cold weather, FINALLY!
Oct. 22nd, 2008 10:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stoney321A big ol' storm system is rolling in and bringing cold weather with it. Well, cold for us. That means hearty soups and pecan pie. (I've been itching to make a pecan pie. Side note: ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
xochitl42? What's your email address? I tried sending you that thing and it came back a no-go.) Today is my old chicken-n-dumplings recipe with herbed dumplings. Yuuuuuuuum. I also have marshmallows for when the kiddos get home and want hot cocoa. \o/ (Hot chai for me.)
Recipes under the cut. Since I can't do a long walk today, I'm going to curl up in bed and finish reading "Look Me In The Eye" which I'm finding incredibly illuminating about people with Aspergers. Also, it's funny. Both older kids finished reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" so we watched the movie together last night, and it was lovely to hear them ask why on earth "the African-Americans had to sit upstairs and wait." It's heartening to realize that this new generation of kids just don't understand racism. At least, my kids don't. And "Scout, stand up. Your daddy's passin'" chokes me up every single time.
I voted yesterday, and didn't have to wait in a single line. They had plenty of machines and workers, which was nice. Incidentally, I would encourage as many of you as possible to VOTE EARLY, regardless of your affiliation. It gives more time to count and tally, more time to find errors, and reduces the chance of a Bush v. Gore situation. My nails are going to be chewed down to the quick my Nov. 4.
Chicken And Herbed Dumplings (my absolute most favorite "comfort" soup that's not bad for you. Much.)
1 1/2 TBSP butter
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (if you don't care about fat, use thigh meat)
1 C chopped onion (I just use one medium onion)
1 C chopped celery (I use three big ribs)
2 cloves garlic minced
3 TBSP flour
3/4 qt. chicken broth (I add more - just enough to cover with an inch to spare, which is 2 32 oz. containers - I like it as a soup, not a plated dish)
cracked pepper to taste
fresh rosemary to taste (a sprig), chopped
1 or 2 bay leaves (I only use 1)
3 TBSP parley, chopped
1 1/2 C flour
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp butter, cut in pieces
1 small egg, beaten
another sprig of rosemary, chopped
1/2 C skim milk
Heat the butter in a dutch oven over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts. Remove the chicken and saute the onion, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and mix well. Add the broth, sugar, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Chop the chicken roughly. Return the chicken breasts to the pot and spoon the sauce over them. (or add extra broth as I do) Cover and bake in a 350F oven 30 minutes. (I leave on stop stop and simmer for this amount of time because again, I like it as a soup)
Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cut in the butter until well blended. Combine the egg, rosemary, and milk, and add all at once to the dry mixture; blend quickly with a fork, just enough to moisten. Remove the pan from the oven (If you've done that instead of leaving on stove top) Remove the bay leaves. Bring to a boil on top of the stove. Shape dough with your hands into dumplings and drop one by one into boiling stew. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Then om nom nom. (You can leave this on low heat for up to an hour before eating, incidentally. Great to make while doing laundry, etc.)
Other herb combos: parsley, tarragon, and green onions. I just have loads of rosemary, so I use that exclusively. Plus, chicken + rosemary = MY FAVE.
A cheater method if you're pressed for time: use package buttermilk biscuits, cut into pieces, roll the pieces in cracked pepper and rosemary, and drop one by one into the boiling mix. Homemade dumplings are just too good to not try, though.
This seems labor intensive, but it's really just adding things in stages. This is another recipe I'm going to try, I'll report back if it's any good. It looks very similar, with a difference of olive oil , thyme, and buttermilk over skim milk.
Chipotle Shrimp Cups - Appetizer
36 won ton wrappers
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese<
1 cup chopped cooked shrimp<
1 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers
1 cup bottled chipotle salsa
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Preheat oven to 350.
Fit 1 wonton wrapper into each of 36 mini muffin cups coated with cooking spray, pressing the wrappers into sides of cup. Bake at 350 for 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Keep wontons in muffin cups.
