Jolene's Recipe Journal

(originally made 1/2013)

It was super chilly in NH yesterday, Jake had a sleepover last night and I had to drop him off after school.   I wanted to come home to a good smelling house and a nice hearty comfort food meal.    I'd earmarked this recipe to try on the Inspired Edibles blog.   The first thing I had to do was swap it to a crockpot meal, and then I modified a few things to work around our tastes.   This was the end result and it was very very good, and a nice change from our regular beef stew.    The orange made it seem not as heavy, but still comforting.

The orange juice component was a little vague-   dilute it how much?   I had some store brand frozen concentrate, made it as the can directed and just added a cup of it to the crockpot.

No picture of this one, I lack the photography skills to make stews look appealing- be sure to go check out the picture on the blog!   Maybe I'll give it a try at lunch time when the light is better.

* Exported from Master…

these are all the things I tried this year  :)

Back at Thanksgiving I asked my inlaws if there was anything special they'd like me to make for the holidays.   They both love the Fruitcake Loaves and FIL said that he missed the Date squares MIL used to make for him.    A Google search turned up this recipe.    I followed some modifications I saw in the comments-  I used 2 bags of Sunsweet dried dates, 3/4c water and about a teaspoon of orange extract in the filling.       FIL said they tasted just like he remembered  :)   I did forget to take a picture, will have to do that when I make them next year!


* Exported from MasterCook *

                          Canadian Date Squares


  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  8             ounces  dates -- cut up (double per reviews- used 2 bags Sunsweet)
  1         tablespoon  brown sugar (heaping)
     1/2           cup  water (3/4c + orange extract)
  1                cup  all-purpose flour
     1/2      teas…

Spent December knitting my fingers to the bone, then got down to business on the 22nd and started Christmas baking.    I made the old standbys, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Sparkle Cookies.    BarbaraBake's Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a must.  Then I pulled some recipes I really wanted to try, and hit it out of the park with all of it.

First up, Coconut Macaroons.   Big thanks to Kathleen S for sharing the recipe with me!   I worried when they first came out of the oven, they seemed very hard, but they were perfect.


Coconut Macaroons

Beat together til soft peaks appear: 1 egg white, 1 tsp vanilla & 1 tsp cream of tartar.

Stir in 1 bag (14oz) sweetened coconut & 1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk.

Using soup sized spoon scoop onto greased cookie sheets.  (I used a cookie scoop)

Bake in preheated 350 oven 20-25 minutes (mine took about 19).  Remove immediately and allow to cool on rack. When completely cool, dip bottoms in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate o…

Thanksgiving was full of great food here.   As always, the last thing I have for leftovers were some mashed potatoes.   I make them with butter, milk, sour cream, chives, salt and pepper.    I was on my own and thought that I'd make myself some potato pancakes for brunch today.

I saw these on the Just A Taste blog and I scaled them down to make about 4 potato pancakes.   One fell apart in the pan, I should have added a bit more flour to it, it was the last one I scooped.   No scallions on hand, so I added more chives along with my sour cream at the end.

Cheesy, crunchy outside, soft and delicious inside.   Thank you to Kelly for an amazing recipe!




* Exported from MasterCook *

                  Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes



  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
1  cup  chilled leftover mashed potatoes, (made with butter, milk, sour cream and chives)
    1/4           cup  shredded cheddar cheese
…

It's been a hectic few weeks.  I've gotten behind in my knitting, but I still need to eat lunch.   I had pinned this recipe from the Life's Ambrosia blog, and it was a perfect little meal for today.  

I subbed 1/3 less fat cream cheese for regular and dried rosemary for the fresh.   Some orange zest would be awesome in this too.    Big thanks to Des for the awesome recipe  :)


Rosemary and Cranberry Spread
 8oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (used dried)
fresh cracked pepper and kosher salt

Mix all ingredients until well blended.    Use to top bread, crackers, etc.

Source:
http://www.lifesambrosia.com/2009/11/rosemary-cranberry-spread-recipe.html

Been a looong week.   My friend Pam recommended this one and I thank her kindly! 


Black Forest Cake

Equal parts Cherry Rum, Kahlua and Baileys.


