Monthly Archives: March 2020

Stress-full times,

Hey guys, we are all finding the Covid 19 Virus, having to stay home Stress full.. It is important to stay healthy cooking from scratch, eating our fruits and veggies .. I also try to do a little Yoga and meditation..

This morning I cooked a truffle chicken, the flavour is amazing.. We are having this with a layered salad , it originally was a 7 layered salad, I have just adjusted the recipe, I usually make this the night before , I have made a home made dressing for this..

Traditional 7 layer salad!

iceberg lettuce

-cheese

-hard boiled eggs

-peas

-tomatoes

-green onions

-bacon,

The original salad the dressing in placed on top of the salad, it is mayo, sour cream a little sugar and garlic.. If you have a face dressing , just use that.

You can add different ingredients to your own seven layer salad version if you would like to, but be careful how much you stray.

Making your seven layer salad in advance

Because the ingredients in this version are pretty durable you can easily make this salad one to two days in advance and “seal” the vegetables in with the dressing layer on top, cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. I made mine two days ahead and then served it and it was just as crispy as when I made it.

How to mix your seven layer salad for serving

The answer to that is, you don’t.

We use a spoon with a very long handle and encourage people to dig deep, get a little of everything in one scoop and mix it on their plates.

How to Meditate it is easy find a quiet place in the house

  1. Sit or lie comfortably. I have my Yoga mat I sit on cross legged
  2. Close your eyes. … 
  3. Make no effort to control the breath; simply breathe naturally.
  4. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. I imagine being by the Ocean, do this for 10 mins daily. I then take George out. Both George and I really love these walks. through the day I usually do a little crocheting, Usually #Hugs4Cops Blankets lately I have been trying to make slippers or booties..

Red Pepper Pasta Sauce with crab

Yesterday we had the red pepper pasta sauce with crab meat, I made a Pizza and garlic bread , this is my stress relief cooking, and going for long walks with George , he loves the snow, i guess he is my snow angel..

5 health benefits of red peppers

  • Red peppers contain more than 200 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. … 
  • Red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin B6 and folate. … 
  • Red bell peppers help support healthy night vision. … 
  • Red bell peppers are packed with antioxidants. … 
  • Burn more calories with red bell peppers.

Salad pizza 

Enjoy your red pepper on the world’s healthiest pizza! Ezekiel wraps contains six sprouted grains and legumes that are combined to create a complete protein.

Ingredients:
2 8 inch wraps, what ever wraps you like
1/4 cup cheese , your fave cheese
1 tbsp basil pesto, dairy-free
1 small green zucchini, shredded
1/4 large red peppers, cut into strips
4 garlic stuffed olives, sliced if you like these
4 snap peas, sliced
1/2 tsp rosemary, fresh or dried
1 tsp dried parsley flakes

you can really put any toppings on the salad pizza

Directions:

1. Place wraps on cookie sheet and low broil for 2 minutes on each side.
2. Sprinkle cheese evenly across entire wrap and broil 1 minute more.
3. Spread pesto evenly over cheese, then arrange the zucchini, peppers, olives and snap peas.
4. Top with rosemary and parsley. Makes 2 pizzas.

Chinese food My Way !!

This is another fave meal of Davids, Chicken n broccoli, chowmein and spring rolls.. I love cooking from scratch, especially right now, as i have a lot of time on my hands , #StayHomeandCook. How are you all managing staying home, I have actually been doodling , I saw a pic of Peter Rabbit and I tried to copy it

I think i am going to make a red pepper pasta sauce for dinner tomorrow, last time I made it I added a can of crab meat oh boy was it ever good.. The pics below
Home made Fusilli Pasta, home made bread, home made red pepper sauce with scallops. Tomorrow I will be making the red pepper sauce with crab yummy . I don’t always have these sauces on pasta, I use different Ancient grains, Like Millet , Farro, Spelt Bulgur, Buckwheat, Quinoa Ancient grains make a perfect side dish, any time, any season. Convenient, inexpensive and incredibly delicious, they are rich in carbohydrates, the body’s main fuel supply, as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Add dried or fresh herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, cheeses or vegetables —

Here is some info i found on the web, it is interesting

Health benefits of ancient grainsAncient grains in their “whole grain” form provide fibre, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Research shows that people who eat more whole grains may have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Of all the current food trends, ancient grains might just be the original. This collection of nutritious whole grains are barley, kamut, millet, teff, oats, freekeh, bulgur, sorghum, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, chia and farro. And just to make the Jewish connection even clearer, all but teff, quinoa, amaranth and chia originated in the Fertile Crescent, which was home to the first Jews — present-day Lebanon, Syria, Turkey Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan and Egypt. These grains are considered “ancient” not only because they originated so long ago but also because their basic structure, taste and appearance has stayed the same since they were developed by the first agriculturists.

