Meat Free Friday Night Dinner - Potato Pancakes

6 large red potatoes, peeled
1 small onion
2 eggs
3 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper to taste
crisco shortning
Applesauce
Sour Cream

In a food processor, shred all potatoes and onion. Switch to regular blade and add eggs, flour, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
Heat crisco until melted and hot. Add potato pancake mixture and shallow fry until golden on both sides and cookee through.

Serve with applesauce and sour cream.

Great Good Friday dinner!

Pizza

DOUGH (makes about 6 medium pizzas)
7 cups "00" flour
3 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablesoon sugar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sift flour and salt together on clean work surface, making a well in middle of flour. Mix yeast, sugar, olive oil and warm water and let sit until small bubbles form. Slowly pour mixture into well. Using a fork, bring the flour gradually from thee and blend into liquid. Continue until all flour in incorporated. Begin to mix with floured hands and continue to kneed until smooth and spings back.
You can also you a mixer with dough hook.

Place the dough in a bowl lightly wiped with olive oil and cover top of dough with damp towel. Place in warm area for about 1 hour or until dough doubles in size.

Punch down the dough and kneed on floured surface. You can use imdiately, freeze or refrigerate.

SAUCE
1 large can of San Marzano tomatoes (I prefer Cento brand)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
fresh oreganno chopped
fresh basil chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Puree tomatoes in blender
Heat olive oil and add garlic. Do not let garlic brown.
Add tomatoe puree and remaining ingredients.
Cook for 30 minutes. Let cool

TOPPING SUGGESTIONN
Fresh Mozzarell Cheese (pat dry before placing on pizza))
Veggies - onions, peppers, olives, mushrooms, arugula
Meat - sausage, sliced meatballs, canadian bacon, pepparoni

Preheat oven to 450°F or higher and place stone on middle rack for at least 45 minutes

Cook pizza to your desired doneness.

Easter Bread

I remember eating this bread at my grandmothers house. It is always so pretty when decorated with dyed easter eggs.

1 package Rapid Rise (instant) yeast, about 2-1/4 teaspoons
1 1/4 cups milk
pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups flour (approximate)
1 egg, beaten to brush bread before baking

In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until butter melts. In a large mixer bowl, combine yeast, salt, eggs and sugar. Add the warm milk and butter. Add about half the flour and beat until smooth with dough hook. Slowly add the remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Keep adding until the dough is not sticky anymore. Knead until smooth with either dough hook attachment or turn out on floured board and knead. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.

Punch dough down, divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece to form a 1 inch thick rope about 14 inches long and, taking two pieces, twist to form a "braid", pinching the ends, and loop into a circle.

Place on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpats. Cover and let rise until double, about an hour again. Brush each bread with beaten egg wash. In the middle of each bread ring, gently place an Easter egg, making an indentation with the egg.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden - about 20 minutes. Cool on rack.

Custard or Cream, which Coconut Pie is your choice?

My preference is Coconut Custard Pie. This pie is baked until the custard is set about 2 inches from the edge of the pie crust.
I will be making this pie tomorrow and exchaning 1 cup of milk for 1 cup of coconut milk.
I will post my comments, either good or bad once I have tasted the pie.

COCONUT CUSTARD

PIE CRUST
1 pie crust to fit a 10" glass pie plate
Homemade or store bought is your choice

FILLING
5 large eggs
3/4 cups sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

OPTIONAL TOPPING
1 cup chilled heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
coconut shavings or flakes

Preheat over to 375°F

Place pie dough in plate leaving 1 inch overhang. Fold under and design as you wish.
Line dough with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in middle of
oven until pale gold, around 20 minuetes. Carefully remove weights and foil and
prick bottom and sides of pie crust all over. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

Beat eggs at medium speed until well combined. Beat in sugar, milk, coconut milk,
heavy cream, vanilla and salt. Stir in coconut flakes.

Pour into pie shell and cover edge of pie with foil or pie shield to prevent from
overbrowning. Bake in middle of oven until custard is set 2 inches from edge and jiggles
slightly in the center, approximately 40 minutes. Cool on rack at least 1 1/2 hours.

Reduce oven to 350°F
Spread coconut in baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven until golden, approximately 5
minutes. Watch carefully - it can burn easily)

Just before serving, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over
pit, top with toasted coconut.


****************************************************************************************

COCONUT CREAM

PIE CRUST
1 pie crust to fit a 10" glass pie plate
Homemade or store bought is your choice

FILLING
2 cups half and half
1 cup coconut milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup AP flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup toasted coconut flakes

OPTIONAL TOPPING
1 cup chilled heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla


Preheat over to 375°F

Place pie dough in plate leaving 1 inch overhang. Fold under and design as you wish.
Line dough with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in middle of
oven until pale gold, around 20 minuetes. Carefully remove weights and foil and
prick bottom and sides of pie crust all over. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

In large saucepan, combine half and half, coconut milk, eggs, sugar, flour and salt.
Bring to a boil over low heat, constantly stirring. Remove from heat and stir in
3/4 cup of toasted coconut flakes and vanilla. Pour into pie crust and chill for about 3 hours.

