Posted in Book Reviews

101 Things To Do With a BBQ

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Everybody loves barbeque! Backyard barbeque guru Steve Tillet has collected 101 fantastic recipes for barbeque of all varieties-from appetizers to desserts to vegetarian solutions-proving that the grill is the best and easiest summertime cooking option. Get outta the kitchen with amazingly simple recipes like Poppin’ BBQ Popcorn, Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Stuffed Tomatoes on the Grill, Grilled Onion Bloom, Seafood Pesto Pizza, Doc’s Dry-Rub T-Bone Steak, Roberto’s South American Lime Ribs, Andie’s Angelic BBQ Burgers, Scott’s Tantalizing Dry Rub Chicken, Grant’s Monday Night Special Buffalo Wings, Parmesan Grilled Halibut, and even desserts like Chocolate Banana Bang-a-rang. There is also a section with Helpful Hints, Advanced Grilling Tips, and a bonus section on superb Sauces and Rubs!Steve Tillet is the king of BBQ (in his own backyard), and the son of a butcher. He barbeques year-round for his wife and children, even in the Portland, Oregon, rain. Raised in central Washington, he spent many years in the South and Midwest perfecting his barbeque recipes as he finished his medical residency. He is a practicing podiatric surgeon.

Yeah, I know it’s January and most of us are dealing with cold weather. A girl’s gotta a right to dream of warmer weather!

A. Sherwood
5.0 out of 5 stars. 
Great recipes!
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2011
Format: Spiral-bound
I love this book! We bought it several years ago and have used it a great deal. The recipes are fantastic and easy to make. They are also easy to adjust to your family's preferences. I also love that it has ideas for more than just meat. We've used many of the recipes and they've all been winners!

Posted in #Recipes

The Best Shepherd’s Pie

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

There’s a reason why shepherd’s pie is a consistent family crowd-pleaser. With a thick and hearty filling of ground meat, an array of nutritious vegetables and a cloud-like topping of mashed potatoes and melted cheese, what’s not to love? And here’s another thing to love. In this recipe, the entire dish is cooked in a skillet, saving you from both tedious dish cleanup and bake time.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

A traditional shepherd’s pie is made with lamb (more on this below), but this easy version is made with ground beef. It’s prepared entirely on the stovetop and comes together in right around 30 minutes. Simply prepare the filling in a single skillet, then top with any types of mashed potatoes and a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or for hosting company.

What is shepherd’s pie?

Shepherd’s pie is a savory dish composed of a meat-and-vegetable filling that’s topped with mashed potatoes. Shepherd’s pie filling can vary greatly among recipes. However, a mandatory inclusion is typically either ground beef or ground lamb.

Shepherd’s pie made with lamb is more common in Europe, while beef is the meat of choice in the United States. The vegetable selection also varies among recipes. Onions, peas and carrots are most traditional, with mushrooms and root vegetables (such as turnips, rutabagas and parsnips) also making possible appearances.

The Shepherd’s Pie Origin Story

Shepherd’s pie is quintessential British food and a classic Irish recipe. While iterations of this potato-topped delight have existed for generations, the first written mention of a shepherd’s pie recipe appeared in an English cookbook published in 1877. However, unlike most modern shepherd’s pie recipes, that earliest recipe originated in Scotland and featured a thin pastry shell topping (like our best chicken pot pie recipes).

The version we all know and love today was likely born from that crust-topped shepherd’s pie, with home cooks in England and Ireland opting to omit the pastry topping for ease and affordability.

Similar to cottage pie and also reminiscent of a French hachis parmentier, today’s homemade shepherd’s pie is one of the most beloved comfort food dinners. It’s enjoyed around the world in homes, pubs and even fine-dining establishments.

Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie

While often used interchangeably, these two meat and potato casseroles do have subtle nuances. The primary difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie is that shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while classic cottage pie is made with ground beef.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

27 Instant Pot Winter Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

There’s no better time to pull out the pressure cooker than winter when the cold weather demands hearty, comforting meals. These Instant Pot winter recipes make it easy to whip up a comfort-food meal without spending hours at the stove. Dishes like beef shank and short ribs that usually need an afternoon of braising turn fork-tender in a snap, and creamy clam chowder hits the table fast enough for a weeknight dinner. The result is the same cozy flavor, minus the wait.

We chose winter comfort food recipes that highlight the Instant Pot’s strengths: shorter cook times, one-pot simplicity and deep, developed flavor. You’ll find mains made for busy weeknights, like taco pasta with just the right kick and creamy mac and cheese loaded with buffalo shrimp. Hearty five-bean chili is another favorite because it’s filling, flavorful and warms you from the inside out. For something more traditional, make a version of your favorite tender pot roast, without the all-afternoon cooking time.

