Tuesday, February 8, 2011

HOMEMADE OLD BAY SEASONING, TACO SEASONING, DIRTY RICE SEASONING & RECIPES FOR USING THEM!


MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

I have started a Monthly Giveaway. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass


HOMEMADE OLD BAY SEASONING

Traditionally, this seasoning is used for steamed crabs, but is now used for fish, potato salad, potatoes, and other vegetables. This would also make a great gift, along with some recipes! Enjoy! Try this on French fries with malt vinegar. It's addicting! It’s rather simple to make at home with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. So you don’t have to spend a few bucks on a jar of seasoning that you aren’t exactly sure what kind of ingredients it has in it.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbs bay leaf leaves, ground
2 Tbs celery salt
1 Tbs dry mustard
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground mace
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar, mix thoroughly.
Keep sealed until ready to use.


SALMON PATTIES

INGREDIENTS:

15 oz can Red Sockeye Salmon, well drained & deboned
1 1/2 cups cracker meal divided
2 Tbs finely minced onion
2 Tbs finely minced celery
1/2 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp homemade old bay seasoning
1/2 tsp Lemon-Pepper Seasoning
2 Tbs olive oil
2 large eggs, beaten
Sea salt to taste
1 or 2 fresh lemons, cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425F. Have an ungreased metal baking sheet ready.
In a small bowl put 1/4-cup of the cracker meal, set this aside.
Drain salmon well, flake into a medium-sized bowl. Add in remaining cracker meal, minced onion and celery, and all of the spices. Stir to combine. Add in the oil and eggs, mixing together until thoroughly moistened.
Put salmon mixture into a 1/3-cup measuring cup, and shape into small patties. Coat each side of patty into reserved cracker meal. Place patties onto baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes, flip patties over and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve with some lemon wedges.



HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

Awesome recipe for homemade taco seasoning that will totally replace the urge to buy packets- just mix it up once in a batch and keep in an airtight container for up to 1 year!! 2 1/2-3 Tablespoons = one "packet" from the store.
Prepackaged seasoning mixes are full of salt and preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. For example, look at this ingredient list from a popular brand of taco seasoning:


Making my own seasoning and knowing exactly what’s in it makes me feel much better.

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbs chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried onion flakes
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 1/2 T. cumin
2-2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 Tbs black pepper

mix it all together!

Hey Everyone! I forgot to tell you, that if you don't like the heat, then don't use the CAYENNE PEPPER and only use 1/4 tsp of the crushed pepper flakes. Since I have to cut down on salt I only used 1 1/2 tsp of salt. I used 1 pound of ground beef, browned it then added 2 1/2 Tablespoons of the seasoning mix and 3/4 cup of water. Brought it to a boil and lowered the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Put the shells on a cookie sheet and into a 300 degree oven for 5 minutes to let them warm up. The TACOS were awesome!!


TACO PIE

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning mix (Recipe above
1 (8 ounce) can Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomato
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 lb Velveeta Mexican cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Brown meat.
Stir in tomato sauce and taco mix.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Unroll rolls in a baking dish.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Cover crust with meat mixture.
Cut the cheese into slices, distribute them on top of the meat mixture, and continue baking until cheese melts.
Top with lettuce and tomato


SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TACO SOUP

"You can call this soup or chili, but either way it is wonderful! This recipe is also very adaptable to your personal taste. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if you like.

INGREDIENTS:

1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
3 Tbs homemade taco seasoning mix (recipe above)
3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
crushed tortilla chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.

Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.


DIRTY RICE SEASONING MIX

INGREDIENTS:

2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp dry mustard (Coleman's is best)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves

Mix together and store in airtight container


ORIGINAL DIRTY RICE

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups uncooked long grain rice.
2 Tbs dirty rice seasoning (see above)
1/2 cup onion, medium dice
2 cups steamed long grain rice
1 bay leaf
1 Tbs garlic, minced fine
1 pound ground meat mixture (see below)
4 cups chicken stock
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1/2 cup green bell pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Brown the ground meat mixture in the oil. Stir in seasoning mixture and the
bay leaf and saute about one minute. Add vegetables and saute 3-4 minutes on high heat, stirring frequently. Add the uncooked rice and mix in well. Cover
and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes Stir in steamed rice.

GROUND MEAT MIXTURE Includes chicken livers, gizzards, and pork in equal
portions to make a pound of meat.


Monday, February 7, 2011

BAKED SAUSAGE & SAUERKRAUT WITH APPLES, FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE GLAZE, MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!


MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

I have started a Monthly Giveaway. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass


BAKED SAUSAGE AND SAUERKRAUT WITH APPLES

Sautéed apples and sauerkraut bring a sweet and sour flavor to the otherwise savory pan-fried sausages. Most commonly found in the German-speaking area of the Alps, this delicious entrée is often served with a dab of dark, spicy German mustard on the side for dipping

INGREDIENTS:


3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 large onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
2 rosemary sprigs
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds large raw pork sausage links, left whole
4 cups sauerkraut, about one 28-ounce jar, well drained
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 bay leaf
4 firm cooking apples, such as Fuji or Pippin, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Ingredient Options: Substitute chicken sausage links for the pork. Use a gluten-free chicken broth and gluten-free sausage.

DIRECTIONS:


Preheat oven to 325°F.

In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and rosemary sprigs until onion is golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Add olive oil to the skillet. Add sausages and cook, turning, just until skins are browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove sausages to a plate.
Add sauerkraut and sautéed onions to the skillet. Place sausages on top. Mix wine and chicken broth together. Pour slowly all over the top. Add bay leaf to the middle of the dish. Cover with a lid or foil and transfer pan to oven. Bake for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, prepare apples by melting remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add apples and sauté until just tender, adding brown sugar, if desired. Apples will cook in about 5 to 10 minutes. To serve, spoon baked sausages and sauerkraut onto a serving platter. Top with sautéed apples. Serve
piping hot with spicy mustard on the side.


FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE GLAZE

Enjoy this luscious cake — a little goes a long way!

INGREDIENTS:

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 3 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray, too, then set the pan aside.

Place two-thirds (8 ounces) of the chocolate and 1 cup (2 sticks) of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Stirring often, melt chocolate with butter until completely blended. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. (Alternatively, you may use your microwave to melt the butter with the chocolate, if desired). Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift cocoa into bowl and stir until just blended.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake has risen and top has formed a thin crust. The cake should be just firm in the center when done. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate, removing sides of springform pan. Remove and discard parchment paper and set cake aside to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate glaze. Melt remaining 4 ounces chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in milk, honey and vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.

When cake has cooled, pour glaze onto the center. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, very gently smooth glaze along the top and sides of the cake. Chill cake, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to set the glaze and make the cake easier to slice.
Recipes from Whole Foods



Sunday, February 6, 2011

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT!


I have had several questions regarding the Bourbon Vanilla and where to get Vanilla Beans. I hope this answers them.

Pure Vanilla Extract should have no sugar added and will last forever, aging like fine liquor. Beware of cheap "pure" vanilla extract. If the bargain seems to be too good to be true, it is probably an adulterated extract.

In order to meet FDA standards, pure vanilla extract must contain 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction and 35 percent alcohol.

Imitation Vanilla

Imitation vanilla is made from artificial flavorings, most of which come from wood byproducts and often contain chemicals.

Discerning palates find the imitation vanilla products to have a harsh quality with a bitter aftertaste. Twice as much imitation vanilla flavoring is required to match the strength of pure vanilla extract.

You use the Bourbon Vanilla Extract the same as any Vanilla Extract.

To find the Vanilla Beans just click on Top Vanilla in my post yesterday!

Friday, February 4, 2011

BARBECUE BEEF PIZZA, SPICY SLOPPY JOE PIZZA, GAME DAY NACHOS & MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!


MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

I have started a Monthly Giveaway. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass!

Posting a few Super Bowl Party recipes for you to try. If I have time I will post a few more this evening. Enjoy!


BARBECUE BEEF PIZZA


This delicious pizza is so easy to make with purchased or homemade pizza dough, leftover roast beef, barbecue sauce, and cheese, along with other toppings

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 to 1 1/2 cups leftover roast beef, sliced and diced or cut in thin strips
1/2 medium red onion, sliced
2 small plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
3/4 cup Monterey Jack and Colby or Cheddar cheese blend
1 cup shredded Mozarella cheese
burger or beef grill seasoning blend, optional
ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Bring barbecue sauce and garlic to a simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
Fit pizza dough in a pizza pan, making a rolled 1-inch edge, or fit into a large deep-dish pizza pan; spread with the barbecue sauce. Sprinkle the roast beef over the sauce, then top with the sliced onion and sliced tomatoes. cover with the cheeses, then sprinkle lightly with grill seasoning blend and ground black pepper.
Bake at 400° for 20 to 25 minutes, until crust is browned and cheese is melted and bubbly.


