ham bone with ham meat still on it
6-8 potatoes
4-5 cups fresh green beans
2 bay leaes
chicken boullion
3 TB butter
apple cider vinegar
Place ham bone in large soup pot. Cover with water. Add 2 TB chicken boullion and 2 bay leaves. Bring to boil then turn heat to low and simmer 3-4 hours. Remove ham bone, meat, and bay leaves.
Let ham cool while you peel potatoes and clean and cut green beans.
Add potatoes to broth, turn up heat and begin simmering. Let cook 10 minutes or so. Add green beans to broth and cook both beans and potatoes for 10 more minutes. Add 2-3 TB butter into bean and potato mixture.
While vegetables are cooking, remove ham meat from bone and cut into chunks. Add meat back to broth and veggie mixture.
Add more chicken boullion to achieve desired taste.
When serving, drizzle about 1 TB apple cider vinegar on top of each person's serving.
This is an Amish Pennsylvania Dutch recipe that my mom used to make for us all the time as I was growing up. It's healthy, warm, comforting, and affordable. I often asked for this for my birthday dinner.
Let me know how yours turns out! I'd love to hear from you!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Monday, August 22, 2011
UN-stuffed zuchinni
3 ribs celery chopped
6-7 white mushrooms sliced into fourths and then cut in half
3 zuchinni halved lengthwise, then cut lengthwise again, then cut middle/seeds/core away. Cut each "spear" into 5 pieces (about the size of your large toenail)
1 and a 1/2 pounds of ground beef browned and your favorite seasoning added. I used garlic salt and lemon pepper
2 eggs
3 cups favorite cheese. I used colby-jack
Brown ground beef and remove to separate bowl.
Stir fry celery 2-3 minutes in pan that had the ground beef in it.
Add mushroom and continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes
Add zuchinni pieces and continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes. Sometimes I put the lid on the pan and let it all steam a little to get the veggies cooked and softened slightly.
Return ground beef to pan with veggies. Allow all to cook through and veggies are ALMOST done.
Crack 2 eggs into the pan and stir the eggs into the mixture. As the eggs cook, the mixture will be slightly stuck together.
Sprinkle 3 cups of grated cheese over all and fold in. Mixture will be slightly gooey and stick together.
In the meantime, I cook our favorite quick noodles. Usually a Rice a Roni flavored noodle. Tonight's selection was a parmesan angel hair. (This is our favorite)
Serve a hefty spoon full of the zucchini alongside a spoonful of the noodles. (If you're brave, you can even mix them!)
Quite yummy!
I would love to hear from you if you try this.
6-7 white mushrooms sliced into fourths and then cut in half
3 zuchinni halved lengthwise, then cut lengthwise again, then cut middle/seeds/core away. Cut each "spear" into 5 pieces (about the size of your large toenail)
1 and a 1/2 pounds of ground beef browned and your favorite seasoning added. I used garlic salt and lemon pepper
2 eggs
3 cups favorite cheese. I used colby-jack
Brown ground beef and remove to separate bowl.
Stir fry celery 2-3 minutes in pan that had the ground beef in it.
Add mushroom and continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes
Add zuchinni pieces and continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes. Sometimes I put the lid on the pan and let it all steam a little to get the veggies cooked and softened slightly.
Return ground beef to pan with veggies. Allow all to cook through and veggies are ALMOST done.
Crack 2 eggs into the pan and stir the eggs into the mixture. As the eggs cook, the mixture will be slightly stuck together.
Sprinkle 3 cups of grated cheese over all and fold in. Mixture will be slightly gooey and stick together.
In the meantime, I cook our favorite quick noodles. Usually a Rice a Roni flavored noodle. Tonight's selection was a parmesan angel hair. (This is our favorite)
Serve a hefty spoon full of the zucchini alongside a spoonful of the noodles. (If you're brave, you can even mix them!)
Quite yummy!
I would love to hear from you if you try this.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Grilled Artichokes!
Grilled Artichokes!
