Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Simple Leftover Turkey Recipe

2011-11-27T17:51:00.002-05:00

photo: Lwatts

Thanksgiving Leftover turkey Casserole Recipe

preheat oven 350 degrees

4 cups + Cooked turkey, cut in bite size pieces
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream (1 cup)
1 8 oz package / box stuffing mix or your leftover dressing
if you use a new box of stuffing you will
need 1 can of chicken broth to add to packaged stuffing.

layer one:
1. Place cooked turkey in lightly greased 8x8 baking dish.

layer two:
2. In a mixing bowl combine soup and sour cream.
pour sour cream mixture over turkey.

If you are using leftover dressing /stuffing jump to *3.
In another bowl,
Combine stuffing mix and chicken broth.
mix well, let the dressing soak up the broth.

*3. Spread stuffing mixture over sour cream mixture.

Bake for 45 minutes or until brown.

variations:
-depending on how much turkey you have leftover, this recipe
can be doubled for 13x9 pan, extend baking time 10-15 minutes.
-use cooked boneless chicken instead of turkey
-use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

CAJUN ROASTED POTATOES RECIPE

2011-11-01T15:48:00.002-04:00

CAJUN ROASTED POTATOES RECIPE
ky cook

12 or so unpeeled small red or yellow potatoes*,
cleaned and cubed
4 Tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 Tablespoon cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp sea salt
sprinkle of creole seasoning

Place cubed Potatoes in a lightly sprayed 13x9 pan.
Sprinkle potatoes with sea salt & creole seasoning.

Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and cajun
seasoning in a small bowl or glass mixing cup.
stir well.

Drizzle mixture evenly over potatoes.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 1 hour.
Be sure and stir, half way through cooking time.

* You may also use regular potatoes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Blueberry Crumble French Toast Recipe

2011-01-16T16:07:00.004-05:00

Blueberry Crumble French Toast

photo:L watts

Blueberry Crumble French Toast Recipe
ky cook

3 eggs
1/3 cup + Tbsp milk
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
4 slices of blueberry crumble bread, slightly stale
Butter for cooking
Maple syrup

Beat eggs, milk, and cinnamon together.
Pour the egg mixture in a 13x9 pan;
place all 4 slices of bread into the egg mixture,
flip, allowing bread to soak up the mixture.

Melt some butter over a large skillet on medium high heat.

Add slices of bread into the skillet,
fry until brown on both sides, flipping the bread when necessary.

Best served hot with butter, maple syrup, and if available, fresh berries

and or
link sausages.
oh and don't forget a big cold glass of milk !

Serves 2

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old fashioned blackberry cobbler recipe

2010-07-10T21:35:00.002-04:00

Fresh picked blackberries

~ old fashioned Blackberry cobbler recipe

old fashioned blackberry cobbler recipe
kycook

2 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, washed and picked over
1 C white sugar
1 C all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C milk
1 stick of butter, melted

pre heat oven to 350/375
In medium bowl, stir together blackberries and sugar.
Let stand about 25 minutes, stir well.
In a large bowl:
By hand, stir together:
flour, baking powder, salt and milk
lastly, stir in melted butter.
stir until butter is well blended

Pour batter in ungreased dish.
Spoon blackberry mixture over batter.

Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until dough rises
and the top is golden brown.

Serve warm with cream, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Cheddar & jalapeno Corn muffins - Cornbread recipe

2010-05-17T23:38:00.004-04:00

Cheddar & jalapeno corn muffins w/ butter
photos by Lwatts

Cheddar & jalapeno Corn muffins recipe

2 boxes of corn muffin mix
1 egg
1 can creamed corn
1 - 2 Tblsp jalapenos, diced
1 cup + shredded cheddar cheese

preheat oven to 400 degrees
lightly spray 12 muffin tin or use paper liners

In medium bowl:
Add corn muffin mix, egg, corn, jalapenos and cheese.
Stir well.
spoon mixture into muffin tins.
right before placing in oven, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese.

Bake 18-22 minutes until golden brown.

*OR*
~place the batter into a cast iron skillet or square pan and make cornbread.
~sprinkle a little cooked, crumbled bacon into batter before cooking.
~use mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar
~sprinkle a dash of ceyenne pepper seasoning on top right before baking.
~use fresh jalapenos or i like to use the nacho -ready sliced ones in the jar.

Menu

Cottage cheese
Jambalaya
Cheddar jalapeno corn muffins w/ butter
Strawberry shortcake
Sweet tea

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Skillet German Potato Salad Recipe

2010-03-09T23:49:00.004-05:00

photo: L watts

Tonights menu

buttermilk pork chops
fried apples
skillet german potato salad
steamed broccoli
buttered biscuits

The other day, we had some potatoes that were starting to get a little old, brian made a bowl of german potato salad. He took 2 recipes and combined them making a delicious potato salad.
The next day, we warmed up the leftover salad in the microwave and it still tasted great !

Skillet German Potato Salad Recipe
courtesy of: brian

6 medium potatoes
1 lb bacon
1 large onion
1/2 cup apple cidar vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 Tblsp flour
1 Tblsp chives, chopped

Boil potatoes until done, drain and cube.
set aside to cool.

fry bacon, drain, set aside.

remove half of the bacon drippings/grease out of the skillet.
place chopped onions in same skillet,
cook onions until transparent.

add flour, stir well
add vinegar, water and crumbled bacon into onion mixture, stirring well.
let simmer until it thickens.

add potatoes and chives,
stir well.

serve warm.

diary of a Kentucky Cook

Tried & True cooking shortcuts, hints & tips

2010-03-04T21:59:00.006-05:00

photo: L watts

Shortcuts for making hot cornbread in a hurry.

Here are a few quick tried and true tips to help make boxed corn muffin mix taste more like 'made from scratch' corn bread.

*use 2 boxes for thicker corn bread
*use milk instead of water
*add a pinch of sugar or splenda before adding in wet ingredients
*add in a Tablespoon of honey to the batter just before cooking.
*stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese.
*using cupcake liners in the muffin pan helps with easier cleanup and makes it easier for little hands to hold while eating.
*for cracklin' cornbread, add in a Tblsp of cooked, crumbled bacon into each muffin of batter or stir in 4 cooked, crumbled bacon slices into your corn bread batter.
*for nutty cornbread add in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.

you might like to see a couple of my other recipes:

dressing up store bought mixes

old fashioned iron skillet cornbread

chicken & cornbread

Misc Hints and Tips...

Measurement shortcuts:

1 cup = 8 ounces or 16 tablespoons.
2 tablespoons = 1 ounce
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup

---o---

Oven Temperature Conversion Table

Fahrenheit (ºF) Celsius (ºC)

Very slow oven 250ºF 130ºC
Slow oven 300ºF 149ºC
Moderately slow oven 325ºF 175ºC
Moderate oven 350ºF 176.6ºC
Moderately hot oven 375ºF 200ºC
Hot aka quick oven 400ºF 204.5ºC
Very hot oven 450ºF 232.3ºC
Extremely hot oven 500ºF 280ºC

---o---

Cream soups have gotten so expensive...

Lets say you only need to use half of a can of a cream soup for your recipe when cooking for 2. The prices of canned soups has gotten outrageously high, don't waste that soup !
Take out the amount that you need, place what you have left in a container, cover it and place in the refrigerator.
Do not store the soup in the original can.
You can store cream soups up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Southern Kentucky White Chili

2010-02-10T16:32:00.003-05:00

White Chili photo: linda watts

Linda's Southern Ky White Chili
by: kentucky cook

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, about 3 med size breasts
1/2 bottle zesty italian dressing
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can white beans, partially drained
1 can mixed beans
1 can chicken broth
1 small can green chiles
1/2 tsp + Mexican or tex-mex seasoning
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
splash of hot sauce, optional

In a large saucepan on medium to high heat
place the italian dressing, the cubed chicken and onions.
Cover, keep stirred, cook 10 minutes, until chicken is done.
sprinkle with mexican seasoning.

Add the beans, broth, chilies, pepper and cumin
stir well, turn down the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
*I let mine simmer till the cornbread is ready.

When you bowl it up you can add a spash of hot sauce
or some shredded cheese or a little cilantro, whatever suits your tastes.
this recipe is very versatile and you can substitute any way you like.

you can :
leave out the cayenne pepper and hot sauce,
use 2 cans of white beans instead of 1 can of each listed,
use cooked turkey instead of chicken...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Brian's Quick Biscuits

2010-01-31T20:34:00.005-05:00

photo: L watts

Brian's Quick Biscuits
recipe courtesy of: brian

preheat oven to 450

2 1/4 cups baking mix (+ little extra for sprinkling)
2/3 cup regular milk
2 Tbl of dry buttermilk substitute
5 Tbls butter crisco

Place baking mix in a large bowl,
add dry buttermilk substitute, stir.
Cut crisco in with a fork.
Stir and form a soft dough.
if the batter is too wet add a little more baking mix
a sprinkle at a time until batter is good for rolling.

Place dough on a prepared surface,
sprinkled with a little mix.
roll out dough abt 1/2 inch thick.
cut out biscuits using either a biscuit cutter
or an ice tea glass.

place biscuit rounds on lightly greased cookie sheet
bake for 8 minutes, take out of oven
spread a small dollup of butter on
the top of each biscuit.
place back in the oven for 2 - 3 additional minutes
or until biscuits are a golden brown.

*watch the biscuits closely for the last minute or 2.
makes about a dozen biscuits

Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe

2009-10-03T13:42:00.002-04:00

Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe
entree or side dish

1/2 stick butter, divided
1/4 cup regular flour
1 cup milk
8 oz. Velveeta, cubed
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, drained
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8 + ritz crackers, crushed

preheat oven to 350

In medium saucepan;
melt 3 Tbls butter
whisk in flour
cook 2 min., stirring constantly.
Gradually stir in milk
cook until mixture boils and thickens, continue stirring constantly.
Add velveeta, stir until melted
Add macaroni.

Spoon mixture into a 2 qt. lightly sprayed casserole dish
sprinkle with Cheddar
In a small bowl:
Melt remaining butter, add cracker crumbs, stir
Sprinkle over casserole.

Bake about 20 minutes.

variations:

use margarine instead of butter
use 2 % milk
use lowfat velveeta or
use american cheese instead of velveeta
use club crackers insted of ritz
use crumbled homemade croutons, instead of crackers
use shredded cheese blend instead of shredded cheddar
add in 1/4 cup bacon bits when you add macaroni
or if you have any leftover ham, tear into small pieces and toss it in.
or add cubed / coined cooked italian sausage

serve with corn muffins or toast points as an entree.
serve as a side, goes great with any meat !

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Beef Pot Pie Casserole Recipe

2009-09-26T15:42:00.003-04:00

Beef Pot Pie Casserole Recipe
~kycook

1 to 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can mixed vegetables, drained
1 can corn, drained
8 oz velveeta, cubed
1 can cream soup, celery OR mushroom
1 can crescent dinner rolls

In a skillet add ground beef & garlic, cook
until done, drain off drippings.
add in vegetables, corn and soup

stir well

preheat oven to 375.

