Cauliflower cakes

A very good day everyone!

Dinner tonight was to be hamburgers on soft rolls with a pasta salad as the side.

Instead of a pasta salad I had a small head of cauliflower and thought squash the pasta salad idea and make some cauliflower cakes instead.  The recipe is similar to potato pancakes but using fresh cauliflower instead.

After cleaning the cauliflower I used my food processor.  I placed bite sized florets slowly into
Processor and kept pulsing until it was of the texture I wanted.

Here’s my approximate recipe

I small head cauliflower(cut into pieces)
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. Salt
Pinch pepper
1/2 tsp. Onion powder
1/4 tsp. Garlic powder
1/4 cup flour
Vegetable oil
Sour cream optional

Whisk eggs, salt, pepper. Garlic and onion powder together.  Fold in chopped cauliflower using a large spoon making sure all ingredients are incorporated.

In a large frying pan place a generous amount of oil ( 1/4 cup or more) on medium heat.  Once oil appears warmed make individual small to medium size patties.  Place in oil and allow to brown slowly.  Turn over and repeat frying until browned.  At this point watch heat they could start to brown quickly.

Remove with spatula and Place on a dish lined with a paper towel or two to remove some excess oil.

Serve with sour cream or possibly a little salsa!

Mom’s Cole slaw

My mom made the best Cole slaw.

Simple and delicious.

1-small to medium size head of cabbage( grated , shredded or chopped)
1/4 chopped red and green Bell pepper
Miracle whip
Pinch salt
Pinch sugar

Wash cabbage and peppers.

Cut cabbage in half or quarters.  Either grate with hand grater or use food processor.

Combine all ingredients with Miracle Whip salad dressing until desired creamy consistency.

Refrigerate until cold.

Enjoy!

Yellow rice (saffron)

Good Day!  Here’s a little information about Yellow rice.  Just in case you have never heard of it.


DescriptionYellow rice is a traditional yellow-colored rice dish in Spanish, Morocco, Peruvian, Caribbean, Filipino, Afghan, Indian, Sri Lankan, South African and Indonesian cuisines. It is made using white rice made yellow with annatto, saffron or turmeric, ingredients used to give the rice its yellow color. Wikipedia

I noticed no difference in flavor of the rice using tumeric but as you see above other seasonings can be used to flavor and color the rice.

The recipe I plan on baking tomorrow calls for yellow rice so I googled it and saw a video on how to make it.  I had the tumeric so it was easy as tastes good.

I am making a different type of vegetable soup recipe today and I noticed it calls for yellow rice.

Simple to make!  It was a fun learning experience.



1 cup long grain rice
3 cups water
Pinch salt
1 tsp. Turmeric

Add rice to a large pot.  Add salt, water and tumeric.

Bring to a boil.  Lower heat to a slow boil.  Stir frequently until rice is tender.

Zucchini Fritters

Similar to potato pancakes but less carbohydrates

this is a great alternative for those cutting carbohydrates in their diet.  Try adding a doll up of sour cream to enhance the flavor.. 

We enjoyed them as a meal but using them as a side is certainly a possibility.

Note:  adding a bit of salt and onion powder imo was needed.

They are great alone or use them as a side dish. This is a recipe I saved from 2015.

Enjoy!

Broccoli Bacon Slaw

I don't like to waste anything if possible so today when I decided to make Broccoli and Pasta Aglio E Olio (pasta with garlic and oil)..I used the stalks (cleaning them well and cutting them in cubes)..You can grate the stalks on a cheese grater as well, using the large section to grate.  I decided to use the chopper and my slaw is very fine and that's OK with me..

Hubby likes the larger slaw!  Here's my recipe..Hope you enjoy it!  Making burgers on the grill..Chips and this slaw as a side..Happy Cooking!

10/18/11

4 stalks broccoli stems (grated as you do for regular coleslaw)You can add some pieces of the flowers to it after you have grated it. (small pieces)...
1 slice red onion chopped
1 small carrot grated
Pinch salt
2 + tablespoons Miracle Whip salad dressing
1/4  to 1/2 tsp. sugar (depending on your taste buds)
2 tablespoons Bacon Bits (I used Hormel Real Bacon Bits)

Grate broccoli, carrot and onion.  add sugar, salt  and salad dressing..Add bacon bits..Refrigerate until ready to use..

Note you can chop ingredients or use a food processor depending on time.

From my kitchen to yours,

Mandarin /Pineapple salad?/ dessert?

Do you need a last minute side to take along to a picnic or holiday dessert?

