Family Favorite Christmas Candies!!!

I have made numerous candies over the years for my family that includes 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. These are a few favorites of family and friends.

Old Fashioned Potato Candy (Jeremy's favorite)

Ingredients

• 1 small potato
• 2 pounds confectioner's sugar
• peanut butter

Instructions

1. Peel and slice potato. In small sauce pot, cover potato slices with water and cook over medium heat until soft. Drain potato and place in mixing bowl. Beat until mashed. Add 1/2 sugar and mix well. Mix in remaining sugar, scraping down sides as needed.
2. Line a countertop with a sheet of waxed paper dusted with confectioner's sugar. Scrape out dough onto waxed paper and dust top with more confectioner's sugar. Roll out to a thickness of about 1/4 of an inch. Spread dough with peanut butter and roll up like you are making cinnamon rolls. Once you have rolled up into a log, roll log up in your waxed paper and cut in half. Place halves in a gallon zipper seal bag and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. When ready to serve remove waxed paper an slice into 1/4 inch slices. Store leftovers in the refrigerator

Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares aka Homemade Reese's Cups (Josh's Favorite)

1 sleeve of graham crackers, crushed
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, melted
2-1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
12 oz. chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. Butter

Mix melted butter & peanut butter until well blended.

Add graham cracker crumbs and confectioners sugar.

Mix thoroughly to combine.

Place peanut butter mix into a lightly buttered 13x9 pan.

Melt chocolate chips and Tbsp. of butter in microwave, stirring
every 30 seconds.

Pour chocolate mix over peanut butter and spread evenly.

Chill until firm before cutting into bars.

Jill's favorite! NONE...like me, she doesn't care for a lot of sweets unless it is LEMON! ;)

Grandma Cadelle's Pecan Pralines (My longtime friend Marsha Banko's favorite)

Cadelle was my step-grandmother...lived in Algiers, LA.
She taught me to make these in the early 70's.

In a heavy saucepan, combine:
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 small can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
dash of salt
Bring to a soft boil over medium heat and boil for 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and add:
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 cups chopped pecans
Stir until pecans are coated and drop by spoonfuls onto cookie
sheets lined with waxed paper. Let stand until firm.

1. refrigerator.

December 2012 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

Food for thought:
BEAUTIFUL GEMS

Thank You, Great Spirit, for the beautiful gems You've placed in my pathway.
Family, friends, all of nature to brighten my life each day.
Thank You, Great Spirit, for the varied ingredients You've provided to compile life's recipe.
Family, friends, all of nature; unique, yet pertinent, compiled to reveal a life of beauty.
Thank You, Great Spirit, for Your Love and Guidance, that You shower upon us each day.
Family, friends, all of nature; leaving a glimpse of You while crossing my pathway.
                                     Paula 2003

 

RECIPES:

Can't go through the holidays without thinking of Becky...
APRICOT PEPPER JELLY
Decolady
2 cups red or green bell pepper strips
2 cups cider vinegar
1/4 cup (or more, depending on taste) chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
1 cup dried apricot halves, slivered
6 cups sugar
3 oz. liquid pectin

 

Combine pepper strips, vinegar and jalapeno peppers in a blender or food processor.
Pulse until small chunks remain.
Combine with apricot slivers and sugar in saucepan; bring to a boil.
Boil and stir 5 minutes. Remove from heat; skim off any foam.
Cool 2 minutes; stir in pectin. Pour into sterilized jars; seal at once.
(If desired, process in boiling water bath 15 minutes). Makes 6 1/2 cups.
****************************************************************************************
Carolea's Jamaican Jerk Shrimp
2 pounds frozen peeled LARGE cooked shrimp (with tails)
1 tablespoon Jamaican Jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1-1/4 cups from a 24-26 oz. jar refrigerated sliced papaya, drained and coarsely chopped
1 (8 oz.) can/jar pineapple junks, drained
1/4 cup chopped roasted red sweet peppers
1/4 cup sliced green onions (not just the white – include the green part)
1 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced

Thaw shrimp.  Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag.  Add Jerk seasoning and oil to shrimp.  Seal bag; turn to
coat shrimp.  Chill for (at least) 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine papaya, pineapple, sweet peppers, sliced green onions, lime peel, lime juice and
garlic.  Cover and chill until serving time.