SPICY SLOPPY JOE PIZZA

I didn't add many extra toppings to this pizza, mainly because I wanted the sloppy joe flavors to stand out. Feel free to add your favorite toppings. Jalapeno pepper rings, sliced black olives, sliced plum tomatoes, thinly sliced bell pepper rings, and mushrooms are just a few possibilities.

INGREDIENTS:

pizza dough for 1 pizza, homemade or purchased

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon spicy mustard or Creole mustard
1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning, or a seasoned salt blend
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping:

1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese, or a Cheddar and Monterey Jack Blend
DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion and celery in the oil, breaking up the ground beef into small pieces. Cook, stirring, until beef is well browned and onions are lightly browned. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Creole seasoning, chili powder, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Fit pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan. Spread ground beef mixture over the pizza evenly. Top with sliced onion and shredded cheeses. Bake at 400°. for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crust is browned and cheeses and topping are bubbly and melted.


GAME DAY NACHOS

Arrange and bake these nachos on an ovenproof platter or shallow baking dish, or use several smaller baking dishes or ovenproof plates.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips, 1 large bag
2 plum tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
jalapeno pepper rings or diced jalapeno peppers
3 to 4 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
Optional Toppings and Sauces
chopped cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole

DIRECTIONS:

Brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are softened. Add green bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, refried beans, and tomato sauce. Simmer over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
Heat oven to 375°. F.
Spread some of the beef and bean mixture on each chip and arrange the chips in a single layer on the large baking dish or ovenproof plate, or use smaller ovenproof plates or dishes. Sprinkle the layer with a little of the diced tomato, sliced green onions, and jalapeno peppers. Sprinkle each chip with some of the cheese and make another layer of chips. Repeat with the tomato, green onions, peppers, and top with more cheese. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Makes enough for 6 to 8 people.
Recipes from about.com


Thursday, February 3, 2011

TRIPLE LAYER ITALIAN CREAM CAKE,VINEGAR CAKE, CARROT PECAN CAKE & MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!


MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

I have started a Monthly Giveaway. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass


TRIPLE LAYER ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

It’s an out of the ordinary, super moist, lick the plate clean cake!

INGREDIENTS:

CAKE

1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping cup unsweetened coconut
1 heaping cup chopped pecans

FROSTING

1(8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut milk (optional)
Extra chopped pecans and coconut

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325F. Grease 3 (9-inch) round cake pans.

To prepare cake, combine soda and buttermilk in small bowl and set aside.

Combine sugar, butter, oil and shortening in large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixture at medium-high speed until creamy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add buttermilk mixture alternately with flour to creamed mixture; beat well. Stir in vanilla.

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter; quickly fold in remaining whites. Stir in pecans and coconut. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove from pan and let cool completely.

To make frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar. Shake can of coconut milk well before opening and slowly pour in small amounts of milk to taste (optional), until frosting reaches the desired consistency. Adjust any frosting ingredients to consistency and taste needed.

To assemble cake, place one layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Refrigerate __ minutes until frosting is firm. Repeat with second and third layers, spread frosting on top and sides of cake.

For garnish, toast chopped pecans and coconut 8 minutes in 350Foven, until coconut is golden brown, stirring often so coconut does not burn. Let cool. Stir mixture and pat onto sides of the cake. Take any remaining frosting or make an additional half of the frosting recipe to pipe extra around perimeter of cake. Refrigerate cake to ensure firming of layers and frosting. Bring cake to room temperature before serving.


VINEGAR CAKE

The ingredients are simple, you have them in your pantry all the time. You can decide how deep dark chocolate you want just by adjusting the cocoa. Some like the dark chocolate and some prefer the more milk chocolate version. Adjust to your preference and enjoy. The 3 tablespoons makes it pretty dark.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup warm water
6 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Mix dry ingredients together to lighten the flour—no need to sift. Make a well in dry ingredients and add wet ingredients. Mix well. If the batter isn't very loose add just a bit more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get a thin batter. This will make a very moist cake.
2. Pour into an 8- or 9-inch square pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean


CARROT PECAN CAKE

Got this recipe years ago. It has been a favorite through the years

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup oil
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
4 eggs
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup finely chopped pecans

DIREDTIONS:

Combine sugar and oil mixing well. Sift dry ingredients and add beaten eggs, carrots and pecans and mix well. Pour in lightly greased tube pan. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes at 325 degrees.

