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 · New Traditions

Green Chile Pie…any day, any time

cathysmaha3 Comments

My brother and his wife told me about this dish 20+ years ago and I collected the recipe but never made it…until…this summer.  I had the great fortune of attending a yoga retreat in Copper Mountain Colorado this summer with wonderful gal pals.  Our friend, Sue, made this dish for dinner one evening served with a salad and fruit and VOILA…it was a hit.

This dish is so easy and so tasty….my mouth is watering.  My grown daughters and significant others are also in love with this dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Only three ingredients.  Can you believe it?  You won’t be disappointed!

IMG_4856
GREEN CHILE PIE

7 ounce can of green chiles
3/4 pound shredded, Monterey Jack Cheese
4 eggs

  • Grease a pie plate.  Spread chiles in bottom of pie plate.  Shred cheese and spread over the chiles.  Beat 4 eggs and pour evenly over the cheese.
Green Chile Pie ready for the oven
  • Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour.  Cut into wedges or squares and serve with any of the following:  salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole.
New Favorite · Skinny

Cocoa Roasted Almonds…nuttin’ to it!

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Everyone in my life knows I’m a little nuts about nuts.  Last week I purchased a box of cocoa roasted almonds at my local King Soopers and loved them!  The bit of sweetness along with the nut crunch and cocoa blast was divine.

Cocoa Roasted Almonds

I searched the web and discovered a low-cal recipe: www.ehow.com/how_5850786_make-cocoa-roasted-almond-recipe.html

They were easy to make and store well.  I had dry ingredients left over, so I tried the recipe with English Walnuts.  They were equally wonderful!  Cocoa roasted almonds and walnuts are my new, favorite afternoon snack!

COCOA ROASTED ALMONDS

1 pound raw, shelled almonds
cooking spray
8 Stevia sweetener packets (next time, I’ll try it with powdered sugar)
1/4 teaspoon popcorn salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cocoa powder

  • Pour the almonds in a large bowl.  Spray the almonds lightly. Toss the almonds and spray again, to assure that the almonds are lightly coated.
  • In a small bowl, combine the Stevia, salt, cornstarch and cocoa powder. Pour the dry ingredients over the almonds and toss to thoroughly coat the almonds.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Bake at 250 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring every 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the almonds (or walnuts) on paper towels. Cool.

Each almond has about 7 calories.

Nuttin’ to it!

Recipe adapted from ehow.com Cocoa Roasted Almonds

Family Favorites · New Favorite · New Traditions

Refrigerator Crock Salad…a slaw with many faces

cathysmaha1 Comment

My Mother occasionally made this salad, often with fresh ingredients from her garden.  The last time I made this recipe was 15+ years ago for a Christmas party.  This week I resurrected the recipe and tried it out in several ways.  Each combination was wonderful.

Refrigerator Crock Salad

1)  Side dish to barbecue ANYTHING

2)  Pairs very well with fish and would be GREAT on fish tacos

3)  On a sandwich (daughter Sarah’s fiancé, Kyle, put it on a turkey, cheese, and ham salad combo sandwich).  Sounds incredibly weird, but delicious!

Besides being delicious, this salad keeps in the refrigerator for several days.  In fact it just keeps getting better and better.

REFRIGERATOR CROCK SALAD

1 head green cabbage
2 green sweet bell peppers
2 red or orange sweet bell peppers
4 carrots
2 onions
2 teaspoons celery seed
2 cups white cider vinegar
2.5 cups sugar

  • Shred cabbage, peppers, carrots, onions in a large bowl.  Soak in salt water for 2 hours.  Drain well.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar and the sugar.  Pour over shredded ingredients and refrigerate.  Let sit for a minimum of 3-4 hours before serving.
Family · Family Favorites · My Roots

Old Fashioned Roast Beef Dinner

cathysmaha1 Comment

I was spoiled rotten, at least food-wise, growing up on the Iowa farm.  Much of the meat my Mother cooked was either raised on our farm (chickens, ducks, hogs) or purchased from local farmers or butchers (beef).  We had a large chest freezer at the farm-house and it was always well stocked.  My Mother probably had a year’s supply of meat, vegetables, fruit, home-made breads and cookies.  She was ready, at a moment’s notice, to whip up a wonderful meal for friends and family that may drop by.

