Whipped Coconut Lemonade #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

This was one of those "things" that happens when you try a new recipe.  I was dying to make this whipped coconut lemonade from a recipe on Kitchen.  It sounded so refreshing.  The key is to find cream of coconut--not coconut whipping cream, coconut cream or coconut milk.  My husband offered to go to the grocery store and I didn't realize I'd left the cream of coconut on the list.  (If he's going to the store I leave off any esoteric items that might be hard to find and plan on getting them myself.)  He couldn't find cream of coconut, and to be fair, neither could I when I went looking.  He brought home coconut whipping cream.  I thought I'd give it a whirl and see what happened.  I chilled the cream and was surprised to find it had solidified.  But I soldiered on.  The whole thing whipped up into a sort of loose sherbet but without enough sweetness.  I added some sugar.  I added some more sugar and finally, it was actually not half bad.  I am sure if you can find cream of coconut, this would be delicious.  From Google: Coconut Cream: Unsweetened, rich, and thick; used for cooking and baking.  Cream of coconut is a thick, syrupy, and heavily sweetened coconut product.   If you want to try this, be sure to get cream of coconut.  I imagine it would be delicious! 

1 1/2 cups ice

1/4 lemon juice

1/2 cup cream of coconut

NO! 

  

Juice lemon until you have 1/4 cup of fresh juice

 

Add ice, lemon juice and cream of coconut and blend on high speed.  

 

Pour into a glass and enjoy! 

 

When it's hot out, cool off with Where the Bodies Are Berried! 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

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Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwiches Lightened Up #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

   

     The original poor boy sandwich came about in New Orleans during the 1929 streetcar strike.  The Martin Brothers ran the Martin Brothers Coffee Stand and Restaurant.  They vowed to feed any striking transit worker for free.  When any of them walked through the door, the kitchen staff would call out “here’s another po’ boy.”  The original sandwich was made with fried potatoes, roast beef gravy and trimmings—known as debris—in a French bread roll.  Eventually the recipe expanded to include seafood, which was inexpensive in New Orleans.
 

In a true shrimp po’ boy, the shrimp would be fried but this recipe lightens up the sandwich by baking the shrimp instead.

For the Sandwich:

1 tablespoon Creole or Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined

4 pieces of French bread, halved lengthwise (about 4-5 inches each) and lightly toasted

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

2 sliced tomatoes

Sliced dill pickles (optional)

Hot sauce, for serving

 

For the Remoulade Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Creole mustard or Dijon, spicy brown or stone-ground mustard 

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1-2 teaspoons hot sauce

1 clove garlic, grated (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)

 

Instructions

Preheat oven to  450 degrees.

Mix together the shrimp, Creole or Cajun seasoning, lemon juice and olive oil.  Cover and marinate in fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.

Prepare the remoulade sauce:  Whisk all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

 

Toast bread.  Remove shrimp from marinade and arrange on baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until pink and firm.

 

 

Assemble the sandwiches:  spread remoulade sauce on each piece of toasted bread.  Add shrimp, top with lettuce, tomato and pickles if desired.

 

 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

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Crispy Rice Cereal Chicken #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

  

 

This was a real crowd pleaser.  My granddaughter gave it five stars.  I always have chicken breasts in the freezer but I didn't have any tenderloins.  I pounded chicken breasts until they were fairly thin and then cut them into strips.  Same effect but less expensive than tenderloins.  You can use name brand rice cereal for this but the store brand works just fine too.  You can also play with the spices and add or eliminate depending on your family's tastes.  Confession time:  I forgot the flour and just dipped mine in the egg and cereal.  It was still delicious.  This recipe is adapted from What Molly Made.

1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders tendon removed (or chicken breasts pounded thin and cut into strips) 

1/3 cup flour gluten-free if needed

2 large eggs

2 cups rice cereal

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

 

Place flour in one dish and beaten eggs in a separate dish

 

Combine rice cereal with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and black pepper.  Place in another dish.

 

Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then in egg and finally in rice cereal.