To serve, gently stir together the shrimp and fruit mixture.

Makes 12 servings (?).

NOTE:  I have substituted refrigerated jarred mango for the papaya and after making the dish the first time I added
an additional teaspoon of Jerk seasoning and ONE TEASPOON of lemon juice.

Carolea Dick
Newton, KS
August 2011
********************************************************************************************
Crockpot Caramelised Onions
Becky aka decolady
Caramelising onions in the slow cooker eliminates the possibility of burning them that exists when you cook them on the stove top. An added bonus is the broth you end up with, which can be used in other dishes along with or separately from the onions. Use the onions and liquid to flavor soups, stocks, and stews. They make a wonderful addition to risotto, a perfect pasta sauce, and the world's best pizza topping (for this use you will have to drain off the liquid first). The onions can be served on their own as a vegetable to accompany fish, meat, or fowl. Cooking for a very long time insures they are a deep mahogany color.

 

3 lbs Vidalia or other sweet onions (4-5 onions, 3-4” diameter)
8 Tbsp (1 stick) butter

 

Peel onions and cut into 1/8” thick to ¼” thick slices. Place the onions and butter in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on LOW for 12-14 hours, or until the onions are deep brown and very soft. It's almost impossible to overcook these; make sure to let the onions cook until they are mahogany colored.

 

Notes:
1. If you have a larger slow cooker, you can double the onions, but probably don't need to double the butter.
2. When you drain and chill the onions, the onion-flavored butter will congeal on the surface of the cooking liquid. Skim it and use it when you sauté other vegetables, over pasta, or in risotto.
3. I like to put these on at night and then they are ready in the morning.

 

Makes about 3½ cups.

 

Notes:
1. These are so easy. Tonight I used about 6 onions to fill the crockpot. They were a little large, so I quartered the onions lengthwise before slicing. They are in the crockpot now. I will make a photo of them tomorrow after they are cooked.
2. My crockpot is one of the older ones that cooks more slowly. If you have newer one you probably will need to adjust the time.

 

 

***********************************************************************************************
Sunday Gravy
Originally posted by upstate  aka Maria in Recipe Requests

 

No secret at all. Here you go..........

 

SAUCE

 

2 Tbs. of olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
- Saute onion in oil until transparent.
1 whole clove garlic

 

assorted meat (normally it’s beef and pork for flavoring ~ the meatballs provide the beef and for pork you can use pork spare ribs, pork neck bones or make brascioles with pork steaks) ~ recipes follows.

 

- Add garlic and meat to the pan. Brown meat.

 

- Add 1 glass of white wine ~ cook until alcohol evaporates. Then add:

 

1 large can of crushed tomatoes (I use my own canned)
1 large can of tomato puree (I use my own canned)
enough water to cover meat
2-3 small cans of tomato paste (depending on thickness desired)

 

- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add additional tomato paste if sauce is too watery. If too thick, you can dilute with a bit of water or wine.

 

- Add the meatballs to the sauce and top with several fresh basil leaves. Put lid on the pan and simmer slowly for several hours until cooked. You can add a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity.

 

Meatballs:
1 lb. ground beef
1-2 beaten eggs
bread crumbs (1/4 cup)
grated romano cheese (1/4 cup)
chopped parsley ~ 2 TBS.
chopped garlic (1 clove)
salt/pepper to taste

 

- Mix all ingredients and shape into small balls. No need to fry or pre-cook. Drop into your sauce gently.

