Baked meatloaf! with potatoes and carrots.

Today I made a smaller meatloaf  using 1/2 lb. Ground beef and red skinned potatoes cut in half.  Carrots again because I do like carrots!

New photo for the new year.  Recipe and Ingredients the same just smaller amounts used.

All in one meal.  Baked meatloaf with white potatoes and carrots.

I love all in one meals.  Whether it is crock pot handy or in the oven the thought of putting several good ingredients in a pan or pot and coming out with a delicious, easy to do meal ranks top on my list of happy moments.  Call me crazy but finding meals to not only be healthy but also satisfying is not always easy and when you can put them all in one pan or pot I am one happy chick.  LOL  

This one was delicious.  We had leftovers so hubby had some the next day and me too!  Afterall meatloaf is healthy and this recipe had little bread crumbs so it was low in the carb area. The amount of ketscup was minimal so it was a good healthy choice in my book.  Enjoy and feel free to add anything else you'd like to this meatloaf.  I did not add the Worcestershire sauce(not a fav of mine).  And notice no eggs in this meatloaf and it held together perfectly.  YUM

, 

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (use low fat is you want)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup crushed saltines or panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 small onion grated 
•  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce(optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef (chicken or turkey if you desire)
• 2 small onions, quartered
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 medium carrots, quartered
• 1 large green pepper, cut into quarters(optional)
• parsley for garnish

1. In a large bowl, combine milk, ketchup, cracker crumbs, Worcestershire sauce optional , salt and pepper. Add ground beef. Shape meat mixture into an 8-in. x 4-in. oval; place in a lightly greased baking pan. Place the onions, potatoes, carrots and optional green pepper around the loaf .
2. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours depending on your oven. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until there is no longer any pink in the center and potatoes and carrots are fork tender.  Note: mine took a little longer than time  suggested.  I used beef and pork in my adapted recipe. 

1/10/16 original recipe 

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook™ ©2022, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

adapted from Pot Roast Meat Loaf in Country Ground Beef 1993, p32

Mediterranean style chicken

To make my life a little easier I used a disposable aluminum pan for this meal.   

You can adjust amounts of seasonings to you taste.

We like lemon so I did use a whole lemon.  It complimented this recipe.

1lb.  Boneless chicken breasts cut into medium pieces

6 to 8 Red potatoes ( cut in halves ) ( boil for a few minutes)

1 Red pepper julienned ( you may use any color or even variegated peppers for color.

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp.  Garlic powder 

1/2 tsp. Onion powder

1/2 tsp. Dried Basil 

1/2 tsp.  Dried Parsley 

1 medium Fresh lemon( squeeze juice) plus zest of lemon

1/2 cup Olive oil

1/2 tsp. Oregano (optional)

• Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, basil, parsley ,salt, and black pepper in a bowl.  Place chicken breasts into a 9x13-inch baking dish or as I did an aluminum pan about the same size.  Brush lemon juice mixture over chicken.

• ***Note:to speed up cooking time I partially cooked my potatoes. 
  

  Place potatoes, red bell pepper strips, spices, and lemon slices in a bowl, pour remaining lemon juice mixture over vegetables, and toss to coat. Arrange vegetables and lemon slices around chicken breasts in baking dish.

• Bake 400 degrees in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; with a large spoon move chicken and vegetables through  pan drippings. Continue baking until chicken is browned, the juices run clear.  Approximately 10 to 15 minutes more. 

Enjoy!

Banana and Cream filled Angel Food Cake!

Another quick and fast dessert.  My hubby loves desserts So when I am out all day shopping or with friends I usually make a dessert that is 1, 2, 3. 

Lower in calories than a lot if other cakes you can easily use real whipped cream and whole milk if you’re not weight conscious but many options to make this to your liking.

  Easy to pick up one at your local grocery store while out, a pound cake or my favorite, Angel Food.  

This one was shaped like a loaf( you don't find Angel food cakes often like this)  so it was even easier to slice in half and fill. Take my advise .  Keep one of these in your freezer and you will be able to make it 1, 2 3  too!!!  Enjoy!