In a sprayed 13x9 glass dish add in beef mixture, sprinkle cubes of velveeta on top,
push cubes into mixture.

spread out dough on the top making a crust.

bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

variations:

-You can control the sodium and fat content in this recipe
by using any low fat, 2 % or low sodium ingredients you
would like.
~leave out the can of corn and add in a can of green beans or
your favorite veggie, just be sure and drain out the liquid.
-exchange the canned veggies and corn for a 16 oz bag of frozen veggie blend
-use any of the following soups:
cream of celery, or
cream of chicken or
cream of mushroom soup

-freezes well.

diary of a Kentucky Cook

Yellow Squash Patties Recipe

2009-08-13T18:00:00.002-04:00

Yellow Squash Patties Recipe

2 cups grated yellow squash
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup self rising flour
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup self rising cornmeal
1 small onion, chopped real fine
1 tsp seasoned pepper

Mix all ingredients together.
Spoon out into preheated
olive oil in skillet

Turn to brown both sides.
Drain squash patties on paper towels.
Serve while warm

variations:
use either olive or canola oil for frying
use seasoned bread crumbs instead of plain
add a few shakes of red pepper (ceyanne)
use chopped green onion instead of a table onion
right before serving sprinkle with a little shredded cheese
or a couple shakes of salt

To make one cup of Self Rising Corn Meal Mix

3/4 cup of corn meal
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Hearty Beef Soup - Inexpensive, money saving recipe

2009-07-25T15:01:00.003-04:00

Hearty Beef Soup Recipe

1 and 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 - 14 oz cans of stewed or diced tomatoes or
1 large jar of home canned tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) of water
1 can of cream corn
salt and pepper to taste

In a skillet brown ground beef, drain.
In a stockpot add cooked beef, tomatoes, water, salt and pepper.
Cook, uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Add corn.
Continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Serve Hot

notes:

Great way to use up LEFTOVER burgers:
simply crumble burgers in saucepan, reheat meat, add tomatoes,
continue on - making your soup...

serve with:
grilled cheese or
warm garlic bread or
cornbread or
corn muffins or
your favorite soup side

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Quick and easy Apple Crisp Recipe

2009-07-02T21:23:00.001-04:00

Quick and Easy Apple Crisp
ky cook

4 cups cored, peeled, and sliced apples
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup regular flour
1/3 cup butter

preheat oven at 350 degrees

Place prepared apples in baking dish.
add water
sprinkle with cinnamon, and salt.
In a medium bowl:
Mix together sugar, flour, nutmeg and butter.
Stir together until crumbly.
Sprinkle mixture over apples.
Bake for 45 minutes.

Notes:
you can use 2 different kinds of apples if you prefer.

diary of a Kentucky Cook

Winter is Here Inexpensive Soup Recipe

2008-12-17T18:13:00.003-05:00

Winter is Here Inexpensive Soup Recipe
ky cook

1 pkg (16 oz) soup mix beans (from $ general for around $1.50)
6 cups + water
large onion, chopped
1 pkg ham hock for soup
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp seasoned pepper
1 large canning jar of diced roma tomatoes
or - 1 can of store bought diced tomatoes

Wash and sort through soup beans.
Place all ingredients into crock pot or slow cooker.
Turn on high to med-high and let cook all day or all night.
Makes your house smell delicious.

sides:
big piece of cornbread slathered in butter
:)
or grilled cheese sandwiches w / bread and butter pickles.

sprinkle on top of each individual bowl;
a handful of bacon, cooked & crumbled
and / or
a few slices of raw sweet onion
or
a Tablespoon of sweet relish

*
If you are watching your sodium intake -You can add or subtract salt, as you wish
also if you desire a thicker soup you can cut down on the water a bit.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Saucy Honey Mustard Chicken

2008-12-01T01:14:00.001-05:00

Saucy Honey Mustard Chicken

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 pound or 4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
2 Tbsp Honey Mustard
1 Tbsp honey

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cover.
Cook 12 -15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Turning once.

In a medium bowl;
stir together cream cheese, Italian dressing, honey mustard and honey,
mixing well.
Spoon over chicken in skillet.

Continue cooking about 5-6 minutes
until sauce is heated through

Side ideas;
steak fries
white rice
wild rice
steamed broccoli
steamed cauliflower
peas
whole green beans
etc...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Oven Roasted Onion Potato Recipe

2008-11-22T15:42:00.003-05:00

Oven Roasted Onion Potato Recipe

pre-heat oven to 425 degrees

4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/3 cup olive oil

Place potatoes in a lightly greased 13 x 9 casserole dish.
In small bowl mix the soup mix and the olive oil.
Pour olive oil mixture over potatoes,
stir well.

Bale for 35 minutes.
Be sure and stir the potatoes a couple times while they are cooking.

Potatoes will be a beautiful golden brown and are delicious warmed up, if you have any leftovers.

variations after baking:
serve with a dollup of sour cream on the side.
sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese.
sprinkle with a handful of cooked bacon pieces .

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Honey Butter Recipe

2008-11-15T18:03:00.003-05:00

The following recipe makes a great butter to serve with hot biscuits or cornbread. This would also make an excellent side to give with a loaf of homemade bread for Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day or Birthdays. You can make this butter up in advance and freeze until you are ready to serve it or give as a gift.

Kentucky Honey Butter Recipe

1/4 pound butter
1/4 cup bacon drippings, strained
4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
2/3 cup honey

In a medium bowl;
beat butter until light and creamy.
add drippings and crumbled bacon.

Beat honey into butter mixture until light and fluffy.

Can be stored, frozen up to a year.
If you decide to freeze some of the butter, be sure and portion it out to the size you would like before freezing. That way you can thaw out just the portion you need - do not try to freeze- thaw and refreeze. Be sure and use real Butter, not margarine.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Chicken with Rice Bake Recipe

2008-11-10T11:25:00.001-05:00

Chicken with Rice Bake
ky cook

pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

4 cups chicken; cooked & diced, deboned or boneless
3 cups chicken broth
8 oz. sour cream
2 cups minute rice, uncooked
2 cans cream soups
cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 medium diced, sauteed onion* optional
2 sleeves crushed ritz crackers
1 stick butter, melted

In large bowl,;
mix cooked chicken with the broth, rice, soups and sour cream.
*add in the cooked onion.
Mix well.

Place mixture in a greased 9x13 casserole.

In another bowl;
add melted butter to the crushed crackers.
Mix.

After casserole cooks for about 20 minutes,
sprinkle cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
Place back in the oven and bake an additional 15 minutes,
until crackers are browned and casserole is bubbly.

variations:

cream soups- use 2 chicken or 2 mushroom or
1 can of each

Old fashioned Irish Pancake Recipe

2008-10-30T23:06:00.002-04:00

Old fashioned Irish Pancake Recipe

1/2 pound of sifted flour
2 beaten eggs
a pinch of salt
a pint of milk
1/2 oz butter, melted

Place all in a bowl and mix well to a smooth pancake batter.
Fry in hot lard to a delicate brown.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve hot.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Instructions for canning tomatoes

2008-09-07T12:58:00.000-04:00

Reposting a link to my Canning Garden Fresh Tomatoes Recipes Hints & Tips Post from Monday, August 21, 2006. Instructions for canning tomatoes.

CANNING GARDEN FRESH TOMATOES

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Creamy Hash Brown Potato Casserole Recipe

2008-09-06T12:13:00.003-04:00

Creamy Hash Brown Potato Casserole Recipe
pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
8-oz sour cream
1/4 tsp seasoned pepper
1 package frozen hash brown potatoes, 20-30 oz
6-8 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup + shredded cheese

Spray 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In very large bowl
stir together ;
soups, sour cream, milk and pepper until mixed well.
Add potatoes and onions, stir well
Spoon mixture into baking dish.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle top with cheese.
Bake uncovered an additional 15 to 20 minutes
The top should be a golden brown
and bubbling around the edges.

use any one or a combination of the following shredded cheeses;
mild cheddar
sharp cheddar
Italian blend
monterey jack & colby blend
fiesta blend
pizza blend
you can also garnish with fresh crumbled bacon bits or chives

If you would like ;
you can spoon mixture into individual baking / serving dishes before adding the
cheese and baking, you could mix and match using your guests favorite shredded cheese.
this dish looks beautiful after cooking and is pretty to sit at the table.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Stir Fry Squash Recipe

2008-09-05T11:56:00.003-04:00

Stir Fry Squash Recipe

3 cups yellow squash, sliced in thin coins
1 Tbl olive oil
1 sweet onion, chopped coarsely
1 small red pepper, sliced in rings then halved
1 small green pepper, sliced in rings then halved
2 and 1/2 tsp garlic, jarred
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper or
seasoned pepper

Place oil in preheated skillet or wok
Add squash, onion, and peppers
Cook, stirring constantly for about 10-12 minutes
Stir in garlic, water, salt and ground pepper.

Cook until squash is tender, stirring often

garnish when serving with shredded parmesan or any of your favorite shredded cheeses
you can also toss in any of your favorite raw veggies and cook with the squash

If you don't care for peppers, you may also leave them out !
This recipe can be changed to fit your tastes.
enjoy...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

State Fair Funnel Cake Recipe

2008-08-05T17:56:00.003-04:00

State Fair Funnel Cake Recipe

*this recipe makes 6 funnel cakes

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
funnel or liquid measuring cup
powdered sugar for dusting

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk and brown sugar.
In another bowl; combine flour, baking powder and salt.
stir well.
Add flour mixture into egg mixture,
beat until smooth.

Heat oil to 375 degrees - make sure grease is HOT before starting to funnel batter.

Cover the bottom of your funnel spout with your finger,
pour 1/2 cup cake batter into the funnel.
Holding the funnel several inches above the deep fryer, release your finger and move the
funnel in a spiral motion until all of the batter is emptied
Be careful not to get burned, the batter may splatter the grease a little.

Fry for 2 minutes on each side until cakes are golden brown.
Place on plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
Repeat with remaining batter, place towels between cakes when stacking.
best when served right away or still warm.

variations and tips;
-right before serving;
-Dust with confectioners / powdered sugar
and or
-your favorite toppings; fruit, preserves, jam.

-Use an electric skillet
or a deep fryer
-Use a funnel or liquid measuring cup with a lip for pouring batter into hot grease.

**Do not let children attempt to make their own funnel cakes

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

No Bake Graham Cracker Cake

2008-07-27T19:51:00.001-04:00

No Bake Graham Cracker Cake

1 box of Graham crackers
2 boxes of instant French vanilla pudding
1 medium container of whipped topping
1 can of milk chocolate cake frosting
3 cups of cold milk

In a medium bowl; mix the milk with the pudding, stir until thick,
then mix in the whipped topping. stir.
In a 13 x 9 pan;
Layer the Graham crackers then the pudding several times,
ending with a layer of graham crackers on top.

