Use Your Electric Griddle To Make Outstanding French Toast

Delicious French Toast

One of my favorite breakfast treats was French toast. My mom would leave bread out overnight to dry out and, first thing the next morning, French toast was on the table. Most good French toast recipes are simple and require only a few ingredients. You can dress up French toast with your favorite fresh fruit, jams, jellies and any other treats that tickle your fancy.

The one consistent rule for making French toast is making sure that your bread is dry. That may sound wrong, who eats dried out bread? Well, French toast fans eat dried out bread. However, that dried out bread is not the base of a delicious French toast treat. If your bread has too much moisture, you are going to end up with a mushy glob of syrup covered goo. Dried bread, however, soaks up the right batter and will end up with a wonderful texture when cooked.

Fabulous French Toast

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 c. milk. I use whole milk but you can use whatever milk you have on hand.
  • dash of vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter.
  • 2 pieces of bread, dried out overnight at a minimum.

Kitchen Utensils Needed

  • medium-size bowl
  • blending spoon
  • electric griddle
  • spatula or flipper
  • serving plate.
  • measuring cups and spoons.
French Toast On An Electric Griddle

Preparing The French Toast

  1. Break the egg into a medium-size bowl and beat well. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract.
  2. Set your electric griddle to medium. Add a dab of butter when the surface is hot.
  3. Dunk each piece of bread in the egg mix. Ensure the bread is totally covered.
  4. Prepare the bread on the griddle on medium heat until the underside is light brown (about 5 minutes).
  5. Utilize a spatula to turn the bread over, and cook once again for another 5 minutes.
  6. Use the spatula to move the French toast to a plate.

Now comes the fun part, adding the toppings. You can go traditional and just add butter and syrup. It’s great to add fresh fruit, especially blueberries or strawberries. Some people stuff their French toast with cream cheese, then top with strawberries, peaches or other sweet fruits. There is no wrong topping, French toast is great with almost anything.

How To Make Amazing Blueberry Pancakes

Making Blueberry Pancakes

Bring out the electric griddle and thrill your family with these delicious blueberry pancakes. Fluffy, tender and loaded with fresh blueberries, this recipe is simple and takes no time to make.

Using your electric griddle when making pancakes is one of the best uses of your griddle. The large cooking surface allows you to put multiple pancakes on at one time. The better griddles have even heat over the entire surface, meaning that all of the cakes will cook at the same rate. Plus, flipping your pancakes is a breeze. There is no pan edge to have to wrestle with, your spatula will be able to flip the cake without any obstacles.

Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. flour
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 3/4 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. blueberries, washed and drained
  • additional butter for the griddle surface

Kitchen Utensils

  • your electric griddle.
  • large bowl.
  • mixing spoon.
  • medium-size bowl.
  • whisk.
  • measuring cups and spoons.
  • spatula.

Preparing The Pancakes

  1. In a large bowl, sort together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a little pan.
  3. Split the egg into a medium-size bowl, then add the milk and melted margarine.
  4. Whisk until everything is well combined.
  5. Incorporate the flour mix to the egg mixture. Whisk once again up until all of the ingredients are well mixed together.
  6. Set the temperature on the griddle to medium. Place a dab of butter on the surface. When it begins to bubble, your griddle is ready.
  7. Use a measuring cup or a small ladle to spoon the batter into the pan. Put some blueberries on top of each pancake.
  8. Prepare your pancakes on medium heat till small bubbles appear on the top.
  9. When your pancakes are light brown on the bottom, use a spatula to see. Turn them over with the spatula when they are.
  10. Let the pancakes cook for another few minutes until the pancakes are light brown on the other side.
  11. Remove your pancakes and put them on plates to enjoy!

A Fun Jambalaya Recipe

Jambalaya Recipe

This jambalaya was adapted from a recipe found on the Internet. The original recipe calls for a Dutch oven; since I have neither a Dutch oven nor a conventional oven, I have made adjustments for the equipment that I do have. I used a toaster oven and a round glass casserole dish that is 9″ in diameter. Start by sauteing the meats and vegetables in a pot on the stove; you may use a skillet or anything with enough surface space to brown the meats. After cooking on the stove, all the ingredients are transferred to a casserole dish before going in the toaster oven.

The original recipe included ham and shrimp; I only used chicken and sausage so everything would fit. The first time I made this jambalaya, I used an entire cup of rice and an entire cup of chicken broth. I have since cut back on these two ingredients, and it still makes plenty of rice.

If you do not have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can substitute cayenne pepper or make your own seasoning mix with the instructions below. The following recipe makes about 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. You can cut back on the spices according to your preferences.

