Our 2018 Thanksgiving

11/29/18

Rewind to 2018!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family.  Her in laws came for a visit which was wonderful.

Great food, interesting conversation and how blessed I feel to be able to share another Thanksgiving with you.

That's our middle grandson Nate, home from college(Rennsealear Polytechnic Institute who gave me a thumbs up about the Strawberry pretzel salad I made.  I also made an apple pie and her mother in law brought a pumpkin and peach pie.  Everything was delicious.

  So proud of our daughter taking on the challenge of Thanksgiving dinner.  She is not an enthusiastic cook like her mom but steps up when necessary.  The turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes and gravy were perfect.  She kept it simple which worked out fine.  Sometimes basic traditional foods are the best choice for busy holidays.  Being in your comfort zone helps you enjoy time with your friends and family.  

From the left, Dan our son in law, our grandson Daniel home from Penn State, our daughter, our grandson Nate and our youngest grandson Andrew a sophomore in high school.

Hoping your Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Blessings and love to all.

I'm talking Turkey!!!! Make it stress free

No matter how many times I make a turkey I glance at this year after year just because it makes me happy to be able to share my blog to all the wonderful foodies all over the world. 


Thanksgiving is only three weeks away so I'm re posting these suggestions to make your Thanksgiving stress free.

I have entertained for many years and have found that taking the stress out of entertaining is the only way to go.  For years I fussed over perfection and finally realized it wasn't really the food that mattered so much as getting together with family, friends and love ones and believe me it was difficult coming to that realization.

After many years I am now enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at our daughters.  I have passed the torch and if I may say so she does a great job of our Thanksgiving feast.  Here are a few helpful suggestions I am sharing to help you enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner and any time you are having more than two for a holiday turkey dinner.  Enjoy!



Helpful Thanksgiving Tips

Re-posting these to make Thanksgiving stress free!!!!

cranberry and fruit relish 

It doesn't seem to matter if I cook or go to my daughter's for Thanksgiving there are some things from year to year that never change. Today I am sharing some of my thoughts on making your turkey day a pleasant one.

First decide what time is dinner.  Early or mid to late day..1, 3 or 5 p.m..you decide..

Who's coming?  How many?  You have to plan on what size bird to buy.. Plan on 1/2 lb. of turkey per person allowing for leftovers or a hungry group.

 

Who's bringing a side or dessert? (If you don't get any offers, make sides and dessert simple.You want to enjoy the day!!!!!

Stuffing the Bird:  We use our traditional stuffing and if we stuff the bird we stuff it right before we put it in the oven, and don't pack it too tightly.  We don't want any problems!  Also, I might suggest to make at least one baking pan of extra stuffing.

  You must allow for leftovers for those who enjoy a lot of stuffing.  Make sure you coat pan with lots of butter or margarine.  It really brings out the flavor.

Now on to cleaning and cooking the turkey.  Most turkey's have instructions on the back of the package but  I'll give you some of my suggestions..

First, if the turkey is frozen allow it to thaw in the refrigerator.  Allow 1 day for every 4 or 5 lbs.  A 15 lb. turkey I would put in refrigerator on Monday to be sure it is thawed by Thursday.

Clean the turkey well making sure not to forget the neck and insides.  I have, in my earlier experiences, left the neck in.  Check the turkey and wash it in cold water. Pat it well and I put it in my roaster to drain(placing it on paper towels).   I use a large roasting pan that is not non stick.  You get great drippings!!!! Cover and refrigerate.

  Baking it at 325 degrees would probably take that 15 lb. turkey approximately 3 to 4 hours to roast depending on your oven. I usually start off my turkey at a 350 degree oven and after one hour take it back down to 325 degrees.

Now on to the GRAVY.  Remove drippings from pan, scrapping the bottom.  Add about 4 cups cold water and follow (I use Wondra flour instructions) to make a smooth gravy. Salt!! add about 1 tsp. or more.  Nothing is worse than bland tasting gravy.. Taste test to make sure.  Using a wire whisk so as to avoid lumps keep stirring gravy mix until smooth.

