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Posted on February 21, 2023 by wdrell

Lobster Bisque

What can I say about this recipe besides the fact that it is addictively good! The tomato soup base is great on its own, add in the lobster and it becomes heavenly!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp minced shallots
  • 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1⁄4 Cup white wine (Dry)
  • 2 Tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1Tsp dried thyme
  • 6 Tbsp dry sherry
  • 1 Tsp paprika
  • 1Cup hot water
  • 1 Tsp lobster base (better than bouillon)
  • 4 Oz Tomato paste
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 2 Cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 Tbsp Butter

Cooking Directions

  1. In a saute pan heat a little oil over med-high heat and saute shallots, onions, and garlic for one minute.
  2. Deglaze the pan with the white wine.
  3. Add the Worcestershire, tabasco, and thyme and sauté for another minute.
  4. Deglaze the pan with the sherry.
  5. Add the paprika, hot water and lobster base and combine well.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and add the bay leaves.
  7. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Whisk in heavy cream and the butter and bring to a boil.
  9. Add the lobster and simmer until cooked through.
  10. Serve with crusty garlic bread.

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Posted on February 12, 2023 by wdrell

Tator Tots

Ingredients

  • Tator tots

Cooking Directions

  1. Place tator tots in air fryer in a single layer.
  2. Use the following cooking settings; 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping ever 4 minutes.
  3. Allow to cool for 1 min and enjoy!

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Posted on February 12, 2023 by wdrell

Fish Sticks – Air Fryer

Sure you can do them in the microwave, but the Air Fry makes them crispy and delicious!

Ingredients

  • Fish Sticks

Cooking Directions

  1. Place fish sticks in air fryer in a single layer.
  2. Cook with the following settings; 400° F for 8 min. Flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
  3. Let cool for 1 min and enjoy!

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Posted on January 12, 2023 by wdrell

Midnights

These cookies are for those of you for whom the chocolate, only the chocolate, and nothing but the chocolate will do. (or how I embraced chocolate as its own food group!) Makes 6 Dozen cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 Cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chunks (I prefer Chunks)
  • 6 Oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 16 Tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 2/3 Cups Brown Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Tsp Espresso Powder
  • 3/4 Cup All-purpose Flour
  • 3/4 Cup Natural Cocoa Powder
  • 1 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1 1/4 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 2/3 Cups semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

  • In a saucepan set over very low heat, or in the microwave, melt together the first two ingredients, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove the chocolate from the heat before it’s entirely melted, which will help prevent burning. Set Aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl down and beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla, espresso powder, and reserved melted chocolate, mixing until evenly incorporated. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the other 1 2/3 Cups chocolate chips. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour, or until it’s firm.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.
  • Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 9 minutes, until they appear set. Remove them from the oven, let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

**Variation

  • Substitute white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for the semisweet chocolate chips added at the end of the recipe.

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Posted on January 11, 2023 by wdrell

Classic French Fruit Tart

Made this a few years ago at Sur La Table, Original recipe can be found here for this lite and refreshing dessert!

Ingredients

Cooking Directions

Prepare shortcrust dough and chill according to directions (see above linked recipe)

Bake the shell:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the bottom third. Line the chilled tart shell with heavy-duty foil, pressing the foil firmly and smoothly into the crevices of the pan. Fill the pan with pie weights. Make sure the weights reach up the sides to the rim of the pan (the center does not need to be filled quite as full). Bake the shell for 20 to 22 minutes, until the foil comes away from the dough easily (if it doesn”t, bake another 5 to 6 minutes and check again). Remove the pan from the oven (hold the pan by the sides and not the bottom), close the oven door, and lift out the foil and weights from the shell; set them aside to cool.
  • Return the pan to the oven to continue baking the shell for about 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven, close the oven door, and check to see if any cracks have formed. If you see a crack, very gently smear a tiny bit of reserved dough over the crack to patch it-you need only enough to seal the opening. Return the pan to the oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer, until the crust is a nice golden brown all over. Transfer to a rack and cool completely.
  • Moisture-proof the crust: Bring an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of the double boiler. Place the chocolate in the top of the double boiler off the heat. Then place the chocolate over the steaming water. Stir occasionally with the silicone or rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth. (Or, melt the chocolate in the microwave-safe bowl) Scrape the melted chocolate into the cooled tart shell and use the offset spatula to spread it into a thin layer across the bottom and about ½-inch up the side. Chill for 10 minutes to firm the chocolate.

