Friday, June 18, 2021

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy


Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is the definition of comfort food--easy, tender, and delicious!  Wait until you smell the tantalizing aroma!



Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

1.5 to 2.5 lbs. beef tips or stew meat
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup (lower sodium--look for 17% on the label)
1 (14.5 oz.) can beef broth (low sodium)
3 tbsp. cornstarch for the gravy

Put beef tips or stew meat in a 5 or 6 qt. slow cooker.  In a medium bowl, combine dry onion soup mix and mushroom soup.  Slowly add beef broth stirring well.  Pour soup mixture over beef.  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Gravy:  30 minutes before you're ready to serve, in a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp. of cornstarch with just enough cold water to make the mixture a liquid. Turn the slow cooker on high, and stir in the cornstarch mixture.  (If using a larger amount of meat, you may need to add additional cornstarch/water.) Put the lid back on.  When the gravy starts to boil around the edges, take the lid off so that the gravy can thicken a bit more.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. 




Friday, June 4, 2021

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie


Slow Cooker Tamale Pie is a southwest-style main dish with a hearty filling of meat, beans, corn, and spices topped with cornbread and cheese...all made in the slow cooker.  Olé!



Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

1 pound ground beef
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained (Rotel)
1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 (8.5 oz.) pkg. corn muffin mix
2 eggs
Shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional toppings:  sour cream, black olives, and additional minced fresh cilantro

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the cumin, salt, chili powder, and pepper.  Transfer to a 4 qt. slow cooker; stir in the beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, onions, and cilantro.  Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through.

In a medium bowl, combine muffin mix and eggs; spoon over meat mixture.  Cover and cook for 1 to 1-1/2 hours longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.  Serve with optional toppings if desired.

 Click here for printable format

Note:  I make this in a 3.5 qt. round Crock Pot.  Because it's narrower than a 4 qt, my corn bread layer is thicker and takes 1 1/2 hours to cook.




 

 



Saturday, May 15, 2021

Pressure Cooker Old-Fashioned Egg Custard


Sweet, creamy, comforting egg custard is just minutes away in the pressure cooker with no water bath and perfect results every time.

Cinnamon and nutmeg not shown.

Pressure Cooker Old-Fashioned Egg Custard

Yield:  4 servings
Approximate Total Time:  40 minutes 
Electric Pressure Cooker Size:  6 quarts

1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
7 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup whole milk, sugar, and salt.  Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute stirring to makes sure the sugar and salt dissolve.  Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk and let cool to room temperature.  Meanwhile, in a 4-cup glass measuring cup or comparable-sized bowl, beat eggs well.  While whisking the eggs, slowly pour the milk mixture into the eggs.  Stir in the vanilla mixing well.

Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the custard mixture through twice.  After straining, pour the custard mixture into 4 glass 6-ounce custard cups.  Cover each custard cup tightly with foil.

Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker pot.  Place a trivet in the bottom. Carefully place 2 of the custard cups on the trivet. Place a second trivet on top of the custard cups. Place the other 2 custard cups on top of the second trivet making sure not to block the steam vent and the float valve. If a second trivet isn't available, the other 2 custard cups can be cooked after the first 2 have completed cooking.

Lock the pressure cooker lid in place and set steam vent to Sealing.  Select PRESSURE COOK (Manual) and cook for 4 minutes on High pressure.

When the cook time ends, let the pressure release naturally, which will take 6-8 minutes. When the valve drops, remove lid. Select CANCEL. Using tongs, remove custard cups. Uncover. The middle may be a little jiggly, but a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot, warm, or chilled, but just before serving, dust with a light sprinkling of cinnamon and/or nutmeg.


Pressure Cooker Old-Fashioned Egg Custard 101:

Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker pot.  Place a trivet in the bottom. Carefully place 2 of the custard cups on the trivet:


Place a second trivet on top of the custard cups. Place the other 2 custard cups on top of the second trivet making sure not to block the steam vent and the floating valve:



Here are links to the custard cups and trivets I use.  The custard cups can also be found on Amazon, and the trivets can be found at Kohl's, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and other retailers.


Trivets:  







Friday, April 30, 2021

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies


Crispy edges with a soft and chewy center--that's what oatmeal cookies are all about. 🍪


Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 cup (3/4 stick) Butter Flavor Crisco 
1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned (rolled) oats
1 to 1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place sheets of foil on counter top for cooling cookies.  Beat Crisco, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and egg in large mixing bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.  

Combine flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.  Beat into creamed mixture at low speed just until blended.  Stir in oats, raisins, and nuts.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet.  Remove cookies to foil to cool completely.  Yield:  about 36 cookies

Click here for printable format

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Burrito Bake and Tutorial


Reminiscent of taco pizza, Burrito Bake is easy, fast, and filling!


