Southern Caviar

Printable Recipe

1 can black-eyed peas, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can tomatoes and chiles, drained
3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
4 green onions, diced
1/2 a jalapeno, seeded and diced
1 cup Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve as a dip with chips!

Holly's Note:
My uncle found this recipe in the local paper and fixed it one night when we were all together for dinner. It was delicious and so easy. I think that it would only get better as the flavors marinate.

The Old-Time Brand-Name Cookbook...Review

This cookbook is quite simply fun. I found it in a used bookstore several weeks ago. Sure, some of the recipes are interesting, but more than that, it's a terrific commentary about food and the evolution of cooking. Along with recipes, there are informative stories about the creation of food products like gelatin and the ability to flash freeze food, which was perfected by Clarence Birdseye.

The photos are vintage, as are the recipes. Some are appealing, such as "Orange Bread" and "Baked Pork Chops with Apples". "Beet Aspic" doesn't sound very good, but it was "up-to-date" in 1928!

I love the little excerpts and anecdotes sprinkled through out the book. They share things like this gem from 1895, To keep vegetables fresh, place them in a deep dish in about two inches of cold water. Take a piece of linen, soak it in water and spread over all, letting the corners dip into the water to keep the cloth moist. Place dish in a window where the the air can blow over it.

If you can track down a copy, this is just a fun book to read. That there are good recipes in it is simply a bonus.

Strictly Sundays...Review

About the book:
Joe Fitzpatrick's been working wonders in the kitchen and on the grill for decades. Now you, oh lucky one, can share his secret powers and wow friends and family alike. Serve real food that fills the belly, satisfies the soul, and wins the day. Not just Sundays.

I prepare dinner and my family sits down together nearly every night of the week to eat together. Even so, Sunday dinner is often a bit more special and something I like to spend more time preparing. Strictly Sundays is a beautiful little cookbook with just that premise. Many of the recipes aren't simple: they take some work and preparation, but the end result is a dish your family can enjoy together on a day that is just a little more special.

For those who don't cook with alcohol, be aware that many of these recipes call for wine, so you will want to find substitutes. For inexperienced cooks, many of these recipes could also be a little intimidating at first. However, nothing is out of reach or experience.

The book doesn't include any bread or dessert dishes. I also wish, just like I do with most cookbooks, that there was a photo for every recipe and that the binding was spiral so that it would lay flat. The photography, however, is gorgeous and perfect for a book that is more gourmet than ordinary.

Thanks to Bostick Communications for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Joe Fitzpatrick here.

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Printable Recipe

Mix together:
3 1/3 cups flour
2 ½ t. baking powder
1 ½ t. salt
1 T. ginger
1 ½ t. cinnamon
1 cup sugar

Add:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup molasses

Slowly add:
¾ cup plus 2 T canola oil
1 cup boiling water

Mix thoroughly. You'll need to scrape the sides and bottom of bowl.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 12-cup bundt pan and bake at 350 for about 50-60 minutes.

This is a dark cake. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Holly's Note:
I wanted to do a gingerbread bundt cake for a bridal shower (we were serving different bundt cakes). I found the original recipe at Pinch. I think this would be really good with vanilla ice cream or just real whipped cream. I served it sprinkled with powdered sugar.

We Go Together...

Do you have certain recipes that must go together? Meaning you cannot make one without the other?

For example: we cannot have Baked Beans without cornbread. Granted, I use a Jiffy cornbread mix, but we must have cornbread with beans.

Last night it was about 10 degrees outside and definitely a soup night. So, I made Chicken with Wild Rice Soup, and you can't serve that soup without Honey Oat Rolls (or some kind of wheat roll). It's sacrilege. It doesn't work.

Teriyaki Chicken must be served with Sauteed Pepper and Mushrooms.

Beef Enchiladas must be served with Spanish Rice. Must, I tell you.

What about you? What are the recipes at your house that must go together?

Thanksgiving: Gratitude

Gratitude: a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.

May you all enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Chocolate Chip Waffle Iron Cookies

Printable Recipe

1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup plus 2 T. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 cup regular rolled oats, although instant works too
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, oats and chocolate chips.

Drop by spoonful onto a greased, heated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Time will vary depending on your waffle iron.

Holly's Note:
These are good, but my regular chocolate chip cookie recipe is better. The waffle iron is fun to use, but I prefer my cookies baked in the oven! These end up really crispy. I found the original recipe at Fine Cooking.

Chocolate Waffle Iron Cookies

Printable Recipe

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 t. vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 t. salt

Cream sugar and butter together. Add eggs, vanilla, cocoa, flour and salt. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased, hot waffle iron. Close lid and bake for about 2 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Cooking times will vary depending on your waffle iron.

Waffle Iron Cookies

Printable Recipe

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1 t. vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 t. salt
1 3 oz. package fruit-flavored jello
1 t. baking powder
2 3/4 cup flour

Cream together the shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, salt, jello, baking powder and flour. Mix well, until a soft dough forms. Roll into small balls and place on a hot, greased, waffle iron. Close lid and bake for approximately 2 minutes. Times will vary with waffle makers.

Holly's Note:
The above photo is of the recipe using Lemon jello. The photo below is of the recipe using Berry Blue jello. Little boys love the aqua-colored cookies! These are easy to make, although they can be somewhat time-consuming. However, children love them.

Cookies as Muffins

I made Peanut Blossoms this week and instead of doing it the normal way: rolling the ball of dough in sugar and baking it, then pressing an unwrapped chocolate kiss into it towards the end of baking; I baked them in mini muffin tins.

They turned into little bite-sized morsels of deliciousness. I think I prefer them this way, actually. They're easier to eat, easier to store and easier to pop into a lunch box.