Just before serving, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over
pit, top with toasted coconut.

"Thai"ed one on again!

Thai Chicken Red Curry is one of my favorite dishes at our local Thai dining place. Here is my recipe. 2 can coconut milk 2 tablespoons red curry paste 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 can bamboo shoots drained 1 large red bell pepper sliced 2 tomatoes cut into wedges 1 cup fresh basil leaves red pepper flakes to taste cooked chicken removed from bone steamed rice Bring first 8 ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add chicken until heated. Serve with steamed rice. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, scallops or duck.

Christmas Cookies!

Well, the Christmas holiday is approaching very quickly. I am now baking cookies daily to get them ready for shipment to my family members in NJ and AZ. There are always special requests. Haymarket Cookies for Grandpa Ronnie, Thumbprint Cookies for Jackie, Mexican Wedding Cakes for Jackie, Butter Cookies for Jackie.......does anyone else see a pattern here? To date I have baked the Mexican Wedding Cakes, Thumbprints, Butter Cookies, Spritz Cookies and made candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. Later today I will do the Haymarket Cookies.

"Thai"ing one on Sunday Afternoon

This past Sunday, we decided to "Thai" one on. We enjoy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Spring Rolls and Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken, Shrimp and Lobster.

Lexi is not a fan of Thai food so I had to make her ravioli to keep her happy.

First step in marinating the chicken. I used Greek yogurt, soy sauce, fish sauce and sesame oil. The chicken is so tender it falls off the skewer.

Second step is making the peanut sauce. It is very easy - everything goes in the blender and you are done.

Third step is making the spring rolls. Slice the cooked shrimp in half lengthwise, matchstick the carrots, cook the rice vermicelli, lettuce and cilantro. Soak the rice paper in warm water for a minute to soften. place the sliced shrimp in the middle, carrots on top of the shrimp, rice vermicelli on top of the carrots, cilantro and lettuce on top of that. Begin to roll and fold in the sides half way and continue to roll until done. That's it!

Last but not least the rice. Prepare everything before you start to cook and it will be very easy. Clean shrimp, remove lobster meat from tail, dice carrots, clean snow peas, scramble egg, dice garlic, micro plane ginger, cut fresh pineapple, dice chicken and have the remaining ingredients ready. Get a big wok and go to town.

Here are the recipes that I use and I will give you amounts but adjust as you feel needed.

Chicken Satay:
Chicken tenders, trimmed of all fat and remove white membrane (gross)
Greek plain yogurt
Sesame oil
Fish Sauce
Soy Sauce
Use enough of each to cover the chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Grill on medium until cooked





Peanut Sauce:
Smooth peanut butter - 1 cup
Soy sauce - 1/2 cup
Chili sauce - 2 teaspoons
Hot water - 1/4 cup
Juice of two limes
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Spring Rolls - read steps above! It is EASY









Pineapple Fried Rice
Fresh cut pineapple - as much or as little as you desire
1/2 to 1 pound large shrimp cleaned
1 lobster tail, shell removed
2 chicken tenders from satay - uncooked and cut into bite size pieces
1 large carrot diced
1 cup snow peas
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, micro planed
sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili sauce
fish sauce
soy sauce
1 large egg beaten
bean sprouts optional
cashew nuts


heat oil in pan and add garlic and ginger and carrots
add chicken and saute
add snow peas and cook for 1 minute
remove from pan and set aside
add shrimp and lobster and cook just until pink
add egg and cook
add bean sprouts, soy sauce, fish sauce and chili sauce and cook until warm
add back ingredients set aside and cook 1 minute.
add cashews and pineapples and serve.

Our Christmas visit to Time Square New York 2010

Our first night in the Big Apple we decided to go to Plataforma Churrascaria Rodizio on 49th Street between 8th and 9th, just a few blocks from our hotel.

We began with the salad bar that was pretty amazing. Word to the wise, don't fill up on this, you can get salad anywhere.

Then we had to order our sides: we selected mashed potates, broccoli and rice. They were all very very good.

Now we turned our little disk over to show GREEN and the meat began coming around. beef sirlion, beef tenderloin, beef large ribs that were just AMAZING, pork, lamb and the list goes on. Each was delicious.

Needless to say, we were not able to eat our monies worth. Each pre fixed price was $58.95 and the drinks were $9 each. Bill had about four or fix drinks and we were only charged for one! They made up for it in the price of the meal.

