Easy Homemade Pancake syrup

Now that you have your pancakes, you need some syrup. Try these two easy recipes.

Pancake Syrup

• 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
• 1 Tbl of butter
• 1/4 tsp of Vanilla
• 1/4 tsp of Maple flavoring (optional)

1. Mix brown sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan, Boil for 1 minute
2. Add Butter, Vanilla, and Flavoring

 

 

Easy Fruit Syrup

• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 Tbl of Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Lemon juice
• 1/2 cup Fruit Jam or Preserves (your choice)

1. Combine water, sugar, and lemon juice
2. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool.
3. Add the Jam/Preserves
4. Add more lemon juice to taste

Homemade Pancake Mix

This is very easy to make. Recipe makes 18 cups

• 10 cups of flour
• 5 tsp of baking powder
• '1 Tbl of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 3 tsp of salt (optional)
• 3 cups of corn flakes, crushed into crumbs
• 2 cups of Rolled Oats
• 3 cups of Whole wheat Flour

Combine all of the ingredients for storage in an airtight container.

1. Mix 1 1/2 cups of dry mix with 1 egg and 1 1/2 cups of milk
2. Bake on a Griddle

Spicy Chickpeas

Here is a great snack food. Something a little different.

• 1 # (2 cups) dried Chickpeas. Soak for 24 hours
• 3 cops soybean oil
• 2 Tbl chili ancho powder
• 2 Tbl ground oregano
• 1 Tbl garlic powder
• 1 Tbl popcorn salt or fine sea salt
• 2 tsp of ground allspice

1. Drain the chickpeas. Fill a large pot with unsalted water and add chickpeas.
2. Bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes then drain. Spread out on towels or cloths to dry.
3. Using a large skillet or wok heat the oil to 325 degrees. NOT smoking!
4. Fry the chickpeas in 1 cup batches for 3-4 minutes. Cook until they are brown and crunchy.
5. Using a skimmer or slotted spoon remove from oil and place on towels to dry.
6. After all have been cooked toss them in all of the spices.
7. Store in an airtight container

Very Simple Bean Soup

This is a Very easy soup recipe made with basic ingredients.

• 1# (2 cups) of dried navy beans, soaked at least 6 hours
• 2 quarts water
• 1 ham hock*
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery, include the leaves
• 2 tsp garlic, chopped
• 1/4 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 cup of Italian Parsley, chopped
• 1 cup Potato, diced

1. Drain the beans. Add to the water and Ham hock and bring to a boil. Reduce Heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
2. Remove the ham hock. Trim the meat from the bone, discard the bone.
3. Add the meat, vegetables, garlic, and clove to the pot. Return to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes
5. Using a Potato masher or a heavy whisk mash the beans and potatoes until it becomes creamy. 
6. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the Parsley

* In place of the ham hock, use 1 packet of ham flavored stock

Design your own Fruit/Nut Bread

Optional Ingredients

• Apples, chopped
• Applesauce
• Apricots, chopped
• Bananas, mush
• Carrots, shred
• Cherries, chopped (NO pits)
• Dates, chopped
• Lemons, 1/2 cup juice
• Oranges, chopped
• Peaches, chopped (can or fresh)
• Pear, chop
• Pineapple, crushed (drain well)
• Pumpkin, can
• Raisins
• Yogurt, flavored
• Sweet Potato/Yam, Grated

Regular Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 cup whole wheat Flour
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
• 1/2 cup flaxseed, ground
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 tsp  cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 cups your choice
• 1 Tbl Vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 335 degrees
2. Spray 2 loaf pans or 12 muffin cups
3. add together flours, flaxseed, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and baking powder, stir together with a fork to blend and set aside
4. Beat the eggs and egg whites together, add oil, syrup, and sugar. Beat until creamy.
5. Add the dry ingredients and beat until blended
6. spread evenly to Pans
7. Bake 50-60 minutes or until the tester comes out clean
   

Wild Greens Soup

This soup uses Wild greens. Be sure to wash and dry all greens. Avoid those growing near highways.