You can layer ingredients in a shot glass, or shake and pour into a martini glass.  I also added a splash of French Vanilla Coffee creamer because I overpoured the rum a little. 


Just imagine this is a full glass, ok?  like I said, long week!

Been a long week and we were looking for something to unwind with while we watched Game 6 of the World Series (Yay RED SOX!).   

Started with an 8oz glass, tilted sideways and poured a stream of Hershey's syrup as I twisted it.   When set down, it will run down the sides of the glass.   In a shaker, add a shot glass each of Kahlua, Baileys and Vanilla Vodka.   Add ice, and shake.    Dump into the prepared glass and enjoy.     Also good blended with some vanilla ice cream, or you can add a splash of cream.

(originally made 2/2007)

Good morning everyone. Had some kiwi I wanted to use up this morning, had marked this recipe in L&T to try. I used my new KA hand mixer, made it super simple. I did the mixing in a 4cup pyrex so that it was easy to pour after :) I halved the recipe, Jake and I both enjoyed them for breakfast.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Kiwi Smoothies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 kiwifruit -- peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium ripe bananas -- cut into 4 pieces and frozen
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup (8 ounces) fat-free plain yogurt (I used Lemon)
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon almond extract -- optional (I used vanilla)

1 1/2 cups crushed ice

Place the fruit, yogurt, honey and extract if desired in a blender; cover and process until combined. Add ice; cover …

(originally made 2004, no longer make due to family allergies)

This is a take on a salad served at TGIFriday's. 

Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup corn flakes -- finely crushed,
1/4 cup pecans -- finely chopped
cooking spray
Glazed pecans
1/8 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Water
10 pecan halves
Salad ingredients
1 cup romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup Craisins
11 ounces mandarin oranges -- drained
1/4 cup croutons, seasoned
2 Tablespoons fat-free honey…

(originally made 2004)

I roll chicken in breadcrumbs before baking, skipped the cooking spray.  The directions don't say it, but I secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep them from unrolling during cooking.

* Exported from MasterCook *

                         Italian Chicken Rollups


  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  4                     boneless chicken breasts -- 4 oz each
  1           teaspoon  dried basil
     1/4      teaspoon  salt
     1/4      teaspoon  pepper
  4                     part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks -- (1 - ounce)
                        Cooking spray
  1                cup  garlic-and- herb tomato sauce

1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to ¼-inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

2. Combine basil, salt, and pepper; sprinkle half of mixture evenly on both sides of chicken.

3. Place 1 string cheese sti…

Gingerbread Pancakes
(originally made 9/25/2006)

There's a local sugar shack that has a restaurant, and they serve the BEST Gingerbread pancakes. I found this recipe on the net, but found them to be blah. I noted "smell good in bowl, just ok after being cooked, double spices if tried again" .


* Exported from MasterCook *

Gingerbread Pancakes


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/4 cups bisquick baking mix, reduced fat
1/2 cup milk
3/8 cup apple butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg

Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375ºF; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.) Stir all ingredients until blended. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until brown.

(originally made 12/2009)

MIL called with a last minute request for me to make fruitcake for FIL.  There could not be any alcohol or nuts.     I got some great ideas from the TOHbb, but I had the ingredients on hand for this one I got from myrecipes.com. 

I was also make him a pumpkin pie  & Pink Elephant popcorn, so I wanted him to be able to reserve some of the goodies.   I baked this in my mini loaf pan rack, it made 5 mini loaves... Sort of.    I obviously overfilled them and it crawled all over the oven floor!  Had a little difficulty getting them out of the pan, but once I did they cooled and wrapped very nicely.  FIL kept one out and stuck the rest in the freezer, and said it's delicious.


* Exported from MasterCook *

                              Fruitcake Loaf


  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1                cup  all-purpose flour -- divided
  2               cups  Dried fruit …

(originally made in 2006)

Substituted 11.5 oz of Ghiradelli chips and for remainder used Nestle semi sweets.  Recipe turned out much more like fudge than brownies.  Very rich. 

