One more Holiday to go before the new year begins.
Sending hugs your way.
See you next year!
Month: December 2024
From The Reading Table: Life’s Too Short to Stuff A Mushroom
Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom: Really good food without the fuss – foolproof recipes, shortcuts and hacks by Prue Leith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Written by a well known cook but focusing on the reality that not every home cook has the time, let alone inclination, to be exceptionally fussy about cooking. Sometimes you really just need (want) to make use of shortcuts.
While this is not a huge book, there are some interesting features that could be useful for those who would use and appreciate them. The hacks and tips are useful but I think the QR Codes that will take the reader to videos showing how to do something might be the book’s best benefit.
All of this makes the book useful to every level of cook.
I think this is one worth taking a look at and maybe even trying out a couple of the recipes.
View all my reviews
Beef & Biscuits – A Different Take
A recent Glen & Friends video had a version of beef in a biscuit roll with gravy that made my mouth water. Check it out:
That gravy looked delicious, too!
One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. Glen & Julie touch on that at the end. However, if you are feeling playful in the kitchen, you can come up with ideas yourself.
How about using crescent dough instead of making biscuits? Or using the hot water crust recipe from Bisquick, which is a quick and easy way to get a biscuit crust without a rolling pin.
How about a shout out to Glen for demonstrating using his food processor? He isn’t afraid to maneuver the machine to get results he needs and wants.
Enjoy! Happy Experimenting!
The Leftover Conundrum
Or, What do I do with all the leftovers?
Holiday cooking tends to create leftovers. Which, if you think about it, is a good thing. It stretches your budget. It can reduce the amount of cooking you have to do. It can drive you nuts. Um, well, that last one is a bit iffy…
Hey, I get it. There is only so much turkey, ham, roast, whatever I can manage withing a set period of time. After a while the excitement of eating things I don’t normally eat during the rest of the year wears off. So, what to do with what is left? And, let’s be honest, not everyone wants to take home a goodie bag…
I love my freezer, so I like to find options that would allow me to take left overs and freeze them for later use. Even better, I can put together some dishes that I can either tuck into the fridge for later or in the freezer for much later.
Casseroles are great options for cooked protein and they can be very flexible. Pot pies are also a great option (and who doesn’t love a good pot pie?) How about a baked sandwich?
Cooked ham can be cut up and used in scrambled eggs, quiche, or mixed with noodles. Turkey can be used in place of chicken. Turkey fettuccine, anyone? How about soups or chowders? Depending upon what else is left over most of the prep work might already be done…
Grab some biscuits, make some waffles, or a shortcake and top with the chowder.
You might discover ways to use up the left overs that require you to make more left overs. 😉
Pretty Good, Indeed!
One of my favorite holiday shows is How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The original animated special (1966) eventually spawned a movie or two and another version. Frankly, as good as some of the newer works are, I prefer the original.
I am a life long fan of Chuck Jones, who created the special. Grinch enabled him to use his trademark style in addition to his humor and whimsy.
Boris Karloff’s participation in the project was the perfect addition. His voice and cadence were perfect to relate the tale.
Karloff’s daughter related her father’s pride and pleasure in the project in THIS article.
Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Wonderland
For many of us, our slow cookers are the main appliance used during cold weather. Unfortunately, we tend to get stuck in a rut with the meals we plan using it.
Taste of Home has compiled a list of 92 winter slow cooker meals that could help get you out of that rut. And, if you are new to using a slow cooker, there are some gems that could get you up and running with some amazing results. Click HERE to see the list.
Enjoy!
Having Holiday Visitors?
The holidays always seem to be opportunities for visitors. When those visitors are overnight, or several night visitors, sometimes planning gets a bit chaotic.
See Mindy Mom posted a great tip video that might be handy. Check it out:
As you prepare for your visitors don’t forget to take a deep breath and make sure to make time to actually enjoy them. 🙂
Apple Crisp? Yes, Please!
It is that time of year again! Apples are in season and if you are inclined, a crisp (crumble) is a wonderful way to enjoy them.
Glen, over at Glen & Friends, posted a great take on a simple and easy version. Check it out:
Personally, I’m not inclined toward the flambeing, but you do you.
The one thing I love about his videos is that he gives us permission to play in the kitchen. Something I think lots of people seem to need.
Dig in and enjoy!