Last but not least, Test turkey to see if it is done.  I use a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, taking care not to touch the bone.  The temperature reading should be 165 degrees.  Let turkey sit for 15 minutes or so(vent with aluminum foil), after removing from oven.  Then carve to your liking...

Hope these tips will be a help to you this holiday!  Why not print it or bookmark this post...

Happy Baking and Cooking! 

Hoping you have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. 

As always,

p.s.  Some of these tips on roasting the turkey were taken from a Cook. Smart magazine..

 11/15/12
11/19/14 
3/22/15
11/12/14 
11/12/15

11/4/2022

11/18/23

Sheppard's Pie! Beef or lamb? Success!

I'm told originally Sheppard’s pie was made with ground lamb.

Beef version also known as Cottage Pie!

EASY QUICK SAVE TIME SUGGESTION 😊😊😊USE Store bought refrigerated mashed potatoes!!

Here's today's dish of Sheppard's pie!!!  This time added the peas since the fussy grandsons aren't visiting.  Delicious and filling.  An all in one meal.

11/8/15

 This is a re-post of a great recipe as well as a great family meal.  I was at our local grocery store today and saw where they had already prepared Shepard's Pie and were giving out samples.  My recipe beats theirs hands down.  If you haven't tried my recipe yet today's the day to give it a whirl. 

10/2022 updated picture 

Happy Cooking!

 I have always wanted to make Sheppard's Pie.  I saw this recipe on a Delicious Dining Calendar and it looked so appealing I decided to give it a try.  Loaded with lots of veggies and darn right tasty this meal is quite filling and loaded with calories. Feel free to cut down on some of the calories by using ground turkey or chicken. A great comfort food meal!  

Happy Baking and Cooking!  Enjoy.......

2 1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
2 carrots peeled and chopped
1 onion finely diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen peas thawed
***3 oz. cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup half and half
1/2 tsp. paprika

While potatoes are boiling* see note; heat oil in large skillet, brown beef and season with salt and pepper.  Brown and crumble meat. Add carrot and onion; cook 5 minutes. stirring frequently.  Drain off any oil..In a small skillet over medium heat melt butter and add  flour whisking together until mixture starts to simmer, about  2 minutes.  Whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce.  Cook to thicken about 1 minute.  Stir in peas to thickened gravy.

*** Note eliminate this step if using refrigerated pre cooked mashed potatoes. (Makes it really super easy)!!!add softened cream cheese to warm potatoes and mix well before laying on top of warmed meat mixture.

  Drain potatoes and pour into bowl.  Add cream cheese and half and half.  Mash with a masher until potatoes are almost smooth.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Heat broiler to high.  Fill a medium casserole dish with meat and vegetable gravy mixture.  Spread potatoes evenly over top.  Sprinkle potatoes with paprika and broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat for 2 -3 minutes.  Serve hot. Great comfort food!





 

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9/27/12
2/21/13

Turkey Meatball Stew

You can make this in the crockpot too!


This easy peazy recipe for Meatball stew can be made for your family in a flash! Using fresh ground turkey or chicken for the meatball mixture I then potatoes and green beans to mine but you can add any veggies your family might enjoy. I cooked my veggies separately slightly to allow for quicker turnover.  The meatballs will cook quickly too and once in sauce so tender and tasty.

A Hearty Meal that can be spiced up if you like by adding some red pepper too!

10/19/14

1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken
3/4 cup garlic /herb breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup pecorino romano cheese
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 lb. green beans broken in pieces
4 red skinned potatoes cubed
2- large cans crushed tomatoes
fresh or dried basil
1 clove minced garlic
olive oil

Mix the first seven ingredients together.  Shape into large meatballs.  Bake in oven at 400 degrees until slightly browned.

In a separate pot place green beans and potatoes with a slight amount of salt.  Bring to a boil and cooked approx. 5 minutes.  Drain.

Place about 4 T. oil in a large Dutch oven pot add minced garlic.  Saute for a few minutes on low careful not to burn.  Add tomatoes and basil.  Add meatballs, green beans and potatoes.  Simmer slowly for approximately 1 hour.  Yummy!

copyright I Like to Bake and Cook Blog 2014

Meatloaf ! Pan gravy or Healthy Hint+ Try topping it with salsa

Healthy Hint on bottom of post!  My hubby likes a good meatloaf on occasion..