4 medium sized artichokes
chicken broth
water
3 bay leaves
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Trim stem off bottom of artichokes.
Trim about 1 inch off leaves at top.
Place artichokes in large pot stem down.
Pour chicken broth over artichokes covering them about 3/4 of the way.
Add water if needed.
Add bay leaves, garlic, chili pepper flakes, and salt and pepper
Boil about 20 minutes till artichoke stem is softened but not mushy.
While artichokes are cooking make marinade.
Marinade
2/3 cup olive oil
3 TB soy sauce
3 TB water
3 TB balsamic vinegar
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
set aside to use later
Remove artichokes and drain. Allow to cool 15 minutes
Cut artichokes in half starting at stem end
Remove inner leaves and fuzzy "choke"
Brush marinade on inside of artichokes.
I also like to try to drizzle some INTO the leaves
Grill 4 minutes on each side, brushing with more marinade if you'd like
While artichokes are grilling, separate 1/2 cup marinade in small dish and add about 2 TB mayonnaise to make dip.
When artichokes are done, place on a dish with balsamic mayonnaise dip in the center for your guests to enjoy.
4 medium sized artichokes
chicken broth
water
3 bay leaves
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Trim stem off bottom of artichokes.
Trim about 1 inch off leaves at top.
Place artichokes in large pot stem down.
Pour chicken broth over artichokes covering them about 3/4 of the way.
Add water if needed.
Add bay leaves, garlic, chili pepper flakes, and salt and pepper
Boil about 20 minutes till artichoke stem is softened but not mushy.
While artichokes are cooking make marinade.
Marinade
2/3 cup olive oil
3 TB soy sauce
3 TB water
3 TB balsamic vinegar
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
set aside to use later
Remove artichokes and drain. Allow to cool 15 minutes
Cut artichokes in half starting at stem end
Remove inner leaves and fuzzy "choke"
Brush marinade on inside of artichokes.
I also like to try to drizzle some INTO the leaves
Grill 4 minutes on each side, brushing with more marinade if you'd like
While artichokes are grilling, separate 1/2 cup marinade in small dish and add about 2 TB mayonnaise to make dip.
When artichokes are done, place on a dish with balsamic mayonnaise dip in the center for your guests to enjoy.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Swiss Steak A.K.A. "Ultimate Comfort Food"
1-2 pounds cube steaks
1/4 cup flour
shortening
salt and pepper (I use garlic salt and lemon pepper)
4-6 ribs celery, chopped
1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
1 large (16 0z) can of diced tomatoes. I use the ones with herbs and spices
1 small can tomato sauce
4 TB worcestershire
1 TB Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup water or red wine
Cut meat into finger size pieces
place in large plastic bag
sprinkle flour, salt and pepper in bag. Shake bag to coat meat.
Meanwhile, heat several tablespoons of shortening in large frying pan.
Fry meat on all sides till brown.
Cover meat with celery and onion.
In 4 cup measuring cup mix tomatoes, sauce, worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
Pour 1/4 cup water or wine into pan with meat and veggies. Scrape bottom to loosen bits. Top with tomato mixture. Stir. Turn down heat and let cook on low-medium for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally. During last half hour, remove lid to allow juice to thicken.
Serve over mashed potatoes.
So yummy!
1/4 cup flour
shortening
salt and pepper (I use garlic salt and lemon pepper)
4-6 ribs celery, chopped
1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
1 large (16 0z) can of diced tomatoes. I use the ones with herbs and spices
1 small can tomato sauce
4 TB worcestershire
1 TB Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup water or red wine
Cut meat into finger size pieces
place in large plastic bag
sprinkle flour, salt and pepper in bag. Shake bag to coat meat.
Meanwhile, heat several tablespoons of shortening in large frying pan.
Fry meat on all sides till brown.
Cover meat with celery and onion.
In 4 cup measuring cup mix tomatoes, sauce, worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
Pour 1/4 cup water or wine into pan with meat and veggies. Scrape bottom to loosen bits. Top with tomato mixture. Stir. Turn down heat and let cook on low-medium for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally. During last half hour, remove lid to allow juice to thicken.
