Bring take-out in!

Hello all,

I have sold my first bulk order of books. (Crowds cheering!!!) I am now preparing my next bulk order. I have gotten pretty good reviews from friends and family and now I will introduce it to the public. I have a book signing January 12th at the Principal’s Palette in Winder. I hope you all can come out and see me and the store. If you haven’t been yet, you will be pleasantly surprised. It has some beautiful arts, crafts, and jewelry.

I have been asked this weekend a few times what I’ll be making for Christmas gifts. I normally do a large batch of some craft or recipe. I haven’t had a lot of additional time this year, despite the extra furlough days. Next week, I will give you my top seven gift ideas including my mint drinking chocolate recipe. You’ll definitely want to check back Sunday for that post.

If you have tightened your belt like I have for the holidays, you’ll appreciate this week’s menu. This is my homage to eating out. I love to eat out, no dishes to wash, choices galore, and did I mention…no dishes. Here are some really great meals to make you forget that you are eating in. Now only if I could get rid of the dirty dishes.

Day 1 – Chinese Fix
Sometime, all I need is some egg drop soup to make me feel warm and cozy. It really is simple and cheap to make. You normally have all the ingredients in the house, except the green onions. I add a couple of teaspoons of soy sauce. Perfect!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Egg-Drop-Soup-II/Detail.aspx

Day 2 – Honey Crockpot Chicken
Ok Jess, I know we’ve tried this before but this is a very different recipe. I don’t brown the chicken first. Just throw it in. I also use chicken breasts too. Make some brown rice and you’re good to go.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Honey-Garlic-Chicken/Detail.aspx

Day 3 – Gourmet Pizza
I know you can order pizza pretty cheap, but not this one. It is so delicious, you may never order pizza again.

1 thin crust pizza dough in a can
1 box of spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 cloves of garlic, minced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package of sliced white mushrooms
¼ lb. ground sirloin
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Grease a cook sheet and roll out crust. Bake for 5 minutes. Top crust with garlic, rub it really good into crust. Sprinkle on spinach, onion, cheese and mushrooms. Crumble raw ground meat on top of pizza. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 10 more minutes until crust is golden brown and meat is cooked. Top with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Day 4 – Pasta Night!!!
This is a super quick pasta recipe. It costs a little more since you buy refrigerated pasta and sauce but it is worth it.

2 packages of tortellini
½ cup pesto sauce
¼ sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta per package directions and drain. Return to the hot pot. Add the remaining ingredients. That’s it.

Day 5 – Mexican Night!!!
This is a recipe I’ve already had on the blog but it is well worth repeating. It sounds so simple but tastes so good. Tinga tostadas are normally served on tostadas but you can just as easily serve them in tortillas or taco shells.

4 large chicken breasts
3 cans diced tomatoes with juices
1 clove garlic, minced
4 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced or mixed in a food processor
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon or better than bouillon
3 softball sized onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup vegetable oil

Place all ingredients in Crockpot on low for 8 hours. Shred chicken breasts with two forks. Serve on crispy tostados with sour cream, shredded cheese and lettuce.

Day 6 – Media Noche
This is my all time favorite Cuban dish. It’s what I crave when I’m missing Tampa. I know it’s not the same but it’s cheaper than a trip down south.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Classic-Cuban-Midnight-Medianoche-Sandwich/Detail.aspx

Day 7 – Leftover night
Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the new change in your pocket. Clean out the fridge and watch a movie at home.

With a clean kitchen and gourmet cooking,
Brooke

Here's what to bring to dinner...

Hello All,

I guess you’ve all heard by now that my book is finally published. I want to thank all of you that supported me through this long process. Someone asked me if it was like having a baby. Shoot no, you are guaranteed delivery after nine months. This book took over two long years. You can find my book at:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/your-best-friends-guide-to-saving-time-money-and-the-world/5946860

Now for this week’s recipes, I have compiled my favorite holiday dishes. I’m giving you one a day, not a full meal. My goal in doing this is give you an option no matter what you are asked to bring to the family gathering. These are also great all year so save them for later if you don’t need them right away. These are not necessarily great health foods but many are delicious comfort foods.

Day 1 – Roasted Acorn Squash
This is a great alternative to a cooked squash casserole. It is interesting on the plate and wonderfully delicious. I had raves for this by people who don’t eat veggies.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-acorn-squash-10000000671386/print-index.html

Day 2 – Sausage Balls
Those of you who know me well, know that I love sausage balls so much I make them year round, freeze them, and eat them for breakfast. I even make them into patties so they fit happily into a biscuit or pita. This is the go-to recipe I use.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sausage-Balls-2/Detail.aspx

Day 3 – Green Bean Casserole
This is the classic casserole that we all love. I’ve tried to make it from scratch but it never tastes as good as this. I know it’s not the healthiest but it what I crave at Thanksgiving. I’ll also confess that I use a huge can of green beans and not the frozen ones. Knock yourself out.

http://www.frenchs.com/recipe/green-bean-casserole-RE1511.html

Day 4 – Baked Chickens with Stuffing
This is an all-American dinner if there is such a thing. If you’re having dinner for just a few, consider making one or two of these to cut down on the cooking time. Who really wants to wake up before dawn on turkey day? Cheat a little and make Stove Top stuffing; no one will care!


4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
2 (4-5 lb.) whole chickens, rinsed and patted dry
1 T. olive oil
4 baking potatoes cut into large chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
2 large carrots, cut into large chunks

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place all vegetables on baking sheet with sides or roasting pan. Stir together salt and pepper. Sprinkle ½ tsp. salt mixture inside cavity of each chicken. Rub each chicken with ½ T. olive oil. Sprinkle remaining seasoning on chickens. Rub it in. Place chickens, breast side up on vegetables. Bake for 1 ½ hours or until legs and wings begin to fall away from body or meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables under birds. Let cool completely before refrigerating leftovers.

Day 5 – Pumpkin Gangta’ Pie
This is a pie I make every year. It’s taken on a life of its own. I love to top it with whipped cream in a can, especially chocolate. It is a very impressive looking dessert. This makes two. Keep one at home to eat later and look like the girl with self-control when you say “no” to pie at the big dinner.

2 frozen pie crusts, not deep dish
1 8-ounce package of mascarpone or cream cheese
1 egg yolk
2 T. honey
½ tsp vanilla
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 5-ounce can evaporated milk
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Let pie crusts and mascarpone cheese come to room temp.
In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, egg yolk, honey, and vanilla with mixer until smooth. Set aside. In another bowl, beat eggs, pumpkin, milk, sugar, and spices. Pour this mixture into crusts. Spoon mascarpone mixture into small mounds on top of pumkin mixture. Heat a sharp knife in hot water. Pull knife through mounds and swirl. This should make a swirl pattern. If not, it will still taste great! Bake for 40-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let pies cool and then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Day 6 – Prune Cake
I know, prunes are not sexy. I’m doing for the prune with Timberlake did to sexy; I’m bringing it back. This is an old family recipe that is delicious and makes your whole house smell great. It is a dessert but would be equally delicious as a brunch item. You can also make this whole wheat by using whole wheat self-rising flour.

2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
3-4 eggs, mix in one at a time
2 jars prune baby food
1 tsp. ground cloves
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, start at the top of this list and whisk in each ingredient. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. (You can also use a 13x9 inch pan but you’ll have to bake it for 45 minutes.)

While still hot, mix 2 T. lemon juice with 1 cup confectioner’s sugar. Poke holes all through the cake with a skewer or toothpick. Pour lemon mixture on top. It will soak into the cake.

Day 7 – REST!!!
Take a day to rest your bones and stomach. You should have plenty of left-overs or call for pizza.

Drink of the Week – Pumpkin Pie-tini
This is all the fun of a pie but none of that pesky chewing required.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/drink-cocktail-recipes/Pumpkin-Pie-Martinis

I wish you much love and lots of family time this week. I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and great friends. I’m thankful for each one of you!!!

With dressing and turkey and sweets, oh my!
Brooke

A little late but aged to perfection...

Hello All,

If you haven’t heard, my book is just a week away from publication. I am so excited to share it with all of you. I am planning to order a large order to be here before Christmas so if you are interested in getting some shopping done early, let me know how many you’d like. This first run will be discounted and I want to pass on the savings!

Due to all my work on the book, I have been a little late getting the blog done this week. Please accept my apology. I think this week’s menu will make up for my tardiness. I was discussing my love of sweet potatoes with a friend and it got me thinking. I’m including three great recipes that use this great vegetable.

The drink this week is also a delight. My friend Amy gave me her recipe. It is really delicious and almost healthy.

Day 1 – Sweet Potato Spaghetti
I really love this simple pasta dish. It only takes 25 minutes and can feed an army.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spaghetti-sweet-potatoes-ricotta-recipe-00000000020553/index.html

Day 2 – Lasagna Burgers
I saw this on Rachael Ray and had to try it. It is awesome. I like to eat mine without a top bun with a knife and fork to lower the carbs. And p.s. I also used a jarred marinara sauce. It made it super easy.

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/lasagna-burgers/

Day 3 – Breakfast Night
Last week, I was really craving some breakfast. I found a box of Bisquick and made some biscuits. I fried up some bacon and scrambled some eggs. In minutes, I had a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit that put the fast food restaurants to shame.

Day 4 – Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Sausage is on sale this week. I think Vasek could live on brats and beer. This recipe works with Italian sausage, brats, and even regular hotdogs.

3 T. olive oil
1 package sausages, cut into bite sized pieces
1 large sweet onion, sliced
2-3 bell peppers, sliced
1 package instant mashed potatoes, prepared as directed

In large skillet, heat a cup of water over medium high heat. Add sausages and cover. Cook 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Drain water and add oil. Heat until sizzling and add onions and peppers. Cook until everything is browned and edges of sausages are crispy. Serve along side the potatoes.

Day 5 – Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Onions
This is a beautiful dish to serve to guests and a comfort food for an everyday meal. It’s also super cheap to make.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-sweet-potatoes-onions-recipe-00000000020565/index.html

Day 6 – Chicken Wings with Pepper Jelly Glaze
This recipe will satisfy the crowd at any tailgate. I love the pepper jelly combo of sweet and spicy. It takes so few ingredients you’ll impress without breaking a sweat.

20-30 wings
Salt and pepper
Pepper jelly
Celery and carrot sticks

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray. (I usually put foil on the baking sheet so I don’t have to wash the sticky jelly off later.) Place wings on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 30 minutes turning once. Take wings out of oven and coat with pepper jelly. Put back in the oven for 10-15 minutes until jelly is sticky and wings are cooked through. Serve with celery and carrot sticks.

Day 7 – Leftover Night
Enjoy a night off and clean out the fridge. You really can cook every night and like God, rest on the seventh day.

Drink of the Week – Cronic Tonic
In a tall glass filled with ice, add 1 shot of rum. Fill the glass halfway with pineapple juice. Top it off with Sprite or Sprite Zero.

Dessert of the Week – Sweet Potato Soufflé
You can’t beat this recipe. I use canned for this. It saves a ton of time but if you’re already baking some potatoes, by all means throw several more in and use fresh. You can also leave out the coconut. I love it but many people don’t like the texture.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-Potato-Souffle-2/Detail.aspx


With a published book in one hand and drink to toast it in the other,
Brooke