The Grateful Girl Cooks!

10
Oct
2016

Homemade Boursin Cheese

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Homemade Boursin Cheese is a spreadable herb and garlic-flavored cheese. Served with crackers or crusty bread, it’s a perfect appetizer for any get together!

I’ve been testing recipes recently, to serve guests during the upcoming holidays. I have spent quality time in the kitchen, making various bruschetta and crostini appetizers.

One of the recipes I recently tried was this one, for a spreadable herb and garlic-flavored cheese. It’s called Homemade Boursin Cheese, to be exact! Homemade Boursin Cheese is so easy to make, and is CRAZY DELICIOUS!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

So, What Exactly Is Boursin Cheese?

That’s a GREAT question, and I’m so glad you asked. I researched it and found online (thanks Wikipedia) that besides the fact that it is a completely delicious cheese spread, it was created in Normandy, France in 1957 by Mr. Francois Boursin.

Mr. Boursin apparently got his inspiration from “fromage frais” (“fresh cheese”), in which his countrymen would enjoy fresh creamy cheese they seasoned themselves – with their choice of fresh or dried herbs and garlic, then spread on bread.

Francois Boursin created a recipe for this delectable creamy cheese, and the recipe became known for being the first flavored FRESH cheese sold throughout France, and it’s popularity has spread throughout the world.

How To Make Homemade Boursin Cheese

The cheese is super simple to replicate, using whipped cream cheese and a variety of herbs and minced garlic. All the ingredients for boursin cheese are stirred together to blend and then refrigerated (covered) for 24 hours to let the flavors develop. That’s it!

Dried herbs are added to softened cream cheese, then fully mixed together.

Fresh chopped chives and minced garlic are added to the boursin cheese mixture. The cheese is then mixed together, then covered and refrigerated. It only takes about 5 minutes to make homemade boursin cheese. Read on, to see why it needs to refrigerate overnight.

Homemade Boursin Cheese Must Be Fully Refrigerated To Fully Develop Flavor

After the boursin cheese has been covered and refrigerated for 24 hours, it is ready to serve at any gathering of family and/or friends.

The reason it is refrigerated overnight is because this lets let the flavors fully come together to season the cheese. Yes… you will need to make the boursin cheese up a day before you want to serve it. Plan ahead! When we tasted the finished product, we were amazed at how much flavor was in the cheese!

Time To Serve Some Homemade Boursin Cheese

Serve the finished boursin cheese with an assortment of crackers or small baguette slices.

This recipe is EASILY doubled or tripled to serve a small or large crowd, and it tastes amazing! Sure hope you will give this recipe a try!

I am definitely going to be making homemade boursin cheese again! I’m so glad I found this recipe, because it is such an EASY, PERFECT appetizer, and I recommend it heartily!

Sure hope you will consider making this delicious recipe! The prep time is less than 5 minutes, and 24 hours later, you will have an amazing appetizer spread to serve with your choice of crackers or bread! YUM!

Looking For More APPETIZER Recipes?

You can find these and other appetizer recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page.

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Recipe Source: http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/homemade-boursin-cheese-recipe/

0 from 0 votes

Homemade Boursin Cheese

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

0 mins

Total Time

5 mins

Homemade Boursin Cheese is a spreadable herb and garlic-flavored cheese. Served with crackers or crusty bread, it's a perfect appetizer for any get together!

Category: Appetizer

Cuisine: French

Keyword: boursin cheese

Servings: 24 Tablespoons (1½ cups total)

Calories Per Serving: 51 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

12 ounces whipped cream cheese
1 clove garlic , large clove-finely minced

2 "scant" teaspoons of each: NOT heaping!

2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried sage
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried chives (Note: I used fresh minced chives from our garden!)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Mix well (by hand) to fully incorporate all ingredients, and mixture is creamy.
Cover bowl or place into an airtight covered container, and refrigerate cheese mixture for 24 hours to let flavors fully develop (for absolute best flavor).
To serve, place bowl of Boursin cheese alongside a variety of gourmet crackers or French baguette slices. Spread cheese onto the crackers or bread with a small butter knife, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Prep time is just that... prep time to prepare the cheese. Does not take into account time for refrigeration.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Boursin Cheese

Amount Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)

Calories 51 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 46mg2%

Potassium 41mg1%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 485IU10%

Vitamin C 2.9mg4%

Calcium 25mg3%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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06
Oct
2016

Spinach, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

categories: Apples, Salads, Sauces and Dressings

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The other evening I made a Spinach, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette to go with dinner. It tasted wonderful, with crunchy apple slices, creamy goat cheese, spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a fantastic dressing – amazing!
Talk about a quick and easy salad (and homemade dressing)… wow! The entire salad and amazing vinaigrette dressing took only about 15 minutes from start to finish. My husband and I both loved it!

Here’s how you make this incredibly EASY salad: Place baby spinach , thinly sliced apples, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted pecans (or walnuts), and goat cheese (half of total amount) into a large salad bowl.

Note: I sliced the apples right before serving. If preparing this salad ahead of time, remember to brush apple slices with lemon juice, to prevent them from darkening once exposed to air, OR slice the apples and add to salad just before serving.

Quickly whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients or place in a bottle or container with lid, and shake to fully combine.

Lightly drizzle the salad with vinaigrette.

Toss the salad to mix in the salad dressing, covering all ingredients. Once salad has been tossed, top the salad with the other half of the goat cheese, and serve! THAT’S IT!

See how easy that was? In case you are thinking that the salad is too easy to taste good, let me assure you, the vinaigrette is absolutely fantastic on this salad, AND the salad itself is FULL of great flavors AND textures (chewy, crunchy, creamy)!

I hope you have a wonderful day. Seek out someone you can encourage or give a helping hand to today. We can ALL make a difference in this often hopeless world. Blessings.

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Recipe Source: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/my-favorite-apple-spinach-salad/

0 from 0 votes

Spinach, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

0 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is full of flavor and textures, thanks to spinach, crisp apple slices, red onion, cranberries, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and apple cider vinaigrette!

Category: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: spinach goat cheese salad

Servings: 4 servings

Calories Per Serving: 576 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

For salad:

10 ounces baby spinach
2 apples (cored/thinly sliced- leave peel ON)
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans (or walnut halves), lightly toasted
Half small red onion , peeled/thinly sliced
5 ounces goat cheese , DIVIDED. (May also substitute feta or bleu cheese)

For Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (may also substitute champagne vinegar)
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove , peeled/minced
1 Tablespoon maple syrup (or honey), to sweeten
pinch salt and pepper , to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place baby spinach, sliced apples, cranberries, toasted pecans (see NOTES section), red onion slices, and crumble HALF of the goat cheese into a large salad bowl.
In separate bowl, jar, or container with lid, mix together the vinaigrette ingredients. Shake or whisk until all salad dressing ingredients are fully blended.
Lightly drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss salad, to combine.
Crumble the remaining goat cheese over the top of the salad, and serve!

