Amy’s Strawberry Fritters
Amy’s Strawberry Fritters
I decided to name these fritters after my friend, Amy, since she is the reason I made them. Amy had been sick on and off for several weeks with an upper respiratory infection. I wanted to make her feel better- so I made her some tiramisu doughnuts, which she loves. I also made her some banana fritters.
The problem was, Amy isn’t crazy about bananas. I am really not sure how I didn’t know that before. Her family ate the banana fritters, but I still wanted to make her some fritters she would like.
Since I KNOW she likes strawberries, I made these fritters for her. I never made fritters with strawberries in them before, so I thought it would be only be right to name them after her.
We all got together once she was feeling better. I made these for dessert, along with more doughnuts. She gave them two thumbs up.
They are very good. Slightly crisp on the outside, tender in the middle with juicy bits of strawberry. They aren’t very sweet on their own, but once rolled in powdered sugar, or glazed, they are plenty sweet for dessert. I will certainly make these again. Thanks, Amy, for the inspiration.
Amy’s Strawberry Fritters
2 c. flour
2 T. sugar
2 T. baking powder
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. melted butter
1 c. diced strawberries
oil for frying
Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Mix together milk with the eggs and butter. Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened and add the berries. Heat oil to 375. If using gluten-free flour heat oil to 350. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Don’t do more than 4-5 at a time. It will take about 4 minutes in total but you need to turn them to brown evenly so 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. While warm roll in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze. Makes about 32.
Classic Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie
I like all sorts of pies. I would never want to pick just one favorite. If I had to pick, pecan would probably be it. The nuts, the sweet filling and the crispy crust all work so well together.
Served plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream, pecan pie just works for me. It is not a pie I make very often, so I think pecan pie always makes me thinks of the holidays. It was also a favorite of my Mom’s.
You can use a store bought crust, but I prefer homemade. This is the crust recipe I normally use when I make pecan pie. It makes two crusts, so you can cut the recipe in half, freeze half of the dough, or just make 2 pies!!!
Half and Half Dough
This is a great crust for liquid fillings like custard type pies, pecan and pumpkin. For a sweet pie like pecan you can reduce the sugar in the crust by half.
¼ c. butter, room temp
½ c. shortening, room temp or lard
¼ c. sugar
½ t. salt
2½ c. pastry or all purpose flour
1/8 t. baking powder
¼ c. milk
1 t. lemon juice
Cream together the first 4 ingredients until smooth. Mix together the flour and baking powder. Set aside. Combine milk with the juice and set aside. Stir ½ c. of the flour into butter mixture. Stir until smooth. Add a little of the milk, stirring until smooth. Add remaining ingredients alternately until finished. Dough will firm up once chilled. Chill at least 4 hours before using. Makes 2 crusts.
Classic Pecan Pie
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. light or dark corn syrup
1 c. sugar
2 T. Butter or margarine, melted
1 t. vanilla
1½ c. pecans
1 unbaked 9-inch pastry crust
In medium mixing bowl beat together all ingredients, except the pecans until well mixed. Stir in nuts and pour into crust. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes or until knife inserted off center comes out clean. Makes 1.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Variation: The same recipe as above, but reduce sugar to 1/3 cup and add 4 oz. of German sweet chocolate or semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled along with the eggs. This pie sometimes needs a little more time to bake-5 minutes or so.
Variations: You can experiment with other nuts. Try toasted, skinned hazelnuts, chopped coarsely or walnuts, slivered almonds or a combo.
Mini Quiches
Mini Quiches
These tiny quiches pack a lot of flavor. I served them for a recent dinner with friends, but these quiches are perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch, too. I was making the spinach and bacon version, but accidentally grabbed collard greens out the freezer instead of spinach. I think they were even better made with collards. That is one of the things I like most about this recipe. You can tweak it easily to suit your tastes or just based on the ingredients you have.
