Salmon Spread

Need a healthy appetizer alternative 

New Years Eve or a get together, try this.

14 oz. (1 can) salmon drained

3/4 - 1 c. light cream cheese

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

Pinch each: granulated garlic, parsley, turmeric, red pepper flakes 

Lemon zest

Open can of salmon and drain in strainer to remove liquid. Remove any bones if needed.

In a clean bowl combine: salmon, spices, cream cheese, herbs.

Zest lemon into mixture and mix well with a clean fork.

Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serves 6 - 8.

 

Holiday Hashbrowns

This is great for brunch, holiday breakfast, as a side dish or anytime.

I shredded potatoes, but you can use package shredded potatoes instead.

4 potatoes shredded

1 small onion shredded

2 - 3 T. oil

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

pinch each: granulated garlic, red pepper flakes

Rinse, cut ends of and shred potaoes into a bowl, set aside.

If using pre shredded package potatoes, omit step.

Peel, rinse, cut in half, shred onion into bowl with potatoes.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic red pepper flakes over potato mixture and toss to coat.

Heat skillet over medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium and add oil.

Add potatoes, onion and cook for 8 - 12 min. or until done, stirring occasionally.

Serves 4. 

Little Ms. Shirley

Tis the season to be jolly.

Tis also the season to be careful around those who celebrate with a little too much jolly juice.

This version of the classic mocktail is perfect for kiddos, if you're a designated driver or decide that you want to stay sober.

1 quart lemon lime soda (regular or diatetic)

1/8 - 1/4 c. grenadine (adjust amount desired)

Ice

In a clean pitcher, place ice.

Pour grenadine over ice.

Pour lemon lime soda over grenadine, stir to mix.

Place pitcher in fridge until ready to serve.

Serves 4.

Easy Labneh

This is a great alternative to using sour cream as a basis for dips.

I've used reduced fat plain yogurt, but you can use regular plain yogurt instead. 

2 - 4 c. reduced fat plain yogurt

pinch of salt (optional)

Place a clean medium sized sieve over a clean medium size bowl.

Pour yogurt through sieve and place in refrigerator to strain for a few hrs. or overnight.

Remove bowl from refrigerator and dump liquid from bowl.

If the yogurt isn't thick enough, you can strain it again if needed.

Pour yogurt into a clean bowl or container.

You can use the same bowl you drained the yogurt into, but just clean it out first.

Add salt, and stir if desired. 

Cover bowl with plastic wrap or container lid and place in refrigerator until ready to use.

Makes 4 - 8 servings.

Thai Turkey Bowl

This is perfect for leftovers or anytime.

1 bag boil in bag rice

3 c. water

2 - 3 c. cooked turkey, cut into chunks 

1 - 2  T. each: low sodium soy sauce, seseme seeds

Lime zest

1 tsp. each: seseme oil, lime juice

1 c. each: chopped onions, sliced snow peas

1/3 c. each: sliced green onions, peanuts

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. salt, pepper, fresh or dried parsley, basil

pinch each: red pepper flakes, turmeric

1 T. olive oil

1 clove garlic crushed, chopped

Remove turkey from refrigerator and chop.

Slice lime in half set aside.

Peel, rinse, crush, chop garlic, set aside.

Peel, rinse, and chop onions.

Rinse & chop snow peas, green onions, set aside.

Preheat skillet to medium-high heat, lower heat to medium, add oil.

Add turkey, garlic, parsley, soy sauce, seseme oil, spices to pan, cook for 5 - 8 min., stirring occasionally.

Squeeze some of the lime over the turkey.

Remove bowl carefully from microwave.

In a microwave safe bowl, combine water and 1 bag of rice.

 Microwave according to package instructions.

Remove bowl carefully from microwave.

To serve:

In 4 clean bowls, scoop rice into bottom of the bowls. 

Arrange turkey over rice and top with your toppings.

Serves 4.

Fried Pickles

This is great for game day, a get together or anytime.

I’ve used hamburger pickles, but you can use cut up dill spears too.

2  c.  dill pickles slices 

1/3 - 1 c. flour
1 egg
2 -  3 T. oil (adjust amount needed)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper
Pinch each: paprika, dried parsley, granulated garlic, turmeric

In a bowl crack 1 egg, half of salt, pepper. 

Beat with a fork to mix.

Remove pickles from jar, pat dry with a paper towel.

In a bowl combine flour, the rest of salt, pepper, herbs and spices.

Dredge pickles on both sides with the egg.

Dredge pickles lightly on both sides with flour.

Preheat skillet to medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium, add oil.

Cook pickles in batches on one side for 3 - 5 minutes.

Flip over & cook pickles on other side for 3 - 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove pickles from pan and place on a paper towel lined plate.

Serves 4 - 6.

Sweet Potato Chips

This is great for fall or anytime.

2 - 3 large sweet potatoes

Non stick cooking spray

1/8 - 1/4 tsp.: salt, pepper

1/8 - 1/4 c. oil

Pinch each: granulated garlic, red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Spray 2 baking sheets with non stick cooking spray.

Rinse and pat dry potatoes.

