Monday, February 24, 2014

Danish Meatloaf

from my Dining with the Danes cookbook
Meatloaf

2 lb. ground pork
3 tbsp. dried bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. mustard powder
1 egg
2 tbsp. minced onion
1/4 cup chicken stock
8 slices bacon
1 cup  chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Mix the ground pork with the bread crumbs,
 the spices, egg, onion and 1/4 cup chicken stock.

Shape the meat mixture into an oblong loaf 
and place in a greased baking dish.

Cover with the bacon slices.

Brown the loaf in the oven for 15 minutes.
Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees. 
Pour the stock and cream over the meatloaf.
Roast for another 40-45 minutes.



Suggested accompaniment:
Hasselback potatoes, applesauce and jelly.


Today is the Grand Opening day of the Old Farmhouse team's
Spring Celebration.
Click here to see all of their new creations.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Banana Bars & Tuesday's Tip of the Day...

None of us want to see our brown bananas go to waste.
So...it's banana bread...banana cake...banana bars...

Slice the over-ripe bananas open and slip into your measuring cup.

If you have a hand-held blender, that small appliance is perfect to create banana puree...
just what you need for baking!

BANANA BARS
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup banana puree
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan.
Using the muffin method method of mixing, 
combine the moist ingredients...
sugar, banana puree, oil and eggs.

Combine dry ingredients...
 flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Add walnuts.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until moistened.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or 
until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely. 

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Enjoy!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Old Farmhouse Beef Stew

 
1 lb. beef stew meat
4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium onion
1 pkg. fresh mushrooms
1 jar brown gravy
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp. thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 carrots
3 potatoes

Heat enough oil to coat the bottom of your skillet.

Cook beef and bacon over medium-high heat
until beef is browned.  Drain.

Mince the onion and slice the mushrooms. Add to the pan.

Cook until onions are transluscent
and mushroom have cooked down.

Combine gravy, tomatoes, thyme, salt and pepper. 
Add to the beef mixture and stir gently.

Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
or until meat is nearly tender

Peel vegetables. Slice carrots and dice potatoes.
Add to the pan and simmer 30 minutes more.

If desired, thicken with cornstarch & water.

Slow cooker option
Combine ingredients in slowcooker. Stir gently to mix.
Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours untill beef and vegetables are tender.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Tuesday's Tip of the Day ~ Homemade Bread Crumbs

 
Many recipes for chicken and fish call for bread crumbs.
Sometimes for Panko bread crumbs, or those without the crusts.

One can purchase bread crumbs...
a convenience product.

Or, you can make your own.
I seem to always have plenty of bread that is past it's prime!
Just place those slices (and heels) in your food processor bowl with your processing blade.

With a few quick pulses, you have fine bread crumbs.
Pour them into a zip lock freezer bag,
and keep them in your freezer.


They are very economical and will be so handy for your meal preaparations.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Old Farmhouse Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

 Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
4 - 6 Chicken Pieces, Breasts or Thighs
1/2 cup Light Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 - 2 cloves Garlic
Italian Seasoning
Panko Bread Crumbs

Remember that protein foods are the most expensive items on your grocery list.
Take advantage of sales and plan your meals around the supermarket ads.
Use chicken thighs, breast, or tenders.

Remove skin and wash chicken pieces.

Place in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with Italian Seasoning.

Salt and pepper to taste.



Mix sour cream or plain yogurt with Parmesan cheese.
With garlic press, squeeze garlic cloves into the mixture.

Spread sour cream mixture over the chicken pieces.



Cover with bread crumbs.
Bake at 425 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, 
depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces.