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Posts tagged ‘recipe’

Mar 11

18 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Recipes – Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread recipe

This is my absolute favorite Irish Soda Bread Recipe.

The first time I tried Irish Soda bread was in a Pub in Dingle, Ireland. I’d love to go back just for a slice of bread, but Dingle Town has now been over run with tourists, so I don’t think we will be going back anytime soon. But the Bread?  Now there is something I can revisit again and again.  No airline ticket needed.

The recipe itself is very straight forward and easy to make.  However, if you have never tried Irish Soda Bread before let me warn you.  It is very hearty.  Like, your husband is a lumberman, wears plaid and likes food that sticks to his ribs. In my opinion the bread is best served with Guinness stew.  If there was ever a “man” bread, this would be it.

The bread is so substantial, you may want to make an extra loaf to keep on hand just in case you need a lethal weapon. Perfect for lumberjacks, brick layers and leprechauns of course.

irish soda bread recipe

Ingredients 

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oatmeal {I used regular oats}
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch bits
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk {How to Make Buttermilk}
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silpat.

Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on a low speed until everything is combined.

Place the dough onto a floured cutting board and knead it a few times into a nice, fat, round loaf that is about 2 inches thick and 8 inches wide. Place the loaf on the lined sheet pan,  carfeully cut an X into the top of the bread, and sprinkle a little oatmeal over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean or when you tap the loaf, it will has a hollow sound to it. Cool slightly, and serve with butter or honey. Yummalicious!

This recipe makes 1 loaf.

waking ned divine

Waking Ned Devine.  Have you seen it? Best movie ever, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!

Mar 10

4 Comments

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

I’ve noticed a lot of deals on broccoli lately so I thought I would re-post this delicious recipe for Broccoli, Bacon and Cheddar Quiche.

It is my favorite kind of breakfast to make when broccoli is in season or on sale. Not only are quiches perfect for Sunday brunch, but you can make them ahead of time and they are hearty enough to pack in your hubby’s lunch the next day.  Well, that is if there is anything left over.

This is one of our favorites, I hope you like it.

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1 small red onion, sliced thin
1 pie crust
5 eggs
1 cup milk {I used 2%}
1 cup cheddar cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Place bacon, scallions and broccoli in the bottom of the pie crust.
In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper.
Pour egg mixture over bacon, broccoli and onions
Bake for 40-50 minutes until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly, and serve.

Mar 8

3 Comments

Kids St. Patrick’s Day Recipe: How to Make Rainbow Jello

how to make rainbow jello

Last year I made my monkeys and their friends rainbow jello for St. Patrick’s Day, and it was a hit.

If you have a boatload of jello in your pantry, or just want to make something fun for dessert on St Patrick’s Day, rainbow jello is really easy to make. As long as you have two things. Patience and time.

How to Make Rainbow Jello:

Ingredients

6 {small or large}  boxes of Jello {red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple}
1 container Whipped Topping or 4 cups of yogurt.
Food coloring
Water

Directions

purple jelloStep #1

Know the colors of the rainbow.  Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue & Purple.  Using the quick set method {ice cubes} prepare the purple jello first. Pour about 1/4 cup of prepared Jello into each glass.  FYI: I used the large boxes of Jello and this recipe made 8 glasses of rainbow jello, plus {1} 8×8 Pyrex dish.

purple jelloStep #2

Place the glasses in a baking pan, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

how to add color to yogurtStep #3

Add food coloring to 6 separate bowls of cool-whip or yogurt {one for each color of the rainbow}.

yogurtStep #4

Remove the cups of the Jello from the refrigerator and add a thin layer of colored whipped topping or yogurt on top of the Jello.  You want to match the color of whipped topping/yogurt to the colored Jello below.

rainbow yogurt jelloStep #5

Working in reverse order, add the next color of Jello .  Refrigerate.  Repeat steps 4 & 5 until you have refrigerated the last layer {red} of Jello.  Once the red Jello has set, then add a dollop of whip cream to the top.  And a spoon and dig in.

rainbow jello how to

Do you make any sort of special dishes or desserts for St. Patrick’s Day?

~Mavis

 

Mar 7

2 Comments

DIY Cajun Spice Mix Recipe

DIY Cajun Spice Mix Recipe

You can save big bucks by making your own spice mixes instead of buying those tiny jars in the grocery store for $3 to $7 a pop. Here is my recipe for Cajun Spice Mix. We LOVE to use it on baked chicken.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes {totally optional}

Directions

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until well-combined. Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place.

Learn how buying spices in bulk can save you money.

Here are a few more DIY Stocks and Spice Mixes you might like:

Vegetable Stock
Fajita Spice Mix
Turkey Rub
Ranch Dressing and Dip Dry Mix
Taco Seasoning Mix
Kale Powder
Italian Seasoning Mix
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Allspice Mix
Old Bay Seasoning

Mar 6

7 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Recipe: Guinness Black and Tan Brownies

Guinness Black & Tan Brownies recipe yum

If you are anything like me, when you see a good recipe in a magazine you tear it out, stuff it in a drawer {or binder} and save it for later. Well back in 2010 I spotted this recipe for Black & Tan brownies in Cooking Light magazine.

I re-discovered the recipe as I was pulling out  my recipe binder last year and quickly decided to whip up a batch for the HH seeing how he is Irish. I’ve made these brownies twice now.  The first time was with pecans and the second time without. Personally, I think they taste best with the pecans.  And I’m not all that into pecans.

The key to making these brownies is…

Read the directions thoroughly.  I tend to glance over recipes and not read every single direction.  However this one could be a little tricky.  So read through it a few times before you start.

