Rhubarb Crumb Squares

It can't get much simpler than this!  This was originally my Aunt Kay's recipe...it was called 'apple squares' and was made with tart cooking apples.  A crumb mixture is packed into a pan to form the base...with reserved crumbs sprinkled over the fruit. If you still have rhubarb in the garden, you might want to try these simple rhubarb squares.  If not...wait for the early apples (coming soon) and whip up some apple crumb squares.

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups chopped rhubarb
• sprinkling of sugar
•  dash of nutmeg

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt and butter and mix to form uniform crumbs.  
2. Use slightly more than half the crumbs to form base, pressing into a greased 9" x 12" pan.
3. Top with a layer of rhubarb.
4. Sprinkle with sugar and nutmeg.
5. Spread remaining crumbs evenly over rhubarb.
6. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
7. Cut in squares and serve.

*Substitute chopped or sliced cooking apples for the rhubarb and sprinkle with cinnamon instead of nutmeg.

Spring Salad with asparagus and green beans

On a recent trip to Denmark we were served a lovely salad at a "Taste of Spring" Buffet. It was beautifully garnished with tiny edible red flower petals. I've substituted the more available finely chopped red pepper.  

If you have edible flower petals available use them. 

I think it would be a lovely addition to a summer BBQ as you can prepare the vegetables ahead and assemble it at the last minute.

Here is my version of this spring salad:

• 1 shallot very finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 20-30 fresh green beans
• 4 hard boiled eggs
• packaged spring salad greens or red and green leaf lettuce
• 1/4 of a red pepper, chopped finely and blotted dry

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1 cup good virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
• salt and pepper

Method:

1. Place shallots in a small bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon oil. 
2. Stir to coat and let sit for about 1/2 hour.  This will remove that sharp raw taste from the shallots. 
3. Trim green beans and cut into 1 1/2" lengths.
4. Blanch beans for one minute in boiling water and immediately plunge into ice water. Remove as soon as they are cool.
5. Snap ends off asparagus spears and break into 1 1/2" pieces.
6. Blanch asparagus as you did with the beans.
7. Blot vegetables dry and set aside in a bowl.
8. For Vinaigrette: Mix oil, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest and seasonings in a blender or shaker.
9. Add shallots to beans and asparagus in a bowl.
10. Pour about 1/2 of the dressing over beans and asparagus and toss to coat. Let sit until serving time.
11. Arrange salad greens on a large serving platter.
12. Using a slotted spoon, arrange beans and asparagus on salad greens.
13. Scatter with chopped red pepper.
14. Finely chop 2 of the hard boiled eggs and arrange over salad.
15. Cut remaining eggs  into narrow wedges and garnish salad.
16. Serve with remaining dressing on the side. 

Serves 10-12 

Peach Melba Pancakes

Who wouldn't want to come to the table?

 Take advantage of all the fresh fruit available throughout this season. Fresh raspberries and sweet ripe peaches are a tasty pair and add nutritional value to a stack of pancakes. Make your raspberry sauce ahead of time and have your fruit cut up so that everything is  ready when the pancakes come off the griddle.

Ingredients: (makes 10-12 pancakes)

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground flax seed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Method:

1. Stir together dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl beat egg slightly with a fork and add buttermilk and melted butter.
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until well incorporated. 
4. Lightly spray griddle and heat. Using a 1/2 cup measuring helps to make pancakes uniform. Pour onto hot griddle until bubbly on top side, flip and cook several more minutes.

Warm Raspberry Sauce:

•  2 cups frozen raspberries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

1. Place frozen berries in a microwaveable bowl.
2. Sprinkle with sugar and cornstarch.
3. Cook for several minutes. Stir and cook one minute at a time until berries are cooked down and slightly thickened. Add lemon juice.
4. Strain hot berry mixture through a fine sieve. Discard seeds.

Fresh fruit: To serve 4

• 2 peaches cut up
• 1 1/2 -2  cups fresh raspberries

To Serve: Pour warm raspberry sauce over pancakes and top with fresh fruit.

