This page is dedicated to the memory of my precious husband Bill Davis, who thought I was the best cook ever. Especially the way I cooked pinto beans..his favorite.(See recipe for these beans on 'Recipe' page.) To you Darling with all my love.
Chinese food is like sex...You get your fill, then a couple of hours later..You are 'hungry' again.
Too many cooks spoil the broth..That's because each will salt it..If you get too much salt in your sauce or soup, peel a potatoe and put in it, it will absorb the excess salt.
Dont throw away the tough bottom portion of asparagus,or broccoli: use potatoe peeler to peel away tough skin, nice and juicey within; They both go nicely into a salad,raw..Try it;
If ketchup wont come out of bottle without a stuggle, insert a drinking-straw, or table knife down the center, then remove it..a bit of air is all it takes to release the vacume;
To grate cheese without a mess, place grater inside a large plastic bag, also place wedge of cheese inside too, grasp the cheese from out side the bag and grate; It's easy, and no bits of cheese to clean up;
Tube biscuits, make a tastey treat. The kind you buy in the deli-section of super market..comes in cardboard tube; Dip biscuits in melted buttur, and a mixture of parmesan cheese (grated), and a little crushed rosemary (fresh), and bake in a 400 degree oven, for abt. 10 minutes. ..Try it..you'll like it;
Party treat; Need a delicious and different 'snack' to take to a party ? This one is always a great 'hit'. Layer halves of English muffins in bottom of baking pan. (that has been sprayed with 'Pam',or simular coating.) Brush on top of the muffins, pizza sauce.( you can buy in a can or make your own). On top of this place toppings of your choise..ie..chopped black olives, chopped green onions, chopped bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, Chopped anchovies, pineapple, etc;Now a slice or dab of meat..Your choise, Cooked hamburger, ham, salami, pepperoni, etc..Next, sprinkle with a little parmisan, cheese, and top with cheese of your choise, or a blend of all..monzerelli, provalone, cheddar, jack, swiss, etc.I ususally use one of each catagory, and make them all a different blend. Bake in 350-400 degree oven, until cheese is golden brown. Let cool, then cut into 4 or 5 bite size pieces..You will be the hit of the party. You can prepare these ahead of time and bake at the last minute so they will stay warm.
Want another party treat??? Here is one for a special snack-garlic bread. This mixture can be made ahead of time and used when ready. 1-jar of 'salad sprinkles' (can be found in super market), empty this in a small bowl, and add, about 2-heaping tsps. Garlic powder, (NOT-garlic salt), or you can use the minced garlic, about two 'pinches' of italian seasoning, more if you like.,and a good douse of grated parmisan or grated romano cheese..oh..about 2-tablespoons will do it. Mix it all together. Slice french bread in half-long wise, and spread it generously with butter or margerine. Sprinkle your salad sprinkle, mixture generously on top of bread, and bake in 400 degree oven until golden brown. Cut into finger size pieces, place in a basket, that has been lined with a colorful lg. dinner napkin or dish towel. Cover with another napkin, and take off to the party while still warm. All can be prepared ahead of time and browned off in oven at last minute. Or you can take to the party, uncooked and brown it off once you get there. When I have a small party, I add slices of swiss or jack cheese on top before baking..But this can be expensive for a large party.
Party Treat #3..This one isen't only good it is very pretty; In a pretty clear bowl, place..1-lg can black olives, drained.1-basket of cherry tomatoes, or about 1-lb, of them.(if large cherry tomatoes, cut in half.)..1-lg. red (actually purple), onion, sliced and left in rings.(If it is very large around, you can cut rings in half.) In a empty fruit jar, pour 1/2 cup of veg.oil (or any salad oil of your choise), 1/4 cup wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, and 4 heaping tsps.sugar. Add hot tap water..about 1/4 cup to blend..it helps it blend better. Put lid on jar and shake vigoriously. Then pour over the tomtoes, olives and onions in the bowl. Marinade over night; Toss and turn the vegetables often so that all sets in marinade. I like to use a large fruit jar, and put everything in there, then turn the jar up-side-down, then later right side up, thus letting all have turns in the marinade. It's really good. Add more sugar if is too tart to your taste, or add a little more vinegar, if it is too sweet for your taste.
Shred cabbage, (abt.1/2 head) into a large bowl.Add, abt.2-lg. carrots, shredded; 1-med.size onion, chopped fine; Mix..then sprinkle with abt.1/2 cup of cider vinegar. Toss well. Into large measuring cup blend abt. 1-cup Best Foods mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix until surger is dissolved. Pour into bowl with cabbage mixture, and a dab of salt.Mix well.Taste.If it is too dry, add more mayonnaise. If too tart ( vinegary ) add more sugar.If too sweet, add more vinegar. Let your taste be your guide.
Make cold slaw according to above recipe, but then add, 1-apple,cored,and chopped.(leave the red peels on,for color.) Chop about 1/2 cup of walnuts, Peanuts, pecans, or almonds. I like walnuts, and pecans best. Add all to cabbage recipe, and mix well. Optional; you can also add 1/2 cup of chunk or mashed pineapple. My family loves this recipe for the holidays..even the ones who do not like cold slaw.