• 2 tsp Olive oil
• 2 tsp Curry powder
• 1 yellow onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup Yukon potato, diced
• 2 tsp of Mirin (Japanese cooking Wine)
• 4-5 cups water
• 2 tsp of white miso paste
• 4 cups mixed wild greens (dandelion, watercress, thistle)*
• 1/2 cup Flax seed (or Hempseed)
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced

1. Combine the oil and Curry powder and saute.
2. Add the onion and garlic, salt to taste
3. Stir in the potatoes and mirin, saute for 2 minutes
4. Add the water, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer til soft. About 30 minutes
5. Stir in the Miso paste
6. Add the greens and simmer for 3-4 minutes
7. Serve. Top with bell pepper and flax

**Substitute arugula

No-Bake Peanut Butter bars

• 8 x 8 pan
• 1 Tbl butter or Margarine
• 1/2 cup creamy Peanut butter
• 2 cups of Marshmallows (small)
• 1 cup of Granola
• 1 cup of Rice krispies or puffed rice
• Optional - 1/3 cup Ground flax seed

1. Put PB, butter, and marshmallows in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, or until the butter melts. Stir to blend
2. Stir in the Granola, rice, and Flax seed
3. Spread into the pan. Cover with wax paper and allow to cool completely.
4. Cut into bars

Easy No-Knead Bread

•  3 Cups of Bread Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Packet of Instant yeast (1/4 oz)
• Oil as needed

1. Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest about 4 hours at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
2. Lightly oil a work surface and place dough on it; fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes more.
3. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6-to-8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under dough and put it into pot, seam side up. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes.
4. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Do it yourself Bar-B-Que Rub

Once upon a time I was the Kitchen manager of a BBQ Restaurant. Here is a really good BBQ rub that is all purpose. Use it on everything: Chicken, Pork, Burgers, and Fries.

Mix Equal portions of 5 Spices

• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Paprika
• Sugar
• Black Pepper

Make your own Taco Seasoning

Here is an Easy taco seasoning. Cheaper than buying the mixes.

• 1 cup of Chili Powder
• 3/4 cup of Paprika (use Spanish not Hungarian)
• 3/4 cup of Cumin (ground)
• 1/2 cup of Onion Powder
• 1/4 cup of Garlic Powder
• 1 Tablespood of Salt
• (Optional) 1 cup or Flour

The addition of Flour is a thickener. It is not generally needed.  Mix all of the ingredients together well.
Use 3/4 of a tablespoon for every 1 pound of Meat. Store in a sealed container.

Six Bean Casserole

Here's a Good one. Use Canned Beans. Dried can be substituted.

• 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce
• 1 can pork and beans
• 5 cans of Beans. Use Chili, kidney, butter, and Lima
• 1 can Tomato soup, condensed
• 3 oz of Tomato Paste
• 1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
• 1/2 pound of Kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
  
• 1/4 pound of Pepperoni, thin sliced
  
• (Optional) Bacon or bacon bits

Combine all of the ingredients except bacon. Pour into a casserole dish. Top with bacon.
Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours
Serves 16

Hoppin John

This traditional southern dish is served on New Year's Day to bring good luck to all assembled. 6 Servings
1/8 pound streaky bacon or salt pork, cut into small

cubes (about 1/2 cup)

1/3 cup diced carrot

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

2/3 cup onion, finely chopped

10 ounces fresh or frozen black-eyed peas

1 clove garlic, whole

2 3/4 cups water (approximately)

6 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf salt to taste, optional

1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes

1 cup rice

2 tablespoons butter
GARNISHES 1 ripe tomato -- cored

1/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

1 cup scallion (including green part) finely chopped
Put the bacon or salt pork in a saucepan and cook, stirring often, until all the cubes are crisp. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the peas, garlic, about 1-1/4 cup water, or to barely cover, thyme, bay leaf, salt and red pepper flakes. Bring to the boil and let simmer, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Romove from heat. Put the rice in a saucepan and add 1-1/2 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to the boil and let simmer, covered 17 miutes. Stir in the butter. (Or, cook the rice as you normally would). Cut the unpeeled tomato into 1/4-inch cubes; there should be about 1 cup. Arrange the hot rice in the center of a platter. Spon the hot pea mixture, including liquid over the rice. Scatter the cheese over the peas. Place tomato cubes around the rice. Scatter the scallions over the tomatoes. Serve immediately. 




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Veggie and Rice Casserole

Here is an easy to make Casserole dish.

• 1 1/2 cups of rice (uncle Bens or Parboiled)
• 1 can of Mixed Vegetable your choice
• 1 Tsp of Butter
• 1 Buillion cube or chicken base
• Fried Onions
• Cheese
• Optional : Bacon bits, dried Pork, Bread Crumbs
  

Cook the rice according to  instructions on box or bag. (Generally 1 cup rice to 2 cups water) add Base to water along with butter. When Rice is fluffy stir in canned Vegetable. Pour mixture into a greased dish. Top with the cheese, onions, and Bacon. Or use Bread Crumbs.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes

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Easy Vegetable Soup

 You can make this in a Crock Pot or on the stove. It's a Great use of Dehydrated Vegetables.