Potato Bean Salad

 

Last summer, when Lovella and I were in Waterloo, we were guests at a pot luck hosted by the former president of Herald Press. It was delicious food, I must say. This is a recipe I asked for. I finally got around to making it. So, thank you, Joan.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mini red potatoes, cooked with peel
• 1 lb green beans, fresh or frozen (about 3 cups)
• 1 lb yellow beans ( I used 1 can yellow wax beans)
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped ( I used a small shallot)
• 2/3 cup chopped dill ( or 1-2 tsp dried)
• 1 cup mayo ( I used half mayo, half low fat sour cream)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In medium sized pot, cover potatoes with water, add 1 tsp salt, bring to boil and simmer for about 10 minutes or until done. Drain water and let cool. Cut in half.
2. Steam beans, making sure you don't overcook to keep color and rinse with cold water. I also boiled eggs to add. Cool eggs in ice water for ease of peeling.
3. Combine all ingredients and chill.

Mocha Mousse Torte

If you want a quick and easy dessert that is sure to please the taste buds, this dessert is for you.  I received this recipe from a dear woman in our church, Lena Braun who just recently passed away well into her 90's.  She loved to have people over and make them feel very special.  In fact she had us over and made this dessert for us nearly thirty years ago, and we still have fond memories of her. I just loved trying new recipes and she gladly shared her recipe with me, that I gladly share with you.

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• 1-400 gm / 11 oz bag of mini marshmallows
• 2 cups of whipping cream whipped
• 1 package chocolate wafer cookies
• 1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine

1. Take the serving cake plate you wish to use and place the ring of a 9" or 10" springform pan on the cake plate.
2. Place 12-14 wafer cookies around the springform ring.
3. Crush remaining wafers into crumbs and mix with 1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine.
4. Make a crust on the cake plate.
5. In a large microwave safe bowl put in the boiling water, instant coffee and marshmallows.
6. Melt the marshmallows in the microwave stirring every 45 seconds.  Watch the microwave carefully. It makes a huge mess if this gooey mixture boils over.....trust me, you don't want that to happen :)
7. Cool this mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour stirring at least three times as it cools so the marshmallows and coffee don't separate.
8. Whip the whipping cream until stiff.  Fold into the marshmallow mixture.
9. Pour into crust.  This is best served after it has been refrigerated for at least 8 hours or over night.

*For a gluten free option pour this filling into coffee mugs and serve as a mousse.

Chocolate Pudding - naturally gluten-free

Chocolate Pudding fills the spot of my earliest dessert memory !
 It has been a life-long comfort food even though my first memory of it involves something less than 'comfort' .
I was about 3 or 4 years old and I was sitting in my spot at the kitchen table - the window behind me.   Our home at the time was a little two room cottage without indoor plumbing or running water  -  I believe at that time we did not yet have electricity either. The wood stove Mom cooked on was also what kept our little house warm.
Mom had made chocolate pudding for dessert that day and I could hardly wait to eat it!
I remember Mom served it in soup bowls and handed me a generous helping.
I enjoyed  it  and wished for more.
Chocolate pudding has never been my Dad's favorite and I looked over to see that he was not finishing his serving.  I asked if I could have it and with a twinkle in his eye he gladly passed over his bowl and I eagerly ate it.
I still was not satisfied and asked Mom if there was any more.
I remember Mom's face as she asked, "You want MORE?"   but to my delight she got up and scraped the last of the pudding out of the pot into my bowl.
I had almost finished it when I began to have a funny feeling ... the pudding wasn't sliding down quite so easily but I tried to ignore the unfamiliar sensation.   I must have started to look a little green because suddenly Mom jumped up, grabbed the pudding pot and held it under my chin.
 Hmmm... how shall I say this delicately ?  I'm sure you guessed it - the pot was once again filled with chocolate pudding !
That experience, however, did not spoil my love of the simple dessert ... though I never again ate three generous helpings!

When I make it now it is a memory trigging taste taking me back to my childhood , something the packaged instant or cooked chocolate pudding just doesn't do  for me!   The flavour of the from scratch, home cooked pudding is just soo much better !
So here is my recipe ...

Chocolate Pudding

• 3 cups whole milk 
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder 
• 4 tbsp cornstarch 
• 1/2 cup sugar (less if your tooth isn't as sweet as mine) 
• 1 tsp vanilla flavouring 

1. Place milk in saucepan to heat,  reserving 1/2 cup 
2. Mix together cocoa, cornstarch and sugar and then sift to ensure a perfectly velvet smooth pudding
3. Stir dry ingredients into 1/2 cup milk , then add to heated milk 
4. Cook, stirring continuously  until it begins to bubble and the pudding thickens. 
5. Cool  
6. Garnish, if desired,  with toasted almonds and/or dab of whipped cream or ice-cream.  

PS. As noted by a commentor , this can be used as a pie filling. You may, however,  want to add a little more cornstarch  - maybe a couple of tsp more -- just to make the pudding a little stiffer. 

