Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

 Truth is, I've never been much of a Halloween person.  Sure, as a kid, I loved the candy -- but Haunted Houses, scary movies and the whole dressing up and traipsing around the neighborhood in the freezing cold (and my recollection was that it was ALWAYS cold on Halloween in NJ!) -- just never really  did it for me.  

Halloween became a little more fun when I had kids of my own, but I was still never one of those moms who crushed it with costumes; and in the 25 years we lived in our house, we never had a single trick or treater.  Needless to say, Halloween was always a bit of a bust for me.  

I do, however, love fall -- the colors, the flavors and the decorations -- and whatever the holiday I always appreciate themed foods!   

These little jack-o'-lantern "pumpkins" filled with a healthy, fiesta-inspired blend of spices, ground turkey and black beans are too cute not to share!   

Enjoy!



Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
These festive Stuffed Peppers are perfect for Halloween!Course: Main CoursePrep Time: 25mCook Time: 35mTotal Time: 60mServings: 4 servings, 1 bell pepper eachIngredients:– 4 medium orange bell peppers– 2 tsp. olive oil– 1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey– ½ medium onion chopped– 1 clove garlic finely chopped– 1 Tbsp. chili powder– ½ tsp. ground cumin– Ground black pepper to taste; optional– 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce, no sugar added– 1 cup black beans drained, rinsed– 1 cup cooked brown rice– ¼ cup water– ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheeseInstructions:1) Slice stem end off peppers. (Reserve for later use.) Remove seeds and veins from peppers. Cut a jack-o-lantern face out of one side of each pepper. Stand peppers upright in baking dish. Set aside.2) Preheat oven to 400º F.3) Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.4) Add turkey; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until almost browned.5) Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.6) Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.7) Add chili powder, cumin, pepper (if desired), tomato sauce, and beans; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.8) Add rice; mix well.9) Fill peppers with turkey mixture. Top with reserved stem end of peppers Add water to the baking dish. Cover with foil.10) Bake peppers for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.11) Remove stem top of peppers, sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.12) Replace tops and serve. 

O'Potato Soup!

The Celtic tunes were playing, the food was plentiful, and the laughs shared among friends were loud and heartfelt. 

In keeping with tradition, last night we had a house full of friends to enjoy a St. Patrick's Day feast with all the fixings -- corned beef and cabbage, carrots and potatoes, Irish soda bread -- and of course, a variety of beers.  Friends rounded out the menu with an array of appetizers and an impressive spread of desserts.  A true feast!

Also in keeping with tradition, this morning Jeff made a fabulous corned beef hash that the boys enjoyed with eggs and toast.  Yum!!   

I guess everyone is watching their intake of starch these days though -- because we had a ridiculous quantity of potatoes left over this year.  So much so, that I had to figure out something to do with them -- they're just too yummy after soaking up all the flavor from the corned beef.  I've never made potato soup before, but I figured I would give it a whirl.

This is definitely NOT your traditional potato soup -- and never, in a million years, did I think my "winging it" recipe would be good enough to blog about -- but this soup was pretty darn good if I do say so myself!  Needless to say, I apologize for not having pictures of the process, but it's pretty straight forward. 

Here goes.  Let's call it O'Potato Soup!

You'll Need...
1/2 an onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
About a cup of carrots, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
6-8 potatoes, boiled
About 2 cups of milk
3 Tbs. flour
Pepper to taste
2 Tbs. sour cream
About a cup of corned beef, chopped

Step by Step

• Add onion, celery & carrots to stock pot along with chicken broth.  Bring to boil and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are starting to soften
• While it's simmering, take 2 of the boiled potatoes and chop them up into bite size pieces, set aside
• Cut the remaining potatoes into large chunks and put into a blender or food processor.
• Add the majority of the broth/veggie combo into the blender, leaving about 1 cup (or a little more) in the stock pot 
• Puree the potatoes & broth until a smooth consistency
• In a separate bowl, whisk milk and flour
• Add to blender along with sour cream; mix well
• Return puree to stock pot and mix with remaining broth/veggies
• Add pepper to taste
• Add corned beef and allow to simmer

If you're not a fan of corned beef, I'm sure you could use bacon.... or no meat at all if you'd rather.  That said, the corned beef adds a lot of salt to the recipe, so if you don't use it, I'm sure you'll need to add salt for flavor. 

