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Sunday, July 7, 2013

Two easy side salads!

Two quick sides that didn't take very long to make are Asian Coleslaw and Taboule Greek salad.

Getting away from the usual sometimes is not only appreciated but enjoyed and that is what I decided for today's cook-out. My daughter mentioned her friends enjoy the crispy and crunchy Asian salad that uses Ramon noodles so I decided to try it out. An easy as one two three salad you could easily make this and add some grilled chicken to it for a very nice summer meal..

The Asian salad that she suggested was easy because I used a recipe I found on Food. com. I do check out on occasion the internet but I am a faithful magazine and newspaper recipe foodie.

Enjoy,

M.J.

Here is what I did and it was great!

Salad

3 green onions sliced or chopped
1 bag coleslaw mix...or shred a medium size head of cabbage
3 T toasted sesame seeds
1 cup toasted almonds
1 pkg. chicken flavor ramen noodles, reserve seasoning packet for dressing

Dressing
1/4 cup olive or canola oil
3 T white or Rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
seasoning (reserved packet)

Crumble ramon noodles and combine with green onions, coleslaw mix, sesame seeds and toasted almonds.

Whisk dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.

Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Taboule Wheat Salad

The other new salad (a first try) and easily made from the back of the Near East Taboule mix.

1 pkg. Near East Taboule Wheat Salad
1 T olive oil
1 large tomato, seeded and cut in small pieces
2 T lemon juice
1 cup (I used a bit less) crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Romaine lettuce and lemon wedges for garnish

In a large bowl, combine wheat and contents of spice sack. Stir in 1 cup boiling water. Cover, let stand 30 minutes in refrigerator.

After 30 minutes stir in olive oil, lemon juice, cheese, cucumber, tomato and basil. Toss to combine. Serve on bed of lettuce and garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Happy Summer easy sides from my kitchen to yours!

7/7/13

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda! A Summer must!

Browsing though Better Homes and Gardens Magazine I found this amazing recipe for a Cream Soda beverage.

As the 4th is tomorrow I am quickly posting it for all my loyal followers. I made one for myself last night and it proved to be a wonderful, refreshing yet so tasty drink that I will make a pitcher for my guests tomorrow.

Happy Entertaining from my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

Enjoy the 4th and please be safe. Fireworks are dangerous!!

Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

2/3 cup sugar(adjust for sweetness) I added a little less

3/4 cup refrigerated coconut milk

3 to 4 cups Club soda or carbonated water, chilled

In a medium bowl combine strawberries and sugar; stir well to combine. Using a pastry blender, coarsely mash the strawberries.

Place 1/3 cup mashed strawberries in each of 6 glasses. To each glass add ice, 2 T coconut milk, and 1/2 to 2/3 cups club soda. Stir drinks just before serving. Makes 6 servings.

*Note: If you don't want your drink to be too sweet cut down on the sugar amount.

***Rosebud Followers: Use Splenda instead of sugar or make it sugar free :)

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Monday, July 1, 2013

We call them Wimpies! You may call them Sloppy Joe's

Forget about canned Sloppy Joe's. Try these Wimpies!!! Much better and if you want to add a chopped green pepper, add it as well. It's all up to you.

Mom made these when I was growing up and they were so yummy. She served them on a nice soft bun. Now I make them for my family and they are great to bring along in a crock pot for socials. Forget the bun and serve as a dip with crunchy chips. Everyone will love them!

You can make these with or without the add-ins. They will always be "WIMPIES" to me!

1 1/2 lb. ground sirloin (lean ground beef works too)
1 medium onion
1- 12 oz bottle Chili sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 to 2 heaping tablespoon brown sugar(depends on how sweet you would like it to be)
1/4 tsp.Worcestershire sauce (I've made them without this ingredient and they have been fine)
**1/4 cup chopped green pepper(optional) Sloppy Joe's have green peppers so you decide Wimpie's do not.

about 1/4 cup water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Place 2 tablespoons canola oil in pot. Add meat, chopped onion salt and pepper. Cook until browned. Once mixture is browned add chili sauce, ketchup a little water(just clean out the bottle with some), brown sugar, optional Worcestershire sauce, salt ,pepper and water. Cook slowly uncovered for 1 hour stirring occasionally.

Serve on soft buns or crispy rolls..

Happy Cooking!