Food Guide and Recipes

As a busy mom and wife, I am always looking for easy and time saving chicken recipes, and this one fits all of those ‘mom’ requirements.

What I like about this recipe is the fact that it is made with every day ingredients that you most likely have on hand. To save time, I will make step 1 the day before and then refrigerate it in a container. The next day, I will reheat the step 1 ingredients in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and then proceed with step 2. I do this so that I am not spending an hour in my kitchen on a busy work or school night. Continue reading ‘Family Dinner – Baked Chicken Mozzarella Recipe’ »

This was a good concept for a cook book, and the recipes are quite good.

Pasta

Pasta recipes for young and old alike. Not so long ago rumor had it that pasta was fattening, and many people, particularly women, avoided pasta recipes afraid of putting on weight.

You can buy dried pasta virtually everywhere, and you find fresh pasta in gourmet or specialty stores. The Balearic island of Eivissa, that you probably know as Ibiza, Continue reading ‘Simple and Easy Cooking With Pasta’ »

When the word ‘Jamon’ is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is Spain with its popular dry cured-hams. Even though it is considered as one of life’s subtle delicacies, the Jamon is a common part of daily life in most Spanish homes. In fact, it is estimated that a typical Spaniard consumes an average of five kilos of ham each year. Throughout Spain, about 39 million hams are cured annually. However, the popularity of the Jamon extends well beyond Spain. Jamon Iberico is among the favorites of foreigners owing to its unique taste and texture. The Iberico is sometimes called Jamon de Pata Negra or Jamon de Bellota.

The process of making an Iberico Ham starts shortly after the birth of the pig. By far the best among the Spanish pigs is the Iberian hog. Only the cured hams that come from these hogs can be called Jamon Iberico. It comes in two varieties – the Belotta and the Recebo. The Belotta, or the finest quality, is reared free-range in the mountains on a diet of nothing but acorns. For a period of five months, which is usually from October to January, the pigs are free to roam on the countryside and consume as much acorns as they desire during a certain period called the “montanera”. On the other hand, the Recebo comes next in quality and the Iberian pigs are fed with a mixture of acorns, pasture and commercial feeds. The Recebo is a good substitute for those who can’t afford the Bellota yet want to savor the excellent taste and texture. Continue reading ‘A Peek into the Spanish Jamon Iberico’ »

Cooks always like to know they have served their guests something different than the usual but that is also tasty. If you are having overnight guests during the holidays or you are planning a holiday brunch serve your guests these Eggnog Pancakes. Using boxed mix and commercially prepared eggnog, making these little treats is quick and easy. Or make this Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche. The quiche goes together quickly and leaves you free to visit while it bakes for 45 minutes.

EASY HAM AND CHEESE QUICHE

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup melted butter

1/4 tsp salt

dash of pepper

3 eggs

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup cubed ham

1/2 cup biscuit baking mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 or 10-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Continue reading ‘Having Overnight Holiday Guests? Serve them Eggnog Pancakes or Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche’ »