Author: cathysmaha

I am a country girl, born and raised on a farm in Central Iowa. I am the youngest of three children by 9 and 14 years….I was the OOPS! Being younger had its advantages in that I was an Aunt at age 7 and grew up with my niece and nephews. My Father died from a farm injury when I was 12, which forever changed my life and strengthened my bond with my Mother. I tagged along with my Mother to visit older people in our community and learned about their lives in the early 1900s, enjoying the many wonderful traditional foods and family stories. I graduated from a class of 25, which gave me the advantage of being involved in sports and clubs that would not have been possible in a large High School. At that time, Home Ec was still an elective and I loved the cooking lessons (not so hot on the sewing classes). While at the University of Northern Iowa, I began to collect and read cookbooks. Perhaps it was the absence of Mom’s home cooking that drew me to dream about cooking (and eating) wonderful food. After college I moved to St. Joseph, MO and then to Scottsdale, AZ and began to experiment with traditional recipes and discovering those of my own. It was such an adventure to discover new dishes and restaurants in historic St. Joseph, Kansas City, then Scottsdale, Phoenix, San Diego…and the list goes on. In the early ‘80s, I moved to Denver, got married, started my telecommunications sales career and discovered the fabulous restaurants in Denver and Aspen. My career took me to cities never before experienced and the seafood in San Francisco, Cajun fare in New Orleans, Tex-Mex in Dallas, Italian in New Jersey, etc. are experiences I will cherish. In 1986 our first daughter, Megan, was born and then Sarah in 1988. Instead of indulging in dinners out, we were cooking more at home and seeking ways to have good meals with limited time. Dinners went from adult gourmet to more kid friendly meals. Megan’s tastes were more basic while Sarah adopted a gourmet palate at an early age. At age 6 her favorite meal was steamed artichokes and crab legs with drawn butter…still her favorite. Megan’s tastes expanded rapidly when she went to college and started cooking for her roommates and now loves to whip up gourmet dishes. I am blessed to have many gal pals that also share my passion for good food. I love to try new restaurants and look forward to the ‘pot luck’ feasts at our book club meetings and other gatherings. It isn’t just the good food that brings us to together, but the great love and admiration we all have for each other. We are addicted foodies…but we try to remember our 12-step foodie program is needed. God grant me the serenity to only eat the food that I LOVE, the courage to walk away from junk food, and the wisdom to recognize the difference. Oh YEAH!
Family Favorites · New Favorite · Salads

Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Harvest Bowl is one of my favorite recipes of all times. There are a multiple of flavors and textures to enjoy. I added bits cooked pork roast, a delicious addition. However, the bowl with a meat addition is equally delicious. The best temperature for serving is slightly warm. Leftovers are great for 3-4 days, slightly warmed in the microwave. This the first time I’ve cooked with fig jam and I loved it. For a different twist, it could be interesting to try apple butter. Anyway you make it, you’ll love it!

Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup wild-brown rice blend (I recommend Lundberg)
  • 1-3/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth
  • 3 cups 1” butternut squash cubes (about 1 small squash)
  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon each garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon
  • salt and pepper
  • 9 oz thinly shredded brussels sprouts
  • 1 large or 2 small apples, chopped
  • 3 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds or pepitas
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

For the Fig Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, microplaned or minced
  • 2 Tablespoons fig jam
  • salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Add rice and chicken broth to a small saucepan then bring to a boil, place a lid on top, then turn heat down to a simmer and cook for 40-50 minutes or until rice is al dente (verify liquid amount and cooking method with rice package directions.) Set aside to cool slightly – can be done a day ahead of time.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a half sheet pan with a silpat or foil then spray with nonstick spray if using foil. Add butternut squash cubes, 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper then toss with your fingers to evenly coat. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until squash is tender, stirring halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly – can be done a day ahead of time.
  3. Meanwhile, line another half sheet pan with a silpat or foil then spray with nonstick spray if using foil. Add shredded brussels sprouts, remaining 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper then toss with your fingers to evenly coat. Add to oven after stirring the squash then roast together for 8-10 minutes or until brussels sprouts are tender and golden brown.
  4. For the Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette: Combine ingredients in a bowl or jar with a tight fitting lid then whisk or shake to combine (might need to microwave for 15-20 seconds to help melt the fig jam.) Taste then add more salt, pepper, and/or fig jam if desired.
  5. In a large bowl combine cooked rice, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, apples, cheese, almonds, and dried cranberries. Drizzle Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette on top then toss to coat and serve. Leftovers are good for 3-4 days.

