Summer Squash Casserole

With an abundance of yellow summer squash from our garden, I’m using it in almost more ways that you can count!

I made this casserole for our Sunday dinner and some of it was left over.  It made a delicious breakfast this morning!  I think it has gotten better with age.  Some things just do that .  :)

I found the recipe I used at Allrecipes.com.

Summer Squash Casserole

4 cups sliced yellow squash
1/2 cup chopped onion
35 buttery round crackers, crushed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in a small amount of water.  Cover and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and place in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together cracker crumbs and cheese. Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions.  In a small bowl, mix together eggs and milk, then add to squash mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Spread into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.  Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Enjoy the day you bake it and be sure and save some for breakfast the next morning.  You’ll be glad you did.

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*By leaving out the crackers and using a mix of cream and water, the carbs in this recipe can be lowered significantly.

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I forgot to mention that I made Squash Pickles the other day.  Stay tuned for the recipe.  :)

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Partying over at

Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

I usually like to serve Broccoli Cheese Cornbread when we’re having Fried Tenderloin and White Beans.

This year I made it to add to our family’s Thanksgiving feast.

Cheesy, moist and satisfying, this cornbread recipe is a winner!

Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

2 packages (8.5 oz each) corn bread/muffin mix
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups (12 oz) 4% cottage cheese
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 large onion, chopped

In a large bowl, combine corn bread mixes.  In another bowl, beat
eggs, cottage cheese and butter.  Stir into corn bread mixes just
until moistened.  Fold in broccoli and onion.

Pour into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan.  Bake at 350° for
40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes
out clean.  Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm.
Yield: 12-15 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 196 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 89 mg cholesterol, 323 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein.

 

Pear Preserves

Pear Preserves is probably my favorite preserves of all!

Every year around this time, I want to make Pear Preserves.

I don’t always get to, but thanks to my sweet sister-in law, Martha,

I did this year and I am so glad!

In fact, I plan on picking, peeling, and slicing some

more pears tonight!

I can’t wait to try it on some of these homemade biscuits!

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I don’t really have a recipe, but here’s what I did…

By the time I  peeled, cored,  and sliced the pears I was left with 2 ice cream buckets full.

I covered the slices with sugar and put the lids on to sit overnight.  I didn’t measure anything, just kept in mind that most people put 1 part sugar to 2 parts pears.  My friend said her mom says 1/2 cup sugar to every 1 cup of pears but that might be too much, depending on how sweet you want them.  I think I might have used 5 or so cups of sugar.

I cooked the pears about a total of 3 hours on medium high heat.  About this time, they started turning amber colored and the smaller pieces were turning translucent.   They liquid was similar to honey so I knew the pears were ready.

I then poured the  preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headroom and sealed with sterilized lids.

Yield: 4 pints and 2 half-pints

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For more recipes, visit these sites…

Granny’s Pear Preserves

Pear Preserves with Lemon Slices

Southern Lady Cooks Pear Preserves

Help on my homemade biscuit quest

I’m on the quest for the perfect biscuit.

I plan on trying a new recipe on Saturday.  This cooler weather always makes me want to bake!

Do you have or know of a fabulous biscuit recipe I should try?

I’m looking for plain and simple biscuit recipes with no additions like cheese or spices…one you’d have for breakfast with your sausage gravy and eggs.  :)

Anyway, if you have a great recipe, please post the link or recipe  in the comments section.

Thanks!

Sour Cream Biscuits

September

is

National Biscuit Month

and I do love me a fluffy biscuit still warm from the oven!  Total comfort food on a crisp fall morning.

I’m on a quest to find the perfect biscuit.  One that stays fluffy and tender even after they cool off.  The biscuits that I’ve made recently are fantastic out of the oven, but after they cool down and sit a while, they get kind of grainy.  I’m thinking it might have something to do with the fat or flour used.

Recently I tried a new recipe using sour cream and was impressed with the tenderness of dough.  Topped with some apple butter,  that warm biscuit was just right along with my scrambled eggs.

