My Southern Living Challenge! Recipe #3

Southern Living's Best of 2011
January

With just a few days left before the end of the month I had one last recipe to try for January. For as long as I can remember Sundays have been marked the day of comfort foods, especially in the winter. So I couldn't wait to make my next recipe Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese, a blend of smoked gouda and smoked ham. This delicious recipe is light on the butter and cheese but still melts in your mouth! 

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/baked-smokin-macaroni-cheese-50400000109452/

This is not a complicated recipe but here are a few of the tweaks I made:

Have your ingredients ready to go before starting the recipe, as you start the process you will not be able to walk away. I also cooked the pasta and drained well beforehand so the process would go quickly and smoothly.

Slowly add the flour to the melted butter while constantly whisking, it will combine to a light roux texture but look like a paste.

Be ready to slowly add the milk and constantly whisk for 8-10 minutes. You want a creamy sauce texture, I had to add another tbsp. of flour and cook about 3-5 mins longer to get the consistency I wanted. If you have to add more flour, mix the flour with some of the liquid from the pot in a separate bowl and then slowly add back in.

 Once the sauce came together, I added the cooked pasta and chopped ham. 

Add the mixture to a pan sprayed with cooking spray. 

 I didn't want to use corn flakes for the topping, so I opted to use Panko breadcrumbs.

Creamy and light with a slight smoke flavor, really delicious.

Enjoy!

Gratefully,

Deborah...xo!  

My Southern Living Challenge! Recipe #2

Southern Living's Best of 2011
January

We had family in town for the weekend so I thought it would be a great opportunity to make another January winner, Lemon Poppy Seed Waffles with Maple Blackberry Syrup. At first glance the waffles have a very intimidating appearance however the recipe is quite easy with it's use of the "baking mix".  While I was making my shopping list I did wonder, "baking mix"? Is this a special flour? I have had a love of cooking for a long time but baking is a new passion of mine. I decided I would just go to the store and head to the baking section on a mission to find this special "baking mix". Much to my surprise while having an internal LOL, I discovered this elusive "baking mix"...it's Jiffy Mix or Bisquick!!  Too funny, and like the saying goes "you learn something everyday"!

I have had my waffle iron for a while but have only used it a few times. In the past the thought of making homemade waffles was just insane to me, especially when you can just pop them in the toaster from the store.  But I forgot how easy it is to use with the lights that flash when the waffle is ready, basically idiot proof! My only regret every time I have such a blast making something that I avoided most my life is that I didn't push myself to make all these homemade delights for my children growing up. However, they did have an amazing Nana (my Mom) that provided all of it for them so perhaps it's just my turn and an opportunity to be an extension of her.

Try this recipe, if you do not have a waffle iron no worries because they provide the option of making them pancakes which I'm sure are just as amazing.

 http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemon-poppy-seed-waffles-50400000109460/

PS: I added a little more lemon zest (probably double) than they indicated and I warmed Blackberry (seedless) Preserves and Maple Syrup together on the stove for the syrup...:-)

Enjoy!

Gratefully,

Deborah...xo!





      

My Southern Living Challenge! Recipe #1

Southern Living's Best of 2011
January

I always look forward to the tradition of black-eyed peas on New Years Day since I'm a "believer" that good luck will come my way all year.  I usually enjoy the more traditional recipe of a hot side dish prepared with a ham hock. But this year I decided to step outside the box and try Southern Livings recipe posted as one of their picks for January's best. The recipe known as Lucky Black-eyed Pea Salad, is a cold twist on the traditional dish and is light, flavorful and an easy dish excellent for any day of the year, not to mention a great kick-off to a healthy year.  This recipe is an great vegetarian side dish or could easily be transformed to a main performer by adding grilled seafood, chicken or steak on top!   

Get the recipe, you will love this one!  

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lucky-black-eyed-pea-salad-50400000109457/

I also tested with defrosted frozen peaches and you could not tell any difference.

Making the dressing for the salad, the combo of pepper jelly and cilantro is delicious.

 Sweet red peppers and spicy red onion make the dish burst with flavor.

Suggested that you let marinate for at least 8 hrs, but even better if overnight.

 Add the peaches and watercress prior to serving, I garnished with fresh avocado slices.

Enjoy!!

Gratefully,

Deborah...xo!!