Since you can eat them hot or cold, they make a nice food for road trips, too. The quiche recipe is made up of three parts- the crust, the filling and the custard. They are baked in muffins tins and each recipe makes a dozen. I have two crust recipes- including a gluten free crust that is made from rice and zucchini. There are three filling choices, but you can get creative and make a number of different variations. The custard is pretty straightforward- half and half, eggs and seasonings. I make a couple of batches at a time and then freeze some for later.
Mini Quiches
Crust options
Rice Zucchini Crust (Gluten free)
1½ c. shredded zucchini
1¼ c. cooked rice (white or brown)
1 egg
¼ c. Parmesan cheese
Crouton Crust
3½ c. garlic-cheese croutons, about 5 oz., ground- I used cracker crumbs
1/3 c. melted butter
Fillings:
Mushroom and Onion
1 medium onion, chopped
Oil
8 oz. mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
3-4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed fine
In skillet cook onion in oil until lightly browned. Add mushroom and cook until mushrooms are golden. Cool and combine with cheese before using.
Spinach and Bacon
12 oz. bacon, cooked and crumbled
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded
Combine all ingredients. Set aside until ready to use.
Confetti
1 ear corn, cooked and kernel cut off the cob- about ½ cup
½ c. mined fresh sweet pepper
¼ c. chopped green onion
4 oz. shredded cheese- I like a sharp cheddar in this filling
Custard:
1 c. half and half
3 eggs
½ t. each basil and salt
1/8 t. each garlic powder, pepper and paprika
Directions
Grease 12 muffin cups (3 inch). Prepare crust of your choice by mixing crust ingredients together. Pat 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each muffin cup. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool before filling. While baking and cooling crusts, prepare filling of your choice and make the custard.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling over each cooled crust. Spoon about 3-4 tablespoons of the custard over the filling. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire racks, chill completely before packing for your picnic.
Chicken in Sherry Sauce
Chicken in Sherry Cream Sauce
Simple ingredients, when combined the right way, can come together to make a dish really special. I had chicken that I was going to cook for dinner one night last week. I had something in mind, but when I went to get the chicken out of the fridge, it was still a little frozen. I needed something fast, so I sliced the meat off the bone. I grabbed a skillet and just started cooking. Onions, first, then the chicken. I wanted a sauce…. I had an open bottle of sherry and some half and half that needed to be used. It all came together so well. I love when that happens. Sometimes, the things we don’t plan out too much, work out the best. True in cooking- and in life.
Chicken in Sherry Creamy Sauce
1 T. oil
1 T. butter
1 large onion, sliced
1- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken, sliced about 1/2 -inch thick
salt and pepper
dash of nutmeg
2 T. flour
1/2 c. sherry*- or more- I didn’t measure too carefully
1-2 c. half and half or milk – I know I should be more exact, but it depends on how thick you like your sauce. Start with 1 cup and add more until sauce is thickness you like.
fresh chopped parsley
In large skillet, heat oil and butter and cook onions until golden. Add the chicken to the pan- push onion off a little to the side. Cook until chicken in browned on both sides. This happens fast. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add flour and stir it into chicken and onions. Add the sherry and simmer a couple of minutes. This will burn off the alcohol and cook the flour. Add one cup of the half and half and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook a few more minutes, until sauce is thickened. Add more half and half, if needed. Adjust seasonings and add a little parsley. Serve with some fresh parsley on top, too. Serve with rice, pasta or potatoes, if you like.
*When cooking with sherry don’t use cooking sherry. Cooking sherry is loading with salt and really awful. In savory dishes, don’t use cream sherry, either. Just pick up a bottle of sherry where they sell wine. Once opened, the bottle can be stored in a cupboard. It keeps for ages.
Microwave Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise Sauce on Asparagus and Eggs Benedict
When we were planning the menu for a “breakfast” themed dinner, Eggs Benedict were suggested. No surprises there. Toasted English muffins, ham, poached eggs and that sauce. That creamy mingling of egg yolks, butter and lemon juice that come together so magically. Always a favorite and for good reason.
