Wednesday, November 28, 2007

November 28, 2007 Garlic Mustard Pork Chops

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.28 Edition (November 28, 2007)
Quick and Easy Recipes
Less than 30 minutes

Hi Everyone and Happy Wednesday to you!

This is one of those recipes that looks "too easy to be tasty." We had pork chops last night with wine and homemade stock and enjoyed them so much there were no leftovers. One time that I make pork chops, I would like to try this recipe. Enjoy!

Garlic Mustard Pork Chops

4 pork chops
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp. minced garlic

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine garlic, Worchestershire sauce and mustard, rub over surface of meat and marinate overnight.

Grill or bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Serve with oven roasted potatoes, carrots and broccoli.

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November 27, 2007 Chicken Piccata

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.27 Edition (November 27, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday to you. I got some good deals on boneless, skinless chicken breasts so I've been searching out recipes. This one grabbed my attention. Enjoy!

Chicken Piccata

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, split lengthwise
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tsp. worchestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Place 1 chicken breast half, boned side up, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Working from center, gently pound chicken with flat side of meat mallet or rolling with a rolling pin, (Rachael Ray bangs it with the bottom of a frying pan), until about 1/4 inch thick; remove wrap. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.

In shallow bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper. Coat chicken breast halves with flour mixture.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken; cook 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown, fork-tender and juices run clear.

Remove chicken from skillet; cover to keep warm. Add broth to pan and scrape yummies then mix in worcestershire sauce and oregano to skillet; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve over chicken.

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November 26, 2007 Skillet Lasagna

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.26 Edition (November 26, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! We're off to another week. I hope you had a great weekend. Can you believe it is less than a month until Christmas? Are you all ready for it? I picked up some Christmas cards today and hope to send them by the beginning of December.

On Saturday, I made my Meaty Lasagna and although I love making it, (and everyone enjoys eating it!), there are instances that time just isn't on our side and a skillet lasagna just makes more sense. I hope to try this recipe soon. Enjoy!

Skillet Lasagna

1 can diced tomatoes
water
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium minced onion
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 lb. ground beef
10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch lengths
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus additional 2 tbsp. for sprinkling on top
fresh cracked black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
sprinkle of oregano

1. Pour tomatoes with their juices into 1-quart liquid measuring cup. Add water until mixture measures 1 quart.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until simmering. Add onion and cook until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground meat and cook, breaking apart meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.

3. Scatter pasta over meat but do not stir. Pour diced tomatoes with juices and tomato sauce over pasta. Cover and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.

4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Dot with heaping tablespoons ricotta, cover, and let stand off heat for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and sprinkle with parmesan. Serve.

4-6 servings
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Sunday, November 25, 2007

November 25, 2007 Three Cheese Herbed Rotini

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.25 Edition (November 25, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope you are having an enjoyable Sunday.

Today's recipe can be considered a true comfort food. Serve as a meal in itself or a side dish. Either way, it's delicious! Try different pasta if you wish, penne would also work well. Enjoy!

Three Cheese Herbed Rotini

2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb. rotini pasta
3 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. mustard powder
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg, (optional)
3 cups milk
2 tbsp. minced herbs (dill, oregano, parsley, basil etc.)
1/2 tsp. salt
fresh, cracked black pepper, to taste

In a bowl, toss cheeses together and set aside. Cook pasta. Drain well. Put into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour, mustard powder and nutmeg. Gradually whisk in milk, making sure that there are no lumps. Stirring, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Set aside 3/4 cup of tossed cheese. Add remaining cheese to sauce a handful at a time. Stir in herbs, salt and pepper. Toss sauce with pasta. Sprinkle with reserved cheese.

Place baking dish under broiler for about 1 minute or until cheese is brown and bubbly.

Serves 6.

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November 24, 2007 Chicken in Tomato Wine Sauce

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.24 Edition (November 24, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope your Saturday is going well!

Today's recipe is one I tried last night for dinner and it was a great success, there were no leftovers to put away. Because we had red wine in the fridge, I used it instead of white and it was delicious! I served the chicken with packaged scalloped potatoes and beta vegetables, (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots). When the sauce gets poured over the chicken it makes for a very colourful plate. Enjoy!

