Homemade Payday Candy Bars

Had to try these to see if it was true, yes, it is...

Homemade Pay Days - so easy to make and they taste just like it! Recipe includes peanuts, peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, butter and sweetened condensed milk.
Author Lil' Luna (I increased amount of peanuts) 
Ingredients

3 cups salted peanuts ( I used 4 cups) 
3 tbsp butter
2 cups peanut butter chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Pour half your peanuts into a buttered 13x9 pan and spread so they cover the bottom.
In a small pan melt butter and chips until well combined. Add condensed milk and marshmallows and stir until all mixed.
Pour over peanut mixture.

Top with remaining peanuts and let cool (refrigerate if desired).

Shrimp & Grits

In a 10” cast iron skillet...
Not necessarily a recipe but I browned 4 oz. diced pancetta, removed from skillet, drain. 
added seasoned shrimp with Tony Chachare’s Creole seasoning. Sauté a few minutes. Removed from skillet.
Added 2 Tbsp. Butter, 1 shallot, diced, 1 clove garlic minced, sauté 1-2 minutes 
Deglaze with 1/2 cup Sauvignon Blanc, 
Add 1 Tbsp. Double strength tomato paste, 
1/3 - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers chopped, 
1/3 cup chopped scallions (green part only) 
2 Tbsp. Fresh minced parsley, 
fresh cracked pepper & 
1/2-1 tsp. Frank’s Hot Sauce. 
Simmer 5 minutes, return pancetta & shrimp to skillet and heat through. Serve over Creamy Cheese Grits. 

Bring 2 cups milk and 2 cups water to boil. Add 1 cup quick cooking grits, 4 Tbsp. Butter & 1 heaping teaspoon salt. 
Cook 15-20 minutes until thickened and creamy. Add more liquid if necessary.
Stir in 1 cup each grated white cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese. 
Grits are quick cooking grits cooked slowly in milk, water, butter. Add shredded white cheddar & Monterey Jack.

Baked Flounder Roll-ups w/Lemon,Butter & White Wine Sauce

BAKED FLOUNDER ROLL-UPS WITH LEMON, BUTTER AND WHITE WINE SAUCE
Cucina Domenico
4 pieces flounder
salt and pepper
1 6-oz can white crab meat, drained
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1tbspn fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 tspn butter, plus 1 tbspn butter
1 tbspn olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
juice of 1 lemon
1 cup white wine

Preheat oven to 350˚. Mix together the crabmeat, breadcrumbs and parsley. Lightly season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper (if the flounder pieces are large, you can cut them in half, length-wise). Lay the flounder out flat and evenly spread the crabmeat mixture on all four pieces. Roll up the fillets and secure tight with a toothpick. Lightly brush the flounder fillets with 1 tspn melted butter.

Place the fillets, seam side down, on a lightly sprayed baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until the fillets become flaky.

About midway through the baking time, you will start to prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add 1 tbspn butter. When butter is melted, add the chopped shallots, stir in and cook until translucent. Add the lemon juice and the wine, heat until wine starts to reduce.

When the fish is done, remove from the baking tray and place onto a serving dish. Evenly drizzle the sauce over the fillet roll-ups, then sprinkle with additional fresh chopped parsley.

This dish serves well with steamed greens and a crisp white wine.

www.domskitchen.com/baked-flounder-roll-ups-with-lemon-butter-and-white-wine-sauce/?fbclid=IwAR2EDZ21QU5Utd_FIBFOUs8oxb2yNJXYIyhkVETYp8GWk-V7ud3t-v6BS3w

Paula’s Pandemic Pantry Pasta

Paula’s Pandemic Pantry Pasta

1 package Ronzoni Homestyle Fettuccine 

1 package Mama Lucia’s Italian Style Meatballs

1 jar of Bertolli Vineyard Marinara w/Merlot

1/2 cup Sundried Tomato & Basil cream cheese spread

1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (extra for serving)

Julienned Basil for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cook fettuccine according to directions. 

Heat meatballs in Marinara. 

Toss fettuccine with cream cheese spread & Colby Jack cheese. 

Toss with meatballs & Marinara.   

Place in buttered 9” square casserole dish. 

Top with finely shredded Parmesan. 

Cover with foil & bake for 45 minutes. Uncover the last 10 minutes. 

Garnish with additional Parmesan & fresh basil. 

