What could be better than transforming chicken into a fried-favorite variation of crunchy coconut shrimp?  Coat the tenders in coconut, fry and pair with a sweet and sassy sauce for a combination of sweet, spicy, cold and crispy. Make extra sauce – because they will be double dipping! For the sauce, combine: 1 cup Saucy…

This inspiration came from Lynn over at Happier than a Pig in Mud who is a big fan of small-batch canning.  When I saw her post this morning, she gave me the inspiration to use up 4 plums and one pear to make 3 blushing jars of Pear-Plum jam. 4 plums chopped w/skin 1 pear,…

“Au poivre”, or peppercorn coated, is a classic French preparation popular in the 1950’s.  It’s back now, and it’s great on pork tenderloin.  Fruit always pairs well with pork, so I also included a recipe for Warm Apple Barley Salad. You will need: 10 oz. pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into four 2-inch thick medallions…

Since I started roasting broccoli, I rarely make it any other way now.  It’s wonderful on its own, but I added the addition of grape tomatoes which made it even better!  I bought 4 broccoli crowns, but it never seems to be enough. The roasted broccoli is crisp-tender, the florets become little crunchy bits, the…

Park Deli was the place for the best sandwiches and salads growing up. Their potato salad was a favorite. It’s a simple potato salad with just a few ingredients. It’s tangy and creamy and so good with a sandwich. 5 or 6 medium red potatoes 1/2 sweet onion, grated 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup white…

Hi Everyone!  I recently received an email from Lidia’s Italy with an invitation to create a Lidia’s Club.  Some of you know what a big fan I am!  Let’s have some fun cooking her recipes from this month’s newletter.  When the cooking is done, take photos of the food, the chefs, and the hungry diners! I…

This easy orange mint tea recipe actually contains no tea.  The mint is steeped, as tea leaves would be, to make a refreshing, cool drink.  It can be made with honey instead of sugar and is best served cold.  Take advantage of fresh spring mint! Ingredients: 3 cups water 6 sprigs well-rinsed fresh mint (each…

This recipe is a typical one with two rising periods.  Most of this time it’s the yeast working and not you! 2 cups water 1 Tablespoon sugar 1 packet active dry yeast 1 Tablespoon salt 6 cups bread flour Toppings of your choice – I used “everything bagel” topping Proofing the Yeast: Pour the water,…

We are doing Double Chocolate this month for the Chocolate Party! I don’t consider myself much of a baker. Home made cakes were not my forte! Someone had asked me to find a chocolate roulade recipe for them, and when I read the directions, it didn’t look that complicated. You be the judge! This cake is…

Definition:  Comfort Food – Noun:    “Food that is simply prepared and associated with a sense of home or contentment”.  Psychological Studies:  Comfort foods may be consumed to positively pique emotions, to relieve negative psychological affects or to increase positive feelings. Comfort food favorite family recipes are filled with delicious flavors that say home as nothing…

Weeknight tacos usually consist of quick-cooking fillings like ground beef, packaged taco seasoning and some hard taco shells.  It’s all good for a quick dinner. These tacos don’t need any cheddar cheese or lettuce or even taco sauce!   If you are craving some South of the Border flavor, you have come to the right…

Thin pork chops can be difficult to cook without them being tough and dried out.  These smothered chops come out tender and moist with a silky flavorful gravy. 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. paprika Salt and Pepper 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 6 bone-in pork chops, about 1/2″ thick, trimmed 1-1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1…

This French Toast could not be easier!  Perfect for a quick break fast for one.  Make your mug the night before and have it ready for the morning for a nice, warm, quick breakfast. French Toast Mug 2 slices bread, cubed 1 large egg 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. vanilla…

When you have time, there is nothing like homemade baked beans!  Slow-baked and full of flavor, these beans will be the hit of any party!  They can be made ahead and finished the next day layered with peppers, onions and cheddar cheese.   1 lb. navy beans, soaked overnight and drained (reserving 2 cups liquid)…