For my first time ever making a creamed soup, I was really happy with the consistency.  It definitely wasn't watery, but it wasn't a total puree either.  Keeping some of the veggies in tact and adding the corned beef was just perfect.

I used skim milk and light sour cream to try to keep the fat content in check.  Plugging all the ingredients into the Weight Watchers recipe builder, it looks like it's about 4 points for a 1 cup serving.   Not too bad for such a hearty soup!

 

Enjoy -- and Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my blog world friends!

Soda Bread So Good, Even a Kitty Will Love It!

In my previous post, you saw our naughty little kitty on top of our refrigerator enjoying some fresh baked Irish Soda Bread!  One reader commented that the bread must be pretty good for a cat to love it -- and indeed it is delicious! 

With St. Patrick's Day quickly approaching, I thought it would be worth sharing the recipe, just in case anyone is looking to make their own this year. 

This recipe is pretty straight forward.  Both of my sons made it for their Creative Foods class and the flavor was outstanding! 

We followed the recipe exactly as written, using a cast iron skillet. It definitely needed a few extra minutes baking time to make sure it baked through.  Matt reminded me that we when we made it the last time, we deviated slightly from the recipe as written -- using a loaf pan rather than forming into a round and baking on a sheet.  The major difference is that with a loaf pan the bread keeps its shape and gets a little "taller."   

No matter how you make it -- beware of sneaky kitties who will try to steal a nibble!

Enjoy -- and please let me know how it works out for you!

 

 

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Ingredients
4 to 41/2 cups flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 Tbsp butter
1 cup raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups buttermilk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Sift together 4 cups of flour, thesugar, salt, and baking
soda into a large mixing bowl.

2. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal, then stir in raisins.

3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiffto stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowljust long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with,add in some more flour. Do not over knead! Transfer dough to a lightly flouredsurface and shape into a round loaf.

4. Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a bakingsheet. Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about 1/2'' deep in an"X" shape. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottomsounds hollow when tapped with a knife, about 35-45 minutes. (If you use a castiron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat upthan a baking sheet.) Check for doneness also byinserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it'sdone.

Hint 1: If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent thebreadwith some aluminum foil.

Hint 2: If you use a cast iron skillet to cook thebread in the oven, be very careful when you take the pan out. It's easy toforget that the handle is extremely hot. Cool the handle with an ice cube, orput a pot holder over it.

Transfer bread to a rack to let cool briefly. Servebread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted.

 

Discover a New Holiday Tradition

You know I usually like to write my own posts -- but I received this message via email today from a friend, and I felt it was worth posting.  Not only does the message about supporting our local merchants resonate with me, but I also think some of these gift ideas are wonderful --- especially for the person who "has everything."    So with that, I'd like to share this message...

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition!


As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Nearly everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.


Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember, folks, this isn't about big national chains -- this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line, to help them keep their doors open.


How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local craftspeople spin their own yarn and knit it into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful wood boxes.


Go out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another 10,000 Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.


You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about "charity begins at home," encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition, beginning in November of 2011 and continuing until we have a job market again!

PLEASE take just a moment and forward this to everyone on your mailing list. Post it to discussion groups. Throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city. Send it to the editor of your local paper, to radio stations and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is all about?


 
The one idea that I will add -- in this age where so many of us are blessed with more material goods than we could ever possibly need, please know there are hundreds of very worthwhile non-profit organizations that could benefit from even a small donation. Human service organizations such as boys & girls clubs, food banks, hospitals, schools, shelters, etc., provide necessary services to those in need.  During difficult economic times, many of these organizations are losing donations -- at a time when they are most needed.    A donation made in someone's honor, to an organization they believe in, is a gift that gives tenfold.
 