Fill the Tart:

  • Spoon the Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream into the tart crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the fruit. Pour the raspberries and blackberries onto the baking sheet and pick out and discard any moldy berries or debris. These berries are usually not washed, as they absorb water quickly and turn to mush. Rinse the blueberries in the strainer under cold water and pat dry. In the medium bowl, gently mix all of the berries together. Transfer to the tart, making sure there is a nice balance of all the berries in each area of the tart.

Finish the Tart:

  • Heat the raspberry jam and water in the small saucepan over low heat until melted, hot, and fluid or, microwave on low in the microwave-safe bowl. Do not let it boil or it will caramelize. Brush just enough of the melted jam over the tops of the berries to glaze them a bit. You don’t want to overdo it; simply touch the brush to the berries to give them a shiny look. Refrigerate the tart until ready to serve.

Serve the Tart:

  • Place the tart pan on top of a large can (the 28-ounce tomato cans are good) so that the bottom balances midair as the rim falls to the counter. Use the metal spatula to transfer the tart to a serving plate, or simply leave the bottom of the tart pan under the tart for support. Slice the tart with a thin and sharp knife, cutting down in one quick motion rather than sawing. This tart is lovely all by itself, though a spoonful of raspberry sauce is a good accompaniment.

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Posted on January 11, 2023 by wdrell

Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

Part of a classic fruit tart class that I took a few years back at Sur La Table. “A classic filling for fresh fruit tarts, èclairs, and cream pies, pastry cream is really just a flour-thickened custard sauce, which also means that it can take on a near-endless variety of flavorings, from spices and citrus to chocolates and liqueurs.” Makes 2 Cups.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) cold unsalted butter

Cooking Directions

  • Fill the large bowl halfway with ice and water and set it aside. Pour the milk into the medium saucepan. Use the tip of a paring knife to cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Turn the knife over and use the dull side to scrape the seeds into the saucepan, then add the pod. Heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. (If using vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean, skip this step and add the extract later.)
  • Heat the milk to just below the boiling point and remove from the heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolks, and sugar until well blended and smooth. Add the flour and whisk vigorously until the mixture is very smooth. Pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Slowly pour the yolk mixture back into the hot milk, whisking all the while.
  • Heat the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the flour from lumping, until it reaches a boil. Continue to cook and whisk for another minute, until the pastry cream is very thick. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter (and vanilla extract, if using). Strain the pastry cream through the strainer set over a medium bowl to remove any lumps or tiny bits of egg. (Save the vanilla bean: Rinse it thoroughly, allow to dry, then use it to make vanilla sugar).
  • Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream, then set the bowl into the bowl of ice water. Once the pastry cream has completely cooled, use or store in the refrigerator until needed.

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Posted on January 11, 2023 by wdrell

Vanilla Shortcrust Dough

Part of a classic fruit tart class that I took a few years back at Sur La Table. Recipe makes enough dough for a 9″ to 9 1/2″ pan.

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick (4 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 to 3 teaspoons water

Cooking Directions

  • To mix the dough using a food processor: Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 5 times to blend. Add the cold butter pieces and pulse 6 to 8 times, just until the butter is the size of large peas. In the small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon water. Add to the butter mixture, then process just until the dough begins to form small clumps, 5 to 10 seconds. Do not let the dough form a ball. Test the dough by squeezing a handful of clumps-when you open your hand, they should hold together. If they are crumbly and fall apart, sprinkle 1 teaspoon water over the dough and pulse several times, then test again. Repeat, if necessary.
  • To mix the dough by hand: Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the medium bowl and blend well with the whisk. Add the cold butter pieces and toss until they are lightly coated with the flour. Use the pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs or crushed crackers. If at any time during this process the butter softens and becomes warm, place the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before continuing. In the small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon water. Add to the dry ingredients and toss between your fingertips or with a fork 20 to 30 times to evenly distribute the moisture. The dough will still look very crumbly, but if the mixture is squeezed in your hand, it should hold together. If not, sprinkle another teaspoon of water over the top and toss to blend. Repeat, if necessary.
  • Finish the dough: Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead gently 2 or 3 times, just to finish bringing it together. Shape it into a disk about 6 inches in diameter. If the dough is still cool to the touch, continue on to the next step. If the dough is soft and sticky, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes before continuing.
  • To make the tart shell: Make sure the dough is cool but malleable. If it has been refrigerated or frozen and is quite hard, let it sit on the counter for 10 to 12 minutes before rolling. Place the dough disk between two 14-inch pieces of waxed paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. Roll it into an 11-inch round, rotating it (and the paper) clockwise slightly after each roll to create an even round. Remember to roll from the center outward and to lift the rolling pin at the edge to avoid smashing the edge into the paper, which will make removing the paper difficult.
  • As you roll, the paper or plastic wrap will get wrinkled into the dough. When this happens, peel it off, smooth out the wrinkles and lay it back on the dough. Flip the dough over and repeat, if necessary, with the top piece. Continue to roll, flipping and smoothing wrinkles as necessary, until the dough is 11 inches across and between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick. If the dough is soft and sticky, transfer it to a baking sheet and chill it for 30 minutes. Peel off the top piece of paper or plastic. Leave the bottom piece attached. Lift the dough by the exposed paper or plastic and flip it over and center it over the tart pan as best you can.
  • Peel off the paper or plastic. Ease the dough across the bottom of the pan and up the sides, pressing it into the corners of the pan with your fingertips. Once the dough is even in the pan, fold the excess dough at the edge inward to create a double layer of dough along the wall. Press firmly with your thumbs to fuse the two layers of dough, then roll your thumb over the rim of the pan to remove any excess dough there. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes before baking.