Combine grains and water in a medium saucepan. If desired, add 1/2 tsp salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. simmer on low heat for the specified cooking time.

  Remove the lid and test the grains for tenderness. If more cooking is needed, recover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, adding up to 1/4 cup water if all the water has been absorbed.

       Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

    Buckwheat groats: Prepare as directed, but bring water to a boil before adding the groats. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for the specified cooking time.

  Bulgur: Bulgur can also be soaked, rather than cooked, for use in salads and other preparations. Place bulgur in a large bowl and cover with an equal amount of boiling water. Let stand for about 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff bulgur with a fork.

  Farro: Prepare as directed, but drain the excess water when farro is tender. Use immediately

#StayHome #StaySAfe #washyourhands #StayHealthy Love Y’all

Cumberland Pie

Each of these potato topped pies consists of meat, mashed potatoes and if you like, though not traditional, a little cheese sprinkled on top. Significantly different in the Cumberland Pie, it has an extra layer of toasted breadcrumbs and cheese which is mixed either with the mashed potato or the breadcrumbs; again it is a case of personal preference,

A little history on a Cumberland pie, I found on the web.

The Cumberland Pie may have become no more than a dressed up Cottage Pie sprinkled with cheese and breadcrumbs, but its history goes so much further. The pie has its roots in medieval times when it would be made with a variety of meats, Herdwick mutton, or perhaps game, dried fruit and sweetened but not sugary by the use of apples in the recipe and spices. This mix of meat, spices, and fruit is not dissimilar to the original Mince Pies once made by a similar filling and not to be confused with the Christmas mince pies we are so familiar with today.

In medieval times, the pie was a pastry crust and not potato as we know it now. Why and when it changed to potato is not known.

Ask anyone in Britain for a Cumberland Pie and you will get the modern version, except in and around Cumbria and the Lake District in the North West. This region is the home of the pie and thankfully where it still exists. It is eaten and enjoyed by locals, tourists and those walking in this beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Rarely will you find one outside of the North West, which really is a shame.

Lazy Man’s Cabbage Rolls

Lazy Mans Cabbage Rolls or Holopshy . Very budget Friendly I used Ground Turkey .420 kg , 1 cup of Rice, 1 Large Can of tomatoes, 1 medium cabbage sliced thin, 1 small onion diced ,Worstershire sauce , mustard powder, 3 cloves of garlic diced, fresh ground black pepper . place some tomato and juice on the bottom of the roasting pan. place a layer of onions and cabbage in the bottom of the roasting pan, place the rice and ground turkey mis, layer it over the Cabbage, then place another layer of sliced cabbage and onion over the turkey Rice mix . add 1 cup of water to the tomato and spice mix and pour over the cabbage, leave in refrigerator until tomorrow. you may also ad a can of tomato soup ..Bake in a 360 f oven for approx. 1 .5 hrs , serve with sour cream

I used ground Turkey you can use what ever meat you like , I have only used 1/2 the amount of meat. some times I mix peppers with the cabbage. This is one of Davids fave meals. Im not sure where i first had this, I do know it was in Kitimat. Possibly got it from someone at the hospital when I worked there, in Dietary , I loved that job..

Fast facts on cabbage Info I got on a web site ..

  • Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable.
  • A chemical in cabbage may protect against the negative effects of radiation.
  • The sulforaphane found in cabbage may help protect against cancer.
  • Half a cup of cooked cabbage contains 81.5 micrograms of vitamin K.

Benefits

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health conditions. 

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant-based foods like cabbage decreases the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and overall mortality. It can also help promote a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

Where do cabbage rolls originate?Historically cabbage rolls has roots in ancient middle east and spread to Eastern Europe as trade roots developed and people migrated. Some Jewish historians has found indications that stuffed cabbage rolls were part of Jewish food tradition as early as 1500 years ago.

As for the tomato sauce, they are packed with Vitamins C, A, B6, niacin, folate and lycopene are believed to put the skids on various cancers, along with heart- and age-related diseases.

Cooking from scratch means buying more basic ingredients. It means probably using more fruits and vegetables, and less pre-made sauces loaded with sugar and salt. Overall, yes, this is definitely healthier. Less garbage to

Why Home Cooking? 