 

  

 

Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until temperature reaches 160 degrees.  Chicken will continue cooking to 165 degrees

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

 This was a quick and tasty chicken dish that is elegant enough for company.  You can get fancy if you want and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. The recipe is adapted from one by How to Feed a Loon.  I used Italian seasoning in place of the oregano and basil and I also added frozen peas so it was meat and a vegetable dish all in one dish.  I'm all for making things easy!  It is good served over rice or a side of pasta.

Chicken

6 6-oz chicken breasts skinless, boneless, pounded thin (or cut in half horizontally)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoon olive oil

 

Sauce

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 teaspoon garlic minced (or “jarlic”)

½ cup white wine  

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

¾ cup chicken broth  

 ¾ cup heavy cream or half and half

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon salt or to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese  

frozen peas, optional

If your chicken breasts are thick, cut in half horizontally.  Season with salt and pepper and smoked paprika. 

 

Heat olive oil and brown chicken on both sides.  Remove to a plate and cover.

 

Melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic and sauté briefly.  Add wine and scrape up any browned bits from pan.

 

Stir in the flour and cook for one minute while stirring.  Add chicken broth and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. 

 

Turn the heat to low and whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, oregano and salt and pepper to taste.

 

Return chicken to pan along with optional frozen peas if using and simmer until heated through.

 

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

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Lemon Cake with Mix and Instant Pudding #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

 

I wanted to make a cake for Easter dinner and it had to be gluten free.  I also wanted it to be easy (who doesn't, right?) I decided one of those cakes you doctor up a mix with things like a pudding mix would be great.  (Spoiler:  it was!) Unfortunately, I couldn't find a box of lemon pudding or a box of gluten free lemon cake mix.  No problem, I substituted a gluten free white cake mix and vanilla pudding.  The lemon flavor from the lemon juice and zest might have been more subtle but it was still good.  This is also meant to be baked in a pretty bundt pan but I have horrible luck getting the cake out of mine so I decided a plain, utilitarian tube pan would be safer.  You're supposed to dribble the glaze artfully over the top of the cake.  Well, that didn't quite work out for me.  I obviously need more practice!  But the cake was glazed and that's really the most important thing, right?  This recipe was adapted from one The Seasoned Mom.

 

CAKE:

1 (15.25 ounce) box lemon cake mix (can substitute white or yellow cake mix)

1 box instant lemon pudding mix (can substitute vanilla)

¾ cup water

¼ cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice

½ cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

 

GLAZE

1 ¼ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

2-3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan, or tube pan or use cooking spray.

Using  an electric mixer on medium-high speed tbeat together the cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, lemon juice, oil and eggs for about 2 minutes.

 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.   

 

Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.

 

Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Whisk together the confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the vanilla extract until you have a thick, pourable glaze. Add more lemon juice to thin, or more sugar to thicken.  Drizzle over the cooled cake.

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs #Recipe Peg Cochran/Margaret Loudon

 

 

This recipe is from the Country Cook.  I made it pretty much according to the recipe, adjusting seasoning to taste.  It's quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but still special enough to serve to company.  It was a big hit even with our pickiest eater!

For the Chicken:

▢ 4-5 bone-in skin on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder

▢ ½ teaspoon salt

▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper  

▢ 2 Tablespoons olive oil  

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

▢ 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter  

▢ 5-8 cloves garlic, sliced in half

▢ 2 Tablespoons flour (I used gluten free)

▢ 1 cup chicken broth.   

½ tsp ground pepper   

▢ ½ cup heavy cream  

▢ ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese.    

▢ ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

 

Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

 

Heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown chicken on both sides.  Set chicken aside.

Melt butter over medium heat and add garlic.  Sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk, cook for a minute or so.

 

Whisk in chicken broth.  Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

 

Whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer until sauce begins to thicken.

Return chicken to pan and simmer 5 to 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

 

 

  

 

When a wealthy local benefactor is slain on the farm, Monica has to figure out who wanted to cash in on the killing . . .

As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.

By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . . 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble