11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Hot Dogs for a Crowd
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Guess what? You can fit 60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker. This is kind of big news if you happen to be:
The Ingredients.
The Directions.
Unwrap all the hot dogs and throw the wrappers in a plastic bag and then immediately take out the garbage because if the kittens knock over the garbage can and hot dog juice gets all over the kitchen floor you're going to get annoyed and then have to mop unless you just wipe it up with a baby wipe and pretend the cats didn't really lick your floor.
Stand hotdogs on end if you're trying to cram in 60. If not, you can just dump them in. There's no need to add water. This is for two reasons: 1, the hotdogs will release moisture all on their own, and 2, if you have a crockpot full of hot dog water it'll just be kind of gross to dig through the water to pick them out. and 3 (I lied, there are 3 reasons) if the hotdogs hang out in hot water for too long they'll end up splitting on you.
Cover, and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for about 2 hours--check to make sure the ones in the middle are fully hot before serving. Serve with tongs into buns and top with desired fixens'.
Your dogs can stay on the "warm" setting for an awfully long time. If your pot has a hot spot (mine does), the dogs on the edge will get kind of crispy and blackened, which will COMPLETELY fool your 10-year-old into thinking you learned how to barbecue.
The Verdict.
If you eat too many hotdogs in a day because you don't want to waste them you'll be really really thirsty for the next three days.Also? 6 hotdogs in two days is too much for a 2-year-old. Don't do that.
and? it's kind of fun to call your neighbors and have them over for spur-of-the moment hot dogs and it's even cooler that when you call to squeal that 60 hotdogs can totally fit in a 6-quart they know what you mean and highfive you through the phone.
Adam says these dogs remind him of the hot dogs from 7-11 or the movies where they cook on the roller bars--they aren't boiled, aren't barbecued, but hot. And hot dogs are fully cooked anyway in the package, so all you're doing is heating them through.
Happy Almost Summer!!
more cool stuff:crockpot baked potatoesuse your crockpot as a rice cookercrockpot as a smokermake yogurt in a crockpotcrockpot as foot bathcrockpot as air freshener 1 Minute Muffin (not in a crockpot)
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Guess what? You can fit 60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker. This is kind of big news if you happen to be:
- planning an end-of-the-year swim party for the 5th grade graduating class
- planning a block party potluck and know that kids really don't want to eat 75 different types of salad
- manning the Little League concession booth
- trying to beat the world's record in hot dog eating
- interested in testing out your cholesterol medication
The Ingredients.
- a crap load (technical term) of hot dogs (60, to be exact, although you can wimp out and do fewer, if necessary)
- buns
- fixens'
- 6-quart slow cooker
- an outlet
The Directions.
Unwrap all the hot dogs and throw the wrappers in a plastic bag and then immediately take out the garbage because if the kittens knock over the garbage can and hot dog juice gets all over the kitchen floor you're going to get annoyed and then have to mop unless you just wipe it up with a baby wipe and pretend the cats didn't really lick your floor.
Stand hotdogs on end if you're trying to cram in 60. If not, you can just dump them in. There's no need to add water. This is for two reasons: 1, the hotdogs will release moisture all on their own, and 2, if you have a crockpot full of hot dog water it'll just be kind of gross to dig through the water to pick them out. and 3 (I lied, there are 3 reasons) if the hotdogs hang out in hot water for too long they'll end up splitting on you.Cover, and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for about 2 hours--check to make sure the ones in the middle are fully hot before serving. Serve with tongs into buns and top with desired fixens'.
Your dogs can stay on the "warm" setting for an awfully long time. If your pot has a hot spot (mine does), the dogs on the edge will get kind of crispy and blackened, which will COMPLETELY fool your 10-year-old into thinking you learned how to barbecue.
The Verdict.
If you eat too many hotdogs in a day because you don't want to waste them you'll be really really thirsty for the next three days.Also? 6 hotdogs in two days is too much for a 2-year-old. Don't do that.
and? it's kind of fun to call your neighbors and have them over for spur-of-the moment hot dogs and it's even cooler that when you call to squeal that 60 hotdogs can totally fit in a 6-quart they know what you mean and highfive you through the phone.
Adam says these dogs remind him of the hot dogs from 7-11 or the movies where they cook on the roller bars--they aren't boiled, aren't barbecued, but hot. And hot dogs are fully cooked anyway in the package, so all you're doing is heating them through.
