Category Archives: Recipes

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

 

 Gourmet Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

My first “gourmet salad”, Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad, big time and new idea in 1978.  Bon Appétit was probably the originator of this recipe.  At that time mixing fresh mushrooms and oranges in salad was being original.  How times have changed!  No longer do we expect  the same foods being served together.  An example:  meat loaf made with ground beef, served with white mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans with iceberg lettuce salad. Consider a new take on the same menu:  meat loaf made with ground turkey, risotto , Brussels sprouts with pearl onions and sesame seeds and pear salad.

Brussels Sprouts with Pearl Onions

Brussels Sprouts with Pearl Onions and Sesame Seeds

Diversity of our neighborhoods and communities have made diversity in the foods we eat and have available at our grocers and Farmer’s Market.  In my city  there are multiple Asian and Hispanic grocery stores  in addition to the chain and big box stores that offer a variety of foods to meet the needs of most nationalities and for those just wanting to learn new recipes and tastes to broaden our understanding of flavors, cooking, and even cultures.

Spinach-Romaine Lettuce Salad

Julia Ann
A easy mixed fresh spinach-romaine lettuce salad with mushrooms, oranges, bacon and nuts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups fresh romaine leaves and hearts torn into bite size
  • 1/2 cup fresh crimini mushrooms sliced
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1-2 navel oranges
  • 1/4 cup toasted whole almonds
  • Seasoned Vinaigrette Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Wash and dry spinach and romaine leaves and hearts.
  • Slice the mushrooms
  • Fry the bacon crisp and drain on toweling paper. Break bacon into small pieces.
  • Cut off the peel and white pith on the navel oranges, cut in 1/2 inch slices and quarter.
  • Toast the almonds, allow to cool.
  • Assemble the greens into a large bowl.
  • Add some of the vinaigrette and mix greens.
  • Add mushrooms, bacon, oranges and almonds.
  • Mix more vinaigrette or have available for serving.

Notes

Sliced red onions and/or feta cheese are also additions to be added to this salad.
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This recipe is not exotic nor in 2015 is it very ”gourmet” or different.  It is a salad that is great in the winter time with the oranges and the current fad of bacon on everything.  This is just a reminder of ingredients with a different mix,  ago-to recipe to add to your collection. Enjoy.

Menu Suggestions:

 

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Granola 74

 

Granola 74

Granola 74

Granola 74!   What is that?

Granola 74, what a name for a cereal or snack. As the current saying  you hear too much, “it is what it is.” Kellogg’s first sold a granola in 1893 and popular in different mixes since then per Wikipedia.   Dr. James Caleb Jackson invented granola in 1863 the Jackson Sanitarium in Dansville, New York. In the 1960’s, fruits and nuts were added to make granola health food during the hippie movement. It appears every decade, the granola gets another update and version.

Always  interested in the best snack and foods for our children, during 70’s and 80’s, I was collecting recipes from anywhere.  Have you ever sat in a doctor’s office looking to see if anyone was watching to tear out a recipe or to write it down and cram into the diaper bag? Granola 74, just means it is a 1974 recipe which I got from some cookbook out of the local library.  I really think I discovered it in the late 60’s at the entrance of 2 children…yeah, the hippie era.

Granola 74

Julia Ann
An easy granola recipe from a 1974 cookbook and a good recipe to change to your own taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Cereals &amp, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup whole almonds
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 1/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
  • 1/4 cup wheat germ
  • 1/4 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup honey or white or dark corn syrup or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup dried dates
  • Spray oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250 F.
  • Spray oil in pan to be used to bake the granola.
  • Measure nuts in blender and pulse until chopped, not finely ground. (Some will be fine on the bottom.)
  • Put nuts into the large baking pan.
  • Add all the ingredients except the dried fruits.
  • Stir to mix well.
  • Put pan in oven for 15 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes for 4 times. 1 hour.
  • Remove from oven, stir in the raisins,dried cranberries and dates.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Store in plastic or glass jars.

Notes

(Recipe source has long been lost, a library cookbook.) 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.
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Granola 74 makes 6 cups

Granola 74 makes 6 cups for cereal and snacks.

 

 

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Whole Wheat Flax Seed-Apple Muffins

Whole Wheat Flax Seed Apple Muffins

Whole Wheat Flax Seed- Apple Muffins

adapted from Hodgson Mill® Milled Flax Seed

Whole Wheat Flax’n Apple Muffins

I can’t take credit for this great recipe.  This is an adaption of Hodgson Mill® recipe for terrific moist muffins. They are quick and easy to make and even quicker and easier to eat.  Muffins are a such a treat to have in the morning for breakfast. or a late evening snack.  They can be packed in school or work lunches

Flax Seed Benefits

Flax seed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.  A very good source for Vitamin 1, copper, manganese and fiber.  According to ” the world’s healthiest foods www.wh.org.*  there are several benefits of having flax seed in your diet.  The chronic diseases are helped through the benefits of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in omega-3 oils, i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention, improving digestive health and post-menopausal symptoms.

Whole Wheat Flax Seed-Apple Muffins

Julia Ann
An adaption of a Hodgson Mill recipe for a moist muffin for breakfast, snack or lunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breads
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup Hodgson Mill Milled Flax Seed
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped Gala apples
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Grease or line muffin tins with paper cups. Use the regular size tins.
  • Mix all the dry ingredients together, blend with a whisk.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the egg, oil and milk.
  • Add the dry ingredients and blend, do not beat.
  • Fold in the chopped apples. The batter is thick.
  • Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted will come out clean.