Sprinkle with sifted Cocoa powder!

You can fill this cake with any instant pudding mix..Lemon is really good too!

After mixing pudding  according to package directions, I used the hollowed out pieces to add to the pudding and the banana pieces.

Pile it in there!

Put top on cake and top with the Cool whip!

Original 6/14/12

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook™ ©2022, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

Low fat Rice Pudding

Fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon too

I thought it couldn’t be done.  At least that’s what I’ve been told as a young adult but now I’m thinking a lot depends  on what recipe is being used.

This recipe I adapted from a foodie that was posted on the Martha Stewart web site.

It really turned out delicious and very creamy too.

Enjoy!

***FYI:  I MADE 1/2 RECIPE SO IF MAKING A HALF RECIPE ADJUST INGREDIENTS. Ps.  I used two(2) eggs . 1/2 cup rice, 1/2 cup sugar, 4 cups milk,1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract, sprinkle of cinnamon.  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 6 cups skim milk
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• *1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon, plus more for garnish( I did not add caramom)
• 1/2 cup golden raisins, plus more for garnish (optional)
  
  

****NOTE:  the first step took much longer than recipe says.  

• ***In a large saucepan, combine rice and 5 cups milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender, 15 to 17 minutes.**45 minutes for me.

• Step 2

  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla, cardamom, and remaining cup milk. Slowly pour egg mixture into rice mixture; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until pudding coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes.

• Step 3

  Remove from heat; stir in raisins. Pour pudding into a 6-quart casserole dish or large bowl; let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days). Serve pudding garnished with more raisins and cardamom.

  Adapted Martha Stewart

My Monday morning adventure in search for Lobster tails

Just venting!

What a day yesterday was....

 

I was feeling really good today and decided it would be a good day to search for Lobster Tails for hubby and I for Christmas Eve dinner.  I’ve been under the weather(not Covid related) and am finally feeling better.

 

Since it was a beautiful crisp day I also thought it would be a wonderful day to take a ride, listen to Christmas music so I chose Sam’s club which is quite a distance from our home.  I was feeling happy and relaxed. 

 

First mistake...I took my usual route on our 228 connector to Route 8 which would take me to Sam's easily.

 

Major one lane construction.  In my happy go lucky mood I completely forgot because I did know it was a total mess on that road.  I’m the last in line as far as I can see... There had to be at least and I’m not exaggerating  60 to 70 cars ahead of me. They were winding around the bends in the road.  Oh no!!!

 

I was in line listening to Christmas music about 20 minutes.  I’m OK. No rush!

 

  Finally reached route 8 and it was smooth sailing the 15 or more miles I travelled.  I was so happy..

 

Here’s where the fun starts...I get to Sam’s.  Get right in.  It was early and I was happy I left home early so I could get in and out.  I really don’t want to linger in any store with this Pandemic.

 

I look for center isle where I know I’ve seen at both Sam’s and Costco fresh seafood.  No center isle displaying seafood.  Oh no!

 

I proceed to go to meat department and asked a very nice associate “Where is your fresh seafood”?  She says we only have it in the frozen area.  I say ok.  A butcher coming out the back says”  I’ll go with you”  we always had the fresh and I do not know we had it kept in frozen now.  I was happy he came along.  Really nice associates in Sam’s.  Very courteous.

 

Here we go.  We find the Lobster...5 lb. for $163.97 and a box on top with about 4 packages of 6 smaller tails.  Yay! Perfect for us, right?  Here’s where the real fun begins... I say”  I don’t see a price”.  He say’s “ I’ll scan it.  A price does not show.  He says “we had to sell some because there is only 4 packages in here and it was a full box”.  I say OK...