Chicken in Tomato Wine Sauce

4 skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
pinch of steak spice
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup canned, drained diced tomatoes
1 medium onion
2 tsp. jarred, minced garlic
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. dried dillweed

Sprinkle chicken with steak seasoning. Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side then remove from pan.

Drain tomatoes and coarsely chop onions. Pour wine into pan and scrape bottom. Return chicken to pan and add tomatoes, onions, garlic and dill.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Place chicken on plates and return pan to a boil and stir occasionally until liquid has reduced, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken.
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November 23, 2007 Canadian Living Recipe Contest Entry from 2005

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.23 Edition (November 23, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! We've made it through to Friday, it's supposed to be a chilly day today, so dress warmly when you go out.

Today's recipe is one that hubby has been making for a few years now and it has got to be one of the tastiest pot roasts I've ever had. A few years ago, Canadian Living magazine had a recipe contest for a "meal" and these are the recipes I submitted, there are 3 in total. The entry didn't win anything but it was fun to participate. Enjoy!

1/2 lb. cubed bacon
3-1/2 lb. blade pot roast
coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
1 coarsely chopped onion
3 sliced garlic cloves
2 small cubed potatoes
2-1/2 to 3 cups red wine
2 cartons low sodium beef broth
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Place bacon in a dutch oven on low heat. Spread in one layer in the middle of the pot to render fat. When crisp, drain on paper towel leaving the fat in the pot.
Wash blade pot roast with bone and dry on clean tea towel. Apply liberal coat of coarse salt and generous application of fresh cracked black pepper on the top and bottom of the roast.
Turn stove to medium heat and bring to temperature until pot sizzles then add roast.
Prepare onion, garlic and potatoes. When roast is browned, remove from pan. Add potatoes in a layer on the bottom of the pan; after about 5 minutes add onions and brown without burning. Add garlic for about 1 minute until it just starts to smell. Add wine and deglaze the bottom of the pot; add beef broth to cover roast. Bring to a boil then turn heat to low. Add small handful of peppercorns. Cover and cook for 1 hour per pound. Remove meat from the pot and set to rest on cutting board.
Strain 1/2 the juices into a saucepan over high heat. Reduce until half of the juices have evaporated and the sauce starts to thicken. Add cornstarch and water to a jar and shake well, add to juices and stir well. The other half of the juices will be used for stock for future dishes, (this will be some of the best tasting stock ever!)
8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tsp vegetable oil
coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1 pound mini carrots , cut in half
1 medium onion, cut in pieces
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 cup warmed beef stock
4 cloves broken garlic pieces
bacon from pot roast

Put potatoes and carrots on the stove in roasting pan over medium heat with oil, salt and pepper. Stir to brown. When most of the vegetables are browned, add onion pieces.

Chop thyme and remove from stems, set aside.

Add warmed stock and garlic. Cover pan to allow all to warm thoroughly. Just before serving add bacon bits and fresh thyme then toss. Serve with pot roast and gravy for a satisfying dinner.
1 cup butter
1/2 cup cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup dry, white wine
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup mixed sweet peppers
salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Wash and slice peppers and onions. Melt on medium heat, enough butter to cover the bottom of a skillet. In a small saucepan, melt the rest of the butter and combine with the cream, salt and pepper, stirring well until heated through. When the butter start to slightly bubble in the pan but before it browns, add the vegetables and stir until slightly wilted; add the wine to deglaze the pan then add the warm butter and cream sauce. Serve with pot roast, potatoes and carrot.
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November 21, 2007 Apple Pork Chops

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.21 Edition (November 21, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!! Today is our first official snow day in Brampton. I woke up to a white blanket covering the ground and reports from the radio and tv that school busses are cancelled today. I guess we'll have a fun day, the boys have been hoping for snow since Halloween.

Today's recipe is one that we tried last night. I found it in a Chatelaine magazine and made a few changes to it. It was DELICIOUS and there were no leftovers to be had! I served it with
rice, beta frozen veggies and stuffing mix, this made for a very colourful plate. Enjoy!