I have made Hollandaise the traditional way, whisking over simmering water, being careful not to scramble the eggs. I always felt a good Hollandaise was worth the effort. But why not make things easier on yourself, if you can?
This is probably the easiest Hollandaise sauce I have ever made. So much simpler than whisking over simmering water. The end result is every bit as yummy as the traditional method. The whole sauce is made in a microwave oven and in just a few minutes.
Why do people hate microwaves? Not all people, of course. I love my microwave. But every time microwave ovens come up in discussion on food-related social media, the haters pop up. People proudly proclaiming how they would NEVER own one. Really? You never get that response about food processors or juicers.
I get that not everyone wants or needs to own a microwave. But why the anger? What did a microwave oven ever do to you?
While there are limits to what you can cook in a microwave oven, there are plenty of great uses, too. I make cashew brittle in mine. I also love to cook rice in my microwave. My usual breakfast of oat bran is made in the microwave almost every morning. If only for this Hollandaise sauce, I would still own a microwave.
So here is the recipe. I hope you like it as much as I do.
Microwave Hollandaise
1 stick ( 1/2 cup) butter
3 egg yolks
1 1/2 T. lemon juice
pinch of salt
fresh ground pepper, optional
In microwave safe bowl, soften butter. This will take 10-15 seconds. Don’t melt the butter, just soften it. Watch carefully. It may take less time if the butter is already room temperature, longer if butter is cold. I often make a double batch, so allow a few more seconds for larger quantities. Whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice. Whisk the yolk mixture into the softened butter. Let stand on the counter a minute or two. Place in microwave and cook on high heat for 15 seconds. Be careful- only 15 seconds at a time. Whisk the mixture and return to the microwave, cooking 15 seconds. Repeat this process until sauce is thickened, smooth and shiny. It should take 3-4 of these 15 second cooking sessions, but ovens vary. It takes a little longer if you double the batch, too. Also, don’t worry if the sauce doesn’t look smooth the first time you whisk all the ingredients together. It gets smoother upon further cooking/whisking. Season with salt and pepper to your own taste. Enjoy with Eggs Benedict or as a sauce for steamed veggies.
Apple Fritters
Apple Fritters
Fritters are similar to doughnuts and are really easy to make. Rather than being made from a dough that is rolled and cut, like doughnuts, fritters are made from a batter that is spooned into oil for frying. Good fritters are light and airy inside with a crisp outside.
These are very good fritters. These fritters have diced apples and cinnamon and cook up tender and light. You could play around by adding other fruits, like pears, peaches or even berries. They are good plain, but can be rolled in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or drizzled with a powdered sugar glaze.
Apple Fritters
2 c. flour
2 T. sugar
2 T. baking powder
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. melted butter
1 c. diced apples
oil for frying- I used coconut oil
Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Mix together milk with the eggs and butter. Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened and add the apples. Heat oil to 375. If using gluten free flour heat oil to 350. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Don’t do more than 4-5 at a time. It will take about 4 minutes in total but you need to turn them to brown evenly so 2 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. While warm roll in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze. Makes about 32.
Salmon Quiche
Salmon Quiche
I like canned salmon. There, I said it. I know it sometimes gets a bad rap, but I find canned salmon very convenient to have around. If you didn’t already know this- canned salmon is made from wild caught salmon and has all the nutritional benefits of fresh. If you are looking for something different to do with canned salmon, you might want to try this recipe.
If you prefer, you could use fresh salmon. About 12 oz. of cooked salmon, flaked, would be used in place of the canned salmon.
The crust is a breeze to make. It’s pressed into the pie pan, rather than being rolled out. The crust is made with whole wheat flour, almonds and cheddar cheese. Yum. Did I mention it also freezes well?
