Sunday, June 29, 2014

Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta #SundaySupper


We are celebrating summer and July 4th in our Sunday Supper group this week with things to take on a picnic, to the beach, your favorite neighborhood BBQ or simply to enjoy at home.

I have wanted to make this dessert for a while and decided to try my hand at a homemade version that would have less refined sugar and made from homemade ingredients.  

I recently bought beef gelatin and set out to make several things.  I first made my own jello.  The red jello you see is made with three simple ingredients: unsweetened pomegranate juice,  raw honey and beef gelatin.  It was really easy!  I have included the recipe down below.

The second thing I wanted to make was panna cotta.  I love the smooth, yet set, feel of this dessert. My only concern was the dairy.  We are trying to cut back and so I wondered if I could use coconut milk.  I discovered that you can and it works like a charm.  I added a bit more beef gelatin to the recipe to make it more "jello-like" so it is firmer than a regular panna cotta.  Recipe is also shared below.

So--you basically get three recipes for the price of one!  





A funny side note about the panna cotta.  I have a schedule each day.  The schedule is centered around nap times.  If you have kids and work from home you might relate to this issue too.  When nap times happen I know that I have exactly 92 1/2 minutes and 39 seconds (roughly speaking, of course) to get about 4 hours of work done.  

It is a race in my kitchen of grabbing, cooking, slicing, picture taking, cooking, washing--yeah, I am sure you are starting to get the picture--so imagine my complete and udder frustration when I have to deal with a malfunctioning piece of ---- (won't say that out loud).  

My husband, for 26 years, has held his tongue about owning an electric can-opener.  I cannot stand these things and have forbidden the purchase of one.  Well, I caved a month ago.  If he wants one, then fine--buy one. 

He did.

It has worked okay. Not great but I have suffered through it. I even put my hand-held can opener out into our trailer (by the way, that is a pop up and the kitchen is not close to the door).

Rye had a follow-up appointment with her oral surgeon and Cory drove so that during nap time I could make this dessert. Everything was fine and on schedule until it came time to make the panna cotta.

Two cans of full fat coconut milk are needed and outside of gnawing the tops off I had to use the electric can opener. I mentally prepared myself and hoped for the best.

Well, I fought with that dang thing for 30 minutes trying to get it to work. I won't repeat the thoughts that were going through my mind but it involved the use of my windows and possibly a huge sledge hammer.

I am trying to be zen like and not get too excited about little things like this and so I decide its not worth it and get my knife and hammer out. DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME--unless you are desperate and need to work while your baby is asleep.

To make a long story short, I got the cans open, made the panna cotta and made my husband stop by the store for a manual can opener on his way home.

I think that peace will once again return to the Watson home.  

You will notice that I have included two pictures that are not stained glass. This is how I used any of the leftover ingredients. I made individual portions to see how it would work.  I loved that they slipped out of the little pyrex bowl and made these cute little desserts.  Next time I will serve them with some berries and whipped cream.



Isabella thought they were really fun to play with and slurp.

Do you remember slurping Jello as a kid?

Please visit my fellow Sunday Supper contributors to learn, discover and find a few more delicious recipes for your summer fun.  Links are at the end of this post.




Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta

Makes one 7X11 baking pan

1 box of blue Jello, prepared for the Jigglers
1 batch of homemade red beef gelatin Jello, recipe below
1 batch of homemade coconut milk panna cotta, recipe below

NOTE:  I used a store bought Jello box because I could not find any true blue juice at my grocery store and in order to do a red, white and blue theme--I had to use this product.  You can also make this using any color gelatin and name it "Broken Glass"  or  "Sea Glass".

1.  Take prepared Jello's and dice them into small pieces with a sharp knife.  Mine ranged in size from a half inch to smaller.



2.  Place all of the blue and red jello pieces in the bottom of a baking dish.  If you use a larger or smaller version than what is recommended your dessert will be either thinner or thicker.