Cut ends of potatoes with a clean knife. 

Peel 1 side of potatoes.

Lay potatoes on a clean cutting bowl.

Very carefully slice potatoes into very thin slices, place potatoes into a clean bowl.

Pour oil over potatoes and toss to coat on both sides.

Arrange potato slices on baking sheets.

Sprinkle spices over both sides of potatoes.

Place potatoes in oven and bake on 1 side for 5 - 8 min.

 Flip potatoes on other side and bake for 5 - 8 min. more. 

Keep an eye on the potatoes to make sure they don't burn.

Serves 4.

Celebration Spritz

Today history has been made.

As a Democrat, I'm estastic.

This is great for celebrating the election of a new president or anytime.

1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine

1 - 2 c. club soda

Ice

Place champagne bottle, club soda in refrigerator to chill for a few hrs.

Take champagne, club soda out of refrigerator.

In the bottom of pitcher, place ice.

Pour champagne in pitcher, top off with club soda.

Place pitcher in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serves 4.

Chocolate Apples

This is great for fall or anytime.

3 - 6 oz. each: milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, chopped nuts.
4 apples 

Rinse apples under cold water, remove stem. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Set aside until ready to use.

Break chocolate bars into pieces into 3 separate microwave safe bowls.

Microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Stir and microwave for an additional 30 seconds approx.

Keep an eye on chocolate so that it melts evenly. 

Remove bowls carefully from microwave.

Thread 1 apple onto a skewer.

Dip apple into the desired flavor of chocolate. Make sure apple is coated in chocolate.

Remove apple from chocolate and place apple on a parchment lined cooking sheet. 

Dip a clean fork into the other bowls chocolates and drizzle over apple.

Repeat process with remaining apples.

Sprinkle nuts over apples, if desired.

Place tray in refrigerator to harden.

Serves 4.

 

Big Ten Bagel Pizzas

This week starts the college football season for the Big Ten.

This is great for watching the game or anytime.

I used everything bagels, but you can use what flavor bagels you like. 

4 bagels split in half

1/2 - 3/4 c. each: pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, sliced halved pepperoni, chopped mushrooms, chopped tomatoes
1/8 - 1/4 c each: chopped olives, chopped anchovies, chopped ham, olive oil, 
Non stick cooking spray
1 - 2 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 tsp. each: basil, parsley, oregano
1/8 tsp each: salt, pepper, lemon juice
pinch red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 350 F

Rinse, peel, seed, chop vegetables and garlic.

Slice pepperoni. Chop ham, anchovies and olives. 

Spray cooking spray on 2 baking sheets.

Carefully cut bagels in half and place open side up on baking sheet.

In a measuring cup, mix together oil, juice, salt, pepper, herbs with a clean fork. 

With a pastry brush, spread oil mixture on top of the bagels

With a spoon, spread tomato sauce over bagels.

 Put whatever toppings you want on your pizza. 

When finished place pizzas in oven to cook for 10 - 15 min. or until done. 

Keep an eye on them so that they don't burn. 

Serves 8.

Broasted Cabbage

1/8 - 1/4 c. olive oil (adjust amount needed)
1/4 tsp. each: , pepper, salt

1/8 tsp. lemon juice

1 clove fresh garlic crushed and chopped
1 medium head cabbage
non stick cooking spray

pinch red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 350' F

Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.

Remove outer layers of cabbage and cut cabbage in half.

Rinse cabbage under cold water.

Peel, rinse, crush, chop garlic.

In a measuring cup combine; oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice. 

Mix well with a fork and pour over cabbage. Toss to coat.

Cut cabbage into wedges.

Place cabbage on baking sheet and pour oil over cabbage. Flip to coat and place pan in oven.

 

Bake for 20 - 35 min. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. 

Halfway through cooking, remove baking sheet from oven and flip cabbage over.

Remove baking sheet from oven and place cabbage on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil.

Serves 4 - 6.

Arroz Con Pollo

This is my version of a classic.

I've used regular chicken thighs but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead.

I cooked this in the slow cooker, but you can also do this on stove too

Non stick cooking spray

1 - 2 T. each: butter, olive oil

1 lb. chicken thighs

1 c. rice

1 onion chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed, chopped

2 - 3 c. low sodium chicken broth

1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper 

pinch each: red pepper flakes, tumeric

2 - 3 drops hot sauce

1 c. diced tomatoes

Fresh lime juice

Peel, rinse, crush & chop garlic.

Cut lime in half.

In a bowl combine chicken, red pepper flakes, turmeric, hot sauce, 1/2 of salt, pepper.

 Squeeze some lime over chicken, toss to coat.

Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to marinate for a few hrs.

Preheat slow cooker to medium high heat, lower heat to medium.

Spray nonstick spray in bottom of slow cooker.

Remove chicken from refrigrrator and place chicken in cooker.

Cook chicken on 1 side for 12 - 15 min, flip chicken over and cook on other side for 12 - 15 min. more.

While chicken is cooking, peel, rinse chop onions.

Rinse and chop tomato, set aside.

Remove chicken from pan and place on a clean plate.

Add butter, and more oil if needed. 

