BOUNTY OF YOUR GARDEN
Gardening season is upon us and like Jennifer Unity I love to plant a big garden every year. This year I have a new garden space which I used to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and lots of hot and sweet peppers that I have plan's to preserve for the winter. I also have a huge herb garden this year also. I have parsley, sage, basil, oregano, sage, and cilantro. Today I am giving you two recipes you can use to use all that beautiful bounty that you grow this year. Because you worked so hard in that garden you deserve a treat so I included a sweet dessert.
BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES
6 POUNDS CUCUMBERS
1 1/2 CUPS SLICED ONIONS
2 LARGE GARLIC CLOVERS
1/3 CUP SALT
2 TRAYS OR 4 CUPS OF ICE CUBES
4 1/2 CUPS OF SUGAR
1 1/2 TEASPOONS TURMERIC
1 1/2 TEASPOON CELERY SEED
2 TABLESPOON MUSTARD SEED
3 CUPS WHITE VINEGAR
WASH AND CUT CUCUMBERS, CUT UNPEELED INTO 1/2 TO 1/4 INCH THICK SLICES. COMBINE WITH ONIONS, GARLIC, SALT AND ICE. COVER AND LET STAND 3 HOURS.
IN SAUCE PAN COMBINE REMAINING INGRATIATES IN A POT. HEAT TO JUST BOILING.
DRAIN CUCUMBERS. ADD JUICE HEAT FOR 10 MINUTES. PLACE IN JARS.
* FOR PICKLE RELISH JUST CHOP AFTER THREE HOUR BRINE TIME
*FOR SPICY TRY ADDING A FEW JALAPENOS
*SUBSTITUTE JALAPENO FOR CUCUMBERS FOR PICKLED JALAPENOS
*INSTEAD OF JUST CUCUMBERS TRY ADDING A VARIETY OF OTHER VEGETABLES FROM YOUR GARDEN.
FRESH SALSA
5 POUNDS OF HOME GROWN TOMATOES, OR 8 CUPS (PEELED AND CHOPPED)
3 CUPS CHOPPED ONIONS
2 (4.5 OZ) CANS CHOPPED CHILIES
1 CUP CIDER VINEGAR
3 1/2 TEASPOONS SALT
1 TABLESPOON SUGAR
1 CAN SMALL TOMATOES PASTE
DRIED HOT PEPPERS SUCH AS JALAPENOS (USE PEPPERS THAT YOU HAVE DEHYDRATED OR SOME THAT YOU FIND AT THE STORE)
1 TEASPOON FOR MILD
2 TEASPOONS FOR MEDIUM
3 TEASPOONS FOR HOT
COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS, MAKES 6 PINTS.
PEANUT BUTTER PECAN POUND CAKE
1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER (SOFT)
1/2 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
5 EGGS
2 TEASPOONS VANILLA
3 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1/4 TEASPOON SALT
1 CUP CAN EVAPORATED MILK
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER. CHOP 1/2 POUND PECANS SET ASIDE.
POUR HALF CAKE BATTER IN PREPARED BREAD PAN THEN SPRINKLE HALF
OF THE PECANS OVER BATTER. ADD REST OF THE BATTER AND TOP WITH REMAINING PECANS. BAKE FOR 45MIN - ONE HOUR UNTIL BROWN AND FIRM. AT 350.
TASTY
ROASTED TOMATO, GARLIC, ONION, AND BASIL SOUP
STEP
ONE:
ON A COOKIE SHEET CUT TWO AND A HALF POUNDS
OF TOMATOES INTO QUARTERS. (DO NOT REMOVE THE SKIN,
THIS MAKES FOR A MORE VITAMIN RICH SOUP
REMOVE THE SKIN OFF OF ONE AND A HALF POUNDS OF
ONIONS, THEN CUT THEM INTO SLICES OR QUARTERS. (YOUR CHOICE)
AND ONE HEAD OF GARLIC. (LEAVE ON SKIN AND JUST CUT
IN HALF AND PLACE ON COOKIE SHEET)
GIVE EVERYTHING ON THE COOKIE SHEET A GOOD SPRINKLE
OF OLIVE OIL AND TOSS UNTIL EVENLY SPREAD. SPRINKLE LIGHTLY WITH
SALT.
ROAST AT 350 FOR A HOUR AND A HALF, COOL ON COUNTER
FOR 5-10 MINUTES.
STEP # 2
IN A BLENDER PUREE THE TOMATOES, ONIONS, AND GARLIC.
