Bacon Cheeseburger Garlic Bread w/ Fresh Dill

Give your everyday garlic bread loaf a kick in the pants and have the hungry brood ready for seconds. This recipe came to me one day on the fly, tired and weary from the day's schedule, but needing to get something on the plate.  I originally planned on doing a pasta bake, my go to, especially for Monday nights, to serve with the bread, but inspiration hit and I just put the cooked pasta in the fridge and swapped out the cheeses for an incredible meal to be served with a green salad or corn with minimal cleanup!
I love  a good burger and this recipe hits all those notes and even mimics some good 'ole pickles, by sprinkling with some fresh dill!


Recipe:
1 1/2 lb. cooked ground beef or desired protein
Precooked bacon, 3 oz.
1 loaf garlic bread
Slices Colby Jack cheese, 6 to 8 oz.
Fresh Dill, pulled apart with fingers

Place loaf in a cold oven and heat to 375*F.
By the time the oven has reached the desired temperature, it's time to remove from oven and begin assembling the deliciousness.
Start with ground beef topping.  I simply layer the toppings evenly across the warmed garlic bread with the torn dill across the top.  Of course, if you are not partial to pickles, you may want to omit it.   A nice fresh herb should be used in place though, for added freshness and brightness.
Place in  oven and finish baking until golden and melty.
Slice across the loaves to serve! 
For a little variety you can add or subtract the proteins/veggies like sausage and peppers,mushrooms and carmelized onions, lamb and mint, etc... Have fun with it!

Say Cheese! Balls

Until a recent request from my brother in law, I hadn't made a cheese ball since that time, way back when, and by that I mean high school, maybe college.  I had forgotten how delicious an orb of various cheeses, tangy, nutty, creamy and rich, sharp and mild, crumbled and spreadable could be.  I am glad I still have it in me and jumped to the call of presenting well.
The cheeses I chose for this decadent and toasty 'smear campaign' had to hit all the right notes.  It had to have body and melding flavors, some soft, some pungent, some distinct, some mild and just going with flow.  With that in mind I chose Sharp and Mild Cheddar, Vermont White Cheddar, Blue, Havarti and of course cream cheese as the base.  I also included some drained and pressed out pineapple to add contrast and texture, along with a very subtle and welcome sweetness.
 This recipe made for two very good sized cheese balls,  about 3 lbs. each, perfect for the upcoming occasions of Turkey Day and when Ole Saint Nick comes to town.  Heck, it's great just to have to snack on at home and when "Netflix and Chilling" or checking out the new Disney Subscription.
You may also divide the cheese mixture into 2 to 4 smaller balls and roll in different coatings like buttery crackers, fresh chopped herbs or a different type of nut, even dried fruits or shredded cheese!  The flavor course will be much better when you allow the flavors to marry, while chilling in the fridge!  Don't forget about the upcoming St. Patricks Day, Socials, Potlucks,  Spring Break, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day...there's always a reason and season for 'cheesin!

Recipe:
4- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 pkg. Neufchatel, or reduced fat cream cheese
8 oz. EACH, Sharp Cheddar, Extra Sharp Cheddar and Cheddar Cheese Trio
4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
4 oz. Havarti, shredded
2/3 c. crushed pineapple in natural juices, well drained, reserving 2 tbsp. of juice
2/3 c. mayonnaise or sour cream
1/4 c. fresh Dill, torn or rough chopped
2 tbsp. grated onion, with juice
1/2 tsp. EACH, onion powder and garlic powder
2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
8 oz.  Pecan Halves, toasted and rough crushed
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