Recipe Notes

To toast pecans (walnuts): Place in skillet (a dry skillet) and cook on medium-low for about 5 minutes, stirring/turning often, until nuts are lightly toasted and aromatic. Let nuts cool a minute or two, before adding to salad.

Nutrition Facts

Spinach, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Amount Per Serving (1 salad (1/4 of total))

Calories 576 Calories from Fat 396

% Daily Value*

Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 9g56%

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 242mg11%

Potassium 645mg18%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 7075IU142%

Vitamin C 28.5mg35%

Calcium 151mg15%

Iron 3.6mg20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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05
Oct
2016

Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade

categories: Canning And Preserving

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If you enjoy the flavor combination of rhubarb and oranges, then you will enjoy this recipe for canning Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade! You will enjoy this thick, delicious, rhubarb-orange marmalade (made without pectin) using fresh oranges and rhubarb, on toast and biscuits, etc.
This rhubarb-orange marmalade recipe is fairly simple in that it requires NO PECTIN, and only three ingredients to make some incredible tasting jam! If you prefer a “not as chunky” JAM that uses Pectin to make this same flavor combo, be sure and check out my recipe for Rhubarb-Orange Jam… that recipe uses a slightly different process for preparing the jam.

Scroll Down For A Pintable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Before beginning, prepare your water bath canner, jars and lids, according to canning and manufacturer guidelines. Place rhubarb and granulated sugar into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.

Place the two oranges (I cut them into chunks and removed any seeds), INCLUDING PEEL, into a food processor. Process the oranges until blended and in small pieces.

Preparing the Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade For Canning

Add the processed oranges to the rhubarb-sugar mixture in pan. Bring the fruit mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once fruit begins boiling, turn down the heat and simmer mixture (uncovered) for about an hour, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Mash the rhubarb with a potato masher as it cooks to help break down the rhubarb. Cook marmalade until mixture “sheets” from a very cold spoon (about an hour). **Notes on the “sheeting” process can be found in the NOTES section of the printable recipe. Once the marmalade is done cooking, and the gel stage has been reached, remove the pan from the stove. If any foam has appeared on the surface of jam, remove it with a spoon and discard.

Fill the Jars

Carefully ladle the hot marmalade into prepared hot canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.

Be sure to remove any air bubbles, and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding or removing jam to reach correct headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean with a wet cloth or paper towel to remove spills and ensure a good seal. Place the prepared lids and screwband on jars; tighten to fingertip tight.

Processing The Jars Of Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade

Place filled jars into simmering water onto canning rack in water bath canner. Make sure the jars are completely covered (by at least an inch above the top of jars) with hot water. Bring water to a boil; once water has reached a full boil, process jars for 10 minutes.

When done, carefully remove the HOT jars to a dish towel on countertop. Do not place directly on counter as temperature variations could cause jars to crack. Let the jars cool completely, undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Label and store. This recipe makes approximately 7- 8 half-pint or 4 pint jars of rhubarb-orange marmalade. Processing time is the same for both sized jars.

I love to make jams and marmalades to sample throughout the year OR to tuck into a gift basket for a friend when they least expect it! This Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade is delicious!

Looking for More JAM Recipes?

You can find ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have lots of delicious jam recipes, including:

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Have a GREAT day!

Recipe Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rhubarb-marmalade/

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

5 from 1 vote

Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade

Prep Time

1 hr 10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

1 hr 20 mins

You will enjoy this thick, delicious, rhubarb-orange marmalade (made without pectin) using fresh oranges and rhubarb. Delicious spread for toast, biscuits, etc.

Category: Jam / Canning and Preserving

Cuisine: American

Keyword: rhubarb orange marmalade

Servings: 8 half-pints (approx)

Calories Per Serving: 38 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

6 cups fresh rhubarb , chopped (See NOTES section for info on using frozen rhubarb)
6 cups sugar
2 medium oranges (including peel), cut into chunks

Instructions

Place the chopped rhubarb and sugar into a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
Place the orange chunks (yes, peel included!) into a food processor. Process the oranges until small pieces are left. Add the orange pieces to the rhubarb/sugar mixture in the Dutch oven. Stir well, to combine.
Bring mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring quite often (to prevent burning on bottom of pot). When done the marmalade should "sheet" off of a spoon. (See NOTES section for explanation of process).
While marmalade is cooking, prepare water bath canner, canning jars and lids, according to manufacturer and USDA canning instructions.
Remove the marmalade and pan from the heat. Skim any foam off the top of the marmalade and discard. Ladle the hot marmalade into prepared and heated pint jars. Leave 1/4 inch headspace in each jar. Remove any air bubbles, and adjust the headspace by adding or removing marmalade. Wipe the lids of each jar well with a damp towel to ensure a good seal. Place the heated flat lid onto each jar, then screw on the jar band until it is fingertip-tight.
Carefully place hot jars into simmering water in the canner. Make sure jars are completely covered with hot water by at least an inch. Bring water in canner to a full boil; process jars for 10 minutes.

Recipe Notes

If using frozen rhubarb... measure frozen, then thaw. Drain in colander-don't press juice out
Processing time is for 1,000 feet of altitude and lower. Be sure to add a minute of processing time for each 1,000 feet higher in altitude you are.
"Sheeting process": Dip a very cold metal spoon into hot marmalade. Lift up spoon; hold it horizontally. The syrup will run off the edge of spoon. As it cooks, the syrup will usually run off in drops, two at a time. Keep cooking. Once jam has cooked enough that the drops mix together and "sheet" (blob together in solid sheet) off a very cold spoon, you've reached the gel stage.

Nutrition Facts

Rhubarb-Orange Marmalade

Amount Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)

Calories 38

% Daily Value*

Potassium 20mg1%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Sugar 9g10%

Vitamin A 10IU0%

Vitamin C 1.6mg2%

Calcium 6mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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03
Oct
2016

Poppyseed Cake

categories: Breakfast, Cakes, Desserts

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This Poppyseed Cake is absolutely EASY, delicious, serves 12 as dessert or coffeecake, and takes only 5 minutes prep time, using a boxed cake mix!
Want a fabulous tasting cake recipe that only has a few ingredients, takes 5 minutes to throw together, and can be served as dessert OR coffeecake? Well if you do, this Poppyseed Cake is perfect for you!

I found the recipe for this poppyseed cake in my Mom’s trusty recipe box over 35 years ago and wrote it down on a little 3×5 index card. It looked easy to prepare, and turned out fantastic the very first time I made it, so I’ve been making it ever since!

The recipe is totally EASY, EASY, EASY, and tastes amazing, due to the subtle flavor imparted into a simple boxed yellow cake mix by adding a couple additional ingredients like poppyseeds and cooking sherry!

