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Cooking with Anne Cooking with Anne Mom of 7 shares her passion for food and cooking. Articles
Stocks and Brown Sauce 101
2008-02-21 15:56:00 Yesterday I wrote about using a brown sauce made from vegetable stock for the Mushroom Stroganoff I made. There were a couple questions posted to the comments, and as promised, I'm going to explain it all right now.Stock is the liquid made from simmering bones and vegetables to extract their flavor. It's used as a base for soups, stews and sauces. The type of stock made depends on the bones and method of cooking used.Before we start, you'll need to know a few cooking terms that are common in the making of stocks.Mise en place ~French for "everything in it's place". The best way to start any recipe is to have everything you need measured and ready to go before beginning.Mirepoix ~A mixture of vegetables, 2 parts onions, 1 part celery, 1 part carrots and may also contain leeks and mushrooms in which case the amount of onions would be decreased. It's used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer for the sauce that is made from it and the pan drippings.Sachet d'epices~ French for "bag o... More About: Stocks , Brown , Sauce
Veggie Wednesday: Mushroom Stroganoff
2008-02-20 18:08:00 I adore a good stroganoff and this vegetarian version is no exception. Mushroom s are just the right texture to replace meat in a dish that needs to stay rich.I made this one with a brown sauce made from vegetable stock. I'll be posting about stocks in the next few days so you can check back for those recipes.Mushroom Stroganoff2 lbs mushrooms, cleaned and quartered (I used button mushrooms and Baby Bellas)olive oil1 clove garlic, minced1 T shallot, mincedsalt and pepperred winebrown sauce, as neededsour cream, to tasteCooked noodles or riceCook garlic and shallot briefly in olive oil and add mushrooms. Sauté until completely softened and liquid has evaporated. Push the mushrooms aside and deglaze the pan with a small amount of red wine, about 1/4 cup. Stir mushrooms and cover with brown sauce, 2 to 3 cups depending on what consistency you'd like. Stir well and add sour cream, 2 T to 1/4 c. Heat through and serve over rice or noodles. More About: Wednesday
Simon and Garfunkel Roast Chicken
2008-02-19 23:09:00 Yes, you read that right, and if you are old enough to remember, you'll know exactly what that means; Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. I added a couple cloves of garlic to it and this is that herb roasted chicken I mentioned making for Sunday Dinner this week, and it was good. The beautiful bird. The freshly chopped herbs (1 tablespoon each), garlic (2 cloves minced) and 1/2 a cup of butter. Herbed butter under the skin... ...and on top of it. The gorgeous, and delicious, finished roast. More About: Chicken , Simon and Garfunkel , Roast , Simon , Garfunkel
Ready, Set, Cook! #37 Recipes
2008-02-19 16:03:00 Here's what I got for this month's game:See Ranae's awesome meal at Cornbread & Cook ies.I posted Cauliflower and Leek Fritters (which were served with grilled chicken breasts) at Suite 101.And this came in from someone who doesn't have a blog and wants to be known as, "a gal who loves to cook" - Good enough for me!Cauliflower Casserole1 small leek - cleaned and sliced1 large head cauliflower - broken up and cooked in salted water until just tender2 cups diced cooked chicken1 large red pepper - diced4 cups white sauce2 cups shredded Swiss or Provolone1 teaspoon white pepper1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmegCook leeks in a small amount of butter until tender. Mix everything together and put into a greased 9 x 13 pan or large casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F until bubbly and lightly browned - about 30 minutes.OK, see you next month for Ready , Set, Cook! on March 4th! More About: Recipes , Ready Set Cook
Product Review: Senseo Deluxe
2008-02-18 18:24:00 I love coffee. I'm addicted to coffee. If I could get coffee in an IV drip, I'd do it; the faster, the better. That's where Senseo comes in. It's fast, it's good, and there's no coffee left behind to burn and be rendered completely unsafe for human consumption. OK, well, unsafe is pushing it, but really, how long can you drink burnt coffee before your stomach lining is gone? See? Senseo is good for your health.All silliness aside, this thing really works. Add water to the reservoir, pop in a coffee pod, turn it on and there you have it. Fresh coffee and consistent flavor, cup by cup, each and every time. I tried the Dark roast that came with the machine and also bought Sumatran blend - both were great.It takes up no more room than a regular coffee maker, you can brew two cups at a time, and it looks totally cool.What other reason do you need to want one? If you'd like to purchase a Senseo for yourself, I have 5 coupons for $20 off a system - but ONLY 5! Email me at irishones7... More About: Product Review , Review , Product , Deluxe
Sunday Dinner - eventually
2008-02-17 17:54:00 I will be making Sunday Dinner today, but I'm not sure if I'll get to post about it with photos or not. Hubby and I have been married for 19 years tomorrow, and we're going out today for our favorite shared acivity - perusing the aisles of a bookstore. After that we may grab lunch, who knows.Sunday Dinner will be:Herb Roast ChickenJasmine RiceGravyBroccoli or Green Beans -I haven't decided which.Nothing fancy, just good food.I've been very busy lately with something that I'm hoping you all will like - my own website. I finally bought a domain name and found a great host site and am losing my eyesight building the thing. I can't afford to have someone do it for me, so I'm doing all the "behind the scenes" stuff by hand and getting a very stiff neck for it.I'm about 1/3 done and have lots of work to do, but if you'd like to see it thus far, this is the link:Cooking with Anne
If you were stranded in a snowstorm...