Apple Pork Chops

1 Granny Smith apple
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. minced, jarred garlic
sprinkle Worchestershire sauce
3 drops Tabasco sauce
4 pork chops
1/2 to 3/4 cups apple juice
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1/4 tsp. chili powder

Cut apple in quarters, removing core. Slice into wedges. Measure butter into small container, add garlic, Worchestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. Mix well and add to medium heat frying pan. When melted and bubbly, add apple. Turn occasionally until light brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes, remove from pan to a small plate.

Rinse, dry and season pork chops with steak seasoning. Add to pan. Cook until brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove chops from pan.

In a small bowl, mix apple juice, mustard seasoning. Pour juice into pan and scrape bottom to deglaze pan.

Reduce heat, return chops and apple to pan. Cover and simmer 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove pork chops and apples from pan and boil sauce for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken. Pour sauce over chops.
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

November 22, 2007 Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.22 Edition (November 22, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! The week is half over...again! I can't believe how quickly time is passing.

Today's recipe is for something I haven't had in awhile but really enjoyed in the past. Enjoy!

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. instant minced onion
4 beef tenderloins, 1" to 1 1/2" thick
4 slices bacon

Preheat broiler. Melt butter and add parsley and onion. Wrap bacon slice around fillets. (Use more bacon if desired.)

Place meat on broiler pan 3" to 4" from heat. Broil 5 to 7 minutes each side for rare. Broil 8 to 10 minutes each side for medium. Brush with butter mixture occasionally during cooking.

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November 20, 2007 Cheesy Macaroni & Meatballs

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.20 Edition (November 20, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+
Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday to you!

Today's recipe is very much a comfort food to me. The meatballs can be ones that you've made, cooked and frozen or the boxed premade ones. I've never tried microwaving the boxed ones but have noticed that there are instructions. I always bake mine. The peas, carrots and corn not only add texture, they also add some wonderful colour to the dish. Enjoy!

Cheesy Macaroni & Meatballs

1 box macaroni & cheese dinner
12 frozen meatballs
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup frozen, thawed peas, carrots and corn*

1. In large saucepan of boiling water, cook macaroni until tender but firm. Meanwhile, in microwave-safe dish, microwave frozen meatballs on HIGH for 2 minutes or until heated through or bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes turning after 8 minutes to brown all over.

2. Drain pasta. Return to pan. Off heat, add butter, milk and contents of sauce packet. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Stir in meatballs and vegetables.

*To thaw frozen vegetables, place in colander under hot running tap water.

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November 19, 2007 Quick Szechuan Chicken

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.19 Edition (November 19, 2007)
Quick and Easy Recipes
Less than 30 minutes

Hi Everyone! I hope your week is starting off well and that you had a wonderful weekend.

This recipe for Chinese food is so quick and easy to make that the next time you think of ordering in, you might decide to put this together instead and serve it with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Quick Szechuan Chicken


4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1-1/2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1-1/2 to 2 tsp. minced garlic
6 green onions, cut into 1 inch pieces
5 tbsp. soya sauce
cayenne pepper, to taste

Cut chicken into 1-1/2 inch cubes. Lightly toss with cornstarch in bag to coat. Heat oil in skillet or wok; stir-fry chicken and garlic until lightly browned. Add soya sauce, vinegar, sugar and water.

Cover and cook 3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add green onions and cayenne; cook uncovered about 2 minutes longer.

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

November 18, 2007 Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.18 Edition (November 18, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone and Happy Sunday to you!

I love the flavour of Honey Garlic and usually buy the sauce jars but usually only have it on wings. I look forward to trying this chicken recipe. Enjoy!

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Boneless chicken breast
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of Soya sauce and
1/2 tsp. of garlic salt

1. Mix the honey, brown sugar, Soya and garlic salt together and spread over the chicken.

2. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Uncover for the last 10 minutes.


(wfd 103107)

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November 17, 2007 Prosciutto-Wrapped Fish with Lemony Spinach

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.17 Edition (November 17, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope your Saturday has been most enjoyable. We went to the Brampton Santa Claus Parade today and the boys enjoyed it immensely.

After looking at this recipe I decided that prosciutto could probably substituted for bacon. It looks yummy and quick. Enjoy!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Fish with Lemony Spinach
Serves 4
Prep Time 25 minutes

4 skinless cod or haddock fillets
4 thin slices of prosciutto
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
3 to 4 bunches of flat lead spinach (2 1/2 pounds total), thick stems removed and
2 lemons, 1 juiced and 1 cut in wedges

1. Heat the broiler with a rack set 4 inches from the heat. Season the fish with salt and pepper and wrap 1 slice of prosciutto around each fillet.