Add onions, rest of salt, pepper, garlic and saute for 3 min. 

Add rice and saute for 3 min.

Add 1/2 c. chicken broth and stir until broth is absorbed by rice. 

Repeat process with 1/2 c. of broth.

Pour remaining broth into rice.

Add tomatoes and return chicken to slow cooker.

Place lid on cooker and cook for 15 - 30 min. more or until chicken is done.

Serves 4.

Champagne Dreams, Beer Budget Risotto

You don't have to be rich to enjoy a good risotto.

This is perfect for a fall Michigan day or anytime.

 I've used arborio rice, butter and chicken broth.

But you can also use a short grain rice, vegan butter, vegetable broth instead.

I've used a lager for this but you can also use a pilsner or a non alcohol beer instead.

1/2 c. each: chopped onions, chopped leeks

2 T. chopped shallots

1 c. arborio rice

12 oz. lager beer

2 c. low sodium broth

1 - 2 T. each: butter, olive oil

1 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped

1/8- 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper

Peel, rinse, chop onions, shallots, garlic. 

Remove stem from leek. 

Rinse and chop the white parts of leek. 

Heat saute pan over medium high heat. Lower heat to medium, add oil and butter. 

Add onion, leek, shallots and garlic. Saute for 2 - 3 min.

 Add rice, salt, pepper, stir and saute for 2 min. 

Add 1/2 c. of beer to rice. 

Stir rice until beer is absorbed 2 - 5 min approx.

Carefully add another 1/2 c. of beer to rice.  

Stir for 2 to 5 min or until beer is absorbed. 

Repeat process with remaining beer and chicken broth,1/2 c. at a time until all liquid is absorbed.

Serves 4 - 6. 

Sunny Day Skewers

Just because it's fall doesn't mean you still can't use your grill.

This is great for tailgating or any time.

1 - 3 c. each: watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, honeydew melon

1/2 T.: rum 

1 T. oil (canola)

1/8 tsp. sugar (regular or diatetic)

Soak 12 wood skewers in cold water for 1 hr. 

In a meauring cup combine: oil, sugar, rum. Mix with a clean fork.

Cut in half, seed, chop melons into chunks if needed.

Chop pineapple into chunks. 

Rinse and hull strawberries.

In a bowl combine fruit, oil mixture.

Toss to coat fruit.

Preheat grill to medium.

Thread fruit on skewers 

Place skewers on grill. 

Grill fruit for 1 - 2 minutes on each side.

Serves 4.

Easy Challah Bread

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

This is great for a Rosh Hashanah celebration or anytime.

I used premade bread dough for this, but you can make your own bread dough if desired.

Premade bread dough

1 egg, beaten

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: parsley granulated garlic, salt, pepper

non stick cooking spray

1/8 - 1/4 c. flour (enough to dust work area)

Preheat oven to 350' F.

Knead bread dough if needed and cut dough into three pieces. 

Place dough on a clean plate.

Cover bread dough with a clean dish towel and let rise 1 hr.  if needed.

With clean hands, sprinkle some flour on a clean workspace.

With your hands roll 1 dough piece into a long strand on workspace.

Repeat process with remaining dough pieces.

Place 1 strand in the center on clean parchment paper.

Attach remaing strands to the middle strand at the top of the strands by pinching them together.

Spread out strands and braid 1 strand over the middle and do the same with other strand. Repeat braiding process with strands until bread is braided.

Crack egg in a clean bowl.

Add salt, pepper, parsley, garlic and mix egg with a clean fork.

Place bread on cookie sheet.

With a pastry brus,h brush egg wash over the bread and place bread in oven.

Bake bread for 30 to 40 minutes or until done.

Serves 6 - 8.

Easy Breezy Sea Breeze

Need a quick cocktail for Labor Day Weekend, game day or tailgating.

This is great for anytime too.

4 - 6 oz. vodka

2 c. Cranberry juice

1 c. grapefruit juice

Ice

In the bottom of 4 clean glasses, place ice cubes.

In a clean jar, combine ingredients.

Screw lid on jar and shake for 20 - 30 sec.

Remove lid from jar and pour cocktail through a cocktail strainer over into the glasses.

Serves 4.

Ultra Easy Bleu Cheese Dressing

This is perfect to use on a salad or as a dip on the side.

I've use a blender.

If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can also do this by hand too.

Enjoy!

1/2 c. each: bleu cheese, sour cream
1 c. regular or light mayo
1/4 tsp. each: salt, cracked pepper

In a clean mixing bowl or food processor, blender combine ingredients. 

Mix until creamy.

Serves 4.

Fish Stick Tacos

This is great for a light super, lunch or anytime.

I've cooked the fish on a stovetop, you can also cook the fish in the microwave or oven too.

If you're cooking the fish in the oven, cook according to package instructions.

Filling

1 package fish fillets

1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper

1 - 2  T. oil

 Fixings

8 flour or corn tortillas or your favorite hard taco shells.

1 c. each approx.: shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes
1/2 c sour cream.

Directions 

Rinse and cut one lime in half, set aside.

Rinse lettuce, tomatoes and cut chop, set aside.

