Recipes

We have to eat

Unbirthday Buttermilk Waffles

We all know the Mad Hatter was onto something brilliant with the celebration of the “Unbirthday”. The whole concept is awesome! You only get to enjoy your birthday one day a year, but your unbirthday party can last all year long. That alone is worth celebrating! (Ok, I’ll stop.) The same idea goes for these waffles. They are definitely any day of the week buttermilk waffles… but whipped cream and sprinkles make anything special, am I right? (Caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either.) Of course, you can use any topping of your choice. It’s YOUR unbirthday after all. 😉

As organic as possible:

1 3/4 cup Flour

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking Powder

1 tsp baking Soda

1/4 tsp Salt

2 Eggs, beaten

2 cups Buttermilk

1/2 cup Sunflower oil (or subtle oil of your choice)

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

Caramel sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles (optional, along with any other toppings of your choice!)

Preheat your waffle maker. Lightly coat with non-stick spray. I use a Krups Waffle Maker, you can find it by clicking here.

In a large bowl add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk together.

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Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients and stir until incorporated. (Little lumps are okay!)

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Using a 1 cup measure, scoop the batter onto each waffle grid square.

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Close lid and don’t peak until indicator shows done! (Or according to manufacturer instructions.)

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Remove with tongs or fork.

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Repeat until batter is gone. Serve warm with your favorite toppings! Makes about 12 waffles.

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Happy Unbirthday! (Or birthday… if it just so happens to be!)

 

 

Pantry Black Bean & Sausage Soup

Sometimes you have to rely on what you’ve got. It was one of those times, when this soup was born. Then my family asked for it again. And again. Et Voilà, a family recipe! All you need is a chilly evening, hungry people and a good loaf of crusty bread. There are few ingredients, so quality matters. (Get good Kielbasa! Use good stock!) Honestly, it’s almost embarrassingly easy, but if my family loves it this much, well then:

As organic as possible:

2 1/2 cups Chicken stock

2 Kielbasa sausages, about 12 oz each

4 – 15 oz. cans Black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 tsp dried Onion

1/2 tsp granulated Garlic

1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp dried Thyme

1 Bay Leaf

Rinse and drain your beans. Set aside.

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Cut the Kielbasa into bite sized pieces.

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Add the stock, spices, dried herbs, beans and Kielbasa to a pot. Stir.

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Simmer for about 25 minutes, until the flavors are married. Taste for seasoning, add more salt or pepper as you’d prefer. Serve with crusty bread.

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Enjoy this happy face.

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Aunt Kimbo’s Brownies

This is a perfect recipe for a beginner baker. If you can read, you can make delicious brownies. This is also a perfect recipe for anyone who wants to make a fantastic chocolatey dessert for their friends and family. It’s foolproof. This is just a perfect recipe. Not that long ago I mentioned I had received a recipe card with a wedding shower gift from a family friend. I actually grew up calling her Aunt Kimbo, although technically we are no relation. She is my real aunt’s sister, and we didn’t discriminate. I love that about my childhood. I also love that she took the time to write this down for a young bride-to-be. It is one of, if not the first dessert I made as a newlywed… and still make today.

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1 cup Butter (2 sticks)

4 oz unsweetened Chocolate

2 cups Sugar

4 Eggs

1 cup Flour

2 tsp Vanilla

1 cup Nuts

1 cup Chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°.

Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan, set aside. I love using a paper napkin (or paper towel) and a pat of butter for stuff like this. There are times when spraying a baking dish with non-stick spray makes more sense… to me, now is not one of those times.

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Heat butter and chocolate squares until melted. Using all of your strength, try not to add cream and drink the mixture. (That’s really a note to myself).

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Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Take a big whiff of that chocolate goodness. There are few things that smell this outstanding, and a good portion of life is making sure you enjoy those simple pleasures. Plus, smelling doesn’t actually add calories, so awesome.

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If you have to lick your finger dipped in batter now would be the time, because we are about to add eggs and then it will be too late. Ok, add the eggs, one at a time, beating until blended.