Happy Almost Summer!!
more cool stuff:crockpot baked potatoesuse your crockpot as a rice cookercrockpot as a smokermake yogurt in a crockpotcrockpot as foot bathcrockpot as air freshener 1 Minute Muffin (not in a crockpot)
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I Had A Cranberry Party
To contact us Click HERE
A few weeks ago I had a cranberry party. And I only had to make one thing with cranberry juice, but I'm a total over-achiever and made FIVE things. BOO-YAH!
(recipes below!)
The Back Story:
The Simply Cranberry Cocktail people (through BlogHer) contacted me and asked if I'd like to throw a dinner party and use their new Simply Cranberry Cocktail as a springboard for the menu-planning.
I was already familiar with the Simply Orange Juice Company--we like their orange and apple juice an awful lot, and I'm a complete and total sucker for a challenge.
Before I responded, I texted Adam:"Hey, we need to have a cranberry juice party, sort of an Iron Chef thing. You cool with that?"He wrote back: "a la cuisine!"
I love that man.
I was given coupons for Simply Cranberry Cocktail by the Simply Orange Juice Company, and BlogHer paid me for my time and to purchase supplies for our cranberry party.
I then set to work planning the menu: baked brie with cranberries, cranberry martinis, cranberry chicken, triple-threat cranberry brisket, and cranberry fluff for dessert (scroll down for all the recipes).
To round out the meal I also roasted asparagus and made mashed potatoes (out of a box! Capital K classy, I tell you...).
Just so you know: Simply Cranberry Cocktail can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store; it is kept chilled from the time it is blended with not-from-concentrate cranberry juice and gently pasteurized with no added preservatives. It's sweet and tart and unlike other cranberry juice cocktails in that you don't shudder after drinking it.
I decided this was a really good excuse to buy cranberry red tablecloths and retire the ecru tablecloths I usually dig out of the china cabinet. (I'm pretty sure stained and bleached and then stained and bleached tablecloths are ecru. Right?)
Since we were having our party on April Fool's Day, I also bought silly straws and nose glasses for everyone out of the dollar bins at Target.
I invited my two best friends (guess what their names are? did you guess? wait for it... wait for it...JENNIFER and JENNIFER) and their families. This meant we had 6 adults and 9 children for our dinner party. I set up two tables, with the idea that the kids would be at one and the grownups could sit at the other, and we'd all sit down and have sparkling dinner conversation and lovely table manners.
Bree Van de Kamp Hodge would be so proud.
(of course she's on trial for murder right now, but I think Gaby is about to confess.)
It was wonderful.
I need to have dinner parties more often. I think sometimes in the name of saving money I forget it's the little things in life that matter--good friends, good food, and good fun.
Someone else picking up the bill is awfully nice, too.Thank you Simply Cranberry Cocktail !!
Recipes:
I don't have any photos of the brie because I may have already had a cranberry martini (or 2? not sure) before I thought to take pictures, and by then we pretty much killed the whole thing.
I used the candied pecan and cranberry brie recipe I made back in 2008 but didn't use the pecans because one of our little friends has a nut allergy. I did, though, add a drop of balsamic vinegar to the brown sugar and a bit of rosemary they way I did with the balsamic apricot brie.
8 ounce-brie round1 cup dried cranberries1 tablespoon brown sugar1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
Stir topping together and place on top of the brie. Place the brie into an oven-safe bowl or dish and plop it into a slow cooker for about 2 hours, or until melty and gooey and delicious. Serve with apple slices and your favorite crackers. I'm not supposed to name brand names in this post, but we used the popular round gluten free crackers that come in the white box. Email me if you don't know what I'm talking about!
Cranberry Martinis
Since The Cocktail Lady was at our house I figured I'd use her expertise, and we came up with the most awesomest cranberry martini recipe ever. She also lent me her drink shaker because I accidentally gave away the one we got as a wedding present in one of our many moves.Thanks, Jen! xoxo
Fill the drink shaker half-full or so with ice.For each drink, add:1 shot Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 shot citrus flavored vodka1/2 shot Triple Sec1/2 shot Sweet and Sour Mix
Shake well and serve in chilled martini glasses with sugared rims. (Adam did the glasses by rubbing a cut lime on the edge then dipping the glasses in Baker's Sugar. He froze them for 2 hours or so before the party).We were able to double this recipe and get two drinks in each shaker.
And they rocked.Srsly.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken:4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs1 large onion, peeled and diced6 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce1 (16-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1/2 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 lime, juiced1 tablespoon cornstarch2 tablespoons cold water
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the chicken into the bottom of your cooker (frozen is fine). Add diced onion and garlic. In a mixing bowl whisk together the soy sauce, cranberry sauce, and juices. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of your chicken. Cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked (if you cook it longer, it’ll shred—it’s up to you!)With tongs, carefully remove the chicken and place on a serving platter. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into your slow cooker to thicken, then serve over mashed potatoes or polenta.