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Appetizers · Italian Dishes

Pizza with Hatch Chiles, Bacon & Caramelized Onion

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What smells more like fall than the roasting of Hatch Chiles? This easy pizza recipe is a real delight with an abundance of flavor. I love the Hatch Green Chile Cheddar Dip from the grocery store or Costco and decided to use it as the base for this yummy pizza. What fun to experiment with new toppings…get creative!

Daughter, Megan, an I made it again the other day and used Stonefire Pizza Crust (or any premade pizza crust). Megan suggested that fresh sweet corn would be a great addition, along with the yummy caramelized onions.

Pizza with Hatch Chiles, Bacon & Caramelized Onion

INGREDIENTS:
  • Pizza Dough (from your favorite recipe or available in grocery stores)
  • Hatch Green Chile Dip (Available at Grocery Stores or Costco)
  • Cooked Bacon (4-6 slices) broken into pieces
  • One Large Onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Roll the pizza dough to your baking pans dimensions. Sprinkle baking pan with cornmeal. Place dough on pan. Use fork to poke holes in pizza dough.
  2. Prebake pizza dough for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees.
  3. Cook bacon until crisp.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add sliced onion. Cook slowly until onions are brown and caramelized.
  5. Remove pizza dough from oven. Spread with Green Chile Dip. Sprinkle with bacon bits and onions.
  6. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until dough is brown and cooked through.

A suggestion from my good friend, Maribeth, and addition of caramelized onions suggested by my daughter, Megan. We have a winning combination!

Appetizers · Poultry

Baked Hot Wings

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Never have I ever…made hot wings until now. Daughter Megan has a craving for hot wings about a year ago so I bought the fixings. Then, she was pregnant and they sounded disgusting. Now that Baby Callen has arrived, she thought they sounded better and told me of this recipe. Easy peasy and very adaptable to your heat/spice tolerance. Great treat for game day or just because…

Baked Hot Wings

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 lbs. chicken wings
  • 4 Tbsp. melted butter
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika

For the Sauce:

  • 2 Tbsp. high temp oil (canola, avocado, etc.)
  • 2-3 Tbsp. chopped garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes (I used a pinch)
  • 1 tsp. black sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. Frank’s hot sauce
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Add the seasonings to the melted butter in a large bowl and toss all the wings until they are coated. Place a wire rack into your baking sheet. Line the baking sheet with foil to make clean up easy peasy.
  3. Bake for 40 minutes or so until they are brown and sizzling and crispy. (I turned up the heat to 450 degrees and baked another 5+ minutes to make extra crispy).
  4. Meanwhile in a large hot skillet, throw in the oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce. Stir until bubbly and glazy, around 2 minutes. Add the crispy wings and toss until totally coated. Serve with blue cheese or Ranch sauce.

Recipe slightly adapted from Jen Hatmaker Facebook post 1/23/22.

Fish · Garden · New Favorite · New Traditions

Garlicky Tomato-Basil Shrimp with Zoodles

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Zucchini abound this time of year as do my Sungold cherry tomatoes. Combine these two ingredients with basil, garlic, shrimp…WOW! You could easily adapt this to regular pasta, but why? I topped my meal with a sprinkle of Parmesan as well. Deliciouso!

Garlicky Tomato-Basil Shrimp with Zoodles

Serves Three

INGREDIENTS:
  • 4 small, straight zucchini, ends trimmed
  • salt, garlic salt, pepper
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 5 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1lb jumbo shrimp (16/20 count,) peeled and deveined
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Spiralize zucchini using the fattest noodle blade then add to a colander set atop a bowl. Lightly salt then toss with your fingers to coat. Cover then place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to drain excess liquid.
  2. Add tomatoes and basil to a large bowl with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil then season with salt and pepper, stir to combine, and set aside.
  3. Heat 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat shrimp very dry between paper towels then season tops with garlic salt and pepper. Add half the shrimp to the skillet seasoning-side down then sauté for 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through, then transfer to bowl with tomatoes and basil. Heat another 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in the skillet then sauté remaining shrimp. When shrimp have 30 seconds left add garlic then sauté until fragrant, and then add to the bowl and stir everything to combine.
  4. Meanwhile, remove zoodles from refrigerator then pat dry with paper towels. Heat remaining Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in the skillet then add zoodles. Season with salt and pepper then sauté until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Plate zoodles then top with garlicky tomato-basil shrimp and serve.

Recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

Breakfast · Cakes · New Favorite

Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake

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Peaches are one of my favorite summer treats. Living in Colorado, we are lucky to get juicy Palisade peaches in August, assuming there isn’t a hard spring freeze on the western slope. My daughters and I order a box of peaches from a local high school each year and they are always amazing. While I made my favorite peach recipes of peach salsa, peach raspberry cobbler, Dutch Baby Pancake with Peaches and raspberries, and others, I love trying new recipes. This recipe was delicious and I enjoyed it for breakfast/brunch and for an every dessert. You could top it with whipped cream or ice cream or even a dollop of Greek Yogurt.

Next time, I will substitute fresh raspberries for the blueberries, a fruit marriage blessed by the Gods! Perhaps I’ll also substitute almond extract for the vanilla. Now that’s living on the edge.

Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 oz butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla (or almond extract)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 peaches sliced into wedges
  • 6 oz blueberries (or raspberries)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Use 9×3-inch springform pan.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Grease the side and the bottom of the pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom of a 9×3-inch springform pan (or 9 inch round cake pan) with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper too.
  3. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, together into a medium bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat butter, sugar, and 2 eggs until very light in color and fluffy, 2-3 minutes on high speed. Add vanilla and Greek yogurt and continue beating until very creamy and light in color, for about 1 more minute.
  5. Keeping the mixer speed low, mix in the flour mix until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the cake batter to the springform pan. Top with sliced peaches, and scatter blueberries evenly on top in the spaces between the peach slices. Sprinkle the fruit with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
  7. Bake until cake turns golden, and the tester comes out clean in the center, about 1 hour, depending on your oven. Midway through baking, I like to put some extra peach slices and extra blueberries on top of the cake for prettiness, and return cake to baking.
  8. When the cake is done baking, let it cool (still in the baking pan) on a wire rack. After cake has cooled for about 40 minutes, release the cake from the springform pan. At this point, if the cake is cool enough, you can slide your hand under the cake, between the parchment paper and the bottom portion of the springform pan and move the cake with the parchment paper attached to its bottom onto a cake plate easily.
  9. If using a 9 inch round cake pan, cook in pan for about 40 minutes or more (up to 1 hour, depending on your oven), then invert onto a plate.

Recipe slightly adapted from Juliasalbum.com

Garden · Meats · New Favorite · Salads

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad

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Grilled Steak with fresh peaches, gorgonzola and caramelized onions…oh my gosh. Every bite is a flavor explosion. For those that don’t like Gorgonzola, Goat Cheese would probably be equally as good (maybe with a few chopped pecans?) or just skip the cheese. You’ll love it, too!

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1-1/4lbs tri-tip or flank steak, cut into easily grillable pieces (could use any cut of steak, really!)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves crushed garlic
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 jumbo or 2 smaller sweet onions, sliced thin
  • 2 large ripe peaches, chopped
  • 4 oz. gorgonzola cheese crumbles
  • 9 oz. mixed greens

For the Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and lots of salt and pepper into a large Ziplock bag then squish to mix. Add steak then marinate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season lightly with salt, then saute until caramelized and soft, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and turning heat down slightly if onions begin to color too quickly. Stir in remaining 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar then set onions aside to cool – can be done up to a couple days ahead of time.
  3. Preheat a well-oiled grill over high heat for at least 10 minutes then turn heat down to medium-high. Add steak then grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on how thick your steak is, then let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain – can be done 1 day ahead of time.
  4. For the Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add ingredients into a blender then blend until smooth.
  5. Divide lettuce, steak, caramelized onions, peaches, and cheese between bowls then top with vinaigrette and serve.
  6. Serves 4.

