You are here: Home / Archives for Desserts

Blow the Dust Off That Crockpot

November 1, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 4 Comments
crockpotorder

Are you a busy mom trying to find time to make home cooked meals?

coverI know that a lot of you have at least one of these little gems hidden away somewhere in your kitchen collecting dust. You probably thought that the crock pot was just for making soups or stews.  Or maybe you received it as a gift, like I did, and had no clue what to do with it.

Well guess what, you can make delicious meals your family will love with less effort using a crock pot.

If your life is as busy as mine, you know that there are many times when you just don’t feel like cooking a dinner. So your family either ends up eating fast food more than they should or you throw together a meal that is less than tasty. Busy moms need a solution to this problem and I’m going to help you do it with your crock pot.  Not too long ago I dug out my old crock pot, blew off the dust, and started searching for dinners I could make for my family. I was surprised to find not only great and tasty main dishes, but desserts and side dishes that you can make with ease. You can prepare the basis for your meal in the morning when you are feeling ambitious and then when you come home from work all you need to do is prepare a side dish and you will have a great meal for the family to sit down to.

After discovering how much time and money I was saving using my crock pot. I thought, Wow! There are a lot of other busy moms out there that could benefit from using their crock pot to it’s full potential, so I gathered up all the recipes that I had found and put together an eBook that any one can use, packed with over 400 of the best recipes. In The Recipe Mom’s Complete Book of Crock Pot Recipes you will find tasty main dishes, side dishes and even deserts that can be prepared in your crock pot.

How would you like to come home this evening to a dinner of Coconut Thai Shrimp and Rice? Or how about Autumn Pork chops, Jambalaya, or Vegetable Soup? Maybe a  Tuna Casserole or Chicken Parmigiana would satisfy your family’s taste buds. Whatever your family’s tastes, you’re sure to find a crock pot recipe inside The Recipe Mom’s Complete Book of Crock Pot Recipes to help you make the perfect meal.

Order The Recipe Mom’s Complete Book of Crock Pot Recipes for only $9.95 and you can be making these time and money saving recipes for your family immediately!

Buy Now


(P.S. – The Recipe Mom’s Complete Book of Crock Pot Recipes is in PDF format so anyone, regardless of the type of computer they have can read it.)

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Frugal Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Books, Recipes, Time Saving Tips, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Pressure Cooking-A Healthier Way to Eat

October 22, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 1 Comment
apple

appleCan you remember the days when Grandma or Mom used a pressure cooker to prepare yummy meals? Many believe those days are gone. With today’s modern pressure cookers, a family can enjoy succulent, delicious and nutritious meals in a fraction of the time it would take to boil, bake, slow cook or microwave those favorite recipes.

Pressure cooking uses the steam from the liquids used in your favorite recipes. This allows the vitamins and nutrients to be preserved in the food instead of being “cooked out” as they are in traditional methods of cooking. Because pressure cooking reduces the amount of cooking time by up to 10 times, pressure cooking is a lot healthier and faster than running out to a fast food joint.

Fresh and natural foods instead of packaged or processed foods are used when preparing meals with a pressure cooker. Not only is using natural foods for meals, opposed to process or packaged, healthier it also saves money on the grocery bills every month. Eating natural foods gives us more energy, less weight gain, lower sodium and lower cholesterol levels as well. Choosing what goes into the pressure cooker means more control over the amount of salt and other ingredients added to meals.

Using recipes that are low in fat, salt and carbohydrates are easy to do in a pressure cooker. They come out tasting delicious. More delicious than if baked, boiled or prepared in the microwave. Most tend to make more vegetables when using a pressure cooker because it is easy, efficient and pressure cooking gives vegetables, frozen or raw, a flavor that most have never experienced. Many prefer vegetables without butter or salt when cooking them in a pressure cooker! Think of all the health benefits in that alone.

An added health benefit to using a pressure cooking is to make some of your favorite desserts in a pressure cooker. That’s right! Use a pressure cooker to make desserts like homemade applesauce, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and cinnamon and apple flan w/ maple syrup. You can choose the ingredients that go into your dessert to make them more nutritious for you and your family.

Filed Under: Pressure Cooking, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pressure Cooker Fundamentals

October 15, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
pressure_cooker

pressure_cookerThe fundamentals of a pressure cooker are very simple. Once you learn how easy it is to use and how awesome your food turns out, you will find that having one and using it will make kitchen life a breeze. Cooking foods in a pressure cooker is faster than traditional baking or cooking and those meals come out oh so delicious.