Scroll Down for A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Prepare The Cake Batter

The poppyseed cake can be in the oven in about 5 minutes! How’s THAT for easy? Combine cake mix, oil, cooking sherry, eggs and poppyseeds in a large bowl. Mix well for 4-5 minutes. That’s it! The cake batter is ready!

Bake The Poppyseed Cake

Pour the cake batter into a very well-greased bundt pan. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed. Bake the poppyseed cake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. You can test for “done-ness” by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then it is ready!

When the cake is done, remove the bundt pan from the oven, and transfer the pan to a wire rack to completely cool the cake.

Removing the Poppyseed Cake From the Bundt Pan

Once the cake has cooled completely, run a spatula or butter knife around the edges of the cake, because it helps to loosen the edges. Place a large plate upside down on top of the bundt pan, and holding both bundt pan and plate securely, flip the cake upside down, inverting the cake onto the plate.

If you greased the pan really well, it should come right out onto the plate. Once onto plate, carefully turn the cake over again so it is right side up on a serving platter.

Make The Decorative Icing To Drizzle On the Cake

Decorating the cake with an icing drizzle is completely optional (cake tastes great all by itself), and the icing adds a nice fancy touch, and a little sweetness.

In a small bowl, mix together the icing ingredients until you have an icing that can be decoratively drizzled over the surface of the cake. Let this icing firm up completely, once you’ve drizzled it onto cake.

Time To Serve The Poppyseed Cake!

Slice and serve! If serving poppyseed cake as a dessert, a scoop of ice cream is a perfect accompaniment. When serving it as a breakfast or snack coffeecake, it tastes great with a good cup of coffee or tea! Doesn’t it look yummy?

The flavor is wonderful, and the cake is not dry! Sure hope you will consider making this Poppyseed Cake. It’s also a wonderful addition to any brunch table, too.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to give this recipe a “look”. Really glad I found it in my Mom’s old recipe box so long ago. I don’t have a clue who the original author was, but am thankful for the recipe, because I’ve made it many, many times over the past 35 years!

By the way, if you enjoy cakes that can double as dessert OR coffeecake, be sure to check out my recipe for Hummingbird Cake! Have a wonderful day.

Looking For More CAKE Recipes?

You can find all of my cake recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. A few favorites include:

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Recipe Source: My Mom (years and years ago)

0 from 0 votes

Poppyseed Cake

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

50 mins

This Poppyseed Cake is absolutely EASY, delicious, serves 12 as dessert or coffeecake, and takes only 5 minutes prep time, using a boxed cake mix!

Category: Dessert or Coffeecake

Cuisine: American

Keyword: poppyseed cake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories Per Serving: 363 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

For cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (get the kind that says "with pudding")
3/4 cup cooking sherry
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1/3 cup poppyseeds

For Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a few sprinkles water at a time (until icing becomes a "drizzling" consistency)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a bundt pan very well. Set aside.
In large bowl, mix cake ingredients for 5 minutes (boxed yellow cake mix, cooking sherry, oil, eggs and poppyseeds). Pour batter evenly into greased/floured cake pan. Bake cake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove pan to wire rack to cool.
While cake is cooling, mix up icing ingredients in small bowl. Add sprinkles of water until icing is thick enough to drizzle over top of finished cake. (Too thick... add couple drops water. Too thin... add more powdered sugar).
Once cake has completely cooled, invert a plate over top of bundt pan, and holding both plate and bundt pan securely, flip the cake over. Once cake is on plate, carefully turn it over once more on serving platter so the right side is facing up. Decoratively drizzle the icing over top of cake. Let icing firm up, then serve and enjoy this tasty cake for dessert (with a scoop of ice cream) or as a coffeecake for breakfast!

Recipe Notes

The baking time indicated is designed for a bundt pan. If using a standard sized cake pan, your cooking time will need to be adjusted slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Poppyseed Cake

Amount Per Serving (1 slice)

Calories 363 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 336mg15%

Potassium 70mg2%

Carbohydrates 46g15%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 80IU2%

Calcium 140mg14%

Iron 1.5mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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29
Sep
2016

Mom’s Swedish Meatballs and Rice

categories: Beef, Main Dishes

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Mom’s Swedish Meatballs and Rice is a family and budget friendly dinner that feeds 6 with one pound of hamburger meat… and it’s delicious!
When I was growing up, my mother sure knew how to stretch a dollar! Mom’s Swedish Meatballs and Rice was one of the meals she fed our family of 5. She did this using only 1 pound of hamburger meat, a few other ingredients and served these delicious meatballs and gravy with rice! We LOVED this meal!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Fast forward over 40 years later, and I still make this scrumptious meal! Now… my Mom is about as far from being Swedish as one could imagine (she’s a Texas gal), yet this was the name given it when I copied down the recipe from her over 40 years ago! Trust me, Swedish meatballs, with gravy and rice is a fantastic tasting dinner (the leftovers are awesome, as well).

Swedish meatballs are super simple to make, the gravy is even easier, and it’s fairly impossible to mess up a pan of rice, right? Trust me when I say this is simple meal to prepare; it’s a great way to feed several people a filling meal without breaking the bank! if you like meatballs, be sure and check out some of my other meatball recipes, including Easy Meatballs for Spaghetti, Meatballs Stroganoff, Hawaiian Meatballs, and Hoisin Asian Meatballs.

How To Make Swedish Meatballs

Here’s what you do: Place the meatball ingredients in large bowl and mix well, to combine (ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper & nutmeg).

Scoop out a small portion of meat, and roll it between your clean hands to form 1 inch sized meatballs. A full pound of ground beef “should” yield about 24-25 small meatballs. I was using slightly less than a full pound and ended up with 22 Swedish meatballs. Set meatballs on waxed paper or foil until all have been formed.

Brown The Swedish Meatballs

Heat shortening in large skillet (may substitute oil, if necessary). When skillet is hot, add meatballs in single layer. Let brown on one side, then carefully turn to brown all sides (I use tongs). If necessary, add additional shortening or oil to prevent sticking. When meatballs are browned on all sides, remove them to a large plate to rest. Keep meatballs warm.

Make The Gravy

Now it’s time to make the gravy! Using the same pan (without cleaning it out), add hot water to meat drippings in skillet. Stir to mix and heat on low, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will help “de-glaze” the pan, and will incorporate all those yummy browned bits off the bottom of the skillet into your gravy.

Now add the water/flour mixture to the hot water mixture in skillet. Whisk well as you pour, to fully combine ingredients. Bring the gravy to a boil. The gravy will begin to thicken as you heat and stir it. Once thickened, taste test, and season gravy with salt/pepper, if desired.