2008-02-14 12:41:00 Let's say the snow is on its way and you have just enough time to get to the grocery for one last pick-up. The snow will be BAD, but you'll only be stuck inside for 2 days. You know, one of those- "nobody on the roads but emergency vehicles" -type storms.Your pantry is already well-stocked. What do you buy that you just have to have for those 2 days?My own answer is: a pint of Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk to go with the movies I've planned to watch--1/2 a pint for each night. And you?
One of those weeks
2008-02-13 15:41:00 I didn't forget Ready, Set, Cook! and I certainly didn't forget Veggie Wednesday, but this week has been really crazy with the 8 year-old home longer than I expected and weather woes causing early dismissals and snow days. So, I will post R,S,C! submissions next Tuesday (February 19th) and get back to Veggie Wednesday next week as well.If you didn't get a submission in because you've had "one of those weeks", too, then please feel free to email it to me (irishones7 (@) juno.com) before next Tuesday and I'll gladly add it. I seem to have noticed that this week was a bit bad all around for many people I know. Let's all hope next week looks far better. More About: Ready Set Cook , Weeks
Sunday Dinner
2008-02-10 22:06:00 On our table today:Eye Round Roast with HerbsRoasted Baby Potatoes and CarrotsGravyGreen Leaf Lettuce SaladKentucky Butter Cake**Whew! I barely got dinner done this week. We had a visit to Philadelphia for Marty on Thursday and after being sick all last week, Declan, our 8 year-old, woke up sick to his stomach today. I've been racing all day cleaning up and taking care of the non-sick kids in addition to Declan's illness. You can read up on Marty's progress at The Rest of Me.The roast is real simple - I seared it on all sides in olive oil in a large oven-proof pan and added fresh rosemary, thyme and parsley to it. Then I roasted it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes or so before slicing. You can cook it a bit longer, but more than 2 hours for a 3-5 lb. roast would be too much. Add a little red wine if you'd like - not much, about 1 cup would do. Resting roast.For gravy, remove the roast and herbs from the roasting pan, add ... More About: Dinner , Sunday
Now, this looks delicious!
2008-02-06 18:37:00 Barron's has just published a new Italian cuisine cookbook and it looks really terrific.The New Regional Italian Cuisine Cookbook by Reinhardt Hess,Cornelia Schinharl, Sabine Sälzer is more than just recipes.There is a brief history of each region and the food they each offer up with beautiful full-color photos of the areas and the recipes.Give it a look for yourself at Barron's.The New RegionalItalian Cuisine Cookbook More About: Delicious , Barron
Ready, Set, Cook! #37
2008-02-05 16:02:00 Click the above photo for Rules of Play if you've never played before.Today's three are two seasonal vegetables and the easiest protein ever - chicken.chicken breastsleekscauliflowerHave fun creating! See you next week with submissions. More About: Cook , Ready Set Cook , Ready
Pastel de Cuatro Leches
2008-02-04 19:16:00 This sweet wonder made it into Saveur's tenth annual 100 issue and one taste will tell you just why. This dense triple-milk (condensed, evaporated, heavy cream) soaked cake is perfection. Saveur offers up a delicious version of dulce de leche sold by Zingerman's (LOVE Zingerman's!), but I made my own at home with a can of sweetened condensed milk.There are several ways to go about it:Put two holes in the top of the can and set in an ovenproof pan with water poured in to halfway up the side of the can. Place this in the oven at 250 degrees F for about 4 hours until it's dark and thick.Cut the whole top off of the can and cover loosely with foil and proceed as above.Pour into a pie plate, cover with foil and put in a water bath as above.Pour into a heavy saucepan and put over low heat. Stir very often until the right color and consistency (dark caramel color and spreadable consistency). This still takes 45 minutes to an hour and needs constant attention.Or buy it. See above. More About: Cuatro
It's Tuesday Tomorrow!