Heat skillet to medium high heat. 

Lower heat to medium low, add oil. 

Add fish to pan, squeeze a little lime over fish and cook for 4 - 7 minutes on 1 side. 

Turn fish over and cook on other side for a few minutes more or until heated.

Remove fish from pan with a spatula and place on a paper towel lined plate.

When you are ready to serve, cut fish into pieces.

Squeeze a little more lime over fish.

Spoon fish unto your favorite tortillas or taco shells. 

Top with your favorite fixings.

Serves 4.

Cucumber Smash

What 's more perfect on a summer day then fresh cucumbers.

This is perfect to enjoy on a summer evening, on game day or anytime.

1/3 cucumber chopped

4 - 6 oz. gin

1 - 2 c. club soda

Ice

Rinse, cut ends off and cut into 3rd. 1 cucumber.

Cut 4 slices from one of the cucumber 3rds. and set aside.

Chop 1/3 of the cucumber 3rds. and place into a jar.

Muddle cucumber with the back of a clean spoon.

Poor gin over cucumbers.

Screw lid on jar, shake jar for a few seconds and put in refrigerator to chill for a couple of hrs.

Put 4 clean glasses in freezer to chill for a few minutes.

In bottom of a clean pitcher pour gin mixture.

Add ice, top with club soda and place pitcher in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Remove glasses from freezer.

Pour cucumber smash in glasses and garnish glass with a cucumber slice.

Serves 4.

Quick Cole Slaw

This is great for summer, game day get togethers, holidays or anytime.

I shredded the vegetables by hand, but you can use pre shredded cabbage, carrots instead.

1 medium each shredded: head cabbage, onion

5 carrots shredded

3/4 - 1 c. light mayo

1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

pinch white pepper

Remove outer leaves of cabbage rinse, cut in half.

Peel, rinse onions, cut in half.

Rinse, cut ends from carrots, cut in half.

Using a clean grater, shred onions, carrots, cabbage into a clean mixing bowl. You can also use a food processor.

If using packaged shredded cole slaw mix, omit previous step.

Fold in mayo, add salt and pepper, toss to coat.

Serves 4 - 6.

Opening Day Dip

Baseball is back.

Who doesn't love to snack when they're watching the home opener for the Tigers.

This is great when you're watching the Tigers or anytime.

GO TIGERS!

2 c. low fat greek yogurt
1 - 2 T. dried onions 
1 - 2  cloves fresh garlic crushed chopped
1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper
1/2 - 1 tsp. each: dried parsley, dried chives, dried shallots

1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

Peel, crush, chop garlic.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. 

Mix with a clean fork, put in fridge until ready to serve.

Serves 8.

Summer Shandy Spritz

This is great for watching opening week of baseball season, relaxing in the yard, game day or anytime.

I've used club soda & 1 orange for this, but you can also use sparkling water or your favorite citrus fruit too.

6 c. (4 bottles or cans) light beer 

4 c. approx. (1 liter) club soda

Ice

1 orange

Rinse, cut 4 slices from orange, quarter rest of orange & set aside.

Place orange quarters in bottom of clean pitcher.

Muddle orange with the back of a clean wooden spoon, add ice.

Open beers and pour beer over ice into the pitcher.

Poor club soda over beer, stir to mix.

Place pitcher in refrigerator until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, pour shandy into 4 clean glasses.

Garnish glasses with orange slices. 

Serves 4.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise Sauce is one of the most important sauces in French cooking.

This is perfect over eggs, vegetables, chicken or fish.

4 eggs yolks

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each salt, pepper 

1/3 - 1/2 stick butter (cut up)
1 - 2  tsp. fresh lemon juice (adjust amount)

Crack eggs and carefully separate yolks into a large heat proof bowl or a double boiler.

 Add lemon juice, salt and pepper. 

Whisk until blended. 

Bring water to boil in a medium pot or bottom of the double boiler. 

Lower heat to simmer. 

Place bowl with eggs over pot, add butter, keep whisking and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until sauce is thickened. 

Serves 4.

Cherry Limeade

This is perfect for a hot summer day or anytime.

2 - 3 c. prepared limeade

4 - 6 c. lemon lime soda

1 jar Marschino cherries

Ice

Place ice in bottom of pitcher.

Over ice combine lemon lime soda, prepared limeade, jar of cherries. 

Stir to mix.

Place pitcher in refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.

Serves 4 - 8.

Red, White and Blue Berry Shortcake

This is a great dessert for the 4th of July or anytime.

If you don't have Shortcake pastry shells, you could even do this with canned biscuits.

If you don't have blueberries or strawberries, you can even do this with raspberries or blackberries.

1  1  1/2 c. each: sliced fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, prepared whipped cream 

4 shortcake pastry shells

1/8 tsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)

1/2 - 3/4 tsp. sugar (regular or diatetic)

Rinse blueberries and strawberries.

Remove stem from strawberries, cut strawberries into slices.

In a bowl combine strawberries blueberries. 

Drizzle vinegar and sprinkle sugar over berries. Toss to coat.

Place in refrigerator to marinate for a few hours to serve.

