Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits

If you are looking for a belly-warming dish my creamed chicken and biscuits are simple to make.  Yes, even the biscuits. You can skip the biscuits and serve over noodles or mashed potatoes but nothing compares to the flaky fluffiness of these biscuits.

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits                                                   Printable Recipe

3 cups cubed cooked chicken (breasts and/or thighs)
3 cups chicken broth 
15 ounce can mix vegetables, drained  or 1-1/2 to 2 cups frozen vegetables
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste

Monday, November 17, 2014

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

My mom lightens this up by replacing some of the milk with chicken broth. I personally like more potatoes so I add even more to mine.  Top with all the extras you want and your bowl will be perfect!


Loaded Baked Potato Soup                                                Printable Recipe

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk
4 large baking potatoes, cooked and cubed
1 pound bacon
8 ounces Velveeta
1 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Mexi-blend cheese
1 bunch green onions, sliced

Cut up bacon and cook.  I know this picture isn't necessary but it sure looks yummy!!  Drain.
I used to bake my potatoes, then peel and chop.  Now I use 4 cups of Yukon golds, chunked and cooked by boiling. Much less messy and you keep the nutrients of the skin. 
Drain.
In a large pot melt the butter.
Stir in flour, heat and stir until smooth.  Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. I find it easier to have the milk warmed to prevent burning the milk on the bottom while it tries to warm up the rest of the milk. *
This is with about half of the milk
Add potatoes and bacon.
 Add cheese and stir until melted. Stir in sour cream.


TO FREEZE.....Omit potatoes (they will become gritty when you unthaw) cool and put in bags. When ready to use reheat and add potatoes.

Edited to add that if I use YUKON GOLDS they do not turn gritty and they keep their shape even in the freezer!

*An alternative method is to add the milk to pan and warm.  Make a roux out of the butter and flour.  Add the roux to the milk and stir. It will thicken in just a few minutes.  You can see this method on my Cheeseburger Soup and Chicken, Corn and Potato Chowder.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Baked Chocolate Buttermilk Donuts with Chocolate Coffee Glaze

 Soft, moist, and just the right amount of coffee in the glaze.   You'll want to share with a friend (or two!) 

Baked Chocolate Buttermilk Donuts with Chocolate Coffee Glaze         Printable Recipe

Donuts:
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1-1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Monday, November 10, 2014

Spaghetti Meatballs (with Gluten Free Options)

On top of spaghetti, all covered in....I think you know the rest!! Piled high on pasta or stuffed in a sandwich, these meatballs are versatile! With just one mess you can make extra and freeze them for another time which is great when ground beef is on sale.

Spaghetti Meatballs (with Gluten Free Options)                         Printable Recipe

2 eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 pound ground beef
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (sometimes I use 1/2 grated and 1/2 shredded)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs *
1 jar favorite pasta sauce
cooked pasta *


In large bowl beat eggs, garlic, and parsley. Crumble the beef over the mixture and mix well. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs; mix gently.


Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls using a medium size scoop. Makes 16 balls. *

Friday, November 7, 2014

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

This meat will almost shred itself.  When I shop I am looking pork butt, which is funny in its name since it has nothing to do with the pig's butt.  It's near the shoulder and can also be called a shoulder roast. Around my neck of the woods it generally doesn't have a bone but sometimes the butcher leaves it in. It will be marbled with fat.  A lean cut of meat won't work the same and certainly won't taste the same. 

It doesn't matter the size you get so long as it fits in the crock. Typically they are around 5 pounds but sometimes they come as 2-3 pounders.   If it is really large, sometimes I cut it in half.  Let it slow cook all day and at then end you will have juices and the meat will be so tender.



Crock Pot Pulled Pork                                                                             Printable Recipe

1 pork butt roast
1 onion
salt and pepper

Thursday, November 6, 2014