Add Swedish Meatballs Back Into The Skillet

Once gravy has thickened, add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Turn to coat each meatball with gravy. Put a lid on the skillet, and cook on low for 30 minutes. Check occasionally.

If necessary, add a bit more water to skillet and mix it in, to ensure you have enough gravy. You just gotta have enough gravy for Swedish meatballs, right?

While meatballs are cooking, cook rice using your “normal” method (I use a rice cooker). When meatballs and rice are done, the meal is ready. Make sure to coat the Swedish meatballs in gravy before placing on serving platter.

Serve The Swedish Meatballs And Rice

To serve, arrange the cooked hot rice in a ring shape on a serving platter. Place sprigs of fresh parsley around the rice. Carefully place the Swedish meatballs into the center of the ring. Pour remaining gravy over the meatballs. Serve HOT, and enjoy this delicious meal!

I love recipes that don’t cost an arm and a leg to prepare for my family. This simple Swedish meatballs meal fits the bill perfectly, and tastes fantastic, too! Hope you will consider making this “comfort food” dish for those you love. It really does taste wonderful!

Blessings to you on this day. Thanks for stopping by, and please come back again soon. Also be sure to check out ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page.

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
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Recipe Source: My MOM (over 40 years ago)

0 from 0 votes

Mom's Swedish Meatballs and Rice

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Mom's Swedish Meatballs and Rice is a family and budget friendly dinner that feeds 6 with one pound of hamburger meat... and it's delicious!

Category: Entree

Cuisine: Swedish

Keyword: Swedish meatballs

Servings: 6 servings

Calories Per Serving: 454 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

For meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg , well beaten
1 small brown onion (or 1/2 large), finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Shortening , approx. 2 Tablespoons (to cook meatballs in-may substitute oil)

For gravy:

2 cups very hot water
2 Tablespoons flour
6 Tablespoons cold water
Salt and pepper (to season)

For accompaniment:

4 cups hot cooked rice (I used 2 cups dry rice to start, for quantity shown)
Butter (for rice, if desired)
Fresh parsley sprigs , for garnish (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Mix well, to combine. Form mixture into 1 inch meatballs; set formed meatballs onto wax paper or foil.
Heat shortening (or oil) in large skillet on medium heat. Add meatballs to hot oil in single layer. Brown on all sides (a minute or two per side). If necessary, add additional shortening (or oil) if necessary, to prevent sticking. When meatballs are fully browned, remove them to a plate, and keep warm.
Add hot water back into skillet (DO NOT CLEAN OUT SKILLET). Stir while cooking on low, to deglaze the skillet and scrape up the flavorful browned bits off bottom of skillet. In a separate small bowl, combine cold water and flour. Mix really well, to remove lumps. Add this mixture to hot liquid in skillet, whisking well while adding. Continue to whisk gravy to remove any lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring often until mixture thickens. Taste gravy... add salt and pepper to season, if desired.
Add meatballs back into skillet. Turn to coat with gravy. Put a lid on the skillet; cook meatballs and gravy for 30 minutes, adding additional water to gravy, if necessary, to ensure there will be enough gravy (as gravy will cook down a bit).
While meatballs are cooking, prepare rice (using the method you normally use to cook rice).
When meatballs and rice are done, place cooked rice in a ring shape around outside of serving platter. Garnish rice with sprigs of fresh parsley. Carefully spoon the meatballs into center of ring, and pour gravy over the top of meatballs. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Mom's Swedish Meatballs and Rice

Amount Per Serving (4 meatballs + rice)

Calories 454 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Fat 19g29%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Cholesterol 81mg27%

Sodium 978mg43%

Potassium 342mg10%

Carbohydrates 47g16%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 80IU2%

Vitamin C 1.3mg2%

Calcium 90mg9%

Iron 2.8mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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26
Sep
2016

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

categories: Tip Of The Day

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It’s easy to roast pumpkin seeds, once you’re done carving your Halloween pumpkins! With a few common ingredients, you can enjoy this simple crunchy snack!
I love this snack! How cool is it that not only can we carve and decorate pumpkins for the Fall season, but we can roast and eat the seeds, too! Today I’m happy to show you how easy it is to roast pumpkin seeds!

Do you roast pumpkin seeds? When I was little, my mom would occasionally make this snack before Halloween. I love the slightly salty crunch of a pumpkin seed roasted just right! Pumpkins are beginning to make their annual appearance at grocery stores and Farmers Markets all over town!

This seems like the right time to post a quick “how to”, in case you’ve never made your own, and want to learn how! You can certainly add additional spices to the basic roasted pumpkin seeds to make them taste just how you like them. This is simply the basic “how to”.

Scroll Down For a Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

First you will need to carefully cut your pumpkin open. You can use any kind of traditional pumpkin you want. You will definitely want to put newspaper or some other paper (wax or parchment) under the pumpkin, cause it can get a bit messy! My favorite tip for getting seeds to roast AND pumpkin puree from the pumpkins is below.

You Can Also Make Pumpkin Puree From Your Pumpkin

Not only can you roast seeds, you can make pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkins! My recommendation is to use “pie” or “sugar” pumpkins (smaller variety of pumpkins) if you want to roast pumpkin seeds AND use the “meat” of the pumpkin to make puree to store in the freezer.

“Pie” or “Sugar” pumpkins have less water content in their flesh, so they make a far less watery pumpkin puree, which is desirable. By freezing the puree you can have it ready to use in various recipes throughout the year.

If you’re interested in how to make puree from your pumpkin, check out my post on How To Make Pumpkin Puree. Pumpkin puree is wonderful to use for pumpkin muffins, scones, bread, coffeecake, etc.

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Now… back to the SEEDS: After you cut your pumpkin open, and before you can roast pumpkin seeds, you need to remove the seeds and the “guts”.

Two Methods For Removing Pumpkin Seeds

There are two ways to separate the seeds from the stringy “guts”. One way is to put that “BLOB” into a strainer and slowly pull the seeds away from the guts by hand, then give the seeds a good rinse. This is the method I typically use.

The other method is to put the seeds/guts into a large deep bowl, fill it with water, and remove seeds with your hands from the “guts”. The seeds should float to the top once they are separated from the “guts”, then you can just scoop or skim them up.

Give the seeds a good rinse, then place them in a single layer on 3-4 layers of paper towels or a couple dish towels to drain a bit.

Spread the pumpkin seeds out in a single layer on several layers of paper towels or a couple dish towels. Once spread out, let the pumpkin seeds dry for an hour. Make sure they get nice and dry.

Toss the dried seeds with oil. Sprinkle with salt (side note: try these sometime substituting seasoning salt for regular salt), and stir, to combine. Spread the seasoned seeds out into a single layer on a large (13×9 or larger) baking sheet.

Roast Pumpkin Seeds In Oven

Cook the pumpkin seeds for about 20-25 minutes at 325 degrees F. When you hit the 15 minute mark, give the seeds a good stir, then spread back out again. At the 20 minute mark, give them another stir.