Top with the chocolate frosting, cover and refrigerate.

V E R Y rich.
keep refrigerated.

variations;
use plain or French vanilla pudding

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Strawberries In Snow Recipe

2008-07-21T18:36:00.002-04:00

Strawberries In Snow Recipe

1 angel food cake, torn into pieces
1 container of cool whip
1 quart fresh strawberries, topped, hulled and sliced
1 package of strawberry glaze
2 cups of powdered sugar
1 – 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened

Mix strawberries and glaze together, set aside.
In mixing bowl;
Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together
add cool whip, stir until well mixed.

In large glass bowl layer ingredients in order;
layer of cake
layer of cream cheese mixture
layer of strawberries
repeat layers, ending with strawberries.

variation:
use prepared fresh peaches and
peach glaze instead of strawberry.
You can serve in individual parfait glasses or
in a glass bowl or deep casserole dish.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Stuffed Jalapeno Pepper recipe

2008-07-17T22:01:00.002-04:00

Stuffed Jalapeno Pepper recipe

Jalapeno Peppers, capped, seeded and split lengthwise
1 8oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
uncooked bacon, cut in thirds

In a mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese and cajun seasoning.
Blend well.
Stuff peppers with mixture.

You can now;
Wrap the filled jalapeno with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick and
Bake at 350 degrees until bacon is done.

Or

Place the stuffed peppers on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer until they are frozen.
Place frozen stuffed peppers in a freezer bag.
When ready to use, remove from freezer, wrap with bacon and bake at 350.
No need to thaw before cooking.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kitchen Hints and Tips

2008-07-10T11:33:00.013-04:00

Kitchen hints and tips

Sticky Muffins?
They will slide right out of the cooking tins if you
place the right-out-of-the-oven pan on a wet dish towel.

Did your brown sugar get hard as a brick?
Place a slice of soft bread in the package
and it will soften in a couple of hours.

Tomatoes too ripe ?
Place them in cold salted water and leave overnight.
By morning they will be fresh and firm.

Did you know ?
It’s not sunlight that ripens tomatoes, it’s warmth.
If you store your tomatoes with the tops /stems pointed down they will stay fresh longer.

Easy Way to Remove Corn from the cob...

Use a shoe horn.
It’s shaped perfectly for removing kernels quickly and without the dangers of cutting your fingers with a knife.

Have a Great Month of Celebration

Happy Independence Day
~Ky cook & her honey

Sour Cream and Chive Potato Soup Recipe

2008-06-26T10:16:00.000-04:00

Sour Cream and Chive Potato Soup Recipe

3 cups potatoes, peeled & diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 1/2 cups of water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp + or - salt
2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbls flour
1 Tbls chopped chives, fresh from the garden

In large stockpot;
combine the potatoes, celery, onion, water, bouillon cubes, and salt.
Cover and cook until tender, or about 20 minutes.

Do not overcook potatoes - don't let them get mushy
Add 1 cup of milk, simmer until heated.
meanwhile;
in another medium bowl, mix the sour cream, flour, chives and the other cup of milk.

After soup mixture is good and hot,
gradually stir the sour cream mixture into the soup.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Be careful, it will try to stick on ya
:)

garnish ideas;
a few sprinkles of cooked, crumbled bacon and or
your favorite shredded cheese
a few croutons
a few more diced chives

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Stuffed Potato Salad Bites Recipe

2008-06-14T22:04:00.001-04:00

Stuffed Potato Salad Bites Recipe
Ky cook

12 small Unpeeled red potatoes, washed

Place potatoes on a cookie sheet - lightly spray potatoes with cooking spray
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 35 to 40 minutes.

Once they are cool enough to handle,
cut the potatoes in 1/2, carefully scoop out most of the potato meat into a mixing bowl
Cut a small slice from the bottom of each potato so that they will sit upright.
Set shells aside for now.

Add to the potato meat the following;

1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp seasoned pepper
1 hard boiled egg, peeled and diced
1 Tbls sweet relish
2 Tbls + mayonnaise
1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
1/4 cup chopped celery, * optional
2 green onions sliced, save a few slices for garnish
3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, save some for garnish

Stir until mixed. Do not over-stir.
Fill the potato shells with the potato salad mixture
garnish with a few bacon bits, chives and / or a few slices of green onion.

Serve as a side or as an appetizer.

Variations;

cook an additional slice or two of bacon, drain and crumble - add to the filling mixture.
If desired, you may increase the relish or dice up some of your favorite pickles.
You may also use a few shakes of celery salt instead of chopped celery.
You may also omit the salt and bacon, if you are watching your sodium.

Great finger food for parties or picnics !!!

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Grilled Kentucky Kabobs Recipe - tips - ideas

2008-06-06T10:00:00.007-04:00

Grilled Kentucky Kabobs
Basic recipe courtesy: Hope in Upton, KY

1 bottle of Italian dressing, zesty Italian is excellent !

Use any / and or all of the following;
1 or 2 chicken breasts, cubed
Either 1 package of beef stew meat or
1 package boneless steak, sliced into bite sized pieces
1 cups + cherry tomatoes
1 or 2 onions, sliced in bite size single pieces or small wedges
1-2 small yellow squash, sliced in coins, then halved
1-2 small zucchini, sliced in coins, then halved
1 green pepper, sliced bite size, then halved
1 yellow pepper, sliced bite size, then halved
1-2 jalapeno peppers, sliced bite size, then halved
1 + Habanera pepper, halved
1 cup + whole mushrooms, cleaned

*You have many options when preparing your ingredients;
Place all bite sized kabob ingredients in a plastic or glass mixing bowl.
or
Marinate the meats, peppers and onions only; then add the veggie pieces when layering, right before cooking.

Add Italian dressing to your meats and / or ingredients
Stir well and cover.
Place in refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Be sure and stir a few times while marinating.

Right before cooking;
Layer your kabobs according to your family’s favorite ingredients. For example Brian loves any and all peppers - the hotter the better - but I don't, so I leave peppers
off of my skewer and in their place add cherry tomatoes or yellow squash.
layering examples;
Tomato, squash, meat, tomato, green pepper, meat, squash, tomato, meat, zucchini, mushroom, chicken, jalapeno pepper, tomato, etc...

A few Kabob Tips:
~All of the ingredients can be changed according to what you want to add.
If you don’t like the taste of grilled cherry tomatoes, leave them off. You can pick and choose ingredients to personalize your kabobs.
~Use 1 package of boneless pork, cut into bite size pieces
or try using all chicken or pork cubes and adding pineapple chunks for a sweeter kabob, marinating the meat only.
~You can also add Shrimp to your basic ingredients list
~You can use a gas grill or a charcoal grill - charcoal adds more smoky flavor.
~If using a charcoal grill; Light the grill, to save time, while you are waiting for the coals to be ready, layer your kabobs - The process is a little messy, so keep a clean dish towel handy.
~Marinate at least 8 hours, overnight IS Best.
~Metal skewers work best, if you do use wooden kabobs - be sure and soak them in water first and cover the handle tip with foil - for easier gripping.
~Use aluminum foil on the grill in case any pieces fall off while cooking and for easier clean up.
~You can use regular Italian or Zesty Italian dressing., or you may decide to skip marinating your ingredients altogether and going with sprinkle grill seasonings for your meat and veggies.
Use your imagination.
~This recipe will make approximately from 10 - 12 kabobs

Side ideas and variations:
~Your favorite Cold pasta salad
~Grilled corn on the cob
~Sweet corn
~Roasted potatoes
~Potato salad
~Slaw

~

Thanks again Hope !

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Memorial Day Greetings

2008-05-24T12:16:00.004-04:00

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day

With all of the busyness of the picnics, cookouts, fishing, boating and finding that perfect cheeseburger or potato salad recipe-

let's not forget what this day is truly all about...

1942

Missing you daddy, I will see you again some day...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Quick & Easy Grilled Zucchini Recipe

2008-05-19T22:12:00.003-04:00

Quick & Easy Grilled Zucchini Recipe

4 small zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices.
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt or
roasted garlic and sea salt blend and or your
favorite seasoned pepper blend

Cover zucchini slices with Olive Oil and sprinkle each side with garlic salt and pepper.
Place directly on grill
grill until browned
turn over and brown the other side, cook till tender.

Can't get easier or quicker than that...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Egg and Tomato Scramble Recipe from 1800

2008-05-18T14:33:00.001-04:00

Kentucky Egg and Tomato Scramble Recipe
from the 1800's

4 eggs, well beaten
2 medium, dead ripe fresh picked tomatoes
2 Tbls fat {bacon dripping or butter}
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Place abt 2 Tbls bacon drippings in skillet, preheat.
Peel tomatoes, cutting out all hard areas.
Slice them in quarters or eighths and place in hot skillet.
Add salt and pepper.
Cover.
Reduce the heat and let the tomatoes simmer until they become a 'paste'
about 15-20 minutes.
Stir often to prevent sticking.
Add the beaten eggs and stir until eggs are done.
Mixture will be fluffy and moist.

variations:
add in with the simmering tomatoes any combination of the following:
small diced onion or
1 or 2 Tbls diced green or red pepper
sprinkle of chopped chives
dash of tobasco or
worchestershire or
soy sauce.

Serve with freshly cooked bacon strips
hot buttered biscuits or toast points.

This dish was often served for lunch, brunch or Sunday night Supper. In the early 1900's in Kentucky, it was often served daily towards the end of tomato season. Nothing ever went to waste from the family garden.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Dixie Tea Cake Recipe pre civil war recipe

2008-05-08T13:00:00.001-04:00

Dixie Tea Cake Recipe
pre-civil war recipe

Tea cakes, also known as plain cakes, were meant to be served with custards, whipped frostings, creams, sugared pie fillings or fresh fruits. I don't have an exact date for this recipe, the only thing I know for sure is that it pre-dates 1860.
I found the original recipe in a regional cookbook, when I first started collecting recipes -as a child, I did not always write the contributors name on the recipe.
~ky cook

Cake layer

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder

~

optional topping layer
1 Tbls cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans

To make cake layer;
Measure out 2 exact cups of flour before sifting.
Sift once, and again and a third time after adding baking powder.
Cream sugar and butter.{You can use an electric mixer}
Add to this the sifted flour mixture and milk,
alternating flour, milk, flour, milk - until all is added
Lastly fold in the eggs and vanilla.
Pour into a long, well greased, rectangular biscuit pan
{make sure the pans sides are at least 1 and 1/2 inches}
Sprinkle on topping right before baking.