Many of these Instant Pot meals lean into winter with seasonal produce like pumpkin, sweet potatoes and apples to add freshness against rich meats or canned beans or broth. Most recipes are easy to portion for make-ahead lunches, dinners or freezer meals, so all you have to do is add winter side dishes for a complete meal. From tender roasts to chunky stews and saucy pastas, these Instant Pot dinners bring all the comfort of winter meals without the fuss.

Taste of Home

Posted in Book Reviews

The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

125 Perfectly Portioned Low Sodium, Low Fat Recipes

Heart-healthy, perfectly-portioned meals for two — it’s a snap with this cookbook.

When cooking with heart health in mind, portion sizes are just as important as ingredients. This heart healthy cookbook saves you the guesswork of what and how much to eat with perfectly portioned recipes just for two.

Cardiac dietician and renowned nutrition expert, Jennifer Koslo, serves up guilt-free meals that are low on sodium and fat, but high on flavor—for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Complete with a meal plan to get you started off right, this heart healthy cookbook makes it easy to enjoy your meals worry-free.

The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two includes:

  • Perfect-for-two Portions—Say “goodbye” to the guesswork of halving recipes and confidently prepare quick, appropriately-sized meals.
  • 125 Delicious, Nutrient-rich Recipes—Enjoy good food that’s good for your heart, too.
  • A Four-week Meal Plan—Kick-start your diet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All planned out, all perfectly delicious.

Stop worrying—you’ll always have just the right amount on your plate with The Heart Healthy Cookbook for Two.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This cookbook is a valuable tool for anyone looking to maintain a heart-healthy diet while enjoying delicious, well-balanced meals.” ― Reader Review

“I really like this cookbook! It’s so hard to find recipes for one or two people, and heart-healthy, too. The recipes all look super tasty and easy to make, and call for ingredients that are easy to find. Highly recommend.” ― Reader Review

“The recipes are practical and simple, using items easily found in the grocery store. This cookbook would be excellent for a single person or a couple, interested in eating well balanced and healthy meals without waste or leftovers.” ― Reader Review –This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

JENNIFER KOSLO, PHD, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian and nationally recognized nutrition expert. She is the author of Diabetic Cookbook for Two, Alkaline Diet for Beginners, and The Insulin Resistance Diet, among other titles. As a cardiac dietitian, Jennifer provided patients with nutritional assessments and education, as well as cardiac rehabilitation education. –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Posted in #Recipes

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This hamburger potato casserole recipe creates a potato crust with layers of seasoned ground beef and corn underneath a melty topping of cheese, offering a delicious twist on cottage pie. I have fond memories of classic cottage pie, a dish I’d never seen or heard of until I moved from New York City to rural Vermont. There, in the cafeteria at our tiny elementary school, I had my first taste of the savory pie alongside freshly made maple baked beans.

Unlike a classic cottage pie recipe, this hamburger and potato casserole features the layers in reverse. A crust of thinly sliced potatoes is topped with ground beef, corn, and a creamy combination of creamy celery soup, milk and cheddar. The resulting hamburger casserole with potatoes is fantastic for cozy cool-weather dinners, potluck parties and small, casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Potatoes: Starchy russet potatoes are the best type of potato for a dish with a crispy ‘tater crust. Creamy all-purpose Yukon Gold potatoes also crisp up nicely. Waxy red-skinned potatoes wouldn’t be a first choice but can be used in a pinch.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter works for this hamburger casserole with potatoes recipe.
  • Seasonings: Our hamburger and potato casserole recipe keeps seasonings simple with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Check our recipe variations for ideas about how to spice up the recipe.
  • Ground beef: You can use any type of ground beef, such as lean ground sirloin or ground chuck. If you have access to freshly ground beef from a butcher’s shop or a farmers market, that will likely be the most flavorful option.
  • Frozen corn: Frozen corn preserves the deliciously sweet taste of corn year-round. However, if fresh corn happens to be in season when you make hamburger potato casserole, cut the kernels off the cob and throw them in.
  • Cream of celery soup: A casserole classic, cream of celery soup adds richness to hamburger casserole with potatoes. Not into celery? Swap in the creamy condensed soup of your choice.
  • Milk: The hamburger and potato casserole recipe calls for 2% milk, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
  • Chopped onion: We typically use white or yellow onions for this dish, but red onions are a great option to add a pop of color.
  • Cheddar cheese: Zingy cheddar cheese perks up the flavor of hamburger casserole with potatoes. If you enjoy bold cheese, don’t be afraid to go with extra-sharp cheddar.
  • Parsley: A smattering of minced parsley adds a bit of color and fresh flavor. Feel free to omit it if you don’t have any kicking around.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

51 Smoothie Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Hunger

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

It’s tempting to think that making a smoothie is just throwing a bunch of ingredients into a blender. But, ask anyone who has ever had a chunky, icy or otherwise less-than-perfect sip and they’ll tell you there’s a real art to making a smoothie. Done right, smoothies boast a flavorful punch and an indulgent creaminess. Better yet, they can easily be health-ified—making them the perfect wholesome breakfast or lunch. You just need to know how to boost them with protein or other nourishing add-ins. That’s where these recipes come in.