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Posted on December 13, 2022 by wdrell

Cabbage Roll Soup

I have been craving Cabbage rolls as a simple comfort food, but they take a lot more time then I wanted to invest into making them since I am the only person who like to eat them. Found this recipe for cabbage roll soup here and tweaked it to my liking.

Ingredients

  • 1lb Ground Beef
  • 7 Cups Beef Broth
  • 28 oz Can Diced Tomatoes
  • 3 Cups or 1 Jar Tomato Sauce
  • 1 Yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 Cup White Rice
  • 1 Tbsp Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp Basil
  • 3 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 3 Cups or 1 Half head of cabbage, shredded

Cooking Directions

  1. In a large stock pot/dutch oven, add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil. To that add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until onion becomes translucent.
  2. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low to low and simmer for at least 1 hr. For best results simmer for 2-3 hours. Turn heat off and remove pot from stove and allow to cool for 10 min before serving.

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Posted on November 23, 2022 by wdrell

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Found the recipe on Tiktok of all places and modified it to my liking. Definitely not good for you, but very good for your soul!

Ingredients

  • 1 Pkg Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuit mix
  • 2 Cups Milk
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend
  • 1 Cup Butter, melted
  • 1 Can Peas and Carrots mix (14.5 oz); see note at bottom of page
  • 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz
  • 1 Cup Chicken broth
  • 1 Rotisserie Chicken, Shredded (I use the skin and drippings as well)
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tsp Thyme

Cooking Directions

  1. Melt butter and pour into the bottom of a 8×13 casserole dish. Then add shredded chicken on top of that, then add peas and carrots on top of the chicken.
  2. Combine the package of cheddar biscuit mix with the seasoning pack (included in package), thyme, garlic and onion powder. Then mix with the 2 Cups of milk. Pour, do not mix, this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Mix 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup with 1 cup of chicken broth. Pour, do not mix, over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on the top.
  4. Place into a 350°F oven, and bake for 1 hr. Allow to cool for 5-10 min before serving. (If it looks wet in the middle that is okay. it should look like baked biscuits on the top and be a creamy thick soup texture in the middle. )

Notes: If you prefer you can use a bag of frozen peas and carrots. I could not find one at the local store when I went to make this, all of them were Pea, Carrot, and Corn mixes. The corn didn’t sound right for chicken pot pie to me. You might have to also bake longer since the vegetables are frozen so at the 1 hr marker check for doneness.

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Posted on March 19, 2022 by wdrell

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Comfort food at its best!

Ingredients

  • 2 Eggs, Lightly beaten
  • 1/3 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 Cup Dry bread Crumbs
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • 2 Tbsp milk (2%)
  • 4 Garlic cloves
  • 4 Tsp grated onion
  • 1 Tsp salt
  • 1 Tsp pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp grated lemon peel/zest
  • 1 1/2 Lbs ground chicken/turkey

Soup

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 medium carrots, chopped
  • 4 Celery Ribs, chopped
  • 2 Small onions, chopped
  • 6 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 Cartons (26 oz ea.) Chicken Stock
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 1/2 Cups Acini di pepe pasta
  • 2 Pkg (10 oz ea.) fresh spinach
  • Additional minced fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1″ balls.
  2. For soup, in a stock pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery and onions; cook and stir 6-8 mins or until onions are tender.
  3. Stir in stock, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Drop meatballs into soup; cook, uncovered 10 minutes. Gently stir in pasta; cook 10-12 minutes longer or until meatballs are cook through and pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in spinach. Top servings with parsley and cheese.