Bake in moderate oven {375 degrees} for 15 to 20 minutes
after cake cools, cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.
Especially good with a cup of hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Grilled Hamburger or Cheeseburger Recipe

2008-05-04T02:24:00.000-04:00

Grilled Hamburger or Cheeseburger Recipe

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. ground beef
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 Tbl dry mustard
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 Tbl worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 Tbl your favorite prepared mustard
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
a slice or two of your favorite melting cheese

Combine all ingredients, except cheese, and shape into patties,
usually makes about 8 burgers.
Place in the fridge until the grill is hot.

ideas:
~Use onion buns or wheat buns or even sour dough bread for variety.
~You can use any prepared mustard you like;
yellow mustards, brown mustards, dijon, spicey dijon, hot mustards, honey mustards.
~Right before your burgers are done, place a slice of your favorite cheese on top.
~You can also add a slice or 2 of cooked bacon on top just before serving.
~Serve them with fresh sliced tomatoes or onions.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Popover Old Time Recipe

2008-04-26T15:25:00.002-04:00

Kentucky Popover Old Time Recipe
updated version, oven temps listed

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbl butter, melted
2 cups milk
4 eggs, separated and beaten

Beat together flour, salt, melted butter and milk until smooth.
Add eggs, slowly one at a time, do not overbeat.
Grease your custard cups or large muffin pan generously.

Fill half full with batter.
Don't put any more or any less or popovers won't rise right.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes -leave your popovers in the oven;
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 15 more minutes.

Serve with :
butter or
honey butter or
maple syrup or
molasses

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Deep Dish Italian Meatball & Cheese Bake Recipe

2008-04-20T21:39:00.003-04:00

Deep Dish Italian Meatball & Cheese Bake

8 to 10 ounces or about 18 to 20 small frozen meatballs, thawed
3/4 cup or 1 small jar pre-made pizza sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups + shredded mozzarella & provolone cheese blend
1 tsp Italian Seasoning

To make Batter;
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 envelopes rapid rise yeast
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup very warm water
2 Tbl olive oil

Mix all batter ingredients in a med to large bowl.

1st layer:
Place batter in a pre-sprayed 9-1/2-inch deep dish pie plate.
2nd layer:
Push meatballs firmly into batter
3rd layer:
Pour pizza sauce over meatballs
final layer:
sprinkle top with garlic, Italian seasoning and cheeses

Place in a Cold oven
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.

My Notes:
You can double this recipe and make 2 pies or a deep 13 x 9 glass dish.
I like to add extra cheese 1/2 way through cooking time.
**In a pinch you can use 2 pre-made envelopes of pizza crust mix-
follow the directions on the package for mixing and rising.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

How To Cold Pack Huckleberries Old Recipe

2008-04-15T23:14:00.000-04:00

How To Cold Pack Huckleberries
Old Recipe

You need:
washed Huckleberries
2 cups sugar
1 cup boiling water

Make a syrup of the sugar and water
Pack clean berries in jars and add syrup.
Place your jars in water until it boils.
Remove from heat and seal.

*there were no other instructions or jar yields listed.
I have found in most of the old recipes or receipts as they were called, unfortunately some of the best cooks did not find it necessary to list every step they took when canning, baking or cooking.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Time Kentucky Biscuits Recipe

2008-04-14T21:05:00.001-04:00

Old Time Kentucky Biscuits Recipe

2 Cups self rising flour
4 Tbl mayo
1 Cup sweet milk

pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine all ingredients.
Drop onto greased cookie sheet
Bake until brown

makes about 18 biscuits

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Dill Potato Wedges Recipe

2008-03-17T20:14:00.002-04:00

Irish Dill Potato Wedges

8 med. red new potatoes, cooked
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp celery salt
2 tsp dried dill weed

Cut boiled potatoes in wedges, set aside.
Melt butter in a large frying pan and saute garlic for 1 or 2 minutes.
Add potatoes, salt, pepper, celery salt and dillweed.
Fry the potatoes until they are lightly brown.

Beannachtai na feile Padraig
Happy St. Patrick's Day

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Cajun Coffee Recipe - Hot toddy

2008-02-28T02:13:00.002-05:00

Cajun Coffee Recipe
alcoholic or non-alcoholic

3 Cups Hot Strong Coffee
6 Tablespoons Molasses
6 Tablespoons Dark Rum - *optional
Whipped Cream
Fresh ground Nutmeg

Combine coffee and molasses in a saucepan.
Heat and continue stirring until molasses is dissolved and coffee is very hot.

Do NOT boil.

*If you want to make an alcoholic toddy:
Place 1 Tablespoon rum in each mug.

Add hot coffee.

Top with whipped cream
sprinkle a little nutmeg for a garnish.

Do not stir.

Serve immediately.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Potato Snow recipe - early 1800's recipe

2008-02-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

Old time recipe -
Potato Snow Recipe from early 1800's

Potato Snow
-original author unknown

6 large mealy white potatoes
salt
sauce boat or gravy boat of melted butter

Peel and Boil Potatoes, place in saucepan.
Add a little salt to the water.
Boil till done
Take them out one by one leaving the saucepan on the fire while doing this.

Rub potatoes through a sieve into a deep serving dish, letting potatoes fall into a mound. Do not touch or stir potato mound.
Have a sauce boat / gravy boat of melted butter ready to serve with hot potatoes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old fashioned Bop recipe from 1800's

2008-02-07T21:47:00.000-05:00

Old fashioned Bop recipe from 1800's

courtesy: miss jennie

3 eggs, beaten
1 pint milk
4 Tbls flour
1 Tbls butter, cut in small pieces
the layer filling ingredients

layer filling recipe:
Make a mixture of butter, sugar &
nutmeg to taste. set aside.

In a medium bowl, add flour and milk to the beaten eggs,
mix well.
Pour the mixture evenly into 3
prepared pans of the same size.

Dot the butter on top and bake in a
quick oven.

After done and while still hot;
Assemble 3 layers to make 1 cake, in between
each layer place some of the nutmeg
mixture.

Serve with any pudding sauce or with
cream.
Crushed strawberries are an excellent

side dish.

*no temperature is listed.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Basic Panini Recipe - Quick Hot Sandwiches

2008-01-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

Basic Panini Recipe
courtesy: Vicky in Waddy

Instead of investing in a Panini maker you can use a George Foreman grill. Up to 8 paninis at one time will fit on the grill, depending of course, on what type, and size of bread slices you choose.
I have no experience with Panini makers
:)

Things you will need:

George Foreman grill or panini maker
Extra virgin Olive Oil
pastry brush, small bowl
grated parmesan or
grated parmesan romano blend
French Bread
Wheat bread (I use the $1 loaves from walmart)
slice enough bread at an angle for how ever many sandwiches you are making
You can also use regular sandwich bread, texas toast or sour dough bread.

Panini Technique:

Brush olive oil on one side of the bread and place on the grill,
build your sandwiches, starting and ending with cheeses, that way, as the cheese melts,
it will help the sandwich stay upright so the ingredients will not slide off while cooking.
After sandwiches are done, place on serving plate, brush a little more olive oil on the top and sprinkle with a little grated parmesean. I like to use the grated parmesan and romano blend.

-oOo-

For delicious panini sandwiches use a combination of any of the following:

pepperonis
thinly sliced turkey
thinly sliced ham
thinly sliced chicken
your favorite cooked deli meat, thinly sliced of course :)
2-4 slices of cooked bacon, cut in half
to save time, you can cook the bacon in the microwave before
starting to assemble sandwiches.

use a combo of any of your favorite cheese slices or mix and
match shedded cheeses:
provolone
muenster
monteray jack colby blend
baby swiss
American
White American
thinly sliced home grown tomatoes
sundried tomatoes
sliced mushrooms
sliced black olives, washed and drained
tsp of gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

-oOo-

Using the same basic technique as above here are some
tried and true variations:

I call this one the
Panini Club Sandwich

thinly sliced turkey
thinly sliced ham
4 slices cooked bacon
provolone
sun dried tomato

Our favorite sides:
-wheat thins & olives
-served with sun chips and pickles
-mozarella sticks
-peppercinis

-oOo-

Pepperoni Panini Recipe Idea

mozarella cheese
provalone cheese
sun dried tomatoes
sliced black olives, washed and drained
mushroom slices
pizza or marinara sauce
(about 1 Tbls sauce for each sandwich)
a shake of garlic salt
grated parmesan

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Anything Goes Casserole Recipe from early 1900's

2008-01-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

Anything Goes Casserole Recipe
Original recipe is from early 1900's

about 8 white bread slices
your favorite cooked meat
your favorite seasonings and
salt & pepper, to taste

Milk Mixture ingredients:
In a bowl mix well
4 eggs and
1 1/2 Cups milk

Place bread slices in an 8 x 8 prepared casserole dish
Top with cheese slices

Next layer is where this casserole gets its name,
layer one or a mixture of the following:
cooked sausage
cooked ground pork
cooked ground beef
cooked and chopped ham
canned tuna
cooked chicken breast
any kind of cooked meat - anything goes in for this layer.

Top with additional bread slices.
Pour Milk Mixture over the top and cover.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

preheat oven to 350 degrees
Bake casserole uncovered for 1 hour.

variations:
~The original recipe called for ground beef and said to
add ketchup to 1 pt of cooked hamburger and stir well before layering.
~add any type of spices to the meat as you are cooking.
For example;
~add chopped onions or garlic to ground beef during cooking.
~substitute sliced American cheese with any sliced cheese or
your favorite shredded cheese or cheese blend.
~use your favorite type of bread or even leftover biscuits

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

The Original Sugar Plum Recipe -Sugar Plums

2007-12-19T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Original Sugar Plum Recipe

You will need several clean and dry packing (mason) jars with lids.
Wash your red or wild goose plums.
Prick each plum with a fork.
Sprinkle with sugar.
Lay out on counter or on brown paper to dry for a while.
When dry enough to keep well,
pack sugared plums in jars.
Be sure and sprinkle the sugar plums with in a little more sugar when packing.
The sugar in the jar adds to the beauty and the taste of this home made confection.

You can also tie a jute or rag-tie bow around the top with a personalized
label and give this old fashioned favorite as a gift.

~~Merry Christmas
from Kentucky Cook~~

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Eggless Eggnog Recipe - No Eggs Egg Nog

2007-12-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

Eggless Eggnog Recipe

8 cups milk
1 3 oz package instant pudding, French Vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp of nutmeg

In a large bowl, mix the pudding with 1 cup of the milk.
When pudding is formed,
add in the remaining ingredients and mix very well.
Chill until ready to serve.

Serve in a large serving bowl or punch bowl,
garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
or in individual glasses at each place setting.

Adds to the beauty of your table.

* This recipe is great if you like the creamy taste of egg nog but do not want to use any raw eggs.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Christmas Eggnog Cake Recipe Eggnog Sauce - Eggnog Glaze

2007-12-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eggnog Cake Recipe
Eggnog Sauce - Eggnog Glaze

1 box yellow cake mix
1 + cup eggnog
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp ground nutmeg

Combine cake ingredients in a bowl.
Beat on low until moistened, scraping bowl occasionally.
Beat on medium for 2 minutes.

Pour into a greased and floured fluted tube pan.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert on a wire rack.
Remove and cool completely before adding sauce or glaze.

