Saturday, December 22, 2012
Best, best Christmas presents
Cutest hair....lost glamour
Cute nails
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Karpatka Polish Mountain Cake
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup flour
1 Tsp. baking Powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
5 eggs
4 cups milk
1 cup sugar
5 egg yolks
2 Tsp. vanilla
5 Tbsp. cornstarch + 5 Tbsp. flour
1 cup butter at room temperature
Icing Sugar
Bring 1 cup water and butter to boil. Add flour, BPowder and salt stiring quickly on low heat. Remove from pan and mix 1 minute until dough easily comes off walls of pot.
Set aside and cool. Transfer to a mixing bowl with whisk and one by one add one egg until smooth like butter. Grease two 9 by 13 pans and lightly dust with flour. Patiently spread 1/2 mixture into each pan until base of pan is covered.
Pop into a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 25 minures. I used the top rack in my oven.
It comes out looking like the mountains.
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
While crust cooks, in a bowl whisk together 1 cup milk, vanilla, yolks and cornstarch and flour until smooth.
In a saucepan put the remaining 3 cups milk on medium until sides of milk get tiny bubbles..do not boil. Add the sugar stirring quickly until well combined and melted. Slowly add the flour-egg mixture whisking consistently on low-medium heat until everything starts to thicken like a pudding. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl and cover with saran so it doesn't form a layer of skin on top of filling. Let cool. In a mixing bowl mix 1 cup butter and slowly add cooled custard to butter until well combined.
Remove one crust from pan and set on a wire rack.
Line the empty pan with overlapping parchment paper. Set crust back in pan. This is for easy removal later. Spoon filling over crust in pan and cover with remaing crust pressing down gently. I actually had to slice a bit of my high mountain top off before it spooned on the fillling. Cool in fridge for 2 hours.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Monster Meatballs and Chuckwagon Soup
Make a pot of Veggie Soup.
I used carrots, potatoes, parsnips, onions and celery. Depending on how many veggies you use....add water to cover. I like lots of veggies. Add 2 Tbsp. Veggie stock and simmer about 15 minutes. Then add 1 can diced tomatoes...simmer until veggies are soft . Season with salt and pepper. While soup is cookin', I boil up some Wagonwheels and Alphabets pasta in another pot. I like to add these last with some fresh broccoli just to steam. I make my meatballs in advance, freeze them, and just pop them in the soup at the last minute to heat thoroughly. Make buttered toast with Parmesan cheese sprinkled and a little bit of garlic salt and stick in oven to keep warm.Yummy on a cold day.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Warcoczy
Braids can be fun...woulda been nicer if I woulda had a comb or a brush.
Even boys can wear braids
Braids can be fun for cousins after a day playing in the leaves.....
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Cabbage, Potato and Mushroom Soup
Cabbage,
Potato and Mushroom Soup
1/3 head of cabbage cut in chunks( I used a bit more)
2 potatoes cut in chunks
4-5 carrots chunked
1/3 cup raw long grain rice
1 onion
2 litres water or more to cover veggies..I used more
I tbsp. chicken powder broth( I used 2 for the amount of water I had)
1 can Wild Mushroom soup
Bring all veggies
with ½ an onion to a boil and simmer
till veggies are cooked.
Sauté the other ½
onion in 3 Tbsp. butter until carmelized.
Add onions to pot. Add 2 Tbsp.
flour to hot fry pan and fry till golden brown...add to pot. Throw in a can of wild mushroom soup and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy.
I added slivers of Black forest ham to mine with a sprinkle of dill.
I added slivers of Black forest ham to mine with a sprinkle of dill.
Then top it off with a piece of Polish Apple cake
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Cajun Chicken, Shrimp Pasta, made with a
Cajun cream sauce.
