Candied Almonds

My friend Angela suggested that I post my "how-to" (because it's really not a recipe) for candied almonds that I serve on salads. I make a frying pan full and then store them in a glass canning jar. Here's how I do it:

Set a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Throw in some sliced almonds and sugar--whatever looks good to your eye. Stir it occasionally until you begin to see that the sugar is melting, then stir constantly. As the almonds begin to turn brown, take them off the heat, but continue to stir since they will continue to cook for a while. Allow to cool and place in a glass jar. Voila! Fancy and delicious almonds to add a sweet crunch to your salad.

Five Ingredients or Less

Today's works-for-me-wednesday is five-ingredients-or-less recipes. Here are those my family enjoys:

Parmesan Garlic Chicken

1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 envelope Good Seasons Italian salad dressing
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix cheese, dressing mix and garlic. Moisten meat with water; coat with mixture. Place in a shallow pan and bake @ 400 for 20-25 minutes 'til done. Brown under broiler if desired.

Cheesy Chicken Vermicelli

1 lb vermicelli or angel hair pasta cooked
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or half & half
italian seasonings, salt & pepper

Greast a 9x13 casserole. Layer chicken, seasonins, and cheese several times. Just before baking, pour milk over top. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Southwest Roll-ups

salsa
refried beans
1 cup chicken, cubed and cooked
tortillas
shredded cheese

Mix 2 Tbsp salsa, 1 can refried beans, and 1 cup chicken (cooked and cubed). Spoon mixture onto tortillas, placed seam-side down in a 9x13 pan. Bake 350 for 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Sweet and Sour Roasted Chicken

1 chicken cut into pieces
3/4 cup bottled chili sauce
1/3 cup grape jelly
2 tsp. dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine chili sauce, jelly and mustard; mix well. Place chicken in the baking dish. Spoon the chili sauce mixture over chicken and bake 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.


Burger Breakfast Scramble

1/2 lb. ground beef
2 Tbsp onion, minced
3 ounces cream cheese
3 large eggs
salt & pepper to taste

Brown ground beef with onions. Add cream cheese and cook over low heat until melted. Beat eggs with about 1 Tbsp water, salt and pepper and pour into skillet with beef. Scrambled to desired doneness.


French Dip Roast for the Crockpot

Roast
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 package onion soup mix

Combine soy sauce and soup mix in crockpot. Add the roast, then add water to cover the roast. Cook on low for 12-24 hours.

Crockpot Tangy Rump Roast

3-5 lb. rump roast
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 can jellied cranberry sauce
2 Tbsp butter, softened
2 Tbsp flour

Rinse rump roast and pat dry. Sprinkle the onion soup mix in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the rump roast in next. Spoon the cranberry sauce around and over the roast. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours. Remove roast and allow to rest while you thicken the gravy. Turn the crockpot on high. Blend the softened butter and flour into a paste and whisk it into the gravy Cover and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until thick. Slice the roast into 1/4" thick slices and serve with gravy. The slices may be frozen in the gravy.

Dough Conditioners

I love baking homemade bread, and although the loaves usually go pretty quickly around here, it is often too crumbly to work as sandwich bread. Joshua at Tammy's Recipes explains the chemistry behind dough conditioners and what they have experimented with to get a no-crumble loaf of bread.

Baked Pancakes

I read about this idea recently and decided to give it a try this morning. It turned out great! I made my typical pancake batter, then poured it into a jelly roll pan and baked at 350 for about 8 minutes. The little indentations on the pancake are white chocolate chips--I sprinkled them on once I smoothed the batter into the pan.

Here is my pancake recipe:
Mix together
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
dash of cinnamon if you like

Mix separately:
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2-3 Tbsp melted butter

Pour wet into dry and mix as little as possible.

Hints:

• I often place chocolate chips onto the pancakes as they're cooking on the first side. Smiley faces are popular with my youngest.
  
• I will crush a banana with a fork and mix with the wet ingredients if we have an overripe one available.
• I mix the dry ingredients together into freezer bags in assembly-line fashion and store in the door of my freezer so that I can make a batch very quickly in the morning.
• I use dry milk reconstituted with water for most all my baking.
• I've also read that whole milk can be halved with water for baking.