3.  Prepare the coconut milk panna cotta and pour over the red and blue pieces.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until solid.  About 2-3 hours depending on refrigerator.

4.  When set, remove from refrigerator and slice to serve.  I sliced mine into bite size rectangles.  They can be cut using your favorite cookie cutter too.

5.  Store left overs in an air tight container and refrigerate.


Homemade Jello

1 cup of unsweetened juice.  I used pomegranate to get the red.
1 tablespoon beef gelatin
1 tablespoon raw honey

1.  Add juice and gelatin to a small sauce pan.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  The gelatin needs time to soften and expand.

2.  Place sauce pan on medium heat and warm.  DO NOT BOIL!  Boiling will ruin the gelatin.

3.  Once the juice is warm.  Remove from heat and add honey.  Stir until combined.

4.  Add juice-gelatin mixture to a small bowl.  My bowl was square 4X4.

5.  Let set in refrigerator.  At least an hour.

6.  Remove from refrigerator and serve.  Cut into small pieces, slabs, shapes, etc...



Homemade Coconut Milk Panna Cotta

3 cups (or two cans) of full fat coconut milk
3 tablespoons beef gelatin
1/3 cup raw honey
2 teaspoons of vanilla

NOTE:  A traditional panna cotta is served with berries or has berries in it.  I used the red and blue jello in place of this in the pictures above.  This panna cotta will set very firm.  To make it softer but still set, use 2 tablespoons of gelatin instead of 3.

1.  In a medium sauce pan add one can (1.5 cups) of coconut milk and gelatin.  Let sit for 10 minutes.

2.  Place sauce pan on medium heat and warm coconut milk.  DO NOT BOIL.  When steamy, remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.

3.  Let cool slightly--if you don't do this part--then you will see some of the jello bleed into the dessert.  This did not bother me but you may think differently.  I suggest wait about 10 minutes.  If you are not adding it to a dish full of jello pieces, then go ahead and add to your serving dishes (large or small) and wrap with saran wrap.

4.  Let set for 3 hours.  Serve with berries and whipped cream.


LOOKIE HERE---LOTS OF DELICIOUS PICNIC RECIPES! 

ENJOY

Are you looking for picnic recipes? Look no further than this fabulous list by Sunday Supper contributors. It is everything you need for a scrumptious day in the great outdoors.

Beverages
Orange Blossom Iced Tea by girlichef
Red, White, and Blue Sangria by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Rosemary Nectarine Sparkling Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
Best Picnic Wines by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Appetizers
Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls by Daily Dish Recipes
Peppadew Dip by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
Savory Red, White, and Bleu Truffles by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Mains
Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche by Mess Makes Food
London Broil with Caramelized Red Onions by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Stilton Potato and Stilton Pies by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce by Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Sides
Mushroom and Gruyere Cheesecake by Peaceful Cooking
Scotch Eggs by Small Wallet, Big Appetite

Salads
Caprese Pasta Salad by La Bella Vita Cucina
Farro & Walnut Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
Fruit Tortellini Salad by Jelly Toast
Gluten Free Potato Salad by Gluten Free Crumbley
Japanese Noodle Salad by Noshing With The Nolands
Kale and Quinoa Tabbouli by Healthy. Delicious.
Layered Chicken Salad by Nosh My Way
Lightened Up Macaroni Salad by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Loaded Potato Salad by Granny’s Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
Mexican 3 Bean Salad by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Old Fashioned Potato Salad by Life Tastes Good
Orzo Salad with Kale Pesto by Cooking Chat
Pizza Pasta Salad by Curious Cuisiniere
Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
Tomato Bean Salad by Family Foodie
Tuna Noodle Salad by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Vegetable Salad by Magnolia Days
Veggie Pasta Salad by Pescetarian Journal
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Verjus by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Sandwiches and Wraps
Pan Bagnat by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Panino con la Salamella by Manu’s Menu
Roast Beef Wraps by Cookin’ Mimi