-

Eggnog Sauce Recipe:

1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla or rum or almond extract
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan,
gradually stir in milk.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Blend a small amount of mixture into egg yolk
and then return yolk mixture to pan.
(you are bringing the temp of the egg up so it won't scramble)
mix well.

Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat
stir in butter and vanilla.
Cool about 15 minutes.
Fold in whipped cream.

Store, covered in refrigerator until ready to serve with cake.

--

Eggnog Glaze Recipe

Fold together even amounts of cool whip and eggnog.
Mix until smooth.
Best when served immediately.
This is a great idea for when you need a special glaze in a hurry.
You can make as much or as little as you like.
for example:
1 cup cool whip
1 cup eggnog

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Basic Artisan Flat bread Recipe

2007-12-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

Basic Artisan Flat bread Recipe
kycook

3 1/2 cups + of bread flour
1 tsp salt
2 Tblsp powdered yeast
1 cup warm water
2 Tblsp + of olive oil
spray bottle with water

In medium size bowl:
Mix the flour, salt and yeast together.
Slowly stir in the warm water and olive oil to make a soft, tacky dough.

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until
the dough springs back to the touch, use extra flour if needed.

Shape dough into one large ball,
Place in large bowl.
Brush with a little olive oil.
Cover and leave to rise in a warm place for about one hour.
I cover the dough with a flour sack tea towel
It will double in size.

After rising -
*optional variations
This is where you add various herbs, cheeses, spices if you like.
This dough is delicious 'plain' or with added spices.
*

Preheat oven to 475 degrees
Knead dough again on a floured surface and divide into six pieces,
rolling each piece into a ball.
Let rise for 10 more minutes.

Next, roll and press the balls flat until they are round and about 1/8" thick
Place on greased baking sheet/s
Cover again with your tea towel and let flat rounds rest for 30 minutes.

Spray the flat rounds with mists of water and bake in a preheated 475
oven for two minutes.
You want them firm but not hard or too brown.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately or
brush lightly with a little more olive oil and Store tightly covered until ready to use.

Reheat them by briefly heating them in a frying pan right before serving.

dough variations:
Add about 2 Tblsp or mix and match your favorite fresh herbs:
oregano or
coriander
rosemary
italian herb mix
and you can also add
About 1/2 cup of your favorite grated / shredded cheese:
extra-sharp cheddar or
mild cheddar
motzarella
provolone
parmesean
romano
monterey jack blend
or a parmesean romano blend.
Mix and match your favorite cheeses and spices-

You can use Artisan bread any way you'd like:
slice in strips for garlic bread, serve with butter or marinara sauce,
For hot sandwiches,
Torn in pieces for dipping,
cubed for soup garnish...

another great recipe where you can use your imagination once you have
the basic dough recipe mastered.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Deep Fried Apple Rings Recipe World War II

2007-11-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

Deep Fried Apple Rings Recipe
World War II Recipe

1 - 2 Tart Apples
granulated sugar for sprinkling
fat for frying

This old fashioned recipe was used to make a great afterschool snack and also rings for garnishing pork dishes in the 1940's and 1950's.

Wash and core apples, you can peel them if you wish,
however the original recipe calls for unpeeled apples.

Slice apples about 1/2 inch thick.
Make sure the cores are removed

Deep fry rings in a deep skillet in very hot fat about 2-3 minutes or
until apples turn a light brown.
Drain on brown paper
Sprinkle with sugar & serve.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Fashioned Fruit Salad Recipe

2007-11-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

Old Fashioned Fruit Salad Recipe

1 20 oz. can of pineapple chunks
4 bananas, peeled and sliced
3 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned
Maraschino cherries, drained
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
juice of one lemon

Drain pineapple, reserve juice
In a medium size bowl add pineapple chunks, banana slices,
cherries and orange sections.

Dressing Recipe:
In a double broiler, mix pineapple juice, the juice of one lemon, and the eggs.
Whisk over simmering water until thickened.
Add 2 Tblsp sugar.

Cool before pouring on top of fruit.
Mix well
Refrigerate.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

2007-11-12T23:28:00.000-05:00

Vicky's Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
courtesy of Mrs Vicky from Waddy, KY

preheat oven to 350

Bottom Layer ingredients:
3 cups sweet potatoes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup + brown sugar
2 eggs
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp nutmeg

In a large bowl:
Mix all above ingredients well by hand.
Place into a greased 13 x 9 baking dish or pan.

Topping ingredients:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 cup + brown sugar
1 cup Walnuts, chopped

Mix topping until crumbly.
Sprinkle on top of sweet potato layer.
Bake approximately 30 minutes.

Additional Sweet Potato Recipes and information:

Kentucky Sweet Potato Casserole

Twice baked sweet potato recipe

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Ole time Funeral Potatoes Recipe

2007-11-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Ole time Funeral Potatoes Recipe
(adapted for today's cook)
pre-heat at 350 degrees

Using either a 13 x 9 or 10 x 14 baking pan
Slice a pan full of potatoes (thin slices) Add
1 large or 2 medium sweet onions, also sliced thin
mix the potatoes and the onion slices together in baking pan.
set aside.

In another bowl, mix by hand, make a sauce with:
1 pint sour cream
2 sticks melted butter
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 to 2 Cups shredded cheddar or your favorite shredded cheese

Take half of the sauce:
Mix well with potatoes / onions.
Spread the rest of the sauce on top.
bake for 1 1/2 hours

Variations:
-use Vidalia onions.
-use several different types of potatoes.
-use 2 pounds of frozen, shredded hash browns instead of regular potatoes.
-saute the onion in butter before mixing with potatoes or hash browns.
-saute sliced mushrooms in butter and add to potato mixture.
-use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom.
-add some cooked, crumbled bacon to mixture before baking.
-for a crunchy topping, top with a layer of crunched-up corn flakes before baking.
-for a cheesy topping , sprinkle casserole with an additional cup + or -, of your favorite shredded cheese about 10 minutes before potatoes are done.

~

I know the title of this recipe, Funeral Potatoes, at first seems a bit morbid, but it is not. The love and friendship of those in your community was often shown by the women baking and cooking for each others families during times of illness, mourning and financial trouble. Years ago, in rural areas when some one passed away, their friends and church community would cook and bake many items for the family during the viewing days and for a large meal after the funeral. Making it possible for those who wished to gather and share stories and fond memories of their loved one or dear friend who passed away. The following recipe is for Old time Funeral Potatoes, this recipe may be doubled easily if two pans are needed. I was brought up to try and do something for others in times of need, even the smallest kindness is appreciated. In my opinion, I believe many recipes and traditions such as Funeral Potatoes, started so those in distress did not have to worry about cooking and kitchen duties when there was a death in the family. I know even now when I hear of a friend or loved one who has passed away, my first instinct is to grab my baking pan...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

2007-10-31T10:31:00.000-04:00

Old fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
start with preheated 425 degree oven

1 unbaked 9" pie crust
1 cup cooked or canned sweet potatoes, mashed
4 Tblspoons butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together butter and brown sugar, mix until fluffy.
Add sweet potatoes and eggs to sugar mixture, slowly, mixing well.
Add in corn syrup, salt, milk, and vanilla.
Stir well.
Pour sweet potato pie filling in uncooked pie crust and bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
Turn your oven down to 325 and bake another 40 to 45 minutes.
Make sure you let the pie cool down a bit before slicing.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

The Perfect Biscuit Recipe Old time Hints for good biscuits

2007-10-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

Perfect Biscuit Recipe
Old time Hints for good biscuits

Perfect Biscuits
pre-heat oven to 425

2 cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup buttermilk

Sift together all the dry ingredients.
mix in the shortening, by hand, a little at a time.
Make a well in the dough with your finger,
then pour the buttermilk in the well, hand mix.
The dough will be wet.

Pinch off pieces of the dough, the size of a small egg
Using a large mixing bowl or wooden bread bowl with additional flour -
drop your dough pieces into the bowl coat them with additional flour and
lightly roll them around in your hands forming a ball shape.
Try not to handle to dough too much

Place floured biscuits on a greased baking sheet,
flatten them to about 1/2 inch thick by using the back of your 3 middle fingers.
This is the signature of your biscuit.
Many bakers used to be able to tell you, who baked which biscuits,
by the fingerprints.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until perfectly browned.

Important notes on How to make the perfect biscuit:

*Leave out the soda if you don't use buttermilk.
*Before cooking; let your uncooked biscuits stand a few minutes before placing in the oven to let the flour set - on the outside of the biscuits.
*Handling the dough too much will cause the biscuits to be tough.
*Do NOT use an electric mixer
*You may substitute self rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt, but the best biscuit bakers say to use all purpose flour.
*This recipe makes approximately 10 'regular' biscuits or
about 5 'cathead' biscuits.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Mom's Southern Potato Salad Recipe

2007-10-12T20:10:00.000-04:00

Mom's Southern Potato Salad Recipe

3 lbs potatoes
1 cup sweet pickles, diced
1 to 2 tsp of juice from pickle jar
1 1/2 cups + mayonnaise
1 Tblespoon milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 large eggs, boiled, peeled and chopped
sprinkle of paprika for garnish

Boil potatoes until they are tender, do not over cook
Drain potatoes immediately and let them cool completely.
Peel and cube potatoes
Add all other ingredients, except paprika
Mix by hand lightly until thoroughly mixed.
Cover and Refrigerate.
Right before serving sprinkle the top with paprika (for color)

--

Mom's Mustard Potato Salad Recipe

using the same recipe as above add
2 Tablespoons prepared mustard.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

2007-09-26T08:45:00.000-04:00

Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
preheat oven 350 degrees

4 cups + Cooked chicken, cut in bite size pieces
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz sour cream
1 8 oz package / box stuffing mix
1 can of chicken broth

layer one:
Place cooked chicken in lightly greased 8x8 baking dish.
layer two:
In a mixing bowl combine soup and sour cream.
pour sour cream mixture over chicken.
layer three:
In another bowl,
Combine stuffing mix and chicken broth.
mix well
Spread stuffing mixture over sour cream mixture.

Bake for 45 minutes or until brown.

variations:
can be doubled for 13x9 pan, extend baking time 10-15 minutes.
use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
Before cooking chicken:
Season with soul seasoning or your favorite spices or
Use grilled chicken, first marinated in italian dressing.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Quick Chicken Alfredo with Pasta Recipe

2007-09-24T16:23:00.000-04:00

Quick Dinner / Supper menu Chicken Alfredo

small iceburg lettuce salad w/ ranch or honey french dressing
garlic toast
Chicken Alfredo with Pasta
Kentucky butter cookies

small salad:
The salad can be as simple as you like.
*Wash all produce well before using.
You can either buy a premixed package of salad or using small salad bowls as your guide, tear off enough lettuce from a store bought head of lettuce to fill one bowl for each dinner guest. We like to add a few bacon bits, home made croutons, uncooked chow mein noodles, roasted- shelled sesame seeds and sprinkle a little shredded monteray jack cheese on top. With this alfredo dish either ranch or honey french dressing tastes best for your salad.

garlic toast:
Same thing with the toast, either buy a pre-made garlic toast from your grocery freezer section, cook as directed or quickly make your own.
Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
Using Texas toast or a few slices of french bread ; butter one side of the bread, place butter-up on the cookie sheet. I like to sprinkle each slice with a little garlic salt and top with grated romano / parmesan cheese blend (we call it sprinkle cheese around here). Sometimes I will use the garlic salt and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

About 6-10 minutes before your chicken is done place in the oven to melt the butter and get your garlic toast lightly browned.

