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Showing posts from 2015

Apples make more than pies!

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This perfect harvest time chicken and sides complete meal is special enough for a small dinner party - not so fussy that it can't be served on a weeknight. Prep time is in the brining, which can be done in the morning and will be ready to roast at the end of a busy day. Luscious aromas coming from your kitchen will delight and tickle your appetite. So pour yourself a cup of warm apple cider (maybe spiked with a little bourbon) and nibble a slice of local cheddar to tide you over until dinner is served! CIDER-BRINED ROAST CHICKEN                                                                                                                                3 cups apple cider 2 tablespoons brown sugar
 3 tablespoons sea salt
 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon bourbon
 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
 Cold water 3 tablespoons olive oil
 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 
1/4 cup brown sugar 
 3 apples, quartered
 2 large s

Who needs pasta noodles for yummy lasagna?

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Wishing for a low-carb dinner that satisfies your Italian food craving.  This lasagna is the perfect solution, especially in the summer with homegrown garden-fresh veggies and herbs. That said, don't underestimate its appeal in the winter when only comfort food will do. You won't even miss the noodles! Eggplant “Noodles” 2 large eggplants peeled, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch noodle-like strips cooking spray (olive oil spray is best) 1 cup flavored breadcrumbs Sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove grated garlic 1 red pepper, chopped 1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, chopped 1 tablespoon italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil and thyme) salt and pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 1/2 cup red wine 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree 2 cups fresh (or one 15 ounce can) diced tomatoes   Cheese Mixture 2 cups ricotta cheese 2 eggs 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan Directions Preheat oven

Easy Peasy Pickles

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Today the pickle cucumbers are ready to harvest. Seemed just the right time to repost this gem of a refrigerator dill recipe!  Anyone remember the pickle episode from The Andy Griffith Show?  All Andy and Barney had to do was give Aunt Bee this easy peasy recipe for refrigerator garlic dills and their troubles would have been over! But NOOOO... The resulting hilarity was worth it on the sitcom but at home, I much prefer a big success on days like today, when the cukes are ready to pick from our backyard garden. This one is a winner!  EASY PEASY PICKLES   2 pounds Kirby cucumbers
 1 cup apple cider vinegar
 1 cup water
 1-1/2 tablespoons pickling salt (or Kosher salt) 
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed (2 per jar)
 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper per jar (1/2 teaspoon total)
 1 teaspoon dill seed per jar (2 teaspoons total) 1/8 teaspoon yellow mustard seed per jar (1/4 teaspoons total) Wash, dry and cut cucumber end so they will fit in the jars. Cut them into spear