Rolls

Since we're having Chicken Lasagna for supper this evening, I decided to make rolls today, and thought I'd join Tammy for Kitchen Tip Tuesdays by showing how I made cinnamon rolls out of the remaining roll mixture.

First, here is the roll recipe, from Marilyn Moll:

Fantastic Whole Wheat Rolls

2 1/2 Cups warm water
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dry powdered milk
2 Tbsp yeast
2 eggs
6-8 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup vital gluten
2 Tbsp dough enhancer (optional)

Combine warm water, honey, powdered milk, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow yeast to activate. Add eggs and 3 cups flour. Stir until thoroughly mixed; dough will resemble cake batter. Let rest until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Add salt, oil, and remaining flour until the dough just separates from your mixing bowl. Knead for 6-10 minutes.
Grease baking sheets. Pinch of 2-inch round portions and form into a smooth ball by pinching. (Marilyn suggests rolling the dough into an 8-inch rope and then tie rope into a single knot.) Place in rows on baking sheets, cover, and let rise until double.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush with melted butter if desired, and remove to cooling rack.
Makes 2-3 dozen. Recipe can be halved for a smaller batch. But why do that when you can also make cinnamon rolls . . .


Roll out your remaining dough into a rectangle.
Spread with soft or melted butter.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar (or white sugar)
Roll dough lengthwise and use dental floss (I always figured this stuff had a purpose) to slice off portions, keeping them as uniform as possible.

Place in a greased baking dish and let rise until doubled.
Bake at 350 for about 10-15 min. or until golden brown.
For icing, mix powdered sugar with a tiny bit of milk and stir until desired consistency.

Now for the clean-up. Where'd my helper go?

Chicken Lasagna

I thought I'd share a recipe I plan to use this week called Chicken Lasagna.

I buy chicken breasts w/skin and bones when it is on sale for around $1.49 per pound. I cook the entire package in a pot for 2-3 hours, or in a crock pot on low all day. I usually add some spices, salt, a carrot if I have one, a bay leaf, a touch of vinegar to bring out the marrow in the bones, maybe even a little bouillon--just whatever seems good. It is falling off the bone in 2-3 hours, so I shred it easily by hand and put it in freezer bags in two-cup increments. I use the chicken when I want to prepare a recipe like this that calls for cooked chicken.

9 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp basil
4 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1/8 tsp oregano

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Saute onions and garlic. Add flour and cornstarch, stirring to mix. Add milk, pepper, salt and basil, whisking until well mixed. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.

Add cream cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add parmesan cheese, stirring to mix. Remove from heat.

In a bowl , combine 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and chicken.

Grease an 8x8 baking dish. Put a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of the dish. Top with half the chicken mixture. Put a layer of lasagna noodles on top of that. Top with half of the white sauce. Continue layering noodles, chicken, noodles, sauce.

Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Sprinkle with oregano. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

(It seems to me that the last time I made this I may have used a 9x13 rather than an 8x8. Use your best judgment.)

Calorie-Count.com

Have you seen this? It's a site that will calculate Nutrition Facts on any recipe you enter! Then it will also allow you to see a nutritional information of each individual ingredient; its calorie breakdown, percentage of fat/protein/carbs, daily value, its nutritional grade and a nutritional analysis of the ingredient's good points.

Benefits of Whole Grains

Isn't it beautiful? I received my new order of grain today. Montana Wheat is chemical-free wheat that I purchase through a local family-owned distributor twice a year. I grind my own grain with a Vitamix, as I mentioned here. I would love to be baking all my family's bread, but haven't been able to get myself on a schedule yet to accomplish that. I do use fresh-milled flour in most of what I bake. Why choose whole grains? And why mill my own? The health benefits it offers my family.

