Category Archives: How-To

Coconut Oil Pie Dough

Joining the trend:  Baking with Coconut Oil

For years nutritionists have limited the use of the coconut because of the fat.  Now it is a considered a good fat and not the culprit any more. Although this information as been  available since 2004 or earlier, I am finally coming around to use the coconut oil in cooking.  So I started it with a Coconut Oil Pie Dough. My pie dough often leaves much to be desired, so why not kick up the challenge.

Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Coconut Oil Pie Crust for Peach Pie

Since my cookbooks are too old to discuss use of coconut oil, the internet provided a variety of recipes and information related to the benefits and use.  I looked on the internet for information for recipes, use and how to substitute shortening and vegetable oils. Coconut Oil Online was informative and helpful, even how to measure the oil and listing the healing benefits.

Here is a simple “how-to”

Pure Coconut OIl

Pure Coconut OIl

coconut oil in flour_499

I first measured and chilled the coconut oil  in the refrigerator as it is liquid at 76 degrees.  Too long in the refrigerator, it would become hard solid and brittle.  This was cooled about 30 minutes, enough to cut into cubes.

I measured the flour into the food processor, then added the cold coconut oil and the cold butter.

Cold butter added to the flour and coconut oil.

Cold butter added to the flour and coconut oil.                                                                                                                                            

Putting coconut oil pastry in pie plate.

Putting coconut oil pastry in pie plate.

The rolling out of the dough was a bit tricky.  Rolling it on floured wax paper was best, though it did get sticky as it warmed. The wax paper also made it easier to handle placing on the pie plate and adding the top crust.

Making of a peach pie….

Fresh peaches were in season at this time, I had 4 medium size peaches, or about 3 cups more or less, added 2 tablespoons of minute tapioca, 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Sliced one tablespoon butter on the top before covering with the top crust.  Baked at 400 F, 45-50 minutes.

Fresh Peaches for pie

Making a peach pie.                                                                                                    

Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Coconut Oil Pie Crust for Peach Pie                                                  

Coconut Oil Pie Dough

Julia Ann
A How-To to making Coconut Oil Pie Dough for a fresh peach pie.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices

Ingredients
  

  • Pie Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold pure coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup very cold water as needed
  • Peach Pie
  • 3 cups fresh peaches in 1/2 inch size.
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons instant tapioca
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions
 

  • Use a food processor.
  • Put the flour in the processor bowl.
  • Add cubes of cold coconut oil and cold cubes of butter.
  • Pulse off and on until dough is the size of peas.
  • Put dough into a large bowl, add water a tablespoon at a time,
  • While mixing dough until it can be gathered into a ball.
  • Divide the dough in 2 pieces, flatten and wrap each in wax paper or plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough on wax paper, lightly floured two inches larger than the 9 inch pie plate.
  • Fit dough into the pie plate.
  • Fill with the fresh peach mixture.
  • Dot with butter.
  • Roll out the second round of dough and place on top of the peaches.
  • Trim edge off of excess pie dough, fold under to have 1 inch edge to crimp.
  • Cut steam vents in the top crust. Bake.
  • Cool before serving

Notes

Fruit pies often bubble out when baking. Put aluminum foil under the oven rack to catch any drippings. ...............................................................................
Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2020 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery®,cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®. All rights reserved.
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The fresh peach pie with Coconut Oil Pie Dough.

Yes, this was an OOPS!

First servings of the peach pie with Coconut Oil PIe Dough

First servings of the peach pie with Coconut Oil Pie Dough

The rest of the pie was refrigerated. 

Peach pie with flaky Coconut Oil Pie Dough

Peach pie with flaky Coconut Oil Pie Dough                                                                         

It did become solid and nice slices were cut.  The servings were put in the microwave about 15 seconds to warm.

Over all tasty, not considered food porn.  Oh, well. There are successes and failures.

Hope you give the recipe a try and  best wishes.

 

 

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bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® All rights reserved.