You’ll find a myriad of options, perfect for every diet and preference (plus a few that are just downright delicious and worthy of being a midday snack or dessert). Each one is formulated to give you the perfect texture and flavor with just the push of a button. One of our favorites? You can never go wrong with a classic; strawberries and banana work together to give your drink just the right amount of sweetness and tang—and a rich, velvety consistency.

Food Network

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Shrimp Marinara

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cue the Italian music, and prepare for a cozy night in with a shrimp marinara recipe that’s savory, satisfying and delightfully simple. Our homemade sauce for shrimp comes together in your slow cooker and tastes like you’ve been tending to it all day. The marinara is a no-fuss, tomato-based sauce with aromatics like garlic and herbs. Its bright, straightforward flavor complements the tender shrimp, which are added near the end of cooking.

As a great alternative to a heavy, red meat-based Italian gravy, shrimp marinara makes for a delicious weeknight dish or a weekend spread. Just add crusty bread and a Caesar salad. One bite, and this pasta dish will surely make your list of favorite Italian recipes.

Ingredients for Shrimp Marinara

  • Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp is fresh before you buy it. Avoid shrimp with a strong ammonia smell or shrimp that smells overly fishy. Pass on shrimp with shells that appear slimy or cloudy. Buying frozen shrimp is generally a safe bet as they are usually frozen immediately after harvesting, which preserves their fresh-from-the-sea flavor. Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, or learn how to clean shrimp yourself.
  • Tomatoes: Canned Italian diced tomatoes are often steam-packed fresh and include aromatics like basil, oregano and garlic. You can even use the best San Marzano tomatoes and dice them up yourself.
  • Tomato paste: With its depth of umami flavor and thickening qualities, tomato paste adds richness to this slow-cooked sauce for shrimp.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to any great tomato sauce. Its pungent raw flavor softens after a few hours in the slow cooker, so feel free to add another clove or two if you’re a garlic lover. Make garlic prep a breeze with our hacks for peeling garlic.
  • Herbs: Parsley, oregano and basil are common herbs in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. This recipe uses a combination of fresh and dried. Fresh herbs are generally milder than their dried cousins, but you can usually use them interchangeably; our fresh-to-dried herb conversion guide can help.
  • Seasonings: Traditional marinara seasonings are very simple. This recipe is no different, as it only uses salt and pepper. For the best results, use kosher salt, which has a clean flavor, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Pasta: This recipe calls for easy-to-find spaghetti, but the sauce for shrimp would work over almost any pasta.
  • Parmesan cheese: The sprinkle of cheese is totally optional but highly recommended. That nutty, salty finish on warm, tomato-y sauce is the stuff dinner dreams are made of.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

18 Vintage Pies From Grandma’s Recipe Box

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Have a hankering for an old-fashioned pie just like Grandma used to make? Well, you’re in luck! Allrecipes community members have shared plenty of tried-and-true pie recipes from their grandmas’ kitchens through the years—and we’ve rounded up the very best ones right here. Whether you’re looking for a classic custard idea or a fruity favorite, you’ll find a new family tradition in this collection of grandmother-approved pie recipes.

Allrecipes

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Baked Shepherd’s Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

All my kids are grown and most are married, but they often come home for Sunday dinner, and their most requested meal is this casserole. When you get several people in the kitchen chopping, slicing and preparing, it comes together super fast—and you get to catch up on all the family happenings. —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington

Taste of Home

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39 Greek Recipes That Celebrate Mediterranean Cooking

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

From crispy spanakopita and juicy chicken souvlaki to flaky baklava, these authentic Greek recipes bring fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table.

My first introduction to authentic Greek food came during a late-night college craving. It was a gyro with soft pita, tender meat, crisp vegetables, cool tzatziki and a drizzle of hot sauce, and it instantly won me over. That balance of fresh, zesty and comforting tastes makes Greek recipes memorable, and our list of traditional Greek dishes celebrates these defining flavors.

This collection includes handheld street food favorites, like chicken souvlaki, lamb pitas and spanakopita, as well as hearty mains such as Greek chicken and potatoes, moussaka and kofta meatballs. These Greek cooking recipes are built on a few essentials, like the best olive oil, garlic, lemon and Mediterranean herbs and spices, such as oregano, dill and mint. Paired with tangy feta or creamy yogurt, these ingredients bring every dish to life.

Many of these dishes can also be adapted to dietary preferences. Replace grilled meat with falafel or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian pita filling, or use vegan yogurt in sauces to keep them dairy-free. From a quick tomato feta salad to a carefully assembled dish of flaky baklava, these recipes capture the warmth and richness of the Mediterranean for a truly unforgettable Greek feast.

Taste of Home