Salmon Quiche
1 c. whole wheat flour
2/3 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 c. chopped almonds
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. paprika
6 T. oil
1 (15 oz.) can salmon, flaked, drained, liquid reserved, bones and skin removed
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. mayo or salad dressing
1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 T. grated onion
1/2 t. dillweed
3 drops Tabasco
For crust, combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Add oil and mix well. Press into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove pie crust from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Meanwhile, begin filling. If needed, add water to reserved salmon juice to measure 1/2 cup. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl, including reserved liquid. Pour into prepared crust and bake for 45 minutes or until set in the center. Makes 6 servings.
Ingredient Substitutions
I was getting ready to make a cake when I realized it called for cake flour. Since I didn’t have cake flour, did I have to put off making it? Not at all. There are a couple of ways to “make” cake flour when needed. It can get pretty annoying when you are getting ready to cook or bake something and find that you are missing an ingredient. You might be surprised at some of the substitutes you have around already. There are also ways you can make what you need or find something that will work just as well. Here is a collection of some substitute solutions I have accumulated over time. Helpful for the next time you reach for something only to find you are out of it. I will be posting more of them soon.
Cake Flour
Rather than keeping cake flour on hand, you can add lib in a pinch. There are 2 ways to substitute.
For each cup of cake flour you can measure 1 cup of regular all purpose flour and then just remove 2 table spoonfuls of the flour.
Some recipes also call to remove the 2 table spoons of regular flour and replace them with 2 tablespoon of cornstarch. I’ve tried both methods in baking and have had fine results either way. It is important that you measure the flour correctly to begin with. Flour should always be spooned into the measuring cup and then leveled off with a knife.
For a larger amount:
7 cups flour
1 c. cornstarch
Sift together and store until ready to use.
Self-Rising Flour
8 c. flour
5 T. Baking powder
2 T. sugar
1 T. salt
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Keeps for several months.
Cornstarch
To replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch you could use:
2 tablespoons flour or 1 tablespoon arrowroot or 4 teaspoons quick cooking tapioca or 1 tablespoon potato starch
Light Brown Sugar
Combine 1 cup white sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses. Note: for dark brown sugar increase molasses to 3 tablespoons.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 c. dry non-fat milk
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. boiling water
3 T. butter or margarine melted and hot
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Can be stored in the fridge and used within 3 days. This is the same as 1 14 oz. can.
Baking Powder
To replace 1 teaspoon you could use 1/3 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pie Crust Mix
5 1/3 c. flour
1 T. salt
2 1/3 c. shortening, butter or lard
Sift together flour and salt, and then cut in shortening to resemble coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. To use lightly measure 1 1/3 c. mix into a small bowl. Begin adding cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, using about 4-5 table spoons all together. After each addition of water toss mixture with a fork and start to press it together. As soon as dough will hold together without being sticky, wrap in plastic wrap and chill about an hour. This will make 1 crust and an entire batch will make about 6 crusts.
Biscuit Mix (like Bisquick)
8 c. flour
1 c. powdered milk
1 c. powdered buttermilk
1/4 c. baking powder
1 T. salt
1 ½ c. shortening*
In large bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in a tightly closed container and use in 1-2 months. Makes 10 cups.
* You can use butter or coconut oil in place of the shortening- but store mix in the fridge.
Biscuit Mix 2
10 c. flour
½ c. sugar
1/3 c. baking powder
1 T. salt
2 c. shortening
Mix dry ingredients well. Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container and use within 3 months. Makes 13 cups.
Taco Seasoning
4 t. onion powder
3 t. chili powder
1 t. cornstarch
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. cumin
½ t. oregano
1/8 t. cayenne pepper
Mix and store in a cool, dry place. This is the same as 1 packet of taco seasoning mix.
Homemade Corn Syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup Water
1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar
dash of salt
Combine all in a large, heavy stainless steel pot. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover with lid for 3 to 4 minutes to get the sugar crystals off the sides of the pan.
Uncover and cook to softball stage, 238 to 240 degree’s F. or when a small amount is dropped into cold water and does not hold its shape; stir constantly. Cook for another minute.
