Monday, November 1, 2010

Eggplant Lasagna

There is nothing like Eggplant combined with tomato sauce. No mTter how many different ways you cook it, it always tasted best accompanied by the flavor of tomatoes. This recipe is a great way to make Lasagna without carbs, by replacing the noodles for eggplant.

Eggplant Lasagna

Begin by slicing the eggplant into rounds and soak in spices for 30 min. I usually use salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.

Prepare the vegetable filling: cut tomatoes, squash and onions into chunks. Add 1 can mushrooms or handful of fresh mushrooms, mix with generous amounts of marinara or tomato sauce.

Prepare cheese filling: mix 1 container Ricotta Cheese, 2 containers cottage cheese and handful mozzarella cheese.

Layer the eqqplant as you would with Lasagna, first place the eggplant, followed by the vegetable filling and then the cheese filling. Repeat 3 times and bake at 350 for 45 min...

Monday, October 18, 2010

Rainy BBQ

Yesterday the weather was so glorious and I got so in the mood to BBQ. So I decided tonight Rain or Shine were going to BBQ, except its raining not shining.
On tonights menu, is Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Teryaki Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Curly Fries, Cole Slaw and Potato Salad. This is our typical BBQ menu, however sometimes we substitute one thing for another. One thing we never leave out though is Cole Slaw.
Cole Slaw:
1 bag Cole slaw
1/4 c. sugar
1/4. vinegar
1/4. water
3 tbsp mayonnaise
salt, pepper to taste.

Rainy BBQ

Yesterday the weather was so glorious and I got so in the mood to BBQ. So I decided tonight Rain or Shine were going to BBQ, except its raining not shining.
On tonights menu, is Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Teryaki Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Curly Fries, Cole Slaw and Potato Salad. This is our typical BBQ menu, however sometimes we substitute one thing for another. One thing we never leave out though is Cole Slaw.
Cole Slaw:
1 bag Cole slaw
1/4 c. sugar
1/4. vinegar
1/4. water
3 tbsp mayonnaise
salt, pepper to taste.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Apple cake muffins

I was just on the phone with my sister telling her I need a new recipe. I get bored very easily of the foods I make. My sister always makes these muffins and there is never any left.

Muffins
3 c. Flour
2 c. Sugar
1 c. Oil
4 eggs
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c. Orange Juice
Set aside

Filling
7 apples grated or diced
4 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Layer a tbsp batter, then some filling, then more batter. It makes 15-18 muffins. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. This recipe can be made in a 9/13. Layer half the batter, then the filling and then rest of the batter. The 9/13 will need to bake 50 min to 1 hr.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

What's for Dinner?

Hey guys, what are you making for dinner tonight? For me, I always make dairy on Thursday nights. Currently in my oven, I have Salmon with a mustard vinaigrette, Eggplant Parmesan and Corn on the Cob for the kids... I will cut up a fresh salad later.  Feel free to post what your making for dinner. Let the ideas go round and round... Happy Cooking.

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

I was very excited when I found canned pumpkin at the supermarket this week. I've been looking for a while, and I have not found. Last year there was a pumpkin shortage, so this year I stocked up plenty.
I wasn't sure what to put up on the blog for today and was thinking of some ideas. Later on, my father was over and asked for some cake. I sliced a peice of my pumpkin pie, he takes a bite and he looks at me and said "is this recipe on your food site" I first laughed and then said here is my answer......
The best part of this recipe is there are no eggs, and is very easy to make dietetic by substituting applesauce for oil, and splenda for sugar.
I remember the first time I tasted this cake, I went to visit a friend and she served me a piece. I asked her what it was and she told me, first taste it then I'll tell you. It's been a winner since then and a weekend staple in the winter.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
1 c. Oil
1 c. Chocolate chips
1 15 oz canned pumpkin
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. Sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Bake in a bunt pan for 1 hr and 15 min (depending on your oven) on 350
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Veal scalopinni

Our dinner menu for tonight is Yankee Bean soup, sliced potatoes and Veal Scalopinni. I like making the veal because it's very soft, flavorful and tender. It's light on the stomach and the waist. Veal can be prepared many different ways, but here is one of my favorites.