 

Brascioles (pork steaks):
lay piece of meat flat
add small pieces of chopped garlic
1/4 tsp. grated romano cheese
pinch of salt/pepper
chopped flat leaf parsley

 

- Roll tightly and secure with toothpick. Brown with other meats before adding to sauce. 
*************************************************************************************
Salt Potatoes
DONd
Ingredients
5 pounds new potatoes
1 1/2 cups fine salt or 2 cups Kosher Salt
8 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1.Wash the potatoes and set aside. Fill a large pot with water; stir in salt until it no longer dissolves and settles on the bottom. Place potatoes in the pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Drain; cover to keep hot.
2.While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium high heat, or in microwave. Serve immediately poured over potatoes.
*********************************************************************************

 

Clyrelle's recipe for RED VELVET CAKE
1/2 cup crisco 1/1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs 2 1/4 cups cake flour
2 tbsp cocoa 1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk 2 oz red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla 1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp baking soda
cream crisco, sugar,and eggs. sift cake flour,cocoa and salt together sift well. add alternately dry mix with buttermilk and crisco mixture. add food coloring and vanilla in seperate bowl mix baking soda and vinegar then add to batter. pour into 3 greased and floured cake pans bake 350 for about 25 minutes ICING
1 cup milk
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup crisco
1 cup reg sugar
cook milk and flour until thick, cool must be cool. beat crisco and sugar till light and fluffy. add vanilla and cooked milk-flour mixture. beat until it reaches consistency of whipped cream spread between layers sides and top
I double the recipe for the icing so there will be enough.

 

 

Fall weather...Comfort Food!!!

...and one of my favorites is pasta! Meat sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Pomodoro Sauce and various kinds of pasta. These are comfort foods!

MEAT SAUCE
from mecookin's kitchen

1 lb. ground round
1 lb. mild Italian sausage, skins removed
1 large onion, chopped
1 each, red/yellow/green bell peppers chopped
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup red wine
28 oz can plum tomatoes, hand crushed
6 oz can tomato paste (2 cans water)
tsp. salt
tsp. pepper
Tbsp. Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp. basil pesto
Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

Brown meats & drain. Add onions, peppers & garlic; saute 5 minutes. Add mushrooms;saute 1 minute. Deglaze with red wine. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

There may have been...

There may have been others who have held me;
Told me things I wanted or needed to hear.
They might have been there in my hurting time...
To chase away all doubts and fear.
But, alas, more times than not...they were gone
Much too soon.
Sadly, my hurting was the only feeling that lingers there.

I know there have been others that have held you;
Tell you things you wanted or needed to hear.
They may have been there in your hurting time...
To chase away all doubts and fear.
But, alas, more times than not...they were gone
Much too soon.
They never stayed nor made the hurting disappear.

I want you to be the one to hold me;
Tell me things I want and need to hear.
Always be there in my hurting time...
To chase away all doubts and fear.
Don't ever be that one, that was gone much too soon.
Take time, My Dear, to make the hurting disappear.

Paula 2012

November 2012 Newsletter

 

Hi Everyone,

 

November is almost here and thought I would get my newsletter out early before the weekend as work tends to get busier.

 

My heart goes out to all of those that are experiencing difficulties due to Hurricane Sandy...doubled for some with the snow storm from the other direction. Be sure to take heed to offers of help from Red Cross, churches and government funding if you are in need. Having lost my home in '95 to a tornado, I do know there are many services available to assist in these times.

 

As the sun shine returns, be thankful for your blessings of life, family and friends. These are the priceless treasures in this world.

 

Hugs,

Paula

 

 

 

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Cleaning Cupboards & My Heart

 

Today while cleaning cupboards
With organized housewifely art
I suddenly decided  To clean the cupboards of my heart.
I threw out negative criticism
To the trash pile-to the fire!
I added extra cups of appreciation
And worthwhile thoughts that will inspire.
I threw out constant condemnation                                  
Which says, you're wrong, I'm right!
I put in an extra measure of consideration
For all folks, red, yellow, black, & white.
Yes, out went constant complaining
Grumbling about those trivial things
I put in smiles and laughter,
To ease the tensions each day brings.
Friends, let's all clean our cupboards,
With help from Creator above
Throw out pride and hatred, too.
Replaced with humility and love...
Paula George
2003

 

 

 

 

Dutch Oven Layered Chicken Three-Cheese Enchilada

 

Use your favorite enchilada sauce to prepare this recipe, which layers corn tortillas, chicken and three kinds of
cheese into one hearty casserole.

