tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68074751577304553652024-03-13T20:08:43.931-07:00Mel's Recipe SwapWhat are you cooking today?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-24927461103398069292011-06-28T13:14:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:14:26.356-07:00Basil Vinaigrette!
Hi girls! Just popping in for a quickie post this afternoon.
Today I made basil vinaigrette, which is pretty much a summer party in yo mouth. True story.
This isn't really an actual recipe, but here's the gist:
Summer Basil Vinaigrette:
2 giant hand fulls of basil leaves
1/4 c. olive oil
A few Tbsp. white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a Kaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431324997713174061noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-1533200370629963782010-06-03T19:08:00.000-07:002010-06-03T19:09:23.753-07:00Easy Summer Fruit and Nut Salad
First of all, I have to say that this picture doesn't do this salad justice. I was partway through tearing into it when I thought that you ladies might like the recipe, and oh, I guess I should photograph it.
This one is an easy one to modify with summer fruit that you like best. You can also swap out the nuts and change or omit the cheese.
Ingredients:
1 packageKaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431324997713174061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-53526214034304341302010-03-02T19:26:00.000-08:002010-03-02T19:26:28.670-08:00Pear and Prosciutto Pizza
Hi girls!
So, this recipe is SUPER easy. The thing that takes the longest here are the onions (but caramelized onions are SO worth the effort!).
I've adapted the recipe slightly from the original. The red wine vinegar with the prosciutto sounds really weird, but try it. It makes the prosciutto SO good (melt-in-your-mouth, Kaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431324997713174061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-51627786429544231112010-01-21T23:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T00:10:40.571-08:00Butternut Squash SoupThis is one of my husband and I's FAVORITE soup recipes. If you like butternut squash you will LOVE THIS!! I typically serve it with cubed french or sourdough bread for dipping. The sweetness of the cream and squash with a little bit of a spicy "kick" really makes this soup unbelievable! :)NOTE: I would recommend adjusting the amount of cream according to your taste (I like a velvety textureUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-13281725734980655912010-01-14T13:56:00.000-08:002010-01-14T13:59:57.111-08:00Pie In A Jar
I have to start with saying that I'm a huge pie fan. I don't really like cake but I never say no to pies or fruit tarts. So when I saw this blog feature about pie in a jar I just about flipped. After reading the post myself and several friends bought the mini mason jars so we could do this ourselves. Its been a while and the mini mason jars have been hanging out in my room for months but this Mary (Mary's Musicology)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05898885488516360583noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-77751774435973290742009-10-21T13:50:00.000-07:002009-10-21T15:04:03.565-07:00Chicken, Cheese, and Green Chile ChilaquilesThis dish ROCKS! It's kind of like an enchilada casserole...but not. The crispy tortilla strips are layered with green chiles, Mexican red sauce, chicken, and cheese. Feel free to get creative by adding sweet corn or olives to the layers - you could tweak this recipe any which way! If you don't have time to fry your own tortilla strips, it should work fine with store-bought corn chips. OR, Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-63557791573699393812009-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:09:37.022-07:00Bucatini with MushroomsThis was SOOOO good! I would probably recommend making it with fetuccini, though, because the buccatini (although a cool looking noodle) were really hard to wrap around the fork. Also, I could not find truffle oil anywhere (even TJ's, where I swear I've seen it before). The pasta was great without it though. Very earthy and nutty from the Parmesan cheese. It's worth Kaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431324997713174061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-59656322444530865562009-09-13T21:09:00.000-07:002009-10-02T05:58:19.311-07:00Mel's Tequilla-Lime & Cilantro Chicken PastaWith Corn, Bacon, & Sundried TomatoesFor Chicken:1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast strips1 cup flour1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (regular will also work...)2 eggs, whisked1 Tbsp Emeril's Essence (Pappy's or Lawry's Season Salt will also work...)Salt & Pepper1/4 cup olive oilFor Pasta:1 lb bowtie pasta, cooked according to package7 strips bacon (about 1 cup crumbled)1 cup onion, diced4 Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-13796890673927977862009-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:002009-09-05T00:20:23.891-07:00Corn, Tomato and Avocado SaladThis salad is AMAZING! Great with chips for an outdoor BBQ or served over an entree of chicken or fish. It's also a