Tradtional Bread and Butter Pickles

I love my summer time activities. One of the things I enjoy doing is canning. That may sound a bit strange, but I find it relaxing and it makes a great gift come Christmas time. Here is the recipe that I use that I like. You can do the same thing with squash, which I love!


For the basics of home canning you can go to
http://www.canningbasics.com/

10 cups of pickling cucumbers
4 medium white onions
1/2 cup canning salt
Cold water
3 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons celery seed
1 teaspoons turmeric
2 Tbsp mustard seeds

Slice unpeeled cucumbers 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Slice peeled white onions 1/8 inch thick.
In a large stockpot, arrange cucumbers in layers, sprinkling each layer with canning salt. Let stand for 2 hours; rinse in cold water and drain in colander.

Bring vinegar and remaining ingredients to a boil. Add vegetables; bring to a boil again and boil for 5 minutes.

Pack into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Adjust caps. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.

Browning Mix- Gift Idea

This was the other mix that Mary gave to us. I made the brownies for a New Year's Eve Party. It made 2 dozen brownies. They were really good, and they were from scratch. Something I am a big fan of. :) I could see these making great gifts for families in the future.


Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chip


Directions:Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins

Preparation

Wash and dry jars and lids in the dishwasher. Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt in a quart jar, pack firmly and brush residue off the insides of the jar with a pastry brush. Add cocoa, pack firmly and brush sides. Add sugar, pack and brush. Add chocolate chips and seal.


Attach the following recipe

1 jar brownie mix
1 cup butter melted
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring.Place brownie mix in a bowl and stir to mix. Add butter, eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

Chicken Noodle and Lentil Soup Mix-Gift Idea

This was gift that we received for Christmas from Clay's cousin this year. The jar of soup mix was perfect this week as we returned home and had energy to cook. The girls and I really enjoyed the soup, but Clay LOVED it. I will be making this again for sure.


¼ cup of red lentils
2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1 ½ tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
½ tsp. dried dill weed or dill seed
1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder
approximately 1 cup medium egg noodles
1 bay leaf.

Directions:In a two-cup jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above, then seal the jar.

Write these instructions on your gift tag:Bring 8 cups of water to boil in large saucepan. Stir in jar of soup mix. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf and stir in 1½ cups of frozen corn or mixed vegetables and 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or turkey. Simmer for five minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is heated through.

Gift Ideas- Cookies

Snickerdoodle Mix in a Jar

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar

Layer all ingredients in Jar Or vacuum seal bag.

Attach Tag:

Snickerdoodles
Makes about 5 dozen cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 package Snickerdoodle Mix
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Cream butter/sugar, adding eggs. Add mix and blend till well mixed. Shape dough into 1" balls & roll in cinnamon & sugar. Bake 2" apart on ungreased baking sheets in 350F oven for 15-18 minutes.

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M&M's Cookie Mix


1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup M&Ms® plain chocolate candies
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Combine all ingredients in Jar (in Layers) Or vacuum seal bag.

Attach Tag

1 Jar Mix
3/4 cup softened butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla;

Combine all in good size bowl & mix well. Drop by big spoonfuls on greased baking sheets & Bake in 350 F oven for 12-14 minutes.

Gift Ideas- Muffins

Apple Muffin Mix

2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup chopped dried apples


In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place the mix into an
airtight container. Makes 1 package.


To Use:

Apple Muffins
1 package Apple Muffin Mix
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 400 F and grease 12 muffin tins. Stir all ingredients
until they are just blended. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into greased
muffin pans, filling 3/4 full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden
brown.

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3 Grain Muffin Mix

5 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 cups Oat Bran or Quick Oats
5 cups Unbleached Flour
3 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Nutmeg
6 tsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Baking Soda

Blend Together and divide evenly into 4 pkgs.

Attach Tag:

3 cups Basic Muffin Mix
1/2 cup Oil
1/2 to 1 cup Sweetener (Honey, Maple Syrup, etc)
1 cup Fruit or Vegetable Puree (Pineapple, Apple, Carrot, Zucchini, Sweet Potato, Banana, Berries or Apple Sauce)
1/2 to 1 cup Milk
1 to 2 Egg(s)
1/2 to 1 cup Nuts, Raisins, Seeds or other Dried Fruit


Combine all ingredients. Do not overmix. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Gift Ideas- Drinks

Here are some more gift ideas for the holiday season. Here are two drink recipes that look great in a small container or mason jar. I remember my parents receiving the Friendship Tea mix as gifts growing up. I personally LOVED it!

Rich Cocoa Mix
1 cup milk powder
1 cup powdered coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
½ cup cocoa powder

Mix well and store in a labeled container.

To make cocoa, use about 1 tablespoon mix per 1/4 cup steaming hot water added, or up to 5 tablespoons per regular mug


Friendship Tea Mix
1 (18 ounce) jar Tang breakfast drink (orange flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup presweetened lemonade mix (such as Countrytime )
1/2 cup instant tea
1 (3 ounce box ) apricot Jell-O
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in zip-lock or vacuum seal bag (or jar!), whatever container you prefer.