Quick Chicken Alfredo Recipe

4-6 boneless breaded or plain chicken breast filets
1/2 to 1 lb linguini or fettucini or bowtie pasta
1 jar of creamy garlic alfredo sauce
(my favorite brand is Classico)

on a cookie sheet place chicken breast filets, bake as directed.
I like to use breaded filets.

while your chicken is baking:
cook the pasta until done, drain.
In a large saucepan on low:
Add the hot cooked noodles and the jarred sauce, stir, coating pasta well.
After the chicken is done cut in bite size pieces and add to the sauce and pasta mixture.
Stir well to coat chicken.
make sure everything is heated well
that's it !!!!!
can't get any easier than that...

Kentucky butter cookie recipe

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

JALAPENO POPPER RECIPE

2007-09-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

JALAPENO POPPER RECIPE
preheat oven to 300 degrees

24 fresh jalapenos
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
3 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups fine breadcrumbs

using plastic gloves, cut the stem end off each jalapeno pepper
scoop out seeds and as much of the ribs as possible

In a small bowl blend the cheddar & cream cheese together
Stuff each of the jalapeno peppers with the cheese mixture
using a pastry piper or small spoon.

Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow pan
Beat eggs gently
One by one, coat each jalapeno with egg mixture,
shake off excess and roll gently in the breadcrumbs.

Set breaded jalapeno poppers aside for about 15 minutes to rest before baking

Transfer the poppers to a greased baking pan and bake :
20 minutes for spicy jalapeno poppers
30 minutes for medium jalapeno poppers
40 minutes for mild jalapeno poppers

serve plain or
with your favorite dressings for dipping:
Ranch dressing or
blue cheese dressing

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Easy Baked summer squash - zucchini recipes

2007-08-01T13:53:00.000-04:00

Easy Baked summer squash -
zucchini recipe

preheat oven to 350 degrees

Using zucchini or yellow squash:
slice squash in thin, coin shaped pieces

Place sliced squash on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet.
brush squash with melted butter on the tops.

Sprinkle each piece with a mixture of salt, pepper and a little garlic powder.
How much of each to use, depends on your taste or personal preference
:)

Bake until brown & toasty.

~You can use seasoned pepper or even ceyanne for a different zing !!!

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Yellow Squash - Zucchini recipe or Squashed Pasta

2007-07-31T02:02:00.000-04:00

Yellow Squash - Zucchini or
Squashed Pasta Recipe

Prepare your favorite pasta;
such as elbow or rotini,
*rainbow rotini makes this dish just beautiful !
drain pasta, set aside to cool.

prepare 2 medium size yellow squash or zucchini
peel, cut crosswise then slice in small bite size pieces, resembling french fries.
rinse well, drain on paper towels.

Place the squash pieces in a preheated skillet with olive oil.

saute in olive oil and add in little butter,
season to taste with salt and pepper,
garlic powder or fresh minced garlic,
cook until tender.
Cool a bit.

Then simply toss your squash in with your cooked, cooled pasta.
You can add a little more extra virgin olive oil if needed.

variations:
-use as the main dish and serve with soup and garlic bread
-great as a side with hot dogs or brats..
-great as a side dish with burgers or even steak !!

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Yellow Squash fries recipe

2007-07-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

Yellow squash fries

prepare 2 medium size yellow squash:
peel, cut crosswise then slice in french fry size pieces.
place the squash "fries" briefly in a bowl of cold water, drain well.

In a plastic bag place a little boxed corn muffin mix, adding the squash fries,
shake the baggie to coat your fries well.

Place squash in a preheated skillet with a little olive oil and
cook until just golden brown and slightly crisp.

drain on paper towels and
season with a little seasoning salt
and / or salt and seasoned pepper.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Crumble recipe - fresh blueberries or blackberries

2007-07-21T09:27:00.000-04:00

Kentucky Crumble recipe
for fresh blueberries or blackberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 box of plain yellow cake mix
2 sticks butter, melted
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups of fresh blueberries or blackberries, rinsed and drained
Place your berries and
granulated sugar in a small bowl and stir to combine, set aside

Make crust first:
Place cake mix, butter, oatmeal, brown sugar, eggs
and cinnamon in large mixing bowl.
Blend on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
The mixture will be very thick.
~Set aside about 2 cups for a topping.

Press the rest of the mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan.

Pour the berries & sugar mixture evenly onto the crust.
Scatter the last 2 cups of crust mixture over the filling.
Now your crumble is Ready to go in the oven.

Bake 40-45 minutes

it will be a beautiful light brown !

I use an very lightly greased 13x9 baking pan w/ lid
Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
store covered
Cover until time to serve or at least until you get back from the store to get some vanilla ice cream to plop on top of it ;)

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Dixie Snaps Kentucky civil war cookie recipe

2007-07-02T06:51:00.000-04:00

Dixie Snaps
kentucky civil war cookie recipe
(350 degrees)

1 c molasses
3 tsp ginger
3 tsp soda
1/2 c butter & shortening
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 c flour

Bring molasses to a boil
Take off the heat
Add butter and shortening.
Add ginger and salt
Add soda pre-mixed in a little milk.
mix well.
Add some of your flour, stirring in slowly.
Roll mixture, continue to add flour and knead well.
Roll thin.
Cut in wafer size and bake in moderate oven on either greased tins
or greased heavy paper laid on the bottom of your pan.
Let cool.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Fried Fritters - Yellow Squash recipe

2007-06-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

Kentucky Fried Fritters - Yellow Squash recipe

2 medium peeled and cubed yellow squash
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup self rising flour
1/3 cup cornmeal OR seasoned fish fry
1 medium onion, grated well
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
salt

Place cubed squash in a saucepan in salted water
Cover & cook 10 - 15 minutes or until squash is tender.

Drain squash
Mash squash (will make approximately 1 cup)
Combine squash and egg, stirring well.
Add both the flour and cornmeal or seasoning.
Mix well
Add onions to mixture and stir until blended.

Drop mixture by level tablespoon into hot oil.
Cook until golden brown, turning once.
drain on paper towel lined plate
Makes about 2 dozen.

for different variations to these fritters, think about
adding any of the following:
cumin
cayenne
shredded cheese
italian seasoning
a little powdered onion and garlic
any your fav spices

Hello dear friends !
Sorry I havent been around much lately.
I have been ill, I got out of the hospital a few days ago.
My honey made these for me last night, it was so good I just had to share.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

civil war original spice cookie recipe

2007-06-10T20:18:00.000-04:00

civil war spice cookie recipe
(no cooking temp given)

1 c shortening (butter)
1 c brown sugar
1 1/2 c molasses
2 eggs
1/2 c hot water
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
5 1/2 c flour
2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
a little white sugar for sprinkling

In a big bowl:
cream together brown sugar, molasses and shortening.
Add eggs, one at a time
in another bowl:
combine your water, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and then stir into molasses batter.
Add flour, soda and salt
Stir good.
Drop by coffeespoon onto a greased pan,
flatten cookies with a lid and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for about 8, but no more than 10 minutes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

2007-05-12T05:46:00.000-04:00

Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

1 lb ground beef
1 jar or can of your favorite pasta sauce
2 large green bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup of instant rice

In a large skillet, brown ground beef.
drain.
Stir in sauce, peppers, water and rice.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to med-low
Cover and simmer about 20 minutes.
Keep it stirred while simmering so your rice won't stick.

variations:
You can use 1 green and 1 red pepper
or 2 green bell peppers
or 2 red bell peppers
before cooking:
toss in a few black olives
or
a few mushrooms

You may like to try this one too...

Kentucky stuffed green peppers

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Pecan Chicken and Dipping Sauce Recipe

2007-05-09T16:32:00.000-04:00

Kentucky Pecan Chicken Recipe

preheat oven 350 degrees

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp seasoned pepper blend
2 T butter, melted

Place melted butter in small bowl
In another small bowl combine pecans, salt and pepper.

Dip chicken in the melted butter and then pecan mixture.
Place coated chicken on a baking sheet.
Bake chicken for 20 minutes or until chicken is well done.

Side ideas:

with a side of broccoli rice
Italian green beans
with mashed potatoes and gravy
with macaroni and cheese
or
stir fry veggies
or
slice the chicken in strips and serve with dipping sauce as a snack.

Pecan chicken Dipping sauce recipe

In small bowl mix together:
1/2 cup thousand island dressing
2 Tablespoons prepared mustard
1 Tablespoons honey

the possibilities are endless...

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Mint Julep / Julip recipe

2007-05-04T19:36:00.000-04:00

Kentucky Mint Julep Recipe
A southern derby tradition
always make one julep at a time and use a tall chilled tumbler...

Put a few sprigs of fresh mint into a tumbler.
Add 1 Tablespoon of sugar and fill the glass 1/3 full with Kentucky bourbon.
Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Fill the tumbler the rest of the way with shaved or chipped ice.
Add several sprigs of mint into the tumbler and serve with a straw.

variations:
*You can use regular brandy or rye instead of Kentucky Bourbon.
*Use your favorite flavored brandy.
*Use 3/4 ounce brandy and 3/4 ounce peach brandy instead of Bourbon.

Have a great Derby -

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Recipe for Soup Dumplin's - Dumplings

2007-04-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

Old Recipe for Soup Dumplin's / Dumplings

Melt 1/4 cup butter in your pan
Add 1 cup milk & then
1 cup flour
Stir over heat until mixture pulls from the pan and starts forming a ball.

Place mixture in a bowl to cool.
Let cool a bit.
Then, stir in 2 eggs, one at a time,
stirring until it becomes like cake dough.

Drop dumplins into hot soup with a Tablespoon.

This Old Recipe for Dumplin's / Dumplings is perfect
for soups and stews

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Jamocha Milk Shake Recipe

2007-04-21T22:54:00.000-04:00

It is time to weed the old garden beds...
Here is an easy, tasty recipe to help you cool down.

