Thursday, January 17, 2013

Inaugural Merriments Blueberry Muffins

Inaugural Merriments Blueberry
 
Muffins
 
Makes 12 muffins
 
A delicious, healthy snack that the First
 
Lady would approve of.
                                 

1 c flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2/3 c. sugar, divided
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup OJ
1/2 cup canola oil
1 container (6 oz.) vanilla-flavor
Greek yogurt
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. fresh orange zest 
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
 
 
Heat oven to 400ยบF.  Spray 12 cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix flour, oats, whole wheat flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda
and salt in large bowl.
 
In separate medium bowl whisk orange juice, oil, yogurt, egg and zest.  Add to
dry ingredients with blueberries and stir just until moistened.  Spoon evenly
into prepared pan.  Combine remaining sugar with nutmeg; sprinkle evenly
over tops of muffins.
 
Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
 
 
 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Maverick Meatloaf

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/us/obama-expected-to-select-hagel-for-defense-post.html?ref=politics&_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/opinion/chuck-hagel-under-attack-in-vietnam-and-on-capitol-hill.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0

When McCain was labeled a maverick, it was a good thing.  Now, not so much.  Hagel apologized for the gay remarks and he is clearly not anti-Semitic.  The only thing he hates is WAR, because the man has had combat experience.  I think we should support his nomination.

Maverick Meatloaf
Makes 10 servings

It's gutsy making meatloaf with so much garlic, but this lean meatloaf slices beautifully and tastes just as good the next day on a toasted bun.


1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 lb. lean ground pork
2 eggs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
5 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients in large bowl.  Shape into loaf in foil-lined pan.

Bake 1 hour or until done (160˚F).  Let rest 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil, before slicing.


Leftover idea:
Serve cold meatloaf, thinly sliced, on toasted Kaiser rolls with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and onion.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

NO CONTROVERSY Slow-Cooked Chicken with Pan Gravy

http://www.sj-r.com/thedome/x1665856929/Illinois-Senate-committee-approves-bans-on-guns-clips
 
 Attention:
  • people who sleep with handguns under their pillows for safety
  • people who are passionate about thte 2nd amendment in case they need to overthrow a tyrannical government
  • hunters
NOBODY is going to take away your pistols, handguns or rifles in Illinois.

House Bill 1263 bans the possession and sale of semi-automatic assault weapons
House Bill 815 bans the possession and sale of large-capacity ammunition magazines

NO CONTROVERSY Slow-Cooked Chicken with Pan Gravy
Makes 6 servings

The best weapon is a great dinner.

1 whole chicken (4 lb.)
1 diced peeled carrot, celery stalk and shallot
5 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 sprigs rosemary
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup white wine
1 Tbsp. cold butter (optional)

Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry.  Sprinkle chicken inside and out with Kosher salt and pepper.  Place in 4 to 6 qt. slow cooker.  Sprinkle with vegetables, garlic and lemon juice.  Tuck rosemary between wings.  Cover.  Cook on HIGH 5 hours (do not open cover or stir during cooking time).

Remove chicken and cover with foil.  Skim fat from pan drippings (see note).  Place defatted drippings in medium skillet.  Bring to a boil and reduce by half.  Stir in cornstarch that has been mixed with the wine.  Continue to cook and stir until thickened.  Stir in butter if desired; keep warm over very low heat.

Cut chicken into serving pieces.  Serve with pan gravy and your favorite starchy side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles.

Note:
I love this item:  Chefs Essentials Grease Separator, $15.95.
http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/28736-chefs-grease-separator.aspx