Cajun Seasoning

Mix the following ingredients together and use in jambalaya or other dishes.

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • dash of thyme
  • dash of basil

Making The Jambalaya

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 chicken thigh, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 pound of kielbasa, sliced
  • half a red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup converted or parboiled rice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
  1. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a pot or cast iron skillet. Add the cut up chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside. Add the sausage and brown both sides, 3 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Add the rest of the olive oil. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the bell pepper, bay leaf, rice, broth, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Put the meats back in. Bring to a boil. Preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Transfer the contents of the pot to a casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.

A Blender Cheesecake Recipe!

Let’s Talk Cheesecake

Check out the cheesecake in a blender recipe in the video, it’s a lot of fun!

What’s your favorite birthday cake? For me, nothing beats cheesecake. In fact, I can’t imagine what the world was like before cheesecake was produced!

Method back in 776 BC, long before the very first Cheesecake Factory opened, the Greeks are said to have served cheesecake to the athletes at the very first Olympic games. From there it was only a matter of time prior to European immigrants brought their valued cheesecake recipes to America.

All Types Of Cheesecake

It appears that every region of the world has accepted cheesecake in one kind or another, adjusting the dish to regional tastes and adding local flavors. In America, cheesecakes are normally made with a cream cheese base, however even here we differ the dish by area. New York city cheesecake is famous for its ultra-smooth texture and decadently abundant taste– attained by including additional egg yolks and a tip of lemon– and you’ll find other local variations from Chicago-style to Pennsylvania Dutch cheesecake recipes. Lots of American bakers add sour cream for a creamy cheesecake that can be frozen without jeopardizing taste or texture.

Italian cheesecakes usually utilize ricotta cheese, which makes them drier than their American cousins. The French prefer Neufchatel cheese and frequently include gelatin for a light and airy consistency. The Greeks may use ricotta, mizithra, farmers, feta, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses, while the Germans usually rely on cottage cheese or quark. The Japanese integrate cornstarch and whipped egg whites into their cheesecakes for a more custard-like effect, and I have actually even heard you can find cheesecake in vending devices in Japan. Now why didn’t I think about that?

You ‘d be difficult pushed to discover a culture that does not– or didn’t– take pleasure in a good cheesecake. Culinary historians mention cheesecake recipes going back to the very first century AD, with extra recipes drifting around from the centuries that followed. You’ll discover every possible flavor and topping in today’s cheesecake dishes, however the fundamental property, baking velvety cheese with wheat and sweetener, has stood the test of time.

Yep, You Can Use Savory Cheeses As Well

And let’s not forget savory cheesecakes featuring blue cheese, garlic, seafood, chiles, and other delicious cheese-friendly tastes, or vegan variations of cheesecake-like desserts made with tofu. With many varieties, you ‘d need a lot more than a “Cheesecake of the Month” club to sample them all!

Plainly, cheesecake has actually lived long and continues to succeed. Whether it’s a birthday cake, anniversary treat, or just a “Make-Everyday-Special” indulgence, cheesecake is an ancient pleasure that will never ever go out of design! Try different recipes, you will be surprised at how many types of cheesecake you can make.

Making Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Fresh Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Warm Up With Fresh Mushroom Soup Made In A Blender!

Mushrooms add something unique to a meal and mushroom soup is a traditional example.

However mushrooms offer us more than fantastic taste. Did you understand that mushrooms help contribute to our day-to-day intake of selenium, riboflavin and potassium? Plus, mushrooms are low in fat and have just 20 calories per serving.

Try “Velvety ‘n light Fresh Mushroom Soup” soon. This soup recipe has only six grams of fat per serving, yet tastes tasty and rich. Prepare your favorite grilled sandwich while the soup simmers-and dinner is served.

Time-saver idea: Cook up a double batch and freeze half for another dinner.

Light ‘N Creamy Fresh Mushroom Soup

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup very finely sliced green onions or scallions.

1 teaspoon minced garlic.

1/2 teaspoon salt.

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano leaves.

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

11/2 pounds white mushrooms, sliced (about 9 cups).

1 can (141/2 ounces) ready-to-serve chicken or vegetable broth.

1 cup white wine or water.

11/2 cups lowfat milk.

In a big pan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Include carrots, onions, garlic, thyme, pepper and salt; cook, stirring typically, until onions just begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, broth, and wine; bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute. Utilizing a slotted spoon, get rid of 1 cup of the vegetables; reserved. In a blender or food mill, place half of staying soup from the pan; puree up until smooth; remove to a bowl; repeat with staying mix; return whole pureed mixture to saucepan; stir in milk and scheduled vegetables. Simmer simply until heated through, about 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with very finely sliced green onion.