(NOTE: SQUEEZE THE SOFT GARLIC INTO THE BLENDER. DO
NOT PLACE THE WHOLE GARLIC HALVES IN BLENDER WITH OUTSIDE COVERING)
PLACE BLENDED PUREE INTO A LARGE SAUCE PAN
STEP #3
TO THE PAN OF TOMATOES, GARLIC, AND ONION ADD:
2 CUPS OF CHICKEN BROTH
½ A CUP OF FRESH BASIL
1 TABLESPOON WORCESTER SAUCE
1 TEASPOON SUGAR
1 SMALL CAN TOMATO PASTE
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE.
THIS SOUP IS WONDERFUL WITH GRILLED CHEESE
SANDWICHES. YOU CAN ADD TOPPING TO THIS SOUP TO MAKE IT EXTRA
SPECIAL.
SUCH AS: CRUMBLED BACON, GREEN ONIONS, SOUR CREAM,
CHEESE, AND CROUTONS.
I SPENT YEARS LOOKING FOR A GREAT RECIPE FOR MOIST AND CHEWY BROWNIES. I FINALLY FOUND IT, AND I AM EXCITED TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOU.
THE MOST PERFECT CHOCOLATY, CHEWY AND MOST BROWNIES
BOWL ONE:
2 CUPS WHITE SUGAR
1 1/2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 CUP BAKING COCOA
1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1 1/2 CUPS CHOCOLATE CHIPS
1 CUP PECANS
BOWL TWO:
1 CUP VEGETABLE OIL (MAKE SURE YOU USE THE RIGHT LIQUID MEASURING CUP, AND NOT THE SAME ONE YOU USED TO MEASURE DRY INGREDIENTS. THIS IS IMPORTANT)
4 EGGS
2 TEASPOONS LIGHT CORN SYRUP
1 1/2 TEASPOONS VANILLA
MIX THE INGREDIENTS IN BOTH BOWLS BY HAND UNTIL COMBINED. THEN MIX THE TWO BOWLS TOGETHER, BY HAND, UNTIL ALL THE INGREDIENTS ARE COMBINED. I IS BEST TO USE TWO 6 X 6 PANS. SPAY WITH COOKING OIL AND SPREAD THE BATTER IN BOTH PANS. BAKE AT 350 FOR 20 TO 22 MINUTES. OR UNTIL FIRM TO THE TOUCH, AND THE TOP LAYER CRUNCHY. COOL FOR 20 MINUTES THEN CUT INTO BROWNIES. WHEN COOL THEY WILL HAVE A CRISPY TOP AND A MOIST AND CHEWY INSIDE.
SPRING IS HERE AND THIS SPICE RUB WILL MAKE YOUR GRILLING OUT AN EVENT TO BE REMEMBERS:
SPICY, SWEET, SASSY BBQ RUB
IN A BOWL MIX ALL THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS. PUT LEFT OVER RUB INTO A JAR TO USE LATER. JUST PUT THINK COAT OF RUB ON ANY MEAT OR SEA FOOD THAT YOU ENJOY.
2 CUPS SUGAR
¼ CUP PAPRIKA
3 TEASPOON CHILI POWDER
1 ½ TEASPOON CAYENNE PEPPER
½ CUP SALT
3 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER
3TEASPOONS GARLIC POWDER
2 TEASPOON CUMIN
2 TEASPOON DRIED JALAPENOS
1 TEASPOON BASIL
2 TEASPOON ONION POWDER
½ TEASPOON DRIED TABASCO PEPPER
THIS RUB IS GREAT ON ALL MEATS, AND EVEN SPRINKLED ON
ONION'S AND PEPPERS BEFORE YOU GRILL THEM. GREAT ALSO FOR WHEN YOU
SMOKE MEAT AND FISH. ESPECIALLY GREAT ON SALMON.
CREAMY, STICKY, YUMMY 4 CHEESE PASTA
In one large pan boil some water with one tablespoon
of salt. When water come to a boil add pasta of your choice. Cook
between one and two pounds of pasta, drain and set aside in big
baking dish.
Part two. Forget everything you were taught about
making a rouge. This is much easier and you can use this methods in
any sauce you like.
In a COLD PAN place 1 ½ cups of COLD MILK.
2 Tablespoons of COLD BUTTER
2 Tablespoons of CORN STARCH
Put pan on stove and cook over medium heat until
sauce thickens. Now for the fun part add any kind of cheese you like
my favorite combination is:
1 ½ Cup sharp cheddar cheese
½ Cup Parmesan/Romano Cheese blend
½ Cup of Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup of Sour Cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
Pour over the pasta and mix well. Wonderful the way
it is. But you can get creative here are some of my suggestions that
can turn a side dish into a meal. Just add any of the following, or a
combination of several of them. Bake in oven until bubbly.
SUPPER BOWL CHILI
2 POUNDS GROUND BEEF
1 POUND GROUND PORK
1 POUND GROUND TURKEY
2 LARGE ONIONS, FINELY CHOPPED
4 (8 0Z) CANS DICED TOMATOES
1/4 CUP CHILI POWDER
2 1/2 TBS. GROUND CUMIN
2 1/2 TBS. DRIED OREGANO
1 TEASPOON MINCED JALAPENO
2 1/2 TBS. GARLIC POWDER
I SMALL CAN CHOPPED CHILIES
In large heavy 9-10 qt stockpot, over medium heat, saute the onions. Add all the ground meat and brown. And the remaining ingredients and simmer for about one hour. Serve over pasta or rice, or just in a bowl with crackers. Now her is the fun part. Put in individual bowls: sharp cheddar cheese, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, corn chips, Frito's, bottles of different hot sauces, and let everyone fix their chili anyway they want to.
CAN'T RESIST CHOCOLATE CHIP, PECAN COOKIES
BOWL ONE- DRY INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 CUPS OF ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
1 CUP DRIED OLD FASHIONED OATS
2 TEASPOONS BAKING SODA
2 TEASPOONS SALT
BOWL TWO, CREAM TOGETHER=
1 1/2 CUPS GRANULATED SUGAR
1 1/2 CUPS PACKED BROWN SUGAR
2 TEASPOONS VANILLA
4 LARGE EGGS
1 CUP REAL BUTTER AT ROOM TEMP (2 STICKS)
1 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
COMBINE BOWLS ONE AND TWO COMPLETELY BEFORE ADDING
2 CUPS OF SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE
1 CUP OF WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS
1 CUP OF PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS
2 1/2 CUPS OF CHOPPED PECANS
USE A ICE-CREAM SCOPE TO PORTION COOKIES EVENLY, AND MAKE THEM ALL THE SAME SIZE. BAKE AT 350 FOR 8 - 10 MINUTES ON A UNCREASED COOKIES SHEET. USE NON-STICK PANS.
CREAMY
EVERYTHING SALAD
BASE
3 COOKED CHICKEN BREAST CHOPPED
6 EGGS BOILED, PEALED, AND CHOPPED
1 ONION CHOPPED FINELY
5 CHOPPED PICKLES, OR 3 TABLESPOONS PICKLE RELISH
1 CUP FINELY GRATED CHEESE
ADD TO BASE TO PERSONAL TASTE
1 CUP MAYO OR MIRACLE WHIP OR
½ MAYO AND ½ CREAM CHEESE
CHOPPED GREEN PEPPERS
CHOPPED RED PEPPERS
CAPERS
CHOPPED JALAPENOS
SUGGESTED USES
USE IN SANDWICHES HOT AND COLD
WITH LETTUS, TOMATO, AND SLICED CHEESE
HOT PRESSED SANDWICHES
ON TOP OF YOUR FAVORITE CRACKERS
STUFFED IN A TOMATO, BROILED WITH CHEESE ON TOP
OR DIP WITH YOUR FAVORITE CHIPS
GREAT AT A LATE NIGHT SNACK
FRESH, CHUNKY, ROASTED TOMATOE SPREAD
5 LARGE TOMATOES
2 LARGE ONIONS
3 LARGE, OR 6 SMALL GARLIC CLOVES
A DRIZZLE OF OLIVE OIL
A SPRINKLE OF SALT
A SPRINKLE OF PEPPER
1 TABLE SPOON CHOPPED FRESH BASIL
2 BRANCHES ROSEMARY (REMOVE THE STEAM)
4 CHOPPED LAGE SAGE LEAVES
(BASIL, SAGE, AND ROSEMARY HOME GROWN. IF NOT JUST
USE YOUR FAVORITE HERBS YOU HAVE ALREADY ON HAND. TO TASTE)
CUT TOMATOES, ONIONS INTO LARGE PIECES. SLICE GARLIC
AND PLACE THE INGREDIENTS ON A LARGE ROASTING PAN. DRIZZLE WITH OLIVE
OIL AND ALL THE HERBS. ROAST AT 350 FOR AN HOUR. BEST CHUNKY SO WITH
A LARGE KNIFE CHOP UNTIL IT LOOKS LIKE VERY CHUNKY SALSA AND PLACE IN
GLASS JAR, OR CONTAINER.
USES:
WONDERFUL ON SANDWISHES. I PUT SOME ON LEFT OVER
ROASTED CHICKEN AND MADE A WONDERFUL SANDWISH.
SPREAD SOME ON A WARM PITA WITH MELTED CHEESE AND
FOLD FOR A YUMMY TREAT.
SPREAD ON SMALL ROUNDS OF FRENCH BREAD, SPRINKLE WITH
CHEESE, AND GARNISH WITH CUCUMBERS
THOSE ARE JUST THREE IDEAS FOR THIS WONDERFUL SPREAD
I BET YOU CAN COME UP WITH SEVERAL MORE.
