Great Food Ideas

Need some fresh ideas for dinner or desert? Check out this awesome website. You’ll have to sign up for the services, but once  you do, you’ll be on your way to preparing classic dishes, hosting fabulous dinner parties, saving money with coupons, and becoming the talk of the neighborhood!

Do you have a signature dish that you like to prepare?

Graduation is coming, what to make????

Like Mexican Food?

Why not give La Hacienda over on Goodman Rd a try? It’s not all that big, so the service is pretty good. They have a full bar, and some of the best Mexican food around. When I went, I ordered a combo that had chicken enchiladas, a soft taco, and beans and rice.  Pretty standard meal, but all in all, the meal was pretty good, though I had to jazz the rice up a bit. The prices are also really good, so it’s a great place to stop by for lunch if you need a little break.

Have you ever been?

Recipe of the Week: The Classic Biscuite

Hey Church Lake! Everyone has that one person in their familiy who makes the BEST biscuits, be it Mom, you Aunt, your Sister, Grandmother, or even the men in your family. What about you? Are you a biscuit afficianado? If not, here’s a recipe to get you started.

The Classic Biscuit

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour (sifted twice before measuring)
• 1 tablespoon(s) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1 cup(s) cold buttermilk
• 2 tablespoon(s) cold buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon(s) melted butter

Directions:

• Heat oven to 475 degrees F. Cut butter into small cubes and freeze 15 minutes. Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Cut in butter using either a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingers until mixture resembles a coarse meal.
• Stir in buttermilk using a fork just until dough forms. Knead 3 to 4 turns on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- by 10-inch rectangle. Cut out biscuits using a 3-inch cutter (gathering scraps until all dough is used).
• Place 2 inches apart on a baking pan. Brush tops with melted butter.
• Bake on top shelf of oven 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Resident Poll: Hey Church Lake, How Often Do You Cook At Home?

With our modern day “on-the-go” lifestyle, it’s often hard to make the time to cook a whole, healthy meal for yourself or your family. How often do you find yourself finding the time to cook?

Original Chex Mix Super Bowl Recipe

6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-size pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces

1. Heat oven to 250°F (120°C). In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
2. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

Makes 24 (1/2 cup) servings.

Click here for more!

Thin Mint Mania!

It’s that special time of year again! And no, it doesn’t include a jolly old man in a bright red suit. It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time! While many of us rejoice at the prospect of having our favorite box of cookies by their side (my favorites are Trefoils and Thin Mints!), others are holding fast to their New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

Well you’re in luck, because here’s an article that advises you on how to enjoy your favorite little treats, without giving up your favorite little black dress (or suits for the guys). Happy eating!

What are your favorite Girl Scout Cookies?

Recipe of the Week — Microwaveable Meals

And no I’m not talking about Stouffers frozen dinners. (Though they are pretty tasty!) I’m talking about actual home cooked meals done in the microwave.

 We all lead busy lives, and sometimes don’t have time to use an hour or two of our time to wait on food from the oven. So when you’re short on time, but still want the deliciousness of a home cooked meal, why not try this yummy recipe?

 

 

MICROWAVE DEEP DISH CHICKEN BURRITOS

 1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, drained

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 cans chunk chicken, drained

8 flour tortillas

1 c. grated Cheddar cheese

2 c. shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 sm. ripe avocado, peeled, seeded and diced (optional)

 In 1-quart microwave casserole, combine canned tomatoes, garlic, chili powder, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Cook on high 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken, break up with a fork. Cook covered with wax paper on high 2 to 4 minutes, stir well.

Place 2 tortillas at a time between 2 sheets of paper towel, heat on high 30 seconds. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla, roll tightly.

 Place rolled tortillas in microwave baking dish; spread grated cheese on top. Cook covered with wax paper on medium power. Top with lettuce and tomatoes and avocado.