GREETINGS!

THE FORBIDDEN NUT!

I have recently had to deal and cope with 

new allergies monthly. The last allergy I

developed was my reaction to tree nuts. 

My first reaction was with peanuts. My

stash of peanut butter had to be given 

away. I thought I was doing a good thing 

when I bought an organic pecan bar from

a health food market. I was enjoying this

dessert when I began to itch from all over.

Two bites had me rushing to Urgent Care! 

My doc said, " No tree nuts,lady!"

I had to change my Thanksgiving 

desserts this year. My baking of my

decant pecan pie was forbidden! I 

recalled that my mother baked a lot 

of Southern Chess Pies for Sunday 

dinner. I used to love to eat them.

I had not tasted them since I left home. 

I felt a ray of hope as I searched online

for chess pie recipes. Maybe I wouldn't 

miss pecans and walnuts after all. 

I decided to try baking brown sugar 

and chocolate chess pies. I found two

recipes that I liked on Allrecipes website. 

These pies are rich and sweet, so a small 

slice should satisfy my sweet tooth.

Here is picture of my two pies:

GREETINGS!

ROCK THE SALT

 

I used to only use regular table salt

for all of my cooking. Thanks, to the cooking channels, I have broadened

my horizon. I collect different kinds 

of salt now. I looked for them when 

I visited the  gourmet section of my

favorite stores.

I was shopping in T.J. Maxx's gourmet cooking section when I saw a jar of ground pink salt. I was intrigued, so I bought it. I cook with the pink salt often. My family also likes to sprinkle a little on their food just before serving it. I wasn't sure how this salt was supposed to be

used so I did some online research.
I'll  share these details about this salt below.


I practice using home remedies for mild health problems. I also became interested in homeopathy after watching it on PBS. 

A couple from the The People's Pharmacy was featured.  I figured I might as well
visit my local health food grocery store 

to see what homeopathic items were available. This store had a bin full of sea salt.  The  note on the bin said the salt was concentrated so I could use less of it than table salt. I was happy to buy a pound because my family was cutting back on our salt use. I told all of my friends about this sea salt. They began to use it too.
I noticed that sea salt it available now at my local grocery store. I only buy it from the grocery store if it's on sale. A pound of sea salt from the bulk section of the health food store is only 99 cents!

I was shopping in a dollar store last week and I found two kinds of special salts- Kosher salt and pink salt.  You'd better believe I grabbed 4 jars of the stuff. The pink rock salt even had a grinder on it. 

I'm able to grind my own salt! 

I recently saw a TV show on a chocolate factory located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is called Videri Chocolate Factory. The show said you could take a tour and get samples of their chocolate. I am a lover
of chocolate, so I took a day trip there. They had decadent drinking chocolate available to purchase in a 4 oz cup. I bought this and sipped on it all day. It 

was just that good! They also had lots

of samples the chocolate they made.

This included dark chocolate with sea

salt. Imagine that! It was very tasty. The 

delicious chocolate candy is available online at:


https://www.viderichocolatefactory.com/shop

I hope this blog entices you to experiment with different kinds
of salt when you cook your next meal. Here are the details I found about salts online:

www.woolworths.com


Table salt: This salt normally found on every table. It is a fine-ground,
refined rock salt with some additives to keep it free-flowing.

Iodized salt: Salt which has iodine

(sodium iodide) added. Iodine is a 

mineral necessary to the body to 

prevent hypothyroidism and some countries actually require iodine 

added by law. It also contains small amount of sugar (dextrose) so it will not turn yellow due to oxidation of the iodine.

 

Kosher salt: This is a coarser grind

of salt with large, irregular crystals. 

It contains no additives. It is a favorite 

with not only Jewish cooks, but also professional and gourmet cooks. When substituting for table salt, you may need  to taste since it seems less salty. The salt crystals cannot permeate the food as easily as fine grades.