Roast Beef was a staple at our house and usually prepared in a cast iron dutch oven. The beef was local, flavorful and tender, always served with mashed potatoes and brown gravy (never from a can or box).  This week, I was craving Roast Beef and was anxious to try a Chuck Roast I purchased from a small, local market.

The beef lived up to my tough Iowa beef standards.  It was so moist and tender, you could cut it with a fork.

ROAST BEEF WITH BROWN GRAVY

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add two tablespoons olive oil and brown a 3-4 pound roast on all sides until brown.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add 2 cups of water and reduce heat.  Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until tender.  Add water, as needed, to prevent the roast from sticking.
  • When the roast is tender, remove to platter and cover to keep warm.

  • In a covered container add about 1/4 cup flour and 3/4 cup water.  Stir or shake until flour is dissolved.  Pour the flour mixture into hot skillet with roast drippings.
  • Quickly whisk to blend the drippings with the flour mixture.  Cook until bubbling.
  • Add water from boiled potatoes to thin the gravy (or tap water).  Simmer for 3-4 minutes, adding additional liquid as needed.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable or your liking.

So yummy…just like Mom (or Grandma) used to make!

Family · Family Favorites

Cracker Jack Cookies … a favorite recipe from my sister’s recipe box

cathysmaha5 Comments

A few days ago I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at The Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe in Frisco, CO, www.butterhornbakery.com. Their baked goods are wonderful.  After having a wonderful sandwich and soup combo for lunch, I took home a sampling of cookies including Ginger, Oatmeal Raisin, Double Chocolate and White Chocolate Macadamia cookies.  Yum!!!

Cracker Jack Cookie

When I returned home, I was in the mood to make cookies.  After a walk down memory lane, via my recipe box, I rediscovered a cookie recipe my sister, Carolyn, gave me over 30 years ago.  It brings back wonderful memories of Iowa family gatherings.  The cookies are chewy and crispy, yet moist.  I will not be a stranger to this recipe any longer!

CRACKER JACK COOKIES

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut
2 cups rice krispies®

Ingredients for Cracker Jack Cookies
  • Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder and soda. Mix well. Stir in the remaining ingredients with a wooden spoon. Drop by teaspoon on greased baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Remove from baking sheet and cool.

Family · My Roots · New Traditions

Stuffed Green Peppers with Quinoa…a new twist on an old favorite!

cathysmaha1 Comment

Memories of stuffed peppers in my Mother’s kitchen are sketchy, probably because I wasn’t fond of vegetables as a kid.  My taste buds have matured with age, and I love almost all vegetables.

I decided I would experiment with stuffed peppers and loved this recipe, substituting quinoa for the rice.  The result was a protein rich, yummy AND healthy dish.   When I made this recipe I only had three green peppers on hand, so I made a small meatloaf with the remaining meat mixture.  Fabulous!  This will also be a new meatloaf recipe to add to my collection.

Mini Meatloaf

STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS WITH QUINOA

6 medium green peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can (1 lb. 3 oz.) crushed or diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground chuck
1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Precook quinoa according to package directions.
  • Slice off tops of green peppers and remove seeds and ribs. Rinse peppers. Chop the edible portion of the tops and set aside. Place peppers in a large pot of boiling salt water and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from water, drain, and cool slightly.

  • Heat olive oil in medium size skillet; add chopped onion, celery, and pepper and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes.

  • In a large bowl, beat the egg together with the Worcestershire sauce. Add ground chuck, quinoa, and 1 cup of tomato mixture and mix well.
    5. Stuff peppers with meat mixture and place in greased casserole. Pour remaining tomato mixture over the top.

  • Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour.
New Favorite · Skinny

Asparagus Goat Cheese Omelettes…indulging skinny style

cathysmaha1 Comment

Spring is just around the corner and while I really don’t care about swimsuit season, I do care about looking and feeling better and looking ‘fabulous’ for daughter Sarah’s summer wedding.

