May 8: Pepper, Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Love this salad!

3 medium tomatoes, chopped and seeded

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/2 c chopped red onion

2 TB cider vinegar

1 TB sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Combine tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber and onion in large bowl. Combine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper and pour over veggie mixture. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. 

May 7: Cranberry and Orange Scones

From a neighbor and great cook.

2 c flour
1/2 c sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 TB butter
1/3 c dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
milk
1 egg white
2 TB sugar
1 TB grated orange peel
Mock Devonshire Cream

Heat over to 425. Combine flour, 1/3 c sugar and baking powder and salt. With pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in dry cranberries. Combine egg with enough milk to measure 2/3 c, stir into flour mixture with fork just until mixture holds together. Gently form into a ball with fingers; turn on to lightly floured surface. Knead gently 10-13 strokes with floured rolling pin. Lightly roll dough on floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/4 in cutter, rerolling dough as necessary Arrange scones on ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush with egg white. Combine 2 TB sugar and orange peel. Sprinkle over tops of scones. Bake until lightly browned. About 8-10 minutes. Serve with Mock Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd. 

Mock Devonshire Cream:
Beat one 3 oz pkg cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream until smooth. Beat in 1 TB powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla. Refrigerate, covered, 3 to 4 hours. Yield: 1 cup. 

May 6: Deluxe BLT's AKA Club Sandwich

We like BLT’s at our home, except for Jen, so we tried to add some things to them so that she would also like them and came up with this sandwich and we call it the deluxe blt. Come to find out, it was already invented as the club sandwich. Oh well, to us it is the deluxe blt.

Toasted whole wheat bread, spread with mayo or miracle whip

Cooked turkey bacon or regular bacon (for Heidi)

Deli turkey

Avocado

Tomato

Lettuce

Swiss cheese, muenster, or provolone

May 5: Green Chile Relleno

Love a good chile relleno! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

3 cans whole green chilies, drained, rinsed and cut open

¾ lb cheddar cheese

¾ lb jack cheese

1 can evaporated milk

4 eggs, separated

3 TB flour


Lay half of the chilies in 9 x 13 pan. Cover with layer of cheddar cheese. Place rest of chilies on top. Top with jack cheese. Beat milk into yolks, add flour and season to taste. Beat whites until stiff. Fold into yolk mixture. Pour over chilies and cheese.  Bake at 375 for 1 hour covered.  

May 3: Orange Marmalade Pork Chops

Thank you Kaytlin, for this wonderful pork recipe.

6 pork chops
1/3-1/2 c orange marmalade
2 TB soy sauce
2 TB water
Olive oil

In a frying pan cook pork chops in about 2 TB olive oil until just barely cooked through, seasoning with your favorite seasons like seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Put chops on a plate and keep warm with foil or in oven. Keep dripping in pan. Add marmalade, soy, and water to drippings. Cook on med until it reaches glaze consistency. Add pork chops back to glaze, cover with sauce and serve. 

May 2: Fresh Pasta Sauce (Summer Pasta)

I am anxious for summer! I love this recipe for a fresh light easy pasta sauce.

4 c chopped tomatoes (you can blanch and remove the skins)
1/2 c chopped fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 TB olive oil
2 TB balsamic vinegar
1 can black olives, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
Angel hair pasta

Cook pasta as directed on pkg. rinse with hot running water.
Saute garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, vinegar, olives, salt and pepper and basil last. Simmer for a few minutes is all. Serve over pasta with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. 

May 1: J Dawg Sauce

My kids just told me today about a place called  J Dawgs and the amazing sauce that is on a J Dawg. We found this recipe and made it tonight. My children all said it tastes like the real thing. It was great. 

3/4 c ketchup
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c honey
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and heat just to boiling on medium heat. Drizzle sauce over your favorite grilled Polish or beef hot dog. Top with your favorite hot dog condiments.  Leave the ketchup behind. Suggested toppings: banana peppers, diced onions, and dill pickle spears and sauerkraut.