great burger topper! Every time I serve this to a crowd, people want the recipe. This dip will go fast, so be sure to serve with plenty of your favorite tortilla chip!INGREDIENTSFor the dressing:1 1/2 c packed fresh cilantro1/2 c good extra-virgin olive oil2 Tbsp fresh lime Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-76203216022738273922009-04-25T19:29:00.000-07:002009-04-25T19:39:18.201-07:00Ricotta with Roasted Cherry Tomotes on Crostini Ricotta with Roasted Cherry Tomotes on CrostiniI think this is the best appetizer I have had in a long time. Super easy to make and sooooo good! I could make a meal out of this alone!Ingredients Serves 6 to 12 as a starter Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling1 pound fresh or smoked ricotta, drained1 teaspoon fresh thyme Coarse salt Rustic Crostini Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Directions Kaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431324997713174061noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-40448415733611427962009-04-08T21:23:00.000-07:002009-04-08T21:45:24.134-07:00Caribbean-Style Chicken with Brown Sugar-Peanut Spice RubOh...my....gosh...this....is....GOOOOOD. I want to coat EVERYTHING in this spice-rub from now on! If you don't like dark meat, you can try this recipe with chicken breasts instead, but it might not be quite as juicy.Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 2002Serving Size: 4 servingsPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 45 -55 minutesIngredients:1/2 cup finely ground roasted peanuts1/2 cup packed light brown Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-54545142938500722972009-04-08T20:13:00.000-07:002009-04-08T21:47:27.990-07:00Spicy Pasta with Vodka Sauce & Italian SausageYou can add as much (or as little) kick to this pasta as you like - by varying the amount of red or Cayenne pepper. I made this for a dinner with friends and we all loved it! This quick dish is easy to make...the only downside is that you have to remove the sausage from its casings (this is kind of a gross project, but well worth it)! Serve with an Asparagus & Green Bean Salad with Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-16987986091581078992009-03-30T11:24:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:36:56.006-07:00Sloppy Joe'sNo need for the canned-stuff. Make your own!(a recipe from my awesomemom-in-law aka Gigi)1lb ground chuck1 onion, diced2T sugar2t dry mustard1T vinegar3/4c ketchup1. Cook onion until transparent2. Add meat to brown3. Add remainder of ingredients and simmer 20 minutesTop with Coleslaw and serve on toasted wheat or regular white buns.Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~http://www.blogger.com/profile/02603117407323522599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-52729429588770008282009-03-30T11:20:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:51:01.957-07:00ColeSlawAs a side, or put it on a sandwich - this EASY addition can enhance any bbq. (I'm not a coleslaw fan, but this is so easy, so delish.)The key to this recipe is the ratio - you can easily double, triple, etc. this recipe to accommodate any party size!3T Mayo (I use Best Foods/Hellmans)2T Sugar1T Vinegar (I use Rice Wine)Serve with pre-shredded cabbage, carrot slaw.**Perfect on top of the Sloppy Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~http://www.blogger.com/profile/02603117407323522599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-51225078787790817972009-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:19:16.646-07:00Hawaiian Pulled Porkimage from http://www.inuyaki.comThis is the closest thing you can get to a Luau...and is the EASIEST - and crowd-please-iest (word??!) .3lbs Pork Butt (bone-out)2T liquid smoke4T Lava Salt or Hawaiian Salt rubbed on all sidespepper - to seasonPut all in slow-cooker and set on low 10-12 hours, high 6-8 hours.The longer, the better.Serve with King's Hawaiian Bread rolls.No BBQ sauce necessary, butTracy ~Seeking Refinement~http://www.blogger.com/profile/02603117407323522599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-38488423684484004532009-03-30T09:05:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:33:05.401-07:00NutterButter TrifleThis is a borrowed recipe~For weeks, I've been salivating over this recipe - ever since I saw it in Southern Living Magazine.They have 2 versions of the recipe - one with home-made pudding, one with instant. I haven't tried the home-made, but plan to VERY soon...it looks too good!Prep: 35 min., Cook: 20 min., Stand: 30 min., Chill: 2 hr. This homemade pudding is divine, economical, and uses Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~http://www.blogger.com/profile/02603117407323522599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-40963708230518472352009-03-30T00:41:00.001-07:002009-03-30T10:20:20.069-07:00Secret Australian Salad DressingMy mom tells me that my father was an amazing cook but his recipes were always kept secret. He said that an Australian never shares their recipes until their death bed. He made a fabulous home made salad dressing that is still my favorite today as my mom tried her best to duplicate it. You make a whole jar of it so it