Triple Threat Cranberry Brisket:5 pound beef brisket1 onion, peeled and diced4 cloves garlic, minced1 (16-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce1/2 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1/4 cup dried cranberries
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the meat into the bottom of your slow cooker insert. Add onion and garlic. In a mixing bowl, mix together the can of cranberry sauce, soy sauce, juice, and dried cranberries. Pour this combination evenly over the top of the meat. Cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for about 6 hours. Your meat is finished when it has begun to lose it’s shape and can pull apart easily with a fork. Serve over mashed potatoes with a spoonful of sauce.
Cranberry Fluff Dessert
I was channeling TW from Retro-Food.com when I decided to serve this dessert. I knew I wanted something we could all eat together and didn't want a big production (think ice-cream bar) or a huge mess to deal with later (again, think ice-cream bar). But I wanted the kids to like it and the adults to at least give it a half-hearted thumbs up.
I was WAY SURPRISED. We licked the pyrex clean. All 6 adults and 9 children couldn't get enough.
2 cups boiling water2 (4-ounce) packages cherry gelatin dessert1 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 (8-ounce) container whipped dessert topping, room temperature, divided1 (15-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1 package shortbread cookies (or something similar. Ours were gluten free, of course!)
Whisk the dried gelatin powder with the boiling water until it's completely dissolved. Whisk in the juice, and then refrigerate the mixing bowl for 90 minutes. You want the gelatin slightly set, but not really.
Now stir in 2 cups of the dessert topping and the entire can of cranberry sauce. Pour this mixture into a 9 x 9 glass baking pan. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until completely set. Spread on the additional whipped topping and dot with shortbread cookies.
Cranberry retro yumminess. It's tart, but not too tart, and sweet, but not too sweet. It was the perfect end to a perfect night. And you know it was good when you wake up to this in the morning:
I had so much fun and feel so lucky to have the best friends ever. Thank you to Simply Cranberry Cocktail for giving me an excuse to have a party. And for the realization that I shouldn't have to have an excuse to have friends over--I should just do it!
I'm pretty sure we're not going to have a UTI anytime soon...
Guess what?
Simply Cranberry Cocktail understands that sometimes it's just not possible to have a spur-of-the moment party when you're busy living your life and all "extra" (HA on the extra!) income goes towards retirement, or college, or braces, or new tires. So they are offering to help out by giving one lucky winner a $100 Visa gift card to spend however you'd like.Maybe you'd like to have a cranberry party of your very own?
What is your favorite way to make a party or get together at your home more festive? Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Rules:
P.S: I didn't make these up.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
I'll randomly select a winner from the responses (leave an email address or sign in so I can find you!) and will make sure the gift card gets sent out promptly.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/7/2012 - 6/1/2012
updated 6/2/12: This CONTEST IS NOW OVER. A representative from BlogHer will contact the randomly selected winner. THANK YOU to all who entered!
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
"Simply Cranberry™" is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
BOO-YAH! Tweet
 | |||||
| plateful of cranberry goodness |
(recipes below!)
The Back Story:
The Simply Cranberry Cocktail people (through BlogHer) contacted me and asked if I'd like to throw a dinner party and use their new Simply Cranberry Cocktail as a springboard for the menu-planning.
I was already familiar with the Simply Orange Juice Company--we like their orange and apple juice an awful lot, and I'm a complete and total sucker for a challenge.
Before I responded, I texted Adam:"Hey, we need to have a cranberry juice party, sort of an Iron Chef thing. You cool with that?"He wrote back: "a la cuisine!"
I love that man.
I was given coupons for Simply Cranberry Cocktail by the Simply Orange Juice Company, and BlogHer paid me for my time and to purchase supplies for our cranberry party.
I then set to work planning the menu: baked brie with cranberries, cranberry martinis, cranberry chicken, triple-threat cranberry brisket, and cranberry fluff for dessert (scroll down for all the recipes).
To round out the meal I also roasted asparagus and made mashed potatoes (out of a box! Capital K classy, I tell you...).
Just so you know: Simply Cranberry Cocktail can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store; it is kept chilled from the time it is blended with not-from-concentrate cranberry juice and gently pasteurized with no added preservatives. It's sweet and tart and unlike other cranberry juice cocktails in that you don't shudder after drinking it.