YIELD: 4 portions (about 6 cups).

Per part: 153 cal; 6 g fat; 10 g protein; 17 g carbohydrate.

Mushroom soup tastes creamy-without the cream.

Mushrooms give us more than excellent taste. Did you know that mushrooms assist contribute to our everyday intake of riboflavin, selenium and potassium? Plus, mushrooms are low in fat and have only 20 calories per serving.

Try “Creamy ‘n light Fresh Mushroom Soup” soon. Add mushrooms, broth, and white wine; bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute.

Vegan Alfredo Sauce-Made In Your Blender!

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Check out this great blender recipe for vegan alfredo sauce. Vegan cooking does not have to be bland and this recipe is proof of how tasty vegan meals can be.

Alfredo sauce is a really versatile sauce. It works with all kinds of pasta and can be used in baked dishes as well. Here is one of our favorite seafood alfredo recipes that is easy to make.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

The alfredo sauce can be made numerous days in advance, so when it comes time to make the meal it’s a breeze. When you master the sauce, you can use any type of vegetable, pasta or protein you want.
Serves 4-6
16 ounces of Prawns (31-35 count).
8 oz.Bay scallops.
1 cup flour– all purpose is best.
12 oz.Fish (option of salmon, cod, halibut)– cut into 1″ pieces.
8 oz. Clams.
6 oz. Mussels.
3 oz.White red wine (optional).
4 Tbsp.Olive oil.
1/4 tsp.Kosher salt.
1/2 tsp.Pepper.
1 lb Fettuccine prepared al dente.
1/2 cup Parmesan – shredded.
4 Tbsp.Red bell pepper– diced.
2 Tbsp. Fresh parsley– sliced.
4 cups Alfredo sauce

Seafood Fettucine Alfredo


Heat oil in a big sauce or sauté pan on medium high heat till hot. Season prawns, scallops and fish with salt and pepper then dredge in flour. Contribute to the pan and cook till about half method done. Include mussels and clams and continue cooking until they open.
Remove the clams and mussels from pan and deglaze pan with the white wine. Add fettuccine and alfredo sauce and cook until hot and sauce coats the pasta. Transfer to a serving meal and top with clams and mussels, then garnish with Parmesan, diced peppers and parsley.
Note: Do not use any clams or mussels that are already open prior to cooking or won’t open when prepared.

Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Yields 4 cup.
6 cups Heavy whipping cream.
1/4 lb Butter.
2 Tbsp.Garlic– sliced.
1 1/2 tsp.Kosher salt.
1 tsp.White pepper.
3 Tbsp.White white wine (optional).
1 cup Parmesan cheese – shredded.
In a sauce pot over medium heat, cook the garlic and butter up until soft. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper and red wine and reduce up until a thin sauce consistency is accomplished. Get rid of from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Keep in mind: Whipping cream bubbles over really easily. Watch on it. If it begins to boil over, minimize the heat.

Bake Bread In Your Dutch Oven!

This is one of the easiest bread recipes that you will find and it can be done using your dutch oven! No mess, no long time wasting procedures, just a simple mix and fix bread recipe.

1/2 cup warm milk

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1 pack dry active yeast, about 2 teaspoons

Mix the sugar and yeast in the warm milk and let rise for about 5 minute

Add together:

4 cups All-Purpose Flour + some for dusting

3/4 tablespoon Salt

1 cup Lukewarm water add a splash extra if needed

1 egg beaten

The yeast and sugar liquid

Knead well and let rest for about 1 hour

Use 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for greasing your dutch oven well, then place the dough evenly in a ball in the pan.

Heat your oven to 400F , then bake for 35-40 minutes

You can substitute warm water for the milk, but I find that the milk gives you a richer flavor.

 

 

Some Fun Blender Recipes!

Today I’m happy to share 5 of My Favorite Blender Recipes! They’re Vegan, Quick, Easy, and suuuuuper Delicious!

The weather is finally turning nice and it’s time to get your blender ready to make some amazing drinks! Blended drinks are a great way to use fresh fruits and vegetables while making some fantastic drinks that everyone will love. There are lots of recipes that will give you plenty of options for those hard-to-please people who always seem to be an a diet. Whether you need to be vegan, sugar free or other diet restrictions, you will be able to find great blender drink recipes.

source

 

Make This One Pot Pasta In Your Dutch Oven

A Recipe For One Pot Pasta Made In A Dutch Oven

Embracing your dutch oven means that a whole world of new recipe options just opened up for you. Many wonderful recipes that use a dutch oven are true on pot or pan recipes. One of the key features of a good dutch oven is the way it can be used both on a stove top and in an oven. Many cooks never put their dutch ovens in a cabinet, it stays on the stove top and they grab it whenever they need to brown, braise, fry, roast or bake food. It’s a wonderful, versatile cooking tool.

