Original recipes and photos with a hearty measure of facts, family, inspiration and humor. Everything food. Some reviews of area restaurants, some whimsical prose for reading pleasure.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Soulful Southern "Wrappetizers": Napa Cabbage Wraps w/Colby Jack Frico, Bacon, Golden Apples and Green Onion
Monday, March 22, 2021
Broccoli/Foraged Oyster Mushroom Casserole: Easter Pleaser
Broccoli/Oyster Mushroom Casserole |
The original inspiration for bringing broccoli casserole into my cooking repertoire came from my sister Bonnie, who was in turn inspired by Mrs. June Robinson, her beloved late mother in law and the rest is delicious history. Bonnie never showed me a recipe, but I remember her speaking about it and telling me how she would prepare the dish for her family, in the manner Mrs. Robinson would prepare hers. I started making my original form of this dish about 6 years ago, and it quickly became a household favorite, especially for my daughter Genesis, she's quite persnickety in her ways and palate, so when she approved, I accepted that as an indication of a winning dish. The above featured is a request Genesis made. She still loved it, even with the addition of the Oyster mushrooms.
The cheeses for this recipe are key. I like to use three types, all bringing different facets to this gem of a dish. Ultimately, the choice is with the culinary artist, so play around with them, see what best fits the tastes of your family.
Recipe:
6 c. broccoli florets, blanched and shocked
8 oz. sliced button mushrooms
8 oz. sliced Oyster mushrooms
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 1/2 c. chicken stock or vegetable stock
8 oz. extra sharp Cheddar, grated
8 oz. Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese, cubed
4 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
1/2 c. full fat mayonnaise
2 tsp. onion powder
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
3 tbsp. AP flour
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
1-2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
French Fried Onions for garnish, optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*F.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, mayonnaise, onion powder and cubed Colby Jack and set aside.
In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat, melt butter and heat olive oil together until butter is melted and there are small bubbles formed.
Add mushrooms and cook out moisture, about 5 minutes.
Gradually sprinkle in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Add garlic.
Whisk in stock and cook for several additional minutes until thickened.
Once thickened, whisk in milk slowly and reduce heat to medium.
Bring Bechamel to a gently rolling simmer and turn off heat.
Stir in Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses.
Temper in eggs.
Fold cream of mushroom into bowl containing broccoli mixture.
Pour broccoli mushroom blend into a large greased or nonstick sprayed baking vessel, about 11x9 or approximate size.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes or until set and knife inserted comes out clean.
Remove foil and continue to cook until signs of golden color develops, about 10 minutes, give or take.
Garnish with French Fried Onions.
Carefully remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Broccoli/Oyster Mushroom Casserole before baking |
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Shoto Todoroki Ice Cream Bowls, Happy Spring!
Shoto Todoroki Ice Cream Bowls: Hot and Cold! |
This post was never intended to see the light of day, but with the welcome arrival of Spring, I had to share something to mark this special day. Not only is Hot Cheetos a fabulous coating for chicken tenders and cheese sticks, its also an interesting and spicy delicious topping for ice cream. That is it and that is all. Celebrate Spring with a cold, creamy, chunky, chocolaty, crunchy, indulgent, sweet, salty and Hot Cheetos topped treat. Just add cake for the ultimate gratification. Don't judge me. haha, but seriously, this is "Bussin"!
Recipe:
Your favorite Ice Cream
Waffle Bowls, optional
Your desired Cake, optional
Hot Cheetos or XXL Hot Cheetos Dust, essential
Assemble as desired, top with Hot Cheetos, the more, the merrier...
Serve immediately. You're Welcome.
Shoto Todoroki Ice Cream featuring Cookies and Cream and Rocky Road |
Blueberry/Ginger/Bacardi Rum Jam: We Be Jammin'!
I'm by no means opposed to sugar and I know and respect its place in canning. I do however, feel that wonderful canned jams and jellies can be achieved with optimal yet reduced amounts. This recipe provides a delightful and fruit forward spread and you will never miss the extra sugar! Try a heaping spoonful in your cottage cheese for a real treat or with the usual suspects like toast, English muffins or yeast rolls. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this JAM ROCKS!
Dee Lish's Deliveries- Meat Lasagna
I special delivered this lasagna to one of my older sisters, Terry, along with one of my signature Roasted Pumpkin Cream Pies (also featured on this blog, under the same name), chosen from my catalog of options. She lives alone, so she specified the size and ingredient call for the dish, including, no fennel, extra beef and lots of three cheeses; Parmesan, Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella. I encouraged Terry towards a more wholesome request with the addition of fresh spinach to her dish, adding much needed and good for you nutrition and also a vibrant splash of color! She agreed and was very pleased with her results.