It's Here! Temp-tation Order #2

My newest kitchen collection piece...Temp-tations Old World 2-pc. Shallow Baker and Bowl Set in Cranberry w/wire serving basket

 I love it! It's so beautiful!!

The inside of the reversible lid/bowl

The baker...

It's going to be a blast to cook in


 

Homemade Beef Jerky

I love beef jerky, but it's so expensive to buy the really good stuff...no, I'm not referring to the Slim Jim type stuff, but the good old fashioned jerky you get at the meat market.So instead, I make my own. This way, I can season it to my liking as well as save money. The batch I made this weekend only cost me $2.41, as I bought a good piece of meat that was in the clearance section of Kroger. The expiration date was 4 days from the date I purchased it, so there was nothing wrong with it. After a little seasoning and several hours of dehydrating, we have a fresh batch of jerky.

Start with an inexpensive cut of beef...season as desired. Let the dehydrator do the rest.

2/3rds the way into dehydrating (about 8-10 hrs depending on the thickness of the meat), cut into bite size pieces and place back on the dehydrator. 

Viola! Homemade beef jerky. Store in an airtight container.

Spaghetti Casserole

The other day I told you about my new Gooseberry Patch book, "Big Book Of Holiday Cooking." Well, last night I tried my first recipe from it and it was delicious!  I even used my new 9"x13" casserole dish from my new Temp-tations bakeware.

1 c. onions, chopped 
1 c. green pepper, chopped 
1 Tblsp. butter 
28-oz can tomatoes, undrained 
4-oz can mushrooms, drained 
2 2-1/2 oz cans sliced black olives, drained 
2 tsp. oregano 
1/2 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. pepper 
1-lb ground beef, browned & drained 
12-oz spaghetti, cooked & drained 
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 
10-1/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup 
1/4 c. water 
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Saute' onion & green pepper in butter in a large skillet until tender.

 Add tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, oregano, salt & pepper.

 Add ground beef and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Place 1/2 the spaghetti in a greased 9"x13" casserole dish.

Top with 1/2 the meat mixture.

 Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.

Combine soup and water in a small bowl; stir until smooth. Pour soup over casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

 Bake, uncovered, at 350* for 35 minutes or until heated through. Serves 12.

 

Recipe source: Gooseberry Patch "Big Book Of Holiday Cooking" pg. 41 

Click HERE for printable recipe

 

It's Here!

That's right, my new Temp-tations 24 piece bakeware is here! I must admit...it's not as pretty as it looked on the website or t.v.....nope, it's much better. It's absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

Gooseberry Patch Big Book of Holiday Cooking

Oh yeah baby....let's get the holiday cooking started!

 

Temp-taions

I can hardly wait for my new Temp-tations Old World 24-piece Complete Oven to Table stoneware set to arrive. The estimated shipping date is for this Friday, so I am as excited as a kid waiting on Santa! I have never heard of or used this brand before, so I am anxious to give it a try. I already have a ton of recipe ideas floating in my thoughts that I want to use in my new bake ware.

 

It's Baking Time

 My new Pumpkin loaf baking ban from William Sonoma

I can't wait to try this bread mix out in my new pan.

 

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

It's that time of year to get out our best recipes and start our holiday baking. But before we lite the oven, we need to check our pantry and make sure we have our basic ingredients on hand. One of the more common ingredients that we will be using, or at least I will be using is pumpkin pie spice. But how many times do we run out of it and not realize it until we need it!?! Here's a quick and easy recipe for making your own spice mix to have readily on hand.The best thing about it, is that you control the flavors.

My favorite holiday pie is my Walnut Pumpkin Pie. When I need pumpkin pie spice, this homemade mix is the first thing I grab. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
 
3 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
2 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cloves 

Combine ingredients & mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 

Click HERE for printable recipe
 
 

Ode To Tom Turkey

Mr. Turkey...you are a wonderfully handsome bird. Every time I see you I just smile, because you bring fond memories of years past. So today I celebrate you in all your glory. Thank you for being that constant reminder of all things good...all things beautiful...all things yummy! 'Cuz I like you best when your in my tummy!