2008-02-04 18:21:00 I bet you already knew that...Tomo rrow is the first Tuesday of the month, which means it's Ready, Set, Cook! time.If you've never played, or if you've played before but need a refresher course, go HERE to check out the Rules of Play, please.I don't have 3 ingredients in mind, yet, so if you have an idea-shoot it to me at:Irishones7 (@) juno (.) com and I'll let you know what I think!See you tomorrow. More About: Ready Set Cook
Book Review: 101 Easy Peasy Cookie Recipes
2008-02-02 15:40:00 I could easily give 101 reasons why I love this book; each and every recipe. Mother- daughter team Lucinda and Heather Wallace have put together the most amazing little book of cookie recipes.There's no fluff, no history, no extras (which I miss a little) just recipes - delicious recipes!I made four different batches of cookies from this book. I set out to make one from each section, but settled on one each. I made Caramel Apple Crisps from the Bar Cookies chapter and made a huge mistake - I thought I'd have time "later" to get a photo, but the cookies were gone before "later" came. We were all crazy about them, even my brother-in- law who stopped in for a visit.Next was Oranges and Cream Cookies, which I'm allowed to share the recipe for, from the Drop Cookies chapter. Man, were these GOOD! If you've ever bought those canned orange rolls for breakfast, you know - the kind you make at home - these taste nearly identical to those.Then I tried Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies from... More About: Recipes , Book Review , Review , Book , Easy
Are you a Great Cook?
2008-02-01 17:03:00 If you look to my left sidebar, you'll see the Great Cook s Blogroll widget. Jill of Simply Daily Recipes has come up with this little gadget to compile great food and recipe blog links. There are already several of my favorites there; Chef Tom Cooks, No Fear Entertaining, MomCooks and What's Cooking? to name a few.If you'd like to join too, click on the header of the blogroll, check to make sure you meet the criteria and fill out your info for Jill. She'll send you all you need to add it to your own blog.
Product Review: Perdue Perfect Portions
2008-01-31 16:00:00 Let's talk chicken. I was given the chance to review PERDUE® PERFECT PORTIONS® Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, (which come in 7 different flavors) and I jumped at it. The selling point being "fast and even cooking" sounded like something I could really use.I picked up the All Natural packages, fettuccine, Alfredo sauce and frozen broccoli. I figured if I was going to see if these chicken breasts really lived up to their name I would cook up one of the fastest, but flavorful, meals I know of.Before you get to thinking that you can clean and portion your own chicken, think of the fact that it's a very time-consuming job; I know, I do my own all the time. But, there are those nights when I don't have the time at all to clean chicken and I haven't already gotten it done ahead of time and stored it in the freezer, and Tuesday night when we were at a doctor appointment for hubby a little longer than expected, was one of those nights. I also don't have a kitchen scale, so I don't... More About: Product Review , Review , Product , Perfect
Veggie Wednesday
2008-01-30 15:13:00 The Lehigh Valley Vegetarians now has a website! If you live in or near the Lehigh Valley, Pa give them a look. Meeting announcements, veggie articles, tons of resources and a listing of organizations are all there in one spot. A truly great resource, a long time in the making, for the LV.Also check out Eating Healthy Nutritious Food with the URI FEAST for a whole host of veggie friendly and healthy recipes and tips!Jackie's website, The Vegan Diet, is full of real-life information and recipes that any "veggie" shouldn't miss!This link is for my bean-loving veggie friends - BEANS - too funny not to share! More About: Wednesday
A Little Sunshine in the Winter
2008-01-28 16:23:00 Aren't these pretty? I've always wanted to try Harry and David's Royal Riviera pears, but hadn't had the chance yet. Marty's Aunt Joan beat me to it; happily. She had these sent along to help Marty feel a little better about his latest hurt. They're making me feel better, too.I can't think of a better way to soothe an ouch - except maybe chocolate... More About: Winter , Sunshine
Olive Riley is Still Blogging!