A Dutch Oven Is Perfect For Pasta Dishes

Most pasta recipes call for an assembly line type of production. You use a pan to brown the onions, garlic and meat. Another pot is used make the sauce and often the recipe calls for you to stand over the stove and stir this pot occasionally. Yet a third pot is required for the pasta itself. You boil a big pot of water and add pasta, creating yet another step in this production process.

Using a one pot recipe and your dutch oven eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, plus you can save yourself time. Assemble the ingredients after doing some simple prep work, pop into your oven and you have a wonderful one pot meal. Cooking has never been easier.

One Pot Dutch Oven Pasta

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage, mild or medium spice level.

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided.

1/2 cup finely chopped onion.

1 teaspoon salt. Kosher is recommended.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

1 clove garlic finely minced.

1 tablespoon tomato paste.

1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes. Keep the liquid!

2 to 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth. You can also use water.

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.

2 tablespoons sugar.

1 teaspoon dried oregano.

8 ounces dried pasta. Penne, O pasta, rigatoni or ziti are excellent options.

Instructions

Meatballs made in a dutch oven.

This recipe calls for using 1 pound of seasoned Italian sausage. If you are feeling creative you can make meatballs in your dutch oven and set them aside until you are ready to finish the sauce.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of the dutch oven.

Brown the sausage. You can roll the sausage into small (tablespoon size) meatballs or you can brown the entire pound at ounce.

Remove the meat from the pot and put aside on a plate.

Return the stove top heat to medium high and add the remaining tablespoon of butter.

Add the onion, salt and pepper. Scrape the bits off of the bottom of the pan.

Cook until the onion is soft, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes, broth, vinegar, sugar and oregano.

Stir in the pasta and meat.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.

You can cook on the stove top on low for 20-25 minutes or put into a 250 degree oven for 25 minutes.

 

You’ll Love This Black Bean Soup Recipe

If you are looking for an easy recipe that can be created in less than 10 minute you will love this black bean soup recipe. This is very similar to the soup served at your local Panera and we thank the folks at Food.com for this copycat version of the original.

Black Beans Are Super Foods.

The word superfood is overused and often used incorrectly, but black beans have some superfood qualities that make them a great addition to any diet. Like other legumes, black beans are positive foods for their high fiber and high protein levels. They also are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. Numerous studies have shown that adding black beans to your diet can aid with healthy bones, lower blood pressure, a reduction in the onset of diabetes and an assist in fighting off heart disease. Not bad for a small, easy to prepare bean that can add some great flavor to many foods.

Black beans are available both canned and dried, you will receive the same health benefits with either style. Pay close attention to the labeling on canned black beans, some manufacturers add sodium to the final mix and the levels can be quite high. Try to use sodium free or reduced sodium canned beans. Because of their dense texture, black beans are a favorite addition to vegetarian and vegan dishes. They also make great add-ins to salads, tacos, casseroles and burritos.

Serving Black Bean Soup

This recipe uses only 10 common ingredients (plus water) and needs only a good blender and pot for heating. You can also use your slow cooker for this recipe, just set it on low for 4 hours, add the cornstarch. Stir the soup until thickened and serve.

Black Bean Soup Ingredients

1 onion finely chopped. Reserve 1/4 cup for garnish.

2 garlic gloves finely minced.

2 celery ribs finely chopped. Don’t add any of the leaf.

1/4 red bell pepper finely chopped. Green pepper is fine.

1 1/2 cups boiling water.

2 low sodium chicken bouillon cubes. Watch the sodium level!

2 Fifteen ounces cans of black beans. Don’t drain.

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Juice from 1/2 lemon or 2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

 

Black Bean Soup Directions

Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil and add chicken bouillon. Mix completely and set aside.

Add 2 tablespoons of COLD water to the cornstarch and mix thoroughly. Set aside.

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a pot and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add 1/2 can of beans, the salt and the cumin and cook for 5 minutes.

Pour this mixture into your blender and puree. It’s okay to have a few small chunks.

Pour the mixture back into the bowl and set on the stove top. Set heat to medium.

Add the chicken stock.

Add the rest of the beans (including the liquids in the can).

Add the lemon.

Add the cornstarch and stir until the soup has thickened.

You can garnish this delicious soup with chopped onions, chopped red and green peppers, sour cream, cilantro or grated cheese.