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Posted on December 11, 2021 by wdrell

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Yummy and fun to decorate!

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup white sugar
  • 1 Cup butter, softened
  • 1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ Tsp salt
  • ½ Tsp almond extract
  • ½ Tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Egg yolk
  • 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, cream cheese, salt, almond and vanilla extracts, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour until well blended. Chill the dough for 8 hours, or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/3 at a time to 1/8 inch thickness, refrigerating remaining dough until ready to use. Cut into desired shapes with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave cookies plain for frosting, or brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with candy sprinkles or colored sugar.

4. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light and golden brown. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

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Posted on December 11, 2021 by wdrell

Beef Stew in Red Wine

Beef stew in itself is amazing, add wine and it becomes better! Thanks to Jacques Pepin for the original recipe! Original recipe found here!

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 Lbs trimmed beef flatiron steak or chuck, cut into 8 pieces
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped garlic
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • One 750-milliliter bottle dry red wine (Menage a Trois: Midnight)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Thyme sprig
  • One 5-oz piece of Pancetta
  • 15 pearl or small cipollini onions, peeled
  • 15 Cremini mushrooms
  • 15 baby Carrots, peeled
  • Sugar
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, melt the butter in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Arrange the meat in the casserole in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 8 minutes. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir to coat the meat with it. Add the wine, bay leaves and thyme, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  2. Cover the casserole and transfer it to the oven. Cook the stew for 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is very tender and the sauce is flavorful.
  3. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, cover the pancetta with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain the pancetta and slice it 1/2 inch thick, then cut the slices into 1-inch-wide lardons.
  4. In a large skillet, combine the pancetta, pearl onions, mushrooms and carrots. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of water and a large pinch each of sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until almost all of the water has evaporated, 15 minutes. Uncover and cook over high heat, tossing, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned, about 4 minutes.
  5. To serve, stir some of the vegetables and lardons into the stew and scatter the rest on top as a garnish. Top with a little chopped parsley and serve.

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Posted on October 28, 2021 by wdrell

Chicken and Dumplings

One of my favorite comfort foods, as my buddy Boyd would say, “It’s stick to your ribs good!”

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Flour
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking powder
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Cup milk
  • 2 Qts Chicken broth
  • 3 Cups cooked chicken (preferably leftover rotisserie chicken)

Cooking Directions

1. In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender. Stir in the milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.

2. Heavily flour a work surface. You’ll need a rolling pin and something to cut the dumplings with. I like to use a pizza cutter. I also like to use a small spatula to lift the dumplings off the cutting surface.

3. Roll the dough out thin with a heavily floured rolling pin. Dip your cutter in flour and cut the dumplings in squares about 2×2-inches each. It’s okay for them not to be exact. Just eye ball it. Some will be bigger, some smaller, and some might be shaped funny.

4. Use the floured spatula to put them on a heavily floured plate. Just keep flouring between the layers of dumplings.

5. To cook them, bring the broth to a boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring while you add them. The extra flour on them will help thicken the broth.

6. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they don’t taste doughy.

7. Add the cooked chicken to the pot and serve.

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Posted on August 29, 2021 by wdrell

Chimichurri Sauce

Always a favorite recipe to go with steaks with adding a Spanish or South American Flair, original recipe found here!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups well packed FRESH Parsley
  • 1/2 Cup well packed FRESH Cilantro
  • 1/4 Cup FRESH Oregano
  • 1/4 small Red Onion
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 3 Tbsp Red Wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/2 Tsp salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper flakes
  • 3/4 Cup Olive Oil

Cooking Directions

1. Add red onion, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and salt to a food processor. Pulse, stopping and scraping down sides occasionally until finely minced.

2. Add in parsley, cilantro, oregano and red pepper flakes then pour in olive oil while pulsing several times until herb leaves are finely minced.