Sweets
Banana Pudding Cheesecake by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Berry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups {#glutenfree option} by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Cherry Chip Blossom Cupcakes by NinjaBaking.com
Cherry Pie Crumb Bars by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
Chocolate Chunk Brownies by What Smells So Good?
Chocolate Syrup Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Chocolate Zucchini Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc
Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Alida’s Kitchen
Flag Cake by Pies and Plots
Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies by Feed Me, Seymour
Red, White, and Blue Berry Angel Food Cake Parfaits by Neighborfood
S’mores Crumb Bars by The Redhead Baker
Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta by Simply Gourmet
Strawberry Banana Oat Muffins by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.



Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here: Sunday Supper Movement



WRITTEN BY SHERRON WATSON





Thursday, June 26, 2014

Figgy Bites



You can thank my daughter for calling these little balls of delight "Figgy Bites". She gets full credit for naming them.

I was going for the obvious choice: Fig Balls.  

I think she was a bit embarrassed...LOL

I am loving them no matter what we call them.  They disappeared from our fridge really fast.

In my mind it is like eating just the center of a Fig Newton.  This used to be my favorite cookie before I found out that my body doesn't like wheat.  Some day I hope to work on a gluten free Fig Newton Cookie but for the time being I will just eat a few Figgy Bites.

They are really easy to make.  The centers are great by themselves and that makes them a simple snack.  But if you want to up the WOW factor and add a gourmet touch then add a coating.  I chose to roll mine in crushed almonds.  

Rye?  CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Guess which ones were eaten first?  

I also thought they would be awesome rolled in toasted coconut, pistachios, crushed Chex cereal, and cocoa powder.  The cocoa powder would make them look like truffles.  YUM!

Next week I have some great recipes coming out.  I have been sharing a lot of simple things because that is what has been easy for me the last 9 months.  I am pretty much back into the groove of things and working on some more advanced recipes for the gluten free cook.  I have a wonderful gluten free pasta dough and a blueberry bread loaf that will knock your socks off or flip flops (summer time wear).

Please Pin, Share and Comment--I love to hear from my readers.

ENJOY!


Figgy Bites

1 1/2 cups almond meal
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup soft dehydrated figs, stems removed
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup maple syrup

Coating the bites is your choice: any ground nut, cocoa powder, toasted coconut, etc

1.  I used my Vitamix.  I tossed everything into the pitcher and let it blend until well combined.  Use the stomper to mix as it blends.

2.  If you do not have a Vitamix, then use a food processor.  Add all of the ingredients and blend until the ingredients.  If it is having trouble blending because the dough is stiff, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the dough forms.  It should be stiff but I don't want you to burn up your food processor.

3.  I used a cookie scoop.  A small size is perfect.  Scooped the fig dough into balls and placed them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.  Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

4.  Remove and roll in your choice of coatings: nuts, chocolate, sprinkles, cocoa powder, etc...

5.  Store in the refrigerator.

Written by Sherron Watson




Tuesday, June 24, 2014

S'more Trail Mix


Our first week of summer vacation is in full swing.  

Last week was a doozy!  Rye had all four wisdom teeth pulled on Monday.  She recovered much faster than I had thought she would.  I have no experience with wisdom teeth as I never got any.  I don't know how rare that is but I am so glad that I was one of the few that did not have them.  

The dentist was the last place I ever wanted to be and that fear kept with me all the way until just a few years ago.  I finally realized that it wasn't as bad as my mind made it out to be.  I can't tell you the anxiety that would build up inside of me with each visit I had to make.

I think what finally helped was that my kids were my hero's of courage.  They never bat an eye when I say it is time for a dentist appointment.  They walk in laughing and leave even happier.  How is that possible?

Their bravery has helped me to over-come any anxiety that settled into my bones the night before.  I had less fear of having a baby than I did having my tooth pulled in January.  Silly--I know.