 

On to the next adventure.  He had to call manager.  We wait for manager he does his scanning.  I follow him back to meat department.  He comes out and says” I can’t find price so I’m having my guy go get another full box.  I walk to frozen area.  Guy says it’ll be just a few minutes.  We walk back to meat department where Manager is in back.  He goes and puts box on counter.  I can see clearly he is checking all out side of box with scanner and his phone.  I stand getting a little anxious but thought no worry, no hurry..right?  Wrong!  Manager finally come out and says "I can’t sell you any because I can’t find a price to charge you”?  I say “ whattttt??  He says” I’m so very sorry but I have no way of checking price”.  I leave discouraged but happy thinking no big deal  but as I was walking out I thought "the box that had 4 packages left in it”.  How did they sell the rest missing without price.  Very suspicious I became at the exact moment.  Hmmm  Now I’m thinking  something shady may have happened with those missing lobster tails. Wouldn't you?

 

On to happy ending...Yes there is a happy ending and I’ll get to it in a few paragraphs.  I know I’m making this a very long story but I’m up feeling happy and actually thinking if this is my biggest problem boy am a really lucky. I leave store.

 

I’m in my car my phone rings its my daughter.  I tell her my tale and she says are you close to Walmart?  I say it’s right next to me but it’s so crowded.  She says just go right in to the frozen seafood. ok to walk ever slowly with my still recovering forever knee.  The store is massive.  Of course seafood at furthest point.  I get there....Lots of frozen seafood but no lobster.  I persevere maneuvering myself around people who are looking for seafood.  I’m ok.  I’m in no rush. Even though people are in my way...That’s ok.  I’m in not rush...lol

 

I start to go to my left and see some what appears to be fresh but with ice on bottom 4 packages of fresh lobster tails. I get excited!! Lady in front of me going to take those darn tails???OMG she doesn’t.  I look 2 dated use or sell by December 26 and two use sell by Dec. 22.  I grab the two packages dated 26th and quickly (there were 2 smaller tails in each package). I had no clue of price .  I felt desperate at this point but still patient.

 

Now here is where the fun starts again but it is a Happy Ending...

 

The lines were unbelievable. Now is like 11;30 am.  I started out at 9 a.m.  I’m going to self check out.  Line was around  and beyond and was unbelievable.  Oh I see two lines that seem short but people have lots in carts but I say checker should be quick...Not!  Ok I stand behind a lady who has a huge order but think I’m not in a hurry so what if my tails have ice on bottom so what if they start to thaw.  Really????  Lady sees me with only two small packages but just talks and talk and talks.  At one point I say to her”I should have waited in the self check out with only these two packages but thought this would be faster” She nods.  OK Well I was feeling optimistic she would say you go ahead of me. Not a chance! of that happening as when she finally starting to put her items/stuff on the moving belt.  I am a little hurt but understand she may be just frustrated too and not thinking.  

 

Here comes the good part..Right in line in back of me a very nice couple.( we all are wearing masks.)  I say what a day!  I don’t know when I’ll get home.  He comes up closer to me and whispers...You need to be patient..Bless his heart.  He then says” I’m 88 and my wife is 87.  I look at them both with their items in their cart being very patient and so relaxed. 

 I thought now this is my Happy Ending..He proceeds to tell me they have 4 children.  Only one lives close by but checks on them daily.  She says and “ do all my own cooking and we live in our home”  How nice is that? Appeared nicely dressed and put together.  So nice to see an aging couple look great and be so socialable. They may have health issues or not but they didn’t seem fazed at all and actually quite alert and so pleasant.  No grouchy old people at all as some can be.  Sorry some are but old age and its stages can be very depressing.  I work at it..Truth be told!

 

You see I have been thinking  a lot lately of aging and what will happen to my hubby and I.  Our children and grandchildren have their lives. Most live far away from us.  We too have a son that lives about an hour from us.

 

   You can call it what you want but I think God, my angels or fate played a part in this day and what started out as going to be a great day had a few bumps lol along the way which really put me in the right place at the right time and yes I did get my Lobster Tails.  All good, right?

 

Merry Christmas and a very Safe and Healthy New Year.

 

Love and Hugs,

 

M.j.(Joyce)