With the United States federal government partially shut down, USDA inspection is now limited. That means you have to take some extra precautions.
Healthy Spicy Meatloaf with Wheat Germ
Healthy, Spicy Meatloaf
I really love Lula Kabob. I was looking at some recipes and found out one of the main ingredients is grated onions that are pressed through a sieve to remove their liquid. It occurred to me this might be a good idea for my meatloaf. Usually, I make meatloaf with the vegetables chopped, but still large enough to see them. It’s good, but I wanted to experiment. The experiment was successful. The meatloaf had a more consistent flavor and texture. This will be my method of making meatloaf from now on.
The other thing that I have started adding to my meatloaf is wheat germ. It has a nutty flavor and is very good with yogurt and honey. It’s also very healthy for you. It’s an excellent source of vitamin E, A, and folic acid as well as a fiber-rich source of high-quality non-animal protein. If you like refined white flour and are missing the benefits of whole grain, this is a great way to supplement your diet – all that nutrition in something that tastes really good. However, if you are truly gluten intolerant, stay away as wheat germ does have gluten.
Broccoli Cheese Mashed Potato Soup
Glorious use of leftover mashed potatoes and broccoli come together quickly – Broccoli Cheese Mashed Potato Soup with Pimento Cheese Toasts
Roasted Red Pepper Burgers and Aleppo Steak Fries
Roasted Red Pepper burgers and Aleppo Steak Fries are easy to prepare for a weeknight meal and fancy enough for company.
Gingerbread Fortress Bundt Cake
A Great Alternative to Gingerbread Houses
For years, I have been thinking about making a gingerbread house. When I was growing up in Germany, the bakery downstairs had an amazing nativity set in their display window. All people and animals were made from marzipan, the buildings were made of gingerbread, and the snow was spun sugar. It must have taken them days to make it all. My mother would get me a marzipan apple if I was really good.
A few years ago, at a garage sale, I found a castle shaped Nordicware bundt pan. It languished on my shelf until I had the brilliant idea to use it to make a gingerbread cake. There is no need to assemble anything, so no need to make royal icing. Piped buttercream works perfectly. This cake tastes better if it can sit for a day without being disturbed.
Spiced Pancake Mix and Other Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen
Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen
Christmas gifts from the kitchen are wonderful to give to your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers. Yes, it takes a little of your time, but the recipients will love it because it shows that you spent time and effort making the gift. It’s also great to have on hand if unexpected guests arrive, they can always go home with one of your homemade gifts.
Peaches Preserved in Vodka
These Peaches Preserved in Vodka are wonderful to have when peaches are not in season. Give them as gifts. Not for children!
Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake with Coconut
This coconut pineapple upside-down cake is a real show-stopper. This one has pineapple juice in the batter so it is nice and moist with great flavor.
Raw Apple Cake with Apple Brandy and Raisins
This cake is a breeze to make. The batter is really thick, and you might think it’s not ever going to be a cake. The great thing is as the apples cook, they let go of their moisture that combines with the batter infusing it with all its wonderful apple goodness and making an impressive cake. The cake is rich and is perfect with tea, or espresso, or my favorite Armenian coffee.
White Pizza with Sausage and Sliced Garlic
White Pizza with Sausage and Sliced Garlic
When I made the Pizza with Red Sauce and Tomatoes, I had another ball of dough leftover that I wanted to use right away. I had a half a pound of Italian sausage in the freezer, fresh mushrooms, and leftover grated cheese. When I went to the cupboard to get supplies, however, I found that I had a) no tomato sauce to make red sauce and b) no onions because sausage, mushroom, and onion is my favorite combination. It turned out that was a really good thing. I left my comfort zone and tried something new – shallot scented béchamel white sauce and sliced garlic. It was by far the best pizza I have ever had – bar none.