I decided this was a really good excuse to buy cranberry red tablecloths and retire the ecru tablecloths I usually dig out of the china cabinet. (I'm pretty sure stained and bleached and then stained and bleached tablecloths are ecru. Right?)
Since we were having our party on April Fool's Day, I also bought silly straws and nose glasses for everyone out of the dollar bins at Target.
I invited my two best friends (guess what their names are? did you guess? wait for it... wait for it...JENNIFER and JENNIFER) and their families. This meant we had 6 adults and 9 children for our dinner party. I set up two tables, with the idea that the kids would be at one and the grownups could sit at the other, and we'd all sit down and have sparkling dinner conversation and lovely table manners.
Bree Van de Kamp Hodge would be so proud.
(of course she's on trial for murder right now, but I think Gaby is about to confess.)
It was wonderful.
I need to have dinner parties more often. I think sometimes in the name of saving money I forget it's the little things in life that matter--good friends, good food, and good fun.
Someone else picking up the bill is awfully nice, too.Thank you Simply Cranberry Cocktail !!
Recipes:
I don't have any photos of the brie because I may have already had a cranberry martini (or 2? not sure) before I thought to take pictures, and by then we pretty much killed the whole thing.
I used the candied pecan and cranberry brie recipe I made back in 2008 but didn't use the pecans because one of our little friends has a nut allergy. I did, though, add a drop of balsamic vinegar to the brown sugar and a bit of rosemary they way I did with the balsamic apricot brie.
8 ounce-brie round1 cup dried cranberries1 tablespoon brown sugar1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
Stir topping together and place on top of the brie. Place the brie into an oven-safe bowl or dish and plop it into a slow cooker for about 2 hours, or until melty and gooey and delicious. Serve with apple slices and your favorite crackers. I'm not supposed to name brand names in this post, but we used the popular round gluten free crackers that come in the white box. Email me if you don't know what I'm talking about!
 | |||||||
Cranberry Martinis
Since The Cocktail Lady was at our house I figured I'd use her expertise, and we came up with the most awesomest cranberry martini recipe ever. She also lent me her drink shaker because I accidentally gave away the one we got as a wedding present in one of our many moves.Thanks, Jen! xoxo
Fill the drink shaker half-full or so with ice.For each drink, add:1 shot Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 shot citrus flavored vodka1/2 shot Triple Sec1/2 shot Sweet and Sour Mix
Shake well and serve in chilled martini glasses with sugared rims. (Adam did the glasses by rubbing a cut lime on the edge then dipping the glasses in Baker's Sugar. He froze them for 2 hours or so before the party).We were able to double this recipe and get two drinks in each shaker.
And they rocked.Srsly.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken:4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs1 large onion, peeled and diced6 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce1 (16-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1/2 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 lime, juiced1 tablespoon cornstarch2 tablespoons cold water
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the chicken into the bottom of your cooker (frozen is fine). Add diced onion and garlic. In a mixing bowl whisk together the soy sauce, cranberry sauce, and juices. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of your chicken. Cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked (if you cook it longer, it’ll shred—it’s up to you!)With tongs, carefully remove the chicken and place on a serving platter. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into your slow cooker to thicken, then serve over mashed potatoes or polenta.
Triple Threat Cranberry Brisket:5 pound beef brisket1 onion, peeled and diced4 cloves garlic, minced1 (16-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce1/2 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1/4 cup dried cranberries
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the meat into the bottom of your slow cooker insert. Add onion and garlic. In a mixing bowl, mix together the can of cranberry sauce, soy sauce, juice, and dried cranberries. Pour this combination evenly over the top of the meat. Cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for about 6 hours. Your meat is finished when it has begun to lose it’s shape and can pull apart easily with a fork. Serve over mashed potatoes with a spoonful of sauce.
Cranberry Fluff Dessert
I was channeling TW from Retro-Food.com when I decided to serve this dessert. I knew I wanted something we could all eat together and didn't want a big production (think ice-cream bar) or a huge mess to deal with later (again, think ice-cream bar). But I wanted the kids to like it and the adults to at least give it a half-hearted thumbs up.
I was WAY SURPRISED. We licked the pyrex clean. All 6 adults and 9 children couldn't get enough.
2 cups boiling water2 (4-ounce) packages cherry gelatin dessert1 cup Simply Cranberry Cocktail1 (8-ounce) container whipped dessert topping, room temperature, divided1 (15-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1 package shortbread cookies (or something similar. Ours were gluten free, of course!)
Whisk the dried gelatin powder with the boiling water until it's completely dissolved. Whisk in the juice, and then refrigerate the mixing bowl for 90 minutes. You want the gelatin slightly set, but not really.