will last you a while.Be green and use an old jar from pasta sauce or mustard Mary (Mary's Musicology)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05898885488516360583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-28054169921934750192009-03-23T20:32:00.001-07:002009-03-23T21:13:14.833-07:00Fresh Tomato and Potato TartCourtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 1999This tart is kind of a cross between a souffle, a pot pie, and an Au gratin-style potato dish. Layers of potato, tomato, and onion are topped with a light egg-cream and Gruyere cheese mixture and baked in a pie-crust pastry! It is VERY easy to make and is BEAUTIFUL right out of the oven. It makes a nice lunch or side dish - but could easily be served as a mainUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-24405141032347295772009-03-17T23:16:00.000-07:002009-03-18T00:59:07.436-07:00Lemon-Parmesan Cream Pasta with Asparagus, Zucchini, Squash, and ChickenThis pasta is seriously gooooood. The hint of lemon and abundance of fresh vegetables balance out the richness of the Parmesan-cream sauce. Hints of bacon, garlic, basil, and parsley add immense flavor to the dish. (For a healthier approach, you could always use 1/2 & 1/2 instead of heavy cream and fat-free or turkey bacon instead of the real thing...but I can't guarantee that it will Unknownnoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-57126762416265729142009-03-17T15:06:00.000-07:002009-03-17T15:11:48.312-07:00Maple-Glazed SalmonIngredients1 Cup Soy Sauce1 Clove Garlic1 Tablespoon fresh ginger1/2 Teaspoon toasted sesame oil1 Cup pure maple syrup4 Fresh Salmon fillets, well rinsedDirections1. Preheat oven to 4502. Mix the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a blender.3. Spread all of the soy mixture over the fish evenly in a baking dish.4. Marinate the fish for however long you want- 1hr-24hrs, the a.lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09527132099554443047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-72200115842748705962009-03-10T14:15:00.000-07:002009-03-11T06:31:39.113-07:00Marinated Flank Steak with PeachesThis is the steak I made for my husband and we were "just friends." According to him, this is what bought me my ticket into his heart. I guess it's true, the way to a man's heart IS through his stomach!IngredientsFlank Steak1 16 ounce can of peach halves4 tablespoons of butter1 cup of chili sauce4 tablespoons of Worcestshire sauce2 beef bouillon cubes1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar2a.lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09527132099554443047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-34651199708602385412009-03-08T12:54:00.000-07:002009-03-08T17:27:39.647-07:00Aunt Val's Tomato-Basil & Goat Cheese PastaThis pasta dish has become a staple in our house! This super-fast pasta makes a perfect side to a main course of meat, poultry, or fish. It also makes great lunch leftovers - I like to add pieces of chicken which really make it a meal in itself! Serves 4Preparation Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 9 minutes, or as directed on Pasta BoxIngredients:1 cup chopped fresh basil, plus some for garnish 2 Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-89233024392212192792009-03-06T19:23:00.000-08:002009-03-07T09:19:44.716-08:00Simple SalmonFish can be so intimidating to cook, but it can be the most simple to prepare!Here's a simple salmon recipe:Marinade/Sauce:1/4c Soy Sauce3T Sesame Oil1T Honey3T Spicy Brown or Dijon Mustard1T Worcestershire SauceSalt & PepperFresh lemon juice, optional1lb fresh salmon (skin on) 1. Whisk all together. Pour over salmon, marinate at least 30 minutes - up to one hour at room temp.2. Heat grill (Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~http://www.blogger.com/profile/02603117407323522599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-9682397961087456792009-03-05T16:47:00.001-08:002009-03-05T16:52:39.942-08:00Banana Tea BreadThis is one of my favorite treats (especially when it's cold and out of the fridge.) This is my version of soul food. Ingredients2 Cups Granulated Sugar1 Cup Butter6 Ripe Bananas, Mashed4 Eggs, well beaten2 1/2 Cups Flour1 TSP Salt2 TSP Baking sodaDirections1. In a large bowl cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy. 2. Add bananas and eggs, blend. 3. Sift together the flour, salt, and a.lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09527132099554443047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-38932024074583416222009-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:002009-03-05T14:04:18.410-08:00EASY Fish Tacos!SO easy and SO tasty!IngredientsFrozen Fish SticksCorn TortillasCabbageShredded Cheese1/2 Cup Sour Cream1/2 Cup Mayonnaise1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped & fresh1 Package of Taco Seasoning (or 1 TSP Old Bay Seasoning, 1 TSP Chili Pepper)Directions1. Heat oven to designated temperature on frozen fish stick package. Begin to bake fish sticks.2. Combine 1/2 Cup Sour Cream, 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise, 1/4 Cup a.lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09527132099554443047noreply@blogger.com1