To serve: 

 Place pastry shell on a plate, spoon berries over the shell.

Top shortcake with whip cream.

Serves 4.

Chef Salad

Summer is the perfect season for fresh produce and satisfying salads 

This is great for a summer lunch, dinner or anytime.

2 hard boiled eggs, peeled, chopped

1 c. each: chopped cooked chicken, chopped cooked ham

1 c. each: romaine lettuce, baby spinach, spring mix

1 c. each: chopped onions, cucumber, tomatoes

1/2 c. chopped cheese

Chop cooked chicken and ham, set aside.

Peel, chop eggs, set aside.

Peel, rinse, chop onion, set aside.

Rinse, chop cucumbers and tomatoes, set aside.

Cut cheese into chunks, set aside.

When you're ready to assemble salad, rinse and pat dry lettuce, spring mix.

Rinse, snip ends from spinach leaves, set aside.

Place lettuce, spinach leaves and spring mix in a salad bowl.

Arrange chicken, ham, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions cheese on top of lettuce in the bowl.

Serves 4.

Montreaux Seasoning

This is great for the grill, in marinades or anytime you need a zing.

You can adjust amount and kind of spices desired.

1/2 T. each: granulated garlic, onion powder

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. salt (optional)

Pinch each: turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, ground coriander, dried dill, ground mustard, paprika

Combine spices in small bowl, mix well.

 Pour mixture in a clean salt shaker.

Makes 4 servings

Avocado Dip

This perfect for watching the MLb draft or anytime.

3 ripe pitted avocados

1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper

3/4 c. ricotta cheese

1/2 c. fresh chopped cilrantro

1 c. sour cream

3 cloves fresh garlic crushed, minced

1 lime juiced

 

Split avocado in half with a clean knife and remove pit.

Cut avocado into chunks, cut aside.

Peel, rinse, crush garlic, set aside.

Rinse and chop cilantro, set aside.

Cut lime in half.

In a food processor, combine ingredients.

Squeeze lime into mixture and pulse for 10 -20 sec. 

If you don't have a food processor you can use a clean fork to mash  avocados and mix ingredients.

Place in refrigerator to chill.

Serve with tortilla chips, pitas chips, crackers or your favorite veggies

Serves 6 - 8.

Citrus Spritz

This is a great refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day.

I've used oranges, but you can use what citrus fruit that you like.

You could even use other fruits too.

2 oranges 

Ice 

4 - 6 c. sparkling water or club soda

Rinse oranges.

Cut 4 slices from an orange, set aside.

Cut remaining oranges into wedges.

Put ice & orange wedges in the bottom of a pitcher.

With a clean wooden spoon, muddle oranges in the bottom of the pitcher.

Pour sparkling water over ice.

Mix well, chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Place ice into bottom of 4 clean glasses.

Pour spritz into glasses, garnish with orange slices.

Enjoy!

Serves 4 - 6.

Metro Detroiter

This weekend the Grand Prix would have been on Belle Isle in Detroit.

This is great for watching races or hanging out at home.

4 - 6 oz. canadian whiskey

1 - 1 1/2 oz. dry vermouth

Squeeze of lemon juice

Ice

4 slices fresh lemon for garnish

Cut lemon in half and cut 4 slices from lemon, set aside.

Place 4 clean cocktail glasses in freezer for a few minutes to chill.

In a cocktail shaker combine ice, whiskey, vermouth.

Squeeze some lemon juice in the shaker.

With a clean cocktail spoon, mix cocktail slightly.

Remove glasses from freezer, put cocktail strainer on top of cocktail shaker, pour cocktail into the glasses.

Garnish with lemon slices.

Serves 4.

Recipe To Help Mid Michigan

Prayers, peace for all affected by the dam breaks in Michigan.

On the left side of the website are links under Pay It Forward.

These are some organizations that are helping with flood relief. 

Whatever you can do to help out will be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for caring.

Spring Chicken Meatloaf

This is a great recipe for spring or anytime you want to eat healthy.

1 lb. lean ground chicken 

1/8 c. each: chopped onions, bell pepper, chopped celery, bread crumbs, milk
1 egg (cage free) 
1 clove crushed, chopped garlic
1/8 tsp. each: salt, black pepper, dried parsley,

Pinch red pepper flakes 

Non stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350' F. Spray 1 meat loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. 

In a large mixing bowl combine chicken, onion, peppers, celery, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, milk.

 Mix ingredients together with clean hands.

 Shape meat mixture into loaf form.

 Place loaf in loaf pan and place pan into oven. 

Cook meat loaf for 30 min. or until done.

 Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serves 4.

Broccoli Soup

This is great for early May days when spring is fickle

I've used regular unsalted butter. But you can use vegetarian butter as well. 

I've used low sodium chicken broth, but you can used vegetable broth.

1 bunch cleaned, finely chopped broccoli

1/2 tsp. dried or fresh parsley
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper
6 c. low sodium chicken broth
4 T. flour
1/2 stick unsalted butter (or vegetarian alternative)
1  small to medium onion chopped
1/3 c. reduced fat sour cream

Rinse, cut ends and break apart broccoli florets. 