Creamy Broccoli Bake

This is a casserole presentation of broccoli that is nice for a change and would work well as a side dish with a barbecued steak or chicken breast.

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

1-1/2 lbs. of fresh broccoli, cut into pieces
1- (10-3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1- tablespoon chopped pimiento
1-1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup golden round cracker crumbs (6 crackers)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In covered microwave safe dish cook broccoli with a little water for 5 minutes on high. Drain. Turn into 1-1/2 court oven safe casserole dish. Combine soup, mayonnaise, cheese, pimiento, and lemon juice. Pour evenly over broccoli. Top with cracker crumbs.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings.

This is what it looks like before you bake it with the cracker crumbs on top...

Strawberry Chiffon Roll

Strawberry season has arrived and though this dessert can be made all throughout the year using frozen concentrate...there is nothing like the garnish of fresh strawberries on the side or some juicy ripe berries tucked inside the chiffon roll. 

Strawberry Chiffon Roll

• 4 egg whites
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup cake flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 125 ml / ½ cup strawberry lime daiquiri mix  frozen concentrate
• 2 cups fresh diced strawberries*
• 2 cups / 500 ml heavy cream for filling cake roll
• ½ cup  sugar
• 1 packet Dr. Oetker whipping cream stabilizer or a teaspoon instant vanilla pudding or dream whip

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Line a 11  X 15 inch or  38.7 X 26.1 X 1.91 cm jelly roll pan with parchment paper with two sides hanging over edge.
3. Wash a metal or glass bowl to be sure it is perfectly clean.  Add the egg whites and cream of tartar.
4. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.  Add the first part sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Put the egg yolks and oil and strawberry concentrate in a medium bowl and wisk together.
6. In a large bowl sift the flour, the second part of the sugar, the baking soda and salt together.
7. Add the strawberry mixture and combine to make a smooth batter.
8. Fold the egg whites gently into the strawberry batter until just combined.
9. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
10. While the strawberry chiffon roll is baking, barely dampen a clean teatowel with water and lay onto the counter.
11. When the cake tests done with a toothpick, remove the cake and put the teatowel on top of the pan and flip them together onto the counter.
12. Remove the pan and then roll the cake and the teatowel together from the short end.
13. Place on a cooling rack until completely cooled.
14. Whip the cream and sugar together until stiff.
15. Fold in the diced strawberries*
16. Unroll the strawberry roll, spread with whipped cream and roll back up.
17. Gently sift confectioners/icing sugar over top and garnish with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
18. Chill until ready to serve or freeze the roll (without fresh strawberries) on a cookie sheet and then wrap in plastic wrap for up to a week.  Slice while still partially frozen.

*The fresh strawberries in the roll are best if the roll is served the same day and the roll is not frozen. If you want to make the roll a day ahead or freeze it...simply serve the strawberries on the side.

Corn Cakes

These savoury corn cakes are a great side dish to your menu. To add a bit more zip serve with sour cream, salsa and extra herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 cups corn, cooked and drained
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Method:

1. In a medium size bowl combine dry ingredients with grated cheese and set aside.
2. In another bowl whisk together corn, buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour corn mixture over dry ingredients and stir just until moistened, like you would for a muffin batter.
4. Scoop batter for each cake on a hot grill (350º) which has been lightly greased.
5. They will spread a bit so no need to flatten them.
6. Cook for 4 or 5 minutes on one side, until brown at the edges, flip and cook another 4 minutes.
7. Yield: 7 cakes

Breaded Chicken Strips Gluten-Free

This is a new family favorite recipe. Easy to prepare, taste great fresh or as left overs warmed up the next day.

• 6 skinless chicken breasts -- ( or about one per serving) 
• 1/2 cup milk
•  1 crushed clove of garlic 
• 1/2 loaf of gluten-free bread crumbs.  ( I  much prefer using my own home baked bread to make the crumbs...  if a loaf is getting old - or baked specifically to make bread crumbs-  put it in your food processor to make fine crumbs.. Then leave sitting uncovered on the counter, stirring occasionally until well dried --  then store in refrigerator  in ziplock bag)  
• 1 cup Arrowroot starch flour,  spiced  to taste ( I use salt, pepper, anise seed, a little Thyme) 
• 2 slightly beaten eggs
• oil for frying - I use a mixture of olive and grapeseed

1. Marinate chicken in ziplock bag with milk and garlic clove for about 2 hours -- or longer 

2. Drain chicken  and cut breasts into 1/2 -3/4 inch wide strips

3. Place bread crumbs, Arrowroot starch flour and eggs in three separate bowls 

4. Assembly line fashion --  dip each 'finger' first into spiced flour then into eggs then roll in the breadcrumbs 

5. Fry in skillet with enough oil so chicken fingers are not sitting on bottom of pan --  they actually absorb less oil if they float in it then if they sit in it.

