Fat Frog Diary

Hoppin' John   A classic American dish from the Deep South, this was commonly served at my family home on New Year's Day. It's a superstition (or a way for Mom to get us to eat black-eyed peas) that the more black-eyed peas you eat on New Year's Day, the more money you'll get in the coming year. Serve with a side of cornbread because it's gold and also brings wealth. Besides, it soaks up the juice from the beans.  Notes: 1. This is a crock pot recipe but starts in a skillet. It's worth the extra trouble to collect those lovely brown bits. If Mama celebrated a bit too much the night before, this recipe won't strain her brain too much.  2. I don't add the crab meat because I'm allergic. I'd love to hear from someone else how they felt it tasted.  3. For the dirty rice mix, I used Zatarain's, but Tony Chachere's or any other brand would work.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'...

  Corn Pudding Please don't expect a "corny" corn pudding that's more savory than sweet. This recipe is almost dessert-like. In fact, I dare say it could be treated as a dessert for those who aren't fond of gooey, sugar-laden pies, cakes and cookies at this time of year. However, I treat this as a side dish.  Sources: McCormick recipe card ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com    

  Bowl Full of Cherry Ham Glaze Let's make this clear. I believe my readers are smart enough to look on the internet or the package directions, do the basic math on how many minutes per pound, and can turn on an oven all by themselves. The trick is knowing how to elevate the ham beyond a brown sugar glaze and some whole cloves stuck in the skin. That's why this is just a glaze.  Sources: allrecipes.com ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.f...

Bread Machine Parker House Rolls Intro: This is one of the best holiday recipes made easy thanks to modern convenience. I personally use unsalted butter that I stock up on throughout the year and freeze.  ingredients Units:  US 3 cups  bread flour 1 ⁄ 4 cup  white sugar 1 teaspoon  salt 1 (1/4 ounce) package  active dry yeast 1 ⁄ 2 cup  butter , softened, Do Not Use Margarine* 1 large  egg  (Whisked) 3 ⁄ 4 cup  water  (120F*) 2 tablespoons  water  (120F*) directions Directions Add water, 1/4 cup butter, egg, salt, bread flour, sugar and yeast to bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough/manual cycle. Meanwhile, put 1/4 cup butter in baking pan. Melt butter over low heat. Tilt pan to grease bottom. When cycle is complete, remove dough from machine to lightly floured surface. Roll out dough 1/2-inch thick. With floured 2 3/4-inch round cutter, cut dough into circles. Holding dough circle ...

  Eggnog Pie This vintage recipe appeared on the internet, and you know I had to swipe it! Please read through all my notes and the entire recipe before beginning. I won't tell if you use a store-bought pre-made pie crust. I soften the unflavored gelatin in a small custard cup just before I start whipping the egg whites because it only takes about 5 minutes or so to "bloom." This filling is a cooked custard eggnog, and well worth the extra time and trouble. If you're a bit nervous, have a practice run and serve the custard (or a whole pie) to a  friend. I have no trouble finding a guinea pig who will let me do a trial run with them.  Notes: 1. Separate the eggs at the very beginning. You can store the whites in a jar in the refrigerator until you need them. Beat the egg yolks to that lemony/foamy stage and set aside. When you add the hot cream mixture to the beaten egg yolks, do so slowly and patiently. Work in a little cream mix at a time. The idea is to heat ...

  Diabetic Holiday Eggnog I got my first copy of this magazine from my grandmother's collection when she passed. I puzzled over why she had so many when she herself was not diabetic. Maybe she understood even then that sugar wasn't good for you in such high quantities as in the American diet. Who knows? It's still a custard-based eggnog and therefore superior to the eggnogs in stores.  Sources: Diabetic Living Magazine (out of print) ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available on...

  Praline Yams I started out cutting out recipes from the backs of bottles, boxes, cans and jars when I was 17. This recipe isn't quite that old, but it does specify a certain brand of yam. Recipes from a brand name usually highlighted the best way to use the food inside the package. They aren't some dodgy recipe off the net, but carefully chosen and tested recipes whose purpose is clearly understood: to get you to buy the product.  Notes: No need for marshmallows, but whipped cream is excellent.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commission...

