Crazy stuff!!!!

I have heard recently that you can take a regular box of cake mix (any flavor) and bake it with a can of SODA (instead of the eggs and oil). The result is a lower fat cake option that doesn't need frosting. I was curious.... so I googled it. Turns out, it's TRUE!!!

Click here for a more detailed description.

CRAZY stuff, eh?

Millionaire Brisket with Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce

I found this outstanding recipe while searching for BBQ tips and variations. THIS GUY has some of the best!!! Try this one, you won't regret it!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup kosher or sea salt
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons pure chili powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (5 to 6-pound) center-cut piece of brisket
• 6 slices bacon
• Coffee and Beer Mop Sauce, recipe follows
• 4 to 6 cups hickory or apple wood chips, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, drained

Directions

Make the rub by placing the salt, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, pepper, onion powder, and oregano in a small bowl and stir to mix.

If your brisket has a thick layer of fat, trim it to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Place the brisket in a roasting pan and generously sprinkle both sides with the rub, using about 3 tablespoons per side and patting it into the meat with your fingertips. The leftover rub can be stored for several months in a jar. You can cook the brisket right away, but it will taste better if you let it cure in the refrigerator covered for at least 4 to 24 hours.

Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium-low. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke then reduce the heat to medium-low. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium-low, then toss 1 cup of the wood chips on the coals.

When ready to cook, place the brisket in the center of the hot grate, fat side up, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Drape the bacon slices over the top of the meat, and then cover the grill. Cook the brisket until very tender, 5 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches about 190 degrees F. Generously mop or baste the meat on both sides with the mop sauce. Wrap the brisket in aluminum foil, and continue cooking until done. If using a charcoal grill, every hour you'll need to add 12 fresh coals and 1/2 cup wood chips to each side.

Transfer the grilled brisket to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain, using an electric knife or sharp carving knife. Transfer the sliced meat to a platter. Spoon the barbecue sauce over the meat or, better yet, serve it on the side.

Mop Sauce:

• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 1 cup coffee
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce, (recommended: Tabasco sauce)
• 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and whisk to mix. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, if necessary.

copycat recipe- Chili's Baby Back Ribs

More copycat recipe action.... I am loving this awesome site. Who doesn't love some awesome baby back ribs? Chili's makes some of the best! Here's how they do it!!! Break out the wet naps!

Ingredients:
4 racks baby back ribs
1 1/2 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup tomato paste
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon liquid smoke hickory flavor
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

SAUCE: Combine all ingredients except ribs over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring often 45-60 minutes until thick.

Preheat oven to 300*.

Brush sauce over entire surface of each rack of ribs. Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil. Arrange packets on baking sheet with foil seam up. Bake 2-2-1/2 hours until the meat has pulled back from the cut ends of the bones about 1/2 inch.

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Remove ribs from foil. Grill on BBQ 4-8 minutes/side. Brush sauce on both sides a few minutes before removing from grill.

Fresh Skillet Vegetables

Try this along side grilled chicken, steak, or fish. WAY better than a boring baked potato!

1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 large zucchini, cubed
2 large red and/or yellow bell peppers, cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook zucchini, red peppers, onion and garlic, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.

Add basil and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

To serve, sprinkle with cheese.

More helpful tips.

Low Fat Cooking:
* Get into the habit of measuring the oil you use while you cook,
rather than just pouring it out of the bottle. It will be much
easier to moderate the amount you use.

* Use non-stick cookware so that you don't have to use as much,
if any, fat. When sauteing, use a small amount of chicken broth
or wine instead of butter or oil.

* To make fat-free broth, chill your meat or chicken broth. The
fat will rise to the top, and you can remove it before using
the broth.

* Many vegetables and fruits, including potatoes and apples,
retain many of their nutrients in their skin. So when possible,
leave the skin on your fruits and vegetables and cook them whole.

