Growing up in a Polish family, we had sauerkraut often with many meals.  My Mom’s sauerkraut was the best and I would make a sandwich with just sauerkraut.  When I saw this “burger” with sauerkraut, I had to give it a try. I’m calling this recipe German Meat Pies since it was a German/Russian family that…

Soft-boiled eggs are an old-fashioned breakfast. When we were growing up, dad used to fix this for us when we had a cold  or just needed something light to settle our stomachs. He always called this “Eggs on the Rocks”. To soft-cook eggs, bring a deep saucepan filled halfway with water to a rolling boil.…

   I knew if I went to the store and simple bought a package of Fig Newtons, I would probably be disappointed.  Most of our childhood favorites simply don’t taste the same any more.     Filling: 1 cup finely chopped dried figs 1 cup water 1-1/2 cups apple juice 1/4 cup sugar 1/8 tsp.…

Double the time-saving power of your CrockPot by transforming leftovers into a totally different meal! This brisket is cooked with beef broth and loads of onions that melt down into a luscious gravy. NIGHT #1 4 lbs. beef brisket 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 large onions, sliced thin 3 cloves garlic, minced…

Jalapeno Pineapple Preserves are a sweet pepper preserve with a pineapple twist, the spicy flavor provides a great taste that can be used as a glaze on meats, or for a fast appetizer with cream cheese and crackers.  The preserves just have a hint of the jalapeno with the sweet taste of the pineapple.  When…

Chinese take-out at home. I tried this recipe with Hoisin Sauce and Thai Chili Sauce, but the Oyster Sauce worked the best. You probably have almost all the ingredients for this! It goes together very quickly.  For protein add tofu, chicken or pork. Vegetable Lo Mein 1/2 lb. Lo Mein Noodles or Linguini Sesame oil…

Home made play dough is easy to make, easy to store and fun to use.  When I was a teacher at the YMCA, I had a class of 2-1/2 year olds.  As most teachers know, you usually have to spend your own money for supplies for your classroom.  I would make this play dough for…

Enchiladas made easy!  This pie is topped with tortilla chips and while it bakes, the lowest layer transforms into a beefy-enchilada-like base while the top layer stays crisp.  Everyone asked for seconds! 1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 2 garlic cloves, minced One 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce 1/2…

I’ve just joined Lady Behind the Curtain for The Improv Cooking Challenge!  This week’s challenge is Apples and Caramel. I couldn’t wait for this to cool off!  Apples swimming in a caramel sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy crisp. Topping: 1-1/3 cup oats 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 2/3…

Most countries and cultures put dry, leftover bread to good use.  All forms of bread can be brought back to life with a little liquid and is a great way to stretch a dish.  The first recipe that comes to mind is Thanksgiving stuffing.  You have to have stale bread for stuffing!  Panzanella salad, French…

These are light, airy cakes with blueberry filling and a lemony, white chocolate ganache glaze.  The original recipes was made with raspberry, which would be just as good.  I have a small ethnic store nearby and was able to find blueberry jam.  You can substitute any filling for these little cakes. Cupcakes: 1 lemon 3/4…

When we think of Ramen, the first thing that comes to mind are those inexpensive packaged noodles with a spice packet included.  Ramen, in Japan, is a dish that is passed on from generation to generation and often has a Master of Ramen soup.   Ramen is made with spirit – and the magical ingredient…

These are light, airy cakes with blueberry filling and a lemony, white chocolate ganache glaze.  The original recipes was made with raspberry, which would be just as good.  I have a small ethnic store nearby and was able to find blueberry jam.  You can substitute any filling for these little cakes. Cupcakes: 1 lemon 3/4…

A vegetarian twist on classic Italian risotto! If you are looking to try something a little different for the Fall or even Thanksgiving, this is a delicious side dish.  The pumpkin flavor is very subtle and adds even more creaminess to this risotto. 1 medium onion, diced 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups Arborio…