tablespoons of ground Cinnamon
3 tablespoons of nutmeg
stick of melted butter
1 tablespoon of vanilla
pinch of salt
2 Eggs
1/2cup to 1 cup of half and half
raisins (optional)
marshmallows

Peel the sweet potatoes and place in a bowl. On high whip the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and the strings are gone. Clean your beaters (if needed) then add the sugars, butter,salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste the mixture. It should be a little more sweet than you prefer. If its not sweet enough or you prefer more nutmeg or cinnamon add it now.

After the taste is desired add the eggs, half and half and raisins.

butter a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350 until the top is somewhat brown and the mixture has set up. Put the marshmallows on top of the dish and put back in the oven until the top is brown (about 10minutes)

enjoy:dance:

Easy Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
2 Lbs of New Potatoes
3 Cloves of Pealed Fresh Garlic
1/2 Cup of Half and Half (or milk is fine)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 Stick of Butter
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Slice the Potatoes and boil with the cloves of Garlic in a large pot until tender.

Drain the Potatoes and Garlic and add back to the pot. Add the butter, and milk and mash to desired texture. Stir in cheese. Salt and Pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chives.

Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese

1lb of Elbow Macaroni
1 stick of Velveeta Cheese
1 bag shredded cheese
1 can of evaporated milk
1-2 sticks of butter
salt to taste

Boil the Elbow Macaroni cheese to the aldante stage. Drain.

In a well buttered baking dish place a layer of Macaroni on the bottom of the dish. Place pats of butter all over the noodles. Layer slices of Velveeta over the butter. Then layer a thin layer of shredded cheese over the Velveeta. Repeat this process until the dish is filled.

Layer shredded cheese over the top layer.

Pour a can of evaporated milk over the dish. If the milk doesn't come half way up the dish add more until it does. Bake at 375degrees until the top is browned and the edges are bubbly.

I'm infatuated with you. :(
 
Sweet Tamarind BBQ Sauce


4 Tbsp minced ginger
1 #10 can ketchup
14 oz water
1/2 cup worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cup tamarind paste(see pic)or cleaned and minced fresh
1/2 cup molasses
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp fresh garlic
1/3 cup sesame oil

Puree all ingredients, refrigerate, use for the next day


tamarind-product.jpg
 
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