2008-01-26 20:45:00 Olive Riley is 108 and still blogging! Please stop by and say hello to her sweet self - won't you?The Life of Riley More About: Blogging , Olive
Book Review: Table for Eight
2008-01-25 19:23:00 I recently received a copy of Table for Eight, Raising a large family in a small family world by Meagan Francis, and I have come to one single conclusion after reading it and that would be that anyone who has or is thinking of having a large family should have a copy of this book. Kids are great, but even one or two can be challenging, and once you get up to four and beyond, it's a whole new ball of wax.Oh, I know, many moms, especially those of us with lots of kids, know it all and don't need any advice, but my take on life is that until you cease to exist, you're learning.Of course, I headed straight for the food chapter: Feeding Your Flock, and all I have to say about this is that the advice there is sound, sound, sound. There's info there (and all over the book) from real moms with many children who have been there, done that. There are also menu planning and pantry charts (click here for more of that type) to help keep your food stores and tummies full. The only thing I wou... More About: Book Review , Review , Book
Veggie Wednesday: Retro
2008-01-23 15:54:00 This recipe card is one of a collection I have that belonged to my late great-grandmother. Grandma died in 1974 just before her 90Th birthday. The 1930's then, when this card and many of the others in the collection was written, was mid-life for her. It was also the time of the Great Depression.When grandma and grandpa weren't off in a foreign country doing missions work, they lived in the parsonage of whichever church grandpa was pastoring at the time. Grandpa was always there, wearing a clean, long-sleeved, white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of suspenders. At a moment's notice, he could roll down the sleeves, add a tie and a suit jacket and be ready to preside over any ceremony necessary. As my mother told me, "You have no idea how many weddings he performed right there in the parsonage."Being a pastor in those days often meant being paid in food, which was not so bad an idea, really. Grandma would have to entertain quite a bit and extra food certainly helped. Me... More About: Retro , Wednesday
We used to play this little game...
2008-01-22 15:18:00 ...called, Ready, Set, Cook! named for the old Food Network show and followed loosely on it's rules. We haven't played in quite some time and I don't know when or if we'll ever play again! I'd love to do it, but life happened and I couldn't keep up and then another blogger came along and started something very similar and ... you know.So, if anyone is up for it, monthly - weekly seemed too often - now is your chance to let me know.The rules are linked up to the image above, if you're clueless about what this is - and follow the tags below to see games we've already played. More About: Play , Game , Ready Set Cook
Sunday Dinner
2008-01-20 23:09:00 Dinner today is certainly not the traditional "Sunday Dinner" - I didn't roast anything! Actually, I think Sunday Dinner is whatever brings family - by any definition - together.Chicken Fried RiceWonton SoupAlmond CookiesChicken fried rice is so easy that I don't really have a recipe for it. Technically, it's cold cooked rice, a little oil and soy sauce. I like to add garlic and ginger to mine along with diced onion and other veggies if I have them on-hand. For my family, though, the less there is, the more likely they are to eat it.I start out with a hot wok or non-stick pan and add about a tablespoon of oil. Usually a neutral oil like canola is best, but I also use sesame oil from time to time. Toss in about 2 cups of already cooked and cooled rice - make SURE it's cool, or it will all turn to mush! Day old cold rice is best. Stir it around and toss in soy sauce to taste - a tablespoon or so - and stir until heated through. That's it! If I'm making it with chicken-like tonig... More About: Dinner
Apple, Pear and Almond Crostata
2008-01-19 21:16:00 Crostata is yet another food that has many, many versions. The traditional "home" made crostata is simply pie dough topped with jam and sometimes a lattice of dough. Other versions, like this one, are made with whole fruit like apples or berries. Some use almond paste as a base under the fruit. I made this last evening to go with on of our favorite dinners of pasta with marinara and meatballs and my own cheese bread. Delicious!Apple , Pear and Almond CrostataDough:1 cup flour1 T sugar1/4 t salt1 stick butter - diced2 - 3 T ice waterStir flour, sugar and salt together well. Add butter and rub together until crumbly. Add water 1 T at a time until dough forms a firm ball. Flatten and chill between waxed paper while prepping fruit. Filling ingredientsFilling:2 medium apples2 medium pears1/2 c sliced almonds1/4 c sugar1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg1/4 t ground cinnamonPeel and seed fruits-cut into small dice. Toss with sugar and spices.Roll out dough between waxed paper to roughly a 12 - 14"...