Now stir in 2 cups of the dessert topping and the entire can of cranberry sauce. Pour this mixture into a 9 x 9 glass baking pan. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until completely set. Spread on the additional whipped topping and dot with shortbread cookies.
Cranberry retro yumminess. It's tart, but not too tart, and sweet, but not too sweet. It was the perfect end to a perfect night. And you know it was good when you wake up to this in the morning:
I had so much fun and feel so lucky to have the best friends ever. Thank you to Simply Cranberry Cocktail for giving me an excuse to have a party. And for the realization that I shouldn't have to have an excuse to have friends over--I should just do it!
 |
Guess what?
Simply Cranberry Cocktail understands that sometimes it's just not possible to have a spur-of-the moment party when you're busy living your life and all "extra" (HA on the extra!) income goes towards retirement, or college, or braces, or new tires. So they are offering to help out by giving one lucky winner a $100 Visa gift card to spend however you'd like.Maybe you'd like to have a cranberry party of your very own?
What is your favorite way to make a party or get together at your home more festive? Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Rules:
P.S: I didn't make these up.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
I'll randomly select a winner from the responses (leave an email address or sign in so I can find you!) and will make sure the gift card gets sent out promptly.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/7/2012 - 6/1/2012
updated 6/2/12: This CONTEST IS NOW OVER. A representative from BlogHer will contact the randomly selected winner. THANK YOU to all who entered!
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
"Simply Cranberry™" is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
BOO-YAH! Tweet
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8 Perfect Rib Recipes for the Slow Cooker
To contact us Click HERE
Happy almost Memorial Day!
Happy almost The Last Day of School!
Happy almost "It's the Beginning of Summer"
Happy "I'm So Glad I Didn't Burn My Retinas Out Staring At The Eclipse!
let's celebrate with some ribs --- slow cooked to perfection in the very best appliance known to man. (and three side dishes, just in case!)
Smoky Home-Style Ribs
Hawaiian Ribs
Orange Chipotle Ribs
Greek-Spiced Ribs
Original Barbecue Beef Ribs
Lemon Pepper Ribs 
Korean Ribs
Garlic Baked Potatoes 
Corn on the Cob
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili, Cumin, and Lime
ENJOY!
P.S: there is still time to enter the $100 Visa gift card giveaway from Simply Cranberry!
Tweet
Happy almost The Last Day of School!
Happy almost "It's the Beginning of Summer"
Happy "I'm So Glad I Didn't Burn My Retinas Out Staring At The Eclipse!
let's celebrate with some ribs --- slow cooked to perfection in the very best appliance known to man. (and three side dishes, just in case!)
Smoky Home-Style RibsHawaiian Ribs Orange Chipotle Ribs Greek-Spiced Ribs Original Barbecue Beef Ribs  |
| Red Ribs |
Lemon Pepper Ribs Korean Ribs Garlic Baked Potatoes Corn on the Cob Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili, Cumin, and Lime ENJOY!
P.S: there is still time to enter the $100 Visa gift card giveaway from Simply Cranberry!
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Beer Braised Turkey with Potatoes
To contact us Click HERE
Hello there! It's summer time, and just when I think the days couldn't possibly fly by any faster, they do. I love having the girls home with me, and we've been having lots of fun playing board (bored?) games, staying up late, camping in the backyard, and running through the sprinklers.
and we're only in week number two!
Today, though, my 7-year-old has the flu, and there is nothing worse than hearing friends outside riding bikes when you're stuck inside on the couch. She's a good sport, though, and is watching RV on loop (cute movie, ages 7+; quite a few bathroom-related jokes....) while I catch up on computer work.
Although we're in June, and slow cooker fare usually conjures up snowy/rainy days and crisp fall weather, I implore you to NOT forget about your slow cooker during the summer months. It keeps your kitchen cool, and provides more opportunity to play!
Beer Braised Turkey with PotatoesThe Ingredients.serves 4-6
2 pounds potatoes, washed and quartered (no need to peel)1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced3 pounds turkey drumsticks, or a bone-in turkey breast4 tablespoons butter (melted, or just toss in the half-stick)1 tablespoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup finely diced fresh basil leaves)1 lemon, juiced1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (Redbridge, by Anheuser Busch is gluten free.) If you'd prefer to not cook with alcohol, you can use a non-alcoholic beer.
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the potatoes and onion into the bottom of your insert, and add turkey on top. Frozen is okay--- and I did try to peel away some of the skin from my legs since I have weird skin issues. Plop in butter, basil, and lemon juice. Sprinkle on salt, and pour in the beer. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
The Verdict.
