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August 2009

Written By: kittencal on August 31, 2009 One Comment
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Taken from my “Favorite Desserts” folder!

Servings 8

Instructions:

1/4 cup butter softened

2/3 cup pecan halves

2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 prepared double pie crust (you will need 2 crusts)

6 cups cooking apples, peeled and sliced (about 1-1/2 pounds)

juice of 1 whole lemon

1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

    Instructions:———————————————

    1. Spoon butter in bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
    2. Arrange pecan halves around bottom of pan.
    3. Sprinkle 2/3 cup brown sugar over pecans.
    4. Press one of the prepared pie crusts into bottom and along sides of the pan over the pecans and sugar then trim off excess pastry.
    5. In a bowl toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
    6. Combine 1/3 cup brown sugar and remaining ingredients; toss gently then mix in with the apples.
    7. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pie pan.
    8. Top with remaining pie pastry then fold edges over and flute.
    9. Prick the crust a few times with a fork.
    10. Bake in a preheated 450 degrees F for 10 minutes.
    11. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes.
    12. Cool 5 minutes, then turn the pie upside down on a pie plate.

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    Written By: kittencal on August 31, 2009 No Comment
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    A long time favorite and this makes a great breakfast on a cold winter’s morning!… make this as sweet as you like by adjusting the brown sugar

    Servings 2

    • 1/2 cup milk (or use light cream)
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1/4 cup apple juice (or use 3/4 cup apple juice)
    • 1-2 small apples, peeled and cored and finely chopped
    • 2/3 cup rolled oats
    • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • milk or light cream

    Instructions:————————————————-

    1. Place half and half cream, water, apple juice, chopped apples, rolled oats, brown sugar and cinnamon in a large microwave-safe bowl stir with a spoon.
    2. Microwave on HIGH and cook until thickened and bubbly removing one or two times to stir.
    3. Divide into two bowls.
    4. Serve hot or warm then topped with milk or light cream and sprinkled with more brown sugar if desired.

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    Written By: kittencal on August 31, 2009 No Comment
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    Adding in 1 cup frozen thawed peas or corn is a great addition to this casserole, I also like to add in some cayenne pepper

    Servings 6

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 cup butter
    • 2 medium onions, chopped
    • 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
    • 1 large celery rib, diced
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
    • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, or to taste
    • 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped (can use less)
    • 1/2 pound fresh sauteed sliced mushrooms (or can use a can of sliced drained mushrooms)
    • 6 cups soft breadcrumbs, firmly packed
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder,
    • 3 eggs, slightly beaten
    • 6 cups soft breadcrumbs, well packed
    • 2-1/2 cups diced cooked chicken (can use more)
    • 1 cup chicken broth (more if needed)
    • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1/4 cup melted butter (can use more butter)
    • grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions:——————————————–

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Butter an 11 x 7-inch or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or any size that will hold the stuffing (only grease the dish with butter or margarine not cooking spray).
    3. In a skillet melt butter over medium-high heat.
    4. Add in onions,  green pepper, celery, sage and poultry seasoning until softened (this may take about 6 minutes).
    5. Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
    6. Mix in the sauteed mushrooms then remove from heat to cool slightly.
    7. Mix the baking powder, eggs, breadcrumbs and diced chicken.
    8. Add in the chicken both; toss co combine (if the mixture seems dry add in more chicken broth).
    9. Season with salt and pepper, adding in more sage and poultry seasoning to taste if needed.
    10. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish
    11. Sprinkle the top with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
    12. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    13. Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes

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    Written By: kittencal on August 31, 2009 No Comment
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    This brine is enough for up to a 20-pound whole turkey and will produce the most juiciest and delicious bird and you will taste only the turkey not any extra herbs or flavorings that are added in to some brines, you may omit the garlic but I strongly suggest to add it, only kosher salt for this!

    Yield 32 cups

    Ingredients:

    • 32 cups warm water (2 gallons)
    • 1 cup kosher (must use kosher salt ONLY)
    • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (well-packed)
    • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns (can use 1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper)
    • 3-4 tablespoons fresh coarsely chopped garlic (or slice the cloves into thirds)
    • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce (optional)
    • 1 whole turkey (up to 20 pounds)

    Instructions:—————————————————

    1. In a large bucket or container mix together the warm water with brown sugar and salt; stir until no salt and sugar granules remain in the water (make certain to use very warm water so that the salt and sugar will dissolve easily and completely).
    2. Add in Worcestershire sauce, peppercorns, and garlic; stir until the worcestershire sauce is combined.
    3. Cool the water until almost room temperature.
    4. Wash the turkey inside and out with cold water, then place in the brine (if the brine does not quite cover the turkey, then place it breast-side up to start, then turn it over after a couple of hours later).
    5. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours,.
    6. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold running water.
    7. Pat dry and continue with desired turkey recipe.

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    Written By: kittencal on August 31, 2009 2 Comments
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    These chicken balls and sweet and sour sauce are just as good if not even better that the ones  served at a Chinese restaurant, they make a great weekend snack or can be served as appetizers…you may double the batter recipe and use 8 chicken breasts, I would only increase the salt and garlic to 1-1/2 teaspoons
    These are very addictive and won’t be around long! :)

    Servings 4

    Ingredients:

    SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1/3 cup white vinegar
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 3/4 cup cold water (or can use unsweetened pineapple juice or use half each)
    • 5 tablespoons cornstarch

    CHICKEN BALL BATTER

    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or use white salt)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, I like to add it in)
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional or adjust to suit heat level
    • 1/2 cup plus 2-1/2 tablespoons water
    • oil (for frying)
    • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
    • seasoned salt(optional)

    Instructions:——————————————-

    1. For sweet and sour sauce; in a saucepan combine the first 5 ingredients.
    2. In a small cup or bowl whisk the cold water or pineapple juice with cornstarch until smooth and well combined, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture into the ketchup mixture; bring to a boil stirring or whisking constantly over medium-high heat until bubbly.
    3. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer until thickened (the sauce will continue to thicken as it cooks).
    4. Remove from heat and allow to sit while making the chicken balls or you may cool then refrigerate.
    5. To make the chicken balls; : in a large bowl combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, seasoned salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper; add in water and whisk vigorously until smooth.
    6. Add in chicken pieces and toss until well coated (I use tongs for mixing).
    7. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 375 degrees.
    8. Using long metal tongs dip the battered chicken pieces one at a time in the hot oil and fry until deep golden brown (about 3 minutes).
    9. Remove to a paper towel.
    10. Sprinkle with more seasoning salt if desired immediately after frying if desired.
    11. Serve immediately with sweet and sour sauce.

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