To Use: add 2-3 Heaping Teaspoons per cup of mug of Hot Water

Gift Ideas

This year I am working in more of my gifts reflecting us and our values. One way I have found to do that is by making homemade foods/ mixes for friends and family. I work hard to make sure we eat most of our meals around the table together. I try to use whole ingredients, etc. Here are some recipes that I have tried and will be giving. One way you can prepare them is in a quart mason jar, but they way I have decided to prepare them is in a quart Ziploc bag. Then, I am putting each bag in a Christmas lunch sack with the recipe inside. Tie it off with a tag and you have a cute presentation. I will post a picture later.

Alphabet Country Soup Mix in a Jar
(one bag of beans will make 4 batches)

1/2 cup split green peas
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 cup raw rice
2 tbsp. parsley
2 tbsp. onion flakes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
2 tbsp. beef bouillon
1/4 cup alphabet noodles
Twist macaroni noodles

Layer peas, barley, lentils, and rice in 1 quart jar, pressing down after each layer. Then layer parsley, onion flakes, salt, lemon pepper and beef bouillon just around the edges, then also putting the alphabet noodles just around the edges of the jar (so the alphabet noodles can be seen by the gift receiver. Then fill the rest of the jar with macaroni, being sure to press down as much as possible.


Instructions for tag:
Empty contents of jar into a large pot, then add:
3 quarts water
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
2 cups of tomatoes
Simmer until vegetables are tender.

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Potato Soup Mix in a Jar

Ingredients for Jar:
1 3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes
1 1/2 cups dry milk
2 tbsp instant chicken boullion
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp tumeric

Combine in bowl and add to quart jar, sealing tightly.

Instructions:
For Potato Soup place 1/2 cup of Potato soup mix in bowl, then add 1 cup of boiling water. Stir or whisk until smooth. Serve immediately.
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Hearty Bean Soup Mix in a Jar
(each batch makes 8 bags of soup mix)
1 pound dried navy beans
1 pound dried pinto beans
1 pound dried Great Northern beans
1 pound split peas
1 pound yellow split peas
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1 pound lentils
1 pound pearl barley
1 pound dried red beans

In a very large container, combine navy beans, pinto beans, great Northern beans, split peas, yellow split peas, black-eyed peas, lentils, barley and red beans; mix well.

Directions
Divide evenly into 8 jars, pressing down on mix and secure lid.

Attach recipe to jars for gift giving.

Hearty Bean Soup Mix:
2 quarts water
1 ham hock
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced

Soak 2 cups Hearty Bean Soup Mix in enough water to cover, for 8 hours or overnight.
In a large soup or stock pot, bring 2 quarts water and ham hock to a boil. Reduce heat then simmer for 20 minutes. Remove ham hock. Add soaked beans, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes and green chiles, onion and garlic. Bring to a boil again, skimming foam off the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer hearty bean soup for about 1 hour, until beans are tender.

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Red Beans and Rice Mix

Seasoning
1 T. dried bell pepper flakes
1 T. dried minced onion
1/2 t. dried minced garlic
2 t. seasoned salt
1 bay leaf
1 t. sugar
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. celery seed
1 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. crushed red pepper

Red Beans and Rice Mix
2 C. dried red beans
1 C. uncooked long grain white rice

In a small bowl, combine seasoning ingredients. Place in a small, sealable plastic bag or container. Fill a pint canning jar with red beans. Fill a sealable plastic bag with rice.

Recipe to attach:
Red Beans and Rice Mix
2 C. red beans (included)
1 ham bone
Seasoning mixture (included)
1 C. uncooked rice (included)
2 C. water
1 t. salt
1 pound spicy smoked sausage, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash beans. Place in a Dutch oven; cover with water and soak overnight. The following day, add ham bone and seasoning mixture. If necessary, add additional water to cover the beans. Cook, partially covered, over medium-low heat 3 to 4 hours.

Home Made Soup Mix

I love soups in the winter time. I find comfort and ease in cooking and eating them. This recipe I found this summer. I really like it. I really like the idea of the homemade soup mixes because I know what is going in to the mix. If you look at store bought soup mixes, they are filled with sodium and preservatives. This- you mix, you store, you serve. The other reason I like it is because it is ready to go at a moment's notice.

For this recipe you can purchase 1 bag of split peas, 1 bag of barley, 1 bag of lentils, and 1 bag of rice. One bag of ech can be purchased for less than $1.50 each. One bag can make four mixes. You make the mix listed below, and then you have four to pull out as needed.


1/2 cup split green peas
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 cup raw rice
2 tbsp. parsley
2 tbsp. onion flakes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
2 tbsp. beef bouillon
1/4 cup noodles

Mix all of the ingredients into a quart size bag. Keep dry until ready to use.