Serve over mashed potatoes.
So yummy!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Torie's Clam Chowder
My friend Torie served this to us on Friday for lunch last week at school. Let me just say, I think Torie is my new best friend. She knows how to make us teachers feel special, and comfort food at the end of a long week is one of the ways she does that. THANKS AGAIN, TORIE!
1-51 oz can of chopped clams
1 pkg of bacon chopped
1 cup minced onion
2 cup diced celery
3 cups cubed potatoes
2 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
1. Begin with all your veggies prepped. Pan fry the bacon till crisp, add veggies and sautee them until they have absorbed a lot of that bacon flavor. (Sometimes I split the carrots, onions, celery in one batch, then potatoes in another batch because otherwise it takes a really large pan). Season these veggies as you go, they don't need a whole lot of salt because you are cooking in the bacon fat, but taste every step as you go.
2. Drain juice from clams over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender. Season to taste.
2. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes just to get rid of that raw flour taste. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
3. Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
4. This soup really cooks quickly. If you start with your veggies all prepped, it will only take about 30 minutes. And it really doesn't get 'that' much better as it simmers (like most soups would). It's stove to table with a very full bodied flavor as if it has cooked all day. Add milk if it gets too thick :)
1-51 oz can of chopped clams
1 pkg of bacon chopped
1 cup minced onion
2 cup diced celery
3 cups cubed potatoes
2 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
1. Begin with all your veggies prepped. Pan fry the bacon till crisp, add veggies and sautee them until they have absorbed a lot of that bacon flavor. (Sometimes I split the carrots, onions, celery in one batch, then potatoes in another batch because otherwise it takes a really large pan). Season these veggies as you go, they don't need a whole lot of salt because you are cooking in the bacon fat, but taste every step as you go.
2. Drain juice from clams over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender. Season to taste.
2. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes just to get rid of that raw flour taste. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
3. Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
4. This soup really cooks quickly. If you start with your veggies all prepped, it will only take about 30 minutes. And it really doesn't get 'that' much better as it simmers (like most soups would). It's stove to table with a very full bodied flavor as if it has cooked all day. Add milk if it gets too thick :)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Signs of Spring
It all usually starts about Valentine's Day. I start looking for blossoms as I drive past the almond orchards on my way to school. This year, God's special Valentine came to me in the form of one perfect pinky/purplish blossom blinking its hello to me as I drove past the ornamental plum tree in my doctor's parking lot. The best Valentine's gift I ever got!
Next in line in the Spring parade are the lilacs. Their deep lavender color sends me right back to the backyard of my youth. I thought my dad was the most gifted gardener that ever lived. We had the prettiest yard in the neighborhood, and my mom often cut huge bouquets of gladiolas, calla lilies, roses, and snapdragons to put on the church altar. We had a huge lilac bush in the corner of the garden and I remember laying under that bush, staring up at the clouds through the clusters of fragrant blooms. I don't have any idea what I thought about during my youthful escapes, but the view of that dappled sunlight is so vivid I could swear I'm there now. My wonderful husband, Gary, has planted a lilac tree in the corner of our yard too. And for those of you who know him and have been to our house, you know he is one of the most gifted gardeners in the world! :-)
Before you know it, all my spring favorites are in bloom. There are daffodils of all sizes, clusters, and shades of yellow, cream, and orange. The iceland poppies wave hello to everyone who passes by. Their little round heads that bob in the wind right before they open remind me of some kind of party surprise. Before you know it, POP, the flower bursts forth with sunshiny shades of pinks, oranges, and yellows. Gary makes sure these happy flowers are in the front and the back so I can see them from everywhere.