3. Spoon over meat when served at dinner or use in a marinade as you see fit.

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Posted on July 4, 2021 by wdrell

Cheesy Chicken and bean skillet bake

This recipe is from my “Tasty Every Day” Cookbook on page 80. “This Cheesy Chicken and Bean Skillet Bake comes from Tasty’s Everyday Cookbook. It’s loaded with chicken, onions, beans, tomatoes and cheese. Probably ingredients that you have in your refrigerator right now and you can whip it up any night of the week under an hour. “

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2” pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small white onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. flour
2 Tsp. ground coriander
1 Tsp. ground cumin
2 15 Oz. cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 10 Oz. cans of diced tomatoes with chiles, such as Ro-Tel
3 Cups (12 Oz.) shredded Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro leaves, garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F.
  2. In an oven proof skillet heat the vegetable oil over med/high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste then add the chicken to skillet and cook, stir until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic; cook stirring until onion is tender and chicken is cooked through, about another 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, flour, coriander and cumin. 
  3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the beans and Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies. Top evenly with the shredded cheese then bake until bubbly in the center and the cheese has melted, about 10 minutes. 
  4. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with cilantro, if you like, before serving.

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Posted on June 17, 2021 by wdrell

Kahlua Cheesecake

I had seen a video recipe on reddit, and I couldnt find it again when I wanted to make this, so I experimented. I have made this about 5 times now, this one tastes the best in my opinion. While it was my first time making a gelatin based cheesecake, I was really happy with the flavor and texture. Very hard to eat only one slice!

Ingredients

  • 1 Packet of Gelatine (I used “Knox Original” )
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Boiling Kahlua Coffee & Rum Liquor (for cheesecake)
  • 2 8oz. Packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 Tsp. Vanilla
  • 1 Ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust 6 Oz (I used a chocolate oreo )
  • 3 Oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache topping)
  • 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream (for ganache topping)
  • 1 Tsp Kahlua (for ganache topping)
  • Chocolate Shavings for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

  1. Combine sugar, and gelatin in a medium bowl, mix to combine. Add boiling Kahlua; stir for 5 min. or until gelatine is completely dissolved.
  2. Beat cream cheese and vanilla in a large bowl with a hand mixer until blended. Gradually beat in gelatin mixture.
  3. Once fully combined, pour mixture into prepared crust, let stand while making chocolate ganache topping.
  4. Heat heavy cream in a sauce pan until a gentle boil has started. Add chocolate chips and rum. Stir until all chocolate has melted.
  5. Pour chocolate ganache over cheese cake and then place in fridge to chill for 1 hour.
  6. Enjoy!

Optional: Add shaved chocolate to top of cheesecake and liberally or generously as you desire right before serving.

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Posted on February 2, 2021 by wdrell

Soft Pretzel

Took a online cooking class with my cousin to make soft Pretzels, loved the outcome so much that I am adding the recipe on here. Original Recipe from Becky’s Mindful Kitchen! Love these with a cheese sauce (Cheesy beer sauce) or spicy mustard.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cup warm water (for yeast)
  • 2 Tbsp sugar or honey (for yeast)
  • 1 Tbsp salt (for dough)
  • 1 Pkg yeast (2 1/4 tsp) active yeast
  • 4 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 10 c boiling water plus 2/3 c baking soda (for less salty pretzels, use 1/3c baking soda)
  • 1 Egg beaten plus 1 Tbsp water for egg wash
  • Coarse seat salt for topping pretzels, or cinnamon sugar, etc.
  • Melted butter or Butter olive oil for brushing on top after baking

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F
  2. Take 1 1/2 Cup warm water add 2 Tbsp sugar and 1 packet of yeast. Allow to sit for 5 min to activate yeast.
  3. In a stand mixer combine Flour, 1Tbsp salt, melted butter, and activated yeast. Mix with a dough hook on low to medium low speed until dough has formed.
  4. Cover with a warm damp cloth and allow dough to rise for 1 hr.
  5. Remove dough and form into pretzel shapes. You can also make 3 long strands and braid them together which is what I did in the picture above. (How to fold a pretzel)
  6. Brush on egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 Tbsp Water) then cover pretzel with coarse salt or cinnamon sugar topping.
  7. Place in oven and bake for 12-15 until golden brown – brown in color. (Your preference)
  8. Remove from oven and enjoy immediately or place on a cooling rack and enjoy later.

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Posted on September 16, 2020 by wdrell

Fluffernutter

Simple, sweet and comforting… and with a few additions here and there, full of limitless possibilities! I may not be from the New England area, but a book series (Expeditionary Force: Columbus Day) that I love introduced me to this comforting snack and I was blown away at the yummy goodness that it is! Especially a grilled Fluffernutter!

