Sunday, April 26, 2009

CHERRY PINEAPPLE POPSICLE AND STRAWBERRY DESSERT

WOW !!! Just 3 ingredients makes this dessert a nice and refreshing treat. My son was eating a cherry pineapple popsicle.When I saw that color combination orange and yellow ideas pop into my mind and I rush to the kitchen to create something that I never made before. I had fresh strawberries, whipped topping and maraschino cherries. If you want to try it here is what you need:
INGREDIENTS:

1 popsicle (your favorite),
4 fresh diced strawberries,
1 cup whipped topping,
maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

On the bottom of a serving dish (I choose glass) spread 2,3 spoons whipped topping; add 2,3 tablespoons diced strawberries and third add 2,3 tablespoons shaved popsicle; continue this procedure until all ingredients are used. Finish with whipped topping and garnish (optional)
Insert the rest of the popsicle on the side; Looks good, taste good !!!
Hope you like it. There is no question about it in this house!

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

CABBAGE WITH HOMEMADE SMOKED GERMAN SAUSAGE

Was a little bit hard to decide how to cook these tasty homemade german sausage; with potatoes, beans or cabbage; so I call for a family meeting (just kidding...) and cabbage it was!
We went for a short vacation to Los Angeles, visiting with relatives and shopping at our favorite german deli-grocery store in Alpine Village. The prices went up since last time we shopped there, 3 months ago. WOW ! What's new?
INGREDIENTS:

1 head shredded white cabbage,
1/2 lb.sliced smoked sausage (kielbasa works excellent also)
1 medium chopped onion,
1 can 8 oz. italian cut tomatoes,
1/4 cup olive oil,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
1/2 teaspoon red crushed pepper,
2 bay leaves;

DIRECTIONS:

In a cooking pan, saute onion in 1/4 cup olive oil until tender;
Add sausage and cook for 2 minutes;
Add cabbage and all seasonings, tomatoes and 2 cups water;
Stir and cover; cook for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat.

The result is OUT OF THIS WORLD!
I dare you to try it!

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES



INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter softened,
1/2 cup brown sugar,
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter,
1-1/2 cups flour,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1 egg,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda,
1/2 teaspoon salt,

PREPARATION:

Cream butter with sugar and peanut butter;
Add vanilla and egg, beating until fluffy;
Stir in baking soda and salt;
Blend in flour; mix until a stiff dough forms;
Shape into walnut-sized balls; place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
Press with fork, crisscross, to flatten.
Bake at 375 F for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

CELERY ROOT SALAD



INGREDIENTS:

1 cup shredded celery root (1/2 celery root),
1/2 cup chopped green onion,
1/2 cup mayonnaise,
1/2 lemon juice,
1/4 cup chopped parsley,
salt and pepper to taste;

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Serve on toast, crackers or fresh cut vegetables sticks.
A delicious and healthy alternative for a quick snack or appetizer.

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE BALLS




INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 Italian spices
1/2 tsp pepper
salt to taste but not necessary
oil for deep fry

PREPARATIONS:

Mix all the ingredients
Form 1-1/2 size balls
Deep fry for 1-2 minutes or until nice golden brown
Remove on paper towel to absorb excess oil
Serve worm or cold as appetizer or snack

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups vanilla ice cream,
1- 1/2 cups fresh strawberries,
2 tbsp. sugar,
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice,
2 cups crushed ice,
1 cup cool whip,
additional fresh strawberries for garnish;


DIRECTIONS:

Combine ice cream, 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and ice in container of an electric blender. Process until smooth. Pour into individual glasses,top with cool whip and garnish with additional strawberries.

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

GARLIC LEMON SHRIMP

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 lb.large shrimp, peeled and deveined,
4 tablespoons butter,
3 garlic cloves, minced,
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice,
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley,
salt,
fresh ground pepper;

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp; cook, tossing occasionally, until pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Toss with lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

ONE IS NOT ENOUGH - MY FAVORITE ICE CREAM

Yes, yes,yes... this is my favorite ice cream: DRUMSTICK by Nestle! I love it from top to bottom...specially the bottom filled with that creamy chocolate already melting from the warmth of my hand holding the cone and can't wait to get to that part; my mouth is frozen but I don't give up; and...here comes Baby (my best friend and the cheapest alarm sistem female dog) looking at me with this question mark on her face "can I have a tiny piece...pleeeaaasssssssse....."How can I resist this face? So...most of the time Baby ends up eating the bottom of the cone. Next time I will start eating from the bottom; Baby will enjoy any part of the cone, just give it to her!


ENJOY! (the ice cream and my Baby little story)

Have a nice day!

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

3 hands full of fresh spinach,
1/2 sliced red bell pepper,
1/2 sliced yellow bell pepper,
1/2 sliced red onion,
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese,
2 tablespoons olive oil,
2 tablespoons white vinegar,
2 tablespoons water,
1/2 teaspoon salt;
DIRECTIONS:

In a large mixing salad bowl, combine oil,vinegar,water and salt; add onion and bell peppers - mix well; add spinach and gently mix until well coated; turn salad on serving platter or small salad bowls and top with crumbled goat cheese.
Healthy, tasty and refreshing!

ENJOY!

Have a nice day!

PORK AND POTATO STEW WITH CHERRY TOMATOES

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb.lean pork meat cut in small pieces,
2 cups chopped onion,
3 minced garlic gloves,
6 medium potatoes-peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick,
1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes,
1/3 cup olive oil,
2 bay leaves,
salt,
pepper,
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley;
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil; brown meat; add onion and garlic, salt and pepper; stir; add 1 cup broth (water is fine);cover and simmer for 6,7 minutes on medium heat; add potatoes, tomatoes,bay leaves and 3 cups of broth (water is fine); cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are fully cooked .
Taste for salt; sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and serve !


ENJOY!

Have a nice day!