This is not unusual for my kids to be teaching me little things about life.  I know as a parent I am the one they should look to for advice, encouragement and safety but several times in my own life I find them giving these three things to me.  

I am not really sure what S'MORE I could ask for?  

To say thanks to my kids for being my super hero's here is a yummy treat I made just for them to kick off our summer fun.

I love you--Rye, Drake, Isabella and Finnley.

ENJOY!




Smore's Trail Mix

Makes 4 cups
Prep Time:  5 minutes

2 cups cinnamon or graham cracker cereal (Gluten Free Cinnamon Chex Cereal works too)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup coconut slices

1.  Combine all ingredients in a large zip lock bag.  Mix.

2.  Store in an airtight container of bag for up to 1 month.



Written by Sherron Watson


Friday, June 20, 2014

Tortellini and Sausage Soup




I love making homemade pasta for my family.  I made these little tortellini's in March for a magazine shoot.  We were sharing ideas for taking our lunches to school or work.  

I shared several kid friendly recipes but I also wanted to have an easy adult recipe.  I make ravioli's all the time and decided to make these cute little "belly-button" filled pastas to add to a broth-based soup. I kind of get tired of eating creamy soups and this was nice to have a soup base that was slurp-able.  Although I don't recommend slurping your soup at work--just sayin'.

I know that filled pasta is tricky for those that eat gluten free.  I have found, at Whole Foods, they carry a gluten free filled pasta in the cheese section.  I have not tried it yet but my friends have and they think it is wonderful.  The texture and flavor are both good.  If you don't have a recipe that you use at home I would suggest this as an alternative for this recipe. 

If you want to make your own gluten free wrappers for the tortellini, here is a recipe you can try.  I am working on my own version of a gluten free pasta to make stuffed raviolis and tortellinis. That recipe will come out next week--so check back.


Making homemade pasta is fun and the filled versions are not hard to master.  Time consuming?  A little bit but if you plan the time then it won't be a problem.  The kids love to help make pasta so this is a fun family friendly activity to do together.

Make the homemade pasta only if you want and desire to experience that part of the soup.  Otherwise use your favorite store bought filled pasta.  Do what fits your schedule and family dynamics.



Tortellini and Sausage Soup

Makes 4-6 servings

2 large sausage links, I use the ones from Whole Foods--usually a spicy variety.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced small
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup fresh baby spinach 
2 cups uncooked tortellini (fresh or frozen/store bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper,to taste

1/4 cup fresh basil, optional
grated parmesan cheese, optional

1.  In a medium frying pan add olive oil. Turn heat to medium.

2.  Cut sausage links into 1 inch pieces.  Cook in oil until done.

3.  Remove sausage pieces to a paper towel and set aside. Add diced onion and bell pepper to oil (add more oil if needed).  Cook for 3 minutes, add garlic.  Continue cooking for 1 more minute. Be careful to not burn the garlic.

4.  In a medium stock pot, add broth, diced tomatoes and the vegetables from above.  Bring to a boil.

5.  Add tortellini and cook until pasta is cooked through.  Time will vary based on whether you are using fresh or frozen pasta.

6.  When tortellini is done, add sausage pieces and fresh spinach/kale.  Stir and let set for 5 minutes.  The spinach will wilt in the hot broth.  

7.  Serve immediately with grated parmesan cheese or store in air tight containers for up to one week.

This was an image for the lunch article I wrote.  This little cup held about 1 1/2 cups of soup.

Written by Sherron Watson


Thursday, June 19, 2014

Homemade Cheese Tortellini


This recipe is not gluten free.  I contribute a variety of recipes to several non gluten free clients.  I made Tortellini and Sausage Soup for Capital Style Magazine a few months ago.   I know that I normally share gluten free recipes but this was a family favorite and I want my family to have it for their virtual cookbooks.

I am trying and testing gluten free pasta doughs all the time.  I have yet to find one that I like or that I can consistently make without a failed attempt.  It has been frustrating for me.  When I need a gluten free filled pasta I shop at Whole Foods and buy the brand they have in their cheese section.  

