Savory Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

Savory Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits are so easy to make and taste so delicious too.

Your friends and family will think you worked all day making these.

Super Moist on the inside but little crisp on the outside.

I decided to go with a savory taste for this recipe, but they

can be made without the herbs.

Ingredients:
16 ozs Gluten-Free Bisquick Mix
2-4 TBS sugar
4 TBS melted butter
2 cups buttermilk
1 large egg, beaten
2 TBS Romano cheese (or parmesan)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 TBS fresh parsley chopped extra fine
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 375
2.  In large mixing bowl add all ingredients, except shredded cheddar.  Mix well
3.  Add cheddar cheese and fold into batter.
4.  With large scoop (approx 2 - 2 1/2 inch) form 2 inches apart on a large greased baking sheet.
5.  Bake for 20-25 mins

Note:  Recipe makes 18 biscuits.  You can divide the recipe in half.  Cool the biscuits, store them in zip lock bags, and place them in the refrigerator.

Extra Ingredients:  Rosemary, chives, scallions, cilantro, feta instead of Cheddar cheese

Bacon fat is a nice addition.  Substitute half of the butter for bacon fat.

Chocolate Mascarpone Cake with Raspberry Mascarpone Filling

Cake Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/3 cup dark cocoa powder
1  1/2 tsp baking soda
2  1/4 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
2 cups water
1/3 cup oil

Directions:
1.  Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder into bowl.
2.  In separate bowl beat eggs and sugar until combine.  Add vanilla, mascarpone cheese, water and oil.  Beat for 1 min.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.  Beat until mixed, approx. 1-2 mins.
3.  Pour batter, evenly into greased 6-8 inch round baking pans.  Note:  If you use smaller pans you will have batter left over.
4.  Bake for in preheated 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 mins or until done.  Remove from oven when done and let cool on racks.



Raspberry Mascarpone Filling:
1/2 cup raspberries, pureed
1/2 heavy whipping cream
8 ozs mascarpone cheese, softened
2 cups powered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions For Filling:
1.  Puree raspberries in small food processor.  Put aside
2.  In medium size bowl add cream.  Beat on high for approx. 3-4 mins or until stiff peaks form.
3.  Add mascarpone cheese.  Beat until blended, approx 1 mins.
4.  Add raspberry puree, sugar and vanilla.  Beat until well, approx. 1-2 mins.




Chocolate Glaze:
1 cup chocolate candy melts or morsels
4 TBS heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla

Directions For Glaze:
1.  Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl for 45 - 60 seconds.  Stir well.  Add remaining ingredients and microwave for additional 15 seconds.  Stir well.  Glaze should be shinny and runny for easy pouring.


To Assemble Cake:
1.  Place one cake on cake plate.  Carefully spread 1/3 of the filling on top.  Place another cake on top of filling, creating layers.  Repeat process until all cake and filling are used up.
2.  Pour chocolate glaze over top cake, allowing to dribble down along sides.
Garnish cake with 1 pint of fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

Serves 8

Blackberry Bacon Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

8 slices of 7 Ancient Grains Bread

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup fresh blackberries

16 slices Fontina Cheese (8 ozs)

¼ cup basil, chopped

4 slices bacon, cut in half

Directions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place bread, buttered side down, in hot non stick skillet (med/high heat).

2. Add 4 - 5 blackberries on each slice.

3. Add two slices of fontina cheese (or other good melting cheese) on top of blackberries.

4. Add approx. 1 tsp chopped basil on top of cheese.

5. Add two small pieces of bacon

6. Add more blackberries

7. Add two more slices of cheese, then top with additional slice of bread (buttered side up).

8. Grill until golden brown, approx. 3-4 mins. Flip and brown remaining side.

Makes 4 Sandwiches

Additional Flavor Idea: Sautéed Onions

Sloppy Joes with Homemade Cole Slaw

What is a Sloppy Joe?

After doing a little research I found out that this popular American creation

has many different names, such as Sloppy Janes, Gulash, Slushburgers and Wimpies.

A Sloppy Joe also can be made with a variety of different ingredients.

The one thing we can all say is, it is most famous for being "sloppy", on a bun. 

Sloppy Joes are known to have possibly been created by a cook named "Joe", from

Sioux City, Iowa.  This loose meat sandwich has a combination of tomato sauce and spices

added to it, making it popular among adults and children, of all ages.

From school caferterias to home kitchens, these sandwiches are

hardy, easy and very inexpensive to make, and will feed a crowd.

You can use a variety of different meats, if you did not want to use the 

traditional ground beef.  You can also switch it up and use your favorite vegetable 

protein and turn them into meatless Sloppy Joes.  For your convenience, you can 

also use store bought canned product which includes, most of the ingredients already.

My spin on the Sloppy Joe, is an Asian bbq tangy flavor. with a little bite.

You can use your favorite bbq sauce and just saute the Asian ingredients, into your meat.

Top your sandwich with my simple slaw recipe, found below.

