Live, Love, Laugh, Learn

Nutmeg Substitution

livelovelaughlearn — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:00:51 +0000

mace

allspice

cinnamon

ginger can be substituted for nutmeg

Filed under: Substitution - Spices

Dried Lemon Peel Substitution

livelovelaughlearn — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 05:00:34 +0000

lemon zest (Fresh zest is often better than dried peel since it has more aromatic oil.) can be substituted for dried lemon peel.

Filed under: Substitution - Spices

Tomato-Basil Appetizers

livelovelaughlearn — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:00:28 +0000

2 Pillsbury® Grands!® Frozen Flaky Layers Biscuits (from 22.1-oz bag)
2 tablespoons herb-flavored cream cheese spread
1/4 cup diced seeded tomato
Chopped fresh basil leaves

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Place biscuits on microwavable paper towel. Microwave on Medium (50%) 25 to 30 seconds, turning over halfway through microwave time. (Biscuits should be slightly frozen for easier slicing.) Slice each biscuit horizontally, carefully separating into 2 layers.
Place biscuit halves cut sides down on cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool 5 minutes.

Spread cream cheese spread on biscuits. Top with tomato and basil.

Serves 2

Filed under: Appetizers, Cooking for 1 or 2

Barbecued Pork Chops for Two

livelovelaughlearn — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:00:02 +0000

2(1-inch-thick) boneless pork loin chops (about 3/4 lb.), trimmed of fat
2 slices onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Place pork chops in 2 to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker. Top each with onion slice. Sprinkle with garlic. Pour barbecue sauce over pork.

Cover; cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours.

About 5 minutes before serving, remove pork from slow cooker; place on serving platter. Top each chop with onion slice; cover to keep warm.

In 2-cup glass measuring cup or small microwave-safe bowl, blend water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour juices from slow cooker into cornstarch mixture; mix well. Microwave on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens slightly, stirring once halfway through cooking.

Serve sauce with pork.

Filed under: Cooking for 1 or 2, Pork

Cream of Tartar

livelovelaughlearn — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:00:31 +0000

Cream of tartar whipped with egg whites creates more volume, greater stability, and a glossier appearance.

Filed under: Tips, Hints, and How-tos

Asparagus Wrap Party Sandwich

livelovelaughlearn — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:49 +0000

Remove crust from 6 slices firm white bread. Flatten slightly with rolling-pin. Spread with desired sandwich filling (ham, egg, tuna, salmon, or chicken).

Place one asparagus spear diagonally across filling.

Bring opposite corners or bread together over asparagus press to seal.

Wrap individually. Chill.

6 appetizers

Filed under: Appetizers

Ginger Substitution

livelovelaughlearn — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 05:00:07 +0000

crystallized ginger (1/2 cup minced crystallized ginger for every 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Rinse sugar off ginger first. Excellent substitution in baked goods.)

ginger root (2 tablespoons grated ginger root for every teaspoon ground ginger called for in recipe. For best results, substitute only half the ground ginger in recipe with fresh ginger.)

cardamom

allspice

cinnamon

OR ger

mace

nutmeg can be substituted for gin

Filed under: Substitution - Spices

Celery Seed

livelovelaughlearn — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

celery (One teaspoon = 2 tablespoons minced celery tops)

dill seed

celery salt (reduce the salt elsewhere in the recipe) can be substituted for celery salt.

Filed under: Substitution - Spices

Cooking Ham in an Oven Bag

livelovelaughlearn — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:00:37 +0000

When heating a whole or spiral-sliced ham an oven bag—the bag helps reduce cooking time and prevents the ham from drying out.

Filed under: Tips, Hints, and How-tos

Caraway Seed Substitution

livelovelaughlearn — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:00:30 +0000

dill seed (milder)

cumin seed can be substituted for caraway

Filed under: Substitution - Spices