EASY PORK TENDERLOIN - TERIYAKI MARINATED

tamari soy sauce
piece of fresh ginger sliced
honey
bring all above to a boil. Taste and adjust as you desire.

Marinate pork tenderloin in cooled teriyaki sauce for at least one hour in the refrigerator.

Grill to desire doneness.

Alton Brown's City Ham

• 1 city style (brined) ham, hock end*
• 1/4 cup brown mustard
• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1-ounce bourbon (poured into a spritz bottle)
• 2 cups crushed ginger snap cookies
Directions
Heat oven to 250 degrees F.
Remove ham from bag, rinse and drain thoroughly. Place ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan. Using a small paring knife or clean utility knife set to the smallest blade setting, score the ham from bottom to top, spiraling clockwise as you cut. (If you're using a paring knife, be careful to only cut through the skin and first few layers of fat). Rotate the ham after each cut so that the scores are no more than 2-inches across. Once you've made it all the way around, move the knife to the other hand and repeat, spiraling counter clockwise. The aim is to create a diamond pattern all over the ham. (Don't worry too much about precision here.)
Tent the ham with heavy duty foil, insert a thermometer, and cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature at the deepest part of the meat registers 130 degrees F.
Remove and use tongs to pull away the diamonds of skin and any sheets of fat that come off with them.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Dab dry with paper towels, then brush on a liberal coat of mustard, using either a basting brush or a clean paint brush (clean as in never-touched paint). Sprinkle on brown sugar, packing loosely as you go until the ham is coated. Spritz this layer lightly with bourbon, then loosely pack on as much of the crushed cookies as you can.
Insert the thermometer (don't use the old hole) and return to the oven (uncovered). Cook until interior temperature reaches 140 degrees F, approximately 1 hour.
Let the roast rest for 1/2 hour before carving.
*Cook's note: A city ham is basically any brined ham that's packed in a plastic bag, held in a refrigerated case and marked "ready to cook", "partially cooked" or "ready to serve". Better city hams are also labeled "ham in natural juices

CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

5 LARGE SWEET POTATOES ALL SAME SIZE
BOX DARK BROWN SUGAR
1 STICK BUTTER

BOIL POTATOES UNTIL 75% DONE. LET COOK, PEEL AND CUT IN HALF LENGTHWISE.
PLACE CUT SIDE DOWN IN OVEN PROOF DISH.

IN SAUCEPAN, MELT BUTTER AND ADD THE BOX OF BROWN SUGAR TO MELTED BUTTER. STIR OVER LOW FLAME UNTIL SUGAR IS MELTED. IF NEED BE, ADD SEVERAL TABLESPOONS OF BOILING WATER TO THIN MIXTURE.

POUR OVER POTATOES, BAKE AT 350 UNTIL BUBBLING AND EDGES OF POTATOES START TO CRISP. BASED SEVERL TIMES DURING COOKING.

Thanksgiving - What are you thankful for?

Today is the day we should all say what we are thankful for. Here are my thoughts:

1) I am thankful that I finally was able to remember my log in and password for this blog so I can get back to posting recipes.

2) I am thankful that I live far enough away from the rest of the family on this day!

3) I am thankful I get Thanksgiving and the day after as paid holidays.

4) I am thankful that I don't' have to hang out with my husbands coworkers anymore - REALLY.

5) I am thankful for the Texas Constitution and Statutes property Code Chapter 42 Personal Property "Y'ALL".

Last but not least, I am thankful that I can post some receipes here so that if you would like to try them you can.

Father's Day Fillet Mignon

I first made this recipe several years ago for a small dinner party with acouple of frieds. I purchased a whole beef tenderloin and after trimming it, I felt I had to do something with the part I trimmed away from making the fillets. I just put everything into a pan and seared it, added a delicious Pinot Noir I had just opened, reduced the heat and let it cook for about an hour. I strained the liquid and reduced it, added a tablespoon of butter and what a delicious sauce it produced.

Bill cooked the fillets on the grill to perfection. I also made roasted red potatoes, asparagus and a salad.

It really turned out fantastic. One of the guests said they never had a steak that they were able to cut with a butter knife.

Cottage Pie (Shepards Pie)

1 pound russet potatoes, peeled, cut in half
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 cup campbells double beef broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram


Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to same saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons butter and mash. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic to same skillet and cook over medium-high heat until beef is brown, breaking up with spoon, about 8 minutes. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. beef broth, parsley, carrot, Worcestershire and marjoram. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon beef mixture into 8-inch square baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over; smooth top. Bake until potatoes are heated through and golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

St. Patricks Day Corned Beef and Cabbage

This is one of Lexi's favorite meals.