I use myMom's recipe but I have made some suggestions to help make your meatloaf with a bit less fat content.  I think you can do it with not altering the taste..

Be sure to add plenty of chopped or grated onion and possibly some seasoned breadcrumbs.   Enjoy!

This recipe for gravy can be used for the regular meat loaf.. Gravy has always been a bit of a stress to me so I wrote down exactly what I did and got the results I had hoped for..

1/2/12

First I  use Wondra, quick mixing flour.  It has been sifted and is much finer than regular flour and you are less likely to get lumps..If lumps occur just strain the gravy..

Here is what I do:

I take 5 tablespoons flour
1/2  cup cold water
Mix together thoroughly.

Using approximately 2 cups cold water scrape bottom of pan to get a nice color, strain any pieces that are left, add flour mixture a bit of salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until it thickens..Boil for a minute or two..

Healthy Hint for this recipe!  If you didn't jot down the recipe I'll give it to you again!  Substitute 90% or better ground beef or turkey and substitute skim milk and egg whites for regular milk and whole eggs to cut down the fat content ..


1 lb. ground pork (substitute lean beef, turkey or chicken)
1 lb. ground chuck
2 cups breadcrumbs, plain ( substitute seasoned if you would like)
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 eggs 

2 medium onions finely chopped
1 T dried parsley
1/2 to 1 cup milk . (You can substitute skim milk)

Mix all ingredients together.. Shape into the shape of a meatloaf and place in a lightly sprayed meatloaf pan .

Bake 350 degrees approx. 1 1/2 hours..  Cover for 1/2 hour and then take cover off.. You can easily top this meatloaf with diced tomatoes or salsa for some added flavor..Bake additional 15 to 20  minutes or more uncovered..  Add a veggie or side salad for a healthy meal..

Note:  If using smaller amount of beef or turkey, cooking time will be less..This recipe is easily cut in half.

Note: You can always use all ground beef when making meatloaf. Here's what it looks like when I used l 1/4 lb. ground beef, 1 medium onion grated, 1 egg, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1/2 tsp. dried parsley.

 I topped it with 2 T. ketchup after first baking it for one hour. 
I did not add any liquid to this recipe and baked it at 350 degrees for 1 hour uncovered and then added the ketchup to the top and covered it for another ten minutes..

This recipe works really well for cold meatloaf sandwiches....

From my kitchen to yours,

1/2/12

Healthy Meals from my kitchen to yours!

I want to share as many good healthy recipes to help us stay focused on healthy eating and Weight Watchers have been helping people make healthy food choices so my first meal is one that was adapted from one of their cookbooks.

Turkey and veggie pizza
3/12/17

I  know that I want to be healthy but won't deprive myself from indulging now and again.  Life is way to short to totally eliminate sweets and special dishes and meals that we all like.  Obviously eating poorly everyday is NOT a good idea.  

I am checking my cookbooks and adapting recipes hopefully that will be of interest to you.  I will try to incorporate fish or even some seafood into my dishes as well as chicken, turkey or a meatless dish.  I am hoping that appeals to you.  I'd like to trim down a few pounds and quite honestly I am not into serious exercise so it has to be my food choices that will help shed the weight. I do believe in taking a nice brisk walk when the weather permits. 

Have a great day and keep coming back.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Healthy Eating!



Mini Tortilla Turkey and Veggie Pizza (Healthy Option #1)

This recipe makes 4

4 whole wheat tortilla's
2/3 cup reduced fat sour cream or( Try some plain Greek yogurt for a substitute)
1/4 cup prepared horseradish  or ( use 2 tsp. dry ranch seasoning mix)
*1 lemon squeezed (eliminate if you are using turkey)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 plum tomatoes(diced) or cut in half cherry tomatoes
1 small red onion sliced thin
1/2 lb. thinly sliced turkey breast (low salt) or *1/2 pound thinly sliced smoked salmon
sprinkle of dried dill weed optional

**If you would like add more veggies to the above.  I am sure peppers, broccoli and or cauliflower small pieces would also be a great add ins.