There are so many reasons to cook at home, it’s surprising that we aren’t all doing it at least some of the time. For starters, research shows that regularly eating home-cooked meals as a family is linked to healthier and happier kids. I love Cooking from scratch, giving away som of what I cook to friends and family.. My mom was a great cook, I do anything to cook with her one more time.. Stay Safe out there, this is a scary time.. Love Y’all

Traditional British Recipes

Fish and Chips , if ever you go to the UK you have to try their fish and chips , yummy Best place to eat fish and chips is by the Sea.. Bangers and Mash is another British fave .. Most pubs have this their menu .. The Full English Breakfast This breakfast usually includes: bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns and black puddings. Then you have the Sunday Dinner a roast, Yorkshire Puddings , roast potatoes, mashed potatoes and a couple of veggies. Toad in the Hole I made last-night . Shepards Pie or Cottage pie, I have a few variations of this.. A good Old Cumbrian Hotpor made with lamb and black pudding. Ohhhh Steak and Kidney pie I love this The ingredients include: beef, kidney, fried onion and gravy all wrapped up in pastry, probably not the healthiest but oh so good

Never Fail Yorkshires

  • 450ml milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 250g plain flour
  • 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil or shortening

mix together the milk, eggs, flour and 2 tsp salt in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth batter. If you don’t have a food processor or blender, whisk the eggs into the flour and salt, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Transfer to a jug, cover and leave at room temperature for at least 15 mins. Heat oven to 400 F and brush 12 holes of a muffin tin with the oil. Heat the tin cook for a further 25/30 mins until puffed, risen and golden. Most eaten with HP Sauce, pickled Onions, Malt Vinegar on your Chips Salad Cream on your Salad and end with a Cup Of tea.. Oh boy I am homesick..

Me Cooking #Stressrelief

This is a very scary time for the world, lets try to stay healthy, eating Veggies and fruits, respecting the #SocialDistancing #WashingHands.. I have been doing a lot of cooking this past 2 weeks, home made soups, veggie pasta sauce, bean stews, Last night I made Scotch eggs, and Toad in the Hole.. I think my batter was a little to thick , Cooked that with Duck fat and boy did it taste amazing . The scotch eggs I added my home grown parsley and oregano in the mix.

Here is some info I found on the web, I googled old fashioned Flu Remedies here is what I got.. The Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 brought with it a slew of folk-medicine remedies. After all, the flu was scary—and there was no vaccine or cure for it yet. At the very least, home remedies offered terrified Americans some semblance of control. In Chicago, families would shut all the widows and doors and boil ripe red peppers to stave off the virus. In Louisiana, one hospital superintendent recommended a quilt made of wormwood, sewn between layers of flannel and dipped in hot vinegar. But perhaps the most questionable preventative measure of all was wearing the color red, which according to some folk-medicine records, the flu “didn’t like.” According to a book about the pandemic, one American even penned a letter to the Public Health Service suggesting that servicemen wear a red ribbon around the chest, because “the flu is the Devil and Devil don’t work with red.” And if you think that’s amazing

Once one person in a household came down with the flu, others would soon be infected as well. To try and prevent that, some families would slice onions and place them around the house. it was thought that the onions could “absorb” the virus and prevent others from catching it. Unfortunately, we now know that’s not quite how flu works. The National Onion Association guesses this one likely originated as a medieval measure against the plague. And it didn’t work then, either.  My Mom always said a Hot Rum Toddy helps Not sure but worth a try LOL

here is a recipe I love, healthy to

Ingredients

  • 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up
  • 10 cups cold water
  • 5 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 6 whole peppercorns
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 2 large chopped carrots
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 stalks chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped peeled potatoes
  • 1 large chopped onion
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • DUMPLINGS:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3/4 to 1 cup whole milk
  • Snipped fresh parsley, optional

Place the chicken, water, bouillon, peppercorns and cloves in a stockpot. Cover and bring to a boil; skim foam. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 45-60 minutes or until chicken is tender. Strain broth; return to stockpot. with veggies and chopped chicken Good Home Cooking

Is chicken soup good for the flu?In fact, chicken soup is good for soothing both cold and flu symptoms. The hot souphelps break up the congestion associated with both colds and the flu. The salt in the soup and its warmth can soothe a sore throat. … A scientific study found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties.

Soups to Eat When You Feel Sick

  • Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a classic for a reason, not only does chicken noodle soup taste great, it really can help your body recover from cold and flu symptoms. … 
  • Hot n Sour Soup
  • Vegetable Soup. … 
  • Butternut Squash Soup. … 
  • Acorn Squash Soup
  • Tomato Soup. … or Tomato Basil Soup
  • Coconut Curry Soup.
  • Red Pepper Soup

Chicken with a Truffle oil and Herbs De Provence

David Heads Back to work today for 14 ,13 hour days then an hours drive to and from work.. So I got a chicken and rubbed a little truffle Oil and Herbs De Provence , I placed the chicken on a trivet of Onions and Carrots , 2 chicken stock cube and water.. The Smell of this cooking is amazing.. David asked for just chunky boiled potatoes with a little butter on, I also did Brussel Sprouts.. I had plans to make a chicken n veg pot pie with the left overs!! Not so As there isn’t enough left LOL Zoo I am doing a Veggie Fried Rice tonight with the left over chicken lol

So a Sunday dinner on a Tuesday, I love doing roast dinners , they are so easy..