 Well have I got a great easy recipe for you.  It was so easy to make and only a few minutes to prepare.  Refrigerate it for about an hour or even less and you'll make a lot of people love you...

 Four ingredients to make this luscious yummy side or even dessert.  Light, fluffy with fruit mixed through.  It will certainly please guests and you too because it can be prepared so easily. 

If you desire add a few chopped pecans to garnish it.  Not necessary but you who love pecans will certainly like this addition.  

Note:  Great for Brunch or to go along with a yummy ham sandwich. This recipe is a keeper.

Directions: 

I-8 oz. cool whip
1-15 oz. pineapple drained
1-15 oz. mandarin oranges drained

Mix the cool whip and instant vanilla pudding together and add the pineapple and one can of mandarin oranges (save a few for decoration). Drain pineapple and mandarin oranges reserving  a little juice to add if mixture is too thick.

Once done with mixing, place in a bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours until thickened.

Simple, fresh and delicious! I usually use this mandarin orange salad as a side dish with a meal.  Maybe a burger or a ham sandwich is your delight.  

Can't decide what to make well this is a great last minute food idea. Thumbs up!

4/15/17

From my kitchen to yours,

Green Beans and potatoes

This has long been a family favorite since way back when.  My mom and grandmother as well as my mother- in- law made this delicious side a lot but mostly in the summer when green beans were plentiful. Pole beans were an Italian favorite or if you could find flat beans were especially a treat. Meaty and tender  I remember growing flat beans in our garden when we were first married.  Such a nice memory.

I don't know if any of you have ever had this or made it but it's very simple to make. Enjoy!

6/16/16

Fresh  green beans and potato salad.

I lb. green beans cleaned and cooked al dente or to your taste (drain)
1 clove minced garlic
Olive oil
White wine vinegar to taste
Parsley pinch or so as desired
2 peeled, washed and cooked potatoes cut in cubes (drain)
Salt and pepper to taste

Place green beans and potatoes in a large pot of salted water.  Bring to a boil. Cook until tender, drain .  Add 1 Clove minced garlic or more if you really enjoy garlic, pinch or two of dried parsley and olive oil.  Sauté for a few minutes. Enjoy!

If you choose to make it a salad.  Remove from stove, allow to cool and once it is cool add a splash or two or three of red or white wine vinegar, fresh parsley if possible salt and pepper.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

 **This has to be one of my favorite family recipes.  It was a staple warm in the winter and cold in the summer side dish. 

 The warm version I did not add the vinegar to.  Only the cold version and then I would eliminate the oil but it doesn't affect the taste it is just that when cooled the oil may solidify.

I am so happy to share my family recipes.  

Krispy Cauliflower Salad

This post was lost so I am fudging this recipe.  I knew I had the photos but on my blog the recipe post was no where to be found.  Very very frustrating to say the least. :(

I am hoping I haven't lost any others or you might hear my screams from where you happen to be checking in from lol.

This is a wonderful salad for picnics so that is why I wanted to share it with you.  Happy Holiday Picnic!


1 medium size cauliflower grated on large side
1 cup chopped carrots
2 scallions chopped green stems too
rind of 1 lemon
1 fresh lemon squeezed
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

This is a trial and error type recipe since I didn't have any backup recipe. :(

Place the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.  Add lemon. Start with 1/4 cup or a little less of wine vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil and whisk together.  Add salt and pepper to taste and do a taste test.  Depending on your decision start by adding if it is too tart a bit more olive oil and go from there. Note: add a pinch of sugar also for a bit of sweet taste!  

Note: It is always best to start a salad with LESS vinegar than more.  You can always add more.

Add caption

Spicy Red Pepper Arrabbiata sauce with Mafalda Pasta!

This meal was so easy to create you can make it in a flash!

  Pasta sauce can be one of the easiest meals to make and you can go from stove to table in no time.  Using a can of spicy red pepper tomatoes this Arrabbiata sauce with Mafalda Pasta was created.   I used Mafalda pasta as the pasta tonight.(small curly pieces of pasta)

10/9/17

1 box pasta of choice
1-15 oz. can spicy red pepper tomatoes (Hunt's)
1-15 oz. can Hunts sauce
1 can water
1 cup sliced mixed peppers (or you can use all green if that's all you have)
1 small onion sliced thin
2 or 3 minced garlic cloves
salt to taste
canola or olive oil (few Tablespoons)

In a medium size pot saute peppers in oil with sliced onion until slightly tender.  Add garlic and saute a few minutes more. Add tomatoes, water and tomato sauce.  Cook until peppers are tender approx. 30 minutes.  