Blueberry Bagels

Blueberry Bagels

Blueberry Bagels

Bagels!  Recipe for home made Blueberry Bagels

I remember when bagels were a rarity  in the Midwest.  A friend would bring them back from New Jersey when he went home  on school breaks. Well, it was w-a-y back in  1972.  Now that I am retired and really into cooking, I like to try recipes, even if they are available on the market.  Better yet, I like make food without the unpronounceable ingredients.

A brief how-to make bagels.

Ready for the first rise.

Ready for the first rise.

This dough happens to be yeast bread dough.  Bagels also are a yeast dough,  the recipe I have is a small amount of yeast dough that makes 12 bagels.

 Besides knowing what goes into your homemade bagels, you also can decide what goes in your bagels or what to put on top.  The above bagels have white raisins, same dough as for the blueberry bagels.

Bagels in a boiling water bath.

Bagels in a boiling water bath.

Boiling the bagels sets the crust before going into the oven.  The interior texture is dense and  crust chewy. The bagels are in the water 45 to 60 seconds.

Enjoy Blueberry Bagels with cream cheese and jam.

Blueberry Bagels

Blueberry Bagels

Now that you have tried the Blueberry Bagels, try them again for your flavor and flare, such as raisin bagels.

Fresh Raisin Bagels

Fresh Raisin Bagels

Blueberry Bagels

Julia Ann
Home made bagels to enjoy toasted, with cream cheese and jam. Add blueberries or raisins, nuts and seeds. Decorate the top with nuts, seeds or plain for sandwiches. Your choice and ideas. A mixer friendly recipe
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • DOUGH
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water 105-115F
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
  • 1 egg white thinned with 1 tablespoon water
  • sprinkling of corn meal.
  • WATER BATH
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the warm water into a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the yeast on top and blend to dissolve for 5 -10 minutes. It will become bubbly.
  • Add the honey, olive oil and 1 cup of flour mixed with salt.
  • Stir at low speed, blend briefly to mix.
  • Add remaining flour while mixer is going.
  • Using the dough hook, knead at low speed for 10 minutes. Dough will be smooth and elastic.
  • Roll into a large ball, put into well greased bowl and grease the ball of dough.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap, let rise in a warm place 1 hour to double in size.
  • Prepare water bath to boiling.
  • Preheat over to 425 F.
  • Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly sprayed with oil and sprinkled with corn meal.
  • When dough has doubled in size, punch dough down.
  • On a lightly floured board, roll into a long log, divide into 12 equal pieces to make a 2-inch balls.
  • Flatten the dough piece, add 3-4 blueberries in the circle.
  • Fold the dough over the blueberries and seal on underside.
  • Punch a holes in the middle with your thumb, make hole about 1-2 inches big.
  • Cover bagels and let rise 15 minutes until puffy.
  • Drop into the seasoned boiling water. They rise to the top.
  • Let simmer for 45-60 seconds each side.
  • Lift out with skimmer.
  • Set on the baking sheet.
  • Brush with egg white and water.
  • Bake 425 F, 10 minutes, or until lightly brown.
  • Turn after 10 minutes and brown on the other side.
  • Remove upon rack to cool.

Notes

These can be frozen. Adapted from King Arthur Flour Bagels....... Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. ”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.All rights reserved.
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The object of homemade is not about the perfection in the appearance, instead, it is the challenge of trying and getting delicious outcomes to please family and friends. Practice perfects the appearance,  though one cannot control oozing hot blueberries or resist the tantalizing aroma?

Join me for a cup of hot ginger tea.

Ginger Tea

Cup of Ginger Tea

Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox logo©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.”Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com  All rights reserved.

 

 

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart

Fall is in the air and  the coloring of the leaves is happening…    The beauty of the fall season is something to behold when the sun is shining.   I have been given a couple of butternut squash to enjoy in older recipes and create a couple of new ones.  This is back to a recipe I put up  in October 2014.  Still good!