October 2019 Newsletter

OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

My Heart...Revised

My heart aches...my heart prays...my heart rejoices...my heart sings! For you, My Friend!
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

 MY HEART...revised 2011  Paula George 2004
My heart ACHES, watching that friend or loved one, their body afflicted in this life.
My heart ACHES, watching that mother...spouse, 
filled with anguish and fervent prayer, ministering to his/her loved one.
My heart ACHES, watching that caregiver, feeling despair, 
questioning their limited knowledge for the afflicted.
My heart PRAYS, blessings daily, health restored and happiness 
for that friend or loved one.My heart PRAYS, courage, strength 
and a heart full of love for this mother...spouse as they minister.
My heart PRAYs, knowledge, compassion and medical breakthroughs 
to those chosen caregivers.
My heart REJOICES, watching that friend or loved one, a Warrior,
through it all.
My heart REJOICES, watching that mother...spouse, 
encompassing their friend/loved one with a heart full of love.
My heart REJOICES, watching that caregiver, continually striving,seeking a cure.
My heart SINGS, praises to Great Spirit, knowing that friend or loved one,
that mother...spouse, that caregiver...Are carried through each day.
My heart SINGS, granted blessings, answered prayers, healing; 
and the Greatest Gift, LOVE.
My heart ACHES, My heart PRAYS, My heart REJOICES...and with each breath, 
My heart SINGS...
Love you all with ALL MY HEART, Paula

**************************

Fried Green Tomatoes 

For Tomatoes: Slice about 1/4 inch thick

Dip in batter, dredge in cornmeal mixture and fry in skillet 2-3 minutes per side. 

Serve with Roasted Red pepper aioli on the side with Feta Crumbles.

Batter:
I use Krusteaz Pancake Batter Mix...adding enough water to make it fairly thin.

Dredge:
2 cups self-rising cornmeal
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. Cajun or Creole seasoning
1 Tbsp. Emeril's Essence

Roasted Red Pepper Aioli

1-1/2 cups mayo
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained
1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. celery salt
1 Tbsp. horseradish (2, if you like it hotter)
1/4 tsp. each garlic powder and cayenne pepper
several drops of Tabasco
Feta Crumbles for topping

Combine all ingredients in a blender or with an immersion blender. 

Store in refrigerator.

*******************

Bacon/Sprouts/Kale Sauté 
It was very good.

Cooked 4 slices bacon, removed bacon, crumble and set aside. 
Added 1 lb. Brussel Sprouts, quartered/halved to bacon fat, sauté 5 minutes. 
Add 2 cloves garlic, minced 
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt, 
1/2 tsp. Crushed red pepper, 
1/2 tsp. Fresh ground pepper.
Cook 1 minute. 
Add 1/2 cup chicken broth.
Add 1 bunch kale, stems removed, cut in strips. 
Cook 3-4 minutes, covered . 
Tossing kale in broth 1/2 through cooking. 
Add reserved bacon and serve.

*******************

MIXED GREENS

2 lbs. of washed & chopped greens, your choice. My favorite is collards & turnip greens. 

Kale

Mustard

Turnip Greens

Collards

You decide...choice of 2 or 3 for about 2 lbs. of washed & chopped greens. 

4 slices bacon, cut in pieces

1/2 cup country ham seasoning pieces, chopped

1 med. onion, cut in strips

Add bacon, ham & onions to a large stockpot. Cook over medium heat until bacon is cooked through. Add 1 qt. Chicken broth & 2 cups water. 

Seasonings:

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/2 tsp. Fresh ground pepper

1 tsp. Dry mustard

1 tsp. wasabi powder

1/2 tsp. Crushed red pepper

1 Tbsp. Dark brown sugar

Bring to boil, add greens & cook 30-40 minutes until greens are tender. 

MARINATED ONIONS

4 large Vidalia onions

1 cup vegetable or canola oil

1 cup white vinegar

3 Tbsp. Sugar

1/2 tsp. Black pepper

1 tsp. Garlic powder

1/2 tsp. Parsley flakes

1/2 tsp. Dried oregano 

Slice onions 1/4 inch thick and separate into rings. Add remaining ingredients to a container, whisk to combine. Add onion rings & stir to coat with marinade. Cover & refrigerate 24 hours before serving. 

******************

Green Tomato Relish (or Chow-Chow)

This is a recipe from my aunt, now in her 80’s. 

I have made it numerous times!

Chow-Chow
Thanks, Aunt Joyce!