* Exported from MasterCook *

                  Flourless Fudge Brownies- Mrs. Fields


  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  6              large  eggs
  18            ounces  semisweet chocolate -- chopped
  2             sticks  unsalted butter -- in tablespoons
  1           teaspoon  vanilla
     1/4           cup  heavy cream
  4             ounces  semisweet chocolate -- chopped

Preheat oven to 425.  Butter 9" pan, line with foil, butter foil.  Set the eggs in a bowl and cover with hot tap water.  In double boiler, melt choc and butter, stirring until smooth.  Stir in vanilla.  Transfer to a bowl, and let cool slightly on wire rack.  Beat warm eggs in large bowl and beat on high until triple in volume, about 5 mins.  Fold half of bea…

(originally made 7/2004)

Made this over the weekend. Very light and refreshing, plus you don't have to turn on the oven. Great summer dessert!

Five Minute Key Lime Pie
from WW magazine

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1 pkg (4 serving size) sugar free lime flavored gelatin
1/4c boiling water
2 6oz containers Key Lime Pie flavor light yogurt
8oz tub Fat-Free whipped topping, thawed

In a large heat resistant bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in yogurt with a wire whisk. Fold in whipped topping with wooden spoon. Spread in crust. Refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

8 Servings, 3 WW Points per serving

(originally made 10/2007)

I left the cool whip OUT of the mixture, instead I put it on the top of the cup and stuck 2 mini chips in as eyes to make Cool Whip Ghosts :)

Dirt Cups


2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed )
15 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely crushed, divided
10 worm-shaped chewy fruit snacks


POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Let stand 5 min.. Gently stir in whipped topping and 1/2 cup of the cookie crumbs. 

SPOON into 10 (6- to 7-oz.) paper or plastic cups; top with remaining cookie crumbs.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Top with fruit snacks just before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Dirt Cups can also be served frozen. Prepare as directed; freeze 3 hours or until firm.

KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS
How to Crush Cookies
Place cookies in resealable plastic bag; roll with rolling pin un…

(originally made 4/2004)

Made these tonight to serve with Citrus Crunch Chicken. Excellent! I peeled the potatoes before I read the whole directions, but they still turned out great. I also used 2T EV olive oil instead of the butter.


* Exported from MasterCook *

                  CRISPY POTATOES W/BACON/GARLIC/PARSLEY



  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1 1/2         pounds  red potatoes -- quartered with skin, (about 1 1/2-inch pieces)-- peeled
                        Kosher salt -- plus 1 teaspoon
  3             pieces  bacon -- cut into 1-inch pieces
  1         tablespoon  butter or oil -- (1 to 2)- 2T extra virgin olive oil
  2        tablespoons  chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, used dried
  1       large cloves  garlic -- minced  (1 to 2)
                        Freshly ground black pepper

Put the potatoes and salt in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer …

(originally made 12/2004)


* Exported from MasterCook *

                     Chocolate Studded Dream Cookies



  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2               cups  all-purpose flour
     3/4           cup  Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa
  1           teaspoon  baking soda
     1/2      teaspoon  salt
  1                cup  butter or margarine -- (2 sticks) softened
     2/3           cup  granulated sugar
     2/3           cup  packed brown sugar
  1           teaspoon  vanilla extract
  2              large  eggs
  1 2/3           cups  Nestle Toll House Swirled Morsels* -- (10-oz. pkg.)

PREHEAT oven to 325? F.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup Swirled Morsels. Drop by well-rounded teaspoon ont…

(originally made 7/2008)

Lunch today was a mixed bag, one solid recipe and one thumbs down, but the thumbs down is totally due to my choices in preparing it!    The Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Lemon was good, we gave it an 8.    The Summer Squash Ribbons with Oregano, Basil and Lemon flopped, I had to sub orange juice/zest for the lemon because I got distracted with Jake and didn't reserve the juice/zest when I prepped the chicken.     Wasn't impressed with it, and tried to salvage it by crisping it up on the grill pan when I made the chicken, didn't help.     I may try it again with the correct citrus.   




Chicken Thighs with Thyme and Lemon

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2      teaspoon  grated lemon rind
  1 1/2           cups  fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
     1/4           cup  chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried thyme -- used dried
  1         tablespoon  olive oil
  2 …