Crispy Potatoes

Potatoes.  Something I always seem to have on hand.  I find them on sale all the time!  We really enjoy this recipe from Melissa D'Arabian (our favorite food network star).  I hope you like it!


Ingredients
2 tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 lbs potatoes (russet, red, etc.), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
kosher salt and pepper
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp butter

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium high.
3. Add potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add water, turn to high and cover pan.  Allow potatoes to steam for 5 more minutes.  Stir every couple minutes.
6. Lower heat to medium, uncover, and cook until water is gone.
7. Toss with butter and coat potatoes.
8. Spread potatoes on foil-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake in oven 20-25 minutes or until desired tenderness.
10. Transfer to serving dish and eat!

Knife Skills 101

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my Christmas gifts - my first cooking class at Central Market.  It was a "hands-on" class - the basics of the knife.  I brought mine from home and since it was the dullest knife, the teacher sharpened it for me!

In the class we learned about the different types of knives, which you should have on hand (chef's knife, serrated knife and paring knife), how to hold the knife, and practiced on some food.  We sliced tortillas, diced carrots, chopped onions, deseeded tomatoes and jalepenos and peeled and supremed (segmented) an orange.

I really enjoyed the class.  I really got lots out of it, and am looking forward to training anyone who wants to learn!

So, if you are interested in classes like these, go ahead and take one!  Some here in town are Central Market and Whole Foods.  I even found one in my neighborhood offering classes, and some are free - I think I may have to try Austin Healthy Cooking.

Microplane

Okay, I feel like Rachael Ray in this post, but I love my microplane!  A cute, small little grater!  In our kitchen we use it to zest lemons and limes, as well as grate cheese and nutmeg.  It is a handy little thing, and super easy to clean.

Cilantro Lime Rice

I love Chipotle!  If you don't know, it is a great burrito place, and I love to go to indulge in fast food.  Fortunately, I have found a great recipe that tastes like their signature rice.  This is a favorite at our house! We have tried to make it with brown rice, but white is better.

Ingredients
1 cup long grain rice (white, basmati or jasmine)
2 cups water
4 tsp canola oil, divided
1 tsp salt
juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
couple dashes of garlic salt

1. In a small pot at the rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt.  
2. Boil on high until there is just a little water on top of the rice.
3. Reduce heat to low and cover for 15 minutes.
4. Shut off flame and keep covered for 5 more minutes
5. Just prior to serving, add juice, cilantro and garlic salt.  Mix until blended.

another cooking blog in the family!

My cousin Julia, who lives in New Zealand, has decided to start a cooking blog.  Yea!  Now y'all can try some kiwi recipes!!  Feel free to check it out here.

Good luck Julie!  Maybe we can publish our favorite recipes in a cookbook in a few years!!

does someone really need this?

Amazon sent me some suggestions of things I may like - an electronic grocery list organizer.  Really?  $150 to organize my grocery list?  Seems just a bit excessive!!  People seem to like it, especially the cheaper models.  Guess I am a little old school - I like paper lists.  Here is a good template for you to use.  I really like it, and print it out and put on the fridge.  And I'll highlight or put a star next to the items I have a coupon for.

My amazing coconut pie

I love this pie!  I've been making it for years!!  My family, though, likes to remember the time that I spilled it as I put it in the oven and the whole house smelled like burnt milk and coconut!  Be careful putting it in the oven!!  And, I only got to take a photo of a piece, because it went that fast!

Ingredients
2 cups milk
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup Bisquick
4 eggs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 tbsp rum (or brandy), optional
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cups vanilla

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place milk, sugar, Bisquick, eggs, butter, rum and vanilla in blender.  Cover and blend on low until mixed.
3. Pour in to greased pie plate.  Sprinkle with coconut.
4. Bake about 40 minutes until pie is set and top is golden brown.

Pie can be served warm or cool.

onion chopper

One thing I hate to chop is onions.  They make me cry!!  I've tried all the methods - cut the end off and let it rest, wear goggles, put a matchstick in your mouth.  You name it, I tried it.

A couple weeks ago I got this onion chopper at the outlet mall in Hillsboro.  Wow, it is amazing!  Everything is chopped into the same sized bits!  It has measurements on the side, and can go in the dishwasher.  Seriously, how did I go soo long without it!

Grilled Veggies

Well, grilling season is here!  I love it (especially since Ryan does most of it).  My parents have shared a great little marinate for grilled veggies and it is great.  Use whatever you have on hand (and a good way to use up some.  Seriously, we make this almost once a week.  And I always make extra, but we never seem to have any leftovers...

Ingredients
2 tbsp canola or olive oil
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
2 tsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp basil
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
4 cups (or more) veggies, sliced in chunks (onions, bell peppers, summer squash, zucchini, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, etc.)

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Allow to marinate at least 10 minutes.
2. Place grill pan on grill and place veggies in it.
3. Cook for about 15 - 20 minutes or desired tenderness.
4. Remove and serve!

a good pot!

Christmas 2008 Ryan gave me one of the best presents - this Rachael Ray Casserole pot.  I hadn't much thought on how a good cookware helps you cook.  But it does!  Things cook more evenly, and you just want to use 'em because they look great!

Ry even said to me, a couple months into 2009, that if he knew how well I would cook with some great pieces, he would have bought them earlier!

So go, invest in something well made.  You won't be disappointed.

What kitchen appliance/pot do you love?