Sour Cream Biscuits

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2 cups self-rising flour

3/4 cup sour cream

1 1/2 tablespoons water

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In a large mixing bowl, add flour and sour cream.   Mix to a soft dough.  Add additional water if necessary.

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With well floured hands, shape dough into round biscuit shapes.  Place in greased baking pan with sides touching.  Brush biscuit tops with oil.  Bake at 450º  for 10-12 minutes.  Brush with butter before serving.

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*For this batch of biscuits, I preheated an iron skillet,  along with about 3 tablespoons of oil.  I wanted to see if the bottoms of my biscuits would be crispy…and they were!  :)

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Tip:  If you don’t have self-rising flour, use 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 3 teaspoons baking powder.

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Also check out my Southern Buttermilk Biscuit recipe.

And here’s a great low carb biscuit recipe for all my low carb fans.

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I’m linking to…

Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia Bread

My nephew blessed me with a bunch of cherry tomatoes.  

I had been wanting to try roasted cherry tomatoes for a while so I figured this was the best time.  What a delight!

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes (Ina Garten)

4 pints cherry tomatoes
Good olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
20 fresh basil leaves, chopped or julienned  (I used some dried spice here)
Sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

 Toss the tomatoes lightly with olive oil on a sheet pan.  Spread them out into one layer and sprinkle generously with kosher salt and pepper.  Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft.   (I wanted mine a little drier so I left them in about 45 minutes while checking on them ever so often.)

Transfer the tomatoes to a serving platter and sprinkle with basil leaves and sea salt.   Serve hot or at room temperature.

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They are so tasty right by themselves, but I wanted to make a focaccia bread so I prepared the dough and topped with the roasted tomatoes.

Here’s the bread ready to go into the oven.

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When it came out, it looked like this.

It was quite delicious fresh out of the oven and would have gone great with a salad.

Easiest Focaccia Bread

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is absorbed. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 1 minute.

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.  Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F .

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface; knead briefly. Pat or roll the dough into a sheet and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the dough with oil.   At this time add the roasted tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 12 to 22 minutes, depending on desired crispness. If you like it moist and fluffy, then you’ll have to wait just about 12 minutes.  If you like it crunchier and darker in the outside, you may have to wait 22minutes.  Mine was baked for about 22 minutes.

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Later on my sweet sister-in-law called me over for supper.  Here’s what we had.  I’m ashamed to say this is my plate!  lol

My hubby cooked the fish and I made the corn salad and hush puppies.  My sister-in-law made everything else and my brother–in-law made his famous Banana Pudding.

What a delicious Southern supper made greater by time spent with family!

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Linking to

Stormy Monday

Storms And Rainbows by Ruth Warren

Storm clouds gather in a cobalt sky Beneath a far-away world, gazing high Embracing power of nature’s force Commence a journey of ancient course Whipping winds cleanse the deepening doubt Assembled force from within, without Darkness surrounding gathering light Face assaulted by blustering bite Arms raised high in a soulful appeal Summoning strength long thought unreal Undisturbed, the storm passes by Quiet electric a new heart held high In crystal clarity, sublimely calm Silently praised with cherished alms Arched in beauty, promises new Rainbow emerges in precious dew Unvoiced praise escapes without a sound Untold joys of inner peace abound Timeless harmony one could only know Of tempest storms and peaceful rainbow.

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2 years ago around this time, I posted my Southern Pecan Pie recipe.

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Southern Style Salmon Patties (low carb)

Low Carb Southern Style Salmon Patties

16 ounces pink salmon, canned

1 egg

1/3 cup onion, minced

1/2 cup Carbquik

dash each of salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning

almond flour for dredging

oil for frying

Drain salmon thoroughly.  Flake it with a fork in a large bowl.  Add remaining ingredients (except almond flour and oil) and mix well.  Form into patties.   Add oil to a frying pan and heat to medium-high heat.  Dredge each patty in almond four.  Place patties in pan.  Brown on each side, turning once gently. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Note:  Mom always used corn meal for dredging.