Peel, rinse, chop onions.

Bring a pan to boil, add broccoli.

Boil broccoli in water approx. 2 min, remove pan from heat. 

Drain water from broccoli, set aside.

Make a roux by melting butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion in the melted butter.

Add flour and stir until thickened. 

Add chicken broth 1/2 c. at a time, stirring constantly.  

Finely chop and add broccoli. 

Add the salt, pepper and parsley, stir.

Cook over medium heat until soup is heated through on medium about 20 - 30 min.

Add sour cream and cook for 5  - 7 min. more or until done.

Makes 4  - 6 servings. 

Baked Pita Chips

This is great for watching the NFL draft, snack time or anytime

 5 pocket pita loaves
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: pepper, salt, granulated garlic,(adjust to taste)
1/4 - 1/3 c. oil

1/8 tsp. lemon juice

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Non stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 F'

Spray 2 baking sheets with non stick cooking spray.

Cut pita in half with a clean knife and separate pita. 

In a measuring cup combine: oil, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, pepper.

Stir to mix. 

Brush both sides of pita with oil mixture. 

Cut pita into wedges with clean kitchen scissors. 

Place wedges on baking sheet and place into oven.

 Bake for 3 - 6 min. on 1 side.

Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Remove baking sheet from oven and flip wedges over. 

Bake on other side for 3 - 6 min or until crisp. 

Repeat cooking process with remaining baking sheet. 

Drain chips on a paper towel lined plate. 

Serves 6 - 8.

Stay At Home Chicken Salad

Stay at home as often as you can, stay safe all. 

1 package bow tie pasta  (16 oz)
1 - 2 cans chicken, well drained (6 oz)
1 c. each chopped:  celery, onions, bell pepper
1 - 1 1/3 c. light mayo (to taste)
1/4 tsp. each: black pepper, salt

1/4 c. chopped green olives
1 clove garlic crushed, chopped.

Cook pasta according to directions on package.

While pasta's cooking, drain chicken and olives.

Peel, rinse, chop onions and garlic.

Seed, rinse, chop peppers.

 Rinse, chop celery.

Chop olives.

In a large serving bowl combine: drained pasta, remaining ingredients, and 1 c. of mayo. 

Toss well to coat. 

Add remaining mayo if needed.

Serves 4- 6.

Easy Egg Salad

This weekend the Masters would have been taking place.

One item served at the Masters is egg salad sandwiches. 

This is great while you're watching the Masters, using leftover Easter eggs,  lunch or anytime.

1 dozen raw eggs
6 - 8 c. cold water

1/4 c. light mayo

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

8 slices bread 

In a pot place eggs. Cover with water and bring to a boil.

Let it boil 30 sec - 1 min, turn off burner and cover the pot with a lid.

Let it sit for 10 - 20 min. or until the egg is hard cooked.

Let pan cool and remove eggs from water.

Peel  4 - 6 eggs under running water.

Chop eggs on a clean cutting board and place into a bowl. Mash eggs with a clean fork

Add salt, pepper and fold in mayo. Stir to coat eggs.

Place egg mixture in fridge until ready to serve. 

To serve: Remove egg salad from refrigerator.

Place bread in toaster. Repeat process with remaining bread.

Smear some of the egg salad on 4 slices of bread.

Top sandwich with remaining bread and cut sandwich in half.

Serves 4.

Grilled Cheese

This is great for those days when you just don't feel like cooking and need something quick and easy for dinner.

I've used cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack/Colby but you can use what cheeses you like.

8 slices each: bread

4 slices each: cheddar, Monterrey jack/colby

1/8 - 1/4 c. butter

1 roma tomato, sliced

Non stick cooking spray

Remove a stick of butter from refrigerator and let it set out for a few minutes to soften.

Rinse, tomato and cut into slices.

Remove cheese from refrigerator.

Smear some of the softened butter with a clean knife on 1 side of the eight slices of bread.

Place the buttered side up of 4 slices of bread on a clean work area or cutting board.

Layer cheese on the bread and place buttered side down of remaining bread slices over the cheese. 

Top cheese with tomato slices.

Heat grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. 

Reduce heat to medium and spray non stick cooking spray.

Smear some of the remaining butter on 1 side of sandwich.

Place 1 sandwich in skillet. 

Cook on 1 side for 3 - 5 min or until brown.

 Flip over and cook on other side for 3-5 min or until brown. 

Repeat cooking process with remaining sandwiches.

Makes 4 servings.

Easy Breezy Dalgona

This is my version of the recent internet sensation called dalgona.

It's a type of whipped coffee you serve over milk.

I've used decaf instant coffee because I'm trying to cut my caffeine intake, but you can use regular instant coffee if desired.

I've used my hand blender with the whip attachment.

But you can also use a regular whisk instead.

If you whip it by hand, it'll take you 5 - 15 minutes to get it to the right consistency.

I've had to mix this in a deep mixing bowl, because it's less of a mess.

I've also use reduced fat milk and dietetic sweetener for this, but you can use regular sugar, & whole milk if desired.

2 T. each: hot water, sugar, instant coffee granules

1 - 2 c. reduced fat milk

Heat cold water in a microwave safe cup for 1 min approx.

