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Mulled Cider
It is the last weekend in August. In Texas, that means it’s still plenty steamy. In spite of that, and slightly ahead of schedule, I put out some of my inside autumn decorations. It gives me hope, you see, that cooler temps are just around the corner. Fall is such an interesting time, particularly up north. It’s almost as if you can hear the great trees beginning to wind down, getting ready to snooze for the coming months. I learned several years ago that what triggers deciduous trees to begin to close off the leaves, thus beginning their transformational palette to the spectacular colors of Fall is not temperature-driven. No!…
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Turkey-Spinach-Mushroom Stuffed Shells
This particular recipe combines comfort food with a splash of elegance. You can serve it with style or simply, depending on the occasion. Prep: 30 m Cook: 45 m Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells 8 ounces mushrooms, diced (recommend baby bellas) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, finely chopped 1 pound ground turkey salt and pepper to taste oregano & basil – or Italian seasoning to taste 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 cups ricotta (can substitute cottage cheese or mix of both) 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 (32 ounce) jar vodka sauce 1 (8 ounce) package…
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Hungarian Goulash
This is a favorite recipe from my childhood – oh, and wait – and my adulthood! You can make this in a Dutch Oven, or my preference, in a slow cooker. That way I can smell it all day. Enjoy! Ingredients: 2 lbs. stewing beef, cut into cubes 1 cup sliced onion 3/4 cup ketchup 1 tsp cider vinegar 3 tsp paprika 1 tsp dry mustard, or a shot of yellow 3 tbs olive oil 2 tbs garlic, or 2 cloves smashed 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp brown sugar 2 tsp salt 2 1/2 cups water Instructions: Brown beef, onions and garlic in the olive oil. Transfer…
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King Ranch Casserole with a Twist
Ingredients 1/2 cooked, shredded chicken (3 or so cups) 3 roasted poblano peppers, split 1 large onion, chopped 1 large red bell pepper, chopped 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 can roasted green chiles 1 can chopped jalapenos (or 2 chopped fresh, seeds removed) 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomato and green chiles 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 – 3 shakes chalupa sauce 2 teaspoons cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas (flour tortillas used in the photo) 3 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided – I used cheddar…
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Brussel Sprouts ala MJ
Last weekend a dear friend, Maryam, came to visit. She requested we make this recipe, and we did. We always have such fun. All I can say is – YEAH! I would do it all again! Ingredients • 10 ounces bacon, cut into strips • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 pounds Brussel sprouts, washed, (trim bottoms and cut sprouts in half) • Salt and pepper to season • 5 cloves garlic finely chopped • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream• 1/3 cup fresh shredded or grated mozzarella • 1/4 cup fresh shredded or grated parmesan cheese Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C. 2. Fry the bacon in a large…
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Baked Potato Soup
Is it cold where you are? Here is something to warm your heart and soul… Ingredients 3 bacon strips, diced 1 medium – large onion, chopped (depending on your preference, you can leave the peels on or remove them) 5 stalks chopped celery 2 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 can green chiles 2 cans chicken broth (small cans) 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed (bake @ 375 for 1 hour) 1 – 1 1/2 cups milk 2-3 Tbs sour cream 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce Directions In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Sautee…
