cooking is my hobby

Cooking is my hobby, I would like to share recipes that I have tried and that were a success. I hope that others will want to share their best recipes with me as well.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Curried Ham and rice


Prep:'15 minutes Cook: 35 minutes serves 8 to 10

1 stick (1/4 pound) butter        1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 large onion, sliced                 1 16 oz package frozen peas thawed
2 cups converted rice               3 Cups diced cooked ham
4 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon curry powder         accompaniments
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin     mango chutney, chopped roasted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon cayenne                raisins
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt


1. In a 4 or S-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add
onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes rice  and cook,
stirring, until rice turns translucent, about 5 minutes.

2.  Stir in boiling water, curry powder, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, ginger,
salt and pepper. Heat to boiling and reduce heal to low. Cover tightly and
simmer 25 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.

3. stir in peas and ham. Cover and cook over medium low heat 5 to 7 minutes or until peas and ham are hot. pass condiments.


CURRIED SHRIMP AND RICE

Substitute 1 1/4 pound cooked, shelled, and deveined medium shrimp for
Ham.

CURRIED CHICKEN AND RICE

Substitute 3 cups diced cooked chicken for ham
I have had the ham and peas before it was mighty tasty!!  We tried the shrimp version this time.  Have not tried the chicken version yet.
Put in to take the last weekend in July off so that we can go down and see Tom and Velva.  That will be fun.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Beef with bok choy

Perpetration time  About 10 minutes
Marinating time 15 minutes
Cooking time about 15 minutes
Serves 2 or 3

Cooking Sauce (recipe follows)
3/4 pound lean boneless beef steak (such as
top round, flank, or sirloin)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 medium-size head bok choy
2 to 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup salad oil
1 clove garlic, minced or Pressed
1/4 cup water

Prepare Cooking Sauce and set aside
Cut beef with the grain into l 1/2 inch-wide strips;
then cut  each strip across  the grain into 1/2-inch-thick
slanting slices. Place meat in bowl, stir in soy, and
let marinate for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut bok choy leaves from stems
Cut stems diagonally into 1/2-inch slices; coarsely .shred leaves. Set steins and leaves aside separately;
you should have 6 to 8 cups total lightly packed
stems and leaves. 
Place a wok over medium heat.   When wok is
hot, add sesame seeds and stir until golden (about 2
minutes); remove from wok and set aside.  Increase
heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to wok;
when oil is hot, add garlic and bok choy stems.  Stir-
fry for 1 to 2 minutes add water then cover and
cook  for 2 minutes; add bok choy leaves and cook
uncovered, stirring occasionally, just until leaves
and stems are tender to bite (1 to 2 more minutes.
Remove from wok and set aside.
Pour remaining 2 tablespoons oil into wok.  When oil is hot, add meat stir-fry until browned (1 1/2 to 2 minutes).  Return bok choy to wok.  Stir sauce and add, then add sesame seeds.  Cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. 

Cooking Sauce.  Stir together 3/4 cup regular-strength chicken broth, 4 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 2 tablespoons dry sherry.
I used napa cabbage instead of bok choy.  That cut down on the prep time.  I used black sesame seeds.  There fore no toasting.  I also used pork instead of beef.
There is a women at wok who seems to have it out for me.  Every time she catches me doing something wrong she tells Linda.  I cant see how she can do her job while watching me!!  I am not sure what her problem is.  I have neither said or done anything to her.  I have to admit that I don't like her much.  She talks all the time.  Non stop talking.  It kind of gets on my nerves.  I try to avoid her as much a possible.  One day she sat down at my table for lunch.  Starting complaining about coworkers I got up and left.  I just had to put her in God's hands because I can't do anything about her

Black Bean, Corn and Turkey Chili

Prep Time 5 Min Cook Time 45 Min Ready In 50 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth (regular, Natural Goodness™ or Certified Organic)
  • 1 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

Directions

1.                  Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper and garlic powder. Cook until turkey is well browned, stirring frequently to break up meat.
2.                  Stir the broth, salsa, sugar, beans and corn into the saucepan. Heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low.
3.                  Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Stir the chili occasionally while cooking.
This was very good!!  I used 1 Tablespoon of chili powder instead of 2.  That would have been to much for us.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Baked Scallops

Prep Time 30 Min Cook Time 20 Min Ready In 50 Min

Servings  4

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 pounds bay scallops, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.                  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.                  Pour melted butter into a 2 quart oval casserole dish. Distribute butter and scallops evenly inside the dish.
3.                  Combine the bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, minced garlic and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the scallops.
4.                  Bake in pre-heated oven until scallops are firm, about 20 minutes.
Dan talked to his Mom last night she is doing very well.  Hopefully in July she will get to go on one of her trips:)

True Blue Berry Pie

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground allspice
5 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon peel
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pastry for a double crust pie (your favorite recipe or packaged refrigerated)
2 tablespoons butter, cut up
1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
1 tablespoon granulated sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cinnamon and allspice. Gently stir in blueberries, lemon peel and juice.
Fit bottom pastry crust into a 9-inch pie plate, letting edges overhang. Trim pastry 1 inch from rim of pan. Spoon filling into pie shell and dot with butter.
Place top pastry crust over pie. Fold edge of top pastry over lower pastry; flute. Cut vents for steam. Brush top of unbaked pie crust with cream or milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Place pie on cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. Bake 40 to 45 minutes longer, or until filling is bubbly in center. Transfer to wire rack. Serve warm. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
This was very tasty:)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Slow-Cooked Coffee Beef Roast