From The Urban Homemaker: A Diagram of a kernel of wheat is depicted here. The bran layers contain B-Vitamins and fiber and account for about 15% of the grain by weight. The germ contains Vitamin E which is an anti-oxidant. The Endosperm is the starch and about 80% of the grain. The wheat kernel, sometimes called the wheat berry, is the seed from which the wheat plant grows. Each tiny seed contains three distinct parts that are separated during the milling process to produce flour. The kernel of wheat is a storehouse of nutrients essential to the human diet.

Endosperm

..about 83 percent of the kernel weight. It is the source of white flour. The endosperm contains the greatest share of the protein in the whole kernel, carbohydrates, iron as well as many B-complex vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine.

Bran

..about 14 1/2 percent of the kernel weight. Bran is included in whole wheat flour and is also available separately. Of the nutrients in whole wheat, the bran contains a small amount of protein, larger quantities of the B-complex vitamins listed above, trace minerals, and indigestible cellulose material also called dietary flour.

Germ

..about 2 1/2 percent of the kernel weight. The germ is the embryo or sprouting section of the seed, usually separated because of the fat that limits the keeping quality of flour. Of the nutrients in whole wheat, the germ contains minimal quantities of protein, but a greater share of B-complex vitamins and trace minerals. Wheat germ can be purchased separately and is included in whole wheat flour.

Refined flour looses between 48-98% of the many naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
There are estimated to be 26 vitamins and minerals in a kernel of wheat.

Only Vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-3 and folic acid and iron are added to white flour in a synthetic
form and this is called enrichment.

This graphic depicts how we are being robbed of nutrients when we eat refined foods.

When you are purchasing bread from the store, look at the ingredients list. The first ingredient must say "whole wheat flour" in order to truly be 100% whole wheat bread. Many breads labeled "whole wheat," list the first ingredient as "enriched wheat flour," which means the wheat has had the nutrients processed out and had artificial vitamins dumped back in.

I use Marilyn's Whole Wheat Bread Recipe for most of the bread I bake.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

I am not a morning person, and do not necessarily enjoy cooking. However, I do not feel good about having my children eat cold cereal every morning. Even though I only allow a max of 10 grams of sugar per serving in the cereals we choose, "sugar" is usually the second ingredient listed, among a list of ingredients that I can barely read. That does not seem to me to be the way to get our day off right and enjoy maximum brain and body function.

I am attempting to remedy our cold cereal habit by instituting two baking days per week, where I can bake breads and muffins, as well as pre-assemble pancake and waffle dry ingredients that I can stash in the freezer for easy assembly in the morning. (I grind my own grain using a Vitamix.)

Today I baked Healthy Banana Bread, cornbread for our ham 'n bean supper, and assembled three waffle mixes for the freezer.

Here's the Healthy Banana Bread Recipe:

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp EACH cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves & ginger
1 Tbsp buttermilk powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup wager
1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 3 medium)

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. In your mixing bowl, beat together eggs, oil, honey and water. Add dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Fold in mashed bananas. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Cover the bread loosely with foil for the last ten minutes of baking so the top doesn't burn.

Tip 1: I add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter. What?!? I can't be good all the time!
Tip 2: If you measure the oil first, the honey will slide out of the measuring cup much easier.

Baked Oatmeal

I just sent my two biggest boys off on an overnight Scout hike. I have a feeling I'll have some backs to rub on Sunday night! Youngest boy will be heading to a friend's house this afternoon, which will save him the torture of having to go clothes shopping with me. I wish I could figure out a way to not go clothes shopping, but I've put it off too long. I'm hoping to find some great clearance deals because my winter wardrobe is very sadly lacking.

Today will be Day 4 without Diet Pepsi, and I can already tell it's going to be a tough one. I will be out shopping and will get thirsty. A friend is coming over later to watch The Jane Austen Book Club and we're going to make popcorn. Nothing goes better with popcorn or pizza than Diet Pepsi. Maybe just one won't hurt. I'm debating.

In my attempt to rid us of sugary foods and morning cereal, I did some baking this week. My favorite is this Baked Oatmeal. It is so yummy! Yes, it does have some sugar, but in contrast to the amount of fiber from the oats I felt it was excusable.

