Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

RECIPE: Ground Turkey Soup With Beans and Spinach

This recipe is a keeper! Quick to throw together, absolutely delicious, and very much like some sort of Tuscan or Florintine soup that you'd get at a high-end restaurant. 

To suit my own taste, I did jazz it up a bit by adding extra basil, oregano, and black pepper, as well as, a sprinkle of garlic powder, some salt, and a tablespoon of chicken soup base, but it was delicious as was. 



Here's the recipe...

GROUND TURKEY SOUP WITH BEANS AND SPINACH

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (I omitted the oil       
   because I cook my ground meat in water 
   and drain)
 - 1 pound ground turkey
 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 - a pinch red pepper flakes
 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
 - 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, 
   undrained
 - 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
 - a small bag or box of spinach (5 to 8 oz.)
 - 3 cups chicken broth
 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 
   plus extra for garnish

Brown the meat with onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until ground turkey is cooked through. 

Add oregano basil, tomatoes (with liquid) and beans. Stir to combine.

Reduce heat to medium-low, add spinach and cover for a couple of minute or until spinich is wilted. Stir to combine.

Add broth, stir, and increase heat to medium. Continue to cook until heated through (about 5 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan.

Note: Any ground meat of choice may be used in this recipe and, again, add extra spices, salt, chicken base, if desired, to suit individual taste. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Recipe: Beef and Celery Stirfry

I had my menu plans made for the week when I discovered a bunch of celery wilting and on it's way out in the fridge. In order to use it up quickly I made a beef and celery stirfry today, and it was delicious!


Here's the recipe...

BEEF AND CELERY STIRFRY

 - 1 lb lean stew meat
 - 1 1/2 tbsp Bragg's aminos (or soy sauce)
 - 1/4 tsp salt
 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
 - 1 tsp ground ginger
 - 2 tsp corn starch
 - 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
 - 1 beef bullion cube dissolved in 1/2 cup        water
 - pinch of Super Sweet (or 1/4 tsp sugar)
 - 1/4 chopped onion
 - 2 cloves garlic
 - one bunch celery cleaned and cut into       half-inch slices

I slow-cooked the meat first to ensure tenderness. After draining most of the liquid, I added the rest of the ingredients, turned up the heat, and stir-fried until the celery was tender. I did add a little extra water a couple of times during cooking. Serve over rice or cauli-rice.

Until next time,
~Rebecca

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Thursday, May 11, 2023

Thursday Things - Rain, A Change in Menu Plans, and More

It's a beautiful rainy day here in southwest Missouri and I am so thankful! We might finally be getting enough rain to make a difference! Whether we are or not I am enjoying it greatly! 

Pink Peony

I've been piddling around the house most of the day. I've made the bed, done dishes, fluffed and folded the towels, washed a load of clothes, gone through program boxes to find items needed for upcoming programs, and brought in the trash bin. I've also started preparing a list of things that will need to be packed before heading for spring training, which is coming up quite soon.

More Irises

I've done a total turn-around on my menu plan this week. I got to looking in the fridge and discovered that I still had so many fresh vegetables that needed used. With just me in the house it's hard to use some things up in a timely manner, but, I don't like wasting food. Even though it may take extra time, energy, and effort, I generally do whatever I have to to keep it from going to waste. 

I thought, "Well, I'll just chop these vegetables up and freeze them." Then I thought, "Why don't you just chop them up and cook them into a stir-fry now?" And that's what I did. 

I chopped up cabbage, cauliflower, onion, green pepper, celery, mushrooms, and carrots, and added fresh corn cut from the cob. I am cooking up some ground turkey to add to the pot and will season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Bragg's aminos. This evening I will serve the stirfry over brown rice and will make up several containers that will be used over the next couple of days or frozen to eat later. I will reevaluate the current menu plan next week. 

I have some apples that need used up, too. I think I will turn them into an apple cake. After it's cooled I will sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar, cut into slices, wrap, and freeze to be doled out a piece at time here and there along the way. For my favorite Apple Cake recipe click HERE

Well, I guess that's it for today. I'm so glad that I had time to sit down and visit with you this afternoon. That just makes my day! 

What's going on in your world today? I pray that all is well with you and yours and that you're having a lovely Thursday afternoon!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Passion Week - Resurrection Cookies (Recipe)

I've share this before, but this is a recipe that I made with my children several times over the course of their growing up years. What a great way to teach the Biblical account of the Resurrection!




You will need:

1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zippered baggy
a wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

These are to be made the evening before Resurrection Sunday.  

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees *** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe). 

Place pecans in zippered baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonsful onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20-22.

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9.

What a great way to share with your children the fact that we do, indeed, serve a risen Saviour and His name is Jesus! Praise be unto the Lord! 

Happy Passion Week!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Thursday, March 2, 2023

Recipe - Peanut Butter Cookies

I don't think I've made peanut butter cookies since the kids were little, but last night I got me a real hankerin' for some, so I made a batch and boy! Were they ever good! Thought I'd share the recipe with you here today! Enjoy! 



PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening (I used canola oil)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour (I used Prairie Gold whole wheat)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix ingredients together and chill dough for at least 3 hours. 

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Shape into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped in flour. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet; cool completely. 

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Note: The link to this recipe has been posted on the following sites, as well...


Sunday, January 29, 2023

Sunday Night Catch Up, Recipes, and More

It's been a busy week and weekend here and I've not had a chance to do much of anything on the computer until tonight. I could have saved any updates for tomorrow morning, but I felt like writing and unwinding. How are things going on your end?

Wednesday evening several of us got together to celebrate Burn's Night and my cousin's birthday. No birthday cake, but Amber's Scottish shortbread was delicious! 

Scottish Shortbread

For those that are interested in learning more about Burn's Night or obtaining some traditional Scottish recipes click HERE; for my recipe for Scottish shortbread click HERE.

Thursday morning Angie and I went for a drive through the park before enjoying breakfast at Mary's. We saw a few things of interest along the way, including the bison, but our biggest nature find of the morning was a pair of trumpeter swans swimming on the city lagoon. They were so beautiful!

Trumpeter Swans

In addition to working my regular hours at work this week, I participated in deer survey's on both Friday and Saturday nights. While out and about the boss and I saw deer, yes, but we also saw several other creatures of the night including cotton-tailed rabbits, two skunks, an armadillo, a raccoon, a coyote, and several short-eared owls. It was so much fun! 

Short-eared Owl

I had complany for lunch after church today, but the afternoon and evening has been quiet. I'm still battling broncitis or something so am thankful for a little down time. I've watched a few episodes of Relative Race and just rested. It's been a good day. I will post my to-do list and menu plan tomorrow.

Until then...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Relative Race, Baking Casseroles, and Recipe For Turkey Pot Pie

I had a great time at Patrick and Amber's last night. We had a delicous supper, brownies and ice cream for dessert, and Amber introduced me to Relative Race

Relative Race - Season 5

By chance, has anyone else here watched it? Oh my goodness! I love it! 

Relative Race is one of those reality tv game shows with a prize of $50,000 riding on the line, but, it's so much more! Four teams search for family members that they've never met before. It might be people who were adopted as children, or those that grew up in single-parent homes, that are searching for biological parents or other family members. They go on this crazy, ten-day race all over the country, following instructions, facing challenges, meeting relatives, getting many surprises and blessings along the way. It is great fun and really pulls at the heart-strings! After I finish the season that we started last night (Season 5), I want to go back and watch the rest of them!

This morning I got up and put together a couple of casseroles. These will be used as lunches and quick suppers over the next several days. 

Baked Rigatoni With Pepperoni

I made a small (two-serving) baked rigatoni with turkey pepperoni and a turkey pot pie with a celery seed drop biscuit topping. I will share the recipe for it with you here today.

Turkey Pot Pie With Celery Seed Drop Biscuit Topping

TURKEY POT PIE

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
2 cups cut-up cooked turkey (or chicken)
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas and carrots 

(Note: I didn't have frozen peas and carrots, so I used fresh carrots, sliced thin, and 1/2 cup canned peas.)

Heat butter over low heat until melted. Blend in flour, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in turkey and vegetables. Pour into a 9x9x2-inch pan that has been sprayed with pan spray. Top with celery seed drop biscuit dough (recipe below) and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

    Drop Biscuit Dough

1/3 cup canola oil
1 3/4 flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)

Mix ingredients together with a whisk and drop by tablespoonsful on top of chicken and vegetable mixture in baking pan.

Now that I'm done in the kitchen, I'm going to go to work in the Van Gogh room for a while. That's what's going on this afternoon at my house. What's your Wednesday look like?

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Thursday, July 21, 2022

Quick and Easy Cucumber Salad

I discovered this quick and easy cucumber salad online and have made it my own. I not only eat it alone as an accompaniment to a main meal, but add it on top of a tossed salads, pasta dishes, and more. I've never been a huge cucumber salad fan, but, honestly, I can't get enough of this one! It's super yummy!

QUICK AND EASY CUCUMBER SALAD

1 pound cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

Peel and thinly slice cucumbers and onion into a bowl (preferably one that comes with an airtight lid). Sprinkle with sugar and salt; add red wine vinegar and seal. Store in refrigerator for, at least, 20 minutes to chill before serving, but it will last for days. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Recipe: Braided Easter Egg Bread

I made this pretty braided bread last year to serve with lunch on Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Even though I didn't get my ends sealed good and it kind of came apart on the back side, it still turned out nice. It was really good and everyone liked it! I thought I'd share the recipe with you here in time for Resurrection (Easter) Sunday this year! 🐇

Braided Easter Egg Bread

Do not cook the whole eggs. They will bake at the same time the bread does. The eggs can be dyed for extra color, if you desire.