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Stir in the flour, followed by the vanilla and nuts. Now, everything inside of me wanted to add some chopped walnuts this time. (Because really you can add your nut of choice.) And I love balancing all that sugar with some protein and a little Omega 3… But my kids act like I am poisoning them if they see nuts. Ugh. The sacrifices we make for our kids!

Pour the gooey batter into the prepared baking dish.

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 Now spread this glossy goo in an even layer.

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Ok, here is where it gets a little iffy. My organic chocolate chips (which do not expire for months) have started to get a little white coating. I have no problems with this as I know it is completely harmless and edible. I also know that once baked, you won’t see a thing. But if this bothers you… please turn your head away for the next picture(s)! But do note you are going to miss my cute little helpers.

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Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool slightly, or completely before serving… with milk or coffee or hot cocoa…

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Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bread

I love it when friends and family members send me recipes to try for my blog. For one, that’s what it’s all about for me- trying new things and sharing good recipes. For two, I love the connections- the new ones being made and keeping in touch with friendships of the past. I cherish those things. Coincidentally, I think this recipe embodies both too! I’ve been making pumpkin bread for a long time. It’s a fall standard in my home. I’ve never tried mixing it with chocolate… and why not? Chocolate makes everything better! And what is it about making swirls that is so much fun? Anyway, thank you Jenny for sending this my way, and enlightening me to Harmon’s Grocery videos in general. This bread smells delicious, tastes yummy and makes a beautiful presentation for the family table. Uh, yes please!

As seen on vimeo by Harmon’s Grocery or on their website at harmonsgrocery.com

And of course as usual from Sadie’s Nest, as organic as possible:

Nonstick cooking spray
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
3 ounces dark chocolate, melted
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and coat the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Does everyone appreciate the marked parchment paper as much as I do? Thank you for giving me lines so I don’t have to get out a pencil.

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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Wow! There is nothing like pumpkin pie spice, or allspice if you prefer, to instantly make your kitchen smell like the peak of fall baking.img_7688

In a medium bowl whisk together eggs and sugar. Add melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Fold in pumpkin. Liquid gold.

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Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients and whisk just until no lumps remain. Or else… the world will explode… or you will have a lumpy batter, that will turn into not perfect bread.

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Divide batter in half. Add the melted chocolate and cocoa powder to half of the batter; you will want to dip your finger in the chocolate and have a little lick; but remember it’s HOT! Stir to combine.

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Add the two batters to the loaf pan, alternating between pumpkin and chocolate.

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Using a table knife, swirl through the batter. I’ll be honest, I could have swirled a little more.

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Repeat

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Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove and cool in pan for 20 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

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In a small bowl stir together the powdered sugar and milk. Spoon over cooled loaf.

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When icing has cooled slightly, slice and serve. Or serve it right away if you want to, it’s your bread and there is nothing wrong about eating icing while it’s warm.

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Edith’s Mushroom Chicken

My Great-Aunt Esta is my grandmother’s youngest sister. Growing up, we would see her maybe once or twice a year, on special occasions when she would fly to Michigan from her home in New York. Grandma and her sisters were all blessed with terrific senses of humor. Some of my favorite childhood memories are hearing them all together laughing. Aunt Esta has been wonderfully supportive of my blog, and gives me the the most endearing comments like “Your grandma would be proud of you.” Thank you Aunt Esta, it means so much to me! Recently she sent me my favorite kind of recipe, simple and delicious! Enjoy!

As organic as possible:

6 Boned Chicken breasts

2 Eggs, beaten

2 cups Bread Crumbs (*Aunt Esta mixes in a little Parmesan cheese so I did too)

1/4 cup Grate Parmesan *optional

1 Large can Mushrooms (*I sautéed some in butter & olive oil- about a pint of fresh)

1 – 14.5 oz. can Chicken broth

8 oz. Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Oil or Margerine for frying

Cut boned chicken into 2 or 3 strips. Soak in beaten eggs 5 hours or overnight.

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Fire up the grill! Or rather preheat the oven to 350°.

Roll Chicken in bread crumbs.

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Brown in oil.

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Put in shallow baking dish. Cover with cheese and mushrooms. Pour broth over all.

