Gourmet Food on a Budget — Ever Forward, Ever Flavorful
French Barrettes with strung white stone beads make a pretty Back to School present for the teacher.
This cake is made in the microwave with mayonnaise and apples. Sounds strange? It’s easy, quick and really good. Enjoy!
What!!!!! What did you say? Hellman’s Mayonnaise in California? Well, actually, no it was Hellman’s Sandwich Spread in Glendale, California.
Spane and I were at the 99 Cents Only store on our way to visit Alexandria’s Archives’s President, and stopped at the store to get a Danish or something, and I spied these jars of Hellman’s. I was amazed, and then found a jar of Bestfoods next to it. I couldn’t help take a picture, considering that I will probably never see the two brands together in the same place, unless I take it upon myself to start rock climbing or something. Don’t get your hopes up, folks, this was a jar of Hellman’s that will expire in August, 2014, just a few weeks after this post. So, no, we won’t be buying that.
I have to say I was flabbergasted when I found Hellman’s in Glendale. I told Spane that the jar was very, very far from home. Hellman’s is typically not sold west of the Rocky Mountains, where Best Foods is sold. The ingredients on both are the same, while some people prefer Best Foods because it is perceived to have a more tangy flavor, more vinegar. Wikipedia has an interesting article about the history of the popular condiment.
Mayonnaise is a great starter for sauces, including my Summer Bean Salad with Lemon Mayonnaise. It also has a host of other uses, but we will talk about those another day.
Nesco Baby Back Ribs fall off the bone, and have smoky, tangy flavor. No outdoor grill? These ribs are your answer.
When Spane and I went to the store and I picked out our 4th of July dinner, I got to thinking that I really missed German Potato Salad. When my family was stationed in Kaiserslautern in Germany, it was something that we had quite often. I’ve had it since coming back to the United States, but it never seemed as good. I thought maybe I could improve on it.
But, why would I want to have German Potato Salad on a holiday that celebrates Independence from British rule? Well, because there were plenty of Germans involved in the Revolutionary War, among them Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. There were also French involved in helping us win, hence the inclusion of Blue Cheese
Ruby Red Grapefruit Squares are a twist on the classic Lemon Squares. They are sweet, juicy, and tart. If you like grapefruit, you’ll love these Grapefruit Squares. They are also easy to make.
Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread with Creamed Corn is rich, moist, and flavorful. Have it with chili, or just by itself.
Linguine with Kalamata Clam Sauce is a little bit of surf and a little bit of turf. The Kalamata gives this classic dish a delicious punch.
Better Than Best Foods Parmesan chicken has a little secret surprise that gives a more flavor a little satisfying crunch. Have it with white wine, a nice salad, broccoli, and a baked potato you can bake at the same time as the chicken. This is a great dinner for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. Enjoy!
This is not something for every day. Green tomatoes are wonderful in the spring before the beautiful red tomatoes are ripe – that is if you can keep from eating them!