BRAIDED EASTER EGG BREAD

2 1/2 cups flour, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (2 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
5 whole eggs, dyed if desired
2 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan and heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted. 

Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

Lightly grease or oil a large bowl (or spray with pan spray); place the dough in bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36-inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of the dough.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. 

Yield: 1 1-pound loaf
Servings: 10

Braided Easter Egg Bread Before Baking

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Monday, March 14, 2022

Monday Musings and Preparing For St. Patty's Day

Good morning! It's Monday! 😊

And what a beautiful Monday it is, too! Mostly sunny, windy, and 55 degrees! The tail end of last week's snow has completely disappeared and a high of 58 is expected. From here on out it look like smooth sailing with highs (most days anyway) in the 60's and 70's and lows in the 40's and 50's. Spring is definitely winning out as Old Man Winter slowly, but surely, loosens his frigid grip. 

To be honest this has been the longest, loneliest winter on record. (Not that there haven't been people around, because there has been. This is the kind of loneliness that prevails even if you're in a whole room FULL of people. There are no words to describe it.) Usually, I enjoy winter, but not this year. I'm so thankful that spring is on its way! I'm determined to enjoy each and every moment of it as I bask in its beauty and glory! 🌷

I've found that I've pulled in on so many fronts since my husband's death. In dealing with (and not dealing with, in some cases) my thoughts, feelings, and grief, I have built walls...some to protect myself; others to keep out what, up to now, I've been unable (or not known how) to deal with, but, little by little, I'm finding my way. I am determined that, no matter what it takes, I'm going to fight through the brokenness, the fear, and the grief, and, some way, some how, tear down walls and bust through to the other side of all that God has created me to be and do...period! I think that part of that process will take place through just being me and sharing myself...my thoughts and feelings...here, in my own arena, without guise nor pretense. My intentions are good at the moment. We'll see if I can stop flying by the seat of my pants now and actually settle myself down to do it. I appreciate those of you who stick with me no matter what. It means a lot. 

Okay...so here we are...the Monday before St. Patrick's Day! 


As most of you know, St. Patrick's Day has always been a special day for our family. It's a great day o' fun for the wee ones (young and old alike) and, generally, just a good overall excuse to call for a gatherin' o' the clan. We are celebrating this year tomorrow (on the 15th; I have to work the 17th).


We have always scheduled the event around Amanda's schedule. She and Aaron and Alysia, were supposed to arrive this evening, but, unfortunately, Aaron is not well, so they will be unable to attend. (Please pray over him. I just found out that they spent last evening in the ER.) The gatherin' o' the clan sure won't be the same without them and this is our first St. Patrick's Day without John. 💔

I love and miss you, my Darling! 💚

St. Patrick's Day 2021
Most of the clan had already come and gone last year
when our youngest son took this photo by doing a flyover
with his drone. I'm so thankful that he thought to do it.

Amber and I went shopping Saturday for the St. Patty's Day feast. I'm serving the same thing that I serve every year...corned beef and cabbage, baked potatoes, and Emerald Isle Cake. I purchased both deli corned beef and flat cut corned beef roasts (super nice and really lean). I cooked the roasts in the crockpot yesterday, then cooled and sliced them last night. I'm preparing to bake the cakes this afternoon and will bake the potatoes and cook the cabbage in the morning. I am greatly looking forward to having the children and grands here, even if some of them can only come for a short time. 


Well, it's almost lunch time. I guess I better stop for now and get busy. It's been good to sit down and visit with you this morning! You have a great day and I'll be with you again soon!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Two Day-After-Thanksgiving Soup Recipes



 DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING SOUP #1

1 turkey carcass
4 chicken bouillon cubes
2 ribs celery, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp black pepper
salt to taste
1 can peas (optional)
1 cup uncooked noodles

Simmer turkey carcass in large pot with enough water to cover. Add bouillon cubes and spices. Cook 45 minutes. Strain broth and pick meat from the bones. Return meat to the broth. Add remaining ingredients except peas and noodles. Cook until tender. Add peas and noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender. 

(Tip - Add vinegar to the water when you cook the bones for soup. It will draw out calcium from the bones into your soup broth. Add 1 oz. of vinegar to 1 quart of water up to 4 oz. of vinegar no matter how much water you use. You won't taste the vinegar in the final soup.)

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING SOUP #2

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 celery ribs, finely diced
1 medium onion peeled and finely diced
3 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels
2 cups diced roasted turkey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 lemon, juiced

In a heavy saucepan heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and add carrots, celery and onion; cook until soft and golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add chicken broth, corn, turkey, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Simmer soup uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Before serving squeeze in the juice of a lemon.

Makes 4 servings.

Note: Leftover rice may be substituted for the corn.

Until next time...
~Rebecca

P. S. - Don't forget to enter the drawing for your chance to win a free copy of Mrs. White's book! To enter click HERE.



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