Do I love Spring so much because the cold, gray dreariness of winter has left me longing for warmer, longer days? I think so. But I also know that these harbingers of Spring come just before my favorite holiday, Easter. Spring flowers symbolize what Easter is all about in my opinion. ..... the promise of New Life. This Spring, take time to notice the Signs of Spring, and enjoy them for the gifts that they are.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Unexpected surprises
The lilacs are blooming already. In fact, they're in full bloom and will be gone in a week or 2. Now, that's not really an unexpected surprise, but a day off today to enjoy them is. We needed to get our car into the shop to have it inspected/tuned up, so that left me with lots of quiet time to myself this morning.
Which was an unexpected thing. You see, I had an appointment scheduled, but the friend who I was supposed to meet is trying to get her little baby back to health. They found themselves in the hospital due to his illness. Hopefully he gets to come home today. Unexpected surprise, and not a very good one at that for them.
Seriously, is there anything worse than your kids being sick? or hurting? or floundering somehow? I can't think of anything. Of all the things that have caused Gary and I the most hurt and worry, it's our kids. Bumps on the foreheads needing stitches, broken arms, ear infections, weird rashes, calls in the middle of the night for pick ups...... from them, or the police..... yep, we've been through it all.
Where do you turn when life deals you an unexpected surprise?
RUN! Run to the arms of God, your Father. Tell Him your fears, worries, frustrations, and anger. Hold on to Him and His Word.
That's the only way I've gotten through any of my big unexpected surprises.
I got another unexpected surprise yesterday from Gary. He knows I love the Avila Beach area, so without asking, he just made reservations at a quaint little inn in the foothills over there for us during my Easter vacation week. What a lovely surprise! Ahhhhh, breathing in the fresh ocean air, taking long walks in the foothills, hot tubbin' it, walking on the pier, eating clam chowder, and time.... time to do nuthin'! and whatever we're wantin'. I am really looking forward to it.
So, back to the lilacs. I'm glad I got to enjoy my unexpected time with them this morning. But I do hope that my friend and her little Rusty are home and enjoying a long nap. In the meantime, I'm going to go see what else might be blooming out there. What else is God planting, fertilizing and watering for me to be surprised with?
Oops.... unexpected surprise #3. Mitchell just called and wants to know, if I'm not too busy can I bring him a soda and some crackers.... HA HA HA! I'm glad I'm home and can do this for him today.
Let me know how you were unexpectedly surprised lately. I'd love to hear from you!
Which was an unexpected thing. You see, I had an appointment scheduled, but the friend who I was supposed to meet is trying to get her little baby back to health. They found themselves in the hospital due to his illness. Hopefully he gets to come home today. Unexpected surprise, and not a very good one at that for them.
Seriously, is there anything worse than your kids being sick? or hurting? or floundering somehow? I can't think of anything. Of all the things that have caused Gary and I the most hurt and worry, it's our kids. Bumps on the foreheads needing stitches, broken arms, ear infections, weird rashes, calls in the middle of the night for pick ups...... from them, or the police..... yep, we've been through it all.
Where do you turn when life deals you an unexpected surprise?
RUN! Run to the arms of God, your Father. Tell Him your fears, worries, frustrations, and anger. Hold on to Him and His Word.
That's the only way I've gotten through any of my big unexpected surprises.
I got another unexpected surprise yesterday from Gary. He knows I love the Avila Beach area, so without asking, he just made reservations at a quaint little inn in the foothills over there for us during my Easter vacation week. What a lovely surprise! Ahhhhh, breathing in the fresh ocean air, taking long walks in the foothills, hot tubbin' it, walking on the pier, eating clam chowder, and time.... time to do nuthin'! and whatever we're wantin'. I am really looking forward to it.
So, back to the lilacs. I'm glad I got to enjoy my unexpected time with them this morning. But I do hope that my friend and her little Rusty are home and enjoying a long nap. In the meantime, I'm going to go see what else might be blooming out there. What else is God planting, fertilizing and watering for me to be surprised with?
Oops.... unexpected surprise #3. Mitchell just called and wants to know, if I'm not too busy can I bring him a soda and some crackers.... HA HA HA! I'm glad I'm home and can do this for him today.
Let me know how you were unexpectedly surprised lately. I'd love to hear from you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)