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STOP THE PRESSES AND IGNORE THAT LAST PARAGRAPH ABOUT NOT HAVING A GLUTEN FREE PASTA FOR STUFFING--I DO NOW!

Update:  I wrote this last week and I have fretted over the fact that I cannot provide my gluten free readers with a reliable gluten free pasta dough that I have successfully made.  These things do keep me up at night. I have tried a variety of recipes but nothing quite tasted or felt right.  

I woke up yesterday with an epiphany of what I was doing wrong.  I was close but always missed the mark on the dough ever so slightly.  Today--nailed it!  I have successfully made stuffed gluten free pasta in the shapes of tortellini and ravioli.  

So what is next?  I need to make it 3 more times this weekend to be 100% sure that it will work. Please come back next week and I will be posting the recipe for the gluten free pasta dough. 

...continue reading.  {insert happy dance here}

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So with that said, here is a recipe that I use for pasta.  It works well in my pasta machine and my family likes the flavor.

First, don't be afraid to make pasta from scratch. It may seem overwhelming your first time but it gets easier the more you do it.  Pretty soon you will be making it without a recipe.  It takes a bit of planning but it is worth the time and effort.  

I promise.

Second, making stuffed pasta is equally as enjoyable but it does take a bit more time and planning. Again, once you make it a few times it will get easier and easier.   Stuffed pasta is fun because you can make a variety of fillings.  The filling recipe I am sharing is a basic cheese  filling that my family, especially the kids, enjoy.  

I own a ravioli tray--LOVE IT! That is an option if you don't want to make the tortellini.  These tortellinis are made using your two hands.  Be patient with your abilities the first few you make.  It took me about 5 before they looked like the picture at the top of this post.  My daughter helped me make a bunch too.  

Kids love to make pasta!

When I make pasta, it is standing room only.  What I mean by this is that my family is standing in the kitchen with bowl in hand waiting for me to take the pasta out of the boiling water.  They go and sit and eat.  Then they start the process over.  I work on an island in the middle of my very small kitchen and whip these puppies out as fast as possible.  I am standing too!

I know this looks like an overwhelming night in the kitchen and it might be your first time.  I would just encourage you to give it a try once.  

Let me know how they turned out for you and your family.

ENJOY!


I used some of the tortellini in this Tortellini and Sausage soup.  Recipe coming tomorrow to the blog.

Pasta (Filling ingredients listed below)

1 batch of pasta is enough to feed my family of 5.  It will make about 50 tortellini's depending on how large of a circle cutter you use.

3 cups of all purpose flour
4 large eggs
pinch of salt
3 T. water (possibly more depending on dough)

1.  Mix the salt and flour together and dump on a clean table. Make a well in the center of the flour and add your eggs and 3T. water.  With a fork, start mixing the eggs into the flour.  I also like to have a metal pastry scrapper so that with one hand I am mixing and the other one I am keeping my flour from going all over the place.  Work the dough into a ball.

I keep a bowl of water nearby.  As I start to knead the dough and if it feels too dry I wet my hands and go back to kneading.  I might do this 3 or 4 times.  The dough should not be dry. 

2.  Kneading time will be about 10 minutes.  Around 8 minutes into the kneading you will notice the dough start to become softer. 


3.  After you have kneaded the dough, cut the ball into 4 sections.  I wrap each section in saran wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.  

NOTE:  The instructions above are for mixing the dough by hand.  I don't do this every time because I don't always have, well, the time.  I do make this in my Kitchen Aid too.  I add all of the ingredients to the bowl.  Add the dough hook.  Slowly start the mixer until everything is combined and formed into a ball.  If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water.  If the dough is not shaping into a ball, add a dusting of flour until it has pulled away form the bowl. Once the dough is in a ball and pulled away from the bowl, knead for 5 minutes at a medium speed.  Once dough is kneaded, follow step 3 above.