Ingredients
·
3 Tbsp.
olive oil
·
2
boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
·
1 package
cooked frozen shrimp
·
2 1/2
Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, divided
·
3 small
bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced (I used a red, orange and yellow bell
pepper)
·
3 roma
tomatoes, diced
·
1 medium
red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
·
3 cloves
garlic, minced
·
1 Tbsp.
butter
·
1 Tbsp.
flour
·
11/2 cup
chicken stock
·
1/2 cup
heavy cream (or you can reduce to 1/4 cup)
·
12 oz.
dried penne pasta
·
sliced or
grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
·
thinly
sliced green onions, for garnish
Method
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet
over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and sprinkle evenly with
1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Give them a quick stir to combine. Then
saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through
and is no longer pink. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside in a
large bowl.
Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of water and let sit
until chicken is cooked to thaw a bit. When chicken is removed from fry pan,
add a little oil and stir fry shrimp until hot…sprinkle a bit of Cajun spice
over shrimp while frying….then remove from pan and put in bowl with chicken.
Into fry pan add an additional 1 tablespoon of
olive oil, then add the bell peppers, tomatoes and onion. Saute for 5 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Then add garlic. Continue sauteing for an additional 3-5
minutes until the edges of the veggies begin to brown just slightly. Transfer
the veggies with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the chicken and set aside.
(I recommend adding the pasta to the boiling water
at this point.)
Add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and
once it is nearly melted, sprinkle the flour over it. Stir together to make a
roux, and then cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally. Add
the chicken broth and stir immediately
to combine it with the roux, being sure to also scrape the brown bits on the
bottom of the pan to grab that extra flavor. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for
5 minutes to reduce. Add the cream, pinch of cayenne, and remaining 1
tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and stir until combined. Season with additional
salt and pepper if need be.
Add your cooked pasta, chicken and veggies to the
sauce and stir until evenly combined. Serve the pasta garnished with Parmesan and
sliced green onions.
Big recipe ….would probably feed 6 with a nice
salad, garlic toast and a bottle of wine.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Pickled Yellow beans and Carrots
1 bag beans( about 4-5 quarts)
3 bunches baby carrots
4 quarts water
1 quart vinegar
3/4 cup pickling salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. turmeric
garlic cloves
baby dill
1/4 tsp. pickling spice
1/4 tsp. pickling spice
Scrub beans and cut ends off. Clean or scrape carrots and ends. I scraped mine even tho' they were baby carrots. In each jar put 1 clove garlic and a small sprig of baby dill and 1/4 tsp. pickling spice. Boil water, vinegar, sugar, and salt about 3 minutes. Have your lids boiling for 2 minutes. I made 7 pints, 4 3/4 pints and still had brine left over for maybe 2 jars, but ran out of veggies. The turmeric just gives the veggies a brighter colour throughout the winter. Sometimes if I want a hotter taste I add one small dried chili pepper per jar. This is better with green beans if you want them spicier for Caesar stir sticks, but I prefer no chili pepper.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
In the Midst of Life
This poem was written by the Polish poet, Tadeusz Ròzewicz, after the war ended. He was 24.
Even tho' written after the war it can be inspirational to anyone changing a perspective in life.
Even tho' written after the war it can be inspirational to anyone changing a perspective in life.
In
the Midst of Life
by Tadeusz Rozewicz
After the end of the world
after death
I found myself in the midst of life
creating myself
building life
people, animals, landscapes
this is a table I said,
this is a table,
there is bread and a knife on the table,
knife serves to cut bread,
people are nourished by bread
man must be loved
I learnt by night by day
what must one love
I would reply man
this is a window I said,
this is a window,
there is a garden beyond the window
I see an apple-tree in the garden
the apple-tree blossoms
the blossom falls
fruit is formed
ripens
my father picks the apple
the man who picks the apple
is my father
I sat on the threshold
that old woman who
leads a goat on a string
is needed more
is worth more
that seven wonders of the world
anyone who thinks or feels
she is not needed
is a mass murderer
this is a man
this is a tree, this is bread
people eat to live
I kept saying to myself
human life is important
human life has great importance
the value of life
is greater than the value of all things
which man has created
man is a great treasure
I repeated stubbornly
this is water I said
I stroked the waves with my hand
and talked to the river
water I would say
nice water
this is me
man talked to water
talked to the moon
to the flowers and to rain
talked to the earth
to the birds
to the sky
the sky was silent
the earth was silent
and if a voice was heard
flowing
from earth water and sky
it was a voice of another man
by Tadeusz Rozewicz
After the end of the world
after death
I found myself in the midst of life
creating myself
building life
people, animals, landscapes
this is a table I said,
this is a table,
there is bread and a knife on the table,
knife serves to cut bread,
people are nourished by bread
man must be loved
I learnt by night by day
what must one love
I would reply man
this is a window I said,
this is a window,
there is a garden beyond the window
I see an apple-tree in the garden
the apple-tree blossoms
the blossom falls
fruit is formed
ripens
my father picks the apple
the man who picks the apple
is my father
I sat on the threshold
that old woman who
leads a goat on a string
is needed more
is worth more
that seven wonders of the world
anyone who thinks or feels
she is not needed
is a mass murderer
this is a man
this is a tree, this is bread
people eat to live
I kept saying to myself
human life is important
human life has great importance
the value of life
is greater than the value of all things
which man has created
man is a great treasure
I repeated stubbornly
this is water I said
I stroked the waves with my hand
and talked to the river
water I would say
nice water
this is me
man talked to water
talked to the moon
to the flowers and to rain
talked to the earth
to the birds
to the sky
the sky was silent
the earth was silent
and if a voice was heard
flowing
from earth water and sky
it was a voice of another man
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Banana Raspberry Muffins
Banana Raspberry Muffins
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
2 medium ripe bananas mashed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup frozen raspberries
Greased Muffin tins. Mix egg, sugar, oil, banannas and vanilla, sour cream. Add dry ingredients. I substituted sour cream for milk....my batter was a little dry so I added just a smidge of milk to loosen it up. Add frozen raspberries and bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
Could add chocolate chips if you need a blast of chocolate.
Raspberries were fresh yesterday at Safeway and on sale, and I froze them for these muffins as I find frozen ones don't break up as fast in the batter and the batter stays white instead of pink.
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
2 medium ripe bananas mashed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup frozen raspberries
Greased Muffin tins. Mix egg, sugar, oil, banannas and vanilla, sour cream. Add dry ingredients. I substituted sour cream for milk....my batter was a little dry so I added just a smidge of milk to loosen it up. Add frozen raspberries and bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
Could add chocolate chips if you need a blast of chocolate.
Raspberries were fresh yesterday at Safeway and on sale, and I froze them for these muffins as I find frozen ones don't break up as fast in the batter and the batter stays white instead of pink.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Gorgeous Dinner Buns
I was never a bun maker but since I have my Kitchen Aid this job has become a little easier.
These look amazing and just tried half with sprinkled almonds and half plain. Both were a nice bun with butter and jam.
1 pkg. Dry Yeast(traditional)
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3 Tbsp. butter
1 beaten egg
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
Egg wash...1 beaten egg
Dissolve package of yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Put 3 Tbsp. butter into 1 cup milk and microwave for 1 minute. To the yeast mixture, add 1 beaten egg, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 3/4 tsp. salt, and gradually add 1 cup flour. Whisk ingredients. Add warm milk and butter mixture. With a paddle I mixed in 1 more cup of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixed , then added the other cup slowly as well until mixed. Switched to dough hook and kneaded the dough for 7 minutes until elasticy. Put 1/2 tsp. oil into a big bowl and oil the sides well. Place dough into bowl and pat oily hands over dough. I covered mine with saran wrap. Prior to starting anything, I turned my oven on at 150 degrees for 15 minutes, then shut it off and proceeded with bun making. When the dough was placed in oiled dish and saran wrap. I placed a damp cloth over the bowl and set it inside the turned off warm oven with the door open a bit. Let sit for 11/2 hours, until doubled in size. On a light covered board, place the risen dough and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently pat in down into a square. Cut into 12 pieces and form each piece into bun tucking open ends underneath until ball is smooth. Place in a lightly greased 9" by 13" pan. Cover with saran wrap and let rise for 1 more hour. Beat an egg and brush it on over the whole bun. Add almonds or not....and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. They look fabulous. If a sweeter bun is desired, add 1 more Tbsp. sugar to mixture.
Rising in Babcia's bowl for good luck.
Doubled in size after 1 1/2 hours and saran wrapped.
Cut into 12 pieces and form into balls
Place in 9 by 13 pan
Let rise 1 hour
Voila!!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
1-2-3 Cake
This is absolutely the best idea.
Take a box of Angel Food Cake Mix and a box of your favorite flavoured cake....like lemon, chocolate, etc. and mix them together in a ziploc bag. When you have a craving for a piece of cake....I said "piece of cake"....you have it ready to go. if I bake a whole cake....I eat the whole cake....so this is a much better option. Hmmmm....... even a midnite snack can be whipped up in a minute with a glass of milk.
Take a box of Angel Food Cake Mix and a box of your favorite flavoured cake....like lemon, chocolate, etc. and mix them together in a ziploc bag. When you have a craving for a piece of cake....I said "piece of cake"....you have it ready to go. if I bake a whole cake....I eat the whole cake....so this is a much better option. Hmmmm....... even a midnite snack can be whipped up in a minute with a glass of milk.
When the " gotta have cake" urge appears, you mix 3 tablespoons cake mix to 2 tablespoons water. Mix evenly and pop in the microwave on High for 1 minute.
Yup, that's right...one minute!
Yup, that's right...one minute!
Who can beat that???
You can put your batter in a cup, but I used a ramekin and it was just perfect. I just let it sit for a minute and then sliced around the edges with a knife and turned it upside down and it just popped out with no breakage.
You could have some ready made frosting or just dust it with icing sugar or just eat it plain.
This was so good I think I'll make another one.
Out of microwave in a minute....
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Turkey Meatballs with Mozerella Cheese
1 pound ground turkey thigh
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 egg
1 cup bread crumbs seasoned ..or add
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup Parmiagiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup prepared pesto(green)
1/4 cup milk
1 tbs. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 pound mozerella cubes
3 tbsp. olive oil
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine turkey with all ingredients except oil. Mix until blended and make 13/4 inch meatballs. With a finger, press a hole into each meatball and stick in a piece of cheese and seal meatball. Place on tinfoiled cookie sheet and drizzle oil all over meatballs. Bake for 30 minutes. Delicious!
If you want a more moist meatball, place in simmering marinara sauce for a few minutes and serve with pasta.
But.....be prepared for garlic breath the next day.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Yummy Basa Filets
Nothing tastier than a package of Basa filets. Thaw them out, cut in half, dredge in flour, salt, pepper, and Paprika. Mix veggie oil and butter half and half and fry on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side until breading is a nice golden colour. I love these hot....I love them cold...I love then by themselves or in a sandwich the next day with sweet pickles. A quick supper with a salad.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Zucchini Appetizers
Zucchini Appetizer
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ tsp. Oregano
½ cup oil
½ cup parmesan cheese
¾ tsp. Salt
2 tbsp parsley flakes
Delicious!!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Chicken Veggie Stirfry and Mad Men
Chicken Noodle Stir Fry
6 boneless , skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 tbsp. Soya sauce
1 tbsp. Sesame oil( I used Mazola)
¼ tsp pepper
2 cloves garlic minced
1 lb. Baby Bok Choy
2 tbsp. Veggie oil
1 sweet red pepper thinly sliced
1 tsp. Minced fresh ginger
2 pkg. dried ramen noodles( ditch the soup seasoning)
¼ cup hoisin sauce
1 green onion
Toss chicken, soya sauce, oil, pepper, and half garlic mixture: marinate 10 minutes. Cut up Bok Choy..set aside( I soak mine in water until ready).
In wok or skillet heat 1 tbsp. Oil over high heat, stir fry chicken until juices run clear, when pierced about 3 minutes.
Add Bok Choy, red pepper, ginger and rest of garlic. Stir fry for about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add 1 ½ cups water and remaining oil to wok. Bring to a boil. Discard spice packets from soup, and add noodles to wok, cover and steam until softened and loose. I actually put my noodles in a separate pot of water while the chicken was frying just to get them soft and broken apart, then added them( drained) to the chicken, veggie mixture in the Wok, ...since I prefer my noodles soft.
Add hoisin sauce and green onion, toss until hot and combined.