I served our turkey dinner with steamed Brussels sprouts, although if I had gotten my act together earlier in the day would have preferred to roast them or make the world's best Brussels sprouts. The turkey was beautifully moist, and the drippings made a fabulous gravy (thicken by reducing in the stove, or by whisking in a cornstarch slurry--1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water).
Save your turkey bones to make soup!Turkey and Wild Rice SoupTurkey Stew
Here's to the BEST. SUMMER. EVER!! What are your plans?
Tweet
Hello there! It's summer time, and just when I think the days couldn't possibly fly by any faster, they do. I love having the girls home with me, and we've been having lots of fun playing board (bored?) games, staying up late, camping in the backyard, and running through the sprinklers.and we're only in week number two!
Today, though, my 7-year-old has the flu, and there is nothing worse than hearing friends outside riding bikes when you're stuck inside on the couch. She's a good sport, though, and is watching RV on loop (cute movie, ages 7+; quite a few bathroom-related jokes....) while I catch up on computer work.
Although we're in June, and slow cooker fare usually conjures up snowy/rainy days and crisp fall weather, I implore you to NOT forget about your slow cooker during the summer months. It keeps your kitchen cool, and provides more opportunity to play!
Beer Braised Turkey with PotatoesThe Ingredients.serves 4-6
2 pounds potatoes, washed and quartered (no need to peel)1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced3 pounds turkey drumsticks, or a bone-in turkey breast4 tablespoons butter (melted, or just toss in the half-stick)1 tablespoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup finely diced fresh basil leaves)1 lemon, juiced1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (Redbridge, by Anheuser Busch is gluten free.) If you'd prefer to not cook with alcohol, you can use a non-alcoholic beer.The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the potatoes and onion into the bottom of your insert, and add turkey on top. Frozen is okay--- and I did try to peel away some of the skin from my legs since I have weird skin issues. Plop in butter, basil, and lemon juice. Sprinkle on salt, and pour in the beer. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
The Verdict.
I served our turkey dinner with steamed Brussels sprouts, although if I had gotten my act together earlier in the day would have preferred to roast them or make the world's best Brussels sprouts. The turkey was beautifully moist, and the drippings made a fabulous gravy (thicken by reducing in the stove, or by whisking in a cornstarch slurry--1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water).
Save your turkey bones to make soup!Turkey and Wild Rice SoupTurkey Stew
Here's to the BEST. SUMMER. EVER!! What are your plans?
Tweet
Add this recipe to ZipList!
Not Another Boring Cola Roast
To contact us Click HERE
Happy July! Are you gearing up for the Fourth? I love the 4th of July -- I especially like going for walks and seeing all the flags -- they make me feel protected and proud.
We always have typical American food on the 4th, which to my family means the staples: hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and corn on the cob (don't worry, I'll sneak a crockpot or two in there--- probably with some baked beans). It's my grandma's birthday, and we'll finish our meal with chocolate cake.
I'm looking forward to it.
I've got a great recipe for you today, perfect if you end up with leftover soda after your Independence Day festivities. Sometimes cola roasts can seem a bit one-note. This one is not. I've made it a few times, now, and really appreciate how the canned chiles and smoky chipotle hit all sides of your tongue.
The photo below has a small piece of meat shown; I was recipe-testing when I snapped that photo. If you do use a small piece of meat, move down to a 4-quart slow cooker.
The Ingredients.serves 6 (if you shred the meat and serve in sandwiches, you can feed 8-10)
4 pound pork roast (bone in or out; I've used both pork tenderloin and a shoulder/butt)1 (7-ounce) can fire roasted diced green chiles1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste1 tablespoon cumin1 tablespoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (remember, the canned chipotles in adobo are not gluten free)1/3 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt1 cup cola
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the meat into the bottom of your cooker. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chiles, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sugar, and salt. Stir to create a paste, and then smear this mixture on all sides of your meat. If you have time to do so, you can marinate your meat in this mixture overnight (in a sealed plastic bag or tupperware; it's not recommended to refrigerate the stoneware and then cook in it).Pour in cola.Cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until pork has relaxed and begun to fall apart. If you used pork tenderloin, slice thinly and serve over rice or mashed potatoes. If you opted for a shoulder roast, shred completely using two large forks.
Enjoy!
The Verdict.
I like how the resulting pork is sweet but not in-your-face sticky sweet. It's got a bit of a kick, but it's not spicy enough to deter small children. I think I might like the cold leftovers even better--- I toasted hamburger buns (we use the Udi's brand) and added pickle relish and sliced cheddar for a next-day sandwich.
Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July, and happy birthday to Grandma Bunny!!
other stuff you might like:barbecued pulled porktop 10 slow cooker potluck dishesartichoke pasta10 books that changed my lifefood photography, realism, and false advertising
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Happy July! Are you gearing up for the Fourth? I love the 4th of July -- I especially like going for walks and seeing all the flags -- they make me feel protected and proud.
We always have typical American food on the 4th, which to my family means the staples: hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and corn on the cob (don't worry, I'll sneak a crockpot or two in there--- probably with some baked beans). It's my grandma's birthday, and we'll finish our meal with chocolate cake.
I'm looking forward to it.
I've got a great recipe for you today, perfect if you end up with leftover soda after your Independence Day festivities. Sometimes cola roasts can seem a bit one-note. This one is not. I've made it a few times, now, and really appreciate how the canned chiles and smoky chipotle hit all sides of your tongue.
The photo below has a small piece of meat shown; I was recipe-testing when I snapped that photo. If you do use a small piece of meat, move down to a 4-quart slow cooker.
The Ingredients.serves 6 (if you shred the meat and serve in sandwiches, you can feed 8-10)
4 pound pork roast (bone in or out; I've used both pork tenderloin and a shoulder/butt)1 (7-ounce) can fire roasted diced green chiles1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste1 tablespoon cumin1 tablespoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (remember, the canned chipotles in adobo are not gluten free)1/3 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt1 cup cola
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the meat into the bottom of your cooker. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chiles, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sugar, and salt. Stir to create a paste, and then smear this mixture on all sides of your meat. If you have time to do so, you can marinate your meat in this mixture overnight (in a sealed plastic bag or tupperware; it's not recommended to refrigerate the stoneware and then cook in it).Pour in cola.Cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until pork has relaxed and begun to fall apart. If you used pork tenderloin, slice thinly and serve over rice or mashed potatoes. If you opted for a shoulder roast, shred completely using two large forks.
Enjoy!
The Verdict.
I like how the resulting pork is sweet but not in-your-face sticky sweet. It's got a bit of a kick, but it's not spicy enough to deter small children. I think I might like the cold leftovers even better--- I toasted hamburger buns (we use the Udi's brand) and added pickle relish and sliced cheddar for a next-day sandwich.
Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July, and happy birthday to Grandma Bunny!!
other stuff you might like:barbecued pulled porktop 10 slow cooker potluck dishesartichoke pasta10 books that changed my lifefood photography, realism, and false advertising
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How to Make Healthy, Homemade Veggie Chips
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Curried Sweet Potato Chips
We know we need to eat more vegetables. The challenge is to do it with flavor and variety. So we've become creative.
Put all your vegetables in a blender, pulverize and serve. There's a booth at my local farmers market dispensing cups of green slop to devotees of that religion. I've tried it. I haven't converted.
Another approach is to chop up whatever you find in your vegetable drawer and put it on lettuce. This is more viable but looks and tastes an awful lot like salad, something that's been around for a while.
Or, take a mandoline to your vegetables, toss with olive oil and a dash of salt and serve them hot alongside a sandwich as chips. This vegetables-as-chips innovation has gone viral and can be found in grocery stores, restaurants and food trucks across the country. I've leapt onto this bandwagon with both feet.
Please click here to continue reading the post at NPR.org and to get recipes for Curried Sweet Potato Chips, Chili-Lime Plantain Chips, Kale Chips, Simple Salted Beet Chips and Smoked Paprika Carrot and Parsnip Chips.
Kale Chips
Curried Sweet Potato ChipsWe know we need to eat more vegetables. The challenge is to do it with flavor and variety. So we've become creative.
Put all your vegetables in a blender, pulverize and serve. There's a booth at my local farmers market dispensing cups of green slop to devotees of that religion. I've tried it. I haven't converted.
Another approach is to chop up whatever you find in your vegetable drawer and put it on lettuce. This is more viable but looks and tastes an awful lot like salad, something that's been around for a while.
Or, take a mandoline to your vegetables, toss with olive oil and a dash of salt and serve them hot alongside a sandwich as chips. This vegetables-as-chips innovation has gone viral and can be found in grocery stores, restaurants and food trucks across the country. I've leapt onto this bandwagon with both feet.
Please click here to continue reading the post at NPR.org and to get recipes for Curried Sweet Potato Chips, Chili-Lime Plantain Chips, Kale Chips, Simple Salted Beet Chips and Smoked Paprika Carrot and Parsnip Chips.