Guinness Black Tan Brownies recipe

Tan Brownies:

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour {about 1 cup}
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans {I left them out}
Cooking spray

Black Brownies:
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Guinness Stout
4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour {about 1 cup}
1/4 teaspoon salt

Guinness Black & Tan Brownies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

To prepare Tan Brownies

Beat 6 tablespoons of butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Next add in the flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir well. Add in pecans {totally optional}. Pour the batter in to a  13 x 9–inch buttered baking pan {or use cooking spray}, making sure to spread the batter evenly. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

To prepare Black Brownies

Melt the chocolate and 4 tablespoons butter in a double broiler or in a microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 30 seconds {or until melted}, stir until nice and smooth. Slowly add sugar until well combined. Add eggs, vanilla, and Guinness and stir until everything is combined. Add the flour and salt until the batter is well smooth and pour the mixture evenly over tan brownies.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out almost clean. Cool for about an hour, and then cut into squares. Recipe Credit

The Irish Pub Cookbook

Mar 5

8 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Recipe – How to Make Rainbow Cupcakes

rainbow cupcakes
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for fun treat to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or to liven up dessert time around your house, these rainbow cupcakes might be the way to go. These cupcakes might look a little tricky to make, but they are actually quite easy.

how to make rainbow cupcakes

Simply prepare standard box of cake mix {or use your own recipe} and divide your cake mix batter between 6 bowls and then add food coloring.

rainbow cupcakes recipe

Line your cupcake tins {I use these brown liners} and carefully layer them with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple batter.

rainbow cupcakes picture

Bake for 18 minutes at 350°.  Cool on a wire rack.

how to make rainbow cupcakes recipe

Frost with vanilla icing and add a chocolate gold coin to the top.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Mar 4

10 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Recipe – Guinness Beef Stew

Guiness Beef Stew

Did I ever tell you the Handsome Husband is Irish? Well one of his favorite soups is Guinness Beef Stew. This classic stew is great to serve anytime of year, but especially on St. Patrick’s day with a chuck of Irish Soda Bread for dinner.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and this one is my favorite. I hope you like it.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef tips, cut into 1″ chunks
1 pound potatoes, chopped
3 large carrots, sliced 1″ thick
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
6 cups beef broth
1 cup Guinness Stout
5+ tablespoons Olive Oil {I use Zoe}

potatoes carrots onions

Directions

Saute beef, carrots, potatoes and onions in olive oil over medium heat until nicely browned. Add Guinness, beef broth and simmer soup for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve.

irish pub recipe cookbook

Looking for more recipes for St. Patrick’s Day? Check out The Irish Pub Cookbook. It’s packed with all sorts of deliciousness.

Mar 2

2 Comments

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries, Spinach and Feta

Because I was out playing in the garden all day today I whipped up a bowl of this Quinoa Salad with Cranberries, Spinach and Feta for dinner tonight. I don’t know what it is about the combination of these flavors, but I sure do love this salad.

Ingredients

2 cups Quinoa
4 cups Chicken stock
4 oz Feta cheese crumbles
2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup Cranberries
1/3 cup Ken’s Steakhouse Balsamic and Honey Salad Dressing

Directions

Place the quinoa and chicken stock in a rice cooker, turn it on and cook.
Let Quinoa cool 1 hour and place in a large bowl.
Add spinach, cranberries, feta to cooled quinoa and mix well.
Add dressing and stir to coat.

Looking for more recipes featuring Quinoa? Amazon currently has Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood By Patricia Green in stock and ready to ship.

Mar 1

1 Comment

Simple Chicken Recipes – Ritz Cracker Chicken

If you have a couple of chicken breasts, 2 sleeves of Ritz Crackers and a stick of butter in the refrigerator, well then you have dinner baby!

This recipe for Ritz cracker chicken, is like the easiest meal ever to prepare. Plus, HELLO it’s totally tasty too.  The Handsome Husband, The Girl and Monkey Boy all loved it, and I’ll defiantly be putting this on my monthly dinner menu from now on.

Ingredients

8 skinless chicken breasts, bone in
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
{2} sleeves of Ritz Crackers, crushed

Directions

Preheat oven to 350

Melt butter in a microwavable dish and set aside. Crush Ritz crackers {I crush  mine in a zip baggie} and place crushed crackers on a dinner plate.

Dip the chicken breasts in butter, then coat with Ritz Crackers, and place on a lined baking sheet {I use Silpats}.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Serve with a side or rice or veggies.

Looking for more chicken recipes?  If you are an Amazon Prime Member you can get 30 Healthy Chicken Recipes for free.  If you are not an Amazon Prime Member, you can pick it up for only $.99.

Feb 26

4 Comments

Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches Recipe

Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches Recipe

 

Tonight I’m serving my family peach cobbler for dinner.

What? Yes, you can serve peach cobbler for dinner, it’s totally allowed, I checked the rule book. But the real question is, will I be serving it will a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, or in a bowl with a wee bit of warm milk?

Decisions, decisions.

If you have a bunch of peaches you canned this summer, this simple peach cobbler recipe is a great way to use up a few jars.

Ingredients for the Filling

2 cans or 4 cups canned peaches {drained}
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ingredients for the Scones

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
2 1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
1⁄4 tsp. salt
4 Tbs. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 eggs
2⁄3 cup heavy cream {I used 2% milk}
1 Tbs sugar

Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches Recipe

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Butter a 9×9 casserole dish and set aside.

Use a colander to drain the peaches, reserving the juice for smoothies later on. In a large bowl gently toss the peaches, flour and cinnamon together until the peaches are coated. Pour peach filling into buttered casserole dish.

In a bowl {I used the same one} stir together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.

Scoop heaping spoonfuls of  scone dough on top of the cobbler and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the topping in lightly browned.

Serve cobbler alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert or in a bowl with a wee bit of  milk for dinner.

Yummmmm!

 

 

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