Family Favorites

Honeyed Ham Steak

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Honeyed Ham Steak was one of the first recipes I used early in our marriage. It was quick, economical, and easy to prepare after work. Pair with a starch and a vegetable or salad.  This time I served with Tangy Cauliflower (recipe to post Friday, April 26).

HONEYED HAM STEAK

Servings: 2-4
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon butter
1 fully cooked smoked ham center slice, cut 1/2 inch thick (1 pound)

  • Heat first three ingredients in skillet, over medium heat, until blended.
  • Add ham; cook 5 minutes on each side or until heated and browned to your liking.
  • Remove heat to platter; pour mixture over ham.
New Favorite · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Wilted Spinach and Pine Nuts

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My vegan menu continues and I wanted to have wilted spinach but with the protein of nuts.  It’s easy to forget how much spinach wilts down when cooking.   I used a 6 ounce box of spinach and the wilted spinach would serve 2 people as a side dish.

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WILTED SPINACH AND PINE NUTS

1 large bunch spinach, about 12 cups leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
Ground black pepper
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

  • Sort through spinach, discarding stems and bruised or yellow leaves. Wash spinach in plenty of cold water; if it’s sandy, wash a second time, then spin dry.

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  • Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add garlic and lemon juice and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Turn the heat to high and add the spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few pinches of pepper. Wilt the spinach, tossing with tongs to coat the leaves with the hot oil and garlic. (The water left on the leaves after washing will help it to wilt quickly.)
  • Toss in the pine nuts and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe from:  Whole Foods website

New Favorite · Rheumatoid Arthritis · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Silky Squash Soup…Vegan and Delicious!

cathysmaha3 Comments

Recently, I started a 10-day cleansing/detox diet that requires that I eat primarily fruits and vegetables. I love both but don’t have a strong vegan recipe inventory. One of the bloggers I follow, Lucys Friendly Foods, recently posted a wonderful Silky Squash and Rosemary Soup.  I did not have fresh rosemary on hand so I used a wonderful spice blend from Savory Spice Shops, Cantanzaro Herbs, a mix of Garlic, lemon peel, marjoram, basic, thyme, rosemary and oregano.  The results were yummy!

SILKY SQUASH SOUP

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 sticks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon Cantanzano Herbs  (originally recipe calls for 2 sprigs of rosemary)
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
32 ounces vegetable stock
salt and pepper

  • Saute the onion, carrot and celery in the oil until softened but not browned
  • Add the squash and herbs (or rosemary) and stir well
  • Pour in the stock and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the squash is cooked through
  • Remove Rosemary sprigs if you use this option
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning
  • Serve scattered with roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon Cantanzano Herbs (or finely chopped rosemary)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  • Combine all ingredients and spread on baking sheet
  • Roast for 10-15 minutes until the seeds start to turn golden brown

 

Recipe adapted from Lucys Friendly Foods

New Favorite

Corn Chile Cheese Pie

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Corn Chile Cheese Pie has been in my recipe file for years without credit to anyone. This weekend I had the ingredients and decided to try it.  I especially like the addition or corn meal to give a little texture to the pie.  While this recipe indicates no crust, I think it would be wonderful with a crust as well.

I served mine topped with slices of avocado and a side of fresh tomatoes.  Yummy for breakfast, lunch, dinner…anytime!

CORN, CHEESE, CHILE PIE

3 large eggs
16 ounce can whole kernel corn (blenderized)
2/3 stick butter
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup sour cream
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces can diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease 9 1/2″ pie plate with butter.
  • Beat eggs.
  • Add all ingredients and stir.
  • Pour into dish and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. Center will be firm and top will be brown.
  • Cool 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

  • Serve with sliced avocado and/or tomatoes.
Family Favorites · My Roots

Oatmeal Macaroons…crunchy deliciousness!

cathysmahaLeave a comment

I have fond memories of my Aunt Lora’s cookies, and all baked goods.  Several years ago while I was visiting family in Iowa, I stopped by to see Aunt Lora and Uncle Max and enjoyed her Oatmeal Macaroons.

They are delicious and the crunch of the toasted oatmeal and coconut are a wonderful combination.  Yummy and another fond Iowa memory.

OATMEAL MACAROONS

3 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Put the oatmeal on a cookie sheet and toast in a slow oven until lightly browned. Watch the oatmeal very closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove from oven.

  • Mix butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs. Add dry ingredients, oatmeal and coconut. Mix well.
  • Drop teaspoon of batter on greased cookie sheet until lightly browned (6-8 minutes).

Optional:  Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter.

New Favorite · Vegan · Vegetarian

Lemon Asparagus…Springtime treat!

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What is spring without fresh asparagus?  Asparagus and fresh lemon and a drizzle of good olive oil and, voila, you have lemon asparagus!

Healthy, easy, yummy!

LEMON ASPARAGUS

One pound fresh asparagus
One lemon
2 Tbsp olive oil
sprinkle of sea salt

  • Thinly slice the lemon.  Arrange in one flat layer on a baking sheet.
  • Toss the asparagus with the olive oil until evenly coated.
  • Arrange asparagus over the lemon slices.  Sprinkle with salt.
  • Broil for approx 6 minutes (in our oven) or until asparagus spears get a few browned and crispy areas.

Recipe from two-tarts.com

New Favorite · Vegetarian

Caprese Pasta…OMG!

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Caprese Pasta? With smoked mozzarella? OMG…I had to try this recipe found on Iowa Girl Eats. I rarely eat wheat pasta but this was worth the splurge!

CAPRESE PASTA

Serves 2-3

8 oz. bow tie pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups sungold (cherry) tomatoes, halved
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons pesto (reference Pesto recipe or purchase)
1 cup cubed smoked mozzarella cheese (or mini mozzarella balls)
extra basil leaves for garnish

  • Prepare pesto and set aside. Cook pasta in salted, boiling water until just under al dente then drain and set aside. Place an oven rack to the very top, then preheat broiler.
  • Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, then toss and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add cooked pasta and pesto then toss to combine. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top then place skillet under the broiler until cheese melts. Using a pot holder, remove skillet from oven then sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and fresh cracked pepper. Serve immediately.

Slightly adapted from Alexandra Cooks; and Iowa Girl Eats

Family Favorites · My Roots

Crunchy Potato Casserole, aka Wedding Potatoes

cathysmaha1 Comment

Crunchy Potato Casserole is a yummy side dish and family favorite.  It has become tradition served with Christmas and Easter ham.  I typically make the casserole the day before.  Simple to make and bake.  To make it easy on myself, I typically make the casserole the day before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Many folks refer to this dish as ‘wedding potatoes’, since it is often served as part of wedding feasts.

CRUNCHY POTATO CASSEROLE

1 large bag frozen hash browns partially thawed
1/4 cup butter melted
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
8 ounces sour cream
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/4 cup butter, melted
crushed corn flakes (or seasoned bread crumbs)
parsley flakes

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Mix all ingredients together, except for 1/4 cup butter and crushed corn flakes.
  • Place mixture in lightly buttered 9″ x 13″ pan.
  • Sprinkle crushed corn flakes (or bread crumbs) over the potato mixture and top with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Sprinkle with parsley flakes.

  • Bake for 50 minutes (or until hot in the center).
Family Favorites · Holidays · New Traditions

Baked Ham…Crockpot Style

cathysmaha1 Comment

Easter and Christmas holidays call for a baked ham.  Easy-peasy recipes allow the host/hostess to enjoy their family and friends and this recipe, coupled with the crunchy potato casserole (March 29, 2013 post), make preparation easy.

My family doesn’t enjoy spiral sliced hams, honey-baked hams, but they LOVE this recipe.  The leftover ham makes wonderful sandwiches, too.  Typically I purchase a Butt Portion Ham, often available for $.99-$1.39 a pound, a true friend of the family budget.

BAKED HAM CROCKPOT STYLE

Pour 1/2 cup water in Crock Pot. Wrap precooked 3-4 pound ham in foil; place in Crock Pot. Cover and cook on High 1 hour then turn to low for 6-7 hours or until ham is hot. If cooking a larger ham, cook 1 hour on high and 8-10 hours on low.

Cathy’s method: I follow the instructions above put typically have to cut a few slices off the ham to make it fit in the Crock Pot and . I start the process about an hour before bedtime and then turn to low and cook 12-14 hours. The ham is juicy, tender and delicious.

Adapted from Rival Crock Pot Cooking

New Favorite

Mini Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

cathysmaha2 Comments

Our baby shower treats of last Saturday focused on baby-sized treats, including Mini Snickerdoodle Cupcakes.  Who doesn’t love a Snickerdoodle cookie…so why not a cupcake?  They could easily be adapted to a full-size cupcake without a problem.  They are yummy, yummy in the tummy as I will soon say to my first Grandbaby.

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MINI SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKES

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for dusting
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for dusting
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk

Cinnamon Frosting

6 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (or more to achieve desired consistency)

Garnish

2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Makes 98+ mini muffins.

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line standard muffin tins with paper liners.  Sift together both flours, baking powder, salt and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
  • With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.  Beat in vanilla.  Reduce speed to low.  Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of milk, and beating until combined after each.
  • Divide butter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full.
  • Bake rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about (10-15 minutes). (Cathy’s Note: Each oven varies greatly with mini cupcakes, so do a test run.)
  • Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored up to 2 days at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months in airtight containers.
  • Frost mini cupcakes and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • Cupcakes are best eaten the day they are frosted.  Keep at room temperature until ready to serve.

Cupcake recipe adapted from:  Martha Stewart
Icing recipe from:  Betty Crocker