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Today I’m linking to

Mom’s Pimento Cheese

Pimento?  Pimiento?

Not sure exactly, so we’ll go with Pimento for this post.

One thing I’m sure of, as a kid I did NOT like Pimento Cheese!

I really didn’t enjoy Pimento Cheese until I was expecting my first daughter. That’s when I began to crave it.   I couldn’t get enough of it!

And I have to have it with plain Lays potato chips, just like Mom!

This past Sunday it was cool and rainy.  Homemade Chili and Homemade Pimento Cheese sounded like it would hit the spot, so that’s what I made.  I made it using Mom’s simple recipe.  I even used the potato masher just like she did.  It turned out great!  If I could have shared it with her, I would.

Mom’s Homemade Pimento Cheese

2 lbs Velveeta

1 large jar of diced pimentos

1/2 cup Kraft mayonaisse

Salt & Pepper

1 tsp sugar (optional – Mom chose not to)

Cut Velveeta into  chunks.  Place into a large bowl.  Add pimentos, mayo, salt & pepper.  Using a potato masher,  smash the cheese and pimento mixture until well mixed and spreadable.  Spread onto sandwich bread.  Serve with plain potato chips and a pickle spear, or serve with a bowl of homemade chili on a cool evening.  Enjoy!

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I’m Linking to

Summer 2010

I just thought I’d share some pictures of my summer.  Most of these were taken with my cell phone camera, so please forgive the quality.

Hope you’ve had a great summer!

My daughter is all excited about Fall, so we’ll probably be sharing some photos of an Autumn project she has in mind.

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(Click on the pictures to enlarge.)

My hubby went fishing this morning.

Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

My great-nephew enjoys the pool.

Homemade Pizza on a Low Carb Tortilla

The Pool on a beautiful day!

Purple Hull Peas from my garden

Purple Hull peas on my plate.

This was one of my mom’s favorite summer suppers…purple hull peas, fried summer squash, ripe tomatoes & cornbread.

My daughter’s cat, Angel, goes to the garden with me every day.

Pretty pepper plant.

Fresh green beans.

Fresh tomato on toasted sour dough bread sammie.

A wedding cake by my friend’s daughter…she is self-taught and a mom of 2 young children who bakes out of her home.  I don’t know how she does it!

Another cake by Jada.

(Hopefully someday to be called The Cakery Boutique.)

Chicken Club Ring

Ribs…

Our family made a trip to Lambert’s in Sikeston, Mo.  They are famously called “The Home of the Throwed Rolls”.  When you raise your hand, they’ll throw you a hot yeast roll.  The food is wonderful!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of my summer.

I hope to be back soon with some great low carb recipes and stories that warm the heart.  Come back soon!

Food & Crafts: Things I’ve made recently

First of all…

I had my baby great nephew over the weekend.  He’s always a blast to have around and keeps us hopping!

Jaxon eating on a lemon.

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Too cute for words! Look at those blue eyes!

 

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and finally…his Sunday afternoon nap.

 

 

 

…oOo…

 

Now on to the things I’ve made lately…

 

A  candy tray for my boss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another candy tray – for family

A  candy tray for my family

 

My morning cup of coffee - digital watercolor

My morning cup of coffee – digital watercolor.

 

Our New Year's Eve dinner - A Southern Tradition

Our New Year’s Eve dinner – A Southern Tradition

 

 Fingerless gloves made from a felted sweater

 

...oOo…

 

What have you made lately?  Feel free to post a link to your blog or site.

Have a great Monday!

Top Recipes of 2009

This past year I’ve tried to become more faithful to blogging. 

I just want to say Thanks to all who’ve posted a comment, sent an email, or just stopped by to look at my little spot on the web.   I hope you’ve enjoyed your time spent here.

Happy New Year!

…oOOo……oOOo……oOOo……oOOo……oOOo……oOOo…

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Now I’d like to share the top recipes of 2009.

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Coming in at #1 is…

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Low Carb Deep Fried Cauliflower

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Everyone’s wanting to know how to cook venison…OR mention the word bacon in a post and get all kinds of results!