Combine cheese and remaining ingredients, and spoon about 1 TBSP filling into each wonton cup. Ake at 350 for 6 minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove from cups and serve immediately. (note: you can do the first two steps the day before, then heat in oven for 6 - 10 minutes before serving. Nice!)
Less than 100 calories per 2 cups, so that's sweet, too.
Salt and Pepper Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)
(note: these are WONDERFUL with champagne, or a Pinot Grigio. Also, use an aged cheddar, aged white cheddar if you can find it. You can make these a month ahead, freeze, and reheat at 375, uncovered, until crisp, about 5 minutes.)
1/2 C butter, cut into chunks (1 stick)
1 1/2 C all purpose flour
6 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/4 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tsp fresh-ground pepper
Coarse sea salt (or Kosher)
1. In a 3 -4 qt. pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 C water and the butter to a full rolling boil. Remove from heat, and flour all at once, and stir until mixture is a smooth, thick paste with no lumps. Add a quarter of the beaten eggs at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until dough is no longer slippery. Stir in cheese and pepper.
2. Spoon dough into a large pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2 inch round tip (note: I use my cookie scoop.) Pipe in 48 equal mounds on two cooking parchment-lined or buttered 12x15 baking sheets. Sprinkle each mound with a few grains of coarse sea salt.
3. Bake in a 400 degree oven until dry and browned, about 30 minutes. Serve warm. (Each puff is 53 calories with 3.6 grams of fat, but 2 grams of protein!)
I need a cold weather food icon...
xochitl42? What's your email address? I tried sending you that thing and it came back a no-go.) Today is my old chicken-n-dumplings recipe with herbed dumplings. Yuuuuuuuum. I also have marshmallows for when the kiddos get home and want hot cocoa. \o/ (Hot chai for me.)Recipes under the cut. Since I can't do a long walk today, I'm going to curl up in bed and finish reading "Look Me In The Eye" which I'm finding incredibly illuminating about people with Aspergers. Also, it's funny. Both older kids finished reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" so we watched the movie together last night, and it was lovely to hear them ask why on earth "the African-Americans had to sit upstairs and wait." It's heartening to realize that this new generation of kids just don't understand racism. At least, my kids don't. And "Scout, stand up. Your daddy's passin'" chokes me up every single time.
I voted yesterday, and didn't have to wait in a single line. They had plenty of machines and workers, which was nice. Incidentally, I would encourage as many of you as possible to VOTE EARLY, regardless of your affiliation. It gives more time to count and tally, more time to find errors, and reduces the chance of a Bush v. Gore situation. My nails are going to be chewed down to the quick my Nov. 4.
Chicken And Herbed Dumplings (my absolute most favorite "comfort" soup that's not bad for you. Much.)
1 1/2 TBSP butter
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (if you don't care about fat, use thigh meat)
1 C chopped onion (I just use one medium onion)
1 C chopped celery (I use three big ribs)
2 cloves garlic minced
3 TBSP flour
3/4 qt. chicken broth (I add more - just enough to cover with an inch to spare, which is 2 32 oz. containers - I like it as a soup, not a plated dish)
cracked pepper to taste
fresh rosemary to taste (a sprig), chopped
1 or 2 bay leaves (I only use 1)
3 TBSP parley, chopped
1 1/2 C flour
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp butter, cut in pieces
1 small egg, beaten
another sprig of rosemary, chopped
1/2 C skim milk
Heat the butter in a dutch oven over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts. Remove the chicken and saute the onion, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and mix well. Add the broth, sugar, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Chop the chicken roughly. Return the chicken breasts to the pot and spoon the sauce over them. (or add extra broth as I do) Cover and bake in a 350F oven 30 minutes. (I leave on stop stop and simmer for this amount of time because again, I like it as a soup)
Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cut in the butter until well blended. Combine the egg, rosemary, and milk, and add all at once to the dry mixture; blend quickly with a fork, just enough to moisten. Remove the pan from the oven (If you've done that instead of leaving on stove top) Remove the bay leaves. Bring to a boil on top of the stove. Shape dough with your hands into dumplings and drop one by one into boiling stew. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Then om nom nom. (You can leave this on low heat for up to an hour before eating, incidentally. Great to make while doing laundry, etc.)
Other herb combos: parsley, tarragon, and green onions. I just have loads of rosemary, so I use that exclusively. Plus, chicken + rosemary = MY FAVE.
A cheater method if you're pressed for time: use package buttermilk biscuits, cut into pieces, roll the pieces in cracked pepper and rosemary, and drop one by one into the boiling mix. Homemade dumplings are just too good to not try, though.
This seems labor intensive, but it's really just adding things in stages. This is another recipe I'm going to try, I'll report back if it's any good. It looks very similar, with a difference of olive oil , thyme, and buttermilk over skim milk.
Chipotle Shrimp Cups - Appetizer
36 won ton wrappers
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese<
1 cup chopped cooked shrimp<
1 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers
1 cup bottled chipotle salsa
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Preheat oven to 350.
Fit 1 wonton wrapper into each of 36 mini muffin cups coated with cooking spray, pressing the wrappers into sides of cup. Bake at 350 for 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Keep wontons in muffin cups.
Combine cheese and remaining ingredients, and spoon about 1 TBSP filling into each wonton cup. Ake at 350 for 6 minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove from cups and serve immediately. (note: you can do the first two steps the day before, then heat in oven for 6 - 10 minutes before serving. Nice!)
Less than 100 calories per 2 cups, so that's sweet, too.
Salt and Pepper Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)
(note: these are WONDERFUL with champagne, or a Pinot Grigio. Also, use an aged cheddar, aged white cheddar if you can find it. You can make these a month ahead, freeze, and reheat at 375, uncovered, until crisp, about 5 minutes.)
1/2 C butter, cut into chunks (1 stick)
1 1/2 C all purpose flour
6 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/4 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tsp fresh-ground pepper
Coarse sea salt (or Kosher)
1. In a 3 -4 qt. pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 C water and the butter to a full rolling boil. Remove from heat, and flour all at once, and stir until mixture is a smooth, thick paste with no lumps. Add a quarter of the beaten eggs at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until dough is no longer slippery. Stir in cheese and pepper.
2. Spoon dough into a large pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2 inch round tip (note: I use my cookie scoop.) Pipe in 48 equal mounds on two cooking parchment-lined or buttered 12x15 baking sheets. Sprinkle each mound with a few grains of coarse sea salt.
3. Bake in a 400 degree oven until dry and browned, about 30 minutes. Serve warm. (Each puff is 53 calories with 3.6 grams of fat, but 2 grams of protein!)
I need a cold weather food icon...
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:10 pm (UTC)I would totally vote ahead if I could, but my state doesn't have early voting, and I decided against absentee this time. But seriously good for you! I'm really excited by how many people are voting early - it seriously changes the dynamics of these last two weeks.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:14 pm (UTC)I'm hoping to get to the courthouse to vote tomorrow. We'll see. I've got to read through all the damn amendments on our ballot first so I can get in and out quickly. If I don't go tomorrow, I'll definitely vote on Friday. I love going on election day but our ballot this year is insane. Add in the presidential thing and it'll be nuts even in my tiny (population-wise) district.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:21 pm (UTC)Oh, no! I love the early voting process, I wish all states did it! I hearing bad things about absentee votes getting "lost" or not counting at all, so I def. agree with you on getting there and physically pulling the lever. (Or touching the screen, punching the hole, blowing the candle... *G*)
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:23 pm (UTC)There's been a lot of talk about Colorado voters' names being purged from the list, so going early is DEF. a good idea - it gives you time to solve any issues, should any arise.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:26 pm (UTC)Heee! In my case it's actually filling in the circles with a pen. We're pretty low-tech round heah!
I once tried to get an absentee ballot and managed not to by the time of the election, so I'm not the biggest fan.
I want tomato soup with spaetzle and cheese sandwiches. Doesn't that sound fab?
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:28 pm (UTC)Oh my goodness, that's our projected low!! *sends wool items for bundlings*
Oooh, that DOES. I almost made a batch of my tomato basil soup, but chicken and dumplings... Mmm. (I have a super good tomato soup recipe, if you have any fresh basil on hand. Hit the recipe tag, and I think it's three back?)
FOOD. I love it.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:29 pm (UTC)I was afraid I would be in line for ever, but nope: walked up to the court house, showed my card, was sent almost straight away to the machine. Nice! I hope it's as easy for you, too.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:30 pm (UTC)I'm scared to find out about the wind factor... I have NO wind-protective pants for walking. I may need to scoot out and pick some up, in case the weather stays cold and breezy... <3
Off topic, but your icon makes me so happy every time I see it. Rosy-cheeked kiddo + cat? <3
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:32 pm (UTC)Anyway, those seem totally essential -- and for the actual walk, it would be so great to have them along! Though do you need three separate walking outfits for each of the three days? I would guess there is some layering going on amongst the participants, liek woah.
Isn't that girl a darling? I love her kitty being like, "Yes, you may snuggle me." Slightly haughty, but probably purring to be snugged so. <3
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:33 pm (UTC)Also, I've been feeling pretty experimental with cooking lately (that is, not eating only frozen foods *facepalm*) so I'm going to start abusing your "recipes" tag soon. I'm excited to see what it holds in store. :D
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:36 pm (UTC)Yeah, three outfits, except! If the weather will be sunny and warmish, I'll just bring two and hand wash some items, letting them dry out in the sun on my tent. We have a maximum load of 30 pounds for all our clothes and gear (sleeping bags, etc.) so I try to pack light. Honestly, last time I brought layers and it drove me nuts. After 30 minutes of walking, I would whip off my light jacket and tie it around my waist, where it would stay for the rest of the day. I don't mind cold arms for a bit, if I know it'll be sunny for the remainder. But I'm pretty warm blooded, so I'm sure people will look at my funny, strolling about at 6am in a tee shirt and shorts. :D
I love that her kitty coordinates with her scarf and hat!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:38 pm (UTC)Oh, good for you! I hope you find stuff you can use. I don't like overly fussy recipes, so hopefully there will be things you can work with. :)
And hahahahahaa to your Spaghetti Cat icon. Hee!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:41 pm (UTC)Oh man, I cannot WAIT till this election is OVER and I can go back to eating real food!! I am totally grateful for all your delicious-looking recipes - I am a pretty indifferent cook (more in actual interest, when feeding myself, than skill level), and am always in need of more recipe ideas.
Omg blueberry pie recipe. *drooools*
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 03:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 04:06 pm (UTC)I'm walking up to the library to vote this afternoon. I don't think I've ever been this nervous about an election...
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 04:10 pm (UTC)I voted Monday and there was only ONE other person there. So awesome. I love early voting. :)
All three of those recipes look REALLY good. I might try the Chicken & Dumplings this weekend, if it stays chilly. Or some spicy Mexican. Mmm. OMG am I hungry LOL
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 04:11 pm (UTC)Spelt and Wild Mushroom Pilaf looks ammmmmmmmmmahzing too!
Seriously, I am right now just looking at recipes and shopping for wine glasses for my When I Have A Real Life Again list. It's surprisingly restful!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 04:24 pm (UTC)Oh my god, I'm on pins and needles. I got choked up walking out of the voting booth, I won't lie.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 04:25 pm (UTC)Wow, that's awesome! In some places, people are waiting in long lines for early voting which is cool, but I do early voting so I *don't* have to wait. :D
I am SO HUNGRY. My breakfast smoothie is not cutting it... I would like to dine on your icon, thanks. Mmmm, tamales!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 05:04 pm (UTC)I saw the long lines in Florida! I was VERY glad to be voting in a much less populated area.
Mmm, tamales indeed! This weather is seriously making me want to chow down on all that fat-laden goodness!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 05:10 pm (UTC)