Ravioli Filling

1/2 cup of Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup of diced green onion, chopped fine
1 tsp minced garlic
1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, grated fine
1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/4 tsp of pepper
1/2 tsp of salt
5 leaves of fresh basil, chopped fine

1.  Mix the filling ingredients together in a small bowl.

2.  Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.

To make the tortellini

1. Prepare your pasta and filling.  (Instructions above)  Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

2.  Roll out your dough into long pasta sheets.  Do this by hand rolling with a rolling pin or using a pasta machine.  If you need help with how to use your pasta machine--go here for more detail.

3.  I use a 3 inch round cookie cutter to make the circles.  Add a 1/2 teaspoon or less of filling to the center of each circle. See picture below. You can do more but I find they are harder to close with a very full center.


4.  To shape the tortellini.  I lift each circle, dip my finger in a bowl of water and run it around the edge of the circle. Fold the circle in half. Lightly pinching the dough together . See picture below. I flip the pasta so that the straight edge is next to the tip of my fingers.  Using both hands, and with my thumb and pointing finger, I grab the edges and have them meet together. I overlap the corners and push together to seal.  Add a touch of water if they are not staying.  When you bring the two edges together the rounded part of the halved shape will start to curl up.  See pictures.




5.  Add filled tortellini to soups or boiling water to cook.  They take about 5-6 minutes to cook through.  The size does matter so if they are bigger they may take longer to cook.

6.  Remove tortellini from boiling water and serve with your favorite sauce, browned butter or grated parmesan cheese.

7.  Leftover cooked tortellini can be kept in the refrigerator and reheated the next day.  Leftover dough can also be refrigerated but not for more than 2 days.



Written by Sherron Watson

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Scotch Eggs




Not what you were expecting?  Don't fret, there are better pictures below.

I couldn't resist.  I took these pictures in a matter of seconds because I was juggling this little project, a homeschool assignment for Isabella and working with limited napping time for Finnley.  I guess what I am trying to say is there was a bit of stress associated with these pictures and when I opened them in Photoshop, all I saw staring back at me, were two large eyes.  I laughed out loud and went with the moment.  Drew the eyes that were magically looking at me on the screen.  I think it works.

Enjoy the laugh!

I have been wanting to make these again for a long time.

I made them for the first time 2 years ago when I returned from a trip to NYC. We stopped into a little pub off Broadway and found ourselves ordering three of these.  I thought to myself, " what a perfect combination--egg and sausage".  

It took me a while to get mine to look like theirs and taste just as good.  My first few attempts I deep fried them.  Although I like the very crispy exterior I didn't like the idea of frying them.  I decided that I would give it a shot in the oven and bake my little googly eyes--I mean--scotch eggs.

It worked.  I was really happy with the results.  The inside egg was perfectly cooked through--no ring around the yolk-and the sausage with breading had a nice texture.  I will say that when they are reheated the next day you will lose that bit of crunchy-firm outside.

These make the perfect quick breakfast to take camping.  I make them the day before. Wrap them in foil, toss in the cooler and when ready to use, lay them on an open grate above the fire.  Turning them every few minutes until heated through.  Easy?  YES and I like it that way when camping.



Baking and frying gluten free recipes that call for breadcrumbs used to be a problem for me until I figured out a solution that works well in my kitchen.  I have purchased the little plastic containers in my local grocery store labeled: gluten free bread crumbs.  I don't like them.  They always seem to bake very hard and the texture feels like I am eating sand.

This is what I do.  I use a brand of gluten free bagel-style crackers with the flavor of garlic and onion.  I add the box to my Vitamix, zap it a few times and I have perfect bread crumbs that are seasoned perfectly.

I store any leftovers in an air tight baggie in the freezer.

Looking at the above picture you can see little specs of the breadcrumbs catching the light from my window.

I would be really interested in knowing how you make your gluten free breadcrumbs or a brand that you find acceptable.  I am always open to new ideas.