2. Rub with 1 teaspoon oil and place seam side down on a broiler proof baking sheet. Broil until the prosciutto is browned and the fish is opaque throughout, 12 to 16 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add as much spinach as will fit in the skillet; season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook, tossing and adding more spinach as there is room, until wilted and tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice; toss to combine. Serve fish with spinach and lemon wedges.

(wfd 111507)


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November 16, 2007 Beef Enchiladas

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.16 Edition (November 16, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+
Hi Everyone! Happy Friday to you.

This recipe looks tasty. I've tried and love enchiladas but have never made them myself. I look forward to trying this recipe! Enjoy!

Beef Enchiladas

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium chopped onion
1 tsp. minced onion
1 chopped jalapeno pepper
1-1/2 ounces chile powder
1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
2 (15 ounce) cans enchilada sauce
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
12-18 corn tortillas

In a large skillet, brown the meat, onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Mix in chili seasoning and refried beans and cook until hot. Remove from heat. In a separate saucepan, heat enchilada sauce to warm. Dip a tortilla in the sauce and lay in a large greased roasting pan (or microwavable plate). Spread with 1 tablespoon of meat mixture. Repeat with second tortilla and lay on top. On a third tortilla, spread a spoonful of sour cream and another tablespoon of the meat mixture. Repeat with remaining tortillas to make a total of 6 stacks. Cover them with remaining enchilada sauce, top with the grated cheese and heat in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.

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November 15, 2007 Meaty Lasagna

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.15 Edition (November 15, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope your Thursday is going well. While searching through my recipes yesterday I realized I hadn't sent out my Signature Dish: Meaty Lasagna, so here is the recipe with a story about last night's lasagna episode!

This recipe does take a fair amount of time to put together but I like to have the meat already browned in advance then just add the sauce and seasonings. I use my food processor for the chopping, mincing and grating and put the water on to boil for the noodles right away. I've tried the Oven Ready Noodles and don't really like them. With that said, here's the episode...

Good news, nobody got physically hurt...Bad news, the lasagna and pan are now in the garbage...

I accidently left the back burner on medium after cooking the noodles and when I took the (glass) pan out of the oven and it was sitting to "cool", (touching that burner for awhile), I noticed the lasagna was kicking off way too much steam on one side so moved it to the middle of the stove to finish cooling. As soon as I took my hands off the pan after making the move, the whole pan EXPLODED making glass fly everywhere! Luckily, I still had extra noodles, cheese layer, grated mozza and meat sauce left over so made individual plates for us all...the boys were instructed to stay in the livingroom to eat and I was nearly in tears! Anyways after supper I cleaned up the mess and still have a lasagna craving. As soon as I can get to Walmart to get a new DEEP DISH pan and some more ingredients I'll be making a new attempt on the project.

Don't let this story intimidate you from making this recipe. I've been making it for nearly 10 years now and NOTHING like this has EVER happened before. Enjoy!


Meat Sauce:
1 lb. ground beef
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 diced onion
fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme)
worchestershire sauce
tabasco sauce
salsa (optional)

Cheese Layer:
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 frozen pkg. spinach
1/2 cup mozzarella
1/2 cup fresh parmesan
1/2 diced onion
fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme)
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)

12 dry lasagna noodles
extra mozzarella for sprinkling between layers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring to room temperature the cottage cheese, cream cheese and spinach. Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, worchestershire sauce and tabasco. Drain and return to pan. Add tomato sauce and bring to a slow boil. Turn element down to minimum.

Mix cottage cheese and cream cheese. Add spinach, onions, herbs and cheese. Mix well. I use my food processor.

In sprayed 9x12 pan pour enough tomato sauce to cover the bottom. Layer lasagna noodles. If using salsa, spread on top of or in place of sauce. Layer meat and cheese then noodles until reaching 3/4 of the way to the top of the pan. Finish layering with noodles, meat mixture, the rest of the tomato juice and end with grated mozzarella.

This recipe freezes well. I often intentionally make a double batch so that we have a future meal.