Cool and store in covered jar at room temperature, will keep well for 2 months at room temperature.
For dark corn syrup add 1/4 cup molasses
Chocolate Substitutions
To substitute cocoa for unsweetened chocolate in a recipe combine 3 tablespoons of cocoa and 1 tablespoon of fat.
Unsweetened chocolate can be turned into semi sweet chocolate by adding 1 tablespoon of sugar to each melted ounce. Three ounces of unsweetened chocolate and 3 tablespoons of sugar will equal 4 ounces of semi sweet chocolate.
Banana Fritters
Banana Fritters
I had some ripe bananas and wanted to do something different with them. That is where the idea for these fritters came from. I was going to be making some doughnuts later that day, so I would already have hot oil ready for frying. Seemed like a great idea. I was quite pleased with how they turned out. Only a few ingredients, too. Simple to make and a nice change from banana bread.
I started with a couple of bananas, which I peeled and mashed with a fork. I purposely left some small chunks of banana. Then I added eggs and sour cream. I knew the sour cream would add richness and help keep the fritters tender. I also used cinnamon, both in the batter and in the powder sugar I rolled the finished fritters in. I like the combination of banana and cinnamon.
The fritters puffed up beautifully when fried. They were just a little crisp on the outside, tender and light in the middle. There is no sugar in the batter. The only sweetness comes from the bananas and the cinnamon powdered sugar I rolled them in. I think they would be great with a powdered sugar glaze, too.
So here is the recipe. A fun way to use ripe bananas, for sure.
Banana Fritters
2 large ripe bananas
2 eggs, beaten
½ c. sour cream
1 t. cinnamon
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
Oil for frying
1 c. powdered sugar
1 t. cinnamon
Peel bananas. Mash bananas with a fork, leaving some smaller chunks. You should end up with about a cup of mashed bananas. Combine in a small bowl with the eggs, sour cream and cinnamon. Combine flour with the baking powder and baking soda and stir into the banana mixture. Heat oil in a pot to 350 degrees. Oil should be at least a couple of inches deep. By rounded tablespoonful drop batter into the hot oil to fry. Only do a few at a time, so you don’t overcrowd them, or bring the temperature of the oil down too much. Fry until golden brown. It will take several minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with all the batter. You will end up with 2-3 dozen fritters.
Once the fritters are cooled down you can roll them in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or even make a powdered sugar glaze. I combined cinnamon with a little powdered sugar and rolled the fritters in that. The cinnamon worked nicely with the bananas.
Creole Jambalaya
Creole Jambalaya
There are so many variations for Jambalaya. I don’t think I ever had a Jambalaya I didn’t like. This Creole dish varies a little with each person who makes it. The assortment of ingredients adds so many layers of flavor.
Traditionally, Jambalaya would include smoked sausage or ham, chicken, shellfish, rice, tomatoes and assorted veggies and seasonings. It is definitely a great dish for a party. It is hard to make a small batch of Jambalaya!!!
This recipe is a tweaked version I got from a boss of mine a long time ago. I must say, every time I make this for friends it gets rave reviews.
Creole Jambalaya
1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces
1 c. chopped onions
1 c. chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 c. oil
2 c. cubed uncooked chicken
3 c. chicken stock
1 1/2 c. uncooked rice
1 16 oz. can tomatoes
2-3 t. paprika
Cayenne pepper to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/4 t. ground turmeric
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, uncooked
1 1/2 c. frozen peas
1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1-2 lb. mussels, optional
In Dutch oven cook sausage, onion, celery and garlic in oil until onion is tender. Add remaining ingredients, except shrimp, peas, sweet red peppers and mussels. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer and cook 20 minutes. Stir in shrimp, and peppers, cover and cook 10 minutes. Stir in peas and stick in mussels, if desired. Cover and cook 5 more minutes. Discard any mussels which have not opened in 5 minutes. Serves 8.