What’s so Special about a Pressure Cooker

Pressure cooking is a technique of cooking that seals steam in an airtight pot. The vapor from the liquid used in the recipe rises and is captured inside the sealed pressure cooker. This method raises the pressure in the cooker along with the temperature of the liquid to its highest level. The higher temperature and pressure drastically speed up the cooking time by infusing hot steam into the food. Pressure cooking can speed up cooking times over 1/3 or more and is often 10 times faster than conventional cooking. Compare pressure cooking to crock pot cooking and you will find the time is much shorter. When compared to microwave cooking the foods taste better.

The High Pressure = A Short Cooking Time

Pressure cookers come in a variety of pressures, so the right cooking times are extremely important. 15 psi is the highest pressure available. If your cooker’s pressure is lower than that, adjust the cooking time by 12 to 15 percent, depending on the recipe. 15 psi is what most recipes will indicate.

When a pressure selector dial on a modern pressure cooker is set to 15 psi or high, it is under a pressure of 15 pounds per square inch which is quite safe. This amount of psi is less than half of the pressure found in a normal car tire. It’s not very much yet it is just the right amount to reduce the cooking time for foods. The actual temperature inside the pressure cooker is increased above what is possible in a normal stove top cooking pot.

The steam pressure inside a pressure cooker cooks food much faster than just boiling or baking. While microwaves do cook fast, the cooked foods can turn out dry, rubbery or soggy. Even though the pressure cooking time is significantly reduced, the quality of the food is conserved. Meats turn out juicy and tender, the flavor of vegetables are sealed in and desserts come out tasting better than ever. Pressure cooked foods also retain their vitamins and nutrients where boiled or baked foods lose these precious nutrients during cooking.

Using a pressure cooker is safe and effective. It’s a basic fundamental that turns foods into a delicious feast.

Filed Under: Pressure Cooking, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Snappy Orange Vegetable

August 6, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
carrots

carrotsThey say eating a carrot is good for your eyes. Carrots are also known as “rabbit food” probably because of one famous bunny. Rabbits do like carrots and so do many humans and they are good for more than just the eyes.

Did you know that carrots were not always orange? They used to be white, purple and yellow in color. It was about 500 years ago that the orange carrot came along.

Early settlers used carrots as a remedy for different stomach ailments. Today we use them in many of the dishes we serve. These orange delights are not seasonal and can be purchased year round. At a farmers market you will find them bunched together with leafy green tops as if they were just pulled out of the ground. They can also be purchased sliced, chopped or even in miniature versions at the supermarket. This may be much handier but be sure to eat them fairly quickly. The packages usually have an expiration date on them. Carrots are like other veggies and fruits that shouldn’t be cleaned until ready to eat them.

Store your carrots in the refrigerator. They have a long life expectancy in the refrigerator and keeping them cool will help to delay browning and wilting. When choosing carrots be sure they are firm and do not easily bend.

Carrots are one of the better raw vegetables to eat. Grab a carrot, wash it off, clip the top and tip and munch to your heart’s content. Eaten raw, the carrot maintains all the nutrients that it contains. These nutrients include beta carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, iron and calcium.

Carrots also taste great when cooked. They hold up well when baked or boiled on the stove. Carrots are often present in stews or soups. They do take a little longer to soften when cooked, like the potato, so add them to soups or stews early to give them to cook through.

Carrots make a great side dish. Top them with oregano or other types of herbs. Serve them with a dollop of butter or glaze them with honey or brown sugar

Carrots can also be used in cakes, muffins or bread. Carrots cakes with cream cheese frosting are often a staple dessert when it comes to Easter dinner but it’s great anytime of year. Carrot bread makes a great snack and carrot muffins taste great with a glass of milk for a quick breakfast.

Filed Under: Summer Cooking, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s a Yankee Doodle Dandy Picnic

June 20, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
redchekeredtablecloth

redchekeredtableclothPicnic season is at hand and so are family reunions. The 4th of July is always a great way to show off your culinary skills. Recipes don’t have to be hard and time-consuming to be a great mouthwatering delight. There are several ideas for a white, red and blue theme that are simple and quick to make.