Jamocha Milk Shake Recipe

1 cup coffee, cold
1 cup milk (sweet or fat free)
3 Tblsp granulated sugar or splenda
3 cups vanilla ice cream
3 Tblsp chocolate syrup

Combine the coffee, milk and sugar / splenda in a blender
and mix on medium speed until the sugar / splenda is dissolved -
about 15 to 20 seconds

Add ice cream and chocolate syrup.
Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

yield: about two 16-ounce glasses

Topping ideas:
a dollup of whipped cream
shavings of milk chocolate
chocolate chips
peanut butter chips
crunch up a bit of your favorite candy bar
marachino cherry
:)

~

Kentucky Coffee recipe

Did you know that you can use your Coffee Grounds in the Garden

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Easy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

2007-04-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

Easy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 pkg frozen hashbrowns
1 can cream of ckn soup
1 2 cup pkg of shredded cheese (colby jack is great!)
1 stick of melted margarine

In a bowl, mix all ingredients.
Place in a sprayed 9x13 pan.
Bake for 30 - 35 minutes
Dig in...

Here are a few additional potato recipes:

Crock pot Potato Soup Recipe

Potato Pancakes

Potato Wedges

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Crispy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

2007-04-15T14:04:00.000-04:00

Crispy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 pkg of 9 - hash brown patties, thawed and crumbled
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup butter melted
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
1 pound container sour cream
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted
pinch of pepper
paprika

In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients Except the paprika, cornflakes and butter.
Stir well.
Spoon the potato mixture into a sprayed shallow, medium sized baking dish.
Arrange the crushed corn flakes over the top.
Drizzle the 1/4 cup melted butter over all.

*optional: sprinkle well with paprika before cooking,
then place uncovered in oven and bake for 50-55 minutes
The top will be crispy and brown.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Whipped Snow Frosting Old Time Recipe

2007-04-09T10:30:00.000-04:00

Whipped Snow Frosting -
Old Time Recipe

1 1/2 cup light corn syrup
4 egg whites
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

In a medium sized saucepan, heat corn syrup just to the boiling point.
In a large mixing bowl - beat egg whites until stiff - but not dry.
Add salt.
Stir.
Slowly pour hot syrup over egg whites, beating constantly until the frosting is light and fluffy, until soft peaks form.
Fold in vanilla.

Make sure your cake is completely cooled before icing.

--

Try these Cake recipes with the whipped snow frosting:

Coconut cake recipe

Boiled Chocolate cake recipe

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Oven Baked Kentucky Cod Fillets & Quick Hushpuppy recipe

2007-04-06T10:01:00.000-04:00

Oven Baked Kentucky Cod Fillets recipe
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees

4 (app 3 ounce) cod fillets
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 Tbls grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbls cornmeal
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
enough cooking spray for treating broiling pan

In a shallow bowl or casserole dish;
stir together the bread crumbs, cheese, cornmeal, oil, italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper.

Place the cod on the pan, folding under any thin edges of the filets.
Brush with the egg white and spoon the crumb mixture evenly on top.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

--

Quick and easy Hush Puppies

1 box Corn Muffin Mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup finely chopped onion or onion flakes
frying oil

Preheat deep fryer oil to about 375
Stir all ingredients until well mixed.
Drop by level teaspoon into hot oil and fry for 1 minute on each side.
Drain on paper plate with a layered paper towel.

Makes over 4 dozen Hush Puppies

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Santa Fe Crockpot Chicken Recipe -slow cooker chicken

2007-04-01T23:09:00.000-04:00

Santa Fe Crockpot Chicken Recipe

1 - 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans of whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup (or 1 small jar of prepared) thick & chunky salsa
5 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 - 8 ounce package of cream cheese, cubed

Mix together ;
beans, corn, and 1/2 of the salsa
Place in crockpot.
Next, place the chicken breasts,
pour the remaining salsa over them.

Cover and cook on high 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender.

Remove the chicken,
cut into bite size pieces and put back into the crockpot.

Add the cream cheese and turn on high.
Heat until cream cheese melts.
Stir to make sure sauce is blended.

serving suggestions:
Serve over rice.
(white rice, wild rice or chicken flavored rice)
Top with a cup or 2 of your favorite shredded cheese.
(original recipe called for cheddar)

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Recipe for Crunchy Top Apple Muffins

2007-03-28T23:33:00.000-04:00

Crunchy Top Apple Muffins Recipe

In a large bowl sift together:

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar

Add 4 Tbls soft shortening
1 egg
1 cup milk
Mix together with mixer just until blended.
{Do not overmix}

Fold in 1 cup finely chopped and pared apples

Fill a greased or lined muffin pan 2/3 full with muffin mixture.

Before baking:
Sprinkle the tops with an additional 1/2 cup finely chopped apple
and a simple cinnamon sugar mixture-
To make the cinnamon & sugar mixture:
mix together 1/2 tsp cinnamon &
1/4 cup sugar

Bake 400 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes.
about 12 muffins

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Fashioned Johnnycake -Johnny Cake Recipe

2007-03-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Old Fashioned Johnnycake Recipe

This recipe makes a 10" iron skillet or round pan
You can double the recipe for a larger pan.

1 Cup plain or yellow cornmeal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 Cups cream style corn
1/4 Cup veg oil
1 Cup sour cream

In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together
then add wet ingredients.
Mix well.

Pour batter in your well greased pan and
bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

White - Chocolate - Mocha Frosting Recipes from 1800's

2007-03-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

White - Chocolate - Mocha Frosting Recipes

Plain icing may be made by moistening confectioner's sugar
with milk or water and then adding flavoring of your choice.
Either the plain or the white frosting recipe may be used as a foundation for nuts or chopped fruit. Orange frosting may be made by moistening the sugar with orange juice.
{Ky cook adds: I would NOT recommend using the egg white frosting for a cake and using today's storage methods. I don't trust using raw eggs in this way}

WHITE FROSTING Recipe

1 egg white
1 cup confectioner's sugar
½ teaspoon flavoring

Beat the white of egg until stiff.
Stir in the sugar and flavoring
and beat until creamy

CHOCOLATE FROSTING Recipe

1½ squares chocolate
1 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water

Cut chocolate into very small pieces,
put ina double boiler.
add sugar and water and stir until blended.
Boil until a soft ball forms when
dropped into ice water.
Cool.
Beat until creamy and spread on cake.

MOCHA FROSTING Recipe

3 Tblsp butter
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2 Tblsp cold boiled coffee
2 Tblsp cocoa
½ tsp vanilla

Cream the butter and sugar,
add the remaining ingredients
and enough more sugar to make it creamy.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Dry Bean Chowder Recipe from 1800's

2007-03-22T21:55:00.000-04:00

Dry Bean Chowder Recipe

1 cup dried beans
2 slices bacon, diced
1 can corn
1 can tomatoes
salt and pepper
cracker crumbs

Soak the beans over night.
In a dutch oven boil until tender.
Drain and place beans into a fire proof casserole dish.

Try out the fat from the bacon until it is perfectly crisp,
care being taken that it is not burned.

Then add together bacon, corn, seasoning and tomatoes.
Mix all real well and then add to your casserole of beans.

Sprinkle cracker crumbs over the top and bake twenty-five minutes
in a goodly hot oven.
Serve right from the casserole dish

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Sweet Milk Griddle Cakes Recipe from 1800's

2007-03-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

Sweet Milk Griddle Cakes Recipe

3 cups flour
2 Tblsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 Tblsp baking powder
1 egg, beaten
2 cups milk
2 Tblsp melted fat

Mix and sift all the dry ingredients in a sturdy bowl.
Add beaten egg, milk and fat to make a thin batter.
Drop on a hot oiled griddle.
Get brown on both sides.

Visit my favorite site for
Gardening tips

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Custard Cup Recipe from 1800's

2007-03-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

Kentucky Custard Cup Recipe
c 1800's

1 quart milk
4 eggs
4 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
few grains nutmeg

Scald one quart of sweet milk.
In a large bowl;
Beat four egg yolks well,
add sugar and salt and beat until thick like cream.

Beat the four egg whites until foamy (not stiff)
Add the yolks to the egg and sugar mixture.
Next; add scalded milk.
Mix well.

Stand your custard cups in a shallow pan,
stir the foam down and fill the cups to nearly overflowing.

Put hot water in the shallow pan and bake in a hot oven
Watching carefully so they do not scorch.
Lay buttered paper over the top if needed.

Test with a knife as soon as they begin to puff up
If the blade comes out clean and not milky, they are done.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Victorian Tea Biscuit Original Recipe from 1800's

2007-03-19T13:50:00.000-04:00

Victorian Tea Biscuits
Original Recipe

2 cups bread flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 to 2 Tablespoons fat (shortening)
3/4 cup milk

In a sturdy bowl;
sift the dry ingredients together,
mixing in fat with the tips of fingers.

Add the milk a little at a time or cut it in with a knife.
The dough should be soft so it can be easily handled.

Roll lightly out until it is about one inch thick,
if need be, add a little more bread flour for rolling out.
Cut in rounds.
Bake in a hot oven for 15 or 20 minutes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Pancake Recipe

2007-03-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

Irish Pancake Recipe

Mix 1/2 pound of sifted flour
with 2 beaten eggs
a pinch of salt
a pint of milk and
1/2 ounce of melted butter

Mix well to a smooth pancake batter
and fry in hot lard to a delicate brown.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar
serve hot

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Stew Recipe

2007-03-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day

Today I am sharing an original c 1920's recipe for Irish Stew.

Authentic Irish Stew Recipe

Cut 2 pounds beef in 1 1/2 inch cubes.
Trim off excess fat.
Place fat in spider, try out.

Flour beef pieces and brown well in tried out fat.

Place in kettle with:
1 large onion, sliced
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
8 cups cold water.

Simmer until meat is very tender when tried with a fork.
Add:
2 carrots , diced or sliced
4 potatoes, diced.
Cook until vegetables are done, about 10 minutes.
Thicken with 4 Tablespoons flour blended with 4 tsp cold water.

Bring to a boiling point and cook for two minutes.

"You may prefer more or less liquid in your stew.
The use of cold water extracts more flavor from the beef, which enhances the flavor of the liquid. Dumplings may be added. My grandmother liked to add a can of vegetable or tomato soup as part of the liquid, and many people use tomato juice or add 1/2 cup red wine for increasing flavor. A stew can express your individual taste but do't try to 'stretch' it or you are lost !
Makes 4 good sized servings."
R. wakefield (c)

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Beef Roll Recipe

2007-03-16T01:10:00.000-04:00

Irish Beef Roll Recipe

Chop some fat beef with 1 onion and 2 sprigs of parsley.
Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and
a little mace to taste and the grated rind of 1/2 lemon,
1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup of fine bread crumbs.
Mix all well together and shape into rolls.

Then heat some dripping in a saucepan;
lay in the rolls;
cover and let simmer until brown.
Serve hot with the sauce.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Baked Potato Recipes

2007-03-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

Irish Baked Potato Recipe

Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until tender
drain and mash with a lump of butter.
Put in a well-buttered baking dish
a layer of the potatoes and
a layer of fried bread crumbs until dish is full.
Moisten with beaten eggs,
well seasoned with salt and pepper,
and 3 tablespoonfuls of milk.

Put in the oven to brown.

Serve with boiled fish.

