Yes, even here in the hills the weather is getting warm enough to grill. I will start soon with some yummy recipes for grilled everything so stay tuned.
Also, please do feel free to submit some of your own grilling ideas. I just did some veggies on a cedar plank that I bought originally for salmon and boy Mmmm good.
Let’s get creative with some great summer ideas.
Take a 12 oz. bag of Green Giant Broccoli and Cauliflower Medley and cut off a corner. Put in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper taste, and 2 tablespoons of water or broth. Microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and pour into a bowl.
Yes, that is all. I use this mix for salads because I do not particularly like raw veggies in salads. I also eat them out of hand. Best of all, put in a microwave safe bowl and add a bit of grated cheese and cook until cheese is melted.
Store in the fridge in a plastic covered dish or a sealed plastic bag. This veggie mix, or any other combination from a 12 oz bag, keeps in the fridge for several days, but believe me, you will have eaten it well before then.
I have not started Spring Cleaning quite yet as there is still snow on the ground here, but I have started to go through my huge hoard of old books. I save old cookbooks like some people save coins in a coin jar and periodically I go through and either inventory or purge.
Often I find some oldies but goodies that I like to review and share. today I found:
Dig through some of your old books and see what you can find.
A vegetable that has recently come into it’s own is Brussels Sprouts. Yes, that is correct BTW-it is not Brussel Sprouts, it is actually Brussels Sprouts. If you do not get them just at soft ripeness, they can be bitter. If you really really do not like them, trying to make them taste different is hardly worth the trouble. So, if you think you might like to give Sprouts another try or if you have not had them for a while, they are a good cold weather veggie to try for something a bit different. They have tons of nutrients and a couple of trace minerals too! Try this method then add to it or not, as you like. I am just putting ingredients so add or subtract depending on how many servings you are making. Figure four sprouts cut in half per person.
Very Easy Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts cut in half rice vinegar
Olive oil brown sugar
a bit of grated ginger or powdered ginger-I like McCormick water
a little garlic salt
soy sauce-I use the low salt
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
For four servings I cut eight sprouts in half and saute in just a bit of olive oil. Use real olive oil, not a spray. You need it for the flavor. Add a pinch of the ginger, and garlic. Shake in soy sauce until it bubbles and makes some liquid in the pan. Add about two tablespoons of rice vinegar, one heaping tablespoon of brown sugar, and just a bit of water-about 1/4 of a cup. Saute until bubbling then add the sprouts and cook until medium soft.
You could add some chicken breasts to this or some beef strips or even tofu if you put in a bit more liquid. Remember tofu soaks up liquid. I serve this over rice or really just by itself if you don’t add a protein. Sprinkle with some chopped peanuts or snipped green onion tops for a presentation.
Watch the liquid and feel free to add more or less depending on how you like it or how you intend to serve this dish. It is very little trouble and made from on hand ingredients. If you do not use much liquid, it will caramelize and if you use more it will do well over rice to soak up flavor. Mmmmmmm!
A while back I asked if anyone had any good recipes for corn pudding and I got several. This was my favorite and it is so yummy! See what you think-I made several modifications and I will note them.
CORN PUDDING
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (I use Daisy Lite)
1 can whole kernel corn-completely drained
1 can creamed corn
1/2 cup butter melted (I use margarine)
1 package corn muffin mix (I use JIFFY)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (I did not add this.)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Combine all ingredients and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Butter or grease 9×13 baking dish. I did this in a big ceramic pie dish and it worked fine. Bake about 90 minutes but really watch it.
Stay tuned for more corn pudding recipes.
Does anyone out there have a recipe for corn pudding? I had some at a buffet the other day but could not find the person who made it. What a great dish!
It was baked in a large glass pan and placed in a flat basket and served with a spoon. It was pretty solid-did not run off the spoon. It had a sweet taste. Yummy! Any ideas? Please share.
I subscribe to several magazines since I write for two publications myself. I like to keep up with what is happening especially with regard to my two favorite topics-food and nutrition, and total lifestyle issues.
One of the magazines I take is called “allrecipes” and it is really interesting. For example, in a recent issue I found five really fabulous tuna recipes. Sure, I get out that old can of tuna at every opportunity. It is perhaps a holdover from my college “tuna and noodles” days, but I just love canned tuna. How about:
Any of these recipes would work with canned salmon too.
Also featured are themed menus, table settings, easy winter soups, and on and on. Next time you are at the grocery store, look for this magazine on the rack and try it.
There is nothing like a lo-cal breakfast that doesn’t seem as if it would actually fit the category. This morning I really had one. Check this out and share if you have another idea.
French Toast and Sausage With Fruit
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Break the egg into a shallow bowl and wisk gently. Dip the bread in the mixture and soak both sides. Cook equally on both sides in a non-stick pan. I use a squirt of PAM Butter Flavored Spray here but you really do not need to do this. Microwave sausages. Mix fruit and yogurt in a cup. Serve quickly while hot.
Bread-40 calories
Yogurt-70 calories
Fruit-70 calories This is a lo-cal recipe in anyone’s book!
Sausage, 75 calories
Egg-60 calories
Calorie total-315. I splurge here and put a Tablespoon of jam on my French Toast. I like the sugar free that has 35 calories.
By request from someone who does not like cheese fondue:
Chocolate Fondue
Heat milk, vanilla and butter just until it simmers then stir in other ingredients. Remember to chop the chocolate into small pieces. Put this all in your fondue pot and set to low. Serve!!
I like to dip marshmallows, sugared gum drops, dried fruit or pieces of graham crackers. For real decadence, dip pieces of Snickers bars. MMMM!
Oh, Yes, Dear Uphill Skaters-/vintage is hot, as all of us HGTV fans know for sure! So, how about food/cooking trends. Well, yes, no exceptions here. I recently returned from trendsetter USA-California, Southern that is, and the new food trend is (I bet you will never guess) FONDUE!!
I got home and immediately went on line and ordered the cutest fondue pot you have ever seen since the 80’s. The actual company I ordered it from is called NOSTALGIA, so we know there is no kidding around here. I am enclosing a picture of the pot, and just for fun-a couple of really great recipes. BTW, if you do not want to do any genuine fondue making, get yourself down to a Trader Joe’s and buy the Swiss Fondue frozen package. It is delicious!!
CHEDDAR CHEESE FONDUE
3/4 cup apple cider
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I like extra sharp)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch (This bonds and thickens)
A loaf of French bread cubed to the size you like
Put everything into your pot and gently stir until melted. No wonder fondue has made a comeback. How easy can you get?? Enjoy!