Here's to the start of a happy holiday season!

Thankful

It's been forever since I've written -- and I apologize for that.  But as one faithful reader once told me, the beautiful thing about a blog is that your readers are there when you write, and they understand when life gets in the way.  

Well -- 2010 has been quite a whirlwind, with the usual day to day of a family of five, plus a college search, some family health concerns, and a job that had my head spinning for months...spinning so fast, in fact, that I launched myself right into a completely new job with a new organization.  Yes, this has been a whirlwind year -- and as a result, I've neglected to take time 'Round the Kitchen Table.

But this morning - on the eve of my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving - I can't help but pause and count my blessings.

Today and every day, I'm thankful for...

...the food on my plate, and the roof over my head.
...a job that interests and challenges me, at a time when so many are struggling to find work.
...my friends, who understand and forgive me for not being in touch more often
...and the friends I see regularly who listen patiently, laugh heartily, and are always willing to help me drink a bottle of wine.
...my siblings, aunts and uncle who I don't see often enough -- but I know each and every one of them are there to hold me up if I'm about to fall.
 ...my husband and children whose smiling faces, brilliant senses of humor, and unconditional love fuel my every move.
 ...and my parents who provide living proof every day that "love is patient, love is kind....It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails."

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! 

What a Difference A Day Makes

I woke yesterday morning to yet another glorious sunrise. The way the color swept across the sky and rose up over the trees was truly magnificent. Despite the chill in the air on the frosty winter morning, I couldn't help but feel the warmth from the heavens.



Then, just twenty-four hours later, a completely different view from the same vantage point -- equally glorious, but a different sort of warmth. Perhaps a heaven-sent message of purity, grace, hope -- and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy life in the coming year.



Best wishes for a healthy, happy and safe New Year.

Unexpected Christmas Gifts!

Dear Santa,
I just wanted to write to say thank you, because once again, WE DID IT!
Another wonderful holiday has come and gone, and I owe it all to you. With your help we decorated, shopped, wrapped, baked (more than 450 cookies), cooked, and this year we even managed to get a holiday card out...EARLY!! I know it was only an e-greeting, but it beat the heck out of no greeting at all! (Thank you Smilebox.com!)



Beyond all of the usual holiday-related tasks, this year you even helped us move our daughter home from college and get her transfer applications out in time, so that she can start second semester at a school closer to home. Yes, we pulled it off...even while I was adjusting to the new job and new commute.

Like every year, I know I couldn't have done it without you!

The only thing I have been bummed about through the holidays, is that I rarely found time to keep up with my blogs. At this time of year there are so many great family traditions, funny stories and special recipes to share -- but with everything that was going on, the time to write escaped me. By the middle of last week I was getting kind of cranky, because I really NEED my writing time – in fact I was just whining to my hubby that after the holidays I was determined to get back into better routine that gave me my "escape" time to write.

Lo and behold, you must have been eavesdropping on our conversation, because the very next day I received a message from Heather at The Secret Is In The Sauce, saying that I was going to be today's featured blogger. That news was just the little shot in the arm that I needed to stay true to my commitment! So....THANK YOU Santa...and my SITS friends...for this wonderful, and very unexpected gift!



Whether today is your first or fiftieth visit to my blog, I just want to Welcome You and Thank You for stopping by today. Please pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and join me ‘Round the Kitchen Table. I'm not exactly sure how I’d describe this place – it’s kind of like everyday life – with a little bit of this, and little bit of that.

If you have time, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite posts, including The Philosophy of Nicholas and Sarah, which I truly believe holds the secret to life! You can also find some quick and easy recipes -- but I apologize in advance if you stumble upon broken links in my recipes.

Also, if you’re so inclined, I’d love for you to swing by my other blog – Today I Pray. As I try to figure out how I'm going to manage the two blogs in the new year, I’d really love your suggestions about how I could bring the two blogs together somehow.