Check out the recipe here.

New Photo

There is a new photo for Peanut Blossoms.

Family Favorites: Rice Pilaf

Do you ever need a really good, really easy side dish? This one is about as easy as they come.

Rice Pilaf.

It's easy and versatile. You can use beef or chicken broth and bouillon, depending on the main course. It simmers on the stove top and is simply delicious. Pair it with a Roast Chicken for the perfect complement.

Chili-Cheese Dip

Printable Recipe

1 can Chili (we prefer no beans)
1 block/cube Cream Cheese

Place the cheese and chili in a bowl. Microwave it for about a minute. Stir it together and serve with tortilla chips.

Holly's Note:
This is the perfect dip for game days or any time you need a quick appetizer. It's our favorite.

Chocolate: A Love Story...Review

About the book:
With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like their famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned their line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation.

Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant's visionary founder and "bald man." Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max's unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

For all my love of chocolate, I was not familiar with Max Brenner before I received this book. And, it's a lovely book. All the recipes are rather avant-garde and fancy. No simple, everyday cakes or cookies here. Many recipes begin with a short anecdote from Max. In one, he's sitting outside a cafe in Paris; in another, he recalls a childhood experience at an amusement park.

While, technically, a cookbook with recipes, this is really more of coffee table art book. There are few photos of the finished recipes. The artwork is very retro 60s and is fascinating. While this isn't one that will most likely end up in my kitchen, it nevertheless would be a terrific book for any Max Brenner fan, or a true Chocolate connoisseur.

Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hatchette Book Group for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Max Brenner here. You can purchase the book here.

Comfort Food: Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are just a good meal. I often wonder where the name came from, but I've never done a search. We have an old family recipe that is called Western Burgers, but is basically a sloppy joe. It cooks up nice and thick and can be eaten like chili. Your house will smell delicious, as it cooks all afternoon.

It's perfect for a cold, windy, fall day. It's also made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry. It's sweet and smoky, more than spicy. But, for true comfort food, give it a try! You can find the recipe here.

New Photo

There is a new photo for Western Burgers (Sloppy Joes).

Conversation at our house

Picture warm chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven. A neighborhood boy (who is like my third son, and whose mom is my good friend) wanders into the kitchen.

Me: "There's a cookie here and it's calling your name!"
Boy takes a bite of the cookie: "Thank you. Holly, your cookies are the best."
Boy walks towards the door and turns around: "Don't tell my mom I said that, ok?!"

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Want a yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe? Look no further. This one is delicious, and my go-to cookie recipe. Crispy and chewy!

Confession

Sometimes a simple, toasted tuna sandwich on white bread is just perfect. White bread, tuna with mayonnaise and a little butter in the pan. Nothing fancy. Just filling.

Family Favorites: Pasta Rustica

If I ask my boys what they want for dinner and the answer isn't pizza, chances are it's this:

Pasta Rustica.

My sister gave me the original recipe and it's become a family favorite. It's not low-fat or healthy, but it's yummy and super easy. It's also a meal that I can guarantee will have no issues or complaints and will be eaten by everyone. Of course, one boy picks out the red peppers and the other boy picks out the mushrooms...

Pretty Peppers

I love the vibrant colors that we find in nature, and in cooking.

I was chopping peppers for Teriyaki Chicken and Sauteed Pepper and Mushrooms and they were just so pretty, I had to take a photo!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Muffins

Printable Recipe

So, when I made the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies, I got to thinking. How would they be in a muffin tin?

I made a batch of cookie dough and a batch of brownie dough, although I eliminated adding the chocolate chips to the brownies. You can certainly use your own brownie and cookie mixes or boxed ones. I just happen to like mine!

Then I just did a marbleized mix: a drop of brownie and a drop of cookie dough. Bake the mini muffins at 350 for about 12 minutes and the large muffins at 350 for about 20 minutes.

You could frost them with yummy Chocolate Buttercream frosting, but they were pretty rich and I think they were just fine without.

Definite thumbs up from my boys and their friends.

I Need Chocolate: Chocolate Mint Sticks

Craving chocolate? Craving chocolate and mint? Want an easy, delicious recipe that will make your mouth water and satisfy those cravings?

Chocolate Mint Sticks.

The original recipe came from one of my church cookbooks and is one of our favorite treats. If you like chocolate and mint together, you will love it.

Comfort Food: BBQ Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker

Do you ever need a quick and easy recipe that can simmer in your crock pot all day?

Here it is: BBQ Pork Chops.

This one take 5 minutes to put together and makes your house smell divine. Serve it with a baked potato and you will think you've died and gone to heaven! It's good for summer time cooking, but it's wonderful for fall and winter. True comfort food!

New Photo

There is a new photo for Teriyaki Chicken and Sauteed Mushrooms and Peppers.

Favorites: Church & Community Cookbooks

Raise your hand if you love church or community cookbooks? You know, the ones that your mom has had for ages and ages. Some families put together their own as well.

Some of my favorite memories are thumbing through my mom's old cookbooks. She had several that were done by church ladies and it was fun to see my Grandma's name in there and lots of women I knew as I was growing up.

While I haven't managed to get her to give me any of those old cookbooks, I have managed to acquire a few of my own. Check out the tags on the side.

I'm even in one of them!

I love these kinds of cookbooks. Two of the books I have, give little tidbits about the women who contributed recipes: favorite songs or scriptures, favorite flowers or colors, tips and tidbits and hints. These are tried and true, good homestyle recipes that you know work. Notice the water stains and my own note.

What about you? Do you like church/community/family cookbooks? How many do you have?