Remove carefully cup from microwave.

In a deep mixing bowl or measuring cup combine the hot water sugar and coffee.

Stir with a clean fork.

Using the whip attachment on your hand mixer, blend mixture for about 1 - 3 minutes or until it's a light caramel color.

Pour milk into clean cups.

Spoon whipped coffee over milk.

Serves 2.

Easy Reuben

This is great for lunch or any time.

Ruben is usually made with sauerkraut.

Since I don't have any, I used sauteed cabbage.

6 - 8 oz. of lean corned beef slice thinly

4 slices reduced fat swiss cheese

8 slices rye or pumpernickel bread

1/8 - 1/4 c. prepared russian dressing

4 oz. sauteed cabbage 

2 - 4 T. each: olive oil, butter, 

Cut corned beef thinly, set aside.

Rinse and cut cabbage into slices, set aside.

Preheat skillet to medium high heat, lower heat to medium low.

Add some of the oil, salt, pepper, cabbage.

 Saute cabbage for a few minutes.

Remove cabbage from heat, turn off stove, drain cabbage on a paper towel lined plate.

With a clean knife, spread the eight slices of bread with softened butter.

Remove thousand island dressing from fridge.

Spread thinly with a clean knife on 4 slices of the bread.

Arrange corned beef on each of the other 4 slices of bread. 

Top corned beef with swiss cheese and cabbage.

Top corned beef with remaining bread slices buttered side down.

Preheat a clean skillet over medium high heat, lower heat to medium lo, add oil. 

Place sandwiches in skillet and brown for after minutes until cheese is melted.

Serves 4.

Easy Hand Sanitizer

This post is a little different this week.

Instead of a food recipe, here's how to make your own hand sanitizer.

When I can't get to a store to get hand sanitizer, or they run out, this is what I do.

You can add aloe vera gel to the sanitizer if desired too. 

Wash your hands when you can, stay home if you don't feel well.

Be safe all, we'll get through this.

6 oz. isopropyl alcohol 

1/2 - 1  1/2 oz. gentle hand soap, 

1/2 oz. aloe vera gel (optional)

4 - 8 drop essential oils

In a measuring cup combine alcohol, soap and gel.

Stir to mix.

With a funnel, pour sanitizer in your favorite spray dispenser.

Add desired amount of your favorite essential oil.

Screw lid on container.

Spray sanitizer as needed.

Cajun Pot Roast

Happy Fat Tuesday all! 

This is great for Mardi Gras or anytime.

4 lb. beef roast
1/8 -1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper, dried parsley

Pinch each: cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, onion powder, granulated garlic, dried thyme
1 - 2 cloves fresh garlic crushed, chopped

1 capful each: red wine vinegar, worchesthire sauce

1 - 2 drops hot sauce
1/3 - 3/4 c. cold water
1 onion peeled and quartered
20 - 30 baby carrots

4 medium potatoes, quartered

Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat slow cooker to 350 F'.

Spray nonstick cooking spray in bottom of slow cooker.

Peel, rinse, cut carrots, onions, garlic.

Rinse and quarter potatoes.

Make some tiny slits all over roast. Stuff slits with sliced garlic.

Sprinkle half of the seasonings over roast. 

Pour half of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce over roast.

Turn roast over, repeat prior process with sliced garlic, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings.

Pour water in bottom of pan.

Add carrots, potatoes, onions to pan. 

Cook roast for 2 - 3 hrs. approx. or until desired doneness. 

Remove roast from slow cooker and cover with foil to keep warm. 

Let roast rest for a few minutes before carving.

Serves 8.

Hurry Spring Milkshake

Spring is coming in a few weeks, can't wait for warmer weather.

2 c. skim or low fat milk
2 - 4 peppermint hard candies
1 - 3 oz. dark chocolate (broken up)
1  1/3 c. reduced fat ice cream

1 drops green food coloring

Break chocolate into pieces.

Remove ice cream container from freezer and set on a clean counter.

Combine: milk, peppermint candy, food coloring chocolate and ice cream into blender. 

Blend well for 20 - 30 seconds.

Serves 4.

Award Night Spritz

This is great for watching the red carpet, award shows or anytime. 

Congrats to all the winners!

4 - 6 oz. gin or vodka

1 - 2 oz. vermouth

24 oz.  club soda

Ice

Place 4 clean martini glasses in freezer for a few minutes to chill.

 In a clean cocktail shaker combine gin, ice and vermouth. 

Shake for a few seconds.

Remove glasses from freezer.

Pour martinis into glasses.

Top off martinis with club soda.

Serves 4.

Easy Alfredo Sauce

Happy National Alfredo Sauce Day.

I'm not a big fan of alfredo sauce, but this was pretty good.

1/2 c. each: sliced fresh mushrooms, parmesan cheese

1 - 2 c. reduced fat milk

1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

1 clove garlic crushed and chopped

1 - 2 T. each: flour, butter

Rinse and slice mushrooms.

Crush, peel and chop garlic.

Heat a saucepan over medium high heat

Reduce heat to medium low, add butter.