Keep a close eye on them so they don’t overcook and burn. The average coking time is 25 minutes… the roast pumpkin seeds are done when light golden brown and crunchy.

When done, remove pan from oven. Let the cooked pumpkin seeds cool completely, then eat! Be sure to store the finished pumpkin seeds in an airtight covered container or resealable plastic bag. That’s all you need to do… see how easy it is to roast pumpkin seeds?

We enjoy snacking on the seeds, and occasionally I will throw a few into a salad for added crunch. I figure if you’re gonna go to the trouble and mess of carving a pumpkin (cause it’s FUN!!), why not get an added bonus of roasted pumpkin seeds to snack on, too?!!

No hard work is required for this simple snack. A printable recipe is further below, but here is the basic “process” to roast pumpkin seeds:

Hope you’ll give this recipe for how to roast pumpkin seeds a try when carving your Fall pumpkins this year! Enjoy! Have a great day, and don’t forget to check out ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index,located at the top of the page.

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
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How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Drying Time

1 hr

Total Time

35 mins

It's easy to roast pumpkin seeds, once you're done carving your Halloween pumpkins! With a few common ingredients, you can enjoy this simple crunchy snack!

Category: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roast pumpkin seeds

Servings: 8 (total 2 cups)

Calories Per Serving: 119 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1/4 teaspoon salt (or more), to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Remove seeds from pumpkin. Rinse seeds thoroughly; remove stringy pumpkin flesh from seeds.
Place pumpkin seeds in single layer on several layers of paper towels or dish towels to absorb water. Let pumpkin seeds completely dry (approx. 1 hour).
Once completely dry, mix pumpkin seeds with oil and salt in large bowl. Stir well, to cover seeds with oil and salt (or any additional spices you may wish to add).
Spread pumpkin seeds out in a single layer on a 13x9 baking sheet. Bake in preheated 325°F oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, give the seeds a good stir, then spread out into single layer again, and place back in oven. When done, the seeds should be light golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven. Remove seeds from baking sheet once cooled.
Store roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight covered container or resealable plastic bag to ensure seeds stay crunchy. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Amount Per Serving (1 (1/4 cup per serving))

Calories 119 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Sodium 73mg3%

Potassium 129mg4%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin C 0.3mg0%

Calcium 7mg1%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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23
Sep
2016

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

categories: Copycat Recipes, Soups

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This delicious, copycat version of Olive Garden’s beloved thick and creamy chicken gnocchi soup is easy to make in 30 minutes, for lunch or dinner!
Last year a friend from out of state was staying in our home for several days. My friend Patti and I went to a local restaurant, where I tasted an amazing soup… Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It was so good I’ve been on a quest ever since, to find a great recipe to duplicate it.

I think I found a great recipe on Pinterest. The soup tastes amazingly similar to the restaurant version, and it is crazy delicious! Did I mention it only takes 25-30 minutes from start to finish to make, as well? Yep. EASY and delicious – now that’s my kind of meal! Here’s how you make this main course soup:

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Add butter and olive oil to a large soup pot. Turn heat to medium-high heat, and melt butter. Add diced onion and celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and tender. During the last minute, add the minced garlic and continue cooking, stirring to prevent garlic from burning.

Once onions and celery are tender, add the flour to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients. This makes a “roux” which helps to thicken the soup. Cook the roux for an additional minute, stirring well.

Add the half and half and the chicken broth to the soup pot, and stir well, to fully combine ingredients.

The chicken gnocchi soup will look like the photo below. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the soup begins to thicken.

Finish Making The Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Once the soup has begun to thicken, add the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, fresh thyme leaves, diced chicken breast, and potato gnocchi. Stir well, to fully blend all these ingredients into the chicken gnocchi soup.

Continue to cook the soup on medium heat until soup is heated through, and the potato gnocchi is fully cooked (between 5 and 10 minutes). The soup will thicken up a bit more, too. See that good looking gnocchi? YUM.

Serve The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Once the chicken gnocchi soup is finished cooking, give it a taste test. Season with salt and ground black pepper, to taste. See the bites of gnocchi, chicken, spinach and shredded carrots in the photo below? This is a meal in a bowl, friends!

Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, and serve this chicken gnocchi soup while HOT! I think you’re gonna love this soup… we sure did! The potato gnocchi in the soup taste like little dumplings!

We ate our Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup with thick slices of crusty French bread. French bread tasted GREAT dipped in the soup to “sop up” some of that delicious creamy broth!

Sure hope you will consider making this absolutely delicious and filling chicken gnocchi soup. It’s quick and easy to prepare on a busy day, but is so filling and super delicious! The leftovers were just as good, as well! Have a great day, and thanks for taking the time to check out this recipe. Hope you enjoy it.

Looking For More GNOCCHI Recipes?

You can find all my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have some delicious gnocchi recipes you might be interested in, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Recipe Source: http://therecipecritic.com/2016/09/creamy-chicken-gnocchi-soup-olive-garden-copycat/

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

This delicious, copycat version of Olive Garden's beloved thick and creamy chicken gnocchi soup is easy to make in 30 minutes... for lunch or dinner!

Category: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: chicken gnocchi soup

Servings: 6 servings

Calories Per Serving: 383 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup brown onion , diced
1/2 cup celery , diced
2 garlic cloves , minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth (**See NOTES section below for tip)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup fresh spinach leaves , chopped (may substitute frozen, chopped spinach-drained well)
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup cooked chicken breast , diced
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi (found in pasta aisle)
Salt and ground black pepper , to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot. Melt butter on medium-high heat. Add diced onion and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent and tender (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally. During the last minute, add the minced garlic.
Add flour to the pan, stir well, to combine (this makes a "roux"). Continue to cook this for an additional minute.
Add the half and half, then the chicken broth to the soup pot. Mix well, to combine, and continue to cook, stirring frequently until the soup begins to thicken.
Once soup has begun to thicken, add shredded carrots, chopped spinach, fresh thyme leaves, diced chicken and gnocchi. Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes, until soup is heated and thickened, and gnocchi have fully cooked. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve hot... and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add an additional can of chicken broth to soup. (I like it thick and creamy, so only used one can!)

Nutrition Facts

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 383 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Fat 19g29%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 64mg21%

Sodium 625mg27%

Potassium 381mg11%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 4585IU92%

Vitamin C 12.5mg15%

Calcium 137mg14%

Iron 3.9mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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19
Sep
2016

Tomato, Basil and Three Cheese Tart

categories: Breakfast, Meatless Meals, Vegetable Dishes

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Tomato Basil Three Cheese Tart has a flaky crust, tomatoes, Ricotta, Parmesan, Mozzarella cheese, Italian spices, and is perfect for breakfast, lunch OR dinner!