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Bake in preheated oven 1/2 hour covered and 1/2 hour uncovered.

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Pizza Pasta

Who enjoys having fun with their food? I do! Let’s face it, I’m not in the running to win a Michelin star. Although I think I get 4 stars on this! (One from each of my kids). We have growing athletes in this house, so we eat a lot of pasta. And I don’t know one kid who doesn’t like pizza! Let’s just get crazy… As if we needed further proof that easy weeknight meals can be as amusing as they are tasty.

Serves 6-8

As organic as possible:

1 lb Penne pasta or pasta of choice

1 – 14 oz. jar/can or homemade Pizza sauce

1 – 15 oz. jar/can or homemade Tomato sauce

1 tsp Sugar

1 tsp dried Oregano

Salt and Pepper to taste

6 oz. Pepperoni, sliced *reserve 12-15 slices for topping, quarter the remaining

2 cups shredded Mozzarella or Italian cheese blend, divided

1/4 cup (approx) of freshly grated Parmesan

*Optional diced veggie “toppings”such as onion, green pepper, mushrooms, etc.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cook pasta according to package instructions, less 1-2 minutes. *I like to salt my water when it comes to a boil, before adding dry pasta. Drain and return to pot.

In the meantime, in a sauce pan, combine pizza and tomato sauces, sugar (to balance tomato acidity), oregano,  quartered pepperonis, and any diced/sliced veggies. Stir until combined and warmed through. Taste for further seasoning, i.e. salt & pepper.

*Side note: this could easily be a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat! 😉

Pour the sauce mixture into the pot of noodles and stir. Place half of the saucy noodles in a large baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on the first layer of noodles and repeat with remaining noodles and shredded cheese. Strategically place the full slices of pepperoni around the top of the pasta dish, followed by the grated Parmesan, to create your piece of art. Kiss your grouped finger tips and throw your hand in the air while shouting “Bellissimo!”

Place the loaded baking dish into the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top pepperonis are starting to brown on the edges. Yum!

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*It might also be noted that I reserved some of the saucy noodles, which I placed in a separate small baking dish for my dairy-free son. (Which you may or may not need to do yourself.)

 

Juan’s Flan

My husband happens to be my biggest supporter. You may have noticed his regular comments on Sadie’s Nest as Owen. He also promotes my blog amongst his colleagues. How nice is it that they positively respond with kind words and even recipes! I am truly flattered, and at the same time extremely frightened! I don’t want to disappoint you Juan!! My flan did not turn out pretty…  I am secretly referring to it as Frankenflan. Just keeping it real: a day in the life of an experimental home cook. But that’s what it’s about, trying new things! Thank you so much for sharing a family recipe with me, “a traditional Mexican dessert that originated in Spain.” In spite of its (my flan’s) appearance, it was amazingly delicious!

For the syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar

First you have to make the syrup, which is made by melting the sugar in a pan until it turns into a mustard-like color. Then you spread it over the mold carefully because it gets really hot. (And in Sadie’s experience it cools and hardens quickly- so work fast!)

For the custard:

  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 6 whole eggs
  • 1 – 8 oz. bar Cream cheese

 

Mix all of the ingredients in a blender. After mixing, pour the liquid contents in the mold that already has the syrup. (Because I don’t own a cool flan mold, I used a traditional glass pie dish.)

In a preheated oven at 350 degrees, you place the mold inside another larger mold (or as Sadie did, place the pie dish in a larger rectangular baking dish)  and pour room temperature water at the same height as the flan mixture in the mold. Bake for 45 min. 

*Please note: Perhaps because Sadie doesn’t have a traditional flan mold or one to place it in for its water bath, I needed to add another 10-15 minutes of carefully watched time until my flan was set.

