Estrada’s Style Macaroni

Look Alike Taste Alike

Getting close to breaking the code! Just know this recipe is a knock off. The basics of the recipe are similar to the original but some of the products I suggest weren’t even available 100 years ago. In fact, the pasta here lacks the size (diameter) of the Estrada’s macaroni. The secret in part is to cook the pasta past the al dente stage to produce a softer larger noodle. This recipe can be tweaked and maybe even made more healthy in the eyes of some. In 1914 when this restaurant was opened the food experience was different and this recipe is meant to recapture that moment in history. Thank you Debbie for one of the original Estrada’s pitchers … And too helping with the taste test. I have made some changes after this taste test. The roux is all important.

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Portuguese Sloppy Joes

Portuguese Sloppy JoesDeliciously Spicy from start to finish. Ingredient filled but so worth the extra TLC because the results are amazing. Starting with a Portuguese Bread, try either of these recipes if you’re into bread making, Portuguese Sweet Bread or Papo Secos and then top with São Jorge Cheese. Substituting other rolls won’t make a big big difference to this recipe but do try this cheese if you haven’t. It has a flavor all it’s own and worth searching out. In fact, it makes an amazing breakfast of just cheese and bread. You may not be able to find it at your local supermarket but it’s available on-line. So is Portuguese Chourico. Linguica or Spanish Chorizo can be substituted for the Portuguese Chourico in a pinch. In our little city linguica is readily available while the others are not. I did find Spanish Chorizo at our local World Market … a temporary item I’m sure. Again, if you haven’t tried Portuguese Chourico it’s worth the search.

Enjoy this simple recipe! Not simple in taste.

For a mainland Portuguese sandwich try this recipe here.

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Pound Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pound Cake is so versatile. It’s a year around treat but in our family berry season is the most popular. It easily becomes a strawberry shortcake, or we slather it with whipped cream and an assortment of unsweetened berries. Then there’s George who really prefers no topping. That speaks volumes about this recipe.

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Country Cobbler & Blueberry Pie

A Memorial Day Start

Try these simple but delicious pies for the Holiday! Pound Cake with berries is on our menu but not yet ready. HAPPY WEEKEND

Berry CobblerBlueberry Pie



Perfect Tasting Juicy Pork Chops

Perfect Tasting Juicy Pork Chops

Pork Chops can be dry. It’s just a known. And actually after eating them that way as a child for years I don’t mind the dryness. Yikes!! But let’s face it, it’s less than ideal. This recipe is so absolutely delicious but if the pork chops are overcooked … Well, you might feel the whole recipe is a flop. Here are some pointers to help maintain the moistness of your Pork Chops. Or try this brine method boasted about on The Kitchn. Haven’t tried it but bet is works.

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Italian Salad in a Jar

Italian Salad in a Jar

 

 

Who’s more into salads than I am? Maybe my daughter. The perfect picnic food for us. The idea of the jar salad is not original but it is absolutely perfect. It’s fun and practical for the summertime gathering. Adding a choice of salads is necessary for our clan. Here are two other jar salad recipes to try: Bean Salad & Layered Salad Colorful delicious salads! Enjoy!

 

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Chicken, Peas and Pasta

Chicken, Peas and Pasta

When family visits you put together their favorite foods. Then you find peas are no longer a favorite. Oops! After this, peas are back on the menu. It says a lot about this recipe!

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Apple Muffins

Apple Muffins

The house smells of apple muffins, and I remember what my daughter says at a time like this. Mom, this is so cozy. Especially cozy with Grandmother Rose’s vintage crystal, and Mother’s muffin recipe baking up. Things were a lot simpler in the 50’s … for our family anyway … Foods and recipes too. If you’re looking for a muffin with complex flavors and textures this is not the recipe. A simple taste with just a bit of cinnamon and apple tartness sums it up.

Lost in the Fifties Tonight.

 

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Easy Banana Muffins

With Crumb Topping

Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping

He’s a muffin connoisseur. Only three but his muffin must be fresh, moist, and delicious, of course. This recipe is a one bowl mix you can whip up in minutes by hand. Add the topping or not. Hope you enjoy these too!

Here’s my daughter’s guy enjoying my homemade Fudge Pops awhile back. Don’t tell his mom!

Fudge Pops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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