* Romaine lettuce is loaded with vitamins compared to iceberg.
It has three times as much Vitamin C and six times as much
Vitamin A.

* Vitamin C is destroyed quickly in cooking - so cook your
vegetables with Vitamin C in the smallest amount of water
possible and for a short amount of time.

* Stock up on spices. One of the keys to cooking low-fat and not
getting bored is to spice your food well. When you have finished
your recipe, always taste it and adjust the spices to meet your taste.

* Purchase the best (i.e. heaviest) set of non-stick cookware you
can afford.

* When cooking a dish with both vegetables and meat (i.e. in stir frys
and stews), reduce the amount of meat by 1/3 and increase the amount
of vegetables by 1/3. You will hardly notice!

* Thicken gravies with milk or broth blended in the blender with
flour. Be sure to cook long enough to remove the raw flour taste.
You'll never notice the lack of fat.

* Use olive oil for cooking when appropriate. It adds to the taste
of the dish and is better for you.

Helpful tips.

Herbs and Spices:
Storage Tips:
Store spices in a cool, dark place. Humidity, light and heat will cause
herbs and spices to lose their flavor more quickly. Although the most
convenient place for your spice rack may be above your stove, moving
your spices to a different location may keep them fresh longer.

As a general rule, herbs and ground spices will retain their best flavors
for a year. Whole spices may last for 3 to 5 years. Proper storage should
result in longer freshness times.

When possible, grind whole spices in a grinder or mortar & pestle just
prior to using. Toasting whole spices in a dry skillet over medium heat
before grinding will bring out even more flavor. Be careful not to burn.

Because the refrigerator is a rather humid environment, storing herbs
and spices there is not recommended. To keep larger quantities of spices
fresh, store them in the freezer in tightly sealed containers.

Usage Tips:
Use a light hand when seasoning with spices and herbs. Your goal is to
compliment your dish without crowding out the flavor of the food.
Remember, it's usually impossible to "un-spice" a dish!

For long-cooking dishes, add herbs and spices an hour or less before
serving. Cooking spices for too long may result in overly strong flavors.

Finely crush dried herbs before adding to your dish after measuring.

Do not use dried herbs in the same quantity as fresh. In most cases,
use 1/3 the amount in dried as is called for fresh.

Keep it simple. Unless the recipe specifically calls for it, don't use
more than 3 herbs and spices in any one dish. The exception to this rule
is Indian cooking, which often calls for 10 or more different spices in
one curry dish!

Black pepper, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper are excellent
"after cooking" seasonings. Allow guests to season dishes with these
spices at the table.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice have a special affinity for
sweet dishes.

If you're feeling adventuresome, try replacing herbs and spices called
for in recipes with something different! Marjoram instead of oregano,
savory instead of thyme, cilantro instead of parsley,
anise seed instead of fennel, etc.

Italian Herb Seasoning.

Make your own Italian Herb blend! Put it into cute little spice bottles and tie with a raffia bow for gift giving. ADORABLE and practical.

ITALIAN HERB SEASONING
1 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Marjoram
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tsp. Basil
1 tsp. Rosemary
1 tsp. Sage

Make your own Chili Powder

You can make your own chili powder..... I'll bet you have most of the ingredients already on hand!

CHILI POWDER
3 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. red or cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Now aren't you smart????

Food Safety.

Food Safety:
- Barbecues and Picnics -
* Try to plan just the right amount of foods to take. That way, you
won't have to worry about the storage or safety of leftovers.

* When taking foods off the grill, put them on a clean plate, not
the same platter that held raw meat.

* When preparing dishes like chicken or cooked meat salads, use
chilled ingredients. In other words, make sure your cooked
chicken has been cooked and chilled before it gets mixed with
other salad ingredients.

* It's a good idea to use a separate cooler for drinks, so the one
containing perishable food won't be constantly opened and closed.