While sauce is cooking.  Cook pasta according to directions making sure not to overcook. Drain well and top with above sauce and a little grated Pecorino Romano Italian cheese.  Excellent quick dinner. Yummy!

Note:  Separately I pan fried(with a little water or olive oil) 2 Chicken sausage links and served it with the pasta. 


This was our easy dessert!

  All you need is a store bought angel food cake and strawberries.   I keep a can of Reddi Whip for quick desserts.

11/19/13

2/23/14

Italian herb seasoned Roasted Yukon gold potatoes

Hi:

The other night I made chicken romano and I just wasn't feeling the pasta as a side so I decided the 2 lb. of small yukon gold potatoes I had bought would be a good choice.

Here's the recipe:

I washed my potatoes.  Since they were small I just put them in a pot of water and rinsed them several times.  Rinsed and dried with a paper towel and cut them in half.

In a large bowl I placed the potatoes, 1/3 cup olive oil 1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning,1 tsp. dried parsley, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. onion powder and 1 tsp. salt. Tossed them well to make sure they were all covered with ingredients.

Set my oven to 350 degrees and then placed the potatoes with seasoning in a medium to large roasting pan uncovered.

Every 15 minutes I checked them and shaked the pan until potatoes were fork tender.   It took about one hour+.  Note: you an bake them at 375 if you are in a hurry.  They might cook a little faster.

Delicious as a side.  Of course if you LOVE potatoes you're sure to love these. 

Baked potato casserole

Hi and Good Day to all my foodies!

Here is a great side dish that you can possibly use for Easter this coming year.  Great with ham but can also be enjoyed with your favorite entree.  This side dish can be made earlier in the day for convenience or even the night before.  If you do decide to make it the night before refrigerate it overnight and take it out about 1 hour before baking it.  Taking the chill out of it a bit will allow it to bake through quicker.

Enjoy!

If you love potatoes this would be a great addition to most meals.  It is certainly a favorite of mine.

You can make it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven or microwave to reheat. Great for family gatherings. Enjoy!





Baked Potato Casserole

8 medium potatoes (about 2 ½ to 3 lbs total weight, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)

1 cup 2% milk

½ cup light sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled)

sliced green onions Eliminate bacon if you want a meatless dish.

Place the potato chunks in a large pot. Fill with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Preheat the oven to 350⁰F. Grease a 2 ½-3 quart casserole dish. Return potatoes to the pot. Add milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat with a hand held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and half of the bacon. Spoon the potato mixture into prepared casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Cauliflower Cakes

What can you make when you have a huge head of cauliflower?  Well one great idea is cauliflower cakes.  Similar to potato pancakes and IMO just as tasty.  Enjoy!

I  did not follow a specific recipe but thought one similar to my potato pancake recipe would certainly be worth a try. 

 The cauliflower was washed and in large florets so I cut them in half before I put them in the food processor.  I pulsed them slowly and added my onion powder, salt and pepper and egg while pulsing.  I then slowly added the flour until the consistency was to my liking.

I heated a large skillet and added several tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil was heated using a large tablespoon placed a pancake size scoop into the hot oil.  Browned on both sides and removed from skillet onto several paper towels to remove all grease.  They're really good!

Approximately 2 cups cauliflower florets(pulse in processor until finely chopped).
1 tsp. Onion powder
1 egg
1/2 cup flour
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Sour cream, applesauce to garnish if desired or use as a side dish with chicken or fish.

Steakhouse Potato Salad! Need I say more~~~~~

Re post 👍. 6-30-17

Another new cold salad recipe!  Yummy!  Great anytime!  A cookout favorite.

This is a wonderful recipe.  I couldn't stop eating it!  It's a little different option to regular potato salad and it would go well with steak, grilled chicken or ribs.  Yum YUM!  Enjoy!!

Happy Cooking!
As always,

M.J.

3 lb. small red potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup mayo with olive oil reduced fat mayonnaise or Miracle whip dressing( I used Miracle Whip Light)

1/4 cup classic Ranch dressing

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled( I used real bacon bits)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 green onions sliced thin

Place potatoes in microwaveable dish

Add water; cover with lid and microwave on high 12 to 15 minutes or just until potatoes are tender; drain .  Place in large bowl and cool in refrigerator until completely cooled.

Mix dressings.  Add to potatoes with remaining ingredients; mix lightly.

Adapted from Kraft recipes.