Monday, April 23, 2007

Greek Salad

Greek Salad

(Salata Meze)

8 ounce - Green Beans
3 – Small Zucchini, cut into ½ inch slices
1 Small Cauliflower, separated into flowerets
½ Cup Olive or Vegetable Oil
¼ Cup Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Sugar
½ Teaspoon Dried Oregano Leaves
1 Clove Garlic, finely chopped
Lettuce Leaves
1 Small Onion, sliced and separated into rings
Cherry Tomatoes,cut into halves
Black Olives

In a 3 – quart saucepan add 1 cup water and ½ teaspoon salt.
Bring to a boil,add beans;cover and simmer 5 minutes.Then
Add zucchini and cauliflower.Heat to boiling;reduce heat.
Cover and cook just until tender,about 5 minutes.Drain.
Place vegetables in shallow dish.

Mix oil,lemon juice,salt,sugar,oregano,and garlic;pour
Over vegetables.Cover and refrigerate, spooning marinade
Over vegetables occasionally, at least 2 hours.
Drain vegetables and place on lettuce lined dish
Top with onion rings,cherry tomatoes and olives.
Also great with crumbled feta cheese

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Fruit Salad

Fruit Salad


1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, juice reserved
  • 2 apples, peeled and cored
  • 1 (21 ounce) can peach pie filling
  • 2 bananas, peeled and diced
  • 3 kiwis
  • 1 pint strawberries


  1. In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples in reserved pineapple juice. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the peach pie filling and pineapple chunks.
  3. Remove apples from pineapple juice and add to pie filling and pineapple mixture. Add chopped bananas to reserved pineapple juice and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Peel and slice kiwi and 1/2 of strawberries. Chop the other 1/2 of strawberries and set aside.
  5. Remove bananas from pineapple juice and add to pie filling mixture. Add chopped strawberries; toss together.
  6. Arrange kiwi slices around the edge of the serving bowl and alternate with strawberry slices. Chill and serve.

Retirees

"I CAN HEAR JUST FINE!"
                                                                           


Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine
March
day. One remarked to the other, "Windy, isn't it?"



"No," the second man replied, "it's Thursday."



And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's have a beer."

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Country Style Apple Dumplings

Apple Dumplings

1 1/3 Cup Flour.......................................................Sift together
1 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/3 Cup Shortening................................................Cut in

1/4 Cup Milk...........................................................Add and blend into a soft dough.Roll into a soft
dough.Roll into a 12 - inch square and cut into
4 squares.

4 apples,cored and peeled.....................................Place one in each squares

4 Tablespoon Brown Sugar...................................Put 1 Tablespoon and white sugar into core
4 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar opening and over each apple,top with butter
Butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.Bring up corners
Cinnamon of dough and press to hold.Pinch edges together.

1 Cup Sugar.............................................................Combine and boil 5 minutes
1/2 Cup Water Place apple dumplings in buttered baking dish,
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon pour in syrup,and bake 400 degrees 30 - 35
minutes,until apples are tender and dough
browned.

Batter Fried Frog Legs

Cherokee Frog Legs

1 Egg -Beaten
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Pounds Frog Legs
1/2 Cup Corn Meal
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Cup Cooking Oil

Mix the egg,corn meal,salt,and pepper together to form a batter.
Dip the frog legs into the batter,then fry in the oil in a large, heavy skillet for 25 minutes,turning so that they brown evenly on all sides. Makes 4 - 6 servings

Cherokee Huckleberry Bread

Huckleberry or Blueberry

2 Cups Self-rising Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Milk
2 Cups Berries--Huckleberry or Blueberry
1 Egg
1 Stick Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Cream eggs,butter,and sugar together.Add flour,milk,and vanilla.
Sprinkle flour on berries to prevent them from going to the bottom.
Add berries to mixture.Put in baking pan and bake in oven at 350 degrees
Approx. 40 minutes or until done.

In Honor of Virginia Tech

This is my way to remember :9 - 11 , The War , Collenbine , and now Virginia Tech.

And Just How Short and Precious Each Life an Day Is !


Dusting


"A house becomes a home when you can write
"I love you" on the furniture."

And my house is sure a home!!


I can't tell you how many countless hours
that I have spent CLEANING!




I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend
making sure things were just perfect --
"in case someone came over."
Then I realized one day that no-one came over;
they were all out living life and having fun!



Now, when people visit, I find no need to
explain the "condition" of my home.
They are more interested in hearing about
the things I've been doing while I was
away living life and having fun.
If you haven't figured this out yet,
please heed this advice.


Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must,

but wouldn't it be better to
paint a picture or write a letter,

spend time with a friend

bake a cake or

plant a seed, go play golf,
ponder the difference between want and need?


Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
music to hear, songs to sing and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.



Dust if you must, but the world's out

there with the sun in your eyes,
the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow,
a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.


Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go -- and go you must --
you, yourself will make more dust!


Share this with all the wonderful people in your life!
I JUST DID.


It's not what you gather, but what you scatter
that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Live well, Love much, Laugh often!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Oriental Beef

Easy Oriental Beef
1/2 Pound Beef Stew Meat
1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil
1/2 Cup Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 Clove Garlic,Minced
2 Teaspoon Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 16-Ounce Can Tomato Wedges
1 6-Ounce Frozen Pea Pods
1 3-Ounce Can Sliced Mushrooms,Drained
2 Tablespoon Cornstarch

Cut meat into 1-inch cubes.In large skillet brown meat in hot oil.Remove from heat.Add the onion,wine,soy sauce,garlic,sugar,ginger,and 1 cup water.Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Add undrained tomatoes , frozen pea pods,and mushrooms.
Bring to a boil;cook and stir,uncovered,2 to 3 minutes or till pea pods are crisp-tender.
Slowly blend 1/2 cup cold water into cornstarch;stir into hot mixture.
Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.
Serve over hot cooked rice.
Makes 6 servings







Sunday, April 15, 2007

Easy No - Cook Divinity


This Never Fails

1 Box Fluffy White Frosting Mix
1/3 Cup White Karo Syrup
1/2 Cup Boiling Water
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Pound Powder Sugar
1 Cup Chopped Nuts

In small bowl,combine dry frosting mix,corn syrup,vanilla and boiling water.Beat at highest speed until stiff peaks form,about 5 minutes.
Pour into large bowl and on low speed blend in powder sugar gradually.Stir in nuts.
Drop by teaspoonful on wax paper , press down a little.When outside of candies feels firm turn them over,place half a pecan on each candy.Allow to dry 12 hours or overnight.Store in airtight container with waxed paper between layers.

Mom Zdenek's Martha Washington Candy

This Is A Must Have On Holidays

1 - Can Eagle Brand Milk
1 - Stick Butter
2 - Boxes Confectionery Sugar
1 - Can Coconut
1- Quart Pecans -Chopped ,save some to top or have extra pecans
1 - 12 oz. pk. Semi - Sweet Chocolate
1 - 4 oz. pk. Paraffin Wax

Mix milk and butter in bowl,add sugar gradually.then add coconut and pecans.
Roll into small balls, lay on wax paper lined cookie sheet-put in freezer-about 10-15 min.
Melt wax and chocolate over very low heat.Use a wooden skewer in the balls to dip them in the chocolate mixture,then place each on wax paper until firm.Enjoy

Mom Lail's Pea Picking Cake

There Are No Peas in it - Just 100% Delicious

1 Box Hines Butter Cake Mix
4 Eggs
1/2 Cup Oil
1 Can Mandaren Orange Slices

Mix well , line 3 cake pans with parchment paper.Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes use tooth pick or skewer to check if it is done. Let cool completely

Filling:

1 Large Container of Coolwhip
1 Large Box Instant vanilla Pudding
1 Large Can Crushed Pineapple

Mix together well,let it set in the refrigerator 15 - 20 minutes

Ice each layer , side and top. Mom said now dig in !

Beth's Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti-In Slow Cooker

3 lbs. - Chicken Fryer-cut up or use chicken breast,legs or thighs

2 pk. - Spaghetti Sauce Mix (dry)

Parmesan Cheese - Fresh Grated or Jar

Spaghetti Noodles

Place chicken in slow cooker then sprinkle mix over the chicken,cover and cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 4-5 hours.Cook pasta according to package.Serve by pouring sauce over pasta and top with parmesan cheese . This can also be frozen into individual meals ,when you need something quick and easy.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Deb's No Bake Cookie Recipe


Great For Busy Days
2 cups sugar
4 Tablespoon coco
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk

Mix above ingredints,then boil for2 min.

Remove from heat and

add 1/2 cup of peanut butter

Stir until melted

Add 3 cups of quick cooking oatmeal,

stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla

Press out on to a cook sheet,let cool and cut into squares

Can also be dropped by spoonfuls on wax paper

Nelda's Layered Shrimp Salad

This salad can be made to serve two or twenty
First pick the right bowl to layer the ingredients.Start with boiled shrimp drained and cooled,as much as you would like.Then add shredded lettuce.Add cooked drained and cooled elbow macaroni.Then add purple onion,grated cheddar cheese,green bell pepper to taste.Add frozen peas,diced or sliced tomatoes.
Dressing
Blend 1 cup mayonnaise to 1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing.
Pour enough to cover top of bowl.
Cover with lid or plastic wrap,can be kept over night.
When ready to use stir if needed add more dressing.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Easter Egg Cake



Fun With Grandson


My youngest grandson and I enjoyed Good Friday making this Easter Egg Cake,It's chocolate with cream cheese frosting covered with coconut.
He helped mix and bake the cake and decorated the grass with gummy rabbits , jelly beans, and plastic eggs.
Wow ! What a Great job for a 4 year old.
This made it the Best Good Friday ever.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Diabetic Barbecued Chicken

Barbecued Chicken


3 lbs. chicken pieces

1 small onion

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1 tsp. fresh ginger, chopped

2 garlic cloves

2 tsp. coriander

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

2 whole cloves

1 tsp. cumin seeds

4 cardamom pods

1 tsp. salt

Remove the skin and all visible fat from the chicken pieces. (I often have the butcher skin the chicken.) Cut 2-3 slits, 1 inch long and 1/2 inch deep, in each piece of chicken. Place in a casserole dish and set aside. Cut onion into 4-5 pieces. In a blender jar put onion, tomato sauce, yogurt, ginger, garlic cloves, coriander, cayenne pepper, cloves, cumin seeds and salt. Blend to a smooth paste. Pour the paste on the chicken and turn pieces to thoroughly coat with spices. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator 4-24 hours. Preheat oven to 400�F. Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, saving marinade. Arrange pieces in a broiler pan. Bake uncovered in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over and brush with remaining marinade. Bake for 10-15 minutes until chicken is tender. Turn oven to broil. Turn pieces over once again and broil for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges or squeeze lemon juice over the chicken before eating, if desired.

Per serving: calories 293, fat 7.2g, 23% calories from fat, cholesterol 159mg, protein 50.2g, carbohydrates 4.3g, fiber 0.6g, sodium 551mg

MOM'S INCREDIBLE CARROT CAKE


CARROT CAKE
2 c. plain flour
2 t. soda
1 t. salt
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
2 t. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. oil
3 c. grated carrots,food processor helps greatly with this task.

Combine flour,sugar,soda,cinnamon,salt.Add oil and eggs.Beat well.Add carrots.Place in 2 or 3 greased pans.Or lined with parchment paper.Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

ICING
1 stick butter
1 box confectioners sugar
2 t. vanilla
8 oz.cream cheese
1 c.or more of chopped nuts.

Cream together butter and cheese.Add sugar gradually.Add vanilla and pecans.Spread between layers and on top layer of cake. Enjoy

Cherries Cure The Gout

It's True !

About 1982 I made a visit to my Doctor and informed him that I believe I had broken my Big Toe. He told me it was just the gout!The word Just does not describe the word Gout.It was so painful I could not walk on it.A few years later a Older Gentlemen told me to eat 6-8 Cherries a day,and that Black Cherry Juice worked as well. "And It Works"
Since then I have checked into it,but not even the Scientists know Why-but just that it Works ! So if you or someone you know suffers from the excruciating pain of gout,please share this old mans folk remedy

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Breaded Tofu Nuggets


  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed
  • 1/3 cup soymilk
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs

PREPARATION:

Whisk together the soymilk, mustard, nutritional yeast and spices until smooth in a wide bowl. Place bread crumbs in a separate bowl. Coat each piece of tofu with soymilk and mustard mixture first, then coat with bread crumbs.Fry in oil until golden brown, serve with ketchup, barbeque sauce or other dipping sauce and enjoy!

For a lower fat alternative, lay tofu piece on a covered baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 slices bread, crumbled
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • oil for frying

PREPARATION:

Sautee the onions till soft, about 3-5 minutes.

In a large bowl, mash the beans until almost smooth. Add sauteed onions and the rest of the ingredients, except the oil, adding the flour a few tablespoons at a time to combine well. Mixture will be thick.

Form bean mixture into patties, approximately ½ inch thick and fry patties in a small amount of oil until slightly firm. Make veggie burgers and enjoy!


Must Be Time For Some Diet Recipes ?

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Easy slow cooker chicken cacciatore


INGREDIENTS

  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
  • 2 green bell pepper, seeded and cubed
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put the chicken in the slow cooker. Top with the spaghetti sauce, green bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
  2. Cover, and cook on Low for 7 to 9 hours.
  3. Serve over Angel Hair Pasta