4 lb corned brisket of beef
3 large carrots, cut into chunks
6 small onions
1 teaspoon dry mustard
large sprig fresh thyme & parsley stalks
1 cabbage
salt and pepper

Put the brisket into a saucepan with the carrots, onions, mustard and the herbs. Cover with cold water, and bring gently to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut in quarters and add to the pot. Cook for a further 1 to 2 hours or until the meat and vegetables are soft and tender.

Serve with potatoes and mustard.

Cake for Keshia

Tonight I am making a carrot cake for my friend Keshia. It will be an early birthday gift. She wanted me to make her the red velvet cupcakes with the vanilla frosting but that will come on her actual birthday. The carrot cake she can eat at work tomorrow! Here is the recipe.

Cake
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups finely grated peeled carrots (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (about 1/2 ounce)
1/2 cup raisins

Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 teaspoons vanilla extract


For cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Lightly grease waxed paper. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and vegetable oil in bowl until combined. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into sugar and oil mixture. Stir in carrots, chopped pecans and raisins.

Pour batter into prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and cakes begin to pull away from sides of pans, about 45 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.)

For frosting:
Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth and creamy.

Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with another cake layer. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Using icing spatula, spread remaining frosting in decorative swirls over sides and top of cake. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate.) Serve cake cold or at room temperature.

Pasta Col Cavolofiore (Pasta and Cauliflower)

1/2 cup pine nuts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 medium head cauliflower, rinsed and trimmed to 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
7 anchovy fillets, minced
1 cup white wine
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound dried rigatoni
10 fresh basil leaves, very thinly sliced

1.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pine nuts, and toast, stirring frequently until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside in a small bowl.
2.Heat olive oil in the same large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cauliflower, and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add pepper flakes, anchovies, and wine. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, covered, 10 to 12minutes, until cauliflower is fork-tender. Uncover, and let liquid reduce slightly over high heat, 1 to 2 minutes.
3.Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and rigatoni, and cook until pasta is just tender, about 10 minutes or following label instructions. Drain; toss into warm cauliflower mixture. Just before serving, toss pasta with basil and pine nuts.

Saucy Susan

I remember having a topping for our chicken and chops that was delicious. It was a peach apricot sauce that is similar to a duck sauce. There was never any problem getting this item from the store and to this day you can still find it at any grocery store in NJ. Now finding it in Texas is a problem. Seems they never heard of it or sell it. I usually get it when I go to AZ or NJ. Yes, they sell it in AZ.

Tonight we are having roasted chicken and I have one jar left from the last trip. What is even better is that both Bill and Lexi will not eat it. Yeah! more for me.

Tonight there is really no recipe to post, roast a chicken, whole or pieces in the oven with some salt, pepper, garlic and a little bit of olive oil. Cook some vegetables and a potato or rice. Top it with Saucy Susan and there is the complete meal.

I just found a web site where I can order a case of the delicious topping for only $60. I think I will call home and see what the cost would be to have 12 bottles purchased and mailed.

Everywhere theres lots of piggies........

My sister Jackie is a big Beatles fan and as I was thinking about this recipe, I thought of a funny song that reminds me of Jackie listening to her favorite group.

Piggies - by George Harrison
Have you seen the little piggies
crawling in the dirt
And for all the little piggies
Life is getting worse
Always having dirt
to play around in

Have you seen the bigger piggies
In their starched white shirts
You will find the bigger piggies
Stirring up the dirt
Always have clean shirts
to play around in

In their sties with all their backing
They don't care what goes on around
In their eyes there's something lacking
What they need's a darn good whacking

Everywhere there's lots of piggies
Living piggy lives
You can see them out for dinner
With their piggy wives
Clutching forks and knives
to eat their bacon


BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS
Ingredients
1 pound sliced bacon
2 cans (8 ounces each) whole water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Directions
Cut bacon strips into thirds; wrap a strip around each water chestnut and secure with wooden toothpicks. Place in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine ketchup and brown sugar; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove chestnuts to paper towels; drain. Dip in ketchup mixture; place in a lightly greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over chestnuts. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.

Talking Turkey

One of Bills favorite is Turkey Meatloaf. He has recently mentioned turkey meatballs which is not going to happen anytime soon. He makes Turkey burgers anytime he gets the chance. Lexi and I like our meatloaf, meatballs and burgers made with beef. We do however allow him turkey from time to time.

The only thing Jackie would have to say about it is "it's different."

Ingredients

3 cups chopped yellow onions (2 large onions)
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
5 pounds ground turkey breast
1 1/2 cups plain dry bread crumbs
3 extra-large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium saute pan, over medium-low heat, cook the onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme until translucent, but not browned, approximately 15 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste and mix well. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, and onion mixture in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf on an ungreased sheet pan. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 1/2 hours until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. and the meatloaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven under the meatloaf will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold in a sandwich

Sex in the City Cupcakes

These cups were made famous from the Sex in the City series.
The recipe is from Magnolia Bakery in NYC
I listed vanilla and chocolate buttercream icing recipes.