I found this recipe for a “quiche-like tart” on Pinterest from one of my favorite bloggers, tweaked the recipe very slightly, and enjoyed the results very much! The recipe features a delectable (pat in the pan) crust.

It is flavored with quiche-style filling, fresh mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Ricotta cheese, plus fresh basil leaves and Italian spices. This beautiful tart is beautifully “crowned” with beautiful tomato slices for a pop of flavor and color!

Believe it or not, the tomato basil three cheese tart was not too hard to make, either! This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. I think it would be fabulous to serve at a brunch! Here’s how to make it.

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make This Tomato Basil Three Cheese Tart

Preheat your oven to 410 degrees F. Place butter, oil, water, sugar and salt in an oven-proof bowl. Place bowl in preheated oven; cook for 15 minutes. Remove hot bowl from oven.

Add flour into the hot butter mixture. Stir this until the dough comes together and can be formed into a ball. Place the dough ball into a 10 or 11 inch tart pan (with a removable bottom).

Once dough has cooled enough to handle, press the dough into the tart pan and up the sides to form a crust. (Hint from original recipe author: save a tiny bit of dough which can be used to repair any cracks in crust after baking). Pierce the crust all over with the tines of a fork.

Bake The Crust

Press the sides of the crust in the pan to help reinforce the crust. I used a fork to do this. Bake crust at 410 degrees for 15 minutes (until golden in color). Remove crust from oven. If any cracks occurred, use the tiny bit of dough to do a quick repair job. Let crust cool. Reduce oven temperature to 375 F. Place a long baking sheet into the heated oven (for later).

NOTE*** — I only had a 9 inch tart pan, so as you can see from my photos, I used the extra crust for two little tarts as well, then just divided the filling between the tarts. (The smaller crusts took a bit less time to cook).

Prepare Filling For The Tomato Basil Three Cheese Tart

While you are baking crust or waiting for crust to cool down, combine the eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, half and half, Italian seasoning and salt in a medium bowl. Stir well to mix; once combined, add the small basil leaves and stir together. Set aside.

Slice tomatoes (1/4 inch slices). Place slices on top of several paper towel to let them drain a bit. While the tart is in the oven baking, lightly brush the tops of each tomato slice with a bit of olive oil

Once the tart crust has cooled completely, add the grated fresh mozzarella cheese and spread to cover bottom of crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the mozzarella cheese.

Bake The Tart

Place the tart onto the heated baking sheet (in the oven) and bake on the pan for 10 minutes at 375 F. Remove tomato basil three cheese tart from oven after 10 minutes; arrange the tomato slices on top of the tart. Sprinkle tomato slices with salt and black pepper.

Place the tart back in the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes (mine took 20), until just set. When you slightly wiggle the tart pan, the filling should no longer “jiggle” back and forth. Remove the tart pan to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Aren’t They Pretty?

This is how they looked when they first came out of the oven. I already had taken the tart pan off the small ones, as they had cooked and cooled enough before the large tart was done. Aren’t they gorgeous???

I kinda like the little bitty ones… they would be perfect to serve at a brunch!

Time To EAT!

This tomato basil three cheese tart can be served hot (after it rest for 10 minutes), or at room temperature. Either way is wonderful. Wrap the leftovers well, and they will keep for several days, if refrigerated.

I hope you will consider making this delicious tomato basil three cheese tart. An added benefit was being able to use fresh tomatoes and basil from our garden to make this tart! It was wonderful to have the leftovers hanging around in our refrigerator for a few days. Then it was so easy to grab a quick slice for breakfast or lunch!

In Other News!

Have a blessed day… in other news – we got a new Pembroke welsh corgi puppy yesterday, so I am up to my eyeballs in “PUPPY” stuff. So tired, yet so very thankful for our new furry bundle of JOY (even if he doesn’t seem too sure about his new living arrangements)!

Sure hope you enjoy this tomato basil three cheese tart! We sure did! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day.

Looking For More Quiche-Like Recipes Like This?

You can find all my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have several quiche recipes similar to this one that you might enjoy, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Recipe Adapted From: http://thecafesucrefarine.com/2016/06/tomato-basil-fresh-mozzarella-tart/

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

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Tomato, Basil and Three Cheese Tart

Prep Time

35 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

1 hr 5 mins

Tomato Basil Three Cheese Tart has a flaky crust, tomatoes, Ricotta, Parmesan, Mozzarella cheese, Italian spices, and is perfect for breakfast, lunch OR dinner!

Category: Brunch, Entree

Cuisine: American

Keyword: tomato basil three cheese tart

Servings: 8 servings

Calories Per Serving: 552 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

For crust:

6 ounces butter
2 Tablespoons oil (non-flavored oil)
6 Tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all purpose flour , plus 2 Tablespoons

For tart filling:

4 large eggs (room temp)
1 cup ricotta cheese (room temp)
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup small , fresh basil leaves
10-15 small colorful tomatoes (I used a combo of Romas and various color cherry tomatoes)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , grated
Olive oil (to lightly brush on tomato slices prior to baking)
Salt and pepper , to sprinkle on tart before final bake

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make the crust:

Preheat your oven to 410 degrees F. Place the butter, oil, water, sugar and salt in an oven-proof bowl. Place bowl in preheated oven; cook for 15 minutes. Remove hot bowl from oven.
Add flour into the hot butter mixture. Stir this until the dough comes together and can be formed into a ball. Place the dough ball into a 10 or 11 inch tart pan (with a removable bottom). Once dough has cooled enough to handle, press the dough into the tart pan and up the sides to form a crust. (Hint from original recipe author: save a tiny bit of dough which can be used to repair cracked crust after baking).
Pierce the crust all over with the tines of a fork. Press the sides of the crust in the pan to help reinforce the crust. I used the fork to do this. Bake at 410 degrees for 15 minutes (golden in color).
Remove crust from oven. If any cracks occurred, use the tiny bit of dough to do a quick repair job. Let crust cool. Reduce oven temperature to 375 F. Put a long sheet pan into the oven to heat up.
While you are waiting for crust to cool down, combine the eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, half and half, Italian seasoning and salt in a medium bowl. Stir well to mix; once combined, add the small basil leaves and stir together. Set aside.
Slice tomatoes (1/4 inch slices). Place slices on top of several paper towel to let them drain a bit.
Once the tart crust has cooled completely, add the grated fresh mozzarella cheese and spread to cover bottom of crust. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the mozzarella cheese. Place the tart onto the heated baking sheet (in the oven) and bake on the pan for 10 minutes at 375 F.
While the tart is in the oven baking, lightly brush the tops of each tomato slice with a bit of olive oil.
Remove tart from oven after 10 minutes; arrange the tomato slices on top of the tart. Sprinkle tomato slices with salt and black pepper. Place the tart back in the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes (mine took 20), until just set. (When you slightly wiggle the tart pan, the filling no longer "jiggles" back and forth). Remove the tart pan to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The tart is also delicious when served at room temperature!

Recipe Notes

Note: FYI- Original recipe called for 1/2 cup small fresh basil leaves. I made the tart the first time with that measurement, but I found I actually prefer LESS basil flavor in the tart, so have adjusted the quantity down to 1/4 cup small basil leaves for my version.

Nutrition Facts

Tomato, Basil and Three Cheese Tart

Amount Per Serving (1 slice)

Calories 552 Calories from Fat 342

% Daily Value*

Fat 38g58%

Saturated Fat 23g144%

Cholesterol 179mg60%

Sodium 765mg33%

Potassium 526mg15%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 2440IU49%

Vitamin C 21.5mg26%

Calcium 331mg33%

Iron 2.6mg14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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16
Sep
2016

How To Can Green Beans

categories: Canning And Preserving

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Overrun with fresh garden green beans this summer? Learn how to can green beans for long term storage, to enjoy all year long!
One summer several years ago I was “overrun” with green beans growing in my backyard raised bed garden. I KNEW I wanted to learn how to can green beans to preserve them, so I used a birthday gift card I received and bought a pressure canner. The rest is history!

That was several summers ago, and I’ve now learned and progressed in my pressure canning (and water bath canning), to where I am now canning lots of veggies, beans, soups, jams, and stews… AND I LOVE IT! Do you know how to can green beans? It’s actually quite easy, once ya get the basics down.

There’s something wonderful about pulling a jar of homegrown green beans (or other foods) right out of our pantry that makes me smile! And the fact that I’ve never had a “bad” unsealed or cracked jar tells me I must be doing it right! So if you’re interested in learning how to can green beans here’s the “how to”.

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Can Green Beans

First thing is very important: always refer to your pressure canner’s manufacturer’s instructions for your specific canner before beginning. Note: Green beans must be canned using a PRESSURE canner. Vegetables and meats, soups, etc. must be pressure-canned, due to low acidity present in those foods. Unfortunately they CANNOT be processed in a water bath canner (not enough heat to kill off any potentially harmful bacteria!). This is the first thing I had to understand when it was time to learn how to can green beans!

Start with fresh beans (for this batch I combined green and yellow fillet beans from our garden). Rinse beans, and then drain them.

Trim the ends off the beans, then snap or cut them into 2 inch pieces. (I enjoy “snapping” beans while I watch TV). Typically I pack beans tightly into jars before canning to get an estimate of how many jars I will need. Once that’s done, I remove beans, re-wash jars, then proceed with the canning process. Set the beans aside until you’re ready to pack them into hot jars.

Prepare The Canning Jars And Flat Lids

Wash the canning jars, then place them upside down on a dish towel-lined baking sheet. Place them in a preheated 200 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Some people put them in simmering water to heat, but I like the convenience of having my stove top free while I am heating the water up in my pressure canner and heating boiling water to add to the filled jars.

While the jars are in the oven heating, prepare pressure canner, jars and lids according to manufacturer instructions. Bring a kettle of water to a low boil. About 5 minutes before the jars are finished heating and the beans are ready to be added, pour some of the very hot water over the flat jar lids (and let them sit in the water in a bowl for 5 minutes – this softens the rubber seal).

Pack The Green Beans Into Hot Jars

I usually “raw pack” the beans (one of TWO canning methods), which means to tightly pack the raw green beans in the heated jars. Fill the jars to within one inch of the top of jar.

Place 1/2 teaspoon canning salt into each jar. Pour boiling water (I use a canning funnel) into each jar, leaving 1 inch headspace. (See NOTES section of the printable recipe below for alternate method).

Remove air bubbles from jar; adjust the headspace by adding or removing liquid to ensure you have the correct 1 inch headspace. Use a paper towel and wipe the rim of each jar dry/clean, to help ensure a good seal. Place the heated flat lid on jar, then add screw band and tighten to fingertip tightness.

Processing The Jars Of Green Beans

Carefully place the jars into simmering water in the pressure canner, lock the canner lid in place, then turn the stove top to medium high heat. As the water inside comes to a boil, steam will escape through the vent. Let the steam vent for 10 minutes, then place vent cover on to close vent.

Continue heating until the pressure canner reaches 10 pounds pressure. Maintain this pressure throughout the cooking time indicated. (Pint jars = process for 20 minutes, Quart jars = process for 25 minutes).

Once Canning Processing Time Is Completed

When processing time is completed, turn off the heat. Let the pressure of the canner drop down to zero naturally. Once the pressure returns to zero, wait a couple more minutes, then carefully remove the vent cover only. Wait another minute, then carefully remove canner lid. Let the jars sit in the canner for 10 more minutes, then remove them, using canning tongs.

Place the HOT jars onto a dish towel on the counter (DO NOT place directly on counter… temperature variations could make the jars crack!). Here’s a picture from another batch of jars using only GREEN beans. At this point you’ve conquered learning how to can green beans. Yay for YOU!

Let The Jars Cool

Let the jars cool completely (for 12-24 hours) without disturbing, then check to make sure they sealed properly, label and store. Smile… and enjoy the reward from your small amount of work… a pantry full of green beans!

I LOVE that I can preserve beans from our garden each year and pull a jar of home-grown green beans off a pantry shelf any time I want… (haven’t bought beans in years!).

For me personally, it is very rewarding to see jars of homegrown vegetables (and soups, stews, jam, etc) line our pantry shelves… it feels awesome! I am so glad I learned to pressure can and have enjoyed the results produced ever since! And just think… it all started with learning how to can green beans!

Looking For More CANNING Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have quite a few canning recipes you might enjoy, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Recipe Source: Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, Published 2012, Robert Rose, Inc., Jarden Corporation, page 386 (and part of page 385)

0 from 0 votes

How To Can Green Beans

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Overrun with fresh garden green beans this summer? Learn how to can green beans for long term storage, to enjoy all year long!