~~

Irish Potato Puff Recipe

Peel and boil potatoes
season well
Mash thoroughly with a lump of butter.
Add some milk and 2 eggs;
beat well until very light.
Then fry in deep hot lard by the
tablespoonful until a light brown.

Serve hot with broiled steak.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Recipe - Black Irish Bread Recipe

2007-03-14T14:41:00.000-04:00

Black Irish Bread Recipe

The following needs to soak overnight
in a large bowl:
1 cup of black tea
1 cup of dried mixed fruit
1 cup of dark brown sugar
The next morning, stir by hand very well.

Then add 2 cups of self rising flour
1 well beaten egg
mix well

pour into a well greased loaf pan.
bake 1 1/2 hours on middle shelf at 300 degrees

I know its difficult :)
but try to let it cool before slicing.
when cool - slice & serve

variations:
plain w/ just butter
or
cream cheese
or
your favorite preserves

`Keeps well in a totally airtight container

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Coffee & Blarney Stone Cookie Recipes

2007-03-13T20:27:00.000-04:00

Irish Coffee &
Blarney Stone Cookie Recipes

Irish Coffee Recipe

1 cup (8-ounces) heavy cream
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
6 cups hot black coffee
3/4 cup Irish whiskey

To make your whipped cream:
Beat the cream with 1 Tablespoon of sugar with an electric
mixer until soft peaks form.
Set aside.

Combine 2 Tablespoons sugar, coffee and whiskey
Stir well.
Pour into mugs and top with your whipped cream or top with a 8 large dollup of clotted cream. The cream floats on the top of the coffee
and dissolves slowly adding a delicious flavor...

Blarney Stone Cookies Recipe
orig courtesy:Land O' Lakes

Pre-Heat oven to 350°F

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 egg yolks
2 Tbls water
1 1/2 cups peanuts, finely chopped

In a large bowl:
Combine powdered sugar, butter, egg and vanilla
Beat at medium speed for abt 3 minutes.
scraping bowl often, mix until light and fluffy.

Reduce speed to low.

Add flour, a little at a time
beat until well mixed from 1 to 2 minutes

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls

In small bowl, beat egg yolks and water with fork until well mixed.

Dip balls of dough into beaten egg yolks, then into peanuts.
Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until top
springs back when touched lightly.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

2007-03-12T20:15:00.000-04:00

~This bread bakes up the best using a greased and floured cast iron skillet

Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Sift together in Large bowl:
(use a very large bowl, as you will be kneading 'in' the bowl)

5 cups plain flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
5 tsp baking powder

Next, add to flour mixture:
3 Tbsp. Caraway Seeds
2 1/2 cups raisins *

Pour in 2 1/2 cups of buttermilk
add a bit more, by teaspsoons, if it seems too dry.
pour 3 Tbsp melted butter into mixture.

Knead all ingredients gently in your bowl.
dough will be a little sticky.
Add flour - a little at a time - until it is the right consistency.
Knead dough to form a neat ball.
you don't need to remove dough from bowl because the ingredients will mix very well.

Place dough in skillet.
Pat down.
Cut 4 slits across the top.

Bake at 300 - 325 degrees for at least 1 hour.
Bake until bread is light brown and just is pulling away from sides of skillet.

Cool on rack, wrapped in a towel to absorb any excess moisture.
We use the (cotton) flour sack towels.

To Store:
wrap tightly in foil or plastic and seal in large plastic storage /freezer bags.

*raisins are optional

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Mutton Stew Recipe

2007-03-11T20:30:00.000-04:00

Irish Mutton Stew Recipe

Season mutton chops with salt and pepper
Put a tablespoonful of hot drippings in a saucepan,
add the chops,
some sliced turnips,
potatoes and onions,
salt and pepper.

Then cover with water and cook slowly until tender.

Thicken the sauce with a little flour mixed with 1/2 cup of milk.

Season to taste and serve very hot.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Flummery Recipe

2007-03-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

Irish Flummery Recipe

Take 1 pint of oatmeal -
pour on enough cold water to cover
let stand over night; strain and boil with a pinch
of salt until thickened.
Then add 1 cup of cooked small fruit
a lump of butter
and sugar to taste.

Let get cold
serve with cream

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Authentic Irish Apple Pudding Recipe

2007-03-09T19:41:00.000-05:00

Irish Apple Pudding Recipe

Pare and slice apples and lay them in a buttered pie dish.
Sprinkle with brown sugar
add the juice and rind of 1/2 of a lemon,
a pinch of cinnamon and cloves.

Then cover with a rich pie paste and let bake until done.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Irish Recipes & the legend of the Shamrock

2007-03-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

Irish Recipes & the Shamrock

Happy St Patrick's Day

March 17th is St Patrick's feast day and is celebrated as a national holiday in Ireland. The national symbol of Ireland is the Shamrock.
The shamrock is a small herb with leaves made up of three leaflets, and is the common name for any of several three leafed clovers, all native to Ireland. It is said that while "preaching the gospels" in an open air forum, St. Patrick plucked a three-leaf shamrock from beneath his feet and used it to illustrate the idea of the Trinity. Many people believe the shamrock came to be the traditional symbol of Ireland as a result of the legend of St. Patrick.

For a week or so I will be sharing authentic Irish recipes I have collected over the years. I try to make one original Irish dish, dessert or beverage for St Patrick's Day dinner.

The first is a recipe for Cucumber Salad.

Authentic Irish Cucumber Salad Recipe

Peel the cucumbers and slice thin
add 1 onion sliced
Sprinkle well with salt
let stand half an hour on ice
press out all the water
sprinkle with white pepper and chopped parsley.
Add vinegar mixed with sugar, to taste
and some salad oil.

Serve at once.

~~

Irish Batter Cake Recipe

Beat the yolks of 4 eggs;
add a pinch of salt
1 tablespoonful of melted butter
1 small cup of milk and sifted
flour - add just enough to make a smooth batter.

Beat well.
Add the whites of eggs, already beaten stiff and let fry a golden color
then spread with jam and serve hot.

~~

Irish Ham Omelet Recipe

Beat 6 yolks of eggs with a pinch of salt
add the whites beaten stiff and

mix with a tablespoonful of cream.
Beat 2 ounces of butter in an omelet pan
add the beaten eggs and shake the
pan to spread evenly.
Have ready some finely minced ham.

Spread on half of the omelet,
fold and serve at once on a hot dish.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Calico Casserole Recipe

2007-02-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe handwritten and tucked inside of an cookbook from the 50's.

Calico Casserole Recipe
preheat oven to 350

3 cans or 1-2 4 oz bags of mixed vegetables
1 cup celery, chopped (optional)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 package stuffing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup + your favorite shredded cheese (monterey Jack blend is my fav)
1 stick margarine, melted

In a large bowl:
mix the vegetables, celery, onions, margarine,
stuffing mix and half cup of shredded cheese.
Stir well.
Pour into a greased casserole dish.
Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Old Fashioned Southern Bisque Recipe

2007-02-13T17:38:00.000-05:00

Today I am sharing a recipe from the 1930 toll house cookbook.
This recipe was revised in the 1953 edition.
any additions from me will be in {brackets}

Southern Bisque Recipe
orig: Toll House Cook Book

{In a med-large stockpot}
Heat:
1 can or 1 1/3 cups tomato soup
1 cup milk
1/8 tsp soda
1 cup canned or fresh stewed corn
2 Tblspoons butter
season with salt & pepper

Serve very hot
{with oyster crackers}

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Scalloped Potatoes

2007-02-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

Kentucky Scalloped Potatoes
by: kentucky cook

preheat oven to 350

6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
4 Tbls margarine
1 small onion, peeled & chopped
3 Tbls all purpose white flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper medley
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 C water
1/3 C + grated parmesan cheese
or you can use your favorite shredded cheese or cheese blend.

Place potatoes in large saucepan / stockpot,
cover with water & bring to a boil.
Cook over medium to high heat for about 5 minutes.

Drain, remove potatoes, arrange potatoes in large greased baking dish
set aside while making sauce.

Melt butter in the saucepan over medium heat.
Add onions, stirring occasionally until onions are tender, takes only a few minutes.
Stir in flour, salt and pepper, mix well.
Stir in evaporated milk and water slowly.
Cook, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and pour milk mixture over potatoes.
Sprinkle with cheeses

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

Variations before baking;

add a small can of diced green chilies
or a 6 oz can of chopped / chunk cooked ham
or a small diced red bell pepper
or a small diced green pepper
or a med to large sweet onion
or a diced green onion
or a handfull of cooked, crumbled bacon

right before serving :
sprinkle with fresh chives

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Kentucky Butter Cookie Recipe

2007-01-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Kentucky Butter Cookie Recipe
preheat oven to 350

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

In a large bowl,
Using an electric mixer cream the butter with the sugar.
next-
add the salt and egg yolk until mixture is smooth.

Blend in the flour slowly, until the mixture becomes a smooth dough.
Wrap the dough tightly in an airproof plastic storage bag
and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour.
*Dough can be stored this way up to two days.

When you are ready to bake:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to
approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
*Be sure and use all purpose flour for surface kneading,
using self rising will change the dough's texture.
Keep this in mind when rolling any type of dough, especially biscuits.

Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
Sprinkle with your favorite color of store bought decorating sugar or make your own colors by using granulated sugar with a drop or 2 of food coloring. I usually make up my colors while I am waiting the 1/2 hour for the dough to set in the refrigerator.
I use pastels for Easter, red or pink for Valentines Day,
green for St Patrick's Day, etc...You get the idea.

Bake cookies for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
Watch them closely, don't let them get too brown.

Diary of a Kentucky Cook

Chicken Pot Sticker Spinach Soup Recipe

2007-01-22T18:23:00.000-05:00

Chicken Pot Sticker Spinach Soup Recipe

1 small bag or app 18 frozen chicken pot stickers
3 cans of chicken broth
1 tsp of jarred minced garlic
or 2 fresh minced garlic cloves
1 green or red jalepeno chile, seeded & minced
or 1/2 a can of the fire roasted green chiles, pre-peeled and diced
1 6 oz bag of fresh baby or regular spinach, torn with stems removed
1/8 tsp seasoned pepper

In a medium stockpot place the chicken broth, garlic and peppers.
Simmer on low for about 5 minutes, stirring well.
Add pot stickers & pepper and continue simmering 5 more minutes.
Lastly, add spinach and let simmer until spinach is wilted but not overcooked.

a few serving suggestions:
-hot French bread w/ whipped butter
or
-fresh sourdough bread, pulled apart with an individual cup of melted garlic butter for dipping.
-sprinkle a few home made croutons on top right before serving.
-sprinkle a tsp of freshly shredded cheese on top right before serving
-sprinkle a few chow mein noodles on top right before serving.

*to reduce salt, you can use reduced sodium broth instead of regular.
*you may also use pork pot stickers

Additional recipes:

home made croutons

kentucky lace cookies

Diary of a Kentucky Cook