6. Serve hot !   Delicious !!!

Banana Honey Ricotta Muffins

I was using up a bit of this and that the other day and put together this quick little muffin with the two bananas, left over ricotta cheese and buttermilk that I had in the fridge.

They are moist and have a tender crumb with just a touch of sweetness.

• 2 medium very ripe mashed  bananas
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons liquid honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup  natural bran

1. Stir together all above ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Add in the dry ingredients below.

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

     3.  Stir until just combined and spoon into 12 medium cupcake liners.
     4.  Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 20 minutes.  While the muffins are baking, warm a tablespoon of honey to make it runny  and brush over the muffins as soon as you remove them from the oven.  Return to the oven for a few minutes to glaze the muffins.  Test with a toothpick to be sure they are baked through and the toothpick tests clean.

Cinnamelts

While doing road trips in the USA, we like to stop at McD*'s for coffee on occasion.  It's always a quick stop and the coffee is not bad.  And every once in awhile we order their cinnamon melts to go with the coffee.  Very tasty!  I decided that I would attempt a copykat version in my own kitchen one day...to have with a good cup of home-brewed coffee.  It was all good!  So now I'm sharing the recipe with you.

 
Dough

• 2 cups very warm water 
• 1/4 cup potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes) 
• 2 Tablespoons yeast (instant, fast rising) 
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1 Tablespoon salt 
• 2 eggs beaten 
• 1/2 cup butter (or margarine) 
• 6 1/2 cups flour 

  Cinnamon Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 3 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 cup butter (or margarine) melted

 Icing

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon white vanilla extract 

 Method

1. Stir together the water, potato flakes and sugar. 
2. Add eggs, softened butter, and yeast mixed with 3 cups flour. 
3. Beat with mixer on high speed. 
4. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a kneadable dough is obtained.
5. Knead well. 
6. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hours), before forming cinna-melts. 
7. Prepare cinnamon sauce by mixing the ingredients together.  Set aside.
8. Grease mini pie plates or over sized muffin pans.
9. Roll out dough (1/2 at a time) to about 1/2" thick.
10. Using a pizza cutter, cut 1/2" wide strips. Then slice these strips into chunks about 3/4" long.
11. Drop 6 chunks into the bottom of each 'cup'. Spoon over about 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sauce  over the dough.  Top with another 7 chunks of dough.  Drizzle over 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon sauce. Repeat for each cinna-melt cup.  Cover and allow to rise in warm spot for 30-60 minutes.
12. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes...until golden.
13. For icing, combine cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Add powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.  Beat until smooth.  Spoon icing over warm cinnamelts. Double the icing recipe if you like more than a drizzle!
14. Serve warm.  (Or wrap well, freeze to enjoy later.)
15. Yields 16 large cinnamelts.

 * This is actually a refrigerator dough, so it is a simple thing to use only half and place the rest in a greased, covered bowl in the refrigerator for later use.  It will be good for several days.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Another favorite cookie recipe from my mom, made so many times for all of her grandchildren as they were growing up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 Tbsp pancake syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Method:

1. Cream (room temperature) butter and shortening. Add in the sugars and syrup, beating until well combined, then the eggs and vanilla.
2. Add combined dry ingredients.
3. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Drop by Tbsp onto ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 375F for 10 minutes - for larger cookies - yielding 4 doz (8 minutes -  for smaller cookies - yielding 5 doz)
6. Leave on cookie sheets to cool.

Yogurt Parfait

This is more of a method than a recipe. It's a great way to serve yogurt with fruit and granola at a Brunch. I used an ice bucket to assemble the parfait. If you have a large group at your brunch you could use a standard trifle bowl for this, too. You would just need to increase all the ingredients.

One large bucket of vanilla yogurt - 2 lbs.
3-4 cups of granola
1 pound fresh strawberries cut into bite size pieces
12 oz. of fresh blueberries

Assemble and serve with small dessert cups.

Of course as with any recipe of this type you can add variations that your family would enjoy more. A different flavor of yogurt, or homemade yogurt. More berries such a raspberries and blackberries. You could add more nuts of your choice. Use your imagination and create!

Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole

I love meals that are all in one dish.  This recipe is easy to make, and loads of flavor if you like curry.  Here is what you will need~

• 1 cup of rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons curry
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cups of left over chicken
• 2 cups of broccoli
• grated cheese

1. Cook rice in the water following the directions for the rice you use.  
2. Saute onion in a bit of oil.  
3. Add the broccoli and chicken.
4. Stir together the soup, mayo and curry powder.
5. Add the soup mixture with the rice, chicken and broccoli
6. Put into a greased casserole dish.
7. Cover with desired amount of cheese, I use old cheddar.
8. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes,covered til heated through and cheese bubbles. (uncover for the last 10 minutes or so)

Serve with crisp fresh salad.  Serves 4-6.  this recipe doubles or triples very well, and is great for potlucks.

Great Grains Cookies

Bake some cookies and then pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee

.....and call the kids for cookies and milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp water
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 cup craisins
• 1 cup quick oats
• 2 cups Great Grains Blueberry Pomegranate ancient grains cereal OR 2 cups granola

Method:

1. Cream together butter, and both sugars.
2. Add eggs, vanilla and water and beat well.
3. In a large mixing bowl stir together all dry ingredients.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat until everything is well combined.
5. Drop mounds of cookie dough onto parchment lined baking sheets. 
6. Bake at 325º for 8-10 minutes. Edges should just start to turn brown. Do not over bake.
7. Let rest on baking sheets for 1-2 minutes and then remove to cooling racks.

Orange Fig Muffins

This recipe is an old one I like to go back to again and again. I have usually made it using chopped dates.

Ingredients:

• 1 large, seedless orange
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped dried figs (12 figs)

Method:

1. Peel orange, using potato peeler. Remove pith and discard. Divide orange into segments. Put thin peel, orange segments, sugar, eggs and oil into blender and blend until it resembles a smoothie.
2. Add these wet ingredients to combined dry ingredients in bowl, stirring just until mixed. If batter is too thick, add 1/4 cup orange juice - it will depend on how juicy the orange is.
3. Stir in chopped figs.
4. Divide into 12 prepared, medium muffin cups.
5. Bake at 400 F for 15 - 20 minutes.

Cookie Sandwiches

 These cookie sandwiches are a nice dessert treat for hot summer days. I made them fairly large but you could use a teaspoon to drop the batter on the pans and you would end up with cute little cookie sandwiches!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup rolled oats, quick cooking kind
• 1/2 cup coconut
• Vanilla ice cream, or your choice of flavor
• Toasted coconut

Method:

1. In a medium size bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats and coconut.
4. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend well.
5. Drop by tablespoon on parchment lined pans. Flatten just slightly.
6. Bake at 350º for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden in color. These cookies will spread during baking and you will end up with approx 3" cookies.
7. Once cookies are completely cooled, place a scoop of ice cream on a cookie, spreading it out with a knife, then place a second cookie on top.
8. Press down slightly so the ice cream is flush with the cookies.
9. Roll the sides in toasted coconut.
10. Wrap individually and freeze until firm.
11. Yield: 18 cookies = 9 sandwich cookies

Almond Blueberry Bread

Almond Blueberry Bread

This is a quick easy bread to make using Bisquick or another pancake and baking mix

Ingredients:
1 egg
3/4 cup of sugar
1- 1/2 cups milk
3 cups Bisquick mix
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan by greasing it. Beat the egg and add the sugar beating until well combined. Add the milk and Bisquick mix and beat well. Stir in almonds and almond extract. Carefully blend in blueberries. Pour batter in prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Ovens vary so check at 45 minutes. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes and then remove from pan onto wire rack to continue cooling. Slice and enjoy.

Beef and Corn Cups

Three of our grandchildren recently came for a 4 day visit and 

I was looking for something to make for supper that would appeal to their young, and sometimes fussy appetites.

I remembered making these for their Daddy many years ago and pulled out the recipe to give them a try.  Sure enough, they were as as much a success with today's children as for the previous generation.

For the beef mixture:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• 1/2 a red or yellow pepper chopped (opt.)
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1 cup corn - either canned or frozen
• 1/2 tin undiluted mushroom soup
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown ground beef with onion and pepper, drain any fat.
2. Add basil and corn and remove from heat.
3. Add just enough mushroom soup to moisten the meat and corn.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Set aside to cool.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Using an 8 cup measuring cup or bowl, melt butter in microwave.
2. Add flour and mix well.
3. Blend in milk a little at a time, stirring with a whisk until smooth.
4. Microwave for one minute at a time, stirring well each time.
5. Cook until it comes to a boil and thickens.
6. Stir in cheese until it melts and season to taste.