Nienaber'sFarm Market

At A Local Farm Market 

 

Acorn and Butternut Squash

Acorn and Butternut Squash

The  butternut squash beauty on the right was selected for the autumn tart.  The wonderful thing about this entree tart it is as tasty as  eating dessert.  In this  particular tart I used shredded chicken from chicken drumsticks previously cooked in the slow cooker.  Drumsticks were tried as a means of trying to be economical.  Chicken breasts are also very nice to use with this tart. Chicken was used this time as ham is not a part of this household’s diet anymore due to the high sodium and alas….extra fat.

12 inch Squash, Chicken and Pecan Tart

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart baked in a 12-inch tart pan.

 

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart

This make a wonderful tart with the ginger pastry.  It will fill a 11-12 inch tart pan giving it a thick filling.  This was a  perfect tart, it did not crumble when the tart pan rim was removed or crumble when it was cut.   Just add a green salad or vegetable with fruit for dessert and lunch is served.

Butternut Squash, Chicken, Pecan Tart with steamed broccoli

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart with steamed broccoli

Butternut Squash, Chicken & Pecan Tart

Julia Ann
This recipe combines a favorite autumn vegetable with chicken, pecans and apples for a dessert like entree to become a Thanksgiving favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • GINGER PASTRY

Notes

Adapted from Country Living Magazine, November 1998.----------------------------Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.”nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com. All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

2018 Version of the Tart:  I turned it into a 9-inch pie.  I cheated and bought a frozen pie crust.  I omitted the chicken, added just a little more squash, reduced the sugar some and proceeded as instructed.  Really had more filling than needed.  Baked the remainder in a small dish.  

Suggested Menu

cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® Spices, bring you great recipes, outstanding herbs and spices for your cooking experience.

 

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Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice®  brings you great recipes for your cooking experience.  ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice®The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “Netta Belle’s Choice®The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®  All rights reserved.

 

How-To: Roasting Red Bell Peppers

Red Bell Pepper

Red Bell Pepper or Capsicum annuum

Ah, the stately red bell pepper!  8 years ago I discovered the art of roasting red bell peppers. Now they can usually be found in my freezer ready for use.  While they make a good side dish, baked and seasoned with  garlic, onion, oregano, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, roasted red bell peppers are good additions to many dishes along with garlic, onion, carrot and celery.  Since it has been roasted, it can be added to soups, salads, meat entrees, casseroles and vegetables later in cooking.  Oh yes, don’t forget putting it on pizzas.

Roasted Red Bell Peppers

Roasted Red Bell Peppers as a side dish

Sweet Bell Pepper History

These are not to be confused with chili peppers.  The sweet bell peppers come in multiple colors from green, red, yellow, orange, purple, brown and black.  The green and purple bell peppers are slightly bitter, None of the bell peppers are hot due to smaller amounts of capsaicin in them. All can be used to stuff and bake.  When cut in half or cutting the tops off, they do make great little cups to stuff.

South and Central Americas were first known to have cultivated the bell peppers about 9000 years ago.  Now they are raised throughout the world and used in many cuisines. In 2007, China was the largest producer commercially of the bell pepper.  Florida and California are the largest commercial producing states in the U.S.  New Mexico is the leader in the U.S. of commercially producing chili peppers.

Selection and Storage

Whether you buy your peppers in the grocery, open-air market or farmer’s market, select peppers which are firm, with green stems and heavy.  Choose those free of  blemishes, soft spots or dark areas.  Not all green bell peppers turn red and some peppers never start out green.  Just be sure the colors are deep and vivid and heavy for their size.

Storage of bell peppers will keep 7-10 days in the refrigerator’s vegetable compartment.  It is best not to cut the stem off prior to storage, although sometimes they are sold without the longer stem. To prevent moisture loss in the refrigerator storage, it is best to put a damp towel or towelling in the vegetable compartment to keep their moisture.  Bell peppers can be frozen without blanching, whole for stuffing or in pieces for adding to foods.

Healthy Benefits of  Sweet Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers are an excellent source of nutrients rich in an antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties necessary to reduce the risk of chronic health disorders such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.  The vivid bright colors of red, orange and yellow are carotenoids which are the precursor to vitamin A. Remember being told to eat your carrots to help your eyes, yes vitamin A.  Sweet bell peppers are excellent sources of  vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B 6.  They are also very good source of fiber, vitamin E, K B 2, B 3 and potassium; they are low in fat.

