Waffle Panini

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Why a waffle panini?

Waffle PaniniThis panini is inspired by a friend who loves roasted red pepper sandwiches … that simple … that good. Not even a panini when he puts his together … yep, he’s a pretty good cook and the whole thing works. I love the toasted sandwich, panini. And I’ve seen this in vogue use of a waffle iron … making a waffle meal of turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes to cakes and other desserts.

And since I have yet to invest in a panini press and I’ve lost, in my most organized kitchen, my Le Creuset grill I decided to use my waffle iron. Aside from the waffle look the results are the same as a panini press, delicious!

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Eggplant

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Eggplant Parmesan and More

Eggplant Parmigiana

Egg Plant Parmesan and MoreThese beauties, pictured two summers ago … but I can tell you I’m up for a good crop this year too. I love eggplant but only if it’s tender … not chewy and tough as it can be if certain steps are skipped when preparing. I know there are those who swear the salting process is not necessary but I’ve tried to skip this one, you guessed it, with chewy tough results. So get out your colander, salt 1/4 inch eggplant slices heavily on both sides and place into the colander for draining for at least 30 minutes. Pat liquid and dust off salt with paper towels (or rinse with cool water and pat dry) and you are good to go. An old dish that never grows old.

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Quick Beef Bourguignon

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Instant Beef Bourguignon

Well, Maybe Not Instant But Pretty Close

Quick Beef Bourguignon

 

Having success with this quick dish is to avoid substitutions of lesser cuts of beef … Definitely use fresh mushrooms, smoky applewood bacon and caramelize caramelize. I’ve tried to economize with other than filet mignon but the quickness of this dish requires a tender cut. Are you thinking why smother a filet mignon? I don’t consider quality red wine and cognac a bad addition to $25 a pound beef. Give this a try when you wish to impress.

 

And for those purists who just can’t do this to a filet mignon try this.

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Broccoli Chicken Salad

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Broccoli Chicken Salad

or

Broccoli Side Salad without Chicken

Broccoli Chicken Salad

 

 

This salad is as beautiful as it’s nutritious and delicious! Revised from the good old days of raisins and sunflower seeds to a main dish with chicken. But works as a side dish without the chicken if you prefer. Crunchy multi-flavor with a sweet-n-sour dressing. Perfect for the barbecue season ahead!

Enjoy!

 

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Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings

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Filipino Adobo Chicken Wings

Adobo Chicken Wings

Here’s another chicken recipe from my special friend. It may be an easy recipe but the flavors are many … And oh so delicious. Did you try her Tinolang Manok Recipe? Amazing!

 

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Tinolang Manok

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Tinolang Manok

Delicious Chicken Soup

Filipino Chicken Soup

Doesn’t this look fabulously delish! I wish I had some this very minute. A shy friend of mine made this for my mother. (See her food photo, next page. She advised me that noodles are really not part of this dish.) I say shy because she’d rather remain anonymous. And since she has yet another recipe for me, Filipino Adobo Style Chicken, I must respect her wishes.

Both recipes, the second coming up later today, are amazing and so healthy too.

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Santa Maria Beans

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Santa Maria Beans

Santa Maria Beans

 

 

It’s pretty obvious beans are a favorite of mine and my family … well, at least most of the family anyway. This is the time of year for barbecue and tri-tip. In the sunny Santa Barbara area of California Santa Maria barbecued tri-tip and poquito beans are on the menu. Add these beans to your barbecue for a tasty side dish. I like to cook these as a main dish too.

 

 

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Old Fashioned Tamale Pie

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Old Fashioned Tamale Pie

Here’s my mother’s original Tamale Pie Recipe. I couldn’t help but make some changes … like decreasing the cup of oil to 1/3 cup, not noticeably either, and decreasing the tablespoon of salt to 2 teaspoons. I can’t imagine this recipe with a tablespoon of salt! The 3 tablespoons of chili powder take this to a mildly hot dish. Decrease if you aren’t into it. I’ve also beefed up the texture with medium ground cornmeal and I stick to a high quality stone ground cornmeal.

I know you won’t confuse this with Tortilla Pie but for a little more Mexican food authenticity try it, here. Or if you’re looking for an updated Tamale Pie recipe with cheese try this, here. Although this Old Fashioned Tamale Pie doesn’t have cheese it isn’t missed … And I’m into cheeses. It’s delicious!

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Overnight Pot Roast

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Oven Overnight Pot Roast

 

Great meal in itself BUT I actually made this to use the meat in an Old Fashioned Tamale Pie. How easy this is! Yes, I have a crock pot but there is something just a little better about a roast coming from the oven. Follow this simple recipe and by morning you have a deliciously cooked pot roast.

The meat from this pot roast is to be used in my Old Fashioned Tamale Pie. In the meantime, enjoy this pot roast and a newer version of my Tamale Pie, here.

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Fresh Spinach Lasagna

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Packed with Ingredients

Fresh Spinach Lasagna

Fresh Spinach LasagnaYep, that’s Sharp Cheddar! Cottage Cheese? Can I really call this lasagna? Well, it has lasagna noodles and marinara sauce … so, I guess so. For me, I prefer the traditional lasagna but I was making this for someone who requested some changes.

It always amazes me how much our tastebuds are influenced by the foods we experienced as children. Why cottage cheese? The texture is less grainy than ricotta, she says. And sharp cheddar? I couldn’t do the Velveeta! Quickly sauté 8 ounces of spinach and layer it in … It may not be traditional but it is delicious. And a one dish meal. Continue reading