Vegetable Soup

Serves 6
4 cups water
3/4 to 1 cup dried vegetables
(green beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, onions, etc.)
2 packages bouillon granules or cubes
Seasonings to taste (herbs, soy sauce, or curry)
Variation: Add 1/2 cup rice, noodles, lentils,
or barley with the other ingredients.
1. Bring water to a boil. Add dried vegetables, bouillon,
and seasonings.
2. Simmer about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender, though
chewy. (Freshly dried vegetables will not take as long to reconstitute
as those that have been stored for a While)
3. Refridgerate leftovers

Peanut Butter pemmican

Here's a Fun Recipe From our friends at Backwoods Home Magazine.

“Peanut butter” pemmican

If you can’t quite bring yourself to eat the real thing yet, try this substitute:
1 part jerky
1 part peanuts or pecans, unroasted
1 part raisins
1 part any seedless dried fruit(s) not preserved with sulfites—apples, peaches,
blueberries, etc.
Peanut butter and honey, in a two-to-one ratio
Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional, but contrasts nicely with the sweet fruits and
honey.)
Powder the jerky in a blender. Add fruit and
nuts. Microwave honey and peanut butter to
soften them, then blend them into the mixture.
(Use less than you think you’ll need, just enough
to bind everything together. If you get it wrong,
it’s easier to add more peanut butter and honey
than to add more of everything else.) Add
cayenne pepper, mix well. Store in Plastic bags.


**Real Pemmican is Mixture of Fruit, Meat and Tallow (made from Suet). It has a tendancy
to go Rancid.

Do it Yourself MRE's

     My wife and I decided to make our own MRE's. We had priced out ordering some or buying from a local surplus store, but could not decide on which to buy. The website MREinfo.com was helpful in trying to decide. Finally, since we needed some right away, I tried making my own.  Upon examination several issues came to light:  Shelf life, Weight, and  Calories.
   Shelf life is a tough one if you are trying to reduce the carry weight. Foods would have to keep a minimum of a year to be useful. Weight is an issue when you consider what 3 days worth will weigh together. The human body needs at least 2000 calories per day on Regular rations, not short.
 My solution: Hormel  Compleats Meals  
These meals are priced  between $1.50-3.00 depending on the store or sale. I found them at Big Lots for $1.50 and Dollar General for $2.25. According to the manufacturer there are 2 way to cook them. Microwave or the old boil bag technique. Another cool way is to set the meal on the dashboard of the car in the sun; or just eat it cold. Shelf life is a little more than a year. The only down side is the calories, between 250 and 400 each. 
 What I ended up with is a homemade MRE that is about 1000 calories each, so 2 per day.
Whats Inside:

1. 1 Hormel Compleat 
2. 1 package or either Tuna, Chicken, ham, or Seafood Salad with Crackers (From the Dollar store)
3. 1 package of instant oatmeal
4. 1 16oz drink mix tube
5. 1 16 oz coffee mix tube
6. 1 spoon (I like the ones from Wendy's)
7. 3 sugar packets
8. 1 each salt and Peppers packets
9. 1 packet of jelly
10. 1 packet of Tabasco Hot sauce or Taco Bell Hot sauce
11. 1 granola bar or cookie 
12. hard candy or chewables
13. Dried Fruit

All of these Items I placed in a Gallon Ziploc bag, folded it over sealed and Duct taped in place. The dates on the outside are the same as the one on the Entree. The idea is to eat the entree and use the entree container to hold the oatmeal. The condiments all came from Fast food places. The jelly and Fruit is for the oatmeal. For variety sometimes I substituted applesauce for the salad. I'll post a Pic when I find the blasted Camera.

Do It yourself - Granola Bars

Granola Bar

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup any chopped nuts
1 cup raisins or another chopped dried fruit
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 can eagle condensed milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 325F.  Line 15" x 10" jelly roll pan with foil; grease.  In
large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.  Press evenly into
prepared pan.  Bake 25-30 min or until golden brown.  Cool slightly. Remove
from pan and peel off foil.  Cut into bars.  Store loosely covered at room
temperature.
Yield 36 bars.

NOTES:  These freeze well


Chewy Chip Granola Bars

4 1/2 cups Old-fashioned oats           
1 cup Flour
2/3 cup Butter or margarine;            
1/2 cup Honey
1/3 cup Packed brown sugar                       
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Vanilla                                     
1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup Butterscotch chips

In a mixing bowl, combine the first 7 ingred. ; mix
well. Stir in chips. Press into a greased 13x9" baking
pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-22 min. or until
golden brown. Cool for 10 min.; cut into bars. Cool
completely in pan. Yield: 3 dozen

Things to do with Boxed Mac N' Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is like a staple in our house. The best deal on it I've found is at Aldi's. Twenty-four boxes(1 case) for $8.40. It has a long shelf life and has many uses. Here are some recipe Ideas.