Tips to Ponder
To save time, cook a bulk package of ground beef and make meat sauce. With half the sauce make a lasagna and freeze the other half for future use in plastic zip bags.

If you want to make a complete lasagna and freeze, follow instructions but omit cooking time. Cover with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you want to cook the lasagna, remove from freezer a day or so in advance and place in refrigerator until 1/2 hour before cooking time, remove plastic wrap and foil, place on the countertop to reach room temperature. Cover with tinfoil and cook as usual.
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November 14, 2007 Meatloaf 101

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.14 Edition (November 14, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! The week is half over. Welcome to Wednesday!

Yesterday I posted information from Betty Crocker's Hamburger Cookbook about Meatballs. Today I decided that I would share information from the same book about Meatloaf. If you have a different recipe that you make, by all means, use it.

Feel free to share your opinions on these "Mini-Lessons".
My notes will be in blue. I look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy!

Basic Meatloaf

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
3 slices bread, torn into small pieces*
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 tbsp. Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. sage
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce (optional)**

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except ketchup. Spread mixture in ungreased loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches, or shape into loaf in ungreased baking pan. Spoon ketchup onto loaf. Bake uncovered 1 to 1-1/4 hours. Drain off fat.

6 Servings

*You can substitute 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, 1/2 cup wheat germ or 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats for the bread pieces. (I use dry stuffing mix, as is or finely crushed).

**I usually use barbecue sauce.

Freezer Meat Loaf

Prepare Basic Meat Loaf except--Do NOT bake. Cover pan with aluminum foil and label; freeze no longer than 2 months.

To Serve:

Bake frozen meat loaf uncovered in 350 degree oven 2 to 2-1/4 hours. Drain off fat.

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November 13, 2007 Meatballs 101

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.13 Edition (November 13, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope your Tuesday is going well.

Over the weekend, I did some reading up on freezer cooking and made up a few precooked packages of hamburger meat for sauces, chilis, tacos or lasagna, 3 meals of skinless boneless chicken breast that I will be preparing tomorrow then freezing and 1 package of chicken fingers that I put together yesterday and froze. What a great feeling to be this far ahead! My next project will be meatballs and meatloaves. I've been buying the frozen meatballs and although they are convenient to have on hand, they tend to get expensive especially when ground beef is on sale.

The information for these meatballs was found in Betty Crocker's Hamburger Cookbook from 1973. Enjoy!


Basic Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
1 beaten egg
1 small chopped onion
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. fresh, cracked black pepper
1 tsp. worchestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients. Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls.

To cook in skillet:
Heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in large skillet. Cook meatballs over medium heat until brown on all sides, about 20 minutes, then drain off fat.

To cook in oven:
Place meatballs in lightly greased baking pan and bake uncovered in 400 degree oven until light brown, about 20 minutes. Drain off fat.

Makes about 24 meatballs.

To freeze meatballs:
Meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking, just remember to freeze individually on an ungreased cookie sheet for at least 3 hours, uncovered, before bagging or you will end up with one huge meatball.

Remove from freezer and pack in large freezer zippy bags. Label with name, instructions and date frozen. They will keep up to 3 months.

To cook frozen uncooked meatballs:
Cook frozen meatballs in skillet or oven as directed but increase baking time to 25 minutes.

To reheat frozen cooked meatballs:
Place frozen meatballs in ungreased baking pan and heat in 375 degree oven until hot, about 20 minutes or add to sauce and simmer until heated through, about 15 minutes.
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Thursday, November 15, 2007

November 12, 2007 Herb Seasoned Chicken

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.12 Edition (November 12, 2007)
Quick and Easy Recipes
Less than 30 minutes

Hi Everyone! Happy Monday to you!

Today's recipe is super simple with little mess because all the ingrediends are cooked on the stovetop. Enjoy!

Herb Seasoned Chicken

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 tsp. fresh cracked, black pepper
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp. butter

1. Combine all dry spices with sugar in zippy bag and shake well. Add chicken breasts, one at a time, and shake well until breasts are well seasoned.

2. In a large frying pan, melt butter and place chicken in pan on low heat. Fry on both sides until well browned and cooked through.