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Salads · Vegan · Vegetables · Vegetarian

Broccoli Bacon Almond Salad

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Broccoli Salad has always been a favorite of mine, a regular staple at a local restaurant, Sweet Tomatoes. During the hot summer months, this is a great side to BBQ, sandwiches, or really anything. I was so excited about making this salad, I forgot to photograph it WITH the dressing. OOPS! That’s why I’m not a professional blogger. I’m just a woman with a passion for good food!

Broccoli Bacon Almond Salad

INGREDIENTS:
  • ½ pound bacon
  • 2 heads fresh broccoli
  • 1 small red onion 
  • ¾ cup raisins (I used craisins)
  • ¾ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (I used olive oil mayo–also vegan)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
  • Place bacon in a deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Cool and crumble.
  • Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and cut the onion into thin bite-sized slices. Combine with the bacon, raisins, and almonds and mix well.
  • To prepare the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the salad.
  • Let chill before serving, if desired.

Recipe from AllRecipes

Desserts · Family Favorites · New Traditions

Peach Ice Cream

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Fresh Peach Ice Cream is a summer dream come true. I’ve made it in the past but never cared for the icy chunks of peach in the ice cream. This recipe appealed to me with the blended peaches, allowing the peach flavor to permeate the ice cream. I added a bit of lemon juice (noted in the recipe below) to add a little citrus kick to the creamy goodness of peach ice cream. I served with fresh raspberries, my favorite combination with peach!

Peach Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cups chopped peaches (peel removed)
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar (divided)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • optional: 1/2-1 tsp fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
  • Mix chopped peaches with 1/2 cup sugar in a medium sized bowl. Allow to set for about 15 minutes so the peach pieces release their juices. 
  • Blend peaches up in a blender or food processor until nice and smooth. (Add 1/4 cup of your whole milk if you need more liquid to blend it up)
  • In a large bowl combine peach mixture with heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Set aside.
  • Get out your freezer bowl and start running your ice cream maker. Pour the peach mixture into the running ice cream maker. And allow to run according to manufactures instructions (Mine is about 25-30 minutes.) 
  • Serve now for soft serve ice cream. 
  • For scoopable ice cream, scoop the peach ice cream into a bread loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for 6 hours up to overnight. Then scoop and serve.

Recipe slightly adapted rom LikeMotherLikeDaughter

Salads

Arugula Salad with Strawberries

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The family Salad Queen title goes to daughter, Sarah, who makes amazing salads. Recently she made this salad for a large family gathering with rave reviews. The salad shown below was made with salad greens vs. arugula. Arugula gives the salad even more punch. You can store the fruit/grain mixture and the dressing separately to make smaller salads over a few days. A great choice for cool summer salads.

Arugula Salad with Strawberries

INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE SALAD
  • 2 cups chopped strawberries
  • 2 cups chopped cucumbers
  • 1 cup farro, cooked, then cooled (we use Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend of Pearled Couscous, Orzo, Split Baby Garbanzo Beans & Red Quinoa)
  • 1/ 2 cup pistachios, chopped
  • 1/ 2 cup fresh mint leaves (or basil)
  • 1/ 3 cup ricotta salata, feta, or goat cheese
  • 12 ounces arugula (can substitute other greens)
FOR THE DRESSING
  • 1/ 3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 small shallot
  • 1/ 2 orange, juiced
  • 1/ 4 cup fresh mint (or basil)
  • 1/ 2 teaspoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, cucumbers, farro, pistachios, mint, and cheese.
2. Separately, add all the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Coat all the ingredients in the bowl with the dressing, but don’t add the arugula until you are ready to serve. Once you’ve added the arugula, mix well to incorporate with all the other ingredients and dressing. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from thefeedfeed.com

Sauces

Apricot Sauce

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A few years ago I have a plethora of fresh apricots, more than I could eat. I looked for an apricot sauce recipe and enjoyed the results. I froze much of the sauce and found it to be just as delicious a few weeks later!

Apricot Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste
  • ½ pound apricots, pitted and cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring sugar, 1/2 cup water, and the apricots to a simmer. Cover and cook until apricots are completely tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer apricot mixture and lemon juice to a food processor and pulse until sauce is blended but still slightly chunky. Taste and add more sugar if you like. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm or chilled.
  • Make ahead: Up to 1 week; keep chilled.

Recipe from MyRecipes