Burrito Bake

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 (8 oz.) tube refrigerated crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings:  chopped green pepper, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion; drain.  Stir in beans and taco seasoning mix.  Mixture will be thick.  Unroll crescent dough.  Press onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 9x13 baking dish; seal seams and perforations if using crescent roll dough.  Spread beef mixture over crust; sprinkle with desired amount of cheddar cheese.  Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, about 30 minutes.  If desired, sprinkle with toppings.


*Recipe adapted from tasteofhome.com:  https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/burrito-bake/

Burrito Bake 101:  Press crescent dough sheet or rolls onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 9x13 baking dish; seal seams and perforations if using crescent roll dough: 


Spread beef mixture over crust; sprinkle with desired amount of cheddar cheese:


Thursday, March 18, 2021

Easy Garlic Bread Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes


Easy Garlic Bread Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes are everything you think they would be!  A delicious Sloppy Joe filling is placed on top of hot garlic Texas toast and smothered with cheese.  How could this not become a family favorite of Sloppy Joe fans?

Sugar is optional.

Easy Garlic Bread Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes

Brandie of The Country Cook has many delicious, easy recipes.  The recipe for Easy Garlic Bread Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes can be found on Brandie's website The Country Cook:  https://www.thecountrycook.net/cheesy-bbq-sloppy-joes/

Note:  Even though sugar is pictured and is a recipe ingredient, Brandie notes that sugar may not be needed if using a sweet barbecue sauce.  I personally don't use it.  I also let the mixture cook down a little longer than 10 minutes to really thicken the sauce.


Saturday, March 13, 2021

St. Patrick's Day Recipes

 

Click on the link below for my collection of fabulous St. Patrick's Day recipes. It will take you to my Facebook St. Patrick's Day album page. Click on the desired photo, and then click on the recipe link to take you to the corresponding blog page. I hope you find some lucky favorites! ☘️

St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Friday, March 12, 2021

Watergate Salad


Watergate Salad is also known as Pistachio Delight, Green Fluff, and other names.  No matter what you call it, this classic salad is a tasty side dish or dessert!


Watergate Salad

1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant pistachio pudding
1 (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 cup miniature marshmallows (fruit flavored or regular)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Optional toppings:  extra whipped topping and chopped pecans

Fold dry pudding mix into whipped topping.  Stir in pineapple with juice, marshmallows, and pecans.  Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.



My mom made this for holiday dinners all the time while we were growing up.  The salad was invented by Kraft in 1975--the same year they developed pistachio pudding.  According to Wikipedia:  "When the recipe for Pistachio Pineapple Delight was sent out, an unnamed Chicago food editor renamed it Watergate Salad to promote interest in the recipe when she printed it in her column.  Neither the article nor editor has been tracked down, however.
The Denver Post, in the Empire Magazine of June 27, 1976, published a recipe for Watergate Salad. Rumor has it that Watergate salad was a concoction thought up by a sous chef at the Watergate Hotel, and it was then served at brunch on most weekends. Watergate Salad took off in popularity during and after the presidential scandal which shares the same name."
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Friday, March 5, 2021

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs



Creamy and tasty...Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs is like Swedish meatballs and stroganoff combined.  And since you use frozen meatballs and make it in your slow cooker, this recipe is a hit all the way around.



Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

Brandie of The Country Cook has many delicious, easy recipes.  The recipe for Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs can be found on Brandie's website The Country Cook:  https://www.thecountrycook.net/crock-pot-swedish-meatballs/#wprm-recipe-container-20894

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs 101:  I like a thicker sauce, so after the meatball mixture has cooked, stir in the sour cream.  In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with just enough cold water to make the mixture a liquid.  Stir the cornstarch mixture into the meatballs, turn the slow cooker on high, and cover until ready to serve.

Click here to print!











Friday, February 26, 2021

Sausage Pancake Muffins

 

Served with syrup, Sausage Pancake Muffins are reminiscent of McDonald's Sausage McGriddles™.  These can be easily reheated for a delicious quick breakfast, too!


Sausage Pancake Muffins

1 pound pork sausage
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp. honey
Syrup and/or butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 12 standard size muffin cups with a baking spray like Baker's Joy.  In a skillet, brown sausage on medium heat crumbling it into small pieces; drain and set aside.  In a large mixing bowl (I use a 4-qt. bowl), stir together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon.  In a smaller bowl, combine the beaten egg, vegetable oil, and milk.  Add to flour mixture and stir until combined.  Add the honey and stir.  Fold in the sausage.

Fill each muffin cup almost to the top.  (You may not use all of the batter.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out mostly clean. Allow muffins to cool in pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  Run a knife around the muffins, and then remove the muffins from pans to a wire rack for further cooling.  Serve warm with syrup and/or butter.  Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.