3. Serve with steamed broccoli, carrots and rice or potatoes.

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Sunday, November 11, 2007

November 11, 2007 Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.11 Edition (November 11, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

HI Everyone! I hope your weekend is going well.

I've decided to add another crockpot recipe for today's newsletter. Enjoy!

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff


3 lb. round steak
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 large chopped onion
1 cup beef stock or broth
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1-16 oz. pkg. egg noodles
1-16 oz. container sour cream
4 oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 tbsp. cornstarch

Cut steak into strips. Spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Combine steak, mushrooms, onion, broth, garlic, and soups. Cover and cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours.

Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and cornstarch, cook on high an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve over noodles.

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November 10, 2007 Slow Cooker Stew

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.10 Edition (November 10, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope you're having a wonderful Saturday.

I've decided to continue with another Crockpot/Slow Cooker recipe. Here's another one for your collection. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Stew

1 lb. of stewing beef, chopped
2 medium potatoes, uncooked
1/2 lb. of carrots, chopped
2-3 celery stalks, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 can of mushrooms, drained
2 garlic cloves
8 oz. of beef broth
8 oz. of beer (optional) - replace 8 oz. with beef broth if not using
¼ cup of evaporated milk
2 tbsps. of corn starch and
2 tsps. of paprika

1. Put all the ingredients into the slow cooker and turn on the low heat for the day (6-8 hours). Minimum cook time is 4 hours.

(wfd 091207)

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November 9, 2007 Slow Cooker Barbecue Spareribs

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.09 Edition (November 9, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Well Friday is finally here. It's been a long week!

I've had some requests for crockpot and slow cooker recipes and have many of them in my database, just need to pull them up. Here is a recipe I want to try, there are very few ingredients and as long as you remember to put it on early enough, you can go on with your day while dinner cooks itself. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Spareribs

3 to 4 pounds of back spareribs
Salt and pepper
1 sliced onion and
16 oz. of your favorite bottled barbecue sauce

1. Sprinkle the ribs with salt and pepper; broil for 30 minutes to brown and remove the excess fat.

2. Put the sliced onion in the cooker. Slice the ribs in serving size pieces then put into the cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours (High 3 1/2 to 5 hours).

(wfd 101007)

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November 8, 2007 Cheater Filet Mignon

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.08 Edition (November 8, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+
Hi Everyone! Wow! It's Thursday already! I hope you've had a wonderful week so far.
Today's recipe is a reminder of summer grilling. Enjoy!

Cheater Filet Mignon

2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 cup. shredded cheddar cheese
3 tbsp. grated onion
1 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg
3 tbsp. ketchup
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
10 slices bacon

Mix all ingredients together, except for the bacon.
On a long strip of waxed paper or plastic wrap, lay strips of bacon side by side. Form a roll of the ground beef mixture and lay down the center of the bacon strips. Bring a slice of bacon around the roll and fasten together with toothpick and slice into a burger type patty. Repeat until all filet mignons are formed.
Broil in oven to desired doneness (approx. 5 minutes per side).
This recipe may be frozen ahead and cooked when needed.
Try this grilled and place on buns; Remember to remove the toothpicks!
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Wednesday, November 7, 2007

November 7, 2007 Chicken with Sauce

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.07 Edition (November 7, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! We've made it half way through the week. I hope it's been a good one!

Today's recipe looks very easy and delicious. Enjoy!

Chicken with Sauce

8 pieces chicken
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup vinegar
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp salt
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tsp. minced garlic

Brown the chicken pieces in a frying pan. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. While chicken is browning, mix all ingredients in a bowl. Place browned chicken in a baking dish and pour sauce over chicken. Bake for one hour.

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November 6, 2007 Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.06 Edition (November 6, 2007)
Quick and Easy Recipes
Less than 30 minutes

Hi Everyone! Happy Tuesday to you!

I've had quesadillas in restaurants a few times and look forward to making them myself at home. Enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

6 boneless, skinless
, frozen chicken breast tenderloins
1-3/4 cup water
1 box spanish rice mix
6 flour tortillas
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1-1/4 cups shredded combination of cheddar-mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup salsa
1/3 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Hold chicken pieces under lukewarm running water for 1-2 minutes then cut into 1 inch pieces.