Coffee for One and Eating Better - FREE!
2008-01-17 17:52:00 Right now at ShareSenseo .com sign up for a chance to win a FREE Senseo® Single Serve Coffee Pod System. Fill out a short survey, and if you're selected (you'll be notified by e-mail within 2-6 weeks), you'll get a Senseo machine for $15 shipping and handling. That's a GREAT deal considering the Senseo retails for $70.On a healthier eating note, EatBetterAmerica.com is giving away free samples of Fiber One cereal. It's easy; sign up for the Eat Better America newsletter and your sample will be on it's way! Sign up HERE.The newsletter is sent out once a month and offers recipes and tips for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.*Fiber One provides 57% of the average adults daily fiberrequirement, has 0 grams of sugar and 60 calories per serving.*Information provided by Charlie Kondek of Hass MS&L. This is not a paid product endorsement. More About: Free , Eating
Someone wake me up when it's all over...
2008-01-16 16:13:00 My dear husband has gone and hurt himself on top of his hurts. He fell on black ice yesterday at the kids' school and BROKE HIS FOOT. Honest.We really are Irish; if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have none.He'll be sitting for two weeks until this heals up. It's good that it wasn't so bad, but it sets his therapy back just that much further.I think I wasn't waiting on him enough and he wanted more meals-on-trays. More About: Wake
Cooking with Friends
2008-01-15 17:09:00 There's a brand new website (don't you love those!?) that I'm going to ask you to check out. Cooking with Friends is the brain-child of Alison J. Bermack, Shannon Henry and Dana Bowen; all three accomplished writers, professionals and food lovers (my favorite part).Cooking with Friends is the most brilliant twist on cooking ahead that I have ever seen. I've spent countless hours myself cooking up meals for Once a Month Cooking or even smaller weekly sessions, and I can attest to the fact that doing it alone makes it a chore. Cooking with Friends offers up a fabulous solution: do it with friends!The site offers a blog, how-to, recipes and more! It's really worth a look. Even if you don't cook ahead, you'll be inspired to cook with your friends no matter what the reason!
Book Review: The Cornbread Gospels
2008-01-14 19:18:00 My cornbread doesn't look as good as the photo on the book cover, but it sure tasted delicious!I laughed, I cried, I sat spellbound and on the edge of my seat to the very end! I was reading the newest Harry Potter book, right? Wrong. I just finished reading The Cornbread Gospels by Crescent Dragonwagon and I absolutely LOVE this book.This is not just a cookbook. It's stories wound around history, looped with facts and hints and tied together with recipes that will join your repertoire and never, ever leave. It's not just cornbread recipes, either! It's muffins and pones and pancakes and go-withs like greens and soups.I, like so many people that Crescent Dragonwagon met in her travels, grew up with cornbread and have a deep affection for it; not just because I love it, but because of the memories it brings with it each time it's pulled hot from the oven. When I told my mom about this book, the first thing out of her mouth was, "Grandma made cornbread every day of her life." I di... More About: Book Review , Review , Book
A "Sweet" 16!
2008-01-13 21:10:00 My second daughter turned 16 a couple days ago and this was another another "Bad Cake by Anne" for her - a little play on words:Now, I know I'm probably scarring my children for life by continuing to make badly decorated cakes for their birthdays, but I can't help it. It's like a compulsion - you know, like rubber-necking for a car wreck.Think they'll live through it? More About: Sweet
Veggie Wednesday: Collard Greens
More articles from this author:2008-01-09 18:03:00 I know some people don't like greens at all, but I can't see what's NOT to love. Not only are they one of the greenest greens (which makes them really good for you-there's loads of calcium in these), they're inexpensive and versatile. This is my personal recipe for greens, but you could easily make it vegan (and healthier) by leaving out the bacon and adding a drop or two of Liquid Smoke. If you don't like the flavor of meat at all, leave out the Liquid Smoke and turn up the flavor with garlic and extra cayenne.Gorgeous Greens !Collard Greens2 lbs collard greens(I found some beautiful organic ones from Lady Moon Farms at my local Giant store)4 slices of bacon - diced (optional)1 small onion - sliced thin (also optional)1 cup water or stock - chicken, vegetable-whatever you like2 T apple cider vinegarcayenne pepper, black pepper and salt to tasteWash collards in several changes of water and remove the thick stems. I fold the leaves in half and rip the stem right out from bottom ... More About: Wednesday 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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