  Broccoli Chicken a  La King I love vintage recipes! This one comes from my youth, when the can of soup and the microwave would set the housewife free from the drudgery of the kitchen. This was the age when the woman was supposed to be Super Mom, able to work a full-time  job and then come home and whip up a nutritious meal in only a few minutes. The manufacturer's ideas of what was nutritious were flexible, of course.  The true beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. There are options on the cheese, the meat, and what you serve it on top with. What Mom did back then depended on her own energy level, but I personally would recommend either tossing a baking potato or three in the Instant Pot if you have a few extra minutes.  Notes: 1. While I know I'll get some hate for this; I use and keep Spam and canned cooked chicken around for those days when I forgot to defrost something. These "shelf special" recipes have saved me plenty of money, since I did...

  Crispix Nachos Snacks Yes, this came off the cereal box.  Notes: Instead of pouring oil over the chips mix, lay them out on a cookie sheet and use an oil sprayer. You'll get a better distribution of oil. Then toss to coat.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

  Eggnog I can hear the screams even from my perspective in November. Yes, it has real eggs. This is a "custard" eggnog. And the original version is alcoholic. There's a non-alcoholic version at the bottom, but basically eliminate the booze and add in a bit more milk.  Notes: 1. Have the large bowl of ice waiting before you begin cooking the custard portion. Put a towel underneath the ice bowl to help keep it steady.  2. In this case, it's not advisable to substitute Cool Whip. The result would be oily in appearance. Take the time to whip the cream, and you can use a stand mixer for this if you wish.  3. I have doubled the amounts and served this in a punch bowl. It still was gone very quickly. Gauge your guests carefully.   ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but ...

  Crock Pot Gingerbread Despite the lengthy list of ingredients, this is a very easy recipe.  Pre-measure all the ingredients, and have them handy to toss in, once the butter and sugar have been beaten together. They aren't kidding when they tell you to spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Don't neglect this step or  think you can get away with a "healthier" oil.  Notes: 1. If you are using a regular slow cooker, this would be a good time to use a timer so that the three hours of cooking time don't begin until three hours before you want to serve. For instance, if I poured my ingredients into the slow cooker at 8 AM, but I don't want to serve dessert until 7 PM, then I would set the timer to start the slow cooker at 4 PM. Some newer slow cookers now have the timer built in, and that's handy!  2. Topping with whipped cream and orange peel is mind-blowing. Yes, Cool Whip is fine if that's all you have time for. Don't be ashamed. ...

  Holiday Stuffed Pork Roast By now, you're probably sick of turkey and leftovers. Here's an alternative worthy of the holidays. Take the time to make the brown rice at least one hour before you need it. I use the rice function of my Instant Pot. Make sure to toast those slivered almonds and all those delicious stuffing ingredients. I even make my own whole berry cranberry sauce, and it is far superior to the canned. However, if you prefer the jellied cranberry sauce, that's up to you.  Use the best orange juice you can get. I use the one with pulp, and fresh-squeezed if I'm really into the details. Since you need grated orange peel, you may as well take advantage of the oranges for sale at this time of year. I squeeze them, grate the skins, and then enjoy "cook's privilege" of eating the flesh. Well, except for the sectioned one required for the recipe of course.  If you're nervous about the stuffing being cooked while rolled in the pork roast, it...