In large skillet, combine water, rice and contents of seasoning packet; add chicken. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat then simmer for 10 minutes. Spray both sides of tortillas with non-stick cooking spray.

Place 3 tortillas on a large baking sheet. Top each tortilla with 1/3 of cooked rice mixture, olives, and 1/3 cup cheese. Top with remaining tortillas; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 5-7 minutes or until light brown. To serve, cut into wedges. Top with salsa and sour cream. Serves 2-3 people.
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November 5, 2007 Turnips with Apples

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.05 Edition (November 5, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start a new week.

I received this recipe from a friend of mine and thought I would share it with you.
Thanks Steve! Enjoy!

Turnips with Apples
Serves 6 to 8
1 Large turnip
1 Tbsp butter
2 Apples
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch of cinnamon
CRUST

1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsps butter
Peel, dice , cook, drain and mash the turnip with butter. Peel and slice apples, toss with turnips and apples in alternate layers beginning and ending with turnips. Combine crust ingredients to a crumbly texture and pat on top of casserole. Bake at 350 for one hour.

Submitted by Steve B.

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Sunday, November 4, 2007

November 4, 2007 Best Meatloaf Ever

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.04 Edition (November 4, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Did you remember to set your clocks back an hour?

Today's recipe sounds good. I usually use a package of stovetop stuffing instead of the bread or crumbs. Enjoy!

Best Meatloaf Ever

2 lbs. ground beef
1 diced onion
2 slices crumbled bread
1 egg
1-1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce, divided
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tbsp. packed brown sugar

In large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs and egg; add one cup bbq sauce. Once all ingredients are moistened, form a loaf shape and place in a 9 x 9" baking dish coated with vegetable spray. In a small bowl, blend together remaining bbq sauce, vinegar and brown sugar until sugar is dissolved. Pour bbq sauce mixture on top of meat loaf. Bake, uncovered at 375 for 30 minutes, or until done*.

*(check doneness with meat thermometer).

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

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November 3, 2007 Potato Soup

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.03 Edition (November 3, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! What a wonderful day it is outside but it is bound to get cold out so here is a recipe to keep warm on those chilly days. Because soup is so light, serve with a salad and grill cheese sandwich. Enjoy!

Potato Soup

3-4 lbs. peeled and diced potatoes
6 slices bacon
1 diced onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 stalks diced celery
2 diced carrots
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Chicken broth
Milk
Butter

Cut potatoes in small chunks, Cut up bacon & fry. Add onions, celery, carrots, salt & pepper & garlic. Pour chicken broth over just enough to cover. Simmer slowly until potatoes are done.

Add milk and butter then simmer. Dumplings may be added.

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Friday, November 2, 2007

November 2, 2007 Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.02 Edition (November 2, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Friday is finally here.

Today I will share a recipe from Mom's cookbook. I had hoped to have it in print by the end of October but hit some snags. I haven't given up and will keep you updated on the progress. Enjoy!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Eloda Berkin

Meatballs:

2 lbs. hamburger
2 cup bread crumbs
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt and spices

Combine and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls and place in casserole dish.

Sauce:

1-1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp. dry mustard

Mix and pour over meatballs. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.
Serve over rice.

This edition is dedicated in memory of my Mom.
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November 1, 2007 Oh So Easy Crockpot Chicken

Easy Tastebud Delights
11.01 Edition (November 1, 2007)
Easy Recipes
45 minutes+

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the first day of November. I hope you survived last nights excitement...just remember the week is nearly over.

I spent some time yesterday morning sending and receiving messages about different ideas people have for meals and just wanted to remind everyone that if you have a recipe you would like to share or if you have any comments or ideas,
I would love to hear from you!

Today's recipe will require a crockpot, tinfoil and
any dry soup mix you want. The best part is there is very little mess. Enjoy!

Oh So Easy Crockpot Chicken

4 skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
1 pkg. dry soup mix
squares of foil as a pocket for each breast

1. Place each breast in a square of foil and sprinkle some of the soup mix on it. One packet of soup mix is enough for all four breasts; experiment with the different flavours, (some people don't like the onion soup mix).
2. Wrap the foil tightly around each breast and place in a crockpot, seam-side up in layers.
3. Cook 8-10 hours on low.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta and a side salad.
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