Desserts are a great idea for easy. All you need is a white cake mix, some blueberries, some strawberries and some vanilla frosting to make a great tasting and great looking cake that looks like a flag! Simply bake the cake, frost with the vanilla icing, use the strawberries for the stripes and the blueberries for the stars in the corner.

Cupcakes are a great hit with the kids as well as adults, and clean up is a breeze. Using a cake mix and muffin liners, bake your favorite flavor. Using vanilla icing, simply divide and add blue and red food color to some. Frost your cupcakes with the different colors. For added pizzazz, buy sugar glitter in red, and blue and sprinkle on top. Bet these are one of the desserts to go first.

For the kids, freeze some red and blue Gatorade or powerade in ice cube trays. Mix these and real ice into a clear cup and add some lemon lime soda and the kids will be happy for hours.

Potato salad is one of the favorites at any gathering; especially home-made potato salad. Try using white, blue and red potatoes and don’t skin them. Cut into bite size pieces and add your eggs, onions, pickle relish and your favorite salad dressing and mix. Now you have a very colorful but tasty treat that everyone will love!

Bacon burgers are a great idea for the grill. Simply add Worcestershire sauce, and onions to your hamburger before cooking. Wrap bacon around the burger and grill for about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and add your favorite toppings. For something different, try adding avocado slices, barbecue sauce, A-1 sauce or even salsa to your burger for a different taste sensation.

Festive Fajitas are also a great taste for the 4th. Simply grill your favorite steak and slice thin, add some yellow, green, or red bell peppers and onions to a flour tortilla and presto, fajitas for any season. Add salsa, guacamole, lettuce and tomato and even shredded cheese and your favorite dressing and BAM what a meal.

Not Fried Fried Chicken is another great choice and really easy to make. Simply dip your chicken pieces in some milk and seasonings and cornflake cereal and bake. It takes about 40 minutes in a 425F oven. Not only does it taste great but it is healthier than real fried chicken. Add your potato salad and some sliced tomatoes and dinner is ready!

Need a start up for the day? Try making Four Fruit Salad Delight. Simply dice some apples, slice some strawberries, clean some blueberries and slice some bananas and mix with a mix of lemon juice, mint and honey or just add some whipped topping and serve.

What a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence! Be independent and creative and try some of these wonderful ideas for the 4th of July or any day for that matter!

Filed Under: July Fourth, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cool Down Summertime Treats

May 28, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
plateofgoodies

plateofgoodiesSummertime yields some of the best fruits and vegetables of the year. Some favorites include plums, peaches, nectarines, grapes, summer squash, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, carrots, corn and the list goes on and on. Try grabbing a handful of grapes or strawberries as a snack on a hot summer’s day. Try chopping up some crisp, raw vegetables to enjoy with a creamy dip. There are numerous ways to serve these fruits and vegetables for a summer snack.

Berry Fool is an easy to make summer dessert. Everyone will be in awe when they see this delicious dessert and everyone will want this recipe.

Start with 4 cups of strawberries. Other fruits such as blackberries, blueberries or raspberries can also be used. Toss the fruit with 1/2 C of sugar and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Place the mixture into the blender and process until smooth. Beat the heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold the pureed berry mixture into the cream. Place in dessert dishes, garnish with fruit slices and enjoy.

Jell-o ice cream is another great treat to help with the cool down. Kids love gelatin and this treat is no exception.

To make this treat you will need 1 (3 oz.) pkg. any flavor gelatin, 1 C of boiling water and 2 C of ice cream or sherbet.

Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Stir the mixture for 2 minutes. Place the ice cream one spoonful at a time into the gelatin, stirring until the ice cream is melted. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until firm. Serve with berries as a garnish.

Try vanilla ice cream with orange gelatin for that great dream sickle taste. Better yet use your imagination and come up with your own special blend.

Shakes are always a hit in summer and a Berry Fruity Shake is one that will hit the spot on a hot summer day.

Fill the blender 3/4 full of ice cubes. Pour 2 C of milk over the ice. Add in 1/3 C of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla and 2 C of fresh berries. Blend until smooth.

These are just a few ideas on how to use those summer fruits and vegetables to help create the perfect cool down treat. Try making a creation of your own using one of natures very best fruits or vegetables.

Filed Under: Summer Cooking, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Creamy Raspberries and Rice

April 10, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

What You Need:

3 C of water
1 C long grain white rice
1/2 t salt
1 C sugar
1 t cinnamon
2 C of whole milk
1 t vanilla extract
2 (6 oz.) containers fresh raspberries, rinsed
2 (4 oz.) containers vanilla yogurt

How to Make It:

Fill a large saucepan with the water.
Place the pan over heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Add the rice and salt to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the rice, uncovered for 20 minutes being sure all the water is absorbed into the rice.
Blend in the sugar and cinnamon.
Pour in the milk and blend well.
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking 25 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick.
Take the pan off the stove and quickly stir in the vanilla.
Allow the mixture to cool until it has reached room temperature.
When cooled fold the raspberries into the mixture.
Add the yogurt and blend until incorporated into the mixture.

Serves: 8

This can be served at room temperature or cooled in the refrigerator before serving. Other fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries or even fresh chopped peaches also taste great in this recipe.

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: , , , ,

Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

February 13, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

No one takes the day off for Valentine’s Day, so dinner is usually the meal of choice for couples to share. This year, instead of eating out, use your extra cash to create a bistro like setting in your home. Serve up a romantic dinner for two this year that you put together.

The first thing to decide is how fancy you desire this dinner date to be. You can keep it simple and spend more time whipping up a generous dessert or vice versa. Knowing the special person in question like you do, the choice won’t be too hard.

Simple Dinner Ideas

For those of you, who feel the need for speed, go with a dish that is easy to prepare. Since there will be just the two of you, opt for Cornish hens instead of a big roasting chicken. They are so small that you can marinate these little beauties before baking them for a flavor that will infuse through the meat.

Maybe red meat is more to your liking. Find the best cuts of steak or a small roast to be the main dish. New York strip steaks or a T-bone will have everyone’s mouth watering. You don’t usually eat it every day because they are so expensive so treat yourself and your companion. Steaks don’t take long to cook either.

Any dish that can be prepared ahead of time and slipped in the oven on Valentine’s Day is considered a simple dinner. Fix a casserole meal with only a few ingredients. You can do wonders with chicken breasts, rice, and cream soup.

Fancier Fare

Some of you may use Valentine’s Day as the time to stretch your cooking repertoire. In that case, you want to tantalize your sweetie with a feast for the eyes and the palate. It will take some time to prepare such a meal but that’s okay since it’ll be for a special person.

For a welcome change, consider doing a multiple course dinner. Serve an appetizer, then a salad, and then the dinner meal. Follow with a decadent dessert and coffee or a cognac. He or she will be impressed with a presentation like that.

Set the Mood

While dinner is cooking, have some sort of snack to set the mood for the meal and the rest of the evening. A few strawberries with a glass of champagne aren’t a bad way to begin. The combination of sweet strawberries and sparkling champagne will tickle the tongue and relax you both.

Are you thinking of a romantic dinner this year? Stay home and prepare the meal yourself. Make it a night to remember.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Mile High Meringue Pumpkin Pie

November 11, 2008 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
Mis en place

Image by thegourmetro via Flickr

What You Need:

1 9 in. pie shell, unbaked
1 1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/2 C + 6 TBSP sugar, divided
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. + 1/8 tsp. salt, divided
3 lg. eggs, separated
1 C evaporated milk

How to Make It:

Place the pumpkin puree in a large mixing bowl.
Add the 1/2 C sugar to the puree.
Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and 1/2 tsp. salt.
Fold all together until completely mixed.
Stir in the 3 egg yolks until mixed into the puree well.
Slowly add the evaporated milk making sure to stir while adding.
Be sure the milk is mixed well into the puree.
Bring the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
Bake 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean.
Remove the pie from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees.
Place the 3 egg whites into a bowl.
Sprinkle in 1/8 tsp. salt and mix with an electric mixer until well blended.
Continue beating the mixture an add 1 TBSP of sugar at a time until blended in.
After all the sugar has been added continue beating until soft peaks form.
The meringue is done when the mixture becomes stiff and peaks form when you lift the beaters up and out of the mixture.
Spread the meringue over the baked pie making sure to go completely out to edge of the pie.
Place the pie back in the oven for 7 minutes or until the meringue begins to brown.
Place the pie on a wire rack to cool.

8 Servings

Meringue shrinks during cooking so be sure to spread it to the very edge of the pie so the pie remains completely covered with the meringue once finished baking. Use a butter knife to form the peaks in the meringue when placing it on the pie.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Desserts, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
Newer Posts »