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.

In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing.


Vanilla buttercream icing
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 6-8 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of a good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar.

If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Chocolate buttercream icing
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 9 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled to lukewarm
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
To melt the chocolate, place in a double boiler over simmering water on low heat for about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until completely smooth and no pieces of chocolate remain. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5-15 minutes, or until lukewarm.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the milk carefully and beat until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and beat well, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for 3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar and beat on low speed until creamy and of a desired consistency.

Conchiglie con Scampi, Broccoli, e Peperoncino

This is a family favorite. My sister Jackie loves that the recipes includes bread crumbs. Lexi and I always add parmigiano reggiano.

2 pounds broccoli, stalks removed and florets separated
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound medium shrimp, shelled, deveined, rinsed and well drained
2 tablespoons fresh white bread crumbs
4 anchovy fillets, separated from one another
3 cloves garlic, minced
Generous pinch of red pepper flakes, or more to taste
Salt to taste
1 pound dried pasta shells, orecchiette or penne

If you organize a mise en place well, this recipe will come together in minutes

In a steamer basket, steam the broccoli over boiling water for 4 minutes, or until tender. Refresh under cold water and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until nearly smoking. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 or 2 minutes, or until opaque. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
Immediately stir the bread crumbs into the skillet, and stir for 1- seconds, or until the crumbs are lightly golden. (The pan is very hot and the bread crumbs will brown in no time at all.) Stir in the anchovies and garlic. Cook for 15 to 20 seconds, stirring, until the garlic is browned and cooked. Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the broccoli florets and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When it boils, add salt and cook the pasta for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain well, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet and set over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the past, shrimp and broccoli are well combined. If the pasta looks dry, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

PORK - the other white meat.

We first had this pork tenderloin recipe when my mother and sister Jackie were visiting. We had pork tenderloin and wanted to grill something and I looked in my new Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. It is one of the best pork tenderloin recipes I have had. I will post my other favorite as well,

Grilled Port Tenderloin
1/2 cup peanut oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 pork tenderloins

Combine first nine ingredients; place in a zip lock bag or marinating Tupperware. Add tenderloins, turning to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 4 hours, turning occasionally.

Remove tenderloins and discard marinade or you may boil marinade first and use to baste pork while grilling.

Grill uncovered over medium coals 16 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 160 degrees, turning once. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Homemade garlic mashed potatoes and green beans almondine are the perfect side dishes for this pork.

Bill and his other white meat.

Bangers and Mash

Our first day in San Francisco this past summer, we stopped by Johnny Foleys to have a drink and some dinner. It was just doors away from our hotel and at the end of a long sight seeing day, it was the best choice.

First thing I had was a Bloody Mary. It was delicious. They made their own mix and you can tell the difference. Bill tried one of the beers and Lexi had Dr. Pepper.

Bill order the Fish and Chips and he said they were fantastic. Lexi and I ordered the Bangers and Mash. Pork Sausage, mashed potatoes, stewed onions and peas. They were to die for. I must say, it was the best banger I ever had.

Needless to say, once we got home, we were going through some pictures and spotted one Lexi had taken in the pub.


She loved the beer mustache on the lady! This also reminded us how good the bangers and mash were so we decided to make our own. We bought fresh bratwurst since it was the closest we could come to the pork sausage they served. Mash - now that is easy. and peas, frozen baby peas are the best. I sauteed onions in a skillet with some oil and butter. I added the onion and sausage to an oven proof dish and made a gravy. I had the gravy cover about 3/4 of the sausage. Covered and cooked for about an hour. Took the cover off and continued to cook until the sausage browned on top. Made mashed potatoes, NO BOX. They were pretty darn close to what we had in San Francisco. The sausage was not exactly the same, but close enough.

I found Johnny Foleys on the internet and on their website is a photo of the exact table we sat at and the photo of the picture that Lexi took.

Coleslaw

The coleslaw recipe as promised!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

OK - I saw this one on
Epicurious.com
This is from Magnolia Bakery in NYC

We made these today. They are DELICIOUS.
This recipe makes a big cake or tons of cupcakes!

3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
6 tablespoons red food coloring
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 recipe Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour three 9- by 2-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with waxed paper.

To make the cake: In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla. Add to the batter and beat well.

In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk. Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat. In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the layers cool in the pans for 1 hour. Remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

When the cake has cooled, spread the frosting between the layers, then ice the top and sides of the cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting .

Frosting
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a medium-size saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the mixture becomes very thick and begins to bubble, 10-15 minutes. Cover with waxed paper placed directly on the surface and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, on the medium high speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat well.

Add the cooled milk mixture, and continue to beat on the medium high speed for 5 minutes, until very smooth and noticeably whiter in color. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (no less and no longer—set a timer!). Use immediately.

BBQ Ribs and Chicken with Root Beer BBQ Sauce

I have several magazine subscriptions. Food and Wine, Bon Appetite', Gourmet. Several years ago I got an issue of Bon App with the most delicious looking BBQ Chicken on the cover. It was Chicken with Root Beer BBQ sauce. Needless to say, I made it that day. I also used the same method to make my baby back ribs and they are the best.

I use the dry spices to put on the ribs and chicken and refrigerate for several hours. I then add the liquid mixture with the spices to the rib pan and cook on the grilled tightly covered with foil for about an hour. I then put the ribs directly on the grill and at the last ten minutes hit it with the root beer BBQ sauce. I follow the recipe for the chicken as it was in the magazine. I do adjust the spice a bit and adjusted the recipe for the BBQ slightly.

These two meats are always served with my homemade coleslaw. I sometimes do homemade baked beans as well when I have the time.

The recipes:

Root Beer BBQ Sauce (I always double this recipe at a minimum)
1 cup root beer
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon mild molasses
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, garlic and onion powder

Combine all ingredients in heavy sauce pan. Bring to boil over medium heat,
stir occasionally. Reduce heat and reduce to 1 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes.

Dry mixture for ribs or chicken
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seed - ground

Wet mixture for ribs or chicken
1 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup white vinegar

Use the dry mixture except for 4 teaspoons on the meat and refrigerate for several hours.

Add the remaining dry mixture to the liquid and base chicken as it cooks or add to pan of ribs and cook covered for one hour.

Add BBQ sauce to ribs or chicken the last 10 minutes of cooking so it won't burn.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

I was rummaging through some stuff earlier today and came across my cassette of The Partridge Family greatest hits! Date 1974 so I guess I was about 15 and adoring Mr. Cassidy.

I think I Love You, Echo Vally 26809, Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque, I Can Feel Your Heartbeat etc.

A few years ago, I bought the DVD of season one and two after they showed reruns on Nick. Alexis enjoyed watching the reruns and so did I. I remembered every one of them.

I guess it is only appropriate to post a Pear Tart recipe.
This is one of my favorites. I saw it on Epicurious

Pears
4 cups water
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 medium-size firm but ripe Bosc pears, peeled (each about 7 ounces)

Crust
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

Almond Filling
2/3 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg

For pears:
Bring 4 cups water, sugar, and lemon juice to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add pears. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until pears are very tender, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool pears in syrup. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

For crust:
Blend powdered sugar, almonds, and salt in processor until nuts are finely ground. Add butter and blend until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Mix in egg yolk. Add flour. Using on/off turns, blend until dough comes together in clumps. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 3 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

For almond filling:
Finely grind almonds and flour in processor. Mix in 7 tablespoons sugar, then butter, blending until smooth. Mix in egg. Transfer filling to medium bowl. Cover and chill at least 3 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.)

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Roll out chilled dough on floured sheet of parchment paper to 12-inch round, lifting and turning dough occasionally to free from paper. Using paper as aid, turn dough into 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom; peel off paper. Seal any cracks in dough. Trim overhang to 1/2 inch. Fold overhang in, making double-thick sides. Pierce crust all over with fork. Freeze crust 10 minutes.

Line crust with buttered foil, buttered side down, then fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake crust until sides are set, about 20 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake crust until sides are golden and bottom is set, pressing with back of fork if crust bubbles, about 10 minutes longer. Cool crust in pan on rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Spread almond filling evenly in crust. Stem pears and cut each in half lengthwise; scoop out cores. Cut each half crosswise into thin slices. Gently press each pear half to fan slices but keep slices tightly overlapped. Slide spatula under pears and arrange atop filling like spokes of wheel with narrow ends in center.

Bake tart until golden and tester inserted into center of filling comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool tart in pan on rack. Push pan bottom up, releasing tart from pan. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.) Cut tart into wedges; sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve.

Reuben and Rachel

The Reuben is one of my favorite sandwiches.

There are several stories of how this sandwich was discovered. One story from the Omaha Nebraska area and several from the NYC area. Either way, I'm glad someone thought of it.

The Reuben consists of
corn beef
swiss cheese
rye bread
thousand island dressing
sauerkraut

I have had many different versions of this sandwich and I think the best one that I can remember was at a German Tavern in Fort Meyers Florida. Seems I have been lucky in finding great foods on our vacations. Of course, the beer is what attracted someone else that was on that vacation and it wasn't Lexi!

When I make a Reuben I try to find the leanest corned beef, the best swiss,
I grill the rye bread, make homemade thousand island dressing and
use sauerkraut from a bag, not a can and rinse it well.