Day of cooking:

Empty contents of bag into a large pot, then add:
3 quarts water
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
2 cups of tomatoes

Simmer until vegetables are tender, 30 to 45 minutes.

Cooking with Friends

I have found with talking with friends that cooking for us during the week is stressful (go figure). There are certain nights that we have to be out, or have very little prep time. One thing I have been doing the last month is cooking with friends. . . or casserole trading. The idea is simple: you cook one recipe two times and trade it with a friend. This is a great way to have those meals ready to go on those busy nights. You each have dinner for the family with half of the work. If you have three friends- you make it three times- and trade.

Some things I have learned so far:
1. If a casserole is meant to go in a 9x13 pan, it is about double what a family of four will eat. So, I would suggest making the same recipe, but dividing it in to 2 8x8 pans (standard cake pan). Two meals for the price of one.

2. Look at cost of the recipe before you begin. If it involves a lot of cheese or meat, it can add up quickly.

3. If you are cooking with a larger group, like a group of five or more, try to find a large kitchen to cook in. I had a group of friends cook together at our church. It was wonderful to spread out!

4. Find out allergies- peanuts and seafood are not uncommon in our little groups We have one family friend who is allergic to bananas. Same with spicy foods. . . discuss with your friend before.

5. Go for a test run first. When I am trying new recipes, I am now thinking about- would it freeze well, will kids like it, what is going to be the best way to store it, etc.

Here is the recipe trade I did today (recipes will follow):

Andrea
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
Beef Enchilada Casserole

Kelli
Old World Manicotti with Spinich
Chicken Spaghetti

Crunchy Granola

I can't believe I made this recipe this weekend, but it will become a staple item now. I don't know what possessed me to make it. I saw this, it looked good, so I made it. Clay also told me a few weeks ago he likes the granola on top of the yogurt at McDonald's. I know this is much healthier than that! :) So, here it is:



Ingredients:

• 4 cups of old fashioned oats


• 1 cup nuts, toasted and chopped (optional)


• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1/4 teaspoon of salt


• 1/2 cup butter


• 1/4 cup honey


• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract


• 1 cup of chopped dried fruit (I tried raisins and apricots this time)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F


2. Line a rimed baking sheet with foil and grease generously with oil or spray.


3. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl


4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and honey, stirring to combine. Add the vanilla and stir.


5. Pour the honey butter over the oat mixture and stir to combine. Turn the mixture into the prepared pan and spread over an even layer.


6. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and stir. Return the granola to the over and bake for 10-15 minutes more, checking to make sure it doesn't burn


7. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack, the transfer to an airtight contain.

Beer Bread

This will be the final homemade mix in the basket. I am going to make the bread, and attach the recipe to the loaf of bread. This goes great with the homemade pickles I will have in the basket.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
• 3 cups self-rising flour (* or 3 cups all purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt)
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of your favorite herb (Oregano is great)
  

Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and flour. Add beer and continue to mix, first using a wooden spoon, then your hands. Batter will be sticky.

2. Pour into a 9 x 5 inch greased loaf pan.

3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes. The top will be crunchy, and the insides will be soft. Serve topped with butter or a cheese spread.

Scones

Another good mix to give. This one requires only two ingredients. I will divide out the directions like I did on on the shortbread cookies.


Dry Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder


How to make Scones:

Ingredients:
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup cold heavy cream


Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Using a pastry blender or your hands, blend butter into dry ingredients until mixture is consistence of course meal.

3. Add cream; stir until blended.

4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until a smooth dough is formed. Pat until about 1 inch thick. Cut dough with a biscuit cutter into circles. Repeat until all dough is used.

5. Arrange 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Cool and serve with the mix berry preserves on the side.

Shortbread Recipe

The holidays are coming up, and it is one of my favorite times of year! I love to cook, share recipes, and give homemade gifts. Most of my gifts will be homemade this year. My first run of things will be at the church Merry Mission Fair next week. Every year the church hosts the event to raise money for mission projects in the coming year. I am putting together a basket of homemade goodies to auction off. I started listing my things tonight. Over the next week, as I put it together, I will post the recipes for things on the website. My first one is a mix for shortbread cookies. This simple cookie is great with preserves (blueberry to be exact). It also includes very simple ingredients. I am packaging it as a mix, so the person who purchases the basket can make them at home. So, I will break it down into at home mix and then directions for the person who makes it.

Prepackaging Mix:
1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Directions to Make:

Add 1/2 cup of butter

1. Combine dry mix with butter. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs and starts to cling. Form mixture into a ball; knead until smooth.

2. On a lightly floured surface roll dough into a 8 X 6- inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Using a knife, cut into twenty-four 2 x 1 inch strips. Place 1 inch apart on a ungreased cooking sheet.

4. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until bottom just starts to brown and center is set.

5. Allow to cool completely before serving. Serve with warm blueberry preserves.