Tri-Color Lemon Basil Tomato Bread

Recipes in this PostFinished Bread

I used to make bread every week when I was Chef Farion‘s roommate, simply because he liked to have bread with his meal. I’m not that much of a bread person, seeing that at the time of this writing, I had to make a new category for bread. Well, today that is going to change.

My wonderful neighbor gave me some Lemon Basil this morning, I looked at it and said to myself, “Yes, you are going to put this in bread!” Then I thought that tomato goes so well with basil, and I have tube of tomato paste in the refrigerator. I am going to make three doughs, one with basil, one with tomato paste, and one with roasted garlic. Then I am going to braid them together, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and throw it in the oven. I think it will be good. We will see!

I like making bread for a few reasons:

  1. I know what’s going into it.
  2. Kneading is a good way to relieve stress. Take out your aggression on the dough!
  3. The wonderful smell of bread baking is second to none.
  4. Finished bread gives you the feeling of a job well done.
    Spane holding dough
    Spane examining “Caesar” the tomato paste dough ball
  5. Bread is a great science project for kids. Kids can learn about yeast, and how the yeast is alive and how it makes the bread. If you are lucky, like I was, your child may volunteer to do some of the kneading for you. Spane was so happy to do it that he even named the tomato dough, “Caesar”.
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Apple Pancake

Apple Pancake

These apple-stuffed pancakes are a heavenly treat that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and guests.

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Juniper Pickled Beets and BBQ Meatloaf for Cruise Night 2013

Recipes in this PostPickeled Beets with Juniper Berries

Every year, Glendale, California closes off its main street, the Brand Boulevard of Cars. Beautifully kept antique cars park up and down the street, some with their hoods up, so everyone can enjoy them. Spane and I have been going to Cruise Night since before he was born – I say that because I even went when I was pregnant with him. As usual I like to cook something special for Cruise Night dinner, mainly because even though there are hamburgers and hot dogs available, I would rather have my own fresh food, and save money for a treat for Spane.

I love beets, I mean I really, really love beets. So does Spane. We like them plain, pickled, cold, hot, red beets, orange beets, any beets! Beets are very good for you, and studies have shown it can prevent liver, heart and muscle diseases. This is not the same thing as a Sugar Beet, which although is in the same family, almost all sugar beets are genetically modified, and used to make sugar.

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Pantry Organizing

I love finding ways to tame the beast that is my kitchen. This hanging shoe organizer really rocks!

Mussels with Asparagus

Mussels with AsparagusMussels with Asparagus

Spane comes in and says “What are we having for dinner?” I said “Mussels” Spane looked at me questioningly, and started biting his arm, “That doesn’t taste good, Mom!” I laughed at his antics and explained I was talking about the mollusk, not parts of our bodies.

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Apple-Stuffed Wontons with Spicy Ice Cream

Apple Wontons
Apple-Stuffed Wontons with Spicy Ice Cream

Combine a warm, crispy apple-stuffed wonton with a generous scoop of spiced ice cream. Take a bite, and you’ll experience a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

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Hot Dogs Covered with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese

Hot Dogs Covered with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
Hot Dogs Covered with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese

Hot Dogs covered with mashed potatoes and cheese is such a comforting food.  It’s also easy and quick to get on the table. A favorite for kids 2 to 92, it’s great with a salad and a good pilsner.

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Jambalaya in the Nesco

Jambalaya

In the midst of the last move, I forgot to close out the old gas bill and was not reminded when I turned the new gas on.  I got a nasty letter from the gas company saying that they are going to turn off my gas in the new place if I don’t immediately pay the old bill and that I have to call a certain phone number when I make the payment. To make sure that the payment is properly recorded, I went to the local gas company on July 2, 2013, and paid the bill in person. Then I called the special number at about 3:30 pm and got a recorded message that the gas company was open from 8:00 am to 5:15 pm.  I figured that in the information age, the payment would be recorded and all would be well.

The Problem

I was wrong. When I got home yesterday, Monday, July 8, 2013, Spane and I were hungry, so I started dinner early, at 4:30. I chopped the vegetables, cut the meat, put butter in the pan, and turned the knob – and ……. nothing. No gas. I called the gas company, the special number and again was told that the office was open from 8:00 am to 5:15 pm, a full 45 minutes before the office was supposed to close. When calling the regular number, I got a nice woman to whom I kept on apologizing to because I was so mad, and she said the gas would be turned back on tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10, 2013, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, and to make sure that all pets were secure and gates open. I chuckled and said, “Humph, you didn’t seem to have any problems turning it off, did you?”

The Solution

That meant that today, I don’t have gas. I have been on the phone with them, and have asked for a supervisor. I’m still waiting for a callback, but I’m not waiting anymore to make dinner. I have a small *Nesco, and I’m going to make my Jambalaya in it. This is one of the reasons I have this wonderful roaster oven, so I can cook no matter what.

My recipe for Jambalaya follows and I have more recipes for foods perfect for the Nesco.

I also have an updated recipe for Jambalaya in the Instant Pot. It’s a set it and forget it kind of recipe, just as spicy and delicious.

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Independence Day No Bake Cake

No-bake 4th of July tort wafer cake
No Bake 4th of July Tort Wafer Cake

This no-bake cake will be the star of your 4th of July celebration but won’t turn your kitchen into an inferno! Fresh strawberries, blueberries, tort wafers, and sour cream. Declare your independence from the stove! What’s not to like?

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