Veal Scalopinni:
Sautee mushrooms and onions with garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Place Veal cutlets in a pan. Sprinkle some paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on the raw cutlets. ( I usually sprinkle paprika very generously) Pour the mushroom mixture on top, add 1 c. Water to pan. Place in the oven and bake for 2-3 hrs until very tender on 350.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Salami and Franks

I made this recipe countless times this past month with the same results each time, there was never enough. The original recipe I got from a friend and I added the franks. It's simple, easy and delicious. Since there really is no preparation involved, I like to make it fresh.

1 whole Salami (not dried) cut into thin slices
1 pkg cocktail franks (mini franks)
1 1/2 c. Maple syrup
1 1/2 c. Mustard

Bake at 350 for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs covered. I'm serving this tonight for dinner though not sure yet if I will leave out the franks or not.
Kuddos to F.P for the recipe.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

It's not just chicken.

Sorry readers, I was away for 2 weeks and had very limited Internet connections. I missed posting blogs but I did come up with some terific recipes that I can wait to share. I love to make this chicken when I have to send stuff into people, the flavor is wonderful, the presentation is and finally while it seems that so much preparation went into the dish, rather it's so simple.

1 package chicken
3 tbsp of all of the following:
Ketchup
Mustard
Soy sauce
Duck sauce
Mayonaise
Lemon juice
Vinegar
Sesame seeds

Bake at 350 covered for 1 1/2 hours and 30 min uncovered

The basic idea I had seen in a cookbook a few years bag, I however changed it around to suit our tastes. Note, this chicken goes best with plain rice and vegetables, the sweetness of the chicken will sweeten your plate as well.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Garlic Potato Kugel

Who doesn't love potato kugel? Potato kugel is one of those foods that always goes on all occasions. The thing i dislike is they never come out the same. The second problem is that most potato kugels only taste good fresh. Well here is a wonderful solution, the texture and flavor of this kugel allow it to taste delicious from the freezer. Now I have never frozen potato kugel before, but trust me this one you can. Kudos to my niece SLG for this delicious recipe. 

Garlic Potato Kugel:
5 lb potatoes
1-2 onions
2 garlic cloves
Blend all three ingredients together in the food processer. Place the mxture into a bowl.
Add: 4 eggs
1/2 - 1 c oil
1 tbsp salt
pinch of pepper.
Bake in the oven 375 for 1 1/2 - 2 hrs

If you choose to freeze it, wait till the kugel completely cools before freezing. Take it out of the freezer and stick directly into a warm oven for 1-2 hours (depending on the temperature) before serving.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Dairy Delights

Who loves dairy? I do, hubby thinks dairy doesnt constitute as dinner. So i make it anyways, and after he eats the entire thing he loos at me and sais "so, whats for dinner?" Here is a delicious dairy recipe thats perfect for the kids thursday night dinner, or delicous lunch for the picky men.

Cheese Latkes:
1/2 c. cottage cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1/2 c. flour
1/4 c.sugar
pinch of salt
( i always double the amount)
fry them in pam or oil.

I happen to dislike cottage cheese very much, but for some reason i never taste the cottage cheese in it. I got this recipe from my son's first babysitter, she made them for him all the time. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Creamy Salmon

My hubby can eat fish every day if I would make it. The problem is that I hate fish. Being, that it is his favorite food though, I decided to learn to cook it. In the meantime, I started to love making fish, I still wont eat it. This is a winner recipe that my SIL gave to me.

Creamy Salmon:
1/2 c water
1 c vinegar
1 c lemon juice
4 tbsp salt
2 c. sugar
Mix the above ingredients to combine the sauce. Cook 4 pieces of salmon in 1/2 the sauce on a low flame for 15 min. (you can cook the fish in a 9/13 pan on the fire if you dont have a fish pan)
When its finished spill out the juice that the fish cooked in, then take the reserved sauce and add:
7 tbsp mayonnaise
1 onion cut in rings
bay leaves
Mix the new sauce together pour over the fish and bake for 20 minutes on 350 uncovered.

I usually serve fish with either a side salad, steamed vegetables or  baked potato.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Super Easy Stuffed Cabbage

It's that time of year again, time to start making those stuffed cabbages. I used to make these recipes that took so long and were so annoying, I finally came up with a much easier version.

