Banana Bread
We are fortunate to have several banana trees around our property. When they fruit, we get a lot of bananas and always have a few that go overripe before we can eat them all. We have tried a few different bread recipes to make use of extras. This one turns out great...
Quarantine Meatloaf
In times of food rations, meals like meatloaf can feed entire family with limited supplies. Here’s what we made by mixing some ground beef with bread crumbs and other staples on hand: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey works well too) 1 heaping cup seasoned...
Diesel Pico
Here’s a simple pico de gallo for taco night! This one is made chunky style by its lazy namesake with Roma tomatoes. 3 firm tomatoes 1/2 medium red onion 2 medium cloves garlic 1-2 jalapeño peppers 1 tbs chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 fresh lime Dice, chop, mince &...
Mom’s Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Haven’t made this one myself yet, but our garden is busting with broccoli this year, so we will definitely give it a shot. Looks and sounds delicious! Here’s what Mom said you need and 10 easy steps: 1 “oronoque” deep dish pie shell (partially defrosted is best) Fresh...
Maple Bourbon Turkey Brine
Ever wonder why some Thanksgiving turkeys just taste so much better than others? The secret is in brining. Once you brine your bird, you’ll never want to have it any other way. There are endless methods out there but the main ingredients are water, salt, sugar and...
Pasta Carbonara
There are many variations of this dish, but this recipe is fairly true to the roots of it’s Italian heritage. The mushrooms and peas are my own embellishments, but complement the sauce well. You really only need four basic ingredients to make traditional Carbonara:...
Fresh Goat Cheese
We've been looking for different ways to make fresh cheese and finally decided to try it with goat's milk for a lactose free option. Found several recipes online, but they all basically revolve around fresh goat's milk, lemon juice and salt. Here's how we made it,...
Watermelon Pizza
THIS was awesome! Seedless watermelon cut in slices like pizza with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, crumbled gorgonzola, fresh basil and balsamic glaze. Refreshing and healthy snack for a hot summer day! Something about this combo makes it irresistible, but...
Fresh Salsa
We make this salsa fresh at least once a week for tacos, but it tastes great with chips as well. All you'll need is a small food processor and the following simple ingredients: 1 to 2 tomatoes (depending on size) 1 spring onion 1/2 lime (just to squeeze for juice) 1...
Massamanda Green Curry
Ok, so probably not the way to make traditional curry, but this recipe is from my sister, the "Massamanda." Here's what she did and said it came out incredible; pretty spicy and not too sweet. INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs raw chicken (bone in) 1 Can coconut milk 1 Can chicken...
Homemade Bread
While looking for some other bread making options that require less time and minimal ingredients, I came across a quick rise recipe for simple white bread. After a few minor modifications based on what I had available, the result was a delicious, preservative free,...
Shepherd’s Pie
Whilst in England last month, I made Shepherd's Pie for the British relations with fresh minced lamb. It's was good, really good. So we gave it another go here at home to reminisce about our trip. In my opinion, classic Shepherd's Pie has three main ingredients: meat,...
Marinated Shrooms
There are so many different recipes out there for marinated mushrooms, and they are all good. This is a real basic approach, slightly adaptated based on what we generally have around. Plus, the leftover marinade makes a great salad dressing! 1 pound fresh mushrooms...
Butter Chicken
This is mild yet savory curry that is a perfect introduction to both cooking and eating Indian food. It is best made with a big stainless sauce pan or pot and an immersion blender, but can also be made in a crock pot. A regular blender will work too but the...
Shrimp Potato Soup
Here's a savory satisfying soup that's sure to warm you up on a cold day. Here's what you need: 4 cups washed, cubed red potatoes 2 tbsp chopped onion 1/4 cup fresh chopped celery or 1/4 tsp celery seed 1 tsp salt 1/2 lb shrimp (par-cooked and chopped) 1/2 cup milk...
Roast Beast
A Christmas tradition from Whoville that the Grinch himself would be proud to carve. This recipe is for a 4 bone standing prime rib roast (10lbs) which will feed 6-8 adults as a main course, with some leftovers. Great for holidays and special occasions. When making a...
Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
A nice and easy pasta dish for the holidays. Enjoy fresh or chilled. 1 lb pasta - bow ties, elbows, etc 1 lb large boiled (21-25) shrimp, cut in half 12 kalamata olives, cut in half 12 grape tomatoes, cut in half 12 sun dried tomatoes, sliced 8 oz fresh baby spinach,...
Cuban Irish Coffee
Two great traditions in one! Made just like a classic Irish coffee, but with espresso. Since the original carnation of the Irish coffee was meant to reflect a good ole pint of Guinness, this should be served in a clear glass. Start out with a couple heaping teaspoons...
Butternut Squash Soup
This is the most amazing butternut squash soup! Fresh from Mom's garden and just in time for Thanksgiving. Topped with fresh whipped cream and fried onions ... 4 cups cubed butternut squash 1 cut-up onion 3 cups chicken broth (or enough to go 1" above squash in pot) 2...
Spaghetti Squash In Panda Sauce
Spaghetti squash in a creamy avocado-garlic-lemon sauce, topped with roasted garlic and bacon. OMG SO GOOD! Split spaghetti squash down the middle, then steam in the microwave for 10 mins, loosely covered, with some water in the bottom of the container. Scoop out the...
Deconstructed Swifty’s Chicken Curry
Ok, so this is going to sound unusual, but it's really good and easy to make. Inspired by various leftovers and craving for a quick curry, this dish uses a secret ingredient from the Chicken Curry Sub made by a local market called Swifty's. Don't tell anyone. Cooked...
Pita Pizza
Perfect pizza for quick dinner or snack in 5 easy steps. 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 2. Lay pita upside down on tin foil. 3. Spoon thin layer of tomato sauce. 4. Cover with shredded cheese. 5. Bake for 10 min or until bubbly. Tip: Let the pizza cool for a few...
Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes
Guinness cupcakes with a Jameson whiskey ganache center and topped with a Baileys Irish Cream frosting. Ingredients: For the Cupcakes: 1 cup Guinness stout 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups...
Carnival Chicken
Inspired by that nebulous "chicken on a stick" you find at just about any fair, carnival or festival, this recipe is quick, easy and way better. It can be done with any cut of chicken, but boneless thighs are the best because they don't dry out and have lots of nooks...
Margarita
This is a very simple and fresh recipe I picked up in Playa Del Coco, Costa Rica. They were 25 cents each and worth every penny. Mix equal parts tequila, triple sec and fresh squeezed lime juice. Shake with a few ice cubes and serve over ice in a salt rimmed glass...
Venison Sausage Chili
This recipe is based on a chili I learned to make working in a local restaurant as a kid and Papa Louie's Award-Winning Venison Chili. You can use any kind of ground sausage or ground meat, but this one was made with spicy venison sausage. Here's what you need: 2 lbs...
Turkey Fried Rice
This dish is a staple in our house and comes in many forms depending on what's in the frig. Here's how this one took shape ... Add chopped leftover turkey and oil to frying pan or wok and heat until spitting. Add chopped tomatoes, salt and garlic powder. Stir and...
Linguini with White Clam Sauce
This is a Papa Louie time-tested classic recipe and beats any I have ever had. The key is to use fresh hard shell clams but canned clams can be used in a pinch if needed. Here’s what you’ll need for 4-6 people: 2 dozen true “top neck” clams (or about 50 typical farm...
Pancakes
My grandfather made the best pancakes. I saw him make them from scratch many times but never got the recipe. With much trial and error, here's what I pieced together from memory and other recipes. 1 cup milk2 tablespoons white vinegar1 cup bread flour2 tablespoons...
Purple Potato Gnocchi
These were made from purple majesty potatoes grown this summer. Used a batch of leftover mashed potatoes that were frozen so that all the hard work wouldn't go to waste. Ended up coming in handy! 2 cups of warm, mashed potatoes 2 cups of all purpose flour Extra flour...