Category: Canning

Cuisine: American

Keyword: green beans

Servings: 4 pint jars

Calories Per Serving: 140 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

4 pounds Green beans (approx. 1½ - 2½ pounds of beans per QUART jar)
2 teaspoons Canning salt
4 Pint Canning jars and lids/screwbands
Boiling water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Wash beans, then drain. Trim ends off beans, then snap or cut beans into 2 inch pieces.
Wash canning jars, then place upside down on a dish towel-lined baking sheet. Place in a preheated 200 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. While jars are heating, prepare pressure canner, jars and lids according to manufacturer instructions. Bring a kettle of water to a low boil. About 5 minutes before the jars are finished heating and the beans are ready to be added, pour some of the very hot water over the flat jar lids (and let them sit in the water in a bowl for 5 minutes).
Tightly pack the raw green beans in the heated jars. Fill the jars to within one inch of the top of jar. Place 1/2 teaspoon canning salt into each jar. Pour boiling water (use a canning funnel) into each jar, leaving 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles from jar; adjust headspace by adding or removing liquid to ensure you have a 1 inch headspace. Use a paper towel and wipe the rim of each jar dry/clean. Place the heated flat lid on jar, then add screwband and tighten to fingertip tight. Carefully place jars into simmering water in pressure canner, lock lid in place, then turn burner to medium high heat. As water inside comes to a boil, steam will escape through vent. Let the steam vent for 10 minutes, then place vent cover on to close vent.
Continue heating until pressure canner reaches 10 pounds pressure. Maintain this pressure throughout the cooking time indicated. (Pint jars = process for 20 minutes, Quart jars = process for 25 minutes). Begin processing time once canner reaches 10 pounds pressure.
When processing time is completed, turn off heat. Let the pressure drop to zero naturally. Once the pressure returns to zero, wait a couple more minutes, then carefully remove vent cover. Wait another minute, then carefully unlock and remove canner lid. Let the jars sit in canner for 10 minutes, then remove, using canning tongs. Place HOT jars onto a dish towel on counter (DO NOT place directly on counter... temperature variations could make jars crack!). Let jars cool completely (for 12-24 hours) without disturbing, check for proper seal, label and store.

Recipe Notes

Quantity will vary, based on how many beans you process.
Processing: 10# pressure. Pints=20 minutes, Quarts=25 minutes.

Alternate method: Hot Pack method: Cut beans combined with boiling water to cover. Bring liquid to boil (medium-high heat). Boil beans for 5 minutes. Drain (but reserve liquid for adding to jars, if desired). Put hot beans into jars; cover with boiling water or reserved liquid. Continue with rest of directions, as written.

Nutrition Facts

How To Can Green Beans

Amount Per Serving (1 pint jar of beans)

Calories 140

% Daily Value*

Sodium 1189mg52%

Potassium 957mg27%

Carbohydrates 31g10%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 3130IU63%

Vitamin C 55.4mg67%

Calcium 168mg17%

Iron 4.7mg26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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12
Sep
2016

Italian Sausage & Potato Casserole

categories: Casseroles, Main Dishes, Pork

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This simple, hearty, baked Italian Sausage Potato Casserole, with sausage, potatoes, red and green peppers, onions, and Italian spices is delicious!
If you’re looking for an easy to prepare, yet hearty and flavorful main dish to make for those you love, this Italian Sausage Potato Casserole might be just for YOU!

The Italian sausage potato casserole is very simple to prepare (3 easy steps!), and features the flavors of Italian sausage, green and red bell peppers, onions, and Italian seasonings. I stumbled upon it online recently, thought it sounded promising, and made it for my husband and I.

The recipe as written (below in printable recipe card) serves 4. Note: My photos only reflect half of the total amount (I cut recipe in half since we were the only two to eat it!).

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make This Italian Sausage Potato Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. While it is pre-heating, cook the Italian sausage pieces in 2 teaspoons olive oil, on medium heat, until cooked through (and no longer pink).

Once fully cooked, drain the sausage on paper towel to absorb the grease, and then place them in a baking dish.

Cook The Potatoes In The Same Skillet

Drain grease from skillet, then wipe pan with paper towel (do not wash). Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in skillet, add potato slices, and cook until they are a light golden brown, and almost tender.

You will need to turn the potatoes as they cook to ensure they brown lightly on both sides. Once potatoes are finished cooking, place them on top of the Italian sausage in the baking dish.

Cook the Vegetables In The Same Skillet

Using the same skillet, cook the red pepper, green pepper, and onion slices until they have softened (a few minutes).

Assemble The Italian Sausage Potato Casserole

Add the cooked veggies on top of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour chicken stock over the veggies, potatoes and sausage.

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir the casserole ingredients gently to combine.

Bake The Italian Sausage Potato Casserole

Cover the Italian sausage potato casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole at 400 degrees, for 25 minutes.

When done baking, remove foil, and dish the casserole up while it’s hot! That’s it! This “meat and potatoes” casserole tastes great with a side salad and/or a piece of garlic bread.

I hope you have the opportunity to make this delicious, simple Italian sausage potato casserole for those you love. Spending time together enjoying a meal is a gift! Have a blessed day!

Looking For More CASSEROLE Recipes?

You can find all of my casserole recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. A few of our family favorites include:

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Recipe Source: www.barbbrinker.blogspot.com/2011/01/sausage-potato-casserole.html

0 from 0 votes

Italian Sausage & Potato Casserole

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

45 mins

This simple, hearty, baked Italian Sausage Casserole, with sausage, potatoes, red and green peppers, and Italian spices is delicious!

Category: Entree

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Italian sausage potato casserole

Servings: 4 servings

Calories Per Serving: 659 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (sweet OR hot), cut into 2 inch pieces
2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 medium red potatoes , unpeeled (cut in half lengthwise, then into 1/2 inch slices (half moons)
1 green bell pepper , seeded, then roughly chopped
1 red bell pepper , seeded, then roughly chopped
1 large brown onion , sliced thin
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
Heat 2 Teaspoons olive oil on medium heat in a LARGE skillet. Add Italian sausage chunks; cook, stirring occasionally until sausages are cooked through and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Remove sausage to a paper towel to absorb grease, then place in 9x13 baking dish. Drain grease from skillet (but do not wash-just wipe it down with a paper towel before cooking potatoes).
Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil back into skillet. Turn heat to medium. Add potato slices. Cook potatoes until light golden brown (they will be "almost tender"). You will need to turn the potatoes occasionally as they cook to make sure both sides cook well. When done, remove the potatoes from skillet and place them on top of the sausage in the baking dish.
In same skillet, cook the red and green peppers, and sliced onion until they soften up and lightly brown (about 3-5 minutes). When done, remove vegetables and place them on top of potatoes in baking dish.
Pour the chicken stock over the sausage/potato/vegetables in baking dish, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine ingredients. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, and dish it up while hot!

Recipe Notes

Because I was only cooking for two, I cut the recipe in half. I DID, however, leave the amount of chicken stock exactly the amount as written (1/2 cup). For all other ingredients I cut the quantity in half, and casserole was cooked in a smaller baking dish.

Nutrition Facts

Italian Sausage & Potato Casserole

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 659 Calories from Fat 405

% Daily Value*

Fat 45g69%

Saturated Fat 14g88%

Cholesterol 87mg29%

Sodium 1495mg65%

Potassium 1442mg41%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 1055IU21%

Vitamin C 84.6mg103%

Calcium 59mg6%

Iron 3.4mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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How To Make This Italian Sausage Potato Casserole

Cook The Potatoes In The Same Skillet

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Assemble The Italian Sausage Potato Casserole

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You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks