Fat Frog Diary

Frankly, I've never made the Creamy Cucumbers. I went straight to the Marinated Cucumbers because it's basically a refrigerated pickle and works with many vegetables. 

  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    

Soft Pretzels Recipe Okay, so this one's not a low carb. Let's face it. Once in awhile, you need something that is a bit "naughty" for a variety of reasons. Ingredients 1 package ( 8) refrigerated breadsticks. 1  beaten egg white 1 tablespoon water     Poppy seeds (optional) or salt crystals Directions Unroll breadsticks so they lay flat. Gently pull each breadstick into a 16-inch rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel by crossing one end over the other to form a circle, overlapping about 4 inches from each end. Take one end of dough in each hand and twist once at point where dough overlaps. Carefully lift each end across to the edge of the circle opposite it. Tuck ends under edges to make pretzel shape. Moisten ends; press to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with a mixture of beaten egg white and water. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake in a 375 degree F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Makes 8. Nutrition Facts Calories103, Total Fat (g)2, Saturate...

  Slow Cooked Pork and Beans You are not going to believe how good this is. While it makes a fine side dish, adding a package of Little Smokies made it a meal. I keep several varieties of dried beans in the pantry in clear jars recycled from other meals. I try to buy a certain brand of tasty spaghetti sauce just because of the large square jars that not only are mason jars, but the square shape makes them more efficient for storage. Notes: 1. I used dried beans. I measured out 1/2 cup dried beans for each type, added 1 cup of water for each type (yes, 4 cups plus a little) and used the Instant Pot pressure cooker feature to cook them for 25 minutes with an NPR (Natural Pressure Release). Once done, I proceeded to make the recipe as suggested, using the Instant Pot Slow cooker feature.  Sources: Taste of Home Halloween ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and lov...

  Fall Harvest Bread  I've used this recipe since I first got a bread machine and I love it.  Notes: 1. Please note there are two sizes. If your bread machine normally needs 3 cups of flour, use the larger size. If you're unsure, make the smaller size first.  Sources: Electric Bread (ISBN 735342931523)  Bread Electric: Suzan Nightingale, Art & International Productions: 9780962983115: Amazon.com: Books ************************ 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.  ...

  Mexican (Style) Casserole Cultural Appropriation is not my thing, so I'm calling this recipe from the 1970's "Mexican STYLE Casserole."  Notes: 1. There's a Mexican style blend of cheese shreds available to use in place of the American Cheese Food slices. Get as cheesy as you like!  ************************ 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    

  Vegetable Chowder While not vegan, it *could* be with a few adjustments. After all, vegetable broth is readily available and easy to keep around. You might have to experiment with substitutions for light cream. Nut milks, coconut milk, and hemp milk might be good alternatives.  Notes: 1. Rutabaga is in season October and November in the US, but easily found until March.  2. Parsnips are in season October through May, and usually sweeter than carrots.  ************************ 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 ex...

  Skillet Chicken and Mushrooms Another classic from Campell's Soups made for the electric skillet. Notes: 1. As I've said before, the amount of chicken you buy can vary depending on your needs. If you can afford a broiler-fryer chicken, get a whole one and cut it up yourself. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials if you don't know how.  Sources:  Electric Skillet:  Amazon.com: BELLA Electric Skillet and Frying Pan with Glass Lid, Nonstick Coating, Cool Touch Handles, Removable Heating Probe, Dishwasher Safe, 12 x 12 inch, Copper: Home & Kitchen ************************ 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 pe...

  Pineapple Pound Cake  This one requires the use of a stand mixer, if you have one. You can do this with a hand mixer or mix by hand, but I personally don't have the stamina or the time. Stand mixers that come with a whisk and a dough hook are just fine. You don't have to spend a fortune.  Notes: 1. I used Butter Flavored Crisco sticks for easy measuring of the shortening and to add that little bit of extra butter flavor.  Sources: Stand mixer (Example)  Amazon.com: Kitchen in the box Stand Mixer,3.2Qt Small Electric Food Mixer,6 Speeds Portable Lightweight Kitchen Mixer for Daily Use with Egg Whisk,Dough Hook,Flat Beater (Blue): Home & Kitchen ************************ 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 ma...

Sauerkraut Soup with Sausage This is one of the oldest recipes in my collection, dating from somewhere around 1975. Since it's been torn, I'll fill in the blanks on the ingredient list.  RECIPE INGREDIENTS  2 strips bacon, chopped 1 medium onion, minced 1/2 tsp paprika 1 can (I lb) of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed 6 cups bouillon (see notes)  2 cups diced red or yellow potatoes 1 bay leaf 1 1-lb ready to eat Kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces Salt and pepper, to taste Chopped parsley for garnish, if desired Notes 1. Better than Bouillon has a ham flavor, which would work well to give more of a pork flavor. If you can't find Better than Bouillon at your supermarket, use chicken broth. I've provided a link below so you can purchase online if desired.  2. I don't bother peeling my potatoes. If you don't mind the peel, leave it on and just dice the potatoes into bite-sized bits. I recommend using red or yellow potatoes because they are slightly firmer t...

  Tuna Broccoli Bake This is similar to the famous Impossible Pies, but more like a casserole in some ways. It's a great way to have a quick little lunch or light dinner before going  out. Notes: 1. Definitely use a square pan if you want the even, perfect servings for six.  2. If it's still a bit soggy in the middle after 40 minutes baking, turn off the oven and allow it to coast to its final destination for another 15 minutes.  Source not available.  ************************ 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 provid...

Glorified Broccoli Chicken I don't know how "glorified" this recipe is. I have a tendency to be very wary when I find a vintage recipe with the word, "glorified" in the title. However, for a quick and easy way to elevate chicken parts to something better than simply seasoning them and sticking them in the oven, this is better.  Notes: 1. Unless you're feeding a particularly starving hoard, save the chicken back and wings for making chicken broth or stock. I also save the drumsticks for the same purpose. A whole broiler-fryer is just too much for my little crew here. Adjust for your family size.  2. While the can of soup does contain some salt, you are welcome to add seasoning like salt and pepper to your chicken pieces after drizzling on the butter. Go easy on the salt until you're familiar with how the recipe tastes for you.  3. I have been known to dump two cups of frozen broccoli in with the chicken just before I put the soup over everything.  4...

  Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce This recipe is an easy one. I prefer the slow cooked version of pork chops because they come out so tender. However, don't get lazy and skip browning the chops first. You need that crusty brown layer to keep the chops from falling apart.  Notes: 1. I don't ever cook my chops longer than 8 hours if I can help it. They get too soft and mushy. And I personally add the mushrooms about 30 minutes before serving, not with everything else. Again, for the same reason.  2. The tapioca is there to thicken the sauce. If you don't have any tapioca, you can make a simple 1:1 cornstarch and water slurry and stir it in with the mushrooms 30 minutes before serving. It will accomplish the same result and thicken the sauce.  ************************ 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 ...

  Beef and Cabbage Soup This recipe hails from the late1970's, approximately 1976. While you could make adjustments and cook this in the slow cooker, I think you'd be missing out on all those brown bits at the bottom of the Dutch oven.  Notes: 1. The missing words from that turned corner (Sorry!) are "tender" and "soy".  2. You can substitute any healthier oil for the shortening. I use vegetable oil most of the time, but feel free to experiment and let me know.  Sources While I'm no longer sure, this recipe probably came from either Better Homes and Gardens magazine or Family Circle magazine. I was a teenager and my mother happily let me cut up her magazines for recipes after she was done reading them. I was unconcerned with preserving sources as a teen.  ************************ 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 po...

Ranch Pudding (4) RANCH PUDDING - This is AMAZING! Cooking the Books - YouTube Like me, this creator on YouTube loves vintage cooking. I just happen to be old enough to remember some of these recipes from my youth. This recipe happens to be one of them. Why re-invent the wheel when she does it so well with a video? This is a cozy recipe perfect for cool fall evenings. It's not really a pudding as we Americans think of it, but more of the British "pudding" as dessert.  RANCH PUDDING 2c brown sugar, packed 2.5c water 2T butter 1/2c milk 1.25c Bisquick 1c raisins or chopped dates 1/2c to 1c chopped nuts 1t vanilla Heat oven to 350. Mix in saucepan 1c brown sugar, water, and butter. Boil for 5 minutes. Pour into 8" square pan. Mix in bowl: 1c brown sugar, milk, Bisquick, raisins or dates, nuts, and vanilla. Spoon batter on top of sugar mixture. It will sink into the liquid and spread out as it bakes. Bake for 45 minutes. Serve warm. Notes: 1. Serve it warm. It...

Fish Creole I have a confession to make. As a Floridian and surrounded by the sea, you'd think I'd be able to prepare any sort of seafood known to mankind. Nope! I was intimidated by all the admonitions that it was easy to overcook seafood, and it was difficult to prepare, etc. I was wrong. If anything, fish is easy to prepare if you pay attention to how FAST it cooks. Yes, fast. As in fast food. As in, how easy can you get? And this is much healthier than opening a can.  RECIPE INGREDIENTS 1 16 oz frozen cod fillet, cut up into bite-sized morsels (more to taste, if desired) 1 T butter 1-1/2 c chopped onions 1/2 c. chopped green peppers 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 med ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped OR 1 can stewed tomatoes 2 T parsley 2 t. paprika 1/2 t. sugar 1/8 t pepper 1 bay leaf ***** 1 T cornstarch 1 T water ***** hot cooked rice, optional but recommended.   METHOD 1. Cook the rice first. Keep it handy and covered.  2. Throw the first set of ingredie...

Broccoli Cheese Potato Topper Who doesn't love baked potatoes? There's a lot to love, but elevating the humble baked potato beyond butter and sour cream to make it a meal is my idea of a lazy comfort food, especially if you make the baked potatoes in the Instant Pot. Notes: 1. The condensed cheddar cheese soup is worth hunting up. I keep several cans in the pantry, ready for a fast cheese sauce.  2. Use the steam-in-the-bag varieties of broccoli florets. You can even change it up to any one of several veggie mixes such as broccoli and cauliflower.  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 Amazon affiliate and make no...

  Chicken Broccoli Recipes- Two for One Another fine set of recipes from Campbell's Soup. Both of these can be made in the electric skillet or the Instant Pot, though you may have to increase the liquid if you use the Instant Pot.  Notes: 1. The second recipe neglects to mention you will need spaghetti noodles and cook them separately.  2. I'm one of those that find chicken breast a bit too dry, so I use boneless chicken thighs. I've also been known to simply get one of the pre-cooked chickens and use that instead.  3. Please do not use the grated parmesan cheese you find near the spaghetti sauces in jars. Go to the deli and get grated parmesan there or buy a wedge and grate what you need.  4. If you follow my tips from previous recipes, the vegetables were prepped the day you brought them home from the grocery store. I chop my carrots into coins, since that's the form I most often use, but a quick whir in the food processor takes care of grating them i...

Garlic Pork Intro: If you can find this soup mix, you're ahead of the game. I couldn't. I have provided a substitute in the Notes below. Add in some chicken broth or chicken bouillon if you need more moisture.  RECIPE INGREDIENTS 4-6 pork chops 1 envelope of Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic soup mix 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil 1/2 cup chicken broth, bouillon, or water Rice or noodles, cooked (optional)   METHOD 1. Brown the pork chops in the oil in an electric skillet. Remove pork chops and set aside.  2. Pour in broth and scrape up the brown bits. Add more liquid if needed.  3. Whisk in the soup mix (or seasonings below) until dissolved.  4. Add the pork chops back into the skillet and cook to desired doneness.  5. Serve over rice or noodles if desired. In any case, serve it up hot.  Notes: 1.  Garlic & Herb Seasoning Mix | 2 tablespoons marjoram 2 tablespoons oregano 2 tablespoons rosemary 2 tablespoons basil 2 tablespoons pa...

  Grim Galette with Reduction Image Can you believe the skulls are pears? This recipe is so insanely good, I lifted it from Ghoul at Heart's website without a second thought. However, I want to give her full credit for the recipe, and I urge you to check out the site. Genius! The link is below, in Sources.  Equipment 1 pastry blender 1 apple corer 1 mini heart cookie cutter Ingredients Chocolate Galette dough 2   cups   all-purpose flour ¼   cup   cocoa powder 2   tbsp.   sugar 1   tsp.   salt 3   tbsp.   packed brown sugar ¾   cup   butter, cold and cut into ¼-inch slices 6-8   tbsp.   ice water Macerated Pears 3-4   pears, cored, peeled and halved 2   cups   Chambord Black Raspberry liqueur 1   cup   dry red wine (for color) Raspberry Jam filling 2½   cups   raspberries 1   cup   sugar ¼   cup   water 1   tbsp.   corn starch sliced...