National Chocolate Chip Day

Now, chocolate chip cookies, I’m a connoisseur! I’ve been baking these since I was 10 or so and I’m … well, let’s not get into details. These are my favorites, Old Fashioned Chocolate Chips, probably because I had eaten them as a kid over and over again. But I must say my children and grandchildren feel the same even if I have to change up the recipe to accommodate those that like certain nuts or without nuts or even without chocolate chips.

Enjoy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. All these recipes whip up in minutes!

Quick Mix Chocolate Chips

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Chocolate Chip Cranberry

Chocolate Chocolate Chip

Almond Chocolate Chip

 


Days Ahead Salad

Sometimes I just crave steak! I have a long history here. Grandma Rose was a caterer and in the 60’s steak was the most requested catered dinner. Boy, could she cook a pan seared steak! There were times when it just seemed too much. Steak again! Today, of course we know more about nutrition, and steak has lost some popularity. But it still has a rich place. If you are one that just steers away from beef, chicken can be added to this salad in a pinch. If you’re busy and want a great nutritious meal ready when you get home this is the meal for you.

There are certain vegetables that keep well after they’re prepared and there lies the secret. Prepare the foods on your weekend to use for the work week. Your meats can be cooked then refrigerated and used within 3 days or can be frozen into small serving sizes … ready to pull from the freezer to use.

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Mixed Berry & Hint of Almond Paste Galette

This rustic dessert is perfectly simple and hugely delicious. It was kinda a group effort. First the idea came from a friend of mine (thanks Gayle), who put this together with her pate brisee, peaches, and almond paste (as a little taste surprise). It sounded amazing but since we weren’t into peaches we filled this richest of pie crusts with mixed summer berries and a homemade almond paste. Not to worry! All this whips up quickly. Rustic always lessens time involvement in my mind. We’re looking for something not necessarily picture perfect but rather delicious in a plain and simple way. Although, this is picture perfect to me.

You will need a food processor or Ninja (thanks Dan) for the almond paste. I suppose it’s possible without but definitely would involve time in pulverizing the almonds. It’s just not recommended. The pie crust can be done with a pastry blender easily. Let’s get started!

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Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

When you have a love affair with food like I do it’s not unusual to gain a few unwanted pounds. Yep, I’m cutting back but that doesn’t mean I go without chocolate, or a sweet treat made with butter. You might already know oatmeal not only provides great nutritional value but suppresses your appetite. I’ve made so many delicious oatmeal recipes but was looking for something new for breakfast. (Yes, I eat oatmeal bars and cookies for breakfast.) Muffins are good and I came upon a recipe by Epicurious. I liked the butter and buttermilk ingredients, and knew this was going to be a rich tasting muffin. But I wanted chocolate! I made some changes and call this a version of the original recipe. Thank you Epicurious.

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30 Minute Baked Beans

If you haven’t the hours needed to cook one of these three Baked Beans Recipes 1. Portuguese Baked White Beans  2. Grandma Rose’s Baked Beans 3. Portuguese Pork and Beans you do have the time for this 30 Minute Recipe.

Try this 30 Minute Recipe. Your family will love it!

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Tomato Harvest

They all ripen at once! So we’re having Gazpacho and Dad’s favorite sauce. Gazpacho is a great hot season meal … fresh … cool … light and jam-packed with this great fruit.

Our Favorite Gazpacho. Or try this richer version.

Here’s the first sauce I learned to make as a child. Not traditional to be sure but still a family favorite.

 


Smoked Brisket Dan’s Style

Didn’t get a taste but I’m betting this tastes as good as my recipe if not better. My recipe here. My brother is the family barbecue and meat smoking expert. We were introduced early on to the smoky flavor of barbecued steaks and smoked Portuguese Sausage. We just can’t help ourselves when it comes to the taste.

This recipe is an all day activity but most of this is observing … A great dinner for that special picnic and all day swim party. You must try my brother’s pit meat recipe too, here.

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Tex Mex Salad

 

This is a taste-alike look-alike. I’ve been craving Jake’s Tex Mex salad for years now. I’ve come to conclude I just have to make it myself.  For best results the ingredients need to be freshly prepared … Then just simply layer into the perfect Tex Mex Salad.

Jake’s Tex Mex Cafe is located in Bakersfield and has been pleasing many with their comfort foods for decades. It’s a cafeteria style restaurant if it hasn’t changed … providing a casual pleasantly fast service. As you approach the end of the service line there is a tempting dessert, their delicious chocolate cake. I haven’t frequented this eatery in years. So I can’t remember the tastes of this cake but I have a recipe for an equally delicious easily made chocolate cake. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

 

No Fuss Chocolate Cake

 

 

 

 

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BBQ Condiments Dressings Marinades

Simple additions can take your BBQ from ordinary to amazing! Start with a simple garlic butter to slather on your veggies, steak or bread. It’s easy and you no doubt have the ingredients. Beat together 1 cup (softened) salted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 2 T fresh), 1/2 teaspoon dried chives (or 2 t fresh), 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Sprinkle with a bit of grated Parmesan (optional). For the wedge salad add a Blue Cheese dressing for plenty of tang or change out the blue cheese with Feta. This Blue Cheese dip seconds as a dressing, here.

Try these to the delight of your family or guests.

marinated ribs

basil spread

bearnaise

mushroom cheese

french dressing

blue cheese burger

milk mayonnaise

blue cheese

dressings

ketchup

chicken marinade

 

avocado spread


Pecan Chocolate Cake

The moistest chocolate layer cake you’ll ever bake! Not too sweet and just the right amount of chocolate taste. So says my taste tester! What’s the secret? Sour cream and brown sugar add the amazing moisture, and the chocolate … use your very best unsweetened cocoa along with the best vanilla to achieve the just right taste.

 

This was just what I was craving. Perfect!

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