 

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Deer Tenderloin

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Not far behind is

Beefy Rotel Cheese Dip

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then…

Low Carb Peanut Butter Cookies

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and finally some Southern Low Carb deliciousness…

Skillet Fried Cabbage with Bacon

 

Looks like Southern Style and Low Carb wins this past year!

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Stay tuned for more great recipes coming up this week.  I’ll be sharing a killer Pecan Pie Bar Recipe and how to make great  Buttermilk Biscuits!

Chocolate Gravy, Southern Style

Gravy, gravy, gravy!

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Here in the South, Chocolate Gravy is served at breakfast over “cat-head” biscuits, as my dear Dad calls them.   My own daughters used to gag at the idea of gravy being sweet, until they grew up a little and learned just how delicious chocolage gravy poured over a warm biscuit and topped with a pat of butter can be.

It’s not something I make on a regular basis, but for a special breakfast treat.

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Speaking of Dad, his specialty was always Tomato Gravy, a savory gravy made with bacon drippings and flour, with chopped fresh tomato pieces added.  Yum, yum!  I must make some soon.

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My friend Jada shares her family’s secret recipe for Chocolate Gravy.

Chocolate Gravy

2 cups sugar

3 TBS cocoa

3 heaping TBS flour

add 3-4cups HOT water

Mix sugar, flour, and cocoa with whisk first, then add your water.  Mix well.  Cook on med heat until it boils.

Jada’s notes:  Add more water if it gets too thick.  Some like it thick, some don’t.  I let mine sit and cool about 5 min before serving so its not like lava–lol–ENJOY! I’ve just let y’all in on a BIG family recipe 

Weight Watcher Skillet Cornbread

One of the Weight Watcher recipes I’ve tried recently…

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The cornbread was very moist and had great flavor.  I am a big fan of using buttermilk in baked breads and cakes and the buttermilk flavor came through strong for me.  I could’ve almost eaten this with a fork.  It was very good and I’ll definitely be making it as long as I do Weight Watchers.

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Weight Watcher Skillet Cornbread

1 cup uncooked cornmeal, yellow

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp table salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

14 3/4 oz cream-style corn, canned

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large egg whites

2 tsp corn oil

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Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat an 8-inch square cake pan or 8″ skillet as I’ve done here, with cooking spray. (I used my pastry brush and brushed the skillet with oil.)

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Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Mix well with a fork, then make a well in the center; set aside.

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Combine creamed corn, buttermilk, egg whites and oil in a medium bowl; mix until blended. Fold mixture into dry ingredients; mix until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

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Bake until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely before cutting into 8 squares.

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Weight Watcher Points Value 3 per serving.

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Stay tuned for more great Weight Watcher recipes.

Forkland Fall Festival yummies

As I promised…

Forkland Festival

here’s the Forkland Festival food pics.  Yum, yum!

 

Country Ham and Biscuit

I was so busy taking pics of other people’s food in between bites of yummy CH&B, that I only got a pic of my last little bit.  I passed over the Ribeye Sandwich for this delicious Country Ham and Biscuit.

 

Chili Cheese Fries

My youngest daughter went for the Chili Cheese Fries, her favorite.

 

Ribeye Sandwich

My hubby’s Ribeye Sandwich.  They cook onions and peppers to top the ribeyes right on site.  The smell is wonderful and draws a big crowd.

 

Yummy Butterfly Fries

Butterfly Fries are a festival favorite and big time seller.

 

Hot Roasted Corn with butter

My older daughter picked up some roasted corn.  I think we all had a bite of this hot, buttery treat.

 

Funnel Cake

And last but not least, my hubby’s all time favorite, Funnel Cake.

 

While at the festival, we also purchased a homemade fried Apple Pie and a jar of Honey to take with us.  

 

The Forkland Festival is a must on our fall vacation event list.  If you’re ever in that area in October, be sure and stop by.

For more information on this wonderful fall festival, go here.