Rock salt: Less refined and grayish in color, this is the chunky crystal salt
used in ice cream machines. This type is generally not used as an edible
flavoring mixed into foods, When using rock salt for cooking, be sure it is
food-grade.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasoned_salt

Seasoned salt: Single or multiple herbs and spices are added to salt
(i.e  garlic salt, celery salt, onion salt). 

http://www.mortonsalt.com

Popcorn salt: This super-fine grind salt

is generally colored yellowish-orange 

and is used on popcorn for both color 

and flavoring. 

Pickling Salt

Use it for: Brining pickles and sauerkraut. It will also brine a turkey. It is far more concentrated than common salt, so you may want to use less. Pickling salt is 100 percent sodium chloride, it’s the purest
of salts.

https://www.amazon.com

 

Fleur de Sel

Use it for: A special-occasion table salt.

It should be pinched and sprinkled over food just before eating. Fleur de sel melts slowly in the mouth. Its earthy, pleasing flavor lingers on the tongue.Delicately
flavored, it adds a perfect hint of saltiness to freshly sliced tomato or melon.

https://www.amazon.com

Himalayan Pink Salt


Himalayan salt often contains trace amounts of iron oxide (rust), which

gives it a pink color. It does contain

small amounts of calcium, potassium,

iron, and magnesium. It also contains slightly lower amounts of sodium than regular salt.

NOTE: I PURCHASE MY GOURMET SALTS AND HERBS ONLINE.THIS SITE ALWAYS HAS GOOD SALES AND OFFER FREE SHIPPING. THE WEBSITE IS:

https://www.myspicesage.com

I decided to gift gourmet salt for gifts 

one Christmas. This was a big hit with

the cooks in my family.

Here is my recipe:

 

DIY DESIGNER SALT

1 pound sea salt 

1/2 cup ground garlic powder
1/2 cup ground onion powder
1/2 cup ground celery seed
3- 4 ounce mason salt & pepper jars

Add 4 ounces sea salt among 3 small bowls. Stir in garlic, onion and celery

to each bowl. Mix well. Use funnel to

fill jars. Place decorative label on front

of each jar.

 

TIPS:

BUY THE SALT AND SPICES FROM BULK SECTION OF FAVORITE HEALTH FOOD GROCERY STORE.

MINI MASON SALT & PEPPER JARS AVAILABLE @ BED, BATH & BEYOND, FAMILY DOLLAR, & DOLLAR GENERAL STORES. THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE.

JAZZED UP JULY 4, HOT DOGS!

Most of the kids at my cook-outs only wanted a plain bun with a grilled hot
dog. I was getting bored with the same
old cook-out classics. I am so glad the adults were cool with some new twists
on old classic barbecue/cook-out foods. 
This no scratch cooking lady may even consider making homemade chili. I went
to church cook-out years ago. A lady offered me her homemade hot dog chili.
It was so good!

I searched online and in my cookbook collection for new recipe ideas for my 
July 4th cook-out. 

I'm going to share some of the ideas and recipes I found that seem interesting. I am in the process of making my shopping list for my July 4th cook-out. I'm going to start with doing something different with my hot dogs.

SPLIT HOT DOG IDEAS:

MAKE HORIZONTAL SPLIT  DOWN CENTER OF HOT DOG SO IT CAN BE PLACED FACE DOWN ON GRILL. MAY HAVE TO FLATTEN WITH SPATULA  SO ENDS WON'T CURL UP. SERVE ON TOASTED OPEN FACE HOT DOG BUNS.

SPLIT GRILLED HOT DOGS  JUST ENOUGH TO ADD YOUR FAVORITE
CHEESE IN THE CENTER. HOT DOGS SHOULD BE WARM ENOUGH TO MELT CHEESE WHEN YOU PLACE IT IN THE BUN.


SPLIT GRILLED HOT DOGS  JUST ENOUGH TO ADD STRIP OF COOKED BACON IN THE CENTER.

SLIDER DOGS:


I didn't realize that you could buy slider buns and hot dogs on line. It is too late
for me to order these now. I may do it 
next time I have a holiday cook-out. I
must DYI my hot dog sliders this time.
I was thinking this would be good option for kids and adults with small appetites.