Kale ChipsFire Up Your Imagination by Grilling Unusual Foods
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Chances are good that you'll be firing up your grill this Memorial Day weekend, you and 71% of Americans. Chances are also good you'll be grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, steak and corn. But how about grilling some unusual suspects, like watermelon, sweet potatoes, even cake?
You can. Find out how in my latest article for the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Fire Up Your Imagination," which includes recipes for:
Italian-Inspired Grilled Pound Cake
Grilled Chipotle-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Smoky Grilled Guacamole
Spicy Grilled Watermelon, Cucumber and Jicama Salad, pictured below
What foods do you love to grill? Please share with us here or online at the U-T!
Photo credit, FCC, mccun934.
Chances are good that you'll be firing up your grill this Memorial Day weekend, you and 71% of Americans. Chances are also good you'll be grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, steak and corn. But how about grilling some unusual suspects, like watermelon, sweet potatoes, even cake?
You can. Find out how in my latest article for the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Fire Up Your Imagination," which includes recipes for:
Italian-Inspired Grilled Pound Cake
Grilled Chipotle-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Smoky Grilled Guacamole
Spicy Grilled Watermelon, Cucumber and Jicama Salad, pictured below
What foods do you love to grill? Please share with us here or online at the U-T!
Photo credit, FCC, mccun934.
Thinking of Dad this Father's Day (Plus, a Give-Away)
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As I was thinking of what to write about for a Father's Day post, I started to recall the times I talked about my dad on this blog. Turns out, it's a lot of times. So, rather than create a new story, I'm going to share some of the spark some good memories of you and your and dad. And, to dads everywhere, thanks, and Happy Father's Day.
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There's a give-away too!
In the comment section below, please share a fond memory of your dad. It can be sentimental, funny, quirky, food-related, sports-related, whatever. It's completely up to you! I'll choose 5 winners and mail them a signed copy of my book, Recipes Every Man Should Know.
Deadline for entry is the end of the day, Sunday, June 10th so I can mail you the books in time for Father's Day on June 17.
Tweet about the contest, mentioning @Susan_Russo, and I'll count that as another entry. Good luck!
Lobster So Big, You Could Put a Saddle on It and Ride ItSee a video of my dad trying to crack open a 14-pound crustacean. This is good viewing, folks.
How to Make Italian Pepper BiscuitsMy dad share's his perfect pepper biscuits for my Christmas cookie round-up.
What's In Your Basement?My attempt at an intervention regarding my dad's obsession with stockpiling food.
How to Roast Peppers with Jerry LewisDad + Jerry Lewis + bushels of peppers = Labor Day celebration
How to Make Pizzelle Cookies in 5 Easy StepsBuddy may be the Cake Boss. My dad is the Pizzelle Boss.
Hey, Dad, I Finally Like Spaghetti Squash!A story about my dad's overzealous appreciation to spaghetti squash.
Bring Back the McDonald's Shamrock ShakeMe: Wisdom teeth, pain. Dad: Shamrock Shakes. Lots of them.
Patriots PizzaOne of the first posts I had written on Food Blogga highlighted two of my dad's favorite things:pizza and football.
There's a give-away too!
In the comment section below, please share a fond memory of your dad. It can be sentimental, funny, quirky, food-related, sports-related, whatever. It's completely up to you! I'll choose 5 winners and mail them a signed copy of my book, Recipes Every Man Should Know.
Deadline for entry is the end of the day, Sunday, June 10th so I can mail you the books in time for Father's Day on June 17.
Tweet about the contest, mentioning @Susan_Russo, and I'll count that as another entry. Good luck!
Lobster So Big, You Could Put a Saddle on It and Ride ItSee a video of my dad trying to crack open a 14-pound crustacean. This is good viewing, folks.
How to Make Italian Pepper BiscuitsMy dad share's his perfect pepper biscuits for my Christmas cookie round-up.
What's In Your Basement?My attempt at an intervention regarding my dad's obsession with stockpiling food.
How to Roast Peppers with Jerry LewisDad + Jerry Lewis + bushels of peppers = Labor Day celebration
How to Make Pizzelle Cookies in 5 Easy StepsBuddy may be the Cake Boss. My dad is the Pizzelle Boss.
Hey, Dad, I Finally Like Spaghetti Squash!A story about my dad's overzealous appreciation to spaghetti squash.
Bring Back the McDonald's Shamrock ShakeMe: Wisdom teeth, pain. Dad: Shamrock Shakes. Lots of them.
Patriots PizzaOne of the first posts I had written on Food Blogga highlighted two of my dad's favorite things:pizza and football.
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