Directions:
Bring the cream cheeses up to room temperature.
Combine all ingredients except the pineapple, Cheddar cheeses, blue cheese and pecans (or whatever coating you choose) nuts or herbs in a large bowl or in your stand mixer, which makes it hella easier to blend.
After the bulk of the ingredients have blended until smooth, add the Cheddar cheeses, pineapple and blue cheese crumbles, blending until just combined and distributed throughout. Turn off mixer.
Toast the Pecans in a dry hot pan, tossing frequently as not to burn or scorch, until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Set aside to cool and crush unevenly with rolling pin or something solid.
Place crushed nuts into shallow vessel with lots of room to shake around.
Pour cheese out onto spacious surface and divide into 2 piles, on separate sheets of plastic wrap. 
 Shape the cheese into ball using the wrap as the barrier for your hands, then one at a time, turn out into crushed nuts and coat as desired.
Remove and place onto a clean piece of plastic wrap, gathering up by sides and twist to form a ball shape so it can set.
Place on plate or flat pan, twisted side down.
Repeat with second pile of cheese mixture.
Refrigerate for several hours, allowing the flavors to marry for maximum deliciousness.
Allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or more before serving.
Serve with crackers, veggies, fruit, toast points as desired.
For a fantastic twist on a favorite, melt slices of cheeseball onto nachos or a hot juicy burger for a flavor  and tastebud explosion!
Serves plenty with leftovers, maybe. ;)

That's Just 'Souper', Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Sage Soup for the Soul

It's Fall and the weather is finally starting to realize it.  This summer past has been a scorcher, the hottest on record as a matter of fact.  The leaves have long reflected change, partly because of the drought, their colors mottled with striations of yellows, limes and browns.  They present crunchy underfoot, falling in the day's cool sunlight, their last hoorah!  Fall, sweet Fall, welcome. You bring my birthday, and the things I love most about the seasons; chilly crisp air, sweet, warming baking smells and spices...my favorite time of year.  Better late than never, am I right? 

A friend inquired about what I could do with a pumpkin, dropped during decorating, but viable. She utilized the seeds inside by roasting and seasoning.  The following recipe is what I did with the pumpkin meat, after roasting it off for approximately 40 minutes, drizzled with olive oil and lightly sprinkled with kosher salt. My friend was pleased with results and so was my family of tasters.  I served this with everything bagels, toasted and smeared with some Plant Butter, Coconut, it's delicious. I've also tried the Almond Plant Butter and it's Ahhhmazing too! Bettertarian by design.
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The following recipe will help kick Autumn into full swing. Unlike some of the traditional Pumpkin soups, this one isn't the type to stick to your spoon like ice cream, it is a thinner, broth based soup with a small amount of milk.  Of course you can adjust as desired, by adding less broth or milk, but I find this way most pleasing.  The thicker ones are to me like baby food from the jar, delicious I'm sure, but just not my favorite. Alas, you can decide for yourself and enjoy the delicious results.


Recipe:
4 cups Roasted Pumpkin*
5 cups chicken or veggie stock
3 tbsp. yellow onion, diced
2 tbs. Vermont cultured butter or other butter, plant or animal based
2/3 c. milk, I used 2%
1 1/2 to 2 tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 Sage leaves
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
Immersion Blender, optional but Optimal

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, heat to medium high and drizzle with olive oil.
Add butter, then onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, stirring often, about 3 minutes.
Add stock and pumpkin and use immersion blender to combine and smooth.
If you don't have one, you can press the pumpkin through a sieve before adding to pot and that will aid in creating a creamy, but not thick texture.
Check Seasonings and SPST.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for several minutes.
Stir in chiffonade of Sage.
Remove from heat and stir in milk.
Place back on burner and simmer for several more minutes, taking care not to let boil.
Serve with toast, crackers or everything bagels.  Great as is.
Serves 6 to 8.

*Note:  I used the regular carving type pumpkin for this recipe, the sugar pumpkin or 'pie pumpkin' featured above is for decoration and other uses, including but not limited to pies, baking vessels, serving bowls, etc...