4 quarts green tomatoes
1 large head of cabbage
10 medium onions
5 medium green peppers
7 medium sweet red peppers
2-3 chopped jalapenos
1/2 cup salt
15 cups vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon turmeric
4 tablespoons mustard seeds
3 tablespoons celery seed
2 tablespoons pickling spice
Preparation:
Chop all vegetables; combine in a large kettle. Stir in salt; let stand at room temperature overnight, or at least 8 hours. Drain.
Combine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and turmeric in a large kettle. Put mustard seed, celery seed, and pickling spices in a 6-inch square of cheesecloth. Gather and tie string and add to the kettle. Bring the liquid to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Add vegetables and return to simmer for 30 minutes longer. 

Discard spice bag. Spoon chow-chow into hot sterilized jars and seal.
Process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water canner, or 20 minutes 

****************

Tomato Pie

Garden and Gun

Ingredients

4 shallots, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

9-inch pie shell

1 lb. assorted heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick

3 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 oz. fresh basil chiffonade

1 tbsp. Grenache vinegar (this is like red wine vinegar)

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small pan, sauté shallots and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in mustard, and set aside.

Place pastry shell in a 9-inch pie dish. Layer in half of the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper; spread shallot mixture over top. Add goat cheese and half of the basil, distributing evenly. Layer in remaining tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and vinegar over the tomatoes; top with remaining basil.

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over tomato filling.

Bake 30 minutes, or until topping and crust are golden brown.

Recipe from Drew Robinson of Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q in Birmingham, Alabama.

*********************

This reminds me of the cake Ma always made for me when we would visit after I married. She didn't use a recipe, she just made it and it was always perfect! 

 

Nut Cake Source: Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking (like my grandmother, Ma,  used to make) 1/2 cup shortening or lard 1-1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs, separated 2-1/2 cups cake flour 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1 cup milk 1 cup chopped pecans 1 tsp. vanilla extract Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and beat until light lemony color. Sift flour; add salt and baking powder, sift again. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk/vanilla, beginning and ending with flour. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Fold in chopped nuts and stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch pans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Turn on wire rack to cool. Cool completely and frost with Seven-Minute Frosting. Seven Minute Frosting 2 eggs whites, unbeaten 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 5 Tbsp. cold water 1 tsp. white corn syrup 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. vanilla extract Combine egg whites, sugar, water, corn syrup and cream of tartar in top of double boiler . Mix thoroughly. Place over rapidly boiling water and beat continually with electric mixer or  rotary beater until mixture will hold a peak (about 7 minutes). Remove from heat. Add vanilla and beat until thick enough to spread. Frost tops and sides of cooled cake.

Chorizo and Black Bean Enchiladas

Chorizo & Black Bean Enchiladas

4 links Chorizo Sausage, casings removed
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
4 oz. can chopped green Chile’s
1-2 tsp. Southwest or Taco seasoning
6 oz. block Colby Jack cheese grated
2-3 scallions, chopped
6 flour or corn tortillas
1-1/2 cups medium salsa

Preheat oven to 375. Line a 11x7 dish with foil or spray with cooking spray.

In medium skillet, brown sausage, crumbling as it cooks. Add onion & cook 2-3 minutes. Add beans & green Chile’s & seasoning. Heat until bubbly & mash a few beans slightly against side of pan. Add 1/2 cup grated cheese to filling.
Fill center of tortillas, fold over both sides and place seam side down.
Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes to crisp up tortillas.
Top with salsa, remaining cheese & sprinkle with scallions. Bake an additional 20 minutes.

Haluski (Fried Cabbage and Noodles)

Haluski (Fried Cabbage and Noodles)
★★★★★
adapted from A Family Feast

•

• Prep Time: 10 mins

• Cook Time: 15 mins

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings


• 4 ounces pancetta, diced small (or bacon if you prefer)
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cups onion, diced
• 1 ½ pounds green cabbage, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces dry No Yolks® egg noodles, any size noodle
.1/2 tsp. McCormick’s Chipotle & Roasted Garlic seasoning.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a medium to large skillet, over medium high heat, cook pancetta in 2 tablespoons of butter until crisp. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add 2 more tablespoons butter, cabbage, salt and pepper, cover and once mixture is hot, reduce to medium and cook for ten minutes.
2. While cabbage mixture is cooking, cook No Yolks® noodles according to package direction and drain.
3. Once cabbage is tender, remove cover and add drained noodles& Chipotle seasoning
4. Add remaining butter and cook to bring to serving temperature.
5. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. (Lots of black pepper is traditional!)