2 t. salt1 T plus 2 t. cayenne, divided10-12 lb turkey (fresh, not injected with butter or other seasonings)4 T. unsalted butter, melted3/4 c. onions, finely chopped1/4 c. celery, finely chopped3 T. minced garlic2 T. ground pepper vinegar1 T. plus 1 t. salt1 t. black pepper1/2 c. turkey (or chicken) broth2 T. Worcestershire sauce5 gallons peanut oil (can subst. vegetable … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Edition: Cajun Fried Turkey
Special Occasions
Thanksgiving Edition: Twice Baked Potatoes
6 large baking potatoes1 stick margarine6 slices bacon1/2 c. sharp cheddar6 green onions, chopped3/4 t. saltpepper to taste Bake potatoes in oven on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cook bacon and drain. In a large mixing bowl add crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, cheddar, and butter. Blend slightly. Then take the potatoes out of the oven. With a large … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Edition: Twice Baked Potatoes
Turkey Rice Stew
2 c. shredded turkey8 c. water8 bouillon cubes1 c. minute rice1/2 c. green chilies6 carrots, diced3 stalks celery, sliced1/2 medium onion, diced3 T. butter4 T. heavy cream1 can cream of mushroom soup In a large stock pot, boil 8 c. water and bouillon cubes. Sauté onion, celery and carrots in melted butter for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add this mixture to boiling stock pot. … [Read more...] about Turkey Rice Stew
Snow Cocoa
6 c. milk2 c. heavy cream or half and half1 c. sugar1 t. vanilla extract1 – 4 oz. bar Ghiradelli white chocolate On medium heat in a large stock pan, steam milk, cream, sugar and vanilla extract. Cut bar into little bits and add to the steaming mixture, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Take off heat and serve with marshmallows in your favorite winter cup! Makes 6 … [Read more...] about Snow Cocoa
Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 sticks butter2 eggs2 T. molasses2 t. vanilla1/3 c. water1 1/2 c. sugar1 1/2 c brown sugar1 t. baking powder1 1/2 t baking soda1 t salt5 c. flour18 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips Cream butter, add eggs, molasses, vanilla and water in mixer. Sift together dry ingredients (sugars, powder, soda, salt and flour). Mix moist with dry ingredients well in mixer. Add chips and stir a … [Read more...] about Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Cookie Edition: Christmas Wreaths
1/2 c. unsalted butter30 large marshmallows (3 cups)1 1/2 t. green food coloring1 t. vanilla extract4 c. cornflakes2 T. cinnamon red hotsnon-stick spray Coat a large stock pot with non-stick spray. Melt butter over low heat. Add in marshmallows and melt them over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and add in food coloring and vanilla. Add in … [Read more...] about Christmas Cookie Edition: Christmas Wreaths
Jefferson Davis Pie aka Kentucky Pie
2 c. sugar1 T. all-purpose flour1. T. corn meal1/4 t. salt1/4 c. butter1 t. vanilla3/4 c. milk4 eggs1 pre-made pie shell (or recipe for pie crust here) Place pie shell in pie plate, pressing down around the top edges with a fork or with your index finger. Mix together in mixer: 2 c. sugar, 1 T. flour, 1 T. corn meal and 1/4 t. salt. Blend completely for 30 seconds. … [Read more...] about Jefferson Davis Pie aka Kentucky Pie
Mamma Jean’s Five Flavor Cake
2 sticks butter1/2 c. shortening3 c. sugar, plus 1 c. sugar for glaze5 eggs, well beaten3 c. flour1/2 t. baking powder1 c. milk1 t. coconut extract, plus 1 t. for glaze1 t. rum extract, plus 1 t. for glaze1 t. butter extract, plus 1 t. for glaze1 t. lemon extract, plus 1 t. for glaze1 t. vanilla extract, plus 1 t. for glaze1/2 c. water for glaze Cream butter, shortening and … [Read more...] about Mamma Jean’s Five Flavor Cake
Alfajores Cookies
2 c. cornstarch (2 cups – see method below*)1 1/2 c. all purpose flour (1 1/2 cup)1/2 t. salt1/2 t. baking soda2 t. baking powder14 T. butter at room temperature3/4 c. sugar3 egg yolks1 T. cognac1 c. Dulce de Leche (see below**) *If you don’t have a kitchen scale, this recipe should convince you to go get one. Cornstarch is quite difficult to measure in volume, so the … [Read more...] about Alfajores Cookies
Mer’s Candied Pretzels
2 bags pretzel sticks1 bag white Wilton candy melts1 bag red Wilton candy melts1 shaker of sprinkles1 sheet parchment1 sandwich baggy12 gift bags and 1 yd. ribbon Melt white chips in a pyrex, 2 cup, measuring cup, according to directions (do not get it wet or it will ruin and do not overcook). Break all pretzels in half. Dip the broken end halfway up into the white, melted … [Read more...] about Mer’s Candied Pretzels