Thanks again for coming by today. I look forward to getting to know you -- I've met so many great people through SITS, I know this is the beginning of some great new connections!

I know that 2010 is a joy-filled year for you if you remember the secret of life -- just be happy!!

Lauren

Apricot Cranberry Chutney

We're busily (read that - frantically) getting ready for Thanksgiving. Looking forward to a house full of loved ones...and already missing the ones who won't be here with us.

The next two days will prove to be crazy ones, as we ready the house, finish the last of the shopping, bake, and cooking, and set the table in preparation. I'm not complaining, it's really my favorite holiday of the year!

Anyhow, later tonight I will be making Apricot/Cranberry Chutney. It's a recipe I found a couple years ago, and is a delicious (and festive) option to traditional cranberry sauce. I thought you might enjoy it as well. I wish I could take credit for it, but I found it originally on allrecipes.com

You'll Need

• 1/4 cup diced dried apricots
• 1 (12 ounce) packaged fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar

Step-by-Step

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the apricots, cranberries, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and cloves.
2. In a medium saucepan, boil water and sugar, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Add the dried fruit mixture and vinegar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a covered container.

The last time I made it, I did let it chill, but I tasted it while it was warm, and it was delicious. I bet it would be fabulous poured over cream cheese and served as a spread with crusty bread.

Oh my...my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Enjoy!

Celebrating the Red, White & Blue!

It's another weekend for patriotic celebration so I thought I would share two great "red, white and blue" recipes to move your picnic fare from ordinary to a real celebration.

Want to try something a little different? How about trying a "Red, White and Bleu Burger?"

You'll Need:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 container crumbled bleu cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step By Step

1. Break up ground beef (or turkey) into a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut up uncooked bacon into small bite-sized pieces and add to bowl
3. Add full container of bleu cheese crumbles
4. Add salt and pepper to taste


5. Mix all ingredients and hand-form burgers

6. Grill immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
7. Serve on a crusty kaiser or potato roll
NOTE: You will want to grill these over a lower flame to ensure the bacon cooks through, but the burger doesn't char. Cooking to a temperature of 150 degrees makes for a nice medium rare burger and the bacon will be cooked (though not crispy).

A perfect side to really compliment the flavors is a Red, White and Bleu Spinach Salad


Borrowing this image from www.pensieve.me/ because I haven't made the salad yet this weekend....but I will!!
You'll Need

Salad

• fresh spinach (cleaned and torn)
• strawberries (sliced)
• blueberries (whole)
• crumbled bleu cheese
• chopped red onion (optional)
• walnuts or pecans (chopped)
• Poppyseed dressing (I've included a recipe if you like to make your own, but I've found Brianna's poppyseed dressing to be every bit as good as homemade).

Dressing

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup salad or olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds

Mix ingredients in a jar, cover, shake well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step-by-Step

1. Add all salad ingredients (except dressing) in a large bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Just before serving toss salad in dressing.

If you still have room for more, don't forget the perfect ending to your Red, White and Blue Celebration
-- a festive fruit pizza!



Of course, if you're on strawberry and blueberry overload there's always the great all-American favorite -- apple pie and ice cream!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

ENJOY!!

Peter Rabbit Cookies

It's not Easter until Peter Rabbit makes his appearance!

 

 

Another wonderful recipe from my Gram -- cute as could be with their little ears and bunny tails! They look sweet in a basket, or arranged in a grouping on a plate lined with Easter grass!

You'll Need

1/2 cup soft butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon almond flavoring

1 1/4 cup flour

powdered sugar for dusting

Step by Step

1. Cream butter, sugar and flavoring together.
2. Stir in flour and mix well.
3. If dough is too dry to handle, add 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
4. Chill 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
6. Roll 1 level teaspoon dough into ball for head, and 1 heaping teaspoon dough into ball for body.
7. Use tiny bits of dough for ears and a tiny ball for the tail.
8. Bake about 20 minutes, do not brown.
9. While warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Happy Easter everyone!

Thanks again to my Gram for another wonderful recipe!