* A cooler chest can also be used to keep hot food hot. Line the
cooler with a heavy kitchen towel for extra insulation and place
well wrapped hot foods inside. It's amazing how long the foods
will stay not only warm, but hot. Try to use a cooler that is
just the right size to pack fairly tightly with hot food so
less heat escapes.

* Wash ALL fresh produce thoroughly. When preparing
lettuce, break into pieces - then wash.

* Cook foods to the required minimum cooking temperatures:
- 165 F > Poultry, poultry stuffing, and stuffed meat.
- 158 F > Ground Beef, fish, and seafood.
- 150 F > Pork and food containing pork.
- 145 F > shell eggs and foods containing shell eggs.

* Separate raw animal foods from other raw or ready-to-eat
foods during storage and preparation.

* Cool leftovers as quickly as possible. Reheat to
165 F before serving again.

* BY ALL MEANS, REMEMBER THIS:
Bacteria on food will rapidly multiply when left at a
temperature between 45 F and 140 F. Avoid this danger
zone as much as possible.

Cheesy Rice Fritters

Scored this recipe from my friend Rachel. One word...... YUM!

Here's what you need:

1 cup arborio rice

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup grated parmesan

1 large egg, lightly beaten

salt & pepper

1/2 seasoned breadcrumbs (i used italian panko)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (this is a Rachel Ray recipe, after all)

1 10 ounce bag spinach, coarsely chopped

1 pinch crushed red pepper (i used 3 pinches)

Here's what you do:

Bring 2 1/2 cups water and rice to boil. Lower heat and simmer until rice is cooked but still firm and all water has evaporated (about 20 minutes). Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, add bacon to the rice, reserving the bacon fat in skillet. Stir in parmesan, mozzarella, and egg into rice mixture; season with salt and pepper.

Divide rice mixture into 12 mounds. Flatten the mounds into 3 inch patties on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle both sides with breadcrumbs.

Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add patties and cook until crisp (about 5 min). Drain on paper towels. Sauté spinach over high heat for 2 minutes or until wilted. Season with crushed red pepper and top with fritters.

This meal can be made for under 8 bucks! You gotta love that!

Easy Carnitas

I am always amazed by how many AWESOME recipe sites are floating around the internet. This recipe is from simplyrecipes.com and I plan to make it for my family tonight.

Carnitas Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 4 pounds boned pork shoulder, cut into large cubes (remove as much fat as possible)
• 1 quart beef broth
• 2 cups chunky salsa either prepared or homemade
• Water
• Salt
• 2 cups fresh tomato salsa (pico de gallo)
• 16-24 corn tortillas

1 In a large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine pork, broth, and salsa. Add enough water to completely cover the meat. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 3 to 4 hours (or longer) until meat pulls apart easily. Add salt to taste if needed.

2 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove meat from liquid in pot (discard the liquid) and spread the meat out in a roasting pan. Break the meat into small chunks. Roast meat for 15 to 20 minutes until brown and crispy.

3 If you are using store-bought tortillas, heat the tortillas one-by-one either in a microwave or on a hot skillet. If you heat them on a skillet you may need to use a little butter or oil to help soften them. When air pockets form in the tortillas they are ready. To heat them in a microwave, place a paper towel on the floor of the microwave. Lay one or two tortillas on the paper towel (whatever will fit so there is only one layer). Microwave on high heat for 10 seconds per tortilla (some brands of tortillas require 20 seconds each). Keep warm tortillas wrapped in a clean cloth towel for serving.

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 3/4 cups Swanson® Beef Stock

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetable cooking spray

6 bone-in pork chops, 1/2-inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 medium onion, sliced (about 1 cup)

Stir the cornstarch, stock and black pepper in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.

Spray a 10-inch skillet with the cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for 1 minute.

Add the pork and cook until it's well browned on both sides. Remove the pork from the skillet.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Spray the skillet with the cooking spray and heat over medium heat for 1 minute.

Add the onion and cook until it's tender-crisp.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture.

Cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens.

Return the pork to the skillet.

Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.

source campbell's

cheddar potato soup

stay warm with this hearty soup. once again, i can't recall which magazine it came from. it has been in MY recipe book for years now. i offer you two time saving tips for this recipe.

#1- i use a hand blender right in the pot to avoid transfering small batches of soup into the blender.

#2- i have used canned potatoes to save time and it still came out AWESOME!

Enjoy!

Cheddar Potato Soup

1/3 cup onion, chopped

1/3 cup celery, chopped

2 T butter

4 cups potatoes, diced & peeled

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups milk

¼ t pepper

Dash paprika

*Sauté onion & celery in butter until tender. Add potatoes and broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 10-15 min or until potatoes are tender. Puree small batches in blender until smooth. Return to pan. Stir in cheese, milk, and paprika. Simmer until cheese is melted. Serve with croutons.

Serves 8

Cornbread is good for the soul.

Super Moist Cornbread

2 cups self rising cornmeal

2 cups buttermilk

1 large egg

1 T sugar

1/3 cup butter

* Stir together first 4 ingredients. Melt butter in 8 inch cast iron skillet in a 425 degree oven for 5 minutes (tilt skillet to coat evenly with butter).

Pour batter into skillet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cornbread from skillet immediately and cool on rack.

Corn Casserole

This recipe is a holiday favorite in my house. I scored the recipe from my friend Cindy who is a fantastic cook. Super simple.... NOT low fat (but who cares?).... and really YUMMY!

Corn Casserole

1 can creamed corn

1 can regular corn, drained

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup sour cream

2 eggs

1 box jiffy corn muffin mix

2 T sugar

* Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This recipe is from my arsenal of deliciousness.... I cannot remember where I found it originally. I have made modifications along the way and think that it is simply perfect now! Sometimes I bake it in a bread bowl for party presentation. It is down right yummy in any vessel. ENJOY!

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

½ cup grated parmesan or romano cheese

1 large garlic clove, chopped

1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed

{squeeze out moisture with cheese cloth}

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 eggs

1 cup shredded mozzarella

* Blend all ingredients together using hand mixer or food processor. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

meat loaf with bacon

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped with seeds
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 pounds meat-loaf mix (1 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 pound ground veal or lamb)
• 4 strips thick-sliced bacon

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a medium skillet, over medium heat, heat the oil with the onion, celery, garlic, and jalapeño and cook until the vegetables are tender but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the salt, cumin, and nutmeg. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then blend in the milk, tomato sauce, and bread crumbs. Add the meat and cooked vegetables and stir or work with your hands to combine. Pat into a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Cut the bacon strips in half and lay over the loaf, tucking the ends in.
2. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meat loaf registers 150° F. Remove from oven and pour off the fat. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Super Easy Salsa

Thank God it's FRIDAY!!! Bring on the weekend! Try this simple salsa recipe that I have been using for years. Always gets rave reviews and is a cinch to prepare!

Super Easy Salsa

1 large can of diced tomatoes

1 can of Rotel

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red onion, chopped

¾ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

1 T lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (seeds removed)

1 t sugar

* blend all ingredients together in food processor (I use a hand blender). Chill for a few hours and serve with chips! YUM!

Italian Chicken and Vegetable Soup

We are still freezing our butts off here in sunny Florida. We have had record lows for days now and the frigid climate seems to plan to stay for the weekend. Bring on the soup! I scored this recipe on Food Network. It's from Paula Deen, so it must be DEE-lish! I LOVE you Paula!

I plan to chef up this soup tomorrow. Tonight is sushi night with our friends. No, I do not cook every night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 3/4 pounds)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced carrots (about 3 small)
• 2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (about 2 medium)
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan, optional

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onion and carrot, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Top each serving with grated Parmesan, if desired.

On a sidenote..... this blog needs photos. As some of you know, I AM a photographer, but my dinner table fare is not really my forté. I will try to provide some photos of dishes along the way. I think it helps to "see" what the finished product "should" look like.