Baked Oatmeal
Mix together
1/2 Cup butter, melted
1 Cup brown sugar (I used less)
2 eggs, beaten
Add:
3 cups rolled oats
dash (or two) of cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk (I diluted my milk with water)

Mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
I assembled this the night before, put it in the fridge, and baked it in the morning. It was almost like eating cake for breakfast! And the leftovers are just as good warmed up in the microwave. You could get creative and add diced apples, bananas, chocolate chips . . . go crazy!

What to do on an icy day

(I had great pictures to go with everything today, but for some reason every time I try to upload them, the internet freezes up and I have to reboot the modem. Thus, you get the picture-free version.)

We find ourselves in the midst of yet another ice storm. Sophie and Ginger have found their spot for the day--in front of the fireplace.

Noah is taking a break from working on the details of his next movie, to indulge in some comic book relief. I think it's Dilbert..

Micah is in his favorite spot, which is in front of the computer. Wonder where he gets that? He's working on the cast list for the Pilgrim's Progress movie the kids are working on with another family, and then he plans to get on Webkinz, his favorite place to be.

Tracey brought his work home and set up an "office ala tv tray" in our room so he could have some solitude. There is no way he could work from home; he's way too accessible! I've already interrupted him several times with computer problems, he came out for a scone, and he stepped in with a discipline issue.

And me? I decided to work with flour today. I have been wanting to make up my own pancake mixes for some time now. I like to provide healthy breakfasts as much as possible, but usually don't have the time to grind grain in the morning and wait for something to bake. So, I made six pre-assembled pancake mixes, a batch of scones, and a batch of carrot raisin apple muffins. They'll all go in the freezer for quick breakfasts. I also put a loaf of bread in the breadmaker to go with our stew this evening.

Recipes, you say? You want the recipes to all my creations today? What is it with women and recipes? I love 'em too. I get so bored with the same meals, that I'm trying new things all the time. So here's the ones I used today:

Pancakes

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp sugar

(I like to add cinnamon and nutmeg as well)

I combined the above ingredients in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, I'll add:

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp melted butter.

Oatmeal Sconuts

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups flour (1 w/w and one white)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup butter, cut up

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 lg. egg

cinnamon-sugar

(I added 1 cup white chocolate chips today)

Heat oven to 425. In food processor, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; pulse to blend. Add butter; pulse until coarse crumbs are formed.

In sm. bowl, beat buttermilk with egg. With processor running, add egg mixture and pulse until dough forms. Scoop dough by 1/4 cups onto cookie sheet. Flatten each mound into a 2 1/2 inch round. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake 15-17 min. or until golden on bottom..

Carrot Raisin Apple Muffins

3 eggs

1 cup oil

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour (whole wheat or white)

1 1/4 cups suga

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cups grated carrot

1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

1/2 cup raisins

Ini a bowl, beat together first three ingredients. In separate bowl, mix together the remaining dry ingredients. Add flour mixture to egg mixture just until combined; add carrot, apples, and raisins. Spoon into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes..

Savory Steak Soup

1 1/2 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup + 2 Tbsp butter

1 cup flour

8 cups water

1 onion, sliced

1/2 cup celery

1 carrot, sliced

10 oz. frozen vegetables

4 Tbsp beef bouillon

Brown meat in 2 Tbsp butter. Drain and set aside. In a Dutch oven, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour. Slowly add 2 cups of the water, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Add onion, celery, carrot, mixed vegetables, bouillon, meat and remaining 6 cups of water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, at least 2 1/2 hours or until steak is tender.

I use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and plan to throw in some barley as well. I also omit the celery because my husband hates it, and decrease the amount of onion.

Bon appetite!

Chicken Noodle Soup

This is one of my favorite recipes. It is easy and tasty; great for a winter evening or soothing a cold.

2 cups chicken, cooked & cubed
12 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 med. carrots, sliced
3 med. celery stalks (opt.)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 small bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 oz. Reames frozen noodles

Combine the broth, chicken, vegetables and spices. Bring to a boil. Stir frozen noodles in and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and serve!