Spray medium skillet with cooking spray.  Taking one tortilla at a time on medium heat cook until crisp.  Set aside

Combine sour cream, horseradish or (2 tsp. dry ranch mix).  Stir until blended.

Spread mixture over tortilla, top with tomatoes, onion and sliced turkey and sprinkle a little dill if you would like.



original post 11/17/13

Italian Sloppy Guiseppe's aka Joe's

I really love to use Tuttorusso Tomatoes for just about any recipe that calls for tomatoes. They are always consistent in texture and have an awesome fresh tomato taste. Most of my Italian friends agree they are the best canned tomatoes out there. IMO

10/14/17

Today I saw a recipe on their website and I changed it up slightly with the produce and ingredients I had handy and I used the Tuttorusso tomato sauce as a nice alternative.

Here's their recipe and my changes will be noted.

1 pound Italian turkey sausage or regular Italian sausage ground**
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium sweet onion chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms
1-28 oz. can tuttorosso crushed tomatoes**
1-6 oz. can tomato paste**
1/2 tsp. fine dried rosemary
6 oz. provolone cheese sliced**
1 cup baby spinach

6 whole wheat buns

• In a large skillet cook the sausage and ground beef; breaking into small pieces until cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.Add onion and garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.Drain very well.
• Add peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, rosemary, salt and black pepper.Cover and cook on low for 25 minutes.
• Sandwich Build: Place a piece of cheese on each bun.Top with meat mixture and finish with few spinach leaves.

Note all with an ** is where I adapted the recipe.

My adaptation is:

ground beef and sausage
Tuttorosso tomato sauce
no mushrooms
1/2 tsp. sugar
cooked and seasoned garlic spinach for toppting 
Small crusty Italian rolls
mozzarella or pepper jack slices

Hubby chose Mozzarella and I had the Pepper Jack...Both excellent.

Hamburger veggie pie

Here’s a hearty winter meal that you can make and enjoy the leftovers too!

One of my favorite that’s easy to make and enjoyed by my family.

This meal can be easily made using ground turkey or ground chicken.


1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion sliced
2 medium potatoes ( microwave 3 minutes and remove skin)
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 pkg. refrigerated pie crust(room temperature)
2 T Canola or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet place oil.  Add beef, salt and pepper and onion.  When beef starts to slightly brown and onions start to cook add carrots and potatoes.  Cook until beef is no longer red and veggies are tender.   Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons flour over mixture and 1/4 cup of water if necessary.  Stir gently until coated and flour is no longer visible.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a 9” Pie dish place one crust.  Pinch edges.  Gently add hamburger veggie mixture.  Place the other pie crust on top and pinch to seal.  With a fork prick several times.  Place in center of oven and bake 400 degrees approximately 20 to 30 minutes.  After 10 minutes cover edges with aluminum foil if the crust is browning too quickly.  Remove from oven and allow to set about ten minutes before cutting.

Serve with a salad or top with gravy.

Cheeseburger Casserole, My Way

Hi and a very good day to you!

I like easy meals and I know you do too so I decided to put a spin on a recipe that looked good for one or two exceptions so I made it my way.  I hope you enjoy it too!

   Ingredients :                                     1 lb. 80% ground beef

1 medium onion sliced thin
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup Bisquick
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese(Cheddar, American, Provolone)

1 cup milk
1 egg
  

Beat egg with whisk, add milk and Bisquick and set aside.

Note: I have seen recipes similar using Tater Tots on the top layer but I am not fond of them and I think having the bisquick is enough of starch. IMO You can use them as you want just increase the liquid to 1 1/2 cup milk and add another egg.

Spray a 13 x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.  In a separate pan saute beef, sliced onions, salt and pepper until meat is no longer pink. Drain if necessary. 

  Place cooked beef mixture in bottom of baking dish.  Top with spoons of  ketchup randomly over beef.  Top with shredded cheese and then pour liquid over top making sure to cover as much as possible.  Sprinkle a little more cheese of top and bake 400 degrees approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until browned nicely on top.

Note:  I had a few slices of white American cheese I added too.

Cool for ten minutes and cut in squares or spoon onto individual plates.

It definitely looks and tastes like a cheeseburger.  Great recipe!