Try roasting your sweet bell peppers, red, orange, yellow or even purple.  They do add color to foods.  Doing so is worth the time and effort and are not packed in oil.  Besides that you get your vitamin A.  Enjoy!

See my recipes:    Red Bell Peppers Stuffed with Beans and Rice and                                           Summer Time Coleslaw.

Informational Resource:  The World’s Healthiest Foods, www.whfoods.org.

cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® outstanding herbs and spices for your cooking experience.

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk.Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office.” nettabelleschoice.com and cookbookinabox.com.  All rights reserved.

 

Raw Ginger Root

Raw Ginger Root

I use raw ginger root in many of my food preparations.  Not until someone asked how to use it, did I realize not everyone is familiar with the ginger root rhizome.  The tan dried root is in the produce area of the grocery, however not refrigerated.  Usually is has large knobby extensions  from the root.  I break off about the size of root as seen above. The Zingibehr officinale, better known as ginger root is a perennial plant from southeastern Asia. It will grow 3-4 feet high.  In humid moist climates plants are used in yard planting for the white and pink flowers as well as the foliage.¹

Benefits of Ginger Root

Ginger is an herbal remedy that settles the stomach, intestinal gas, nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness. There are many therapeutic properties in ginger give anti-inflammatory effects. Ginerols are the substances which provide relief to those with pain of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Do not use the dried root or powder if you have gallstones.¹

Uses of Ginger Root

When buying fresh ginger root, be sure the root is firm, smooth and free of mold.  Older roots will need to be peeled, easily done with paring knife or vegetable peeler.  If left unpeeled, a fresh ginger root will last 3 weeks in the refrigerator and 6 weeks in the freezer.

Ginger Root

Preparing fresh Ginger Root for cooking.

When using fresh ginger root I do not cut off any more than I will use.  Depending on the food I am cooking, it may be diced to minced, julienned or even grated. Adding the ginger at  the beginning of cooking will give a milder flavor while adding it later will have a more zesty to spicy flavor.

Ginger root can be grated and put in an ice cube tray with water or in a plastic bag to freeze. When ginger root is needed, just break off what you need.  Candied ginger is available in the grocery or candy stores.  It is also easily made at home and gives you  the ginger syrup.

Ginger Tea

Add 3-4 slices in a cup of boiling water. Or add the slices to a cup of oolong tea or lemon tea.

Ginger Tea

Cup of Ginger Tea

 Candied or Crystallized Ginger

I had frozen the ginger root before starting this recipe.  I would have preferred to have made this soon after buying the root.  I sliced in 1/4-1/8 crosswise slices, which yielded about 1/2 cup from my pieces.  I put them in a heavy saucepan and covered with plenty of water to bring to a boil.  I reduced the heat, letting the ginger root simmer about 30 minutes until tender.

After the boiling and simmering, I drained the water off.  I put 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water in heavy saucepan to dissolve the sugar over low heat.  The sugar which collects on the side of the pan can be wash down with a pastry brush dipped in warm water. Bring the sugar to a boil, add the ginger, reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the sugar syrup has almost boiled away.  I did not cover the saucepan and stirred occasionally.  The ginger and sugar foamed up while cooking but subsides when heat is turned off.  Remove the ginger root pieces and lay out on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper to dry.  It make take overnight to dry completely before storing in air tight container.

The sugar water made a nice flavorful ginger syrup.  This can be stored in an air tight container and refrigerated and used to sweeten lemonade, teas or poured over ice cream.  I want to put some in cookies or in an apple pie. I read it is good with some alcoholic drinks. Lots of possibilities. Parboiling the ginger root first does take out some of the heat of the ginger to a milder taste.²

Ginger Pieces Drying

Drying Ginger Pieces

Crystallized Ginger Root

Dish of Candied Ginger Root

¹ The World’s Healthiest Foods “Ginger”. www.whfoods.org., June 16-22-2014. ² Adapted from Joy of Cooking.1975. p.881.   Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

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