Fat Frog Diary

Herb Shoppe Turkey Baste This is an opportunity for a great family project or even friends. There are ten herbs used in this recipe, and that can get very expensive. I recommend getting together with a few friends and sharing the cost of buying all those herbs. Everyone gets a batch of the baste blend and you don't waste herbs you would rarely use, like savory or chervil. Since this recipe is equally good with chicken, you could even make this a dinner party and everyone gets to taste the blend. After all, that wine needs to be used up too.  Sources: I'm sorry to say I no longer have the book this came from, so if anyone recognizes the source, please let me know. I'd love to give credit.  ************************ 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 ...

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...

  Orange Cinnamon Bread This bread recipe was the overall winner of a poll I conducted among my Facebook friends, based on title alone.  Based on the size of my bread machine, I used the Medium sized amounts column. My bread machine's recipe book had recipes requiring 3 cups of flour, and that seems to work best for my bread machine.  Notes: I didn't have any grated orange peel, so I had to substitute grated lemon peel.  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...

  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...

  Stuffin Muffins The original recipe came from Rachel Ray, and I thought it was so brilliant, I've kept the recipe just for the idea alone. The concept of avoiding food poisoning by serving stuffing in "muffin mounds" is genius! (Picture Wile E. Coyote and his "Super Genius" gloat.) Personally, I cut back on the onion a trifle and I use my own chicken stock, but if you don't have stock at home, buy it.  I disagree with her regarding buying the celery sticks already cut. WHAT? Pay more for sticks alone when I could save those tops for turkey stock? My Depression-Era grandmother would spin like a top in her grave if I was that wasteful, especially when I'll have onion tops, carrot tops, and a turkey carcass right at hand the next day. I don't need to be haunted by such a formidable woman, thanks.  Admittedly, I can see why Rachel recommends using pre-cuts, but pre-cut your veggies yourself. You'll save time and money. Just buy your carrots, on...

  Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey Marinated turkey? Why not? You just have to watch your timing or buy a fresh turkey instead of frozen. The two-gallon freezer bags can be more difficult to find, especially at this season of the year. Get that first. I often have to hunt at two or three stores, and sometimes resort to Amazon.com. I suggest keeping a box or two around. They're very useful for separating craft projects, storage, and other non-food uses. I have a box I keep just for my sewing projects.  I use and highly recommend a probe thermometer with an alarm to ensure your turkey reaches 185F. I have included an example below.  Sources: Taste of Home Probe Thermometer:  Amazon.com: ThermoPro TP-16 Large LCD Digital Cooking Food Meat Smoker Oven Kitchen BBQ Grill Thermometer Clock Timer with Stainless Steel Probe : Home & Kitchen ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother ...

  Cranberry Apple Crush This is a hot drink, so be prepared with plenty of heat-resistant coffee mugs. Frankly, the kumquats are for looks, so skip them and simply use lime slices.   Sources: BHG.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

Crusty and high rise? Count me in! It's not as sweet as you might think. Note:  1. This is a high-rise bread. Start with the small loaf and work your way up until the bread machine produces a good-sized loaf for its type. Medium works for my bread machine, but no more!  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 money on any links given. Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

  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.  ...

  Fall Squash Recipes A Southern woman knows what I mean when I say, "It's a Southern Living" recipe! I've made all three of these at one time or another. My personal favorite is the Creamy Butternut Soup. It's easy and soooooo good. It's worth the time to whip the remaining whipped cream into a delightful garnish for extra creaminess.  Frankly, winter squashes such as acorn squash, Hubbard, and butternut squashes are very similar in sweet orange goodness. Mix and match as your budget and tastes allow. Hubbard squash may need a longer bake time or you can cut it into smaller chunks. Worth it!  Tip: Butter the squash halves (scooped and seeds removed) before placing face down on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350F for about 45-60 minutes until the flesh is soft. Use an ice cream scoop or disher scoop to get all the flesh from the skins as soon as it is cool enough to handle. Scoop into a pre-labeled quart freezer bag and freeze until needed. ...

Gruesome Green Toes Cookies   Intro:  Easy and no cooking! Wilton Candy Melts to the rescue again! And they already have green shades. My church family loved them. Notes: 1. The correct shape for "toes" are found in cookies like Nutter Butter. If you have a guest with a peanut allergy, use a homemade sugar cookie dough and roll out some nice thick toe-shaped cookies for them to enjoy. Just be sure to keep the peanut cookies very separate from non-peanut cookies during all stages.  2. Crows licorice candies are already in the correct shape, once you halve them. Dots also have a licorice black inside, though you may have to search a few boxes. I'm also told black gumdrops work but can be difficult to get enough black.  Sources 1. Crows licorice candies:  Amazon.com : Crows Licorice Flavored Gumdrops : Gummy Candy : Grocery & Gourmet Food Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves ...

Wiggly-Worm Baked Apples Baked apples made spooky. Notes: 1. Gummy Worms are easy to find on Amazon. I'm too lazy to make up the Jello Jigglers recipe and pour it into straws to make my own worms, but you could if you need a sugar-free alternative. Allow one extra day to make the worms if making homemade. 2. Use scissors to cut up the apricots. It's faster than gumming up your knives.  Sources 1. How to make Jello Jiggler worms:  Bowl of Worms: How to Make Jello Worms (onelittleproject.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 examp...

BEEFY MACARONI SKILLET   Why pay for a certain hamburger pasta box when you can do it yourself for less money and less preservatives? This recipe doubles easily for more servings or is easily upcycled.  Notes: 1. This is an easy recipe to "upcycle" with a cup or two of vegetables of any kind, like mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, or any of the mixed vegetables available in bags and boxes. What are your favorite veggies to throw in?  2. Before serving, top with some more cheese.  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. Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com  

I'm inspired.  This is a classic beef stew, but I'm inspired by cutting the carrots into pumpkin shapes and putting eyes on the mushrooms. How fun is this?  I wonder if I have the gumption to add to it with turnip or rutabaga carvings? It bears thinking about. 

UKRAINIAN BORSCHT This recipe is from my teenage years, cut out of a Better Homes and Garden or Family Circle magazine. Family Circle is no longer in publication.   I have a much-beloved Dutch oven, purchased less than a year ago, after fighting the expense and refusing to pay that much for a pot. Now I'm sorry I waited so long. It really does allow me to brown a meat on the stovetop, then pop the whole thing in the oven if required, but it has the versatility of simmering all day on the stove if that's what's needed as in this recipe.  Yes, this is a recipe using beets. I recommend serving it first at Halloween time because of the color. You can call it Vampire Stew and tell the diners it's red to attract vampires. Use the fancy baby potatoes and cut them into skulls by digging out eye holes and slicing the smaller end to have "teeth." The carrots can be cut into coins and then shaped into pumpkins to add a real Halloween flair.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, ...

Pumpkin Mousse Pumpkin everything for the next two months! This is a delicious creamy cool dessert that's perfect if the weather is warm, but you are still in the pumpkin mood.  Notes: 1. Whip the whipping cream up first and set aside in the fridge, or at least whip it up while the pumpkin is baking.  2.  The pumpkin itself is cooked mainly to provide a safe vessel for the mousse to be served from. It's not cooked thoroughly, so it will hold its shape but still be safe. You can do without the pumpkin serving vessel and just use any food safe bowl you might have that works with your Halloween theme.  ************** 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 com...

Gooey Caramel Apple Bars Intro: For the church fellowship hour, or feeding the kids after decorating for Halloween, these are great. This recipe yields 2 dozen, so be prepared to share.  Notes: 1. This recipe hearkens back to Ye Olden Days when many desserts were served as a two-crust "pie" that literally stood on its own.  2. Cool the 15x10 baking dish thoroughly to allow all that gooey caramel apple filling to soak in and firm up a bit or you'll have a lava-hot gooey mess. This is a safety concern, since many of us have a "Sneaky Pete" who will try to abscond with a cookie without permission.  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 com...

Yogurt Filled Chocolate Cauldrons These are not as difficult as they look! Use foil muffin cup liners because the paper ones won't stand up to the challenge. Make the chocolate cauldrons thick so they're easier to handle.  Notes: 1. Make the cups in advance. You can either use the method above or use Wilton Candy Melts.  2. The candy sticks mentioned above can sometimes be found under the name Pocky. 3. There are many sources of paste food coloring including Wilton, Michaels, and Amazon. I'm a Wilton snob, but that's my experience. YMMV!  Sources 1. Pocky Sticks-  Glico Pocky Chocolate Covered Biscuit Sticks 2.47oz : Target 2. Wilton Candy Melts:  Candy Melts (wilton.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 m...

Spiderweb Trap Intro: A deliciously different way to have spaghetti squash and potato gnocchi.  Notes: 1. Warning: Do not use cheap gnocchi for this. Get the good stuff, not the dollar store variety.  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

  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