The Rachel is a variation of the Reuben
pastrami
swiss cheese
rye bread
thousand island dressing
cole slaw

Either sandwich is best along side an ice cold beer.

Sauce and Meatballs

I enjoy making sauce on Sunday's. It reminds me of Sunday's when I was a kid going to visit my grandmother. She always had some kind of pasta for us when we went to visit. Spaghetti, penne, ravioli, lasagna homemade gnocchi. We always had a salad too but it was at the end of the meal not at the beginning. Don't know why but to this day that is how we still do it.

I make my sauce and never buy it in a jar. I really don't have a specific recipe so I have just listed the ingredients that I use and you can try and experiment if you would like. Same goes for the meatballs. I just go by look and feel. Remember, if you are going to make the meatballs, don't mix to much - they will be like lead. You want a nice soft meatball.

You can always send me an email if you have questions - I will try to help. Ciao

Saturday in the Park

1972 - What a year! Chicago has a hit called "Saturday in the Park". From what I have read, the song was inspired one year earlier in Central Park in NYC on the 4th of July.

One line reads "Singing Italian Songs" followed by ???? foreign lyrics. I must say I have no idea what was next, real Italian words or not.

I do remember it was a very fun time of my life. Just turning 13 and being grounded, my friend Miriam and her sister Teresa made me cupcakes for my birthday. I snuck out of the house and we had a small party in their basement. I think my two sisters were there as well.

The following recipe is a good cupcake recipe and although it may not be the same recipe the little teenagers made 28 years ago, it will be just as delicious if you eat it while listening to the song. You can find many versions of it on you tube.

1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 cup buttermilk, divided
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda


2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Sift flour and cocoa into small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat 1 1/2 cups sugar and 3/4 cup butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then red food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with 2/3 cup buttermilk in 2 additions. Make well in center; pour in remaining 1/3 cup buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda. When bubbles form, stir into batter.

Divide batter equally among paper liners. Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; transfer to rack and cool completely.

Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar

Frost cupcakes

I think I am going to have to forgo the wine suggestion on this one and go with a tall glass of ice cold milk.

Thank God its Friday

After a long week I am happy that today is finally here. I will be attending a friends SLAH party! I am bringing the Texas Caviar and chips. She will be serving a taco soup which I will hopefully be posting the recipe to on this site. I am hoping to win some prizes. I am definately ordering some new pieces to my SLAH flatware and who knows, maybe something else.

I plan to get totally organized this weekend. I am hoping that I can post at least one recipe a day - maybe more.

Enough about food, now for the wine of the evening. I think I will be drinking a Bargetto California Orange Muscat 2007. One of my picks from the July 09 California trip. This wine comes from the Santa Cruz area. It is very yummy.

Here Come the Weekend

Nothing Fishy about Texas Caviar

Make a Smilebox greeting

Kapusta!

Spending several years in an orphange run by Polish Catholic Nuns, you can imagine some of the ethnic foods we were served. Kielbasa, pierogi, Polichinkins, Golomki just to name a few.

We also had to attend a Polish Catholic school and did indeed learn and speak the Polish language fluently. That however was a long time ago and I can only say a few phrases today. I can say thank you, how are you, I'm fine and milk in Polish to this day. Not sure that would get me very far on a visit to Poland.

I do miss the fresh Kielbasa that we use to get from Joe's Deli in Lyndhurst NJ. It was the best. I will have to try and find a place to purchase this in the Houston area and see how they compare.

Another favorite was potato pancakes. I have been told that I make them the best!
I really don't have a specified recipe for these but I will make them and mark down the ingredient and amounts and post them for anyone to try if they wish to. You should try them with a side of applesauce, sour cream or both.

Hump Day

Looking forward a few hours - it will be hump day, Wednesday in other words.

When I was growing up it was know as Price Spaghetti Day and we never used Prince brand spaghetti.

Fortunately I have some spaghetti sauce in the freezer and spaghetti in the pantry.

My choice for sauce is always homemade, never from a jar and my choice for spaghetti or any pasta is DeCecco.


Another favorite of mine is Pastina. I have never been able to find this in a grocery store in TX. If I want to have some I either have to buy it when I am in NJ or have someone I know send it to me. I will have to get some and post some recipes using pastina.

WNEW | Where Rock Lives: Woodstock on WNEW-FM :: Scott Muni Reminds You To Get Your Ticket

WNEW | Where Rock Lives: Woodstock on WNEW-FM :: Scott Muni Reminds You To Get Your Ticket

Two for Tuesday!

Today I have decided to post two recipes.
"Schitzel and Strudel". It is a 2000's version of "Pork Chops and Applesauce"!

I heard a few songs earlier today that reminded me of the 70's when I was still back in NJ and listening to 102.7 WNEW FM radio. They would play two songs from an artist, back to back and it was the "Two for Tuesday" show.