 
MY SLIDER HOT DOG PLAN:


CUT HOT DOGS IN HALF THEN GRILL THEM. THE ENDS OF THE HOT DOGS WILL LOOK NEATER. NEXT, ADD THEM 
TO SMALL SPLIT DINNER ROLLS.  

JAZZED UP HOT DOG FIXINGS:

GRILLED CARAMELIZED ONIONS
CATSUP WITH SRIRACHA
MUSTARD WITH CHIPOTLE
HOMEMADE HOT DOG CHILI
CRUMBLED COOKED BACON
SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
SHREDDED PEPPER JACK CHEESE
CHOPPED JALAPENO PEPPERS
DIJONNAISE
MAYO & YELLOW MUSTARD MIX
HONEY MUSTARD
SPICY PICKLE RELISH
DILL PICKLE RELISH
SWEET & SPICY RED PEPPER RELISH
RED CABBAGE SLAW
SLAW WITH BLUE CHEESE DRESSING
YELLOW MUSTARD SLAW
SLAW WITH WINE VINEGAR
HOMEMADE HOT DOG CHILI*

* RECIPE BELOW

free-stock-illustration.com

QUICK HOMEMADE HOT DOG CHILI

1 pound ground turkey
2 tablespoon oil
1 pkg mild chili mix
1/3 cup ketchup
8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar



Brown turkey in oil, medium heat. Drain drippings. Stir in rest of ingredients. Simmer on low heat 15 minutes so 
flavors can meld.

Tips:

Can add water if want to adjust
thickness of chili.
Can adjust brown sugar if want
sweeter chili.
Can use hot chili mix







JAZZED UP BUNS

SESAME SEED HOT DOG BUNS
POPPY SEED HOT DOG BUNS
POTATO HOT DOG BUNS
ORGANIC WHEAT HOT DOG BUNS
HAWAIIAN SWEET HOT DOG BUNS
PRETZEL HOT DOG BUNS
GLUTEN-FREE HOT DOG BUNS

TRIED & TRUE PICNIC SIDES #2

I look forward to Memorial Day  celebration. It is traditionally the 
start of cook-outs, vacations, and
day trips. I use Memorial Day to begin
my week-end cook-outs on my BBQ grill. 
I prepare the tried and true side dishes that my family expect me to have on the picnic table!

Here are some BAKED BEANS recipes that are easy to prepare and always work:


MOM'S QUICK BAKED BEANS


1- 28 oz pork & beans
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons of Real Bacon Pieces


Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease 
4 quart  baking dish.  

In large bowl blend all of the listed ingredients. Mix well. Pour the bean
mixture into baking dish.
 
Bake 45 minutes or until thick and bubbly. 

KETTLE COOKED BAKED BEANS WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE

https://www.readyseteat.com/recipes

 
Ingredients


AM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 pkg (2.1 oz each) fully cooked bacon, chopped
8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced diagonally
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans (28 oz each) Van Camp's® Pork and Beans
1 can (6 oz each) Hunt's® Tomato Paste
1/2 cup Hunt's® Tomato Ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Gulden's® Spicy Brown Mustard


Directions

Spray inside of large slow cooker
with cooking spray. Combine bacon,
sausage, onion, beans, tomato paste, ketchup, sugar and mustard in
slow cooker.
Cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH 2
to 3 hours. Stir before serving.

BARBECUE BAKED BEANS


http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com


    1 tablespoon canola oil
    1 medium yellow onion, chopped
    2 teaspoons dry mustard
    2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans,  rinsed     and drained*
    1/2 cup tangy barbecue sauce
    2 teaspoons red wine or cider vinegar
    2 tablespoons molasses

Method:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Heat a small, heavy oven-proof pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onion
and mustard powder, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the beans, barbecue sauce, vinegar and molasses, plus 1/2 cup water, and stir gently to combine. Cover and bake for
50 minutes. The beans will absorb
some of the sauce and the flavors will meld. Serve hot.

*NOTE: Special diets should follow the advice of your health-care provider.
And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most
recent ingredient information.

 

BAKED BEANS WITH PINEAPPLE

http://www.tasteofhome.com

( MAKES: 25-30 servings)


    1 pound bacon strips, diced
    1 large onion, chopped
    3 cans (two 55 ounces, one 28 ounces) baked beans
    2 cans (one 20 ounces, one 8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
    1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    1/2 cup ketchup


Ingredients

    In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute onion in drippings until tender.
    In a very large bowl, combine the beans, pineapple, bacon and onion. Combine brown sugar and ketchup; stir into the bean mixture.
    Transfer to two greased 3-qt. or 13-in. 
x 9-in. baking dishes. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-35 minutes longer or until bubbly and beans reach desired thickness. 

 
Originally published as Baked Beans with Pineapple in Country Woman July/August 2004, p35

TRIED & TRUE PICNIC SIDES #1

I look forward to our Memorial Day  celebration. It is traditionally the  
start of cook-outs, vacations, and day trips. I use Memorial Day to begin my week-end cook-outs on my BBQ grill.
I prepare the tried and true side dishes that my family expect me to have on the picnic table! I do add a few new sides because I like the challenge of trying 
out new recipes that compliment grilled meats. I am still trying to master grilled pizza and salmon!

Here are POTATO SALAD recipes that are easy to prepare and always work:

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD


1/2 cup  mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. celery seed
salt,  to taste
1/8 tsp. black or white pepper
1-1/2 lb. cooked white potatoes,
(about 5)cooled and cubed
2 hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
Paprika, for garnish, optional


In large bowl blend mayo, mustard,celery seed, salt & pepper. Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and toss lightly.
Pour potato salad in pretty serving bowl & sprinkle lightly with paprika. Chill in fridge at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips:

*Eggs may be sliced and arranged on top of potato salad as a garnish.

*Line sides of platter with lettuce leaves & sliced tomatoes. Spoon potato salad in middle of platter as lovely presentation.

*Potato salad tastes better after it has  chilled 24 hours.

GREEN ONION  POTATO SALAD


1-1/2 lb. cooked white potatoes (about 5), cooled and cubed
1/4 cup  mayo
1/4 cup  sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
salt & pepper to taste
1 bunch green onion, chopped


In large bowl blend mayo, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, dill weed, & 
salt & pepper.  Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and toss lightly.Spoon potato salad in pretty serving bowl. Chill in fridge at least 2 hours before serving.

MIRACLE WHIP Rocking Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad

http://www.kraftrecipes.com


 1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing

1/4 cup KRAFT Classic Ranch Dressing

1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
3 lb. small red potatoes (about 9), cooked, quartered
6 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 cup thin red pepper strips
4 green onions, sliced



Mix dressings and seasonings in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly.


Tips:

*The potatoes were unpeeled & quartered. My family preferred  peeled & cubed potatoes.

*This potato salad rated 4- 5 stars!



REMEMBER:
Hazardous to Leave Food with Mayo & Eggs Out Long Periods of Time.

KEEPING IT SPICY #3

I recently noticed a lot of spice mixes in stores now. I realized that using spice mixes takes the guess work out what spice goes with your meats and veggies. These spice mixes come in handy when I'm doing quick meals! Shucks! I'll save the spices in my baskets for Holiday
meals!

I'm going to hide my baskets full of herbs and spices
in my pantry. I'll  use my son's spice racks to hold my collection of bottles of spice mixes.  A cute wicker  basket will hold my packets of spice mixes.

Believe it or not, I found a lot of my  
spices at The Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Walgreens, and Roses Stores.I was paying a lot for some of these spice mixes until I discovered them at these stores.

I have a secret stash of spice mixes that I use in my meats. I always get compliments from my guests when I use them.  I am sharing them with you. Here images of these special spice mixes:

   

* These two spices are found in Hispanic section of some grocery stores