Don't buy that expensive slaw dressing, when you can make it at home.

Be creative and have fun!  You know what your family likes, so add it in.

Since there are many different names for this popular sandwich, I decided to give my

new creation a name.  She is now called "Sloppy Mama".  

What do you call them, in your area?

Sloppy Joe Ingredients:

2 TBS olive oil

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)

1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced

1/2 cup sweet onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 TBS fresh ginger, minced

1 TBS lemongrass, ground (or 1 TBS fresh lemon zest)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

2 TBS brown sugar
2 TBS Worchestershire sauce
2 TBS tomato paste

salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup bbq sauce

4 - 8 Hamburger Buns

Directions:

1.  Heat oil in large skillet over med/high heat.

2.  Add ground beef.  Saute until browned (approx 10 mins) Season with salt and pepper.  Remove from skillet and put aside, leaving grease in skillet.

3.  Saute peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and pepper flakes.  Saute until veggies are soft. (approx. 10 mins).  Add sugar, Worchestershire and tomato paste. Stir until completely incorporated.  Season with salt and pepper.  

4.  Add beef back to skillet.  Add bbq sauce and stir.  Simmer for 15-20 mins.  Add additional bbq sauce, if needed.

Cole Slaw Ingredients:

16 ozs cabbage mix, shredded

1/2 cup mayo

2 TBS sugar, or other substitute

1/4 cup red onion, diced

2 TBS cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine

1 TBS celery seed

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.  Add all ingredients (except cabbage) to medium size mixing bowl.  Stir well.

2.  Add cabbage to bowl.  Toss cabbage to incorporate dressing.  Cover and chill until ready to use.

Reuben Hot Dog

Reuben Hot Dog

Invited to a friend's summer beach house?  

Or how about a backyard bbq?  What do I make that will be easy to prepare,

 filling, creative, affordable, and loved by all?  

Well, I had to start with the traditional "All Time" favorite, 

the hot dog.  Yes, these are always a super idea for all,

but I was looking for something a little bit more.

Then it hit me.....Reuben Hot Dog.

Now you ask, "what is a Reuben Hot Dog"?

Well, same ingredients as a classic Reuben Corned Beef Sandwich, 

with the addition of a hot dog and cheaper.

With very little planning, these were a perfect idea.

Simply, wrap one slice of corned beef around each hot dog.  

Then store in zip lock bag until ready to leave for our outing.

I prepared the sautéed onions and sauerkraut and stored them in a separate container.

I made the Thousand Island Dressing the night before, to save time.

Build your Reuben Hot Dog just minutes before you are ready to eat.

Grill and enjoy watching everyone devour these hearty dogs, in no time. 

I hit the bullseye with this one, and so will you.

Thousand Island Dressing:  

We are all familiar with the well-known salad dressing.....BUT,

Where did this name come from?  Who was the first to create it?

There are many conflicting stories, as to who and where this dressing came from.

One thing for sure is that it was created in the area, it was first made.

The beautiful Thousand Islands is located between the Northern New York region 

and Southern Ontario, Canada.  

I had the opportunity to drive through this area twice, while

traveling to Ontario, to visit my husband's Grandparents.  The islands were just 

breathtaking.  It is only fitting, that such a beautiful area's name would be used, for this wonderful versatile dressing.

Reuben Hot Dog Ingredients:
8 hot dogs, buttered
8 Three Bakers Hot Dog Buns
8 slices swiss cheese
8 sliced corned beef
1 recipe Thousand Island Dressing (see recipe below)


Sauerkraut:
1 lb 11 oz can sauerkraut, rinsed and patted dry
2 TBS butter
2 TBS olive oil
1 large sweet onion, sliced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1 TBS mustard
1/2 tsp ground coriander
 2 TBS honey, optional
1 TBS peppercorns
salt, to taste
scallions for garnish, optional


Directions for Sautéed Sauerkraut:
1.  Rinse and drain the sauerkraut.  Pat dry.
2.  Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat.  Add oil and butter
3.  Add onions and cook until soft.  Approx. 5-8 mins, Stir.
4.  Add sauerkraut and remaining ingredients.  Stir and cook for additional 5 mins.

To assemble Hot Dog:

1.  Heat grill to med/high heat.
2.  Butter outside of rolls
3.  Place cheese inside the roll,
4.  Roll one slice of corned beef around each hot dog.  Place inside the bun.
5.  Top dog with sauerkraut.
6.  Place hot dogs on a baking sheet or in an aluminum pan.  Place on grill and cook for approx. 10 mins., or until done.  Top with dressing and scallions

Thousand Island Dressing:
1/2 cup mayo
2 TBS ketchup ( I used ketchup sweetened with honey)
1 TBS local organic honey
2 TBS dill pickle relish
1/4 tsp garlic, minced
2 tsp finely diced onion
2 tsp cider vinegar
3-4 dashes of hot sauce, optional (but recommended)
salt, to taste

Directions:
1.  Add all ingredients to a medium-size food processor or blender.  Pulse until blended well.  Add to container and chill until ready to use.

1.  Preheat Grill on high.
2.  Butter outside of hot dog buns
3.  Place a slice of Swiss

Granola Custard Triffle with Fresh Fruit

What is a Trifle?
A Trifle is a dessert with layers of cream and fruit with a sponge cake or some
other form of cake or cookie, such as a ladyfinger.

It was so much fun to create this exciting dessert.  I was thinking, "how
great it would be if I were to create a granola, but also incorporate
tiny cubes of raisin bread".  This way, the bread could replace the cake, giving
the trifle a nice tasty crunch, when baked.
Adding the oats and almonds gives this recipe a nutty chewing effect, which you
would be expecting to find.  The slightly sweet flavors
 from the honey and sweet and savory from the pungent taste
and aroma of the cinnamon, brings this dessert to a new level.
Can you just taste it now?

Make this recipe ahead of time and chill.  You will be
pleasantly surprised how amazing this is.

This recipe can also be assembled into individual dessert bowl.
No time to make the custard?
Make this dessert with layers of your favorite yogurt.

Italian Custard Ingredients:

3/4 cups sugar

6 egg yolks

2/3 cups whipping cream

2 (8) ozs mascarpone cheese

2 TBS marsala wine

Directions:

1.  In medium size saucepan mix together sugar, yolks and cream.  Place on medium heat and stir continuously until starts to thicken (approx 5 mins).  Remove from heat and add to separate bowl.  Let cool for approx 15 mins.
2.  Add the mascarpone cheese and Marsala Wine and stir until incorporated.  Use electric mixer, if needed.  Cover 

Note: Custard may also be made in double boiler.

Granola Ingredients:

8 slices Three Bakers Raisin Bread

1 cup gluten free oats

6 TBS butter, melted

1/2 cup honey, I use local raw 

1 TBS cinnamon

1 TBS vanilla

1/3 cup sliced almonds

pinch salt

Granola Directions:

1.  Make small stacks of bread.  Slice into 1/4 inch slices.  Turn bread and slice opposite direction, making 1/4 inch cubes.  Place in bowl.

2.  Add all other ingredients to bowl.  Toss well making sure all bread and oats are coated.

3.  Place on large baking sheet.  Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for approx 13-15 mins.  Bread should be slightly toasted.  Remove and cool

Note:  Do not cover while still warm, if making ahead of time.  Let it dry out.

Fruit:

1 pint raspberries

4 ripe bananas

2 cups peaches, ripe

5 kiwi, ripe

Or any other type of fresh fruit

To Layer Triffle:

In large Triffle Bowl add approx 1/4 of the granola to bottom.  Add 1/4 of the custard on top of granola.  Add one variety of fruit across the custard.  Repeat these directions for remaining ingredients.  

Note:  Recipe may also be made with your favorite yogurt.  

Italian Meatloaf

SUMMERTIME FUN

Summertime is filled with lots of fun things to do, but requires some planning.

Do you have a long weekend planned to visit family or friends?
Have you been wanting to just relax by a cozy campfire, listening to the crackling, popping and
sizzling noises?
Or how about that trip to the beach to build sandcastles, the kids have been bugging you about?
Maybe you just want to take a nice ride through the mountains, to appreciate the majestic views.
The one thing in common is, we all need to eat, right?  We want to spend more time enjoying the summer rather than cooking.

Here is a great summertime meal that can be turned into sandwiches, so many different ways.
Bake this meatloaf and take it along with your favorite variety of Three Bakers Bread.

I had so much fun creating, all these different sandwiches.  I was thinking, that each person has
different tastes.  I had to create ideas that everyone would enjoy.  They had to be simple and also
easy to prepare.  For instance, a slice of meatloaf can be heated in a skillet, topped with cheese and then covered for easy melting.  Onions and mushrooms can be prepped at home and packed in
little baggies.  Makes for easy sautéing, even over a campfire or gas grill.  Or, simply just bring
along a bottle of your favorite bbq sauce.  You know what your family likes, top it!




ITALIAN MEATLOAF

Meatloaf Ingredients:
6 slices Three Bakers 7 Ancient Grain Bread
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, large
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sweet onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
1/3 cup grated cheese (I use Pecorino Romano)
1/2 cup each fresh parsley and basil, chopped fine
2 large garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
2 lbs ground beef, or other ground meat

Additional Topping Ideas:
BBQ Sauce
Cooked Egg
Avocado
Mozzarella Cheese
Arugula
Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms
Raw Red Onion

Directions:
1.  In large bowl add bread (broken up into small pieces.  Add milk and mix together.  Let sit for 15 mins for bread to absorb milk.
2.  Add remaining ingredients, except meat.  Fold together until all ingredients are well blended.
3.  Add meat.  Fold until well blended.
4.  Add greased baling dish.  (13 x 9 inch).  Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for approx. 45 mins, or until done.