2014 Happy New Year!

Delicious, easy, Date Nut Bread.
Sooo cold here and it's a good day to stay in and bake!  Here is an outstanding recipe for
Date Nut Bread that you will love!

Date Nut Bread

32 Servings    Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min. plus cooling

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups chopped dates (I use lightly sugared dates)

1 ½ cups hot water

2 T Butter

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 ½ tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (pure)

Directions:

 In a large bowl, combine the dates, water and butter:  let stand for 5

minutes.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, walnuts, baking soda and salt.

In a small bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla and date mixture.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. (pour water and all- do not drain dates)

Pour into two 8 in x 4 in. loaf pans.  Bake at 375 for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.  Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo is here and we all have a little latino in us.  Here is my version of Chicken Fajitas with rice, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.  Easy to do and delicious to eat!  Arriba!

Bolognese Sauce

Easy Bologease Sauce with your choice of pasta is a great, quick weeknight meal.  Easier than you think to make.   I made this tonight in less than 40 minutes.  Ground beef, onions, carrots, garlic, basil, tomatoes in can and tomato sauce.  Simmer in a pot, add red wine and allow to cook about 10 minutes more.  Cook your noodles and serve a delicious meal with some fresh italian bread and grated parmesian.  Yummmm.

New Grocery in Town

A new chain of Groceries has moved into our area.  It is called Marrianos.  It is a very beautiful, upscale grocery store that also carries some good bargains.  Piano player welcomes you when you arrive,  samples are given out as you walk,  full bakery, deli, fresh meat and fish counters, as well as a complete exotic cheese section.  If you don't buy anything this store is a pleasure to walk through.  I love going to different grocery stores (my hobby) and I was so impressed with this store, I thought I'd share it.  It is new to the Chicagoland suburbs and they are building them everywhere.  This store will even cook your dinner for you, while you wait.  Honestly,  purchase chicken or steak or anything, and they will prepare it for you right there in the store.    I'm sure stores like this exist everywhere, but, I never saw one in my area.  It's worth a shot if you have time to walk and enjoy your surroundings! 

Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Here's a great way to use up some leftover mashed potatoes that is easy and delicious.  Shepherds Pie.
Ground beef, onions, garlic, parsley, frozen peas, beef broth and leftover mashed potatoes!
Here's the recipe for an easy casserole.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion
1 small can tomato sauce
1 T chopped parsely
1 c frozen peas
1 c beef broth
4 c mashed potatoes

Saute the meat and onion,  add parsely, peas, and tomato sauce.  Simmer about 14 minutes.  Add the beef broth.  Pour into casserole dish.  Mash the potatoes or use leftovers, and spread over the meat mixture.  Bake 30 minutes or until potatoes begin to become golden.  350 degrees.

Enjoy

It's Hopping just around the corner!

Spring is going to pop and Easter is right around the corner.  Do you bring goodies to your family like I do?  I don't do the cooking, I bring something fabulous for dessert.  Try a different type of dessert,  Italian Ricotta Cheese Pie.   A subtle, yet delicious taste of rum in this dessert makes it a real hit among the family.  My mom used to make it all the time at Easter.   Tomorrow we'll have more to offer.