  • Prep: 15 min. Cook: 8 hours
  • Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 beef sirloin tip roast (2-1/2 pounds), cut in half
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 cups brewed coffee
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup cold water

Directions

  • In a large nonstick skillet, brown roast on all sides in oil over medium-high heat. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet, saute mushrooms, onions and garlic until tender; stir in the coffee, liquid smoke if desired, salt, chili powder and pepper. Pour over roast.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.
  • Remove roast and keep warm. Pour cooking juices into a 2-cup measuring cup; skim fat.
In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir in 2 cups cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with sliced beef. 
This recipe was to die for!!  The meat almost melted in your moth.  I use pork instead of beef.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Sweet Kielbasa

Prep Time 15 Min Cook Time 1 HR Ready In 1 HR 15 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

  • 2 (16 ounce) packages fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 (16 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 (13.25 ounce) can pineapple chunks in heavy syrup

Directions

1.                  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.                  Place the sliced kielbasa into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and pineapple chunks. Pour over the kielbasa and stir to coat.
3.                  Bake for about 1 hour in the preheated oven or until sauce thickens.

The Very Best Confetti Rice

Prep Time 10 Min Cook Time 20 Min Ready In 35 Min

Servings  8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Directions

1.                  Place the rice in a saucepan, and bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit about 5 minutes.
2.                  Stir the orange zest, cranberries, almonds, and green onions into the rice until blended.

I had a vegetable with this but it turned out terrible.  Therefore it is not included here.
Looking forward to this Thursday.  Going out with Jayne for lunch.  Not sure where we are going but, I know it will be fun.
Dan's Mom is doing well since her surgery.  She had to cancel one of her trips because of the surgery.  But, she is doing fine!!
Heard from Les sounds like they are doing well.  It would be so nice to see them.  I can't go up there in August it is just to hot. 
Last year when we went I almost got sick because of the heat.
Working tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.
I saw an American Finch today on the bird feeder.  A bright yellow bird.  Wow!! It was beautiful!!
Jackie and Scott are on vacation for the next couple of weeks.  They went to California to visit his Mom.  She is 94 now!!
They have decided to leav the Edmonds church for one in Lynwood.  Not sure why.  Perhaps a change was needed.  Mom will still be going to the one in Edmonds.
Who knows why people do what they do. 

BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER GRATIN MAC 'N CHEESE

Serves 6

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 1 small head or bundle broccoli, trimmed into florets
  • 1 small head cauliflower or half a large head, trimmed and cut into florets
  • 1 pound whole wheat macaroni or penne or other short-cut pasta
  • 2 cups sour cream or reduced fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup chives, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or crushed into paste
  • A few drops of hot sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water and add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Boil the vegetables for 5 minutes, then remove them with a spider or a strainer and drain. Add the pasta to the water and under cook by about 2 minutes, then drain.
Meanwhile, combine the sour cream in a large bowl along with the mustard, chives, garlic, hot sauce and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the pasta and cauliflower and two-thirds of the cheese. Stir to combine, then transfer to a casserole or baking dish and cover with the remaining cheese. Cool and chill for a make-ahead meal.
To heat and eat, place the casserole on baking sheet and bake it in the middle of a pre-heated 375°F oven until deeply golden and bubbly, about 40-45 minutes.
With this recipe I steamed the vegetables for five ninutes.  I under cooked the pasta.  I cooked the caserole for 25 minutes instead of 40 to 45.  You will kill the vegetables if you cook it that long.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

food handlers card

Went on line to try and get my food handlers card went through the whole thing and took the test.  I would not process me so that I could pay and print out the card so now I am going to have to retake the test in Renton.  What a waste of time this day has been.  I feel depressed about the whole thing:(

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Southwestern Chicken Lasagna

Servings  6

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large onions
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chopped jalapeno peppers
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh salsa
  • 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 16 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 15 (6 inch) corn tortillas

Directions

1.                  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.                  In a large skillet, brown shredded chicken in butter or margarine. Add onions, jalapeno peppers, garlic, basil and oregano. Then add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and salsa/picante sauce. Stir all together. Cover skillet and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
3.                  In a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, place a layer of tortillas, then a layer of the chicken/sauce mixture, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers twice, then top casserole with Cheddar cheese and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, until cheese is bubbly.
This was very good.
Today is Mom's Birthday!! 90 can't believe it!!  God has been good to her!!
Worked four day in a row!!  Could have worked today.  I said no I am burned out.  Could have worked tomorrow but, I wanted my three days off. 
I have to work this Friday and Sunday.  Dan has Friday off.  I am a little disappointed that I won't get to have Friday with him. 
I got my piano tuned and the garage doors fixed.  No Dan doesn't have to open the door from the out side any more!!!  We have decided to keep the back screen door unlocked so that he can come into the house with out going around to the front.
We are having Mon's Birthday party on Saturday.  Not sure who all is coming.  I guess there will be a lot of people there.  I do not do well in crowds. 
Dan's Dad is home from the hospital and is doing well.  It is good to hear his voice. 
I hope that Andrew will be there I understand that he going to school computer engineering.  I am very proud of him!!  He is a smart young man.  His daughter Lauren has turned six.