Note: I always use my microwave to make sauces but feel free to do it on the stove if that's your usual method.

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or margarine
• 3/4 cup milk

1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Cut in shortening or margarine.
3. Add milk and mix lightly with a fork until dough forms a ball.
4. Knead briefly by hand just until smooth. (about 12 times)
5. Roll out on a floured board to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Using a circle or scalloped edge cutter, cut circles to fit into your muffin tin.  I used a 4 inch cutter.
7. Tuck into muffin tins so that the biscuit lines the bottom and up the sides of each cup. 
8. If you like, cut small shapes (heart, star) from leftover dough.
9. Fill with cooled beef mixture and top with a cut out star or heart.
10. Bake in a 450º oven for 12 minutes or until biscuit edges are lightly browned.
11. Serve with Cheese sauce.

Peach Ice Cubes

When I came across a photo of peach ice cubes recently...I knew that was something I would like.  It seems others do as well...and have requested the recipe.  So I'll share my method...though I'm sure you can tweak it any way you like. Peach ice cubes are a most refreshing addition to ice-tea, lemonade or (my favorite) Fresca. 

• 3-4 cups of sliced peaches
• 1/4 cup sugar
• juice of 1 medium lemon

1. Put all ingredients in blender and pulse until smooth.  
2. Pour into ice-cube trays and freeze until firm.
3. Remove from trays and store in Ziploc bag.

Enjoy!

Seafood Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Crab and shrimp add elegance and flavour to these savoury appetizers. 

Ingredients:

• 8 large mushrooms, stemmed and cleaned (keep 4 stems)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp finely minced white onion
• 4 of the mushroom stems, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup soft cream cheese
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp panko bread crumbs
• juice of 1/4 of a lemon
• 1/4 cup crab meat, chopped fine
• 1/4 cup small shrimp, chopped fine
• 4 tsp Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Break stems off of mushrooms, saving 4 for the filling. Using a small spoon scrape the inside of the mushrooms clean. Wash thoroughly and dry on paper towel.
2. Melt butter in a non stick skillet and saute onions and mushroom stems until onions turn opaque.
3. While on low heat add cream cheese, cream, garlic, spices, bread crumbs. Stir well to combine and until cream cheese has melted. 
4. Add crab and shrimp. Stir well to combine. Squeeze lemon juice over mixture. Cook on low for 5 minutes. At this point you can allow to cool or fill mushrooms.
5. Place cleaned mushrooms into a baking dish. Divide filling between mushrooms. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan cheese. 
6. Bake in 400º oven for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

Sloppy Joes don't usually have kidney beans in the recipe but we like them and they stretch the meat and the nutrition further.  This will make enough to serve 25 adults. 

•  2.6 kg or about 6 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 large onions diced
• 2 cups of diced celery
• 3 large green peppers
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 - 398 ml  (14 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp. Worchestire sauce
• 2 tbsp. hot chili sauce
• 5 - 398 ml. (14 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can water
• 1 cup instant mashed potatoes

1. In a large stock pot, scramble fry the ground beef.  I find using a stiff egg lifter and chopping it works well. Drain fat.
2. Add the vegetables and continue to fry until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the seasonings and sauces and bring to a simmer. 
4. Add the kidney beans and water. 
5. Simmer for an hour, stirring often.
6. Add the instant mashed potatoes in the last 10 minutes of the simmer as needed to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve with fresh sliced rolls and offer grated cheddar as an option to sprinkle over the sloppy joes..

Nutella Rice Krispee Treats

It's that time of year when we are looking for a simple dessert for picnics, bbq's and camping trips.  Here's a bit of a twist on an old favorite...rice krispee squares laced with Nutella. They are a hit with 'kids' of all ages!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 5-6 cups rice cereal  

 Topping:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup Nutella

Method:

1. Heat marshmallows, butter and Nutella in glass bowl in microwave.  Stir every thirty seconds until smooth. 
2. Pour marshmallow mixture over rice cereal.  Stir to coat evenly.
3. Press mixture into a greases 9" X 13" pan.
4. For topping, combine ingredients in a glass bowl and microwave on high, stirring every 15-30 seconds until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.  Spread over pan of rice krispee treats.
5. Chill for an hour before cutting into squares.

Boston Brown Bread

This fruit filled loaf is not a traditional "Boston Brown Bread" but it's what my Aunt Emmy called it when she shared the recipe with me years ago.  

It's moist and keeps well in the fridge or freezer. 

 Spread lightly with butter or eaten plain, it's a favourite of mine.

• 2 cups water
• 1 lb. ( 3 cups) sultana raisins, rinsed well
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 
  
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 
  
• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Place 2 cups water and raisins in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, add butter and set aside to cool.
3. Preheat oven  to 325º and line 2 loaf pans with parchment paper or foil.  Set aside.
4. When raisin mixture is cool to touch, add sugar, cherries, juice, beaten egg and nuts.  stirring well with a wooden spoon.
5. Add remaining ingredients and stir again until dry ingredients are incorporated.
6. Spoon batter into pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake at 325º oven for 45-55 minutes or until cake tester comes out dry.
8. Remove loaves from pans but leave the foil or parchment paper on until they are completely cold.
9. This loaf slices best the second day.  Store loaves in refrigerator or wrap and freeze.

Rhubarb Chantilly Cream Pie

This is a nice light, slightly tart Rhubarb dessert.  Pour the filling in a ready made Graham Crust it becomes a Pie, or pour the filling in a Parfait Glass and it becomes a Mousse.  Either way it is a nice summer treat. This is enough filling for two pies or one night serve the dessert as a Parfait (served this way it is gluten free as well), next night bring the the pie to a potluck.

• 8 cups if Rhubarb, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
• 1 large 8 serving package of Strawberry flavored Jello
• 4 cups of chopped Strawberries
• 2 cups of whipping cream, whipped

1. Combine the Rhubarb and sugar in a pot.
2. On medium heat cook until the Rhubarb is soft about 15 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, add the Jello, stirring well until all the crystals are dissolved.
4. Put in the refridgerator until it begins to set and is the consitancy of raw egg whites.
5. Add the chopped Strawberries.
6. Fold in the whipped cream.
7. Pour into graham wafer crust.
8. This is enough filling for two pie crusts.
9. Top with additional whipped cream and decorate with Strawberries.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

With a hint of sweetness and bits of sweet potato flavour it is a perfect biscuit to serve up with chili or soup. These biscuits would also be wonderful slathered with honey butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 2 level tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed with fork
• 1/3 cup buttermilk

Method:

1. Combine dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
2. Using a pastry blender cut in butter till pea size pieces.
3. Combine mashed sweet potato and buttermilk. Add to flour mixture stirring just until combined. It will still be crumbly at this point.
4. Turn mixture out on counter and knead lightly just until it all comes together in a ball.
5. Pat out dough to desired thickness, approx 3/4" thick.
6. Cut into biscuits, I used a 3" round cookie cutter.
7. Place biscuits on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
8. Bake at 400º for 15 minutes.
9. Serve warm with your chili.
10. Yield: 10 biscuits

Onion Babies

Onions are inexpensive and readily available. Most often we add them to a recipe which for added flavour, but these little onions stand on their own. It's all about the little pickling onion which is a dry small brown or white onion, which is easy to find. The next time you are looking for that perfect little addition to barbecued steak or chicken, or to add to a hot appetizer tray try these! Thyme and bread crumbs are baked crisp on top of these mild tasting onion babies. I think you're going to like these!

Ingredients:

• 12 pickling onions, trimmed and peeled
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp thyme leaves, (not thyme powder)
• several grinds of salt and cracked pepper
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• olive oil,

Method:

1. Heat oven to 375º. Peel and trim on end of onions.
2. Place onions in a small sauce pan with a an inch of boiling water. Allow onions to cook for 3-4 minutes, until they just start to open.
3. Carefully using a slotted spoon take the onions out of water and place on a baking dish. Stand them as best you can so the end that looks most like a 'blossom' is standing up.
4. Combine bread crumbs with the melted butter, thyme leaves, salt and pepper.
5. Using a small spoon top the tender onions with the crumb mixture, carefully pressing it into the layers of the onions.
6. Drizzle each onion with a little bit of olive oil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown. Serve these little onion babies hot!

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Adding  oatmeal and walnuts into muffins  adds additional nutritional value and keeps us satisfied longer.  If I am serving muffins for a coffee break...

I sometimes pipe some soft butter on top and set out some knives. 

• 2 large  ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup low fat unflavored yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mash the banana in a large bowl and then add the remaining wet ingredients and whisk until well combined.
3. Add the oatmeal and allow it to sit while you combine your dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
4. Add in 3/4 cup of the walnuts (reserve some to sprinkle on top)
5. Using a large spatula, fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until the dry ingredients no longer visible.
6. Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray and divide the batter evenly between them.
7. Sprinkle with the remaining walnuts and bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick tests clean and they are nicely browned.
8. Allow to cool a few minutes and then let them finish cooling on a cooking rack.



Scalloped Potatoes

Like most recipes, I've adapted or don't cook it exactly the same every time, but the original recipe comes from the Old Mennonite Treasury.

Ingredients:

• 6 - 7 large russet potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 1 cup milk
• salt and pepper
• paprika

Method:

1. Peel and thinly slice potatoes and onion
2. Mix soup and milk, blending well
3. Arrange half of the potatoes in a buttered dish. Shake some salt and pepper all over.Top with onion and pour 2/3 of the soup mix evenly over top.
4. Arrange the rest of the potatoes, a little salt and pepper and the rest of the soup. Sprinkle with paprika.
5. Cover dish and bake at 375 F for 60 - 90 minutes. If you like the top a bit crispy, remove cover for final 15-30  minutes. Although the potatoes may be done in 1 hour, I like to put them in a bit ahead of time, just in case. There is nothing like waiting for potatoes to get done, and they taste better when they are cooked longer. You can always just cover and let them sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Spicy Ranch Chicken

This is a very simple crock pot chicken recipe that only takes 3 ingredients.

1 Whole Chicken with majority of skin removed
2 cups prepared Ranch Dressing
1 – 10 oz. can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

Spray crock pot with Pam. Pour 1 cup of the Ranch dressing in bottom of crock pot. Place whole chicken, breast side down, on the dressing. Pour the other cup of dressing on top of the chicken. Top with the can of diced tomatoes and chilies.

Cook on high for 1 hour and lower heat to low and cook for 4-5 more hours.

Remove the chicken and cut into pieces discarding any gristle and loose bones. Whisk the sauce remaining in the crock pot. Place chicken back into sauce. I served this with prepared rice and it was tasty without any need for more seasoning. You can serve some good hearty bread and a green vegetable with it to make a balanced meal.



Notes: If Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies aren’t available where you live any canned chopped tomatoes with chilies will work. Rotel has an extra spicy kick to it that we enjoy. If you’d like the sauce to be more gravy like you could add your favorite thickener to the sauce.

Cheese Straws

I have had these tasty little treats elsewhere...but recently made them up at home.  They are quick to make and make a great addition to a buffet table...alongside other appetizers. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup butter, grated
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water

 
Method:

1. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper (or grease).
2. Combine flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt,  grated cheese and butter.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Add water, a little at a time to form a stiff dough.
5. On floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/4" thickness. (Work with half the pastry at a time.)
6. Cut sticks into about 6" lengths, using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
7. Arrange pieces on the baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the straws are crisp and golden in colour.
9. Yield: about 5 dozen straws.

Enjoy!

Apple Sauce Bran Muffins

Muffins are always good to have on hand for a breakfast or a snack. Combine this with cheese, fresh fruit and you can have a nice lunch too. This recipe is large and makes 3 dozen, they freeze very well. In the fall when there is an abundance of apples, make apple sauce and use some in this recipe.

• 3 cups apple sauce
• 2 cups buttermilk or sour milk (adding 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar into the cup before adding milk to make a mock buttermilk)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups of bran
• 6 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 3 cups of raisins or chopped dates or a combination of both

1. Combine apple sauce, buttermilk, brown sugar, molasses, oil, vanilla and eggs.
2. Stir in the bran and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Add dry ingredients separately and whisk together.
4. Stir into the apple sauce mixture, fold in the dates or raisins.
5. Spoon into greased or lined muffin tins.
6. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Coconut Mango Scones

Coconut and fresh mango compliment each other in these coffee time treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup mango or peach yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 mango, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup unsweetened fine coconut

Method:

1. Mix together dry ingredients. 
2. Cut in butter until mixture become crumbly and fine.
3. Stir together all liquid ingredients and using a fork, stir into dry ingredients until all dry ingredients are moist. Do not over mix.
4. Stir in mango and coconut.
5. Drop mounds of batter onto parchment-lined baking pan. (8 large or 10-12 medium sized)
6. Bake in 400º oven for 20 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack.
7. While still warm glaze.

Glaze:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Mix to a thick pourable glaze.

TIP: Place cooling rack with scones over sink when ready to drizzle with glaze. Any drips will fall into sink for easy cleanup.