Summer Sensational: Yellow (Straight Neck) Fried Squash Rings

 Summer's super awesome selection is enough to fill a Culinarian's eyes and heart with amazement and bliss.  I love this time of year, because with a surplus of veggies and fruits, come floods of creativity and ideas to help utilize the 'spoils of war' that gardening and gardening with friends can bring!  A family friend, Vee, brought me some of his yield, as he had more than he knew what to do with.  His wife was at capacity for now, so I gladly accepted his bounty.  Not all of my garden items  are faring well and this haul filled in the blanks perfectly.  He also brings me messes of  fresh and delicious greens in the cooler, fall months.
 The above recipe is a result of the gifts pictured below and will soon become a favorite of yours.  I used a two step system of breading for this recipe to help the squash retain its shape, texture and crunch!  Once your station is set up, the rest goes quickly.  They taste amazing fresh from the paper towel and also at room temperature.
There is an almost limitless array of dipping sauces to accommodate this crunchy gem, I opted for ketchup and Boom Boom Sauce.  Sweet  Chili Sauce is also a good choice! Next time, I'll probably make some Cauliflower Egg Rolls w/ Awesome Sauce Sauce as accompaniment, it's magic!  Well, back to the recipe, you're sure to enjoy and make it a part of your summer sensational lineup!  This is a great recipe for the kids to assist in, easy to handle and a fun shape! These guys are right up there with onion rings and can be served together for a fantastic crunch fest! For UBER crunchtacity, use Panko instead of Italian bread crumbs!!!

Recipe:
2 medium to large straight neck squash, the bottom halves, about 3 c.
cookie cutter or small hollow gadget , large enough to press out center of squash
3/4 c. buttermilk, fat free if desired
1/2 tsp.onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg
1/2 c. water
2 c. seasoned flour
1 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
canola or vegetable oil for frying
paper towels for draining
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
Instructions:
Rinse and pat dry outer skins of squash.
Cut largest part of squash into about 1/4 inch slices.
Stack into piles and press out center with cookie cutter/gadget.
Pour buttermilk into medium bowl and blend in onion and garlic powders.
SPST.
Fold and toss squash in buttermilk blend.
Prepare Breading Station:
Pour seasoned flour and bread crumbs into 2 separate shallow vessels.
Beat egg with water and SPST.
Arrange dishes in the order, buttermilk, seasoned flour, egg wash and bread crumbs last.
Starting with buttermilk coated slices, dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, dip in egg wash and toss to coat in bread crumbs. You are now ready to fry!
Once oil has reached 330 to 350*F, carefully add breaded slices, not crowding the cooking vessel.
Cook until rings float and are golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve with desired dipping sauces.
Yield depends on how many squash you want to serve, 2 medium will yield around 16 rings.

Fresh bounty of  veggies: clockwise from left: yellow squash, okra, green beans, poblanos, jalapenos, tomatoes, peppers and corn!

Lemony Guava Beignets w/ Raw Honey Drizzles

I ran across some fresh guava fruit at the supermarket and jumped at the chance for me and my family to experience exotic and common foods in their original form.  We've had many beverages that contained guava, but never in pure form , as a stand alone drink.  They were small and fragrant, exuding an almost surreal amount of tropical delight, filling our noses with its fruity perfume, screaming 'take a bite, I am bliss'.  Alas, the smell for me was the best thing about the purchase, until I came up with this recipe.  The taste was that very unlike its aroma, quite bland, slightly watered down.
 The seeds that ran along both sides, although labeled as edible, were decidedly too risky considering the cost of dental work, past and future, so I pressed them through a strainer, to discard them altogether. 
I felt the guava could use some help in the flavor department, so I added fresh lemon zest and the juice.  It brightened its profile considerably.  I then added 2 tbsp. of raw cane sugar to cut the off putting taste and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
I substituted the guava mash into my beignet recipe in place of water and fried them as usual.  I drizzled the still hot beignets with raw organic basswood honey and showered them with some powdered sugar.  They were a hit.  This recipe changed my mind.


I look forward to trying them again, because they are incredibly nutritious and harbor healing properties and benefits for your digestive/immune systems and skin, even helping to control blood sugars, cold and cough relief, dysentery, even scurvy, plus many more amazing and superfood qualities!  Maybe the next batch will help me see why they have been coined the "Fruit of the Gods". There are many different types,  I purchased the yellow fruited cherry guavas.  I need more experience with these, so the jury is still out, I want to find some that taste more like it smells. Until then, full steam ahead for a tropical and Creole taste bud adventure that is this dish!

 Recipe:
1 c. unbleached AP flour
1 stick butter, unsalted
4 large eggs
2/3 c. guava paste
2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. raw cane sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla
zest and juice of one lemon
Oil for frying
Honey for Drizzling
Confectioner's Sugar for dusting

Melt butter over medium high heat, add paste, water, sugar and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and vigorously stir in flour, until a sticky ball forms, that pulls away from the sides of saucepan.
Add eggs, one at a time, stirring aggressively until incorporated.
Add vanilla and lemon juice/zest and incorporate.
Fry in heaping teaspoon fulls, careful not to crowd cooking vessel.
Drain on paper towels.
Transfer to Serving Dish.
Drizzle and Dust!