Let it cool, then remove it from the mold, and place in a refrigerator for a couple of hours. Serve and cheers to Juan! 😉

Easy Mostaccioli

“Don’t take a picture” she said, “the cheese is stuck to the top of the foil.” My much loved friend AnnMarie knew I’ve hardly been able to walk, let alone cook for my family. She texted me a couple days ago to ask me what I’d like to eat and what night she could bring dinner over. Of course I told her I would share no such information, but thanked her for the offer. Naturally Annie, being her beautiful self, said she’d be over in 2 days. She walked through the door with enough meals for a week, plus a blueberry pie. I was ravenous that day, and cheesy pasta is like the epitome of comfort food. She loaded up the refrigerator and freezer dividing the organic meals, explaining this is the cheese for the broccoli rice casserole; these are the shells for the tacos; placing buns for hot dogs in the bread basket… The mostaccioli was warm and ready to serve, the whole house smelled amazing. I thought to myself, “Are you kidding? It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

As organic as possible:

2 lbs ground Beef

Salt & pepper to taste

3 jars (approx 24 oz each) of your favorite store bought or homemade pasta Sauce

1 lb Mostaccioli (or penne) noodles

1 lb (16 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Brown the meat with a little salt and pepper in a large skillet. Add the pasta sauce and get it hot; let it simmer for about 20 minutes. In the mean time, cook the pasta according to package directions- less a couple minutes. (They will be a little firm, but soften in the oven while baking). When the noodles are done, mix them in with the sauce. Pour everything into a 9X13 pan and sprinkle on all of the mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Serve with a good crusty bread immediately to your hungry family, or cover with foil and deliver to someone in need. Either way, it’s delicious and they will be forever grateful.

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Chowhound’s Grilled Corn with Cayenne, Lime, and Cotija

I’m a huge fan of appreciating ingredients for what they are. For example, when I’m having corn I like tasting the corn. I’m a believer in simple is best. That said, I also love experimenting with flavors. I love trying things I’ve never tasted before. So when my sister brought this to a recent gathering I was ecstatic. I love corn on the cob grilled in the husk, seasoned with a little pat of butter that melts into the cracks of the kernels and topped with a sprinkling of salt. As it turns out I also like it smeared with a spicy mayo, rolled in Cotija cheese, and brightened with a squeeze of lime.

As found on Chowhound.com

As organic as possible:

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 medium garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 4 ounces)
6 ears corn, husks on
1 medium lime, cut into 6 wedges

Stir together the mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl until well combined. Place the cheese in a shallow dish that is at least as long as the corn.

Heat the grill to medium high (about 350°F to 450°F). Before grilling the corn, carefully peel back the husks of each ear a little more than halfway and remove as much silk as you can without pulling the husks off. Then pull the husks back up.

Place the corn on the grill and close the lid. Every 10 minutes, roll the corn a quarter turn so it cooks evenly. (If your grill tends to have hot spots, move the cobs around so they grill evenly.) Cook until the husks are charred and starting to peel back from the corn, about 35 minutes total. Remove from the grill and set aside until the corn is cool enough to handle.

Without detaching the husks, peel them back completely, turning them inside out so they form a handle. Brush the corn with a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture, roll the cobs in the crumbled cheese, and serve. Pass the lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.

Southern Fried Chicken

I love fried chicken as much as the next girl, who loves fried chicken, who’s not from the South… but my grandma was, so it’s in my blood, right there with biscuits, and gravy. And I’m a fan of soaking your chicken in buttermilk, so it’s moist and juicy. However, many of you know that one of my children has a dairy allergy, so what is one to do? Enter Paula Deen, who is from the South- so that’s legitimate. She has given us a fantastic recipe, which we (a.k.a. my sister the chef) have adapted, full of juiciness and flavor… (BTW do not be dismayed by the cup of Sriracha, it’s really not spicy.)

As organic as possible:

3 Eggs

1/3 cup Water

1 cup Sriracha sauce

2 cups Flour

1 tsp Pepper

Season Salt

1 – 1 1/2 to 2 lb Chicken

Oil for frying, preferably Peanut

In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the water. Add the Siracha and stir. In another bowl, combine the flour and pepper. Generously sprinkle the chicken with season salt. Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg/Siracha mixture, and then coat well in the flour mixture.
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot. (Using a deep fry thermometer if you have one.) Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil. Fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp. Dark meat takes longer than white meat. It should take dark meat about 13 to 14 minutes, white meat around 8 to 10 minutes.

You can find the Paula Deen’s original recipe from Food Network here.