ENJOY!


Scotch Eggs
Makes 4

1 pound seasoned pork sausage
4 large eggs
1/2 cup bread crumbs

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray baking dish with cooking spray.

2.  In a small pot, place eggs and enough water to cover the eggs.  Turn heat to medium high and cook for 8 minutes.  Eggs will not be hard-boiled at this time.  The yolk will still be very soft.

3.  Cool eggs and peel.  Be very careful when peeling because of the soft center.

4.  Divide the pork into four portions.  Place one portion in the palm of your hand and flatten. Place an egg in the middle and gently wrap the sausage around the eggs. Seal any open edges.  The whole egg should be wrapped in sausage.

5.  Place the bread crumbs in a small bowl.  Roll the sausage-egg in the crumbs and place on a baking sheet.  Spray the eggs with your favorite cooking spray.

6.  Bake the Scotch Eggs for 20 minutes, rotate dish, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.  Baking times may vary because of oven temperatures.  You want your egg to be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.

Written by Sherron Watson




Sunday, June 15, 2014

Chili Dog Casserole #SundaySupper



Do you need just the recipe? SCROLL TO THE END 




My goal in life has always been to provide these sweet little spirits,  that have been born into our family, with a life filled with love and kindness.  Cory has definitely filled those shoes and then some. I can't say it has always been easy for him to be married to a feisty-Irish-woman.  His patience and understanding with our kids are admirable.  I know that they roll their eyes when Dad says things but one day they will understand his wisdom.  I think, as kids, we all rolled our eyes at our parents.

Sunday Supper Movement
Cory loves hotdogs.  I thought today I would share a quick and easy casserole. This is a great addition to your weekly line up of simple meals, especially with the busy summer days ahead of us.

The bacon and jalapeno give it that gourmet flair for our family. How would you jazz this dish up to fit the mouth-watering taste buds of your family?  Share below in the comments.

ENJOY!

We have 60 recipes that are centered around manly foods!  The recipes are listed with links at the end of this post.


Chili Dog Casserole

Serves 4, two small hotdogs per person

This dish can be thrown together with cans of chili, hotdogs, store-bought buns, pre-packaged shredded cheese, a jar of jalapenos and bacon bits OR go all out and make homemade chili (recipe here), fresh jalapenos, fried bacon, ciabatta rolls from your favorite bakery, and your favorite hotdogs. Make it so it fits into your schedule and family.  My recipe is just a guide.

2-15 oz cans of your favorite chili
4 large hotdogs, cut to fit buns
1 package of ciabatta rolls, I used gluten-free
2 cups of white cheddar cheese, grated
1 fresh jalapeno, sliced thin
1/2 cup fried bacon, diced small
yellow mustard, for the inside of buns
1/4 cup red onions, diced small

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 10X10 baking dish.

2.  Precook hotdogs in the microwave for 3-5 minutes.  Fry bacon, grate the cheese, dice the onions, etc.  Prepare your ingredients for the casserole.

3.  I used 4 ciabatta rolls and cut them in half.  I cut the hotdogs to fit perfectly inside of the buns.  The little pieces of leftover hotdog, I sliced and added to the chili.

4.  Add Chili to the baking dish.  Place hotdogs and buns in the chili.  See picture.

5.  Bake casserole for 25 minutes.  Chili should be hot and buns toasted.

6.  Remove from oven and top with cheese, bacon, jalapenos and red onion.  Bake for an additional 15 minutes.  Cheese should be melted.

7.  Serve immediately.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Isabella was anxiously awaiting for the photoshoot to be over so that she could get her little fingers into the bacon and cheese.  I just so happened to turn around in time to capture the amazing moment.  She sat there and watched the rainfall and was pleasantly surprised to discover that cheese and bacon go nicely together.   

Manly Starters:
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Wine Pairings for Man Food #SundaySupper byENOFYLZ Wine Blog


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