I forgot to get a photo in before I prepped the guava, so I pulled a stock photo from the internet that looks like the fruit I had.

Ninja Foodi Sensei: Prosciutto Wrapped Brie w/ Raspberry Chipotle Fruit Spread

This recipe  was a cinch using my Ninja Foodi and the results are in...Fantastic!  You will obviously have to be a fan of ripened cheese and Italian Style ham, but I don't think that will be a problem.  I used a store bought specialty fruit spread from Sam's Choice, which completed the circle with it's sweet and heat, pairing nicely with the creamy textures of the Brie and the saltiness of the prosciutto.
I used items from my herb garden and garden as garnitures for a bright and colorful presentation.  This recipe pairs well with warm, crusty breads, crackers, crudites and fruit.  Don't forget the wine! Prep is a cinch and the rest is smooth creamy, crispy and delicious history.

Recipe:
1 wheel of Brie
1 pkg. 3 oz.  Prosciutto or 6 slices
olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

Arrange slices of prosciutto in an overlapping fashion.
First, imagine the work area is a clock.
 Start with a piece at 12 o' clock, then place the second piece at 6, overlapping the bottom half of slice with the other.
Continue by adding a slice facing 3 o clock, the another at 9.
The last two pieces are to be added midway between the 12 and 9, then add the remaining slice between the 3 and 6.
Center wheel of cheese over the portion of the ham 'clock' where they all overlap.
Begin to fold the slices in, starting with the 12 o'clock, this way the flap is secured under the other slices and keeps the wheel from oozing cheese or the slices from peeling away, compromising its presentation.
If there are spots where the cheese is not covered, simply tear off small portions of the flaps to cover it completely.
Brush the wheel with olive oil and place in the Ninja Foodi on the rack.
Press the crisper button and set temperature to 400*F.
Set timer for 5 minute increments.
Check after each 5 minutes to see how the crisping is going.
The exterior should be crisped by the time the 15 minutes is up.
Let stand for several minutes before handling and use caution.
Arrange as desired and cut out a small section ro release the cheese.
Use a small sharp knife to cut portions of the prosciutto and cheese together.
Serve with crackers, warm breads, crudites and freshly cut fruits.
Serves Many.

Spread it Like Jam

Photo taken in Clarksville, Va.

This entry is simple and just for you

It's about loving yourself and what you do

About taking the time, to enjoy your view

About accepting the differences, between me and you

Maybe taking those walks, put off for days

And expressing your desires in varying ways.

Make your tomorrows today, and your laters right now

Unleash your inner artist, some way, somehow

Loving thy neighbor and lending a hand

Teaching your doggy a new command

Wearing that color, you think is all wrong

Go to karaoke, pick a random song.

Support an organization, recycle, reuse

Turn the cannots into some can do's.

Give a compliment to a stranger, hold the door for a change

Try to smile instead of grimace, this world is your stage

Let the sunlight in, instead of shutting it out

When there's call for action, React, no time for pouts

Try a new recipe, cook something wild

Grab a coloring book, love your inner child

Watch a magic show, a circus will do

Catch the matinee at a theater near you.

Love the skin you're in, our flaws and all

Not everyone was meant to be skinny or tall.

Be an ear to be lent, let some steam off sometimes

Have a coffee or Boba, you've gotta unwind

Love the moment it takes to think about rest

An afternoon nap, when your schedule lets

Bake some goodies like cookies, maybe bake some loaves

Give the gift that keeps giving, it will come back in droves.

Stock is skyhigh, from Love's demand
Laugh as loud as your lungs can stand

Model your actions, with kindness and respect
Give out the Love, you plan to get
Love is the answer, Love is the key
Love is what binds us, you and me
Take time to be peaceful, put quarrels aside
Accept different cultures, with arms open wide
Make each day our best day, we can't go wrong
Hand in hand with Love, is where we belong.
Spread it like jam.