Pork Madras Curry Yummy

  • Today, I wanted to cook yet again, I decided to make a Madras Pork Curry, Naan Bread , reg bread and David wants the Curry with Chips ( Fries ) Like the good old British way Curry n Chips.. There are a lot of Veggies in the curry, the meat is an ingredient, this curry tastes amazing .
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, 2 large onions cut in to chunks
  • 2 stalks Celery sliced chunky
  • 1 large green pepper cut chunky
  • 1 cup of peas
  • 4 cloves of garlic, 12 oz pork cut in to cubes
  • Madras Curry Spices
  • a little Coconut oil
  • Fresh ground Black Pepper

When we were back in the UK, David was working At Cortaulds as a weaver, once in a while he would bring Curry Chips back yummy.. I try to replicate that.. I believe it was Johns Fish n Chips in Denton Holme , they had a amazing Pattie’s to . Another great place was Pieri’s Fish N Chips Carlisle’s best patties. I will have to try to make these to..

Some info I found on the internet about Fish n Chip Shops Ahh…. Fish, chips and mushy peas! There is nothing more British than fish and chips. Freshly cooked, piping hot fish and chips, smothered in salt and soused with vinegar, wrapped in newspaper and eaten out-of-doors on a cold and wintry day – it simply cannot be beaten! in London, it is said that Joseph Malin opened a fish and chip shop in Cleveland Street within the sound of Bow Bells in 1860.

Fish and chip shops were originally small family businesses, often run from the ‘front room’ of the house and were commonplace by the late 19th century.

Through the latter part of the 19th century and well into the 20th century, the fish and chip trade expanded greatly to satisfy the needs of the growing industrial population of Great Britain. In fact you might say that the Industrial Revolution was fuelled partly by fish and chips!

The Grand Kids love Fish n Chips in the paper, I like to make a fresh Slaw with this

Home made, I try to cook everything we eat from scratch!!

Friday I awoke and thought Hmm lets cook! You all know I Love to cook. I made a veggie Pasta Sauce. I boiled 3 small chickens to get the stock and meat. I made a huge soup pot of Chicken Veg Soup boy is it good

Health benefits of chicken soup? Chicken soup ingredients provide the body with selenium, vitamins A, C, and various antioxidants to boost the immune system and fight diseases. Along with these other benefits, the chicken in the soup is rich in protein

Homemade soup good for you?A big bowl of freshly made soup will not only make a satisfying meal, but it will also help keep you fuller for longer and give you a big portion of your recommended 5-a-day. Soups make a great healthy lunch or healthy dinner option, Have with a green salad or a chunk of crusty Baguette (Home Made also)

I baked bread, so this morning I made fresh Guacamole and put it on fresh made bread (Toast) . I love to cook from scratch, it does take a little longer but in the long run you freeze extra portions, them pull out for a quick meal.. You also know what goes in to your sauces, soups, stews eat.. Today Im going to do a batch of Texas Caviar , one of Davids fave foods.. When I was growing up, my Mom

( Mam) bought very little processed food and made everything from scratch

  • Quick Guacamole
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt, more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of minced red onion or thinly sliced green onion
  • 1-2 serrano chiles, stems and seeds removed, minced Optional
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (leaves and tender stems), finely chopped optional)
  • A dash of freshly grated black pepper
  • 1/2 ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic diced
  • fresh ground black pepper

Benefits of Cooking from Scratch

  • Budget Friendly
  • Less waste and garbage made
  • Taste is too good.
  • Healthy
  • Grocery shopping with less waste
  • Therapeutic, put on a great play list and cook
  • MAKE ENOUGH TO SHARE/ SAVE FOR THE NEXT DAY. … 
  • BRINGS FAMILY TOGETHER. Cooking with the grand Kids love it
  • Cooking at home from scratch, contributes to healthier diets. … 
  • Cooking at home from scratch, reduces calorie consumption. … 
  • Cooking at home from scratch, saves money. … 
  • Cooking in general makes me happy

A Cumberland Pie, I come from Carlisle Cumberland and I love to cook this . Found on BBC Good Food , i adapted to what I lied and it is amazing

  • 2 celery sticks, sliced into 1cm pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 really big carrots, halved lengthways then chunkily sliced
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 3 thyme sprigs
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp each plain flour, tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 beef stock cubes, crumbled
  • 1 lb Chicken, beef or pork cut in to small cubes
  • 5 large potato
  • 1/4 cup each mature cheddar and parmesan, finely grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic diced
  • 1 can pf baked beans

a little History I found on line about the Cumberland Pie

A Brief History of the Cumberland Pie 

The Cumberland Pie may have become no more than a dressed up Cottage Pie sprinkled with cheese and breadcrumbs, but its history goes so much further. The pie has its roots in medieval times when it would be made with a variety of meats, Herdwick mutton, or perhaps game, dried fruit and sweetened but not sugary by the use of apples in the recipe and spices. This mix of meat, spices, and fruit is not dissimilar to the original Mince Pies once made by a similar filling and not to be confused with the Christmas mince pies we are so familiar with today.

In medieval times, the pie was a pastry crust and not potato as we know it now. Why and when it changed to potato is not known.

Ask anyone in Britain for a Cumberland Pie and you will get the modern version, except in and around Cumbria and the Lake District in the North West. This region is the home of the pie and thankfully where it still exists. It is eaten and enjoyed by locals, tourists and those walking in this beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Rarely will you find one outside of the North West, which really is a shame.
Cumberland Sausage is another great eat, my brother made the best he was a Butcher al his life. Fyfe Butchers Corby Hill

A Veggie Pasta

This morning, I thought lets get right back to plant based, so I looked through my veggies and decided to male a Veggie Pasta Sauce, I originally saw Jamie Oliver doing this a few yrs ago,

  • 2 large Zucchini sliced thin
  • 2 large onions diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 large leeks diced
  • 4 plum tomatoes diced
  • 8 loved garlic diced
  • 4 red peppers diced
  • 2 large cans tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 500 mis veggie stock
  • oregano from my garden (froze it )
  • Italian seasoning
  • fresh ground black pepper

I sliced and diced the veggies salted in a little olive oil once cooked I pureed the veggies in to an amazing pasta sauce, I will place in large freezer bags and flatten them and freeze as this takes up less room in the freezer . I will make fresh pasta, home made baguette and a green salad oh and lots of fresh grated parmesan cheese

Birthday Weekend for David

This weekend is Davids Birthday, When it is a family Birthday, I cook what they want … David wants a BBQ, even though he is having red meat we are just having small steaks, along with my Macaroni Salad, warm potato salad and a veggie tray. Most important family, the grand kids Colin, Bailey and Asher along with Ian, Kate and Aaron .. George is going to love having the kids over.. I will up date tomorrow , lets get this party started . Table set, steak marinating, potatoes n eggs on all ready for the warm potato salad.
Asher place is set with the baby knife, fork, Spoon n dish that was Colins Awe Yup my trusty stool I can barley reach the bottom Shelf lol

Cooking from the Heart

I know this may sound Corny!! This is how i cook, I will sometimes look at a recipe but sadly ever follow one.. I find a recipe is a guideline When I decide I want to cook, I think what should i cook then , I feel what needs to go in the dish!! My Pasta Sauce , Many yrs ago when David was in the pipe band, we had just bought our first house #32 Morton St. A chap from the band came over for supper and showed David how he made pasta sauce a can of tomato soup, onions and ground beef.. Boy has this sauce evolved. It was Davids baby, I have since took this over.. Miracle food the Chowmein , Spring Rolls I love making Vegetarian ones using cabbage, onions, carrot rice wine vinegar, 5 spice and garlic Yummy But I am going to make Irish Spring rolls adding a little lamb and mint sauce. The miracle maid dinner, we were shown how to do this 35 yrs ago, Most of the time I do this with ground chicken or turkey add onions, sage egg and rice .. Since we are 80% Plant based , I love to experiment with food.. A veg stew is a great example. My Soups, another great example.. If we eat out and taste something we really like we love to try and replica the recipe.. My Mushroom soup is amazing I never know what mushrooms Im going to use until I hit the produce isle.. I love when Colin and Bailey come over and we cook together the heart of a home is the kitchen .. David brought Beef shank home one day, I had never cooked with them, I looked up how to cook them, I made a beef Shank stew with leek, carrots, turnip and a few potatoes, left overs made the most amazing curry ever.. Cooking is a stress reliever for me also Crocheting my #Hugs4Cops Blankets and Cushion covers . When David and I cook together , we don’t have to tell each other what to do, we just do it.. We are coming up to our 45 wedding anniversary , We want to renew our vows..

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