Ingredients

  • Creamy Peanut Butter
  • Marshmallow Fluff
  • Nutella **
  • Banana Slices **
  • Honey **

Cooking Directions

1. Take 2 slices of white bread and apply creamy peanut butter to one slice and marshmallow fluff to other slice. Combine slices into a sandwich and enjoy!

** Optional ingredients, I love adding honey and banana. The Nutella goes great with the peanut butter as well and reminds me of a Reese’s peanut butter cup.

*** A Grilled Fluffernutter (using butter much like a grilled cheese) is AWESOME!

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Posted on September 13, 2020 by wdrell

Oatmeal Cookies

“Soft and chewy with that trademark homemade flavor, these are the best soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies.” — Sally’s Baking Addiction (Original Recipe)

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, room temp.
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs, room temp.
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp Molasses
  • 1 1/2 Cup Flour, all-purpose
  • 1 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 3 Cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
  • 1 Cup Raisins (soaked for 10 min in warm water then blotted dry)
  • optional: 1/2 Cup Walnuts, Chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and both sugars together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and mix on high until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and molasses and mix on high until combined. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Beat in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using) on low speed. Dough will be thick, yet very sticky. Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator (do the full hour if you’re afraid of the cookies spreading too much). If chilling for longer (up to 2 days), allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

4. Roll balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie) and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. I recommend using a cookie scoop since the dough can be sticky. Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft and under-baked. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to “set” on the baking sheet during this time.

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Posted on August 23, 2020 by wdrell

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Super easy to make and twice as easy to eat! Comfort food that warms your soul! The original recipe can be found here and comes with a option to use a instant pot!

 

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 Yellow onion, diced
  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 15-oz. Can diced Tomatoes
  • 3 Cups Vegetable stock
  • ½ Tsp dried Basil
  • ½ Tsp dried Oregano
  • ¼ Tsp dried Thyme
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • ½ Tsp ground Black Pepper
  • 10 oz (300 grams) fresh Tortellini (I used cheese-filled tortellini)
  • ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 Cups Baby Spinach leaves

 

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a pot, and add diced onion followed by the carrot. Cook for a few minutes, then add the garlic and cook for a minute while stirring with a wooden spoon.

2. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable stock, and all the seasonings to the pot. Cover with the lid and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Open the lid, and add the fresh tortellini and cook for 3 minutes.

4. Stir in the cream, and add the baby spinach leaves. Cover with the lid to let the spinach wilt. Once the spinach is wilted, serve warm with some Parmesan cheese.

 

**You can add Italian sausage (1/2Lb.) if you like. Just crumble it and saute it lightly after you cook the onion and garlic. Or you can use ground turkey meat or any other ground meat.

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Posted on August 23, 2020 by wdrell

Old-World Raspberry Bars

Comfort food at its best, stick to your ribs good and you won’t even feel guilty for eating the entire tray! Original Recipe can be found here.

Ingredients

     Crumb Mixture

  • 2 1/4 Cup all-purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Pecans, Chopped
  • 1 Cup Butter, Softened
  • 1 Large Egg

     Filling

  • 3/4 cup raspberry preserves

**Substitute 3/4 cup your favorite flavor preserves.

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, extending foil over edges. Grease foil; set aside.

2. Combine all crumb mixture ingredients in bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture; set aside.

3. Press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of prepared baking pan. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge. Crumble reserved crumb mixture over preserves.

4. Bake 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely; cut into bars.

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Posted on August 23, 2020 by wdrell

Lavender Earl Grey infused Chocolate Mousse

Earl Grey tea and Chocolate, what is there not to love about this pairing? Tried this out on a whim one day and have only made chocolate mousse this way ever since.  The Earl Grey flavor comes as a accented after taste that compliments the smooth creamy chocolate flavor.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 Pkg Dr. Oetker Chocolate Mousse (or any other boxed chocolate mousse mix)
  • 1/2 Cup Lavender Earl Grey tea or just Earl Grey tea (**see notes at bottom of page)
  • 1/2 Cup Milk

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare chocolate mousse mix as per instructions on box, instead of using 1 Cup of milk substitute 1/2 Cup of milk for 1/2 Cup of Tea. So do 1/2 Cup Milk and 1/2 Cup of Tea. 

2. Allow to set in refrigerator for 1 hr. before serving.

 

** When Brewing tea, either use 2 sachets or allow tea to steep for 5 mins. I prefer to do both, while the tea will taste really strong if you were to drink it, it will be diluted down when added to the recipe mixture.

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