ORANGE GLAZE FROSTING

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp. grated orange peel
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. butter

DIRECTIONS:

Combine sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Add juices and slowly stir until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat until thick and glossy.
Drizzle over top of cake.
Recipes from Relish.com



Wednesday, February 2, 2011

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY! DRIED CARROTS & GRASS


I have started a Monthly Giveaway. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass

For tomorrow's post, I will have three luscious Cake Recipes!


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

RIBEYES WITH BLEU CHEESE SAUCE, CAJUN POTATOES & CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE!


RIBEYES WITH BLEU CHEESE SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

6-12 oz. ribeye steak per person
1-2 TB. cracked black pepper
1-2 tsp. kosher flake salt, to taste

BLEU CHEESE SAUCE

1 stick butter, softened
6-8 oz. bleu cheese (Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, etc.), crumbled
8 oz. sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

Wash the steaks and pat dry. Spread the peppercorns on a clean, flat surface. Gently place a skillet on top of them. Use your palm to rock the skillet back and forth to crack the peppercorns. Press as much cracked pepper as you desire onto the steaks and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Preheat your grill to the highest temperature possible. Place the steaks on the grill and cook to your desired level of doneness, turning once. If your grill is snowed in, preheat your oven to 400°. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat and brown the steaks for 2 minutes per side. Place in the preheated oven and cook to your desired doneness. A meat thermometer is the best bet when cooking pricy steaks—just remember the internal temperature of the steak will rise 5° after it is out of the oven. While the steaks are cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the bleu cheese. When the cheese is softened but still lumpy, reduce the heat to low then stir in the sour cream. Do not boil the sauce as the sour cream will separate. Serve the steaks with a generous spoonful of sauce and Cajun Potatoes on the side

CAJUN POTATOES

This spicy side is especially nice served alongside Ribeyes.

INGREDIENTS:

1 2-3 lbs. russet potatoes
1/4-1/2 Cup canola oil
1-3 TB. cajun seasoning, to taste
2 TB. Fresh Italian parsley, minced

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°. Wash and dry the potatoes, peel if desired and cut them into large, roughly 2-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl. Add the oil and toss to combine. The potatoes should be well coated with oil but you may not need the full half cup. Add the CAJUN SEASONING to liberally coat the potatoes and toss again. Spread the potatoes in a heavy roasting pan or oven-proof cast iron skillet and place them in the oven. Stir them every 20 minutes to prevent sticking. Be careful stirring so the delicious brown exterior of the potatoes doesn’t break. After 60 minutes, turn the heat up to 400° to brown the potatoes thoroughly – another 10 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the parsley before serving. Recipes from David Jacobs

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

Rich, dense, fudgy, delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 lb. unsweetened chocolate squares (4 squares)
2 sticks butter (1 Cup)
4 eggs, beaten
2 Cups sugar
2 Cups pecans, large pieces, do not finely chop
1 Cup flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

FROSTING

1 lb. powdered sugar
4 TB. cocoa powder
2 sticks butter (1 Cup), room temperature
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3-4 TB. milk
1 Cup pecans, large pieces, do not finely chop

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°. Melt the chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Let cool slightly. Stir in the beaten eggs and sugar. Put the pecans in the flour, toss, and then add to the chocolate mixture. Add the vanilla, mix until well blended. Pour the batter into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans lined with greased waxed paper. The waxed paper is very important, or the cake will stick!
Place a pan of cool water on the rack under the cake while baking. This is a thin, dense cake and the pan of water helps it cook evenly and the steam from the water helps it stay tender. Be careful when you open the oven door as it will be hot and steamy. Bake at 375° for about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before carefully removing from the pan to a rack. Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING

Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa over the butter in a medium bowl. Add the vanilla, then beat until smooth, drizzling the milk in as you go. The icing may not need the final TB. of milk to be smooth. Fold in the pecans. Spread between the cake layers and on top. No need to frost the sides. Refrigerate the cake overnight.

TIP: When serving, cut the pieces smaller than normal cake-size, as this cake is very dense and fudgy!
Recipe from Annette Landry

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

Monthly Giveaway starts TODAY. I will be drawing names from
followers that comment. The drawings will be on the 1st of each month!

Sending a bunch of Prim Dried Carrots with some Dried Grass to a lucky FOLLOWER that has commented during February!
These will be perfect for your Spring Decor. Remember each new posting you comment on, will be another chance for you to win the Prim Dried Carrots & Dried Grass