• TUNA NOODLE :Follow the Box instructions. Add 1 can of Tuna and  1/2 cup of fried onions. Mix well. Top with shedded cheese. 
• Chili Mac : Follow the Box instructions. Add 2 cups of homemade chili (see yesterdays recipe) or 1 can of store chili  and mix well
• Beef -a-ronni : Follow the Box instructions. Add 1/2 pound of browned hamburger/turkey. Top with shredded cheese or melted velvetta.
• Mac- N- Peas: Follow the box instructions. Add 1 can of Peas and mix well.  (This is my wife's favorite)
  

Recipe for Instant Oatmeal

To make individual instant packets, combine the following ingredients in small ziplock bags.
1/2 cup oats, blended until powdery
1/4 cup unpowdered oats
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar (optional)
optional: Add any dried fruit that is broken into small pieces like dried apple pieces, raisins, dried apricots and/or cinnamon.
Seal baggie and store in a dry place.

Microwave directions for cooking:
Empty packet into microwavable bowl. Add 2/3 cup water or milk. Microwave on high about 1 1/2 minutes, stir.
Conventional directions for cooking:
Empty packet into pan. Add 1/2 cup boiling water; cook and stir over heat until thickened.

Ground Flax Seed

Flax seed is a common additive to Whole Grain breads and other foods.  When Ground the meal is a great way of adding fiber and valuable Omega 3's to any dish. Add a little water to it and it flax becomes an egg replacer. It can also be used as a Laxative.

Wikipedia Link


Using Flax Seed as an egg substitute:
This recipe is every bit as good as real eggs for use in your favorite baked goods. For each egg needed, place in blender:

1 Heaping Tablespoon of whole organic Flax seed, blend until it becomes a fine meal. Add 1/4 cup cold water blend 2-3 minutes until thickened and has the consistency of eggs.

Each 1/4 cup of Flax seed mixture will replace one egg in baking 

Easy Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

This one is very easy. You can get everything you need at Aldi's or any grocery store.
(This is for a 4 quart Crock Pot. For a small one reduce can amounts by half)

• 2 Chili mix packets
• 2 cans of beans; Pinto, Black, Kidney, White, any Beans will work
• 1 can Creamed Corn
• 1 can Tomato sauce (regular Spagetti sauce works well)
• 2 cans of Tomatoes; Crushed, stewed, or whole
• 1/2 cup of Onion ( I prefer using Dried)

Open cans and add to crock pot. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours. Then serve. Top with cheese and Sour cream if you wish. For added Protein add 1 pound of ground beef/turkey.

Easy Tuna Sandwiches

Everyone can make Tuna Salad. Here is a very easy recipe. 
Ingredients that You will need (feeds 4)

• 2 cans of Tuna fish
• 2 relish packets (get these at a fast food outlet)
• 5 mayo packets 
• Seafood seasoning (from the Dollar store)
• 8 slices of Bread

Combine all ingredients well. makes four sandwiches.
If you don't save to-go packets of things, use 4 large tablespoons of Mayo and 2 tsp of Relish.

Grocery Store Tips and Tricks

These days you have to save money where you can. Shopping for food can get expensive. Here are a few tips to help you add a little more Money to your wallet.

• Shop at more than one grocery store.  Every store has its own sales and specials. Sometimes they even will match a Competitors sale. Pay attention to what Goes on sale and When.
• Don't forget the .99 cent or Dollar store.  Items such as Bread, milk, cheese, hot dogs, pasta, rice, Tuna, crackers, chips, soda, etc. can all be had for a Dollar or less. Plus they now carry a wide variety of meds and personal products. Where else can you get bottles of Mucinex for a Dollar?
• Watch for deals at the big box stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. My Local Target actually has the best price on bags of Shredded Cheddar. These stores ar good for After Holiday or Discontinued Items. 
• Once the Holiday is Over, get stuff cheap!  After Thanksgiving/Christmas pick up whole turkeys and Hams at a huge discount. Buy marked down boxes of Stuffing mix, these generally have a shelf life of several years and work great as a Bread Crumb substitute. Once Halloween is over most stores mark the Candy down to get rid of it. Buy it and save it for next year. (or Easter) 
• Be careful of Food sales at drug stores like Walgreens. These are not always a Deal. 

The Biggest Tip or Trick is to Buy in Bulk. If soup is on sale don't buy one can, get three.