  AUTUMN PUNCH Notes: This is a Do-Ahead! I saved this one for one of the last recipes of November because it transitions well into the winter holiday season and can be served hot.  The ginger ale alternative is nice if you must serve a non-alcoholic version.  Sources:  Gewurztraminer:  Cooper's Hawk | Gewürztraminer (chwinery.com)   ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

Apple Chunk Bread Frankly, I didn't peel the apples. I did dunk all the apple chunks in lemon water to keep them from browning.  Sources: The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German ISBN 1-55867-025-4 ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com    

  More Dressings for Thanksgiving Who doesn't love dressing with their Thanksgiving? It's those extra flavors that give the chef's kiss to the feast, like bacon, maple sausage, apples, cranberries, raisins and the spices. I offer these two variations on the classic baked dressing (as opposed to the in-the-bird stuffing) as alternatives to options already presented. Yes, these can be made as Stuffin Muffins (see previous recipe by that name).  Sources: Jimmy Dean Sausage and Taste of Home.com respectively.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn c...

  Roast Turkey with Sage Butter This recipe from the illustrious magazine, Epicurious, became my go-to turkey recipe from the first day we tried it. Take my advice and make the broth yourself using cheap wings, backs, and drumsticks. This is your opportunity to use all those carrot tops, onion skins, leek greens, and of course celery tops in the broth. Season lightly if at all! Remember you'll be adding seasoning during the recipe process when you use the broth. I make mine in the Instant Pot using the slow cooker setting, cool, strain out the spent veggies and bones, then cool thoroughly to remove the big disk of fat the next day. The result should be thick, gelatinized, and more delicious than anything you can buy from the store.  Yes, it's worth the extra trouble of frying up the bacon then mixing the butter, sage and bacon. Make sure you reserve that 1/3 cup of the sage butter for the gravy before stuffing the rest under the skin. Yes, slide your hand under the skin an...

  Yes, it's that easy. If you happen to have cocktail skewers for the cranberry garnish, just lay the filled skewer across the rim and don't bother trying to float it. That just forces the guests to use their fingers to fish the thing out. Remember that your cocktail picks can be a way to mark a guest's drink, so consider skewers that are not all the same, or use beads/charms on hoop earrings to make each glass distinctive. Inexpensive charms for jewelry making are available cheaply at Amazon and craft stores.   Sources: I recommend Cooper's Hawk Sparkling Bubbly Rose  Cooper's Hawk | Bubbly Rosé (chwinery.com) ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original pos...

  Pumpkin/Winter Squash Bread This versatile bread allows you to flex according to what's available in the grocery store in produce. Sometimes I can find only butternut squash or acorn squash, and not a sugar baby or pie pumpkin. I have resorted to canned pumpkin.  This bread comes out a bit dense and chewy. It has whole wheat flour as well as bread flour.  Sources: The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  ...

  Indian Corn Rice Krispie Treats Ima I've had Thanksgiving Dinner guests try to make off with the entire platter of these, mostly in jest.  Notes: You don't need the lollipop sticks, but they do keep the fingers from getting too sticky.  Sources: I got this off the internet almost 15 years ago, so I have no idea.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com    

Classic Mashed Potatoes and some Alternatives  Ah, the classic mashed potatoes as a staple of the American holiday celebration! The beloved and versatile potato has saved lives as a staple of the poor, and chefs love it for being a cheap, easy side dish that can be dressed up as Duchess Potatoes or a fine, creamy Gratin. Vary the cheese, vary the dairy, add other favorite vegetables, and the humble potato becomes a feast.  The recipe above serves 4. I double or even triple the recipe for a holiday meal and still get pitiful looks when the last is dished onto a plate.   Speaking of Duchess Potatoes, if you don't have a fancy star tip to pipe a pretty mound, then spoon it up into 4 mounds without guilt. I'm not serving royalty. I personally line the baking pan with parchment paper before spooning the potatoes on the baking pan. A silicone baking mat works just fine too.  Please note that Potato Patties are a great "day after the holiday" breakfast side. That...

  The Classic (and Not-so-Classic Alternatives) Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Sorry for the wonky picture!  This image came directly off the empty bag of Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing. You can follow the package directions and add the ingredients from the top list, or you can make the Orange Walnut Stuffing. I use this as a reference for all the possibilities of what I can add to a stuffing like apples, raisins, walnuts, chestnuts, giblets, and mushrooms. The list goes on and on.  Sources: Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing in a 16-0z bag.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I pers...