While I love to indulge in wonderful foods, I find that a healthy, Mediterranean style diet works well for me.  I tried this recipe and loved it.  Fresh asparagus and goat cheese with protein…a winner!  Each omelette only has 180 calories, an extra bonus.

ASPARAGUS GOAT CHEESE OMELETTES

1 cup liquid egg substitute or egg whites
4 eggs
1/4 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons chopped scallions or red onions
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons crumbled reduced fat goat cheese

  • Whisk together egg substitute, eggs, and milk. Stir in the scallions, thyme, parsley, pepper and salt.
  • Place the asparagus in a microwaveable bowl and add water. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave 2 additional minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  • Heat a medium nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour one-quarter of the egg mixture into the skillet, allowing it to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom just begins to set. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon goat cheese and one-quarter of the asparagus. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the eggs are almost set.
  • Using a large spatula, fold the omelet in half. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the omelet is golden and the cheese is melted. Turn onto a plate and keep warm.
  • Coat the skillet with cooking spray and repeat for 3 additional omelettes. Garnish with chives, pieces of asparagus or goat cheese.

Adapted from South Beach Diet Cookbook

Czech Heritage and Dishes · Family · My Roots

Mushroom and Barley Soup…a Czech winter delight!

cathysmaha1 Comment

My Czech heritage is fascinating to me.  My Mother gave me The Czech Book Recipes and Traditions in 1982 and it has become a treasure.  The Mushroom and Barley Soup is a favorite of mine.  You can add meat, or if vegetarian, leave it out.  It’s a hearty, healthy winter soup that makes me even more curious about the Smaha Czech heritage.  Požívat! (enjoy)

MUSHROOM AND BARLEY SOUP
Houbová Polévka as Kroupama

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, washing, trimmed and sliced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
1 tablespoon flour
3 cups chicken broth or beef broth
1/2 cup pearled medium barley
1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken, turkey or beef

  • In a 3-quart saucepan melt butter, add mushrooms, onion, celery, carrot. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring often about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in flour, then the broth.
  • Add barley, cover and simmer until barley is cooked through, about 1 hour.

  • Add cooked diced meat, salt and pepper. For a creamier soup, stir in about 1 cup milk.

Adapted from The Czech Book, Recipes and Traditions, Copyright 1981

New Favorite · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Kale Chips…for the chipaholic in me!

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KALE CHIPS

My oldest daughter first told me about making kale chips.  I like kale and I LOVE chips so what’s not to like?  She didn’t have a recipe to give me but explained how she made them.  I tried it and was instantly a fan.  Good for me, crispy/salty and easy….a winner!

KALE CHIPS

1 bunch fresh kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt (or flavored salt of your liking)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the baking sheet.
  • Wash the kale and dry thoroughly.   Remove the stem from the kale leaves.
  • Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  • Place kale on greased baking sheet and sprinkle with olive oil and salt.
Raw kale with oil and salt
  • Bake about 10 minutes or until the edges brown.  Watch carefully because the kale burns easily.
Family · Family Favorites · New Traditions

Fancy Schmancy Asparagus…simple crowd pleaser!

cathysmaha1 Comment

A dear friend introduced me to this dish a few years ago.  The asparagus is elegant enough for a nice dinner party yet casual enough for an appetizer or family side dish. People will ‘ooh and aah’ at the presentation and keep coming back for more.

We are coming into fresh asparagus season and a perfect time to try this recipe.

Fancy Schmancy Asparagus

This dish is best served fresh from the oven.  Enjoy this favorite dish enjoyed by family and friends.

FANCY SCHMANCY ASPARAGUS

1 pound fresh asparagus
1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
Garlic salt

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease large baking sheet.
  • Wash and trim fresh asparagus and dry on paper towels.
  • Open crescent rolls and separate dough into four squares. On a cutting board, cut dough into strips of about 1/8-1/4″.
  • Wrap one strip of dough around each piece of asparagus and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with garlic salt.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until dough is light brown.
  • Serve immediately.