Notes

Walnuts, pecans or almonds may be folded in with the apples...............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.
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*http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?pfriendly=1&tname=foodspice&dbid=81

 

Whole Wheat Flax Seed-Apple Muffins

Whole Wheat Flax Seed-Apple Muffins

Suggestions for serving with

Red Anjou Pears

Red Anjou Pears

Beef Barley Soup with Toasted French Bread

Beef Barley Soup 

Baked Spinach and Zucchini Quiche

Baked Spinach and Zucchini Quiche

 

 

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Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

A few years ago I was cleaning out boxes stored in a closet.  I found a cookbook in a box, Williams-Sonoma, Simple Italian Cooking recipes by Chuck Williams.  These recipes started my adventure in Italian cooking and eating.  The Mediterranean Diet works for my family with plenty of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit.  My Caramelized Oranges with Almonds is adapted from a favorite recipe “Oranges with Mint and Toasted Almonds.”  I made a few changes to  the recipe and serve as  an appetizer, salad or dessert.  It is wonderful with a brunch instead of orange juice.  Put the oranges on spinach or romaine lettuce the syrup for dressing;  there is a salad for dinner of chicken and pasta.  After eating a heavy meal of beef stew, Caramelized Oranges with Almonds lend a sweet and light dessert to the meal.

Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

Caramelized Oranges with Almonds

Julia Ann
A dish of fresh oranges in mild sweet syrup with toasted almonds and coconut for an appetizer, salad or dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizers / Salad / Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon slivered orange zest
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sweet Marsala wine optional
  • 4 large navel oranges
  • 4 tablespoons toasted almond slices
  • 4 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Wash and dry oranges.
  • Grate the rind off the oranges to get the zest.
  • Cut off the top and bottom of the oranges.
  • Cut off the peel and white pith.
  • Slice the peeled oranges into 1/2 inch slices, put into a serving bowl.
  • Save any orange juice.
  • In a medium sauce pan, put the zest, sugar, lemon juice, wine and orange juice.
  • Cook over medium heat until mixture is amber colored, about 5 minutes without stirring.
  • Remove the syrup from heat and pour over the orange slices.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Serve slices with the toasted almonds and toasted coconut on top.

Notes

Inspired by Williams-Sonoma Simple Italian Cooking...........................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.
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Suggestions of other recipes to serve with Caramelized Oranges

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I store my recipes in ……….

Cookbookinabox of Gourmet and Everyday Recipes

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Potato and Crab Meat Soup

Potato and Crab Meat Soup

Potato and Crab Meat Soup

A Charleston Discovery

Potato and Crab Meat Soup that I make isn’t the real discovery.  Though a trip to Charleston, South Carolina was such a discovery of the beautiful, colorful city of many little flower gardens. There was a flower tucked into any place there was dirt, between houses, alleys or an empty spot.  It was fascinating to see all the brass door knockers and historical homes.  It has been many years since the visit,  I hope it is the same.

Also enjoyed a hearty bowl of crab meat  soup made with the “real stuff”  such as Atlantic crabs and cream.  The rest of the meal has been forgotten.  Soup set me out on a search for a Charleston Cook Book.  I came home with TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF CHARLESTON COOKING, 1976.  There was a recipe for “She” Crab Soup.  There was no way to duplicate the soup, however that did not stop me from trying an adaption or was it inspiration.

Potato and Crab Meat Soup

Potato and Crab Meat Soup

Julia Ann
Potato and Crab Meat Soup makes a good beginning for a holiday dinner or for a light, late night supper to celebrate the holiday eve.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soups
Cuisine American
Servings 4 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces lump crab meat drained and checked for shells
  • 1 large russet potato diced 1/2 inch size
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup onion diced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 cup cream or half and half milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon spice and herb blend
  • A pinch of nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon sherry

Instructions
 

  • Cook in a double boiler or heavy large sauce pan to prevent scorching.
  • When using canned crab meat, check for shells; set aside.
  • Peel and dice the potato, cook until soft; drain and set aside.
  • Heat the milk and have ready to add to the mixture.
  • Melt the butter in the double boiler or sauce pan.
  • Add the onion and cook until it is soft and translucent
  • Add the crab meat and potato and stir in the heated milk.
  • Stir the flour and cream together to a smooth paste and pour into the milk mixture.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce, Flavour-Enhancer Spice Blend, grated nutmeg and sherry.
  • Cook over low heat for 30 minutes without letting soup come to a boil.

Notes

Frozen crab legs or imitation crab meat can also be used in place of the canned crab meat. The soup could be made smoother and thicker by pureeing. Family preference is to have chunky soup.----------------------------------------------------
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.
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This recipe does not do justice to the original Charleston recipe, though enjoyable as a warming winter soup.  My husband’s family use to have oyster stew on New Year’s Eve.  We are not into oysters, so on our New Year’s Eve we have the Potato and Crab Meat Soup, a fruit salad, cake and a glass of white wine.

Potato and Crab Meat Soup

Potato and Crab Meat Soup a holiday evening celebration.

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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®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.