There are all sorts of different ways to prpare the cabbage to be soft. I have tried the freezer method, the microwave etc..., however I have found that boiling the cabbage is the easiest. Begin by coring the cabbage 2-3 inches deep all the way around. Place the cabbage in a pot and bring to boil, and cook for about 30 min. When it cools, remove the cabbage from the head.

Meat Mixture
2 lbs chopped meat
2 eggs
Ketchup
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Fried onions
1/4 uncooked rice

Roll the meat mixture in the cabbage leaves and place seam side down in a 9/13 pan. (I like using these pans because I bake and then freeze them in the same pan, as opposed to a pot) I usually put 8-10 pieces in a pan. Pour sauce on top and bake 250 6-8 hrs. Check it it may need longer or shorter depending on your oven.

Sauce
The sauce recipe is for 1 9/13 pan. If you use 1 head and 2 lb chopped meat you should get around 2 or more pans. Make the sauce recipe as many times as the pans you have.
1 can tomato sauce
Fill the can halfway with water
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 apple diced tiny

As an alternative, I usually make the stuffed cabbage sugar free. I substitute the sugar for splenda. It tastes exactly the same. Enjoy and happy cooking.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Potato-Noodle Soup

Ladies, the forecast is starting to feel a little chilly, Nothing like a yummy soup to keep you warm on a cool fall day.

Potato - Noodle Soup
Sautee 2 medium onions diced and 2 tbsp butter
add: 2 Tbsp flour
mix and add:
3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
4 c. water
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp peper
Cook for 45 min until creamy
Optional: last 15 minutes add: 1/4 c. raw egg noodles.

Thank you, Miriam S or this delicious recipe

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Beef Wellington

I have had alot of requests for this recipe so here it is:::::


Beef Wellington:
I usually buy the pre- cut sheets of puff pastry dough, buy any will work. My favorite meat to use is minute steak. I take a piece and cut it into a few smaller pieces. Begin by sauteing mushrooms and onions until golden. Add garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Place some of the mixture into a puff pastry sheet with a piece of minute steak on top. Afterwords, tuck all the corners under until it resembles a pillow. At this point I like to freeze raw if I wont be serving them until a later date. When your ready to bake, egg the top sprinkle some sesame seeds and bake at 350 for an hour. Serve with your favorite mushroom sauce.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Labor Day cook off

I always loved Labor Day. To me, it always felt like the last rendezvous of the summer. School were starting and the partying was over. One of the best ways to celebrate was with and end of the summer BBQ with out friends and neighbors. BBQ are always a lot of fun, and they created the perfect relaxed atmosphere. Whether it was burgers or hot dogs, steaks or kabobs everything always tasted delicious. Lately, I have been trying to "spice up" the BBQ and think of new things to grill. I finally found a winner of a recipe in a magazine. I played around with it until I created my own version and I hope you enjoy.

Sausage-Pepper Kabobs
Mix:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp oregano
Salt, pepper, garlic and steak seasoning

Cut onions, peppers and sausages or hot dogs into 1 inch chunks.alternate onto a stick, brush with oil mixture and place on hot grill for 10-12 minutes.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sunday Funday

Who hates cooking on Sundays? I most certainly do. When I was growing up, we always had leftovers from the weekend for Sunday night dinner. When I got married, my husband decided he doesn't eat leftovers. So I started "pre-overs" where I would make extra food for the weekend, and serve it Thursday night. That still left no solution for Sunday night though. So being that I always have so much food left over, I try to make one fresh thing for Sunday dinner, to serve with the leftover.

Sauteed deli sandwich

Cut up peppers, onions and mushrooms and sauté till golden in olive oil. Sprinkle some spices onto. When fully sauteed, remove to plate. Cut up your favorite cuts of deli meat and sauté in the same pan with BBQ sauce. Serve the meat and vegetable on a fresh steak roll or the bread of your choice.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Weekend Special

Thank Goodness Its Friday!!!!!! Weekends are about relaxation, and spending quality time with those we love. Whether its just your family or your having guests, this salad is a real winner. Kudos to my Mother-In-Law for this delicious salad.

Portabello Mushroom Salad

Portabello Mushrooms
Slice the mushrooms into long thin strips. Lay flat out on a pan and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and a few shakes of soy sauce. Broil in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
When your ready to start serving, put the mushrooms in the bowl, slice a small container of cherry tomatoes in half, and cut 2 avocados into chunks.

Dressing:
1/4 c. oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
garlic powder
salt
basil
oregano

Mix the salad well, and serve immediately.

****** please note there won't be a Saturday post ********

Thursday, September 2, 2010

I have to send in dinner to someone that just had a baby....

My friend Devora, posted that she always needs ideas what to send for supper to someone that just gave birth. I though to myself, wow that is a great idea for a post. I had not decided what to post for tonight so I figured all those ideas can wait. After childbirth many women are very tired and not always interested in a heavy meal. In addition, in order to help them regain their strengh and provide the proper nutrients for their nursing baby, I like to send in post baby dinners that are well balanced, nutritious and delicious.
As a mother of two boys, I have had my share of dinners being sent in. I can honestly say at that point I appreciated anything sent in, and the fact that I didn't have to be busy in the kitchen right after birth. Still we all make ourselves crazy to send in the prefect dinner.
In keeping with the "summer easy" theme, here is my idea for the perfect dinner.

Sweet Chicken
Saute 1 large onion, add mushrooms till golden
add:
 16 ounce jar apricot jam
1 cup ketchup
3 tbsp brown sugar

Bring to a boil, pour over 8 chicken legs and bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours covered followed by 15 minutes uncovered.
Serve the chicken with your favorite rice.

In addition I always like to send over a salad or vegetable as well as a soup. There is nothing like a fresh pot of soup for a new mother. I think any vegetable soup would go very well with this Chicken. For the salad, you can just cut up some romaine lettuce (or bag mix), pour in some shredded carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers and presto you have a delicious salad. Dress it lightly by pouring over some olive oil, lemon juice and spices.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Not Just another salad

In keeping with the summer light and easy trend, today's post will show you how a salad can go from being ordinary to extraordinary. My hubby's favorite food is salad so I'm always trying to think of new ways to turn a salad into a meal. A great winter idea, whip up a fresh batch of soup and dinner is ready.

Marinated chicken salad with Garlic parsley dressing

Marinated Chicken:
1 pkg boneless chicken breasts
4 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp honey
4 tbsp mayonnaise

Marinate the chicken and sear in a frying pan for a few minutes on each side. Slice into strips when fully cooked. This chicken is also delicious on it's own served with a side dish of your choice.

Cut up lettuce, tomato, cucumber, purple onion and strips of chicken. I like to sprinkle French's Fried Onions on top. Pour dressing, mix and enjoy right away.

Garlic Parsley Dressing:
1 c. Mayonnaise
1/3 c. Lemon juice and vinegar combined
1 tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 tbsp Mustard
2 frozen parsley cubes
2 frozen garlic cubes
Salt, and pepper

There will be leftover dressing, save in in the fridge for any salad for one week.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Do you like the look of our blog?

Pardon the mess but over the next few days we will be changing the look of our blog. Please comment about the look and if you would like to see something else. I appreciate your feedback.

Easy dinner 1-2-3 Tuesday

The summer is coming to an end, schools are starting again and many moms are having a hard time getting out of the "Mac and Cheese" summer menu. Here is a great idea for a quick and easy back to school dinner.

This one pan (disposable) dinner will not only take 15 minutes of active preparation, but even your fussy eaters will want more.

1 package of chicken legs
1 cup or basmati rice
1 cup duck sauce- sweet and sour style
2 1/2 cups water
Spices.
Place rice on the bottom of the pan, covered by the chicken. Sprinkle paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder on top. Pour the duck sauce followed by the water. Cover and bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours. Let it bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered.

Cucumber salad:
Slice your cucumbers and or onions, and peppers into thin rings. Place into desired bowl. Pour on 1/3 c vinegar, 1/2 c sugar or xylitol, and 3/4 c water. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

Getting Started

The most common nuisance of getting dinner ready, is when you don't have the ingredients you need in the house. I like to "plan" my meals on Sunday this way I can make sure to have everything i need in the house. That's not to say, that I don't have to make extra trips to the store......
On my blog, you will find a new menu every Sunday, plus fresh daily dinner recipes. Please make sure to check in every day for your fresh dinner ideas.