Friday, February 12, 2021

Pressure Cooker Chinese Lemon Chicken


Skip the take-out with this lower-calorie version of Chinese Lemon Chicken.  Made in the pressure cooker, it can be on your table in 45 minutes.


Pressure Cooker Chinese Lemon Chicken

Yield:  4 servings
Approximate Total Time:  45 minutes 
Electric Pressure Cooker Size:  6 quarts

One of my favorite pressure cooker recipe authors is Barbara Schieving.  Author of several cookbooks, she also has a blog called Pressure Cooking Today, which is where the recipe for Pressure Cooker Chinese Lemon Chicken can be found:  https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-chinese-lemon-chicken/

Pressure Cooker Chinese Lemon Chicken 101:

*Zest one lemon before starting the recipe.  Lemons are next to impossible to zest if they've already been cut and squeezed.

*2 lemons should provide enough juice.  If they don't, add enough bottled lemon juice or water to equal 1/2 cup.

*I have never had success cooking the rice with this recipe as the author suggests.  I prefer to cook rice using one of these simple methods that turn out perfectly every time!

Easy Long Grain Rice:  http://www.easyaspiecanbe.com/2019/09/easy-long-grain-rice.html

Pressure Cooker Long Grain White Rice:  http://www.easyaspiecanbe.com/2019/09/pressure-cooker-long-grain-white-rice.html 

Click here to print!

Pressure Cooker Chinese Lemon Chicken calories per serving without rice:


Friday, February 5, 2021

Chocolate Mousse

 

This easy chocolate mousse recipe is a perfect special occasion dessert!  The presentation and taste is reminiscent of what an expensive restaurant would serve but at a fraction of the cost.


Chocolate Mousse

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp. brewed coffee
2 large egg yolks, beaten
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 pint (16 oz.) heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp. sugar
Optional toppings:  whipped cream (recipe below), raspberries, chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, etc.

In a 2-qt. or smaller saucepan, combine chocolate chips and brewed coffee.  Melt over low heat stirring until smooth.  Meanwhile, stir together beaten egg yolks and salt.  Gradually whisk 1 tablespoon of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.  Return all to saucepan, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla.  Stir occasionally until completely cooled.

Place a metal, glass, or ceramic 2- or 3-qt. mixing bowl and beaters into the freezer for 10 minutes.  Pour 1 cup of the whipping cream into the bowl and beat at medium-high speed until it begins to thicken and the beaters begin to leave trails.  Add sugar and beat at high speed until the cream loses its gloss and forms stiff peaks.  (See whipped cream 101 below.)  Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream with a spatula making sure that there are no streaks of whipped cream or chocolate. 

Distribute the mousse between 4, 4- to 6-oz. ramekins.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to 2 days.  Garnish with desired toppings before serving.
 
Easy Whipped Cream

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. sugar

Place a metal, glass, or ceramic 2- or 3-qt. mixing bowl and beaters into the freezer for 10 minutes.  Pour whipping cream into the bowl and beat at medium-high speed until it begins to thicken and the beaters begin to leave trails.  Add sugar and beat at high speed until the cream loses its gloss and forms stiff peaks.

Whipped Cream 101: 
Once you have whipped the cream for a minute or two, you’ll notice that the beaters leave trails.  The longer you whip, the thicker and more noticeable these trails become.  Most recipes call for either soft or stiff peaks.  For soft peaks, if you lift up the beaters and look, the peak should curl down and melt back into the mound.  For stiff peaks, keep beating until the peaks stand straight up and appear firm when beaters are lifted. For a great visual guide, click here.

Click here for printable format
 


 


Saturday, January 30, 2021

Appetizer Recipes

 
 
Click on the link below for my collection of delicious appetizer recipes perfect for the Super Bowl or anytime! It will take you to my Facebook Appetizers album page. Click on the desired photo, and then click on the recipe link to take you to the corresponding blog page. I hope you find some winners! 🏈

Friday, January 22, 2021

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars



If you like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this recipe is for you!  I'd seen the recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars floating around on different recipe sites and decided to give it a try.  We were not disappointed! 🥜

An 8-oz. block of cream cheese is shown, but you only need 4 oz. (half a block).

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

1 (16 oz.) package Nutter Butter Cookies
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 (3.9 oz.) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter
1 (8 oz.) carton of whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 24 cookies in a large zipper seal bag and crush with a rolling pin leaving a few larger crumbs.  Mix crumbs with melted butter in a large bowl. Press the crumbs/butter mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9 baker. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until smooth. Spread over cooled crust. Place the baker in the refrigerator while working on the next layer.

Beat the cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and peanut butter and mix until smooth. Add 1 cup of the whipped topping and mix until well blended. Place small dollops all over the chocolate pudding layer and then gently spread to cover the pudding.

Spread the remaining whipped topping on top. Smooth top with the back of a spoon or an off-set spatula. Chill for 4 hours. Crush remaining Nutter Butter cookies in a large zipper seal bag with a rolling pin leaving a few larger pieces. Sprinkle the crushed cookies, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips over the whipped topping before serving. Store in refrigerator.


*Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars can be made and served on the same day. They can also be made a day ahead of time, but if making a day early, add the Nutter Butter pieces, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips to the top right before serving.

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Soup Recipes

 
 
  Click on the link below for my collection of warm, comforting soup recipes. It will take you to my Facebook Sandwiches/Soups/Sauces album page. Click on the desired photo, and then click on the recipe link to take you to the corresponding blog page. I hope you find some savory favorites! 🥣
 

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Christmas Recipes

 

Click on the link below for my collection of yummy Christmas recipes.  It will take you to my Facebook Christmas album page.  Click on the desired photo, and then click on the recipe link to take you to the corresponding blog page.  I hope you find some favorites for your holiday baking and cooking!  Merry Christmas! 🎄

Christmas Recipes




Friday, December 18, 2020

Pressure Cooker Ham & Beans


Ham and beans ready to eat in little over an hour with no adding water or tending to the pot?  Depending on what method you choose...absolutely.

Water not shown.


Pressure Cooker Ham & Beans

Yield:  6-8 servings
Approximate Total Time:  
Soak Method: Soaking: 8-12 hours Cooking/Finishing: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Quick-Soak Method: 1 hour, 50 minutes
No-Soak Method: 2 hours
Electric Pressure Cooker Size:  6 quarts

Soak/Quick Soak Method

1 pound dried pinto beans
Water
1 tbsp. Crisco, lard, or vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of cooked, diced ham*
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak Method: At least 8 hours before cooking, sort the pinto beans, removing broken beans, stones, and dirt. Rinse the beans, and put them into a large container. Add 8 cups (2 quarts) of water. Let the beans soak for 8-12 hours. Finish with Cooking Method described below.

Quick-Soak Method: Sort the pinto beans, removing broken beans, stones, and dirt. Rinse the beans, and put them into the pressure cooker pot. Add 6 cups of water. Lock the pressure cooker lid in place and set steam vent to Sealing.  Select PRESSURE COOK (Manual) and cook for 2 minutes on High pressure. Once the 2-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then open the steam vent to release the remaining pressure (Quick Release). Finish with Cooking Method described below.

Cooking Method: Drain the pinto beans, rinse, and add to the pressure cooker pot. Pour in 5 cups of water, and stir in the Crisco. Lock the pressure cooker lid in place and set steam vent to Sealing.  Select PRESSURE COOK (Manual) and cook for 20 minutes on High pressure. Once the 20-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, which will take about 24 minutes.

Remove lid. Stir in ham. If broth is too thin for your liking, select CANCEL, then select SAUTE, and adjust so it's on the "More" or "High" setting.  Cook and stir until broth is the desired consistency. Select CANCEL, and then select KEEP WARM. Salt and pepper to taste.

No-Soak Method

1 pound dried pinto beans
Water
1 tbsp. Crisco, lard, or vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of cooked, diced ham
Salt and pepper to taste

Sort the pinto beans, removing broken beans, stones, and dirt. Rinse the beans, and put them into the pressure cooker pot. Add 6 cups of water, and stir in the Crisco. Lock the pressure cooker lid in place and set steam vent to Sealing.  Select PRESSURE COOK (Manual) and cook for 70 minutes on High pressure. Once the 70-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, which will take about 20 minutes.

Remove lid. Stir in ham. If broth is too thin for your liking, select CANCEL, then select SAUTE, and adjust so it's on the "More" or "High" setting. Cook and stir until broth is the desired consistency. Select CANCEL, and then select KEEP WARM. Salt and pepper to taste.

Click here for printable format

*If I don't have leftover ham in the freezer, I use Farmland Smoked Spiral Ham Slices and Pieces.  I cut off any fat or rind and then dice enough to make 1 1/2 cups.   The remaining ham can be frozen for the next pot of beans.  :)

Cornbread is the perfect side for ham and beans, and I have an easy, delicious recipe for it that can be made while your beans are cooking!

Cornbread: http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2014/02/cornbread.html

Why should you soak beans?  An article published by The New York Times tells you everything you need to know about storing and cooking beans.  "Soaking your beans helps them cook faster and more evenly, and it can also make them easier to digest."

Adding a fat not only adds flavor, but it will keep the foam from clogging the vent.  To read the whole article, click on this link:  https://cooking.nytimes.com/guides/21-how-to-cook-beans?regi=1&join_cooking_newsletter=true&register=google