Anyone from Rutherford reading this may have a clue what is to come on Friday. Any guesses?



Pork Schnitzel Recipe
4 boneless pork chops (1 pound total), pounded to 1/4-1/8 inch
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbsp milk
3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
3 Tbsp canola oil
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream

1 Cut small slits around the edges of the cutlets to prevent curling.

2 Set out 3 shallow bowls. One with a mixture of the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper. The second with the egg and milk whisked together. The third with a mixture of the bread crumbs and paprika.

3 Heat the canola oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Dredge the cutlets first in the seasoned flour, then dip the cutlets in the egg mixture, and then into the mixture of bread crumbs and paprika.

4 Working in batches, sauté the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the cutlets from the skillet and cover with foil or place in a warm oven to keep warm.

5 Add the chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the brown bits. In a small bowl mix the salt into the sour cream. Stir the sour cream mixture into the chicken stock. Heat and stir until mixture thickens (do not let boil).

Serve the cutlets with the sauce, and lemon slices if you like. Serves 4




Apple strudel

2 tablespoons golden rum
3 tablespoons raisins
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
strudel dough (recipe to follow)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 pounds tart cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼ inch-thick slices

1. Mix the rum and raisins in a bowl. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in another bowl.

2. Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the breadcrumbs and cook whilst stirring until golden and toasted. This will take about 3minutes. Let it cool completely.

3. Put the rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Make the strudel dough as described below. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the remaining melted butter over the dough using a soft pastry brush. Sprinkle the buttered dough with the bread crumbs.

Spread the walnuts about 3 inches from the short edge of the dough in a 6-inch wide strip. Mix the apples with the raisins (including the rum), and the cinnamon sugar. Spread the mixture over the walnuts.

4. Fold the short end of the dough onto the filling.

Roll strudel onto itself. Curve it into a horseshoe to fit. Tuck the ends under the strudel. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter.

5. Bake the strudel for about 30 minutes or until it is deep golden brown.

Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Strudel dough Or just by Filo dough!! Its up to you.

1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons water, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for coating the dough
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar


1. Combine the flour and salt in a stand-mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix the water, oil and vinegar in a measuring cup. Add the water/oil mixture to the flour with the mixer on low speed. You will get a soft dough. Make sure it is not too dry, add a little more water if necessary.

Take the dough out of the mixer. Change to the dough hook. Put the dough ball back in the mixer. Let the dough knead on medium until you get a soft dough ball with a somewhat rough surface.

2. Take the dough out of the mixer and continue kneading by hand on an unfloured work surface. Knead for about 2 minutes. Pick up the dough and throw it down hard onto your working surface occasionally.
Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a plate. Oil the top of the dough ball lightly. Cover the ball tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to stand for 30-90 minutes.

3. It would be best if you have a work area that you can walk around on all sides like a 36 inch round table or a work surface of 23 x 38 inches. Cover your working area with table cloth, dust it with flour and rub it into the fabric. Put your dough ball in the middle. Use lots of flour and roll out as large as you can.

Pick the dough up by holding it by an edge. This way the weight of the dough and gravity can help stretching it as it hangs. Using the back of your hands to gently stretch and pull the dough. You can use your forearms to support it.

4. The dough will become too large to hold. Put it on your work surface. Leave the thicker edge of the dough to hang over the edge of the table. Place your hands underneath the dough and stretch and pull the dough thinner using the backs of your hands. Stretch and pull the dough until it’s about 2 feet wide and 3 feet long, it will be tissue-thin by this time.

Cut away the thick dough around the edges with scissors. The dough is now ready to be filled.

Remembering the House of Nanking

This past July our family went to California on vacation. I must say that it has to be the best vacation I have been on. I don't think visiting wineries had anything to do with the decision but you never know! Anyway, one of the best places we stopped to eat was at the House of Nanking in San Francisco. It was a very small, dingy place with tables that were pushed close together and needed a few pieces of cardboard under one leg to keep it steady. After a long day of tourism, we walked 20blocks to go eat at the House. We were very lucky to get there when there was no line. The day we first spotted this place, the line was 40 people deep so we figured it had to be good. We sat at the end of a table that had a couple sitting at the other end. They offered us a taste of their food off their plates and recommended some things to order. Lexi had Fried Potstickers as usual, I had Nanking Sesame Chicken with veggies and sweet potatoes and Bill had 5 Spice Whitefish with jade spinach. We all shared Fried Shrimpackets with sesame sauce. One items was better than the next. I will make an attempt to recreate these recipes and post the results. My biggest challenge is the shrimpackets - shrimp, baby green peas and sesame sauce in a pastry packet and deep fried!

from the lemon harvest

Make a Smilebox recipe

Sunday Supper

Make a Smilebox recipe