Mix flour in butter to make a roux.

Add milk, salt, pepper and garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 10 - 15 min or until done.

Halfway through cooking, add mushrooms cheese and continue cooking until thickened.

Serve over prepared pasta.

Serves 4.

Baked Potato Chips

This is great for watching the big game or anytime.

2 - 3 large potatoes

Non stick cooking spray

1/8 - 1/4 tsp.: salt, pepper

1/8 - 1/4 c. oil

Pinch each: granulated garlic, dried parsley, red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Spray 2 baking sheets with non stick cooking spray.

Rinse and pat dry potatoes.

Cut ends of potatoes with a clean knife. 

Peel 1 side of potatoes.

Lay potatoes on a clean cutting bowl.

Very carefully slice potatoes into very thin slices, place potatoes into a clean bowl.

Pour oil over potatoes and toss to coat.

Arrange potato slices on baking sheets.

Sprinkle spices over both sides of potatoes.

Place potatoes in oven and bake on 1 side for 5 - 8 min.

 Flip potatoes on other side and bake for 5 - 8 min. more. 

Keep an eye on the potatoes to make sure they don't burn.

Serves 4.

Orange Beef

This stir fry is perfect for Chinese New Year or anytime.

1 lb. beef strips

Pinch red pepper flakes

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

1/8 tsp. sliced fresh ginger 

Juice and zest of 1 orange

3 T. olive oil

1 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 onion chopped

2 carrots sliced

1/8 c. sliced green onions

1/3 c. cold water

1 tsp. corn starch

Slice fresh ginger.

Rinse, zest, cut in half orange

In a bowl combine beef, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, 1 T. oil., ginger, orange zest.

Cut orange in half. 

Through a sieve squeeze orange over beef.

Toss mixture to coat beef.

Cover beef, place in refrigerator to marinate for a few hrs. or overnight.

Remove beef from fridge. 

Heat a skillet over medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium, add 1 T. oil.

Add beef and cook for 6 - 9 min.  

While beef is cooking, peel, rinse, chop onion.

Rinse, seed, chop pepper.

Rinse, cut ends off, chop carrots and green onions.

Place vegetable in a clean bowl.

Remove beef from skillet, add more oil if needed. 

Add vegetables and cook for 6 - 10 min. 

Add beef back into skillet and cook for a couple of minutes more.

In a cup combine water and cornstarch. 

Stir with a fork to mix.

Push vegetables and meat to the side of pan, pour water mixture in center of skillet. 

Stir to coat and let cook for a couple of minutes more.

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle green onions over beef before serving.

Serves 4.

Easy Enchiladas

This is perfect for Winter or anytime.

6 - 8 flour tortilla
1 - 1  1/2 lbs ground meat
1 onion (chopped)
1 jar picante sauce
1/8 tsp. each: black pepper, salt, crushed red pepper flakes

2 - 3 c. shredded cheese (I use a Mexican blend)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350' F degrees.

Lightly grease baking pan with cooking spray.

Put some of the picante sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. 

Peel, rinse, chop onions.

In large saute pan combine meat, onion, spices.

Brown ground meat, onions for 8 - 10 min. 

Drain meat & onions to remove excess fat.

In mixing bowl combine meat mixture, and picante sauce.

In baking pan, place 1 tortilla.

Spoon of the meat mixture evenly over tortillas. Top with some of the shredded cheese. 

Roll the tortilla up, place the tortillas seam side down in the pan.

Repeat process with remaining tortillas.

Place enchiladas in oven, bake for 20 - 30 min. or until done.

Makes 6 -8 servings.

Oh So Sweet Potato Soup

This is a great recipe to enjoy on a winter day.

I've used pre cooked sweet potatoes to save time.

I use plain low-fat Greek yogurt, but you can use lite sour cream instead.

2 - 3 c. chopped sweet potatoes

1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper

4 - 6 c. low sodium chicken broth
2  T. each: oil, butter

1  small onion chopped
1/4  c. reduced drained plain lite greek yogurt

2 tsp. honey

1 tsp. fresh ginger diced

Rinse, chop ginger.

Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, cut potatoes into very small pieces.

Peel, rinse, chop onion into very small pieces.

Preheat a clean soup pot over medium high heat, lower heat to medium, add oil, butter.

Add onion, sweet potatoes, salt, pepper, ginger to pot.

Cook vegetables for 10 min or until softened.

Add chicken broth 1/2 c. at a time, stirring constantly.  

Cook over medium heat until soup is heated through on medium low about 20 min.

Strain yogurt through a sieve in a bowl to remove excess liquid if needed.

Add yogurt, honey and cook for 5 - 8 min. more or until done.

Makes 4  - 6 servings. 

Easy Does It Eggs

This perfect for breakfast or anytime.

2 eggs
2 T. butter
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat lower heat to medium and add butter.

Crack eggs on edge of pan and put eggs in pan.

Cook eggs on one side for 2 to 3 minutes. 

Sprinkle eggs with salt, pepper.

Flip eggs over and cook another side for 2 to 3 minutes more or until done.

Remove eggs from pan and put onto a clean plate.

Serves 1.