 

Ingredients:

 

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 3/4 cups red enchilada sauce
9 corn tortillas, each about 6 inches in diameter
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded yellow cheddar cheese
Sliced green onion tops for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

 

Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350°F.

 

In a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, season with salt and
pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

 

Add the chicken to the onion and stir well to combine.

 

Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 3 1/2-quart round wide Dutch oven. Arrange 3 tortillas
in a single layer on the sauce, overlapping them as needed to cover the sauce. Top with a generous 1 cup of
the chicken-onion mixture, 1/2 cup of the sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese. Repeat the layering 2 more times,
alternating the direction of the tortilla layers and finishing with 1/2 cup sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese.

 

Transfer to the oven and bake until the ingredients are heated through and the cheese is melted, about 30
minutes. Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions and cilantro.

 

Serves 4 to 6.

 

**************************************************************************************
Italian Lemon Creme Cake

 

FOR THE CAKE:
1 18.25-ounce box Betty Crocker white cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites

 

I added 1 tsp. lemon zest to the cake.

 

FOR THE LEMON CREAM FILLING:
1 (8 ounce) pkg cream cheese, softened (could use mascarpone instead of cream cheese) I used cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
4 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream

 

FOR THE VANILLA CRUMB TOPPING:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cold butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

FOR THE GARNISH:
powdered sugar

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 10-inch cake pan or springform pan

 

Make white cake following the directions on the box. Pour the batter into prepared pan.Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Allow cake to cool completely when it comes out of the oven.

 

Make lemon cream filling by mixing cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in lemon juice.

 

Whip cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. Combine cream cheese mixture with whipped cream. Stir by hand until blended.

 

Make crumb topping by combining flour and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Add butter and dribble in the vanilla extract. Use your hands to mix cold butter into the flour and sugar. Break butter into smaller and smaller pieces as you incorporate it into the dry ingredients. Be sure not to press the mixture together. You want to end up with a very crumbly consistency with pieces no bigger than a pea. (If you have trouble making small crumbs, pop the bowl into your fridge for a few minutes.) Chill this crumb topping until you are ready to use it.

 

When the cake is cool, slice it in half through the middle and remove the top. Spread all but 1/2 cup of the lemon cream mixture onto the bottom half of the cake, then carefully replace the top half of the cake.

 

Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of cream filling over the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle the crumb topping on top of the cake and press it onto the sides all the way around the cake.

 

Now chill the cake for at least 3 hours before you serve it. When you are ready to dig in, slice the cake into 12 slices. Serve each slice topped with powdered sugar tapped through a strainer.

 

Servings: 12

 

****************************************************************************************
Lasagna Rolls
from Suzanne @ Emeril group

 

1/2 c ricotta cheese
1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 t garlic powder
1 t dried basil
1/2 t dried oregano
1 egg
8 lasagna noodles
14 oz jar pasta sauce or  2 cups of your own homemade marinara

 

Cook the lasagna according to the package directions, drain,
and rinse in cold water to cool. Stir together the ricotta, mozzarella,
and Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and egg.
Spread about 2 T of this mixture on each noodle, then roll up the
noodle. Arrange the rolls, seam side down, in a lightly oiled
baking dish. Pour the pasta sauce over all, cover, and bake at
350 for 20 to 25 minutes.

 

**************************************************************************************
Lemon Olive Oil Cake
From Olives & Oranges
slow-cook recipe/Makes 10 servings

 

Versions of this simple cake are made all over Italy, to be eaten at breakfast with coffee or tea. Similar to pound cake, it differs mainly in that the fat used is olive oil instead of butter, which, surprisingly, results in a cake with an even richer and more unctuous character. yogurt adds a subtle tang. Use your best extra-virgin olive oil here.

 

Flavor tip:Whether you are baking or making a sauce or salad dressing, capture the flavorful oil that lies just beneath the peel of a lemon, lime, or orange by zesting the citrus directly into the bowl with the other ingredients.

 

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
Finely grated zest of 3 lemons
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

Put oven rack in center position and heat oven to 325* F. Lightly oil a 9-inch springform pan.

 

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

 

With an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl on high speed for 5 minutes, or until pale and thick. Add yogurt and zest; beat to combine. With mixer on medium speed, add oil in a quick, steady stream. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture just until blended. Whisk batter by hand to make sure that all ingredients are incorporated.

 

Pour batter into pan. Bake, rotating pan once, until cake is golden, center springs back to the touch, and edges pull away from pan, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan for a minute or two on rack, then release from pan and let cool completely on rack before slicing.

 

Place a doily on top of inverted cake and dust lightly with confectioner's sugar. Remove doily before serving.
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Mediterranean herb-Roasted Chicken

 

Whole leg portions are the tastiest part of the bird, and one per person is just enough to satisfy. If you can’t find entire legs, purchase separate thighs and drumsticks. Potatoes, onions, zucchini and mini sweet bell peppers roast alongside the chicken, making this a complete meal in a pan.

 

5 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
4 teaspoons chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried savory or oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 medium red potatoes, cut into 8 wedges each
2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch wedges
4 whole chicken legs
1 (4-oz.) pkg. multi-colored mini sweet bell peppers, halved, or 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch wedges
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, cut into 2-inch pieces

 

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Finely chop rosemary, garlic and salt together; place in small bowl. Stir in lemon juice, oil, thyme, savory and pepper.

 

2. Spray bottom of wide shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. Scatter potatoes and onions in pan; add chicken. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the herb mixture over chicken and vegetables in pan; toss to coat. Place chicken on top of potatoes and onion.

 

3. Bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven; baste with accumulated juices. Scatter peppers and zucchini around chicken; spoon remaining herb mixture over chicken and all vegetables. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is browned and no longer pink in center.

 

4 servings

(>'-'<)

My Version of Baklava

MY VERSION OF BAKLAVA
> Paula George
>
> Syrup:
>
> 1-1/2 cups sugar
>
> 3/4 cup water
>
> 1/4 cup honey
>
> 2 cinnamon sticks
>
> Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes. Set
> aside
> to cool.
>
> Filling:
>
> 1-1/4 lb. walnuts chopped fine
>
> 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
>
> 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
>
> 1/3 cup honey
>
> Baklava:
>
> 1 lb. phyllo dough, thawed
>
> 3 sticks butter, melted
>
> Glaze:
>
> 1-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
>
> 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
>
> 2-3 tsp. water to get glaze consistency
>
> Prepare syrup, set aside.
>
> Combine ingredients for filling.
>
> Working quickly, have phyllo sheets on large tray, cover with plastic wrap
> and a
> damp towel. Brush 15x10x1 jelly-roll pan with melted butter. Layer phyllo
> sheets
> in single layer, brushing each with melted butter. Layer 8 layers of dough.
> Sprinkle with 1/2 to 3/4 cup filling. Repeat with 4 layers of dough,
> brushing
> each layer with melted butter. Repeat filling layers 2-3 times. Finishing
> with
> another 8 layers of phyllo dough. Brush entire top with butter. Cut through
> dough with sharp knife on a diagonal about 1-1/2 inches apart. Cut in the
> opposite direction at same distance to form diamond pattern. Bake at 325
> degrees
> for 40-45 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and spoon syrup over entire
> top.

OPTIONAL: Prepare glaze and drizzle sparingly over top.
>
> Eat warm or at room temperature.

Fall...Soup, Sandwich and Dessert...Perfect Meal for Fall

Sometimes a hearty sandwich just fits the bill to accompany a hot bowl of soup...soup and sandwiches are a favorite at the restaurant and I think this would satisfy even the heartiest of appetites!

Turkey Artichoke Panini
1 loaf pesto focaccia bread
8 oz. freshly sliced turkey
4 oz. spinach artichoke spread
2 oz. asiago cheese
1 small red onion, diced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1-2 tomatoes, sliced ( 6-8 slices)
1 pinch salt and pepper
Preheat panini grill to medium temperature.
In a medium sauce pan, sauté diced red onion in olive oil until
transparent. Add balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the loaf of pesto focaccia into two semi-circles, and halve
each semi-circle.
Layer the turkey onto the bottom halves of the focaccia bread, and
spread spinach artichoke mix over turkey. Layer sautéed onions,
asiago/parmesan blend and tomato slices. Close face of panini with
the top halves of focaccia bread.
Add panini to preheated grill and press lightly. Grill 5 minutes on
medium or until the cheese begins to melt and there are grill marks
on the focaccia bread.
Serves 2
ARTICHOKE SPINACH SPREAD
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 jar (14.75 oz.) Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients; mix well. Spoon into a microwave-safe 9-inch pie
plate and heat in the microwave (80% power) for 3 minutes.
Serve immediately. Serves 5-6

A delicious Robillito soup from my online friend, Mare,  http://saffron215.blogspot.com/ after repeated attempts to lighten the soup "sans" the bread that is normally in Robillito...this is Mare's version that gets rave reviews!
Robillito
Ingredients:
1/4 lb. smoked bacon, diced
4 carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 onions, sliced thinly
2 medium potatoes, diced small
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 28 ounce can of chopped tomatoes (I use Pastene)
1/2 large savoy cabbage, cored and chopped
1 bunch of kale, ribs removed and chopped
1 can of small white beans, rinsed and drained
6 cups of chicken stock
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 T. kosher salt
1 t. black pepper
1 t. red pepper flakes (or a pinch more if you like a kick) parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top
Place large Dutch Oven on stove top, heat to medium and add bacon. Cook bacon until it's golden brown and remove to paper towels, set aside.
Add onions, carrots and celery, turn down to low and cook for about 10 minutes. Add garlic, potatoes, reserved bacon, salt and peppers. Cook for a few more minutes. Add tomatoes and chicken stock, turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Let cook for about 15 minutes on a low simmer. Add kale and cabbage, stir, let cook for another 15 minutes. Stir again and add the beans. Turn to low, adjust seasoning and let simmer with lid on, but not sealed for about 10 more minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for another 10 minutes. At this point, I use an immersion blender to whiz it a bit. NOT much though. Just a bit to get the large pieces chopped.
Serve hot with a big sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

So,if you are in the mood for a complete comfort meal...try the Turkey Artichoke Panini and a comforting bowl of Robillto!

To finish off this fall dinner menu...Mom's Apple Cobbler is sure to fit the bill!

Mom's Apple Cobbler
1/2 cup one stick butter or 1/2 cup margarine
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup milk
2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (or fruit of choice)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
1Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish ( I prefer to use a glass one).
Cut shortening into flour until particles resemble fine crumbs.
Add milk and stir with a fork only until dough leaves the side of the bowl.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured board or pastry cloth, and knead just until smooth.
Roll dough out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch think. Sprinkle cinnamon over chopped apples,
then sprinkle apples evenly over the dough. Roll up dough like a jelly roll and dampen the edges with water to seal. Slice dough into about 16 slices, 1/2 inch thick. Place slices in baking dish with the melted butter. In saucepan, heat water and sugar until dissolved. Pour the sugar syrup around the rolls. This will look like too much liquid, but dough will absorb it while baking. Bake for 55-60 minutes.
2VARIATION: This cobbler can also be made with other fresh, frozen, or canned fruits such as blackberries,
cherries, or peaches. If the fruit is packed in liquid, drain and substitute for part of the water
in the sugar syrup